Week 12 Review

This week, I decided to get a head start on the review by looking at today's announcements for the class. As I was scrolling through what grabbed my attention was the Indian Words in English post about the word Zen. As mentioned in the post, I have heard about the word Zen many times before, know that it's a reference to Buddhism, and is used in the context of meditation, but that's about it. I personally have meditated before so I was interested to learning more about the background of the word. For example, as found in the post, I had no idea that the word, in English, comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word "chan," and that that is from the Sanskrit dhyana which actually means meditation. Learning new things like this is always fun and it's cool to be able to know this information and now be able to connect it to other things in the world.

"Buddha Sculpture"
Source: MythFolklore Online Course Announcements

Week 13 Growth Mindset

For this Growth Mindset, I chose to do the "Your Other Classes" challenge. Reading through the description for this challenge I automatically knew about what I wanted to talk about. And that is...my Microbiology class. This class has really kept me in check the whole semester. It's the class I'm struggling with the most since it is so much information and our grade comes from three tests. That's it. So every. test. counts. The reason it has been difficult for me is because I had not been sure how to study for this class. I'm much more of a visual learner so when all the information was handed to me I had to figure out how to make it into a way where I could effectively study and understand it. The tests are very different too. I feel like knowing the information front and back is imperative for this class. The challenge I've had, like I mentioned, is studying for it. I'm trying to make sure I figure out a good way to study for this class. That has been my learning curve. So, I guess the most exciting and stressful challenge I have had for this class is determining the best way to study.

"Studying for finals"
Flickr

Week 12 Growth Mindset

For this week's Growth Mindset challenge, I chose to look at some memes. (I really enjoy memes :D). As I was looking through the list this particular one caught my attention:

"Dream big... and dare to fail"
Source: MythFolklore Growth Mindset Memes

 Which was inspired by this poster:

"Dream big... and dare to fail poster"
Source: MythFolklore Growth Mindset Memes

Besides the fact that I found the meme funny, I could also relate to the actual quote. Usually when thinking about dreaming big, some people's initial thought is the success that could come with reaching their goals. However, it's not always easy to reach your dreams. There is a good chance that you may run into a bump in the road, make a mistake, or fail at something along the way. With dreaming big I think it's important that you dare and anticipate failing. What I took away from the poster is that, failing is what comes with the experience. No one is perfect and it's always good to learn from your mistakes. You can't expect to reach your dreams without hard work and a possible difficult journey!

Tech Tip: Google Website Theme

Using this Tech Tip, I redesigned my theme for my Google website. Originally, it was just a black theme named "Slate." I decided to change it to a different theme called "Branches." I like the Branches theme better because I feel like it adds more to my site. I also believe like it adds more to the overall tone of the website and goes more with the quotes theme. I'm not sure how exactly to explain it, but I was wanting to give it a more "artsy-ish" feel without overdoing it.

Here's my updated site: Quotes Collection

Tech Tip: Google Website

I decided to create a google website using this tech tip! I've never made one before and didn't know it was an option but I'm glad I know now! The website I created is just for fun and it's called "Quotes Collection." I love quotes and they inspire me in more ways than one. So, I decided to make a place where I can put some of my favorite quotes in that way they'll be in one place. And, I can always go back to it if I'm ever looking for a particular quote. It's in a pretty rough stage since I just created it about ten minutes ago, so please bare with me as I eventually get it to how I want it to look! :)

Here's the site! Quotes Collection

Week 11 Review

This week from the Daily Announcements, what caught my eye was this post that included this picture:

"Take some time to reflect"
Source: OU Daily Announcements

The reason it caught my attention and what I took away from it was the importance of taking a breather. I personally felt like I really need to read those words on the picture. This semester has been the busiest semester thus far, and I feel like I haven't truly had time to sit down and reflect above any and everything that's been going on. I've just been trying to stay caught up in my life so that I had time to move on to the next thing I needed to focus on. However, with all the craziness going on, I know that it's always nice to try and take a little time of my day to just relax and clear my mind.

Tech Tip: Quotemakers

I absolutely love quotes so naturally I decided to do this tech tip! Below is one of my favorite quotes from author Raymond Carver.

Made with BeHappy.me

Tech Tip: Google Timer

Okay, this is so cool!

I never knew about the google timer but it definitely seems like a really useful tool especially when you're working on your computer. I use personally use alarms on my phone, which is kind of the same thing, in order to tell me when I need to get back to work. I'm the type of person who likes setting schedules and sticking to it. It helps me to keep my life in order. I think I will start making using of the google timer since I'm on my laptop a lot doing homework. This way I can easily switch back and forth on my tabs and see how much time I have left!

Tech Tip: Editing Pins

For this tech tip, I learned more about editing pins in my pinterest. I usually do just pin things quickly without much editing so it was nice to go back and look over my pins. I decided to change the description on a few including the ones below. I did this to help me organize better and add more detail to the pin. The first pin is of decor. I love black, white, and gold and I definitely feel like that's how much future home might look. The second pin is of fashion. I really enjoy pinning fashion inspirations. I feel like it expresses who I am better. The one I edited was of a fall inspired look. The last pin is of baby blue nails. I like the color and the rings just make it stand out more!


https://www.pinterest.com/pin/520025088201784187/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/520025088201549807/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/520025088201411357/

"Pinterest logo"
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Portfolio Index

The Misfortune of Pyramus and Thisbe
This story tells of the adventure and danger that comes with Pyramus and Thisbe being together and putting their love above all else.

A New Start
In A New Start, readers are introduced to the character Fayiz and his transition from an unhappy marriage, to a happy marriage...but with a strange twist.

Love Lost, Love Found
In this tale, a mother expresses her feelings of love, fear, and despair as she shares her story of being in love and becoming pregnant.

The Turtle, The Girl, The Revenge
In the midst of getting revenge on Thunder Bird, Turtle finds love in an unexpected, new friend.

Before Guenevere
Arthur had been in love with a girl before Guenevere and in this story readers find out how Arthur becoming King ultimately changed their whole relationship.

Extra Reading Diary: Santal Folklore

The link to this reading unit can be found here.


Ledha and the Leopard

• Leopard playing hide and seek with a lizard unlikely match
• Interesting how the leopard was watching
• Kind of funny imaging a leopard carrying a bed on its head
• Good that Ledha woke up
• Also funny how the leopard is thought to be a very dangerous and scary animal, but in this story he is afraid of a small lizard
• Animal - human relationship
• Measuring hair?
• Somewhat random turn of events when the princess wanted Ledha to promise to marry her..
• "Became a great Raja"

The Monkey and the Girl

• Monkey creating a plan to be able to eat crops
• Another human-animal relationship
• Girl wanted to marry the monkey - interesting aspect
• Turn of events when the father shot the monkey because he heard of his daughters intentions
• Intense, quick, and sad ending

The Tiger's Bride

• The offering of her daughter for help..
• Human-animal relationship
• Like the previous story in that it is a deeper connection than what is conventional in real world
• "How far off is our home, big head?" 
• Intriguing story, the ending was both good and bad in terms of plot

"Hanuman Langur Monkey"
Source: MythFolklore UnTextbook

Storytelling for Week 11: Before Guenevere

"Slow down, Arthur! Geez, you know I cannot ride as fast as you," Isabella said through shortened breaths.

"I'm sorry, love, but time cannot be wasted! I have to get this sword back to my brother before it starts."

Arthur had been sent to go and fetch Sir Kay's sword before the tourney began because his brother forgot it as he was in a hurry. Arthur gladly obliged, always happy to help out. He felt like he had a purpose going to retrieve the sword and he was proud of it. With Arthur was his love, Isabella. They had been together for a couple of years and it seemed that everywhere they went, they went with each other. They were always by each other's side no matter what.

When they arrived at the house, they found the door to be locked. Isabella tried the doors on each side of the house but those were locked as well.

"So what are we to do now, Arthur? Your brother needs his sword to fight in the tourney. He cannot just defend himself unarmed," Isabella said.

"I am not sure. I have to do something. I cannot fail him because he is counting on me..." Arthur responded.

Isabella shuffled around and kicked her feet at the ground trying to think of an idea. As she kicked at the earth, she noticed that she had pushed a rock towards Arthur. At that moment, she thought of something.

"I have an idea! I remember a couple of days ago seeing a sword at the churchyard. No one has attended to it for months. I am sure you can take it and Sir Kay can borrow it for the tourney. It most likely will not be missed."

At this point, Arthur was desperate to find a solution as the tournament was to start in thirty short minutes. He immediately agreed and he and Isabella jumped on their horses and rode to the churchyard.

Once there, he ran to the large rock that oddly had a sword stabbed into it and easily pulled it out. He then went to the tournament and gave the sword to his brother. Arthur's father, Sir Ector, noticed that the sword came from the sacred rock that no one had been able to get out.

"Wait one second, son. Where did you get that sword?" Sir Ector asked.

"I got it from the rock in the churchyard, father. I figured I could borrow it for Kay since the house doors were locked," Arthur responded.

"That sword. Whoever pulls that sword from the rock is said to be King! That is you, Arthur, you are the chosen one. The King!" Sir Ector rambled on and bowed.

"Huh?" Isabella said.

"What do you mean?" Arthur inquired

***********************************

Soon after, many things changed. Arthur found out that he was actually the son of Uther Pendragon, not Sir Ector, and became King of the country.

"What about us, Arthur? So you are just going to abandon me is that what you are telling me?" Isabella argued.

"I am sorry, Isabella. I am. But I have been tied to Guenevere. It is said that we are to be married. There is not much I can do about these things."

Since becoming King, Arthur had been obligated to marry princess Guenevere. The two families were very powerful and it was agreed that in order for the people to accept the King, he needed the right Queen on his arm to lead and do great things for the country.

"Fine, Arthur. Go ahead and marry that one who you do not really love. To be honest with you, I regret telling you about that sword. If I knew you would throw away our love like this I would have never gave you that idea. Consider this the last time you see me. Enjoy your new life as King." Isabella mockingly bowed at Arthur and left.

Arthur did not want to lose Isabella but he had a job as King. He had to protect his country and serve them the right way. He had no choice. Arthur truly wanted to yell at Isabella to come back and tell her how much he loved her. But instead, he put on his sword, placed his crown on his head, and sat on his throne. Tomorrow was a new day.

"King Arthur drawing the sword"
Source: MythFolklore UnTextbook

 Author's Note: For this storytelling, I based it off of the original story "The Drawing of Sword" (and small bits from the entire King Arthur story) from the King Arthur unit. In this story, King Arthur is sent to get his brother, Sir Kay's, sword from their house so that he could fight in a tournament. Once he got there he found the door to be locked and no way to get in. So, instead of going back empty handed he took the sword from the rock in the churchyard. Unbeknownst to him, this was the sword that determined who the new king of the country would be. Eventually Arthur found this out, along with the fact that he was a foster child, and became King. In my storytelling I decided to add a love interest. In the original King Arthur story, he gets married to Guenevere. I thought it would be interesting to have Arthur be involved with someone else before Guenevere (which is why the title of my story is "Before Guenevere")! Of course, since he was to be married to someone else, I sadly broke the relationship off at the end with a snippet of an argument between Arthur and Isabella.

Bibliography: "The Drawing of the Sword," by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford from King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table (1902).
Web Source: Mythology and Folklore UnTextbook

Reading Diary B: King Arthur

The link to this reading unit can be found here.


Sir Lancelot's Vision

• I like how descriptive the story is 
• Sick knight
• Quest of the Graal
• Blur between a dream and reality for Sir Lancelot
• Seems his sins lead to his misfortune; lost some of his things

Sir Gawaine and the Hermit

• Adventure story
• The part about the mysterious person that went into the chapel and then vanished --> had me interested and wondering what was going to happen.
• "You have failed in three things, charity, fasting, and truth.."
• As in Lancelot's vision, intriguing to see how in this story, where he is looking for an adventurous quest, he cannot perform one due to his sins
• Sins continue to lead to his misfortune here too

End of Arthur

• Following intense fight
• "Throw my sword in that water.."
• Could only see bad coming from Sir Bedivere lying and disobeying King Arthur
• How King Arthur knew Sir Bedivere had lied..
• Weird but interesting how a hand came up from the water and caught the sword..
• Sad ending
• Focus on Lancelot

"Gawaine, by Howard Pyle"
Source: MythFolklore UnTextbook

Reading Diary A: King Arthur

The link to this reading unit can be found here.

The Drawing of the Sword

• One of my favorite parts of King Arthur's story
• Idea that if there was no king, the country would basically fall apart
• London! And Christmas!
• Arthur was the foster-child
• The fact that Arthur was able to pull out the sword so easily. I really like this part.
• Arthur meant to do something nice for his brother, but his brother in return tried to steal what was rightfully his. --> not right, however it's good that he eventually told the truth
• I like that Arthur was humble about it. He didn't get conceited and was not power hungry
• Could turn this story around and add a love interest early on

The Round Table

• Guenevere
• Even in this story, I could add an interesting snippet of Guenevere and Arthur's relationship before marriage besides the one told
• Gift of a round table
• "The Round Table is dearer to me than great riches."
• Quick preparations
• I like the good deeds Arthur was willing to do like making the young man into a knight easily.

The King's Pilgrimage

• "St. Augustine, which is in the White Forest and may only be found by adventure." I like this set up
• Chaus
• Scary dream that was brought upon Chaus
• Connection between reality and dream with the knife and candlestick
• Gory turn of events when the knife was drawn out and the dream somewhat turned into real life

The Drawing of the Sword
Source: MythFolklore UnTextbook