Reading Notes: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland-Part B

I am reading the second part of  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll for an extra reading to help me come up with ideas for my storybook project.

A Mad Tea-Party: I really don't like the two characters: March Hare and the Hatter. The Dormouse is all right, but he his continually sleeping so he doesn't do much. The other two are rude.

 Mad Hatter

A Mad Tea-Party (cont.): This isn't one of my favorite scenes. They are rude and nonsensical and pretty annoying. I don't really like reading about these characters.

A Mad Tea-Party (end): I really don't enjoy these characters. They are rude and not helpful. I like that Alice wanders to a door in a tree as she is walking away. I will probably include something like that in my story.

The Queen's Croquet-Ground: This is the usual story that I am used to. I don't like the queen, but I know she's supposed to be disliked.

The Queen's Croquet-Ground (cont.): I really like that the Cheshire cat keeps popping up in the story. I don't really know what I'm going to do for my story, but I think I will have a character similar to the Cheshire cat.

The Queen's Croquet-Ground (end): This is quite uneventful. The queen is just beheading everyone and Alice is confused. I am not too happy that some of the chapters are not included in the story, but I know how the story goes anyhow.

Who Stole the Tarts?: I'm not entirely sure where we are picking up in the story. I am a little confused. I like that the hatter comes back into the story though.

Who Stole the Tarts? (cont.): I'm not sure what exactly the trial is over or why people are being questioned, but it is an interesting story.

Alice's Evidence: I hope Alice gets to leave and get home. I am worried the story will end without any actual ending.

Alice's Evidence (cont.): The ending was rather abrupt, but I'm glad the story at least had an ending. I wish there was more of an explanation to the dream rather than her just waking up from a strange dream. For my story, I will have the whole thing be for a reason.

Reading Notes: American Indian Fairy Tales-Part B

I chose to read the American Indian Fairy Tales by W.T. Larned. I will be finishing the second part of the series.

The Boy who Snared the Sun: I think this story will be an interesting one. It has started a little slow, but I expect it to pick up pretty soon.

The Boy who Snared the Sun (cont.): This is a pretty silly story. I think it is funny that the sun is given characteristics like a human. I also think the imagination used in these stories is pretty cool!

The Boy who Snared the Sun (end): That was silly that the sun made the dormouse shrink in size until he was the size of a regular mouse. I think this whole story was pretty silly and there didn't seem to be much content to it other than entertaining some kids.

How the Summer Came: This seems like another interesting story. I hope this one seems to have more of a point and purpose other than just entertaining. I like the stories that tell why something happened or how something came to be.

O-jeeg

How the Summer Came (cont.): This is an interesting story. I am curious to see if the squirrel was messing with O-jeeg's child or if he was sincere in his wish for the summer. I think it will be interesting to see what happens.

How the Summer Came (end): It is sad that O-jeeg essentially sacrificed himself so others could enjoy the other seasons. I like that he laid on the sky's floor and was forever remembered by the constellation he made.

The Fairy Bride: I love stories about fairies! I will probably use this one to help me write my story! I love the idea of a Happy Land and fairies being the cross between the two lands.

The Fairy Bride (cont.): I love it! She finally got what she wanted! I think I will write a story like this one except from the fairy's point of view; the fairy that Neen-i-zu ends up marrying. I think it would be interesting to talk about how he feels lost and alone and cannot find the one his heart desires. I will write about how he sees her and falls in love with her.

Reading Notes: American Indian Fairy Tales-Part A

I chose to read the American Indian Fairy Tales by W.T. Larned this week. I decided to stick with my normal trend of reading the fairy tale stories. I decided it would be pretty cool to see the fairy tale stories in all different cultures to see if there are any similarities in characters or plots.

Iagoo, the Story-Teller: I like how this story starts! I love the free spirited, fearless personality of Iagoo. I am excited to read his stories!

Shin-ge-bis Fools the North Wind: I am eager to see what happens in the story. I can't imagine anything bad happening to Shin-ge-bis though. I am enjoying these stories so far. I didn't think I was going to like this unit initially, but I am liking it! I admire Shin-ge-bis's courage and strength.

Shin-ge-bis Fools the North Wind (cont.): I love how Shin-ge-bis kept his positive nature and was never discouraged. I love that the theme is cheerfulness and courage can overcome anything. I think that is such a powerful message.

The Little Boy and Girl in the Clouds: This is an interesting story. I like that the two children are living in nature and just interact with the animals. I am a little curious where they came from. Do they have parents? Are they the only humans in the area?

 

Little Boy and Girl

The Little Boy and Girl in the Clouds (cont.): I love that the little Measuring Worm was the one that saved the day and could accomplish the task. I didn't know where the story was going, but I see the lesson in it! I like how these stories all seem to have a lesson. This lesson was, "No matter how big or small you are, there is something that only you can achieve."

The Child of the Evening Star: I love these stories of pure hearted people who are so wise and unwilling to settle. They are an inspiration and such great characters. I really like that Oweenee looked passed the outside and peered into the soul of the person in order to find the right person for her.

The Child of the Evening Star (cont.): This story is SO sweet! I love it so much! They love each other so much and have such kind, pure hearts! I want to write a story like this, but I don't know if it will be nearly as touching!

The Child of the Evening Star (cont. again): This story keeps getting cuter and cuter! I really like it! Just when I think it is about to end, the two lovers, Osseo and Oweenee, get even more good fortune. I'm worried what will happen in the last section!

The Child of the Evening Star (end): I was really worried this story would end badly, but it ended just fine! Osseo and Oweenee got a son and a happy ending while her sisters got what they deserved.

Reading Notes: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland-Part A

I decided to read the Alice in Wonderland stories in order to help with my story. I had started reading this story and wanted my story book to be based off it. So I am reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll this week for my extra reading!

Down the Rabbit-Hole: I really like this story! I am quite familiar with the Alice in Wonderland series and am enjoying reading it again.

Down the Rabbit-Hole (cont.): I like that this is the traditional Alice in Wonderland story. I think I'm going to use something similar to this in my story for my storybook.

Down the Rabbit-Hole (end): I really don't like how the story just stops and skips to another place. I am somewhat familiar with Alice in Wonderland so I don't feel like I'm missing that much. I just feel like I did miss a nice portion of it though.

 

Alice Growing

 

Advice from a Caterpillar: I was never quite sure what the caterpillar stands for or what he represents. I'm hoping I will understand soon or at least get an idea for the way I want my story to go.
 

Advice from a Caterpillar (cont.): The caterpillar is a very confusing character. I still don't understand his purpose. He seems to just tell nonsensical tales and not be much help. I would like to have a character that makes more sense in my story. Maybe more like the Cheshire cat, which I'm sure I will meet later! I think I may not keep the easily offended attitudes in my story. I would like to make them more carefree and nice, but then have a flip personality in the end.

Advice from a Caterpillar (end): It's interesting that she turns into a serpent like creature with her long, flexible neck. I am not a huge fan of the animals. They are all quite rude. It is funny that as soon as she reaches her desired size, she is so willing to change her size again to potentially talk to some people in a white house.

Pig and Pepper: We met the Cheshire cat! I like that the people seem somewhat nicer in this place, but who knows.

Pig and Pepper (cont.): Another strange story. I did enjoy this story too, but I am confused again. Were all the people actually pigs? What a confusing story! I'm not sure if I want to have such a confusing story to my storybook. I think I will have it make more sense then make it confusing at the end.

Pig and Pepper (end): I think I will have a character like the Cheshire cat, except more helpful!

Week 8 Growth Mindset

I definitely think I concentrate too much on the grade and not learning the material. I used to not be that way. I was always more concerned with learning and understanding until I got to college where my GPA was a major factor that could determine future careers, internships, and the possibility of graduate school. I know this and have been working on it, but it is still hard when such an emphasis is placed on the importance of a great GPA. I have always been a person to do more than the minimum required of me. So pushing myself hasn't ever been a problem. I am also a very self motivated person. If I decide something is important, I will complete it to the best of my abilities. In this class, I have had trouble setting a consistent schedule. I have noticing that I have been getting more, and more behind; therefore, I plan to take this spring break to catch up and get ahead. I am usually pretty good at keeping a schedule, and I still am, but I would just like to work further ahead in this class than I am now!

 

Motivation for the week :)

Week 8 Reflections

I love writing, and so far I have liked most of my stories. I admittedly have liked writing some more than others. I have learned that I love writing about love. I enjoy happy endings, and I don't really like writing sad or dark stories. The last few stories have been hard for me to write because I haven't had much time to just think about what I want to write, but instead have had to just start writing and hope I get to somewhere I am satisfied with getting to instead of developing an elaborate story with a great plot.

 

Me writing the last few stories

 

I am so excited for my storybook. The type of writing I do is usually on the longer side. It has been a little difficult for me to write under 1000 words in some of my stories. So having the storybook where I can really develop a character and make a larger story is more what I like to do!

I would like to try to write a suspenseful or thriller story. This isn't the type of writing I usually do and I think it would be a good challenge for me. I think it would also help me broaden my writing skills and maybe learn a little more about my writing style.

I love the imagery that some people have used in their stories. I feel like I am there with the character and not just reading about him or her. I am definitely working on that especially with my storybook. I will probably edit it multiple more times to add more detail and imagery. I think reading more stories and writing more on my own will help me develop as a writer and a critic. I will try to give more critical feedback, but be constructive at the same time. I still really think positive encouragement is the best way to go though!

Week 7 Storytelling: Why Spiders Are Not Trusted

There once lived a spider named Anansi. Anansi had been known to be more curious than he should be. Anansi was always asking people more personal questions than he should and trying to get involved with everything that was going on.

One day Anansi was walking through the forest and he heard some people arguing. He wanted to know what they were arguing about so badly and to give his opinion. He walked toward the sound of the conflict. It was coming from the tree tops. Anansi climbed the tree to see what was going on. When he reached the source of the conflict, he saw two monkeys arguing.

“What are you arguing about?” Anansi questioned. “Tell me and I will tell you who is correct.”

“This is none of your business!” One of the monkeys exclaimed.

“But I am a third party member that could give you an unbiased opinion,” Anansi stated.

The monkeys looked at each other and decided to tell him of their conflict. They were arguing over who got the fruits from which tree.  One monkey believed he owned the fruit from this tree and the other monkey believed he owned the fruit from this tree. Then as they told Anansi about the situation, they started arguing all over again.

One monkey abruptly stopped mid argument and asked, “Anansi, which do you believe owns the fruit in this tree?”

“Yes,” the other monkey agreed, “tell us who owns this tree!”

Anansi declared, “Well, the answer is obvious. This tree belongs to whichever of you can bring me the most valuable fruit because that monkey surely knows this area best and undoubtedly owns this tree.”

The monkeys hurried off to return with the most valuable fruits they could find to bring to Anansi. They returned shortly with some of the richest fruits Anansi had ever tasted.

Anansi declared, “These fruits are of equal excellence therefore in order for me to decide, I need an even more impressive gift. Whoever brings the most impressive gift surely deserves to own this tree.” Determined to own the tree, the monkeys rushed off to find the most valuable gift either of them possessed in order to be named owner of the tree.

One of the monkeys returned with a solid gold statue of his father.  The other monkey returned with a giant diamond that had been in his family for years. 

 

 Large Diamond

Anansi stated, “These gifts are both great. It will be difficult to decide which the best is. I will take them back to my home and ponder this once more.”

Anansi gathered the fruits and treasures and went to his home. He quickly went to the market and sold both of the treasures for a large sum of money then returned home with his riches. Days passed and the monkeys had yet to hear who was the owner of the tree. They went to pay Anansi a visit.

 “Anansi,” they demanded, “tell us who does the tree belong to!”

“You both brought gifts of equal excellence so it is obvious the tree must be shared between the two of you.”

The monkeys were enraged with Anansi’s response. They declared they would settle the matter on their own and demanded Anansi return the gifts he had taken.

Anansi responded, “I no longer have those gifts. They were stolen from me on the journey home.”

The monkeys were so upset they had not won anything, but had lost their most important treasures. Word got around of what Anansi had done and this is why spiders are not trusted.

Author's Note: I read stories from West African Folktales which were collected in the early years of the 20th century from African students at a teacher training center in Accra. I really liked the stories of how things came to be so I thought I would create my own story about why spiders are so disliked.