Reflections

Wow, it is so hard to believe that the semester is over. I have really enjoyed my time in this class. I was talking about it to a friend of mine today. All too often, we spend so much of our time writing research papers that we never get to create. I have loved getting to take the time to create. I feel like as a writer it took me awhile to develop my own style. I look at the first story in my portfolio and it clings closely to the real story. By the end of my portfolio I was adding a lot more creativity. I loved having others read my stories. I loved how they would critique me and affirm me. I hope I was able to do that for others. I think the most important thing I learned from this class think through the questions that were left unanswered and imagine different possibilities.

Portfolio Introduction

This Portfolio is going to be focusing on the stories that were not told. Oftentimes when we read stories, questions are left unanswered and the reader wants to know what happened with a particular character or situation, so this Portfolio will give some potential scenarios with a modern twist.

Till Death Do Us Part: A story of a woman who remained faithful and true to her husband when all seemed lost.

My Wife is a Psychopath : A story of a man trying to wrestle with the horrible reality he has found himself in.

The Cycle of the Sun: A story of two unlikely lovers and the secret that separated them.

No Mother Should Have to Bury Her Child : A story of a civil war that tore a family apart.

The Bridge to Heaven : A story of a lonely boy who did the impossible and found hope.

It is hard to pick a favorite story out of my portfolio. Personally, my favorite part of this portfolio is seeing how I changed as a writer from "Till Death Do Us Part" to "The Bridge to Heaven." If you only have time to read one story, then I recommend "The Bridge to Heaven." This story is very personal to me. I used my future mother-in-law as inspiration for the teacher, and I used advice my own mother gave me growing up. I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Famous Last Words: Week 14

This has been a crazy week for me. I suffered from a pretty serious head injury on Monday and my week was thrown into chaos. But starting tomorrow, I only have two more weeks as a student at OU and my heart is overwhelmed. I haven't done many Famous Last Words post so I wanted to do one to reflect on my time in this class. I really enjoyed what I learned here. To my surprise, I was able to work on my writing skills tremendously. That was a pleasant surprise. I love that I was able to make connections to my Greek and Latin Heroes and Epics class. My favorite part of the class was being able to let my mind run free and create. Rarely in my college career have I had the opportunity to write a story. All too often I research and report my findings. This class truly was a joy. I also think this class was a good class to take my final semester. I learned that I have a lot more to offer than just reporting information.

I have learned a lot about myself over this whole semester too. I am incredibly nervous to be ending my time at OU in a two weeks. This class is just one of the little gems OU has given me. I ran into a student on Wednesday. She was sitting in on two of my classes. I walked with her back to her car and was able to talk to her about OU. Not only was this a great chance for me to convince someone to come to OU, but it was a nice moment for me to reflect on my career here. I always say OU is the most magical place on earth, and it's true. It is my Disneyland. I am sad to be leaving. I will be attending law school in the fall. I have received many great offers, and it appears that I will probably be leaving and not staying here. It is hard to leave the place we call home. Where ever we go though we take home with us. I am excited to begin new adventures and new journeys.

In the words of Garth Brooks "I will sail my vessel 'till the river runs dry."


Wikicommons

Storytelling Week 12: The Bridge to Heaven

"Good morning, class, please have a seat."
"Good morning, Mrs. Myers."

"Kids, gather round. I want to tell you a story about chasing a dream."
"What is the story called?" said Sally.
"It's called The Bridge to Heaven."

"The story begins with a little boy about your age. He was a very sad little boy," said Mrs. Myers.
"Why was he so sad?"asked Sally.

"Well, Sally, this boy had lost both of his parents in a car accident when he was a baby and was now living in foster care. This boy had a dream. He wanted to see his parents again. One night while he was sleeping, an angel came to his bed and said, 'God has heard your prayers, sweet child. But it will not be easy. Here is what you must do,' and the angel proceeded to tell the boy that he needed to build a bridge to heaven to see his parents again."
"But, Mrs. Myers, that's impossible. How can he build that bridge?" asked Sally.

"Oh, Sally, you ask so many questions, haha. The boy had to find a lot of bricks. He would go to the empty lot next to the foster home and steal bricks from there. As soon as he touched the bricks, they became invisible, so no one would know what he was doing. He also turned invisible while he worked on the bridge."
"Wow," said the whole class in unison.

"He worked on building the bridge for fifteen years. He was twenty when he finally finished it. He was ready to climb the bridge to see his family again. So he climbed for two days and two nights until finally he saw a bright light and a big shiny golden gate. He went to the gate and knocked, 'Excuse me, are my parents here? May I please see them?' the boy said. 'Who are you?' asked the guard. 'I don't know. My parents died when I was so young. I forgot who I really am. That is why I am here to meet them. I want to find out who I am,' replied the boy."
"Did the boy get to meet his parents?" asked Jim.

"Yes, he did. He parents came outside the golden gates and talked with him for many days. He learned a lot of things by talking to his parents. He learned his dad was a scientist and his mom was a heart doctor. They laughed and they cried. But the most important moment for the boy came when his dad said, 'Son, you didn't need us to know who you are. You have known all along who you are. Look at this bridge you built! Look at this big dream you chased, son. You are a dreamer. Go back to earth and chase another dream.' So the boy went back to earth, and he began working to help other kids who had lost parents like he had."

*Ring*

"Okay, kids, time for lunch."

The kids ran out of the room like wild animals. Then Mr. Sim came into Mrs. Myers' room. "Why do you always tell the kids that story?"
"I want them to know that nothing is impossible. All too often we try to tell them what they cannot do. I want them to know that the only thing that defines them is themselves."

Author's Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I really had a lot of fun writing this one. This story is based off the story of the bridge to Lanka from the Ramayana. Crossing the water to Lanka seemed like an impossible task for Rama, but then he was told that a monkey named Nala could make rocks float. So, they were able to build the bridge and cross the water. I refer to this story in two ways: the bridge and the impossibility of the task. I also wanted to focus on dreaming big because I honestly believe people have stopped chasing their dreams. I personally wish people would never stop chasing them. My mom always told me that I could be anything I wanted to be, and I believe her. Building a bridge to heaven to see a loved one really is an impossible task, but luckily in stories we can do the impossible. Unlike the story of the Bridge to Lanka, my character had no help building his bridge. I wanted to show the main character as strong and independent. I also chose a story time setting because I felt like it was an ideal way to share the deeper message of my story. So that is the inspiration behind my story.

Bibliography:
Ramayana by Buck. 1976.

Image Information:
Heaven

Tech Tip: Hashtags and Retweets

https://twitter.com/OnlineMythIndia/status/560806391741689857


I retweeted this tweet because I really liked the cat picture that had a little grammar lesson with it. I really enjoyed that. For hashtags I was curious about the on this day in history. So I started following them. I hash tagged sooners and was interested in all the different accounts that popped up. Twitter is so fun!

Reading Diary B: Divine Archer

Still struggling with my brain injury so reading is still very difficult. I didn't know the story of Vibhishana. He is Ravana's brother but he is loyal to Rama. This could be a good story about betrayal. I still like the story of the monkey's tail catching on fire and him burning the city. I think I could make a good story out of it. I think it is interesting that everything tries to convince Ravana to not go to war, but he is stubborn so he goes to war. Sita has kids and they are raised without their dad. So sad. I want to know what happens to Sita after she goes with Mother Earth. I really think it is sad that she proved her fidelity this way. But it is alright. At least her reputation was restored. To me this kind of ties into the Greek idea of kleos.

Sita Descends to Earth

Reading Guide

Reading Diary A: The Divine Archer

Sorry if this reading diary post is a little off. I am currently suffering from a severe concussion  and reading today was very difficult. I am reading another version of the Ramayana. I think the scene where Kaushalaya sees Rama turn into a god then back to a baby is interesting. The turtle thing was interesting. The note on the reading guide helped me understand it, because I thought it was odd. I don't think I have heard about Parashurama before. I didn't know that Rama and his three brothers married on the same day. That could be a story to write about. Siblings getting married on the same day. Rama's exile fulfilling a curse is an aspect I have yet to focus on, but I could write a story about that. I didn't know that Shurpanakha tried to seduce Lakshmana too.

Parashurama

Reading Guide

Week 13 Growth Mindset

So this week I played around with my writing style. I normally write very deep and serious stories. This week I wanted to play around with something more playful. I wanted to explore characters that are already developed. That is why I focused on How I Met Your Mother. It is one of my favorite shows and I know it was an inspiration for someone who did a storytelling assignment in years past. I had a lot of fun doing it. It was completely out of my comfort zone.

Happy

Storytelling Week 13: The Story of How I Made it Rain

*Ten years earlier*

"Hey, Ted, what are you doing, buddy?"
"I'm dancing, Marshall!" Ted replied, continuing to make dance moves the resembled a dying chicken.
"Bro, why are you dancing on the roof of our apartment?"
"Because Robin can't go on the office camping trip."
"Why not, Ted?"
"Because if she goes on that trip she will date that loser, Sandy Rivers, and I can't have that. I love her Marshall!"
"But why are you dancing?"
"I'm gonna make it rain!"

*Present day*

"Let me explain, kids. I was in love with your Aunt Robin for a long time. Sandy Rivers had just asked Robin on a date, but I told her I loved her, again. Robin was going to have to go on that date with Sandy Rivers as long as they still had their company camping trip. If it rained, then they wouldn't have the trip. So I was doing a traditional rain dance to stop the rain."
"Dad, that's stupid," Said Ted's daughter.
"But at the time I felt like a warrior fighting for true love."

*Ten years earlier*

"Ted, you look stupid."
"Thanks, Marshall."
"Why do you think you can make it rain?"
"Well, I read a book called the Ramayana the other day, and let me say it was a great read. The plot line is so deep and the characters..."
"Ted, just get to the point." Marshall replied, cutting Ted off.
"Oh yeah, anyway, there was this big battle between Ravana and Rama because Ravana had stolen Rama's wife Sita. And at a point in the battle, Ravana did a dance under the stars to cause a wind storm. So I figured, if Ravana can do it, so can I."

*Present day*

"Oh dad..." Both of the kids lowered their faces and shook their heads.

*Ten years earlier*

"Oh Ted..." Marshall replied while lowering his face and shaking his head.
Ted ignored him and kept dancing.
"Ted, you really don't think those stories are true, do you? I mean come one, buddy? If you just watch the weather report you'd know there is absolutely no chance it is going to rain today."
"I know that, Marshall, that is why I am dancing. If Ravana can cause a wind storm, I can cause a rain storm."

Then there was a quiet rumble.

"What was that?" Asked Marshall.
"Why, Marshall, could that be thunder you hear?"

There was another rumble, but it was louder this time. Then there was a big boom followed by a big strike of lightening.

"Come inside, Ted, you're gonna die out here."
"Not yet, not until it rains."

Then one drop fell. Followed by three more, then twenty, then a hundred. Thousands of little drops fell from the sky.

"I made it rain Marshall! I really made it rain! Look, look it's raining!"
"Ok, ok, ok, it is raining, now please come inside."

*Present day*

"So, I went inside. I was soaked. But then I ran out our front door, hopped into a taxi, and went to see your Aunt Robin. That is the day your Aunt Robin became my girlfriend, and this is just the beginning of how I became the man I needed to be before I met your mother. So that, kids, is the story of how I made it rain."

Author's Note:
So in this class I have written a lot of serious stories, and I wanted to play around with something that had some fun in it. I love the show How I Met Your Mother, and if you haven't seen it I'm sorry but you should really go see it. Like now. Great show. Anyway, as I read the Ramayana I saw how Ravana did a dance to cause a wind storm, which reminded me of a How I Met Your Mother episode where Ted does a dance to make it rain. I had a lot of fun adding in the Ramayana to this scene. It was also a lot of fun to play with characters that have already been developed. I was inspired also by a storybook project that was done in years past. The theme for that storybook was How I Met Your Mother. I hope you enjoy it!

Bibliography:
Ramayana by Buck 2000.

Image Information
How I Met Your Mother

Reading Diary B: Buck's Ramayana

Finally the last reading of the last week. Here we go.

Ok so big thing I didn't know. I didn't know that Sita was abandoned 10,000 years after she got back! People were gossiping for 10,000 years before Rama decided to banish Sita. That is mind-blowing. And like Rama keeps this golden statue of her? Why? And at this festival his sons are singing and he is like oh they those awesome singers must be my kids. It is a nice thought to think, what if Sita and Rama reunited in another world after they died. That would be a good story to write about.

Any way that is the end of the Ramayana.

Rama

Reference; Buck's Ramayana

Tech Tip: Twitter Follow

So I decided to follow Dr. Ben Carson. I do not want to discuss politics deeply, but I honestly want to know more about the presidential candidates. That is why I decided to follow him. I will follow others and other news sources to stay up to date on the news.

Reading Diary A: Buck's Ramayana

I think the story of Ravana dancing under the stars and causing a wind storm is fascinating. This reminds me of the time Ted from How I Met Your Mother did a dance and made it rain so Robin did not have to go to her business camping trip. This would be a really fun story to play with. Maybe Ted and Marshall and talking and Ted tells him the story of his rain dance and Marshall tells the story of Ravana's wind storm dance. That could be a really fun story and it would add a different pace to my portfolio.

How I Met Your Mother

Here we have the death of Ravana, yay. Then we have Sita on fire. I still think this is a stupid test. Then everyone leaves Lanka and you think it should be a happy ending. But its not.

Reference Buck's Ramayana

Reading Diary B: Buck's Ramayana

And now we get to all the fighting. I hate fighting. So instead of fighting I want to focus on the bridge story. I like the idea that somethings was impossible to them, but then they found a solution. I monkey named Nala is able to make rocks float on the water. Then bam! They all work together to build a pretty sweet bridge. I think I could work with a bridge building story. Maybe the humans building a bridge to the gods? I'm not sure just yet I am trying to be creative.

I also like the story of the giant brother attacking and eating everyone. I could write a story about bugs at war with a dog or something like that.

Attack

Reference: Buck Ramayana

Reading Diary A: Buck's Ramayana

Well this is now week three of reading Buck's Ramayana. The stories that I already know are fairly boring. This part includes the story of the monkey going to see Sita. Sita is in a garden and is safe. The monkey returns to Rama to let him know Sita is safe.

What I found interesting about this story was the information about Hanuman. The mountain rising from the water to let Hanuman rest was an odd story. What was more interesting was the story of the demon coming out of the water to swallow Hanuman. I don't remember this story at all. Hanuman ends up crushing the heart of the demon and getting out through the ear which is weird. I also did not know that Hanuman turned into a cat. This part is a little confusing for me. So he turns into a cat, but Lanka, the island, turns into a human and kicks him. Turns out there is some prophesy about a monkey coming. Strange.

Hanuman and Demon

I'm not sure exactly if there is a story with any of this. But I could work with Hanuman.

Buck's Ramayana

Storytelling for Week 11: Billy and the Punk

The news title read, "WARNING BOY STEALS DOGS WITH NO WARNING." He continued to read the story. Turns out there is a punk kid who just walks up to people, grabs the leash of their dogs from their hands, and runs.

"I'm not going to lie, this seems a bit odd. I mean not that I would steal a dog, but if I were to steal a dog, or anything for that matter, I would be sneakier about it. According to the paper no one has seen the kids face because he is so quick. I'm not worried though. No punk kid is gonna sneak one past this guy. "

So he went on his usual walk with his corgi Kix. Kix is a beautiful little corgi. Those things are like full grown big dogs on mini dog legs. Anyway, he took Kix to Central Park. It is a beautiful time of the year, although Kix has a problem with trying to run off an chase birds.

Corgi

After about an hour he figured Kix was tired and it was time to go. Out of no where he felt a gust of wind and the leash was pulled right out of his hand.

"Ah crap," he though.

So he began chasing after the punk. The punk didn't know that he had stolen the dog of Billy Sams. Billy Sams is no ordinary guy. He currently holds the gold medal in an Olympic running race. Needless to say, Billy was faster. He caught up to the punk, grabbed him by the shirt collar and said, "Your time dog stealing is up my friend."

The punk looked at him started to cry.
"I didn't want this life you know? I was meant to do better things than this. I wanted to be a vet growing up because I love animals. That's why I take dogs. I also take cats occasionally. I don't do anything mean to the dogs, I just love them. All of them are at my house. Are you going to turn me into the police?"
"No, I'm not. I want you to understand you did something wrong, you know? I'm gonna take those dogs from you, tell the newspaper I heard them barking and found them all behind some building, or something. Then I'll tell the newspaper I'll be at the park with the dogs, so the owners can come get them. But, I want you to be at the park with me and see the owners reunite with their dogs."

So they did just that. The punk and Billy gave back the dogs, and the police never found out who stole them. Billy and the punk became close friends. Billy wasn't married and didn't have any kids, so the punk became like his own son. A few years down the road, the punk became the vet.

Author's Note: I was inspired by the story of Sita being kidnapped by Viradha in the Ramayana. To me the episode was odd. Rama and Sita were just talking and then Viradha came and took Sita. I wanted to take the randomness from my story and change it up a bit. That is why I have a kid taking dogs with out a lot of warning. I wanted it to seem very random. I also like happy endings, so I wanted to kid to end up having a good life. Sometimes we just need to invest in others, then we can change their lives. I hope you enjoy the story.

Bibliography:
Ramayana by Buck. 2000.

Reading Diary B: Buck's Ramayana

Again as I was reading this I felt that there were stories that I didn't read before. So it was nice to read those new stories although I found some of them confusing. I always wandered why Ravana didn't just rape Sita. I didn't know that his head would explode if he raped another woman. This was a plot hole for me in the first book that I read. At first I could understand Rama's doubts that Sita didn't sleep with Ravana. But now that I know his story it makes it different. I wonder if someone would have told Rama that Ravana could not rape Sita, then the ending with Sita would have turned out differently. But then I could see how Rama would still be concerned if Sita gave in to Ravana convincing her. He clearly doesn't trust his wife.

Sita

Reference: Buck's Ramayana

Reading Diary A: Buck's Ramayana

I feel like this version includes a few more stories that the other story did not include. Now given, it has been awhile since I have read a version of the Ramayana, so I might have forgotten these stories. An example of a story that I do not believe I heard before is the story of the demon Viradha. While Rama is telling this story to Sita, a demon comes and takes her. I personally find that crazy. Imagine, just sitting and telling a story to your wife and a demon comes up and kidnaps her right in front of your eyes. This might make for a good story. Anyways the story ends with the demon dying. We also have the story again of the girl trying to seduce Rama and him turning her down and her attacking Sita and going and tell her brother about Sita. That is a good story I might be able to focus on to.

Killing of Viradha

Reference: Buck's Ramayana

Week 10 Storytelling: The Greatest of Them All

"Welcome heroes and heroines to the "Greatest of Them All Showcase." Tonight our showcase begins with a bow. A bow is a significant weapon in many cultures, but tonight it is the star item of our showcase! If you know heroes, then you know who I am calling onto the stage tonight. Great Odysseus and Rama come to the stage."

The crowd went wild. These are two of the greatest heroes of all time and they were about to go head to head in this epic show case.

*The stage dims*

"So Rama let's start with you. Tell us your story."
"Let me start off by saying it's an honor to be here Steve. My story begins with a girl."

*The crowd laughs*

"I know don't all great stories begin with a girl" Rama laughed. "Now let's see, yes, I saw this beautiful woman and wanted to be with her. Viswamithra wanted me and my brother to see the bow of Janaka. This bow was very large and was from Shiva. In order for me to marry his daughter, I had to string and shoot this bow."
"So, Rama, why do you deserve to be considered greater than Odysseus?"
"Because I didn't just string the bow. I broke it in two."

*Audience cheers loudly"

"Thank you, Rama, you may return to your seat."
"Odysseus, join me at the front of the stage. Now tell us your story."
"Thanks for having me, Steve. I came home from the Trojan War to find a lot of suitors going after me wife."

*Audience gasps*

"I know. So I was dressed as a beggar. There was a competition to string my personal bow and shoot it through twelve ax heads in a row. I'm not sure if you have ever shot a bow through and ax head before, but it is difficult. I not only shot the bow and shot it through twelve ax heads, but I also killed all the suitors. "

*Audience cheers loudly*

"Thank you Odysseus and thank you Rama. Well, audience, now it is time for you to take a vote. Who do you think is the greater of these two heroes with a bow. Who will be crowned the greatest of them all!"

*Audience looks down and begins writing*

"Find out after this commercial break if the hero of Ancient Greek Epics or the hero of Indian Epics will win this showcase."

Author's Note:
I read Buck's Ramayana  this week. When I was originally coming up with an idea for a storybook I wanted to combine heroes from Ancient Greek Epics with Indian Epic heroes. Instead I went with a Portfolio. I wanted to play a tribute to that original idea I had though. I wanted to but Odysseus and Rama against each other. They are both very similar and very different. One of the ways they are similar is seen in the bow, so I wanted to make a play on that story. I had a lot of fun writing this and I hope you enjoy it.

Bibliography:
Ramayana by William Buck. 2000.

Pictures:
Rama
Odysseus

Reading Diary B: Buck's Ramayana

Again I love reading the Ramayana again, especially in this perspective. In this reading I'm really trying to focus on stories I might have overlooked in the first two times I focused on the Ramayana. I like the story of the one mom using her promises of the king to prevent Rama from being the successor. Her servant is the one convincing her to do this. I think I could right a story about the little devil living on your shoulder and making you do things you don't want to. Our the Kenny Chesney song "Demons" would be a great tie in here.

Banishing Rama

The language of the animal story was interesting I'm not sure if it was in the other stores of the Ramayana that I have read, but if it has been I didn't think it was that important. It is definitely an interesting story that I could work with.

Then again the death of Rama's dad is incredibly sad. In a weird way it reminds me of the story of Oedipus Rex. I don't know maybe I could make a tie in with that story.

Ramayana Reading Guide

Reading Diary A: Buck's Ramayana

It is so nice to be reading the Ramayana again. I have really enjoyed working with this story this semester and I am excited to continue to explore it in Buck's version. I like the opening address, I think it is a good way to introduce the Ramayana. I think this could be a good storytelling technique. I think it is funny that Sauti has just finished telling the Mahabharata, and will now talk about the Ramayana, which we have read both.

I like the way the story begins with Balmiki having to go help Sita. I think about the movie I watched where the poet teaches Rama's boys about him and the boys sing essentially a nursery rhyme about him. Now the story of Rama begins.

I find origen stories and stories that have long beginnings boring so this part of the book was hard to read.

Let's see I like the story of Ahalya. I liked it the first time I read the Ramayana. I think this is a good foreshadowing of all the good Rama is going to do.

My favorite part of this reading was, no surprise, when Rama marries Sita. Rama and the bow story reminds me of Odysseus when he returns to his home and the suitors are there. I could maybe write a story comparing those two.

Bow of Shiva

Reading Guide: Ramayana Reading Guide

Storytelling Week 9: No Mother Should Have to Bury Her Child

Dear Daily Gazette, 

No mother should have to bury her child. Can you think of anything more tragic? Children should always outlive both of their parents. This is the natural order, but sometimes war happens. Sometimes war destroys the natural order. Today I had a memorial for my son. 

I gave birth to six beautiful boys. They were all perfectly healthy and very strong. My eldest was the most ambitious, so he moved to the North to be a big business man. My other five sons remained down here in the South with me, although they all moved to different states. I've got one in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. If I were to be completely honest, I never wanted my eldest to go to the North. We do things differently here in the South, and I didn't think that he would adjust well to life up there. I was afraid he would change, but through his letters I learned that he really did enjoy living in the North. He had found his new home. 

I got six letters when this stupid war began from my sons telling me that they were going to war. The problem was I couldn't take a side. I know I live in the South and I should side with the South, but my eldest was fighting for the North. How can I be against one my sons? 

A letter came in the mail about a month ago. It was from a man I didn't know, but he said he knew my son. He told me my eldest son was dead. He was so young. He didn't deserve to die. Growing up he was the sweetest little boy and he was so good to his younger brothers. You see, I lost my husband after my last son was born so my eldest had to step up and be there for his brothers. I would have freed all my slaves willingly if it could have prevented the war. Some people tell me that I am lucky because I still have five other healthy sons. That doesn't make the loss of my eldest easier. No mother should have to bury her son. 

The memorial was beautiful. I buried a box of all his favorite things as a kid in the backyard of our home. It's a miracle we still have this house, but that's a story for another time. All of his brothers came down for this event because they loved their brother. In the end those Southern boys and now dead Northern boy were still family. 

This is the reason why I am writing this letter. To hopefully remind a few of you Southerners that the North is still our family. The United States are just that, united. I know you will call me unpatriotic for saying this, but the dead never die in vain. Really they were both fighting for unity, just two different kinds. Brothers and Sisters, it is time to be a family again. 

Let us be kind to our Northern brothers staying here in the South. Let us open our doors and show them warmth. Let us bury our dead in pride. Let us be stronger than we have ever been and unite with the North. We lost the war, but we still have hope for another day. 
Sincerely, 
A Mother

Author's Note: 
So today I decided to explore the idea of a mother having to bury their child after a war. This sadly is a scenario that has been faced throughout history. I feel like it is an incredibly relatable topic, and a sad one at that. I was inspired by the death of Karna, who was the son of Surya and Kunti. He is a brother of the Pandavas, but not a Pandava himself. This is a story from the Mahabharata. I know in the Civil War family members were fighting family members, so I wanted to place my story in this time frame. I wanted to explore the emotions that a mother might have felt if she had sons fighting on both sides. Although I do not know if a mother had sons fighting on both sides, I believe it is highly likely. I enjoyed writing this story, but it was also hard to write. It was hard to give voice to something that I have no personal experience with. It was hard to find the words to use to express that much pain. War is such a horrible reality. I hope you enjoy my story and the emotion behind it. 

Picture Info: Civil War

Bibliography: Peter Brook's Mahabharata 1989

Reading B: Brook Mahabharata

The like ten men all stabbing the boy at once was a lot extreme. At least the regret killing the boy. The deathless boy is a little confusing. Now the non pandas are doubting that they will win the war. Someones dad was born for a life a peace but he chose war, that was his error. Then his son goes to fight someone. Total fail.  Owl killing crows in sleep story is interesting.

It is always sad when a mom has to see that their child has died. No mother should have to bury their child. I could write a story about this. About the tragedy of was. Oh and now the Pandas just find out that he was one of the brothers. He swore to spare all the brothers but one, so that the mom would still have five sons. How sad.

I like the narrators interacting with Krishna and Krishna telling the story of his death before he dies. I think this would be an interesting story technique, but I think I would have a hard time executing this idea.

Military Cemetery

Reference: Reading Guide

Reading Diary A: Brook Mahabharata

So the fighting has begun. I still just have a really hard time with this story. I miss the Ramayana. I thought if I continued the movie I would like the story more. I still don't. The one part of this part of the movie that I liked was when the one brother tricked the man that he was a woman about to sleep with him then he killed him. That was an entertaining scene.

I liked the one guy having a break down about his mother leaving him in the river and abandoning him. I could potentially right a story about that. I am just having a hard time finding the words to say about this story. Just having a hard time. But I think I will watch this scene again and try to write a story with it because I think I can work with it. Explore the emotions of the abandoned man. 

Reference: 

Mahabharata Reading Guide

Picture:
Fighting

Reading Plan

My reading plan for the rest of the semester is as follows.

Week 9: Finish Brook's Mahabharata (Week 2)

Week 10: Buck's Ramayana (Week 1)

Week 11: Buck's Ramayana (Week 2)

Week 12: Buck's Ramayana (Week 3)

Week 13: Buck's Ramayana (Week 4)

Week 14: Public Domain Ramayana (Week 1) 

Ramayana by Buck

Reflections: Looking Forward

In regards to writing, I want to be more diverse in my writing style. I also have noticed a common problem with grammar that I really want to make an effort to improve on. Furthermore, I want to really try to work ahead. It is so hard for me to work ahead right now because I am applying to law school, graduating this semester, and getting married all within this school year. I have a lot on my plate so it is hard to get ahead in all of my classes, but I want to work on it. I have been working on this class at home and I still want to do that in the future. But I wan to also make more time to work on the extra credit assignments.

We Can Do It

Reflections: Looking Back

I have had a really fun time writing for this class. I have had fun exploring different writing styles. My absolute favorite story that I have written is the first story of my portfolio Till Death Do Us Part. From this story I decided to focus on stories that weren't explored clearly in the text.

My favorite reading has been the Ramayana and I really liked the movie Sita Sings the Blues. That movie really left a big impression on me. This story inspired me to explore a possible different ending for the Ramayana. I learned that I prefer stories with a little romance and are about more than just fighting.

Writing

I haven't ever done an online class before, so this has been a new experience for me. But I have really enjoyed getting to know people online through this class. I also really like reading the different stories online.

I normally work on the class Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. I will usually work an hour or two each of those days. I have used this schedule the entire semester and it works for me.

I think one of the most important things that I have learned is that I am capable of being creative and writing well.

Storytelling Week 7: The Cycle of the Sun

She was outside of her comfort zone and was somewhere she wouldn't normally have been: a party. She was a bookworm to say the least. Her friends had forced her to come out for the night because they believed she needed to socialize and meet new people. Needless to say, she wasn't having a good time. Everyone was incredibly intoxicated, and then someone spilt booze all over her shirt. That's when she saw him standing in the corner. He was tall and well built like a steady oak tree. He had dark features but his eyes radiated like the sun. He was also handsome, and in her mind he was way too handsome to talk to her. But then he did.

He came right up to her, looked her in the eye and introduced himself. "My name is James." His voice was deep and almost poetic.
"My name is Carol," she replied.
James and Carol spent the night making fun of all the drunk kids and had a wonderful time together.

"It's almost morning. I'm going to need to leave to go get some sleep," Carol said.
"Let me walk you home," James said.

James walked Carol home. They stopped for a moment on the beach to admire the rising sun. They embraced the warmth of its colors. The reds and oranges washed over their bodies and became to brighten the blues in the sky.

"This is beauty," Carol said.
"Yes, it is," James said, looking right at her.

James and Carol spent the next week at each other's side. Completely inseparable. Some might say they had fallen in love. But there was one problem.

"I'm not a student," James said.
"What do you mean?" Carol said, as she took another sip of her coffee.
"I'm not a student. I lied to you to make you like me. Truth is I'm not from here. I'm the son of a sailor. I leave port tomorrow to return to Ireland. I didn't want to lie to you, but I'm just a sailor. How could someone like you ever like me?"
"James, I don't care what you are or where you are from. Let me come with you. Let me be with you. I'd give it all up for you."
"No, Carol, you can't. I can't have you give up your dreams. This is your life. Mine is on the ocean."

Carol looked him in the eyes but didn't know what to say. After a few long moments she said, "I need to go home now."
James replied, "Let me walk you home one last time."

As they walked home the sun began to set. They stopped for a moment to reflect on everything that they had shared that past week. The reds and oranges began to sink beneath the ground and the darkness of night overtook it. They said goodbye and knew they would never meet again.

The next day James woke before the sun rose. He knew his dad would want to set sail before the day truly began. He put on his sea-worn robes and headed to the dock. As they pulled away from the dock, James faced the direction where sun was supposed to rise. He waited to see the red and orange. He wanted to feel the warmth of the sun like that first sun rise with Carol. But it never came. It was cloudy day that day. And the sun was hidden behind the clouds and all James saw was grey.

Author's Note:
So although this might be a stretch, I was inspired by the story of Hidimbi and Bhima. Bhima is one of the five brothers in the Mahabharata. A rakshasa sends his sister Hidimbi to kill them, but instead she falls in love. She changes from her true form into a beautiful woman. They get married, have a son, but then she leaves to another world. I wanted to write about an encounter like this. I wanted to explore the idea of two people meeting, quickly falling in love, one hiding their true identity, and then they are forced to leave to the separate life that they know. I'm in a Spanish literature class right now and we have read a lot of stories that focus on color, so I decided to really focus this story on the sun and the colors it brings. I have learned in my Spanish class that color can really bring a lot of emotions forward, so I wanted to experiment with that. I had a lot of fun writing this story. Focusing on an inanimate object as a source for inspiration is something I haven't done before, so I enjoyed experimenting. I hope you enjoy my story!

Bibliography: Peter Brook's Mahabharata 1989

Picture Information:
1. Sunrise Wikimedia Commons
2. Sunset Wikimedia Commons
3. Grey Sky Pixabay

Reading Diary B: Peter Brook's Mahabharata

Alright a lot went on during this part of the movie. I liked the gambling match and how the robe of their wife went on and on. The men weren't able to abuse her. I thought the story of the one brother meeting the monster woman in the wilderness and killing her brother was interesting. There might be a story to write with that. Maybe a chance encounter with a stranger and they aren't who they say they are, then they are forced to only love for a short time because that person must return to their original life.

Again the water test is interesting. The answering the questions from the lake. I really enjoyed this part of the movie but I think it is too complex to write a story about.

But yes, now as I am reflecting on what I have watched over the past two days I think writing a story of a chance love encounter would be the best option. Maybe give them the names of the original characters in the story, or maybe not. Maybe I can even talk about the person who had to leave's feelings after they left. Then I would be able to stay in the theme of the stories that were untold. I'm pretty excited about this story, it appears to go along with the idea of star crossed lovers. This is always a fun topic to work with. In a way the remind me of Romeo and Juliet.

Wikipedia Star Crossed Lovers

Reference: Peter Brook's Mahabharata Reading Guide

Reading Diary A: Peter Brook's Mahabharata

So I am watching the movie this week. It is actually pretty good. I like the fact that in the beginning the guy is telling this as a story to be recorded. I think this is a really interesting story technique. Throughout the movie the original three characters will talk to each other. This makes this story more approachable because I really didn't like the novel version. I think I could write a story about the girl having 5 husbands and how she feels about it.

Someone in the story said it was a double negative because one of the brothers liked gambling but he was very bad for it. I don't know what I can do with this but I liked this saying.

Gambling

I started watching the dice match although I wasn't supposed to until tomorrow and I stopped right in the middle of it. So there is a lot of suspense which I think I could work with. But I think I want to write a story about a gambling match and losing everything.

Reference:
Peter Brook's Mahabharata Reading Guide

Storytelling Week 6: Piper

"Hey, Joan! Throw that bag of marshmallows over here!" Jim shouted.
"Ok daddy!"

Jim felt it was necessary to take his kids out to the woods for the weekend. They were too "techy" and it was getting harder and harder for Jim to relate to them.

"Dad I'm bored." Junior said, as he sat slouching in a red lawn chair.
"Well how about I tell you a story." Said Jim.
"Oh I love stories daddy!" Said Joan.

"There once lived a very wealthy man. A man who had so much money that he was never in need and had everything he could ever want. Except this man did have something he needed; his dog Piper. Piper was his only remaining friend. "

"All of his family and friends didn't want to be around him because of his love of money. Now there were a lot of people who were jealous of the man's wealth and wanted to take it for themselves. But they didn't know how. They tried stealing his money, but that didn't work because he kept his money hidden. They had to come up with something creative. So one day the bad people walked into his backyard and stole Piper while she was asleep in her dog house. They called the man and told him that they had Piper and would return her once he gave them all of his money. But the man didn't want to give up his money. So, he lied and only gave the bad men a little portion of his massive wealth. The bad men knew he was lying so they called back and told the man that they had killed Piper, even though they really hadn't. The wealthy man was so upset that he just lay on his floor in his massive mansion. The bad men came and stole everything he had. He didn't move, he just laid on the floor. One day Piper came home. The men had let her go and she found her way back. The once wealthy man rejoiced and was never without his dog again."

"Wow dad that was an awful story." Said Junior.
Joan agreed.
"But there is a moral to this story. You two are so attached to your phones and iPads that you might miss the opportunity to be with someone you love when they need you. You need to give people your full attention not just a portion of it."

The kids didn't give up technology that day. To be honest they never gave up their technology, but they began to spend more time with their family and loved ones. They began to reengage in life.

Author's Note: 
For this story I was inspired by the death of Drona. Although my story follows a somewhat different line of events, Drona was still the inspiration. I really had a hard time finding inspiration in the Mahabharata and this story was hard to write. So essentially I tried to give a moral to the story and add a family who is out camping.

Bibliography:
The Mahabharata by R.K. Narayan Web Source Reading Guide

Photo:
Old Time Farm Shepherd Wikipedia

Reading Diary B: Narayan's Mahabharata

Lots of dying and lots of killing. I just don't love stories that have this much war and violence in them. I just didn't feel like there was anything else to the story. One by one the brothers dye. I don't think I should find the story of Krishna's death humorous but I did. Who mistakes someone's feet as birds feet. I just think that is strange. I don't think there is a story there for me.

Depiction of the Mahabharata

Wikimedia Commons

Maybe what I can do is work with Parikshit. He carries on the Pandava line. He is th eking of Hastinapura. Maybe I can tell either his story. I could also do a bed time story when he is a young child and tell the story of the Pandavas, or at least part of the story. I don't think this book overall gave me a lot to work with in my theme which is disappointment. I wasn't able to connect with this characters.

Maybe I could tell a grieving story. There is a lot of grief in this story, so maybe I can tell how one of them is coping with it. Maybe I could change the setting to a woman who has lost a husband at war and is left behind with his children. I could have the military send her a letter of what happened and work with that.

Reference:
Mahabharata Reading Guide

Reading Diary A: Narayan's Mahabharata

So overall, I am still just having a hard time connecting with this story as I did with the Ramayana. I found the story of the brothers going to the lake interesting. Impatience got most of them killed, but in the end it was a test. I'm not sure how I can use that story with the theme of my portfolio but maybe there is something there. 

I also like the story of essentially the rape of Draupadi. What I found interesting was the first husband that she went to didn't really help her at all or take interest in what happened to her. I also thought it was interested that the queen was concerned with her wellbeing, I don't imagine queens being worried about something like this.

Kichaka and Draupadi

Wikipedia

I want to find something in this story to get excited about and it just hasn't happened for me yet. In the first story I mentioned I like the fact that the brothers are brought back to life again and all of them are blessed. I personally would have just blessed the brother who did what he was supposed to but not the others. One thing I liked about the Ramayana was that there was a break between all the pain and fighting, there was always something exciting going on. But this story is very depressing. Make I can work with the depressing feeling a make a story out of it.

Reference:
Mahabharata Reading Guide

Thoughts About Comments

As I went through the various comments that have been left for me, I noticed that the most helpful ones were the most critical. I mean it is nice to have people praise what I have written, but I would rather have someone read it critically and help me improve. The most interesting comments have been the ones that have been personally. Whether the commenter had something personal to say in regards to my story or about themselves, those are the most interesting. I think I have done an alright job with my comments. I'm afraid to say anything negative about the writing of other people, but I need to begin helping others because I want to be helped myself. Overall, I know I can do a better job.

Storytelling for Week 5: My Wife is a Psychopath

"Hello, you must be Mr. Shantanu. My name is Dr. Smith, and my speciality is relationship counseling. How my I help you?"

Mr. Shantanu looked the doctor straight in the eye and said, "I am married to a psychopath."

Mr. Shantanu didn't plan on marrying a psychopath, but I guess no one ever does. When the new client said this, Dr. Smith didn't know whether he should believe Mr. Shantanu or not. Mr. Shantanu had all the physical signs that he was telling the truth. He wasn't fidgeting, sweating, or avoiding eye contact, but his story just seemed too strange to be real.

"Well, Doc, a couple of years ago I lived in this old log cabin. It was a beautiful place, but I had to always go out and get fire wood. One day while I was cutting firewood I saw a beautiful woman. She didn't seem like she was from this world because she was so beautiful."
"What did you do?" Dr. Smith asked.
"What another young man would do if he saw a pretty girl. I walked right up and introduced myself. She looked at me and said, 'I'm not interested in formalities such as these. What is it exactly that you want?' I replied by saying, 'I want you and nothing but you for the rest of my life.' I was so nervous about what she would say next."
"What did she say next?" The doctor questioned.
"She said, 'Fine, I will marry you, but you must promise to never question what I do.' I was completely shocked because I didn't formally propose, but, hey, she agreed to marry me. Needless to say, I was thrilled. So thrilled, in fact, that I didn't think twice about her rule."

"I don't see what the problem is in your relationship. Her rule is indeed strange, but some woman enjoy their privacy."
"I'm not done yet, Doc. I honestly forgot her promise she made me make. After the honeymoon phase of our relationship was over and life began, I remembered her promise. I couldn't think of a reason why she would say such a thing. During those first few month of marriage I hadn't seen anything that was worth questioning her about. She was normal. In fact, she was wonderful."

Dr. Smith sat intently, but he still wasn't able to see what the problem was in his client's marriage. His client continued, "She became pregnant and I was thrilled. I had always wanted children, and I knew she was going to be a wonderful mother. We endured the pregnancy together and were so happy. Then she gave birth to an absolutely stunning child."
Mr. Shantanu shed a tear of joy as he remembered this joyful time. "This was the happiest day of my life. But I had been up all night during the child birth and decided to take a nap. When I woke up I found my wife sleeping peacefully and the baby missing. I woke her and said, 'Hey, sweetheart, where is our child?' 'In the river,' she said. I was completely shocked. Before I could start questioning her further, she added, 'You promised not to question me. You must stay true to your word. Our child is dead and there shall be no more questions about it.' That's all she had to say."

The doctor was completely silent. He looked at Mr. Shantanu, but didn't have the words to say.
"I just kept wondering who was this woman I married? I mean how could she kill our own child? She seemed so lovely. I just don't understand how something like this could happen. But there is nothing I can do. My firstborn is gone."

It took a few minutes for Mr. Shantanu to compose himself before he continued. "This has happened six other times, Doc. Every time she gives birth, she gets up, takes the child to the river, drowns them and then returns with a smile on her face. But there is nothing I can do about it. I promised I wouldn't question her. Now she is pregnant with our eighth child and I don't want to see this happen again."

The doctor looked him in the eyes and gave him sincere advice. "Mr. Shantanu, this is a problem I have never faced before. I am almost speechless. Clearly we have a lot to unpack with this situation. But for starters, sir, your wife is a murderer. We need to address this issue first in the concern of your eighth child. You and I have doctor-patient confidentiality, so I can't report your wife's behavior. Mr. Shantanu, you need to begin thinking about how turning your wife into the police might be your only way to save your eighth child."
Mr. Shantanu was silent for a few moments then said, "Well, Doc, I'm not sure I can do that yet. But I'll go home and think about it and see you next week."


Author's Note:
This was a story that was briefly told in the Mahabharata. In my opinion, the story was too brief. I wanted to know more about this story, especially how King Shantanu was handling the situation, so I decided to explore the emotions of King Shantanu. Instead of calling him King I decided to call him Mister in order to place him in a more modern time frame. This story isn't a situation that we see in our modern time, but I think that adds to the suspense of the story. I also think it adds to his feeling that his wife is a psychopath. But I also wanted to stay fairly true to the original story. In the original story this "crazy woman" was a goddess named Ganga. She became incarnate as  a human to help the Vasus, gods who are punished to be born as humans. She helped them by killing them as soon as they were born, but her husband was kept in the dark about all this.  I didn't want to add a lot of glitz and glam, just focus on the emotion part of it. That is why I wanted to bring in a counselor. They focus on people's emotions so I thought that would be a good way to help focus my story. Overall, this story was a lot of fun to write and I really enjoyed exploring the emotions. Instead of focusing on the main story of the Mahabharata, I focused on a smaller story and tried to expand on it.

Bibliography:
The Mahabharata by R.K. Narayan Web Source: Reading Guide

Picture:
River Web source: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Diary B: Narayan's Mahabharata

I'm still having a hard time with this story. I'm having a hard time finding anything I enjoy in it yet. And I think that is because I am having such a hard time keeping all the characters straight. I am mostly drawn to the stories about Draupadi. I think a lot can be written about having 5 husbands. Like how Arjuna was exiled after intruding on Yudhishthira and Draupadi during the year she was married to him. I think you could write a story about this but with someone having 5 possessions. Like having 5 kittens.

So eventually then get a city and Yudhishthira is the king. They have like a hall for optical illusions and make fun of Duryohana. Which probably wasn't the smartest choice.

Yudhishthira is challenged to a game of dice. Loses everyone. Then he gambles Draupadi although she is on her time of the month. I like the story of her robe. She ends up getting three wishes. She wishes for Yudhishthira to be free, then her other four husbands to be free. She declines a third wish. At this point I would wish to be out of there.

They go back and gamble. Maybe write about gambling problems and then they are exiled again. They get an endless supply of food in a copper bowl from Surya.

Arjuna turns down the advances of Urvashi. So he is now a eunuch, but in the end it is supposed to be a blessing.

Urvashi Curses Anjurna

Wikimedia Commons

Overall, I had a hard time following this part of the book. I hope I begin to enjoy the story more.

Reference:
Mahabharata Reading Guide

Reading Diary A: Narayan's Mahabharata

I understand that this is the start of a new book but I am having a hard time keeping all the characters straight. So there is Dhritarashtra the blind one. Pandu the pale one. And Vindura the one without a flaw. Pandu is cursed and one of his wives has a mantra to get to sleep with the gods. She did a trial run and had a child with the Sun God named Karna, she puts him in a river.

Pandu gets Yudhishthira (Yama and Kunti), Bhima (Vayu and Kunti), Arjuna (Indra and Kunti) and Shadeva and Nakula (twins from Ashwins and Madri)

Pandu sleeps with Madri and both die.

They go to live with Dhritarashtra. They have problem with their cousins (I think there is like a hundred of them). They all get trained. Then there is the contest to show off their skills and Karna comes and challenges Arjuna. I think Karna is the first son, the one of the son god.

Pandavas exiled, their family tries to kill them, they escape through a hole in the ground.

Ok I think I understand the story from here.

Draupadi and her 5 husbands

Wikipedia

I think the story of Draupadi is an interesting one. She now has to share five husbands which hasn't happened before. I wonder what her thought process was. I wonder if she was happy or upset that this was her fate. I know she used to be Nalayani and was married to a sage and he slept with her as five different men. But he left and she prayed and now that's why in this life she has five husbands. But does she know about her other life? If she doesn't then I can imagine her being upset about this whole ordeal. But I'm not 100% sure.

Reference:
Narayan's Mahabharata

Storytelling Week 4: What Happened to Sita?

On this episode of the Ramayana we pick up where we left off last week. After last week's episode you took to the internet leaving thousands of comments. You wanted to know was that really the end of Ramayana. You were angry at us and thought that was the end. Well we are here to tell you tonight that the story isn't over. Welcome back folks let's begin.

Narrator: When we left Sita she had just proven her faithfulness to Rama by returning to the womb of Mother Earth. We pick up now with Sita in the realm of the gods with Mother Earth.

Sita: Mother Earth, I know I should feel so happy, being in the realm of the gods but I miss Rama so much. He was my everything. And I look down on the other humans in relationships like Rama and I's and I want to help. I don't want them to suffer like I did.
Mother Earth: Sita my child, you are of such pure heart. I know you miss Rama, but he did not see your purity. But you can't stay here with us forever, so we want to give you a job.
Sita: A job?
Mother Earth: Yes a job. We want you to go to the human world and be the intervener.
Sita: What do you mean?
Mother Earth: Go to the heart broken couples Sita, the ones who are grieve stricken and guide them. The humans will respect you, they will know who you are. Everyone will know who you are. Now go. Return after every couple in the world has been healed.

Narrator: With that Sita was gone. She flew done to earth like a falling star. She went to couple after couple in every corner of the earth to help them with their pained relationships. She enjoyed her job at first. But as the weeks began to pass things became unbearable.

Sita: Oh Rama! Why couldn't you have believed me? I worshiped you! I never looked at any man aside from you!

Narrator: Sita wept every night. There was nothing that could ease her pain. Her tears brought a year long rainy season all across the world. But one day Sita ran across a couple named Sarah and Benjamin. She had come to fix their problems. Sarah had cheated on Benjamin and Sita knew that Benjamin was going to leave her or do something worse, so she was coming to intervene. But before she could intervene she listened to their conversation.

Benjamin: Sarah, I know what you did. What you did broke my heart.
Sarah: Benjamin, I am so sorry! I love you and I didn't mean to do it! It'll never happen again, I promise.
Benjamin: I appreciate your promise Sarah, but...
Sarah: No Benjamin don't do this!

Narrator: Sita was about to stop the fight when all of a sudden Benjamin said.

Benjamin: Sarah I know you didn't mean it. I know you won't do it again. The road from here won't be easy, but we are worth it. I love you with all of my heart and I will not let you go. We can work through this. We might crash in the end, that depends on how much work we both but into this, but I'm willing to commit if you are.

Narrator: Sita was in shock.

Sita: How can a man say something like that? How can he forgive her? She actually cheated on him. I didn't even cheat on Rama and he still wanted nothing to do with me. I was the most loyal and pure woman to ever walk to earth. Why couldn't he trust me like Benjamin trusts Sarah?

Narrator: Sita's perspective of Rama changed after that. She respected him as the father of her two sons and she would always love him for that, but she stopped crying. The world experienced peace and abundance that was unprecedented. Now you might be wandering what happened to Rama. He was doing well. Married someone new and they had a few children together. But one day they had a terrible fight and the intervener came.

Sita: Hello, my name is Sita I have been sent by the gods on a special...Rama?
Rama: Sita?
Sita: I didn't know that I was coming to help you. Who is this?
Rama: This is my wife Rebecca. Sita I have so much I want to say to you. I still love you, I should have never doubted you. I should have known you would always be true to me. I was a fool.
Rebecca: Excuse me?
Sita: Rama, Rebecca I am here to help you both. But to do that I need to say something to Rama first. Rama you are right. You should have known. You shouldn't have tested me the first time with the fire and you shouldn't have tested me a second time. But now you don't get to test me anymore. Rama I loved you and now I have forgiven you. I have nothing but the highest regard for you, but I honestly deserve better than you. So, let me do my job and help you and your wife. Learn from your mistakes and be better to her.

Sita

Narrator: So Sita gave Rama and Rebecca advice and they had a beautiful marriage. Sita was able to watch both of her sons get married and have successful relationships. Sita never remarried. But she was happy. There was always a new couple to help and Sita was never lonely. She found what her heart truly desired.

Author's Note: 
My reading for this week was the movie Sita Sings the Blues. This movie had a slightly modern twist to it so I wanted to add more modern flare to this story. I again wanted to focus on Sita. I wrote my story as if it were a story in a television series and I wanted to tell the story of what happened to Sita after Rama. I honestly don't picture Sita doing this, but it would be cool if she did. I think she should stand up for herself and this was my way of exploring that idea.

Bibliography:
Sita Sings the Blues. Nina Paley. 2008. Web.

Reading Diary B: Sita Sings the Blues

What a great little movie. I am so sad it's over. The last part of the watching of the movie wasn't as good as the firsts, but that might be because most of the action happened in the first.

I like that you could see either regret or sympathy on the man's face who took Sita to the woods. Made me think he might do something different aside from leaving her there.

Sita Sings the Blues

I really don't like that after everything Sita went through and everything she did to prove herself that Rama still didn't trust her. It might just be that I live in a different culture but he just seems to completely mistreat her. I saw Rama as this great just man, but he mistreats and distrusts his wife. Again this negative feeling might be because I live in a different culture.

I do like though the one tear that Rama sheds for Sita. Maybe he did love her through it all, but wanted to be a noble ruler. Although I think a ruler should be able to make up his own mind. Why didn't he just convince the people that Sita was pure. It seems like he didn't even try. But the tear was a nice part.

I finally figured out that the weird story about the couple was used because she would one day write the movie. What a unique idea. I want to experiment with writing a parallel story that doesn't seem to relate but in the end it does relate.

Reference:
Sita Sings the Blues

Reading Diary A: Sita Sings the Blues

Well I don't know actually what I was expecting form this video but I see the story in a whole new light! I love getting to see Sita more in this story. One thing that I have noticed is that Rama's fame and glory hasn't really been explained as well as in the book. So, at times Rama just seems like a hot-shot instead of the respectable character that he is.

Like I previously stated I really enjoy getting to explore Sita more. I tried to explore a story in her point of view last week, so it is nice to see a different potential point of view for her. I don't think that I knew before that the bridge to Lanka built by Rama is "still there today". To me this is really cool. I might want to work with this story.

Sita Sings the Blues

I like that Sita sings the blues. This is a modern twist on a myth and I really think it is a creative way to enhance this story. Just a side note, I really don't understand the role of the couple from San Francisco. I am not sure if they will reveal something or if they have any other significant role in the film yet.

Oh I also like all the different drawing styles, I think this is an inspiration for all the different writing styles I can play around with.

Reference:
Sita Sings the Blues