Women
Differences
Mrs. Hale was a neat person and liked everything to be in order all the time. Mrs. Peters seems to be nice but shy and weak. She seems to also be quiet but shows compassion. Mrs. Mallard apparently had heart disease and is overcome with joy that kills when she hears of her husbands supposed passing. Minnie is very unhappy and worn out with her life. Tired of the same ole routine.
Similarities
Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters believe that Minnie is the one who killed her husband and they think they know why. They seem to have healthy relationships with their husbands. Where Minnie and Mrs. Mallard seem very unhappy and eager to get out of their relationships.
Men
Differences
The men in "A Jury of Her Peers" want to blame Minnie for the death and are doing everything within their power to do so. Besides Mrs. Mallard's husband, his friend Richard is the only man and he is concerned with Mrs. Mallard's safety after hearing the news of her husbands passing.
Similarities
Honestly, the husbands are not discussed much in either story except for the passing of Minnie's husband and the supposed passing of Mr. Mallard. Seems to be in both stories that the wives are relieved of their husbands passing but unfortunately Mrs. Mallard can't handle to joy as it kills her!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin
Women
Differences
Mrs. Hale was a neat person and liked everything to be in order all the time. Mrs. Peters seems to be nice but shy and weak. She seems to also be quiet but shows compassion. Mrs. Mallard apparently had heart disease and is overcome with joy that kills when she hears of her husbands supposed passing. Minnie is very unhappy and worn out with her life. Tired of the same ole routine.
Similarities
Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters believe that Minnie is the one who killed her husband and they think they know why. They seem to have healthy relationships with their husbands. Where Minnie and Mrs. Mallard seem very unhappy and eager to get out of their relationships.
Men
Differences
The men in "A Jury of Her Peers" want to blame Minnie for the death and are doing everything within their power to do so. Besides Mrs. Mallard's husband, his friend Richard is the only man and he is concerned with Mrs. Mallard's safety after hearing the news of her husbands passing.
Similarities
Honestly, the husbands are not discussed much in either story except for the passing of Minnie's husband and the supposed passing of Mr. Mallard. Seems to be in both stories that the wives are relieved of their husbands passing but unfortunately Mrs. Mallard can't handle to joy as it kills her!
Differences
Mrs. Hale was a neat person and liked everything to be in order all the time. Mrs. Peters seems to be nice but shy and weak. She seems to also be quiet but shows compassion. Mrs. Mallard apparently had heart disease and is overcome with joy that kills when she hears of her husbands supposed passing. Minnie is very unhappy and worn out with her life. Tired of the same ole routine.
Similarities
Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters believe that Minnie is the one who killed her husband and they think they know why. They seem to have healthy relationships with their husbands. Where Minnie and Mrs. Mallard seem very unhappy and eager to get out of their relationships.
Men
Differences
The men in "A Jury of Her Peers" want to blame Minnie for the death and are doing everything within their power to do so. Besides Mrs. Mallard's husband, his friend Richard is the only man and he is concerned with Mrs. Mallard's safety after hearing the news of her husbands passing.
Similarities
Honestly, the husbands are not discussed much in either story except for the passing of Minnie's husband and the supposed passing of Mr. Mallard. Seems to be in both stories that the wives are relieved of their husbands passing but unfortunately Mrs. Mallard can't handle to joy as it kills her!
"The Horse Dealer's Daughter" by D.H. Lawrence
Mabel
short
sullen-looking
low self-esteem
"face like a bulldog"
unhappy
lonely
sad
depressed
yearns for a better life
suicidal
emotional
tired of all the money problems
housekeeper and maid for brothers
independent
persistent
ready for love
Joe
oldest brother
careless
relaxed
cowboy
confident
likes to judge
critical
rough
sad
harmless
shallow eyes
gives up control
makes funny remarks
Fred Henry
middle brother
unconcerned
heartless
likes control
bad-mouth
irritated
blue eyes
demanding
loves to cause trouble
mean to his sister
Malcolm
baby
jaunty nose
quiet
mysterious
22 yrs old
Jack Ferguson
Doctor
long, pale face
Scotch accent
determined
thoughtful
grateful
helps save Mabel
not selfish
short
sullen-looking
low self-esteem
"face like a bulldog"
unhappy
lonely
sad
depressed
yearns for a better life
suicidal
emotional
tired of all the money problems
housekeeper and maid for brothers
independent
persistent
ready for love
Joe
oldest brother
careless
relaxed
cowboy
confident
likes to judge
critical
rough
sad
harmless
shallow eyes
gives up control
makes funny remarks
Fred Henry
middle brother
unconcerned
heartless
likes control
bad-mouth
irritated
blue eyes
demanding
loves to cause trouble
mean to his sister
Malcolm
baby
jaunty nose
quiet
mysterious
22 yrs old
Jack Ferguson
Doctor
long, pale face
Scotch accent
determined
thoughtful
grateful
helps save Mabel
not selfish
"A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner
Perpetuity-
1. the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded by in): to desire happiness in perpetuity.
2. endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.
3. something that is perpetual.
pg. 90
"Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town, dating from that day in 1894 when Colonel Sartoris, the mayor--he who fathered the edict that no Negro women should appear on the streets without an apron--remitted her taxes, the dispensation dating from the death of her father on into perpetuity."
Using the second definition I found, I think it relates more to the story. At this time in the story Miss Emily's father has passed away. William Faulkner used a broad range of vocabulary throughout this story and really showed his knowledge and talent. Using perpetuity instead of death, passed, or eternal, left you in suspense. I kind of knew it meant death but the way he had phrased it caused my mind to soar. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Emily and her love for her boyfriend whom she never wanted to part with. So she kept him in her house and often slept beside him. Poor Emily, my heart went out to her.
1. the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded by in): to desire happiness in perpetuity.
2. endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.
3. something that is perpetual.
pg. 90
"Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town, dating from that day in 1894 when Colonel Sartoris, the mayor--he who fathered the edict that no Negro women should appear on the streets without an apron--remitted her taxes, the dispensation dating from the death of her father on into perpetuity."
Using the second definition I found, I think it relates more to the story. At this time in the story Miss Emily's father has passed away. William Faulkner used a broad range of vocabulary throughout this story and really showed his knowledge and talent. Using perpetuity instead of death, passed, or eternal, left you in suspense. I kind of knew it meant death but the way he had phrased it caused my mind to soar. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Emily and her love for her boyfriend whom she never wanted to part with. So she kept him in her house and often slept beside him. Poor Emily, my heart went out to her.
"Luck" by Mark Twain
I wouldn't consider myself "lucky" but I would definitely say I'm blessed! This recently happened to me and I just love to share my story. I work a full-time job and my husband is self-employed. My work, of course stable, his work, not so much. We had always tried to faithfully pay our tithes but sometimes I would skim a little off the top because there was no way we could afford everything if I didn't. I had heard my preacher many times say, "pay your tithes and God will provide." I listened and left but never changed. Finally one day it hit me. I thought, I'm going to try this and see what happens. I had been getting closer to God and I wanted to do as I'm suppose to do. My husbands work started to flourish and was in abundance. I couldn't believe it!!! Then came the big loss, we missed out on a job that was suppose to bring 6 months worth of work and we had nothing lined up and no work in sight. I started to doubt but I knew that I was doing as I was suppose to and had to keep being faithful and obeying the Lord in my tithing. My husbands salary is 3x mine and I knew that by God's grace we would survive but a long road ahead. I prayed and prayed and obeyed the best I could. Do you know that we made it through those 6 months with a roof over our head, food in our bellies, and transportation??? Isn't God good??? I can't explain it, the numbers just don't add up but I know who took care of us. So to say I'm lucky is not the term I use often, I'M BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!!!
"The Black Cat" by Edgar Allen Poe
Spirit of Perverseness-to get back at someone by using persuasion to get them to do the things you want. To control, or have power over.
I can kind of relate by using my definition of Spirit of Perverseness. I once started seeing a guy who actually had a girlfriend. That is so out of character for me and if anybody knows me, that is something that I despise more than anything. The timing and his persuasion is what got me. I had just been dumped by someone, whom I thought the world of and my life revolved around. I would never get over him, I thought. Then this guy came along, who is known for preying on the "freshly wounded." He told me everything that I wanted to hear and had me convinced that this is what I need to get back at the other who had wronged me. He was perfect and did and said everything the right way. He had me totally forgetting about his girlfriend until someone else found out. Which probably happened because he was out telling everyone. He was one of those guys who would, "put another notch on his belt" and loved for everyone to know. He had somehow convinced his girlfriend of all these years that everyone else was lying and they were just jealous because he was soooo cute and everybody wanted him. I guess he had the Spirit of Perverseness over her too!!!
I can kind of relate by using my definition of Spirit of Perverseness. I once started seeing a guy who actually had a girlfriend. That is so out of character for me and if anybody knows me, that is something that I despise more than anything. The timing and his persuasion is what got me. I had just been dumped by someone, whom I thought the world of and my life revolved around. I would never get over him, I thought. Then this guy came along, who is known for preying on the "freshly wounded." He told me everything that I wanted to hear and had me convinced that this is what I need to get back at the other who had wronged me. He was perfect and did and said everything the right way. He had me totally forgetting about his girlfriend until someone else found out. Which probably happened because he was out telling everyone. He was one of those guys who would, "put another notch on his belt" and loved for everyone to know. He had somehow convinced his girlfriend of all these years that everyone else was lying and they were just jealous because he was soooo cute and everybody wanted him. I guess he had the Spirit of Perverseness over her too!!!
"The Curse" by Andre Dubus
This is about someone very near and dear to my heart. She has always felt that she was "cursed" in her life when it came to finding love. It all started when she was she was 15 and met, whom she thought, was to be the love her of life. She ended up getting pregnant by the age of 16 and of course marriage was to follow. He was very controlling and would not allow her to work or go outside the house. He worked first shift and even though he wasn't home he had everyone watching out to make sure she didn't do anything wrong. Then came a terrible motorcycle accident that left her with a broken leg and him with brain damage among other debilitating injuries. That's when it all came to light, he confused all that he had done behind her back and that he had another child with someone else. She was willing to stand behind her man no matter what life was to bring but not after this. So she decided to leave with their now 3 year old child. She tried to start a new life and did her best and then came another loser, after another loser. She settled in with one loser who wouldn't keep a job and they produced another child. Of course that didn't work out so off to another loser. This time she was convinced that he was the one. She moved in with him immediately and with both of her children. She lived through many years of abuse both physically and mentally. Not only her but her children endured this pain. She was trapped and felt that she would never make it on her own and they continued to stay and live in torment for 13 years. After all the death treats and abuse she finally decided to take that step because she knew that if she didn't, she was going to die. She had almost given up on love until the day she truly met her "soul-mate." Only 1 year and 3 months after her longest relationship. When she thought she would never break this "curse" on her life and she did!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Hairspray Questions
1. Define: setting. Describe the setting--in detail--keeping in mind the complete definition of setting.
setting-the natural, manufactured, and cultural environment in which characters live and move, including all their possessions, homes, ways of life, and assumptions.
The movie begins in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland. Tracy wakes to a song "Good Morning Baltimore" as she gives a tour of her home she shares with her parents. Modern home with the family business down below. Conservative with dress but hair the higher the better. Simple living. The movie revolves around a dance show called The Corny Collins Show and how Tracy desires to one day be on the show and show her talent.
2. Why and how is the setting important in the story?
With the 60's came the BIG hair and the swing dancing
3. What is the major conflict in the story? Who or what is the major conflict between?
Racial segregation, between the Negros and the whites
4. In what ways do the conflict advance or influence the plot of the story? Name at least two.
1. Amber and her mother who manages the dance show and Corny Collins himself-they don't even want to allow and "Negro Day" and he wants more of it.
2. Tracy thinks of the blacks like they are just like her and even starts a march to protest segregation.
5. The title of the play is Hairspray. What or how is hairspray significant/important to the story?
The Corny Collins Show is sponsored by a brand of Hairspray and because the big hair was in and everyone used tons of Hairspray.
6. Define: theme. List and explain at least three themes in the story.
Theme-the major or central idea of a work
1.Tracy proved to everyone that she was talented and could dance and didn't matter her height or size
2.Tracy accepted the blacks for who they were and welcomed their talent. She never judged them because of the color of their skin and never acted as if she was superior.
3.For the lead in "Miss Teenage Hairspray" Little Inez is given the role. She was the first negro to play the part but she was voted in by the people. This just proved that everybody didn't think they were more superior to the other race as did Velma and Amber.
7. Listen carefully to the final song of the movie. What does it mean--not just for the story itself, but for you, too? I'm including 2 separate links, but they're for the same song. One link includes the lyrics on the screen for you to look at....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx9guWBRgB0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw8ybll5SSc
This song to me means that no one can get in your way when you have your heart and mind set on something. If you make a goal and intend to meet it nobody will be able to cause a detour.
8. Tracy sings to her mom "Welcome to the Sixties." In what ways have things changed over the years--from the sixties to now--based on what Tracy sings about as well as the themes of the story?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4XSU-kqSCI&feature=fvst
TVs were black and white......today color
Hair has changed drastically!!!......today there is no telling what you will see from crazy colors to shaved in mohawks
Clothing was more conservative-today you will see it all!!! All clothing types and skin types hanging out, off, on backwards, and worn different places.
Make-up was more conservative-today its wild and dramatic
racial segregation.....today non-existent
9. Why do you think the director chose to use a man (John Travolta) to play the part of Tracy's mom? Once you answer this question for yourself, do a little research and see if you can find out the real reason why the director chose to use a man. Compare your answer/opinion to the real reason.
Mainly for humor of it. The role was to be of someone who was over weight and ashamed of themselves and to leave the emotion out of it and to not offend someone then why not cast a man to play to role.
The real reason is because since 1988 the play has always had the role of Edna played by a man in drag.
10. What have I missed? What do you want to say about Hairspray that I haven't asked about? (You must have SOMETHING answered here.)
I had no idea that this movie was about segregation, I never would of guessed it. What do you think the original director/writer was thinking when comparing Hairspray to segregation??? I don't see the connection!
setting-the natural, manufactured, and cultural environment in which characters live and move, including all their possessions, homes, ways of life, and assumptions.
The movie begins in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland. Tracy wakes to a song "Good Morning Baltimore" as she gives a tour of her home she shares with her parents. Modern home with the family business down below. Conservative with dress but hair the higher the better. Simple living. The movie revolves around a dance show called The Corny Collins Show and how Tracy desires to one day be on the show and show her talent.
2. Why and how is the setting important in the story?
With the 60's came the BIG hair and the swing dancing
3. What is the major conflict in the story? Who or what is the major conflict between?
Racial segregation, between the Negros and the whites
4. In what ways do the conflict advance or influence the plot of the story? Name at least two.
1. Amber and her mother who manages the dance show and Corny Collins himself-they don't even want to allow and "Negro Day" and he wants more of it.
2. Tracy thinks of the blacks like they are just like her and even starts a march to protest segregation.
5. The title of the play is Hairspray. What or how is hairspray significant/important to the story?
The Corny Collins Show is sponsored by a brand of Hairspray and because the big hair was in and everyone used tons of Hairspray.
6. Define: theme. List and explain at least three themes in the story.
Theme-the major or central idea of a work
1.Tracy proved to everyone that she was talented and could dance and didn't matter her height or size
2.Tracy accepted the blacks for who they were and welcomed their talent. She never judged them because of the color of their skin and never acted as if she was superior.
3.For the lead in "Miss Teenage Hairspray" Little Inez is given the role. She was the first negro to play the part but she was voted in by the people. This just proved that everybody didn't think they were more superior to the other race as did Velma and Amber.
7. Listen carefully to the final song of the movie. What does it mean--not just for the story itself, but for you, too? I'm including 2 separate links, but they're for the same song. One link includes the lyrics on the screen for you to look at....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx9guWBRgB0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw8ybll5SSc
This song to me means that no one can get in your way when you have your heart and mind set on something. If you make a goal and intend to meet it nobody will be able to cause a detour.
8. Tracy sings to her mom "Welcome to the Sixties." In what ways have things changed over the years--from the sixties to now--based on what Tracy sings about as well as the themes of the story?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4XSU-kqSCI&feature=fvst
TVs were black and white......today color
Hair has changed drastically!!!......today there is no telling what you will see from crazy colors to shaved in mohawks
Clothing was more conservative-today you will see it all!!! All clothing types and skin types hanging out, off, on backwards, and worn different places.
Make-up was more conservative-today its wild and dramatic
racial segregation.....today non-existent
9. Why do you think the director chose to use a man (John Travolta) to play the part of Tracy's mom? Once you answer this question for yourself, do a little research and see if you can find out the real reason why the director chose to use a man. Compare your answer/opinion to the real reason.
Mainly for humor of it. The role was to be of someone who was over weight and ashamed of themselves and to leave the emotion out of it and to not offend someone then why not cast a man to play to role.
The real reason is because since 1988 the play has always had the role of Edna played by a man in drag.
10. What have I missed? What do you want to say about Hairspray that I haven't asked about? (You must have SOMETHING answered here.)
I had no idea that this movie was about segregation, I never would of guessed it. What do you think the original director/writer was thinking when comparing Hairspray to segregation??? I don't see the connection!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
My questions about Oedipus
Although I enjoyed this play and really enjoyed the twist and turns of the fate of Oedipus, I have to ask, What in the world was on the mind of Sophocles when he wrote this play??? Would this ever happen today or has it happened??? When his uncle/brother in law Creon took over as King of Thebes, what happened then? What did people think of what happened to Oedipus? What could Oedipus have done to prevent this? Why didn't he have an option? What happened to his children with Jocasta and did they have problems physically or mentally? When did Jocasta know that Oedipus was in fact her son? Is that why she killed herself or did she know all alone and did it out of guilt? What happened to Oedipus after he was exiled?
Oedipus Questions
1. Who wrote the play?
Sophocles
2. Briefly define the Oedipal Complex.
A term used by Freud in his theory of psycho sexual stages of development to describe a boy's desire for his mother and his anger towards his father.
3. What is the setting of the story, specifically, the where?
During the day in front of the royal palace of Thebes
4. As the play opens, what horrible thing is going on?
Thebes is being plagued by The Spinx until they find out who murdered their King Laius
5. Whose death must be avenged in order for the horrible thing from number 4 to end?
King Laius
6. Who is Oedipus’ wife?
Jocasta, Creon's sister
7. Who is Oedipus’ mother?
Jocasta, although unknown until the end
8. Who is Oedipus’ father?
The former King Laius, unknown until the end of the play
9. Who killed the King of Thebes (the answer for #5)?
Oedipus, only he didn't know at the time who he was
10. What is Oedipus’ tragic flaw?
His pride
11. As you read through Oedipus, you'll note that sight/vision/seeing (including "second sight") is very important to the overall story--in the literal as well as the metaphorical/symbolical aspect. You don't have to do this in complete sentences if you don't want---
12. Describe/discuss/explain/list how sight/vision/seeing/"second sight" is/are used in the play to advance the plot--to advance the story as a whole. Include an explanation of why it's important as well as how it helps you (the real audience) understand (get) what others on the stage and in the play don't understand.
12. Describe/discuss/explain/list how sight/vision/seeing/"second sight" is/are used in the play to advance the plot--to advance the story as a whole. Include an explanation of why it's important as well as how it helps you (the real audience) understand (get) what others on the stage and in the play don't understand.
Answer to both 11 &12: Oedipus was so "blinded" by what his fate truly was to be. Although he could see physically, when he learned of his fate he wanted to be blind so he would not harm anyone else and be reminded of what he had caused. As the audience, I started to see what was to be but then the play kept me on the edge of my seat just waiting for the axe to drop.
13. As a play, there's a lot that can and can not be done on the stage. Explain why you think some things within this play in particular are done on stage while others are done off stage.
Personally, if I had been watching the play live, I would not want to see Jocasta kill herself or when Oedipus killed his father and crew and then ended with taking pens and poking out his own eyes. Some things are just made for private and plus so of the things that happened within the play would be hard to reenact.
14. Do you believe in fate? Explain fully your answer.
Actually I do believe in fate, kinda! I believe that what is meant to happen will happen. I have been a witness to something being said and it coming to pass. Now when we are talking fate with love I just don't know that you can honestly say that there is only ONE person out there that is your true soul mate and the one you are suppose to spend your life with. If that is the case I think a lot of us would be single, especially if we didn't travel, lol!
15. Explain how fate plays a role in Oedipus.
Poor, poor Oedipus! My heart went out to him. He had no idea when he was born that his life would take a crazy twist of fate. How doomed are you from the start to know that you would one day kill your father and marry your mother and have children from the same womb that you came from. I definitely think if he had known his true mother and father he would of stayed away as he "thought" he had and never let it happen. Or at least tried to prevent it. If its fate than can we really change the path???
16. Have you ever thought how ironic this play is? It's weird how the events come together and make everything happen the way it does. If things were to happen just a little bit different the story would be completely changed.
I believe this play is very ironic. I compare it to today when you are 300 miles away from home and you run into somebody you know or you find out that your best friend is actually related by generations on down the line. We live in a world of strange coincidences. Everybody knows everybody and are related some how!!! The story may have changed had Oedipus know who his true parents were.
Extra: Name either one of the other two plays in the Oedipus Trilogy—punctuation count.
Oedipus at Colonus
Saturday, April 2, 2011
"Where I Come From" by Elizabeth Brewster pg. 696
This poem sent my mind soaring! It wasn't my favorite but I felt it, if that makes sense. When the author begins to describe the people and what they bring with them I could actually picture certain people and the way they dress and the familiar smells I've smelled. Some more obvious than others but I could just picture in my mind the people I see in town or on my job and without even knowing them I can tell or should I say assume what they do and where they are from. It is amazing to me that we can be that observant and yet be stereotypical. Some will surprise you but we tend to take in and take shape of where we come from. I've borrowed clothes, bags, etc. from friends before and just the smell makes me say, "this smells like her house." Some people just have a familiar smell and when they are not around and I get a hint it makes me think of them. My grandmother passed away in October of 2006 and every now and then I will get a smell of menthol cigarette and I think of her! That just made my heart smile:)
"Love Should Grown Up Like a Wild Iris in the Fields" by Susan Griffin pg. 737
I really loved, loved, loved this one!!! Very true with everything said! This is how life is today. We are always so busy and on the go and we rarely take time for what is important, our family! My favorite part:
Love more often is the be found in kitchens at the dinner hour,
tired out and hungry, lingers over tables in houses where
the walls record movements; while the cook is probably angry,
and the ingredients of the meal are budgeted, while
a child cries feed me now and her mother not quite
hysterical says over and over, wait just a bit, just a bit.
I've seen this scene play over and over at my house and I'm sure you can relate. I really hate that this is how it is because the only time I do get to see my family is when its time to eat because I have to force myself to quit my homework and feed my family. We really need to be able to "stop and smell the roses." Life is too short to let the rush of life get in the way.
Love more often is the be found in kitchens at the dinner hour,
tired out and hungry, lingers over tables in houses where
the walls record movements; while the cook is probably angry,
and the ingredients of the meal are budgeted, while
a child cries feed me now and her mother not quite
hysterical says over and over, wait just a bit, just a bit.
I've seen this scene play over and over at my house and I'm sure you can relate. I really hate that this is how it is because the only time I do get to see my family is when its time to eat because I have to force myself to quit my homework and feed my family. We really need to be able to "stop and smell the roses." Life is too short to let the rush of life get in the way.
"I Wanted to Share My Father's World" by Jimmy Carter pg. 810
This poem is kind of bittersweet! I really enjoyed the authors insight on how the boy looked up to his father. He didn't always understand the way his father raised him. He hated to be disciplined and the way his father tried to shape him into the man he wanted him to be. In his fathers final hours it finally came to him what a great man his father was and that his father lived on in him. I've had the privilege to have a father in my life. I know so many who have not and it is heart breaking. Although growing up I despised most of the things that my father did discipline wise I appreciate it now because he has in fact shaped me into the woman I am today. I'll always be daddy's little girl and there is no love like the love from a father.
"The Mother" by Gwendolyn Brooks pg. 634
Not that I really cared for the poem as a favorite but I got the message behind it. The speaker of the poem is a mother who is talking about the abortions that she has had. She is talking to all the children and how she did love them though she never let them breath air or suck her breast and their thumbs. It really touched me because abortions are final and there are a lot of things that you take away from that child. This is a very touchy subject in the world today. I'm Pro-Life so it really bothers me but the speaker of this poem really went into detail of all the things she was able to make decision about and terminate. She kept saying she loved them, loved them all but she ended their lives in the blink of an eye.
"My Childhood's Home" by Abraham Lincoln pg. 820
I really enjoyed this poem. There is so many times that I ride by my old homestead and she the visions of what used to be. Of my sister and I playing in a particular tree or playing tag there and hide and seek. It really takes to back to where Abraham Lincoln was raised and he gets to visit where his loved ones lay. So many memories he had to leave behind but they are not lost memories just suppressed until a visit like this and it brings it all back. It is nice to just sit somethings and reminisce on the old times and how things used to be. Not to regret or wish you could change anything but just remind yourself of the things that meant the most. Life seems to always find a way of getting in the way so anytime you can take yourself back to remember a memory whether a good one or bad is always a good thing!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Poetry!!!
Poetry to me is like Romeo and Juliet. I don't particularly like it and I don't get it. If I had to set down and write a poem I would try to make every line rhyme like a song does sometimes. I'm clueless to how it really is because I like to read but Poetry is not my choice.
When I hear Poetry, what comes to mind is TOTAL BOREDOM! Sorry but I just don't get it. I'm hoping that after reading the assignment Poetry I will have a better understanding and not ward off the word. Every time I've had to read it in the past I always have to go and reread it because I just don't comprehend. Its like a mental block so I'm trying to clear my mind and go in open minded. Never know I may gain a lot of passion for Poetry and grow to love it. I welcome a challenge and I'm ready to jump into poetry!!!
When I hear Poetry, what comes to mind is TOTAL BOREDOM! Sorry but I just don't get it. I'm hoping that after reading the assignment Poetry I will have a better understanding and not ward off the word. Every time I've had to read it in the past I always have to go and reread it because I just don't comprehend. Its like a mental block so I'm trying to clear my mind and go in open minded. Never know I may gain a lot of passion for Poetry and grow to love it. I welcome a challenge and I'm ready to jump into poetry!!!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Parties, Parties, and more Parties.....
Whew, I'm a busy girl!!! Besides work, school and a family, I have a sis that is getting ready to give birth to her first baby. A sweet little boy who is due in June. I can't wait and then I'm like OMGosh I've got so much to plan and get ready and it just doesn't seem like we have much time. I have a shower coming up for her in a couple of weeks which will be her diaper shower. Followed by my daughters birthday party the next day and then her other "normal" shower the following month. Who knew you would need so many showers to get all that you need for a small one. But that is one thing she is going to figure out soon. She only had to take care of herself and most recently her husband so this will be a rude awakening but also a pleasurable experience that will bring so many memories. Some trying and some wonderful but no matter what it will be so worth it. There is no feeling like hat first time they hand you your fresh little bundle of joy. No words can describe to feeling that comes over you at that time. It brings a lifetime full of happiness and some sadness. I'm so excited for her to experience this and it will be here before we know it:)
Book Club
I love to read!!! I just wish I had more time to leisure read instead of reading for assignments. My fellow coworkers have came up with the idea of a book club and we started two weeks ago. Some have already finished their book and I'm not even halfway there. I try to take at least 20 minutes a day and leisure read because I find it very relaxing.
We started the book club with Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. I discovered Kristen over the summer before I started school and it was love at first sight:) I read Between Sisters and gave it rave reviews as it was a story that pulled me in head first and I lived it. I really played it all in my mind as I was reading and never wanted to put it down. It was both touching and reliable. I love the books where the story line is very attracting and makes you yearn for more. Lucky for me she has several books available that I can download to my Nook and read til my heart's desire this summer. Gosh I can't wait!!!
We started the book club with Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. I discovered Kristen over the summer before I started school and it was love at first sight:) I read Between Sisters and gave it rave reviews as it was a story that pulled me in head first and I lived it. I really played it all in my mind as I was reading and never wanted to put it down. It was both touching and reliable. I love the books where the story line is very attracting and makes you yearn for more. Lucky for me she has several books available that I can download to my Nook and read til my heart's desire this summer. Gosh I can't wait!!!
Cutting it CLOSE!!!
I'm really cutting it close with assignments lately. Which is sooooo unlike me because I'm always trying to get ahead and keep a safe distance. I feel so overwhelmed!!! Maybe I shouldn't have such a full load right now. Its the halfway mark and a lot is due plus Anatomy is TOUGH:-/ I have a very strict and prompt professor which I appreciate but sometimes its hard to follow. He gives so much homework then complains about having to grade all weekend. I get it believe me! Do you really think I want to spent my weekends doing homework???? Not hardly! I have two small children who are doing without me right now and not to mention the sleep deprivation. I thought I didn't sleep when my kids were babies, boy was I wrong. I get less sleep now and they sleep all night long. Looking forward to the summer so I can get that much needed break. Oh summer how I wish you could be here tomorrow:) I'll stop there with my vent for the evening.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
"Neighbors" by Raymond Carver
Without using a dictionary minimalism to me would be bare essentials, the basics, using only the means necessary to live. After looking it up I discovered that it means;
Music . a reductive style or school of modern music utilizing only simple sonorities, rhythms, and patterns, with minimal embellishment or orchestrational complexity, and characterized by protracted repetition of figurations, obsessive structural rigor, and often a pulsing, hypnotic effect.
minimalism. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 12, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/minimalism
So yea, I guess I was a little off but going on my definition I can relate more to the "Neighbors" by Raymond Carver.
On page 137 it refers to how Bill and Arlene feel they have by passed by and how Bill attends his duties as a bookkeeper and Arlene to her secretarial duties. They seem to have have simple, plain jobs when comparing to their neighbors who are living the high life and traveling and always entertaining guests.
On page 138 it refers to how Bill drives the car to and from work and Arlene rides the bus. This makes me think of them as normal people who live simply and not outside their means.
Also on page 138, it reads how Bill went over to the Stones' apartment and looked through their cabinets and refrigerator, admiring the fine wine and cocktail glasses. This was fascinating to Bill because he would never acquire glasses and fine foods as these.
Bill and Arlene throughout this story became infatuated with the lives of the Stones. Even people today who have "normal" lives find themselves wanting to compare and trying to live up to others who are more successful and live wealthy lifestyles. They used every opportunity to explore the way the Stones' lived by combing through their apartment and checking out their goods. They admired and even tried on their clothing and basically invaded their private spaces. They even wished for them to never come home. This story leaves the door wide open because you don't know whether they will be able to get back into the apartment and you still don't know what was on those photos.
"Blue Winds Dancing" by Tom Whitecloud
To choose something important to me, I could honestly ramble on all day! I will narrow the field and select from importance and that would definitely be the loves of my life which are my children. They are my loves, my life, and my reason for existence. They are blessing from up above and I thank God everyday that he has given me life to share with my beautiful little creatures. Yep, I'm a proud mama:)
My first born was my bouncing baby boy whom we named Kaden. He is now 7 years old and keeps me on my toes. He was born 10 days early and he to this day is ALWAYS early. He goes to bed EARLY and you know what that means.....yep he gets up with the chickens! To describe my sweet boy, he is 4'2" tall and weighs in at a whopping 50 lbs. When his hair gets a little long he has golden blond curls but mainly in the front. His normal cut is somewhat of a bowl cut but blend in the back. He has gazing blue eyes with a sweet little, missing his front teeth, SMILE! He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3 and is always up for a challenge. I believe he lives in his own little world sometimes but I know one day he will overcome it. He is always on the go and keeps me on my toes. He is a very sneaky kid and you have to keep a watch. He does a lot of things to get attention but all with good reason. He is very mean but at times affectionate to his sister. He loves her and wants to do everything like her, even it means playing with Barbie and baby dolls.
On to my second child, my big, big, big girl named Haven. By overstating the big, I mean she was born @10lbs. and was 23 1/2inches long. Yea, she was a WHOPPER to say the least. She will be turning the big 4 next month and she already knows everything. Her favorite phrases are, "I know mom," "I'm a big girl," "I can do it all by myself." She is so independent and just what I needed. She helps to balance out my son and she really helps to calm him at times. Could be why she is so smart and knows it all:) To describe my princess, she is 3'3" tall and weighs 32 lbs. She has sparkling baby blues with straight as a board blond hair down her back. She has a beautiful smile with no teeth missing yet and with an sassy attitude that can get a statue to jump. She rules her daddy and grandpa and knows how to work her magic to get what she wants. She is very smart and always stays a step ahead and knows exactly what to say to pull at your heart strings. She believes she is a beautiful princess and of course she is, I would never tell her different. She is a loving and passionate child who knows no strangers. She has a mind of her own but what child doesn't and she has a way of making us laugh all the time. The saying, "Kids say the darnedest things" applies to Miss Haven all the way.
My children as you can see are my life! I always put God first, my family second, and work and school third. I long for the day that I will be able to focus more on them, my life is so busy right now with full-time school and work but I keep telling myself its all for them. I'm working to provide a better future for them and I wish them the best in life and I try my best to be the best mom I can be and give all I can give.
My first born was my bouncing baby boy whom we named Kaden. He is now 7 years old and keeps me on my toes. He was born 10 days early and he to this day is ALWAYS early. He goes to bed EARLY and you know what that means.....yep he gets up with the chickens! To describe my sweet boy, he is 4'2" tall and weighs in at a whopping 50 lbs. When his hair gets a little long he has golden blond curls but mainly in the front. His normal cut is somewhat of a bowl cut but blend in the back. He has gazing blue eyes with a sweet little, missing his front teeth, SMILE! He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3 and is always up for a challenge. I believe he lives in his own little world sometimes but I know one day he will overcome it. He is always on the go and keeps me on my toes. He is a very sneaky kid and you have to keep a watch. He does a lot of things to get attention but all with good reason. He is very mean but at times affectionate to his sister. He loves her and wants to do everything like her, even it means playing with Barbie and baby dolls.
On to my second child, my big, big, big girl named Haven. By overstating the big, I mean she was born @10lbs. and was 23 1/2inches long. Yea, she was a WHOPPER to say the least. She will be turning the big 4 next month and she already knows everything. Her favorite phrases are, "I know mom," "I'm a big girl," "I can do it all by myself." She is so independent and just what I needed. She helps to balance out my son and she really helps to calm him at times. Could be why she is so smart and knows it all:) To describe my princess, she is 3'3" tall and weighs 32 lbs. She has sparkling baby blues with straight as a board blond hair down her back. She has a beautiful smile with no teeth missing yet and with an sassy attitude that can get a statue to jump. She rules her daddy and grandpa and knows how to work her magic to get what she wants. She is very smart and always stays a step ahead and knows exactly what to say to pull at your heart strings. She believes she is a beautiful princess and of course she is, I would never tell her different. She is a loving and passionate child who knows no strangers. She has a mind of her own but what child doesn't and she has a way of making us laugh all the time. The saying, "Kids say the darnedest things" applies to Miss Haven all the way.
My children as you can see are my life! I always put God first, my family second, and work and school third. I long for the day that I will be able to focus more on them, my life is so busy right now with full-time school and work but I keep telling myself its all for them. I'm working to provide a better future for them and I wish them the best in life and I try my best to be the best mom I can be and give all I can give.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
"Cathedral" by Raymond Carver
"Raymond Carver is originally from Oregon, lived in Washington and spent most of his adult life in California. He studied at Chico State and at the Iowa Writers' Workshop. After doing blue-collar jobs for a time, he worked as an editor and then, finally, as a teacher. Carver is considered a master of minimalism-that is, fiction that stresses only the essentials of action and description. Generally his writing is economical, stripped to the bone. Many of his characters seem unusual if not odd or even cruel."
Cathedral to me was a very touching short story. I enjoyed to moral of the story and how it makes you take a step back and take a different look at people with disabilities. I love how the story gave you the background of "blind man" who was later named as Robert, and the narrators wife which I don't remember ever reading her name. I admire her love for the "blind man" and how after all she had been through and where she had traveled she still made time to make a tape and send it to him. It was their "thing." It brought such comfort to both parties. It is tragic that he loses his wife but it also is great that he gets to visit family and come meet the narrator and his wife. The narrator is a little jealous of his wife's relationship with Robert and he is not to good at hiding the fact. He definitely had a wall up and didn't really like the idea of Robert being in town and making a visit but by the end of the story I believe he had a WHOLE different outlook on life:)
I can definitely share my important life lesson learned when relating to Cathedral. I remember even when I was younger, being in a restaurant or out shopping and seeing children acting a fool in public. I was shocked that first of all the kids were acting like that but that the parents were going along with it and not trying to discipline them. I just kept thinking, man if that was me my mom would have already jerked a knot in my tail end. When it disrupted anything I was doing I was ready to say to the parents, "Do something with your child!" Today, I take a different approach. While of course I'm more mature with a husband and two children of my own, my son has Autism. With Autism children have no sense of time, responsibility, they can't control their emotions, they seem confused, they only hear some of what you say because they most of the time live in their own little worlds. My son is now one of those children that are getting the stare downs from other parents and I'm normally the one blowing up at them because they don't understand what I'm going through. There is just some much confusion going on in his mind that he gets overwhelmed and certain sounds, crowds, and places set him off. We try our best to ignore it and sometimes try to discipline but it normally has a reverse reaction. So today instead of giving those looks I say a little prayer for the parents but you never know the situation and just because the kid is having a meltdown doesn't mean they're a brat.
Cathedral to me was a very touching short story. I enjoyed to moral of the story and how it makes you take a step back and take a different look at people with disabilities. I love how the story gave you the background of "blind man" who was later named as Robert, and the narrators wife which I don't remember ever reading her name. I admire her love for the "blind man" and how after all she had been through and where she had traveled she still made time to make a tape and send it to him. It was their "thing." It brought such comfort to both parties. It is tragic that he loses his wife but it also is great that he gets to visit family and come meet the narrator and his wife. The narrator is a little jealous of his wife's relationship with Robert and he is not to good at hiding the fact. He definitely had a wall up and didn't really like the idea of Robert being in town and making a visit but by the end of the story I believe he had a WHOLE different outlook on life:)
I can definitely share my important life lesson learned when relating to Cathedral. I remember even when I was younger, being in a restaurant or out shopping and seeing children acting a fool in public. I was shocked that first of all the kids were acting like that but that the parents were going along with it and not trying to discipline them. I just kept thinking, man if that was me my mom would have already jerked a knot in my tail end. When it disrupted anything I was doing I was ready to say to the parents, "Do something with your child!" Today, I take a different approach. While of course I'm more mature with a husband and two children of my own, my son has Autism. With Autism children have no sense of time, responsibility, they can't control their emotions, they seem confused, they only hear some of what you say because they most of the time live in their own little worlds. My son is now one of those children that are getting the stare downs from other parents and I'm normally the one blowing up at them because they don't understand what I'm going through. There is just some much confusion going on in his mind that he gets overwhelmed and certain sounds, crowds, and places set him off. We try our best to ignore it and sometimes try to discipline but it normally has a reverse reaction. So today instead of giving those looks I say a little prayer for the parents but you never know the situation and just because the kid is having a meltdown doesn't mean they're a brat.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)