Monday, November 30, 2015

Growth Mindset: Week 13



Change: Blogspot
I feel like this meme is appropriate for this time period in my life and in the coming months/years. I am about to graduate this December and with that comes huge changes to my life and everything I’ve known for my entire educational career. During school I have had to work and from work and school I have learned the things that I do not like, which has been baby steps leading to what would truly make me happy. I think that with anything in life if you are not happy or not satisfied with your life you have to take baby steps to change and it will eventually lead you to the life you want. If you sit placid and simply content then you will never be truly happy with what you’re doing. To start anything meaningful in life is hard work and it all starts from somewhere. That’s why I think it’s important to decide where you want to go and start today on getting there even if it’s not much. The “waiting around” is what kills people, which is why I plan on starting with my “small steps” straight out of college while I have the drive and the freedom to do so. 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Week 13 Storytelling: The Red Paperclip

The story begins in Belcarra, Canada, a small town outside of Vancouver. It is here, in a place that most have probably never even heard of, where Kyle McDonald called home. Now, some of you may already be familiar with this name. I know what you might be thinking, but no, Kyle has nothing to do with infamous “Golden Arches”. Actually, his story is much more interesting than extra salty fries and apple pies.

Since of the days of his youth, Kyle was always a person who had some project he was working on. Whether that was building a Lego castle, setting up a lemonade stand, or starting up his very own lawn mowing company-Kyle was always busy with something. There was something about the excitement of watching something grow and develop right in front of your eyes that turned these projects into a sort of obsession. However, although he didn’t know it, this obsession would pay off for him, in a big, big way.

It started off as a joke, really. You see, Kyle had never really liked the color red, nor did he like paperclips- they reminded him too much of school. One day, surprisingly enough, he was working on a project at home when he noticed a red paperclip sitting on his desk. His first impulse was to simply throw it in the trash bin. However, sticking true to his colors, he thought to himself “You know what? Let’s have some fun with this”.

So, Kyle took a picture of the red paperclip and posted it to the barter section of the Craigslist site in hopes that he would be able to trade it for something bigger or better. As luck would have it, a few days later Kyle was the proud new owner of a fish-shaped pen!

“That was so easy..” Kyle thought to himself, so he decided to keep on trading, always on the lookout for the “bigger and better”. Later that day, Kyle wound up trading the beloved fish pen for a hand sculpted door-knob. “Let the games begin..” Kyle thought to himself, inspired by the initial success of his latest project.

Only a handful of trades later, Kyle had wound up with a fully operational snowmobile. His friends and family could not help but laugh at how well the whole thing was going.

The snowmobile turned into a prepaid vacation, which eventually turned into a role in a real life movie..seriously, you can’t make this stuff up..

All said and done, after a series of 14 trades, Kyle had gone from owning an annoying red paperclip to inheriting a 2-story house.

Now, Kyle’s story was a big hit and all of his neighbors were eager to meet him. Coincidently, Kyle ended up falling for one of his new neighbors, to which he is now married. To this day, the couple lives “happily ever after” in their picturesque red paperclip home.

File:One red paperclip.jpg
One Red Paperclip: Wiki Commons 



Author’s Note. This story is based on “The Little Gildmaster” from Francis and Thomas’ Jataka Tales. This was the first story in the reading, but I even after reading all of the other stories, it still was my favorite of the series. The story is about a young man who hears a guildmaster say that anyone who picks up a certain dead mouse in the road will become rich and enter into a happy marriage. Overhearing this, a common-folk man picks up the mouse and begins a series of trades and schemes that eventually make him wealthy. Ironically, the gildmaster who started the whole thing wound up offering his daughter’s hand in marriage to the newly rich man. I had heard this story about the paper clip before and thought it would make a good parallel. I like both of these stories because it shows how funny the world can work sometimes, but more importantly how you can create a lot out of a little with the right plan and perseverance. My story is pretty close to the actual events that took place with the red paperclip, but I did add the marriage to his neighbor as a way to make it follow the course of the original story more closely.

Bibliography. 
Title: Jataka Tales
Author: H.T. Francis and E. J. Thomas
Year: 1916


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Week 13 Reading Diary A: Francis and Thomas-Jataka Tales

The Little Gildmaster

  • A man is able to build up his wealth from just one dead mouse. He uses this to gradually build his way up in society, using clever schemes to make the most of what he has. 
King Makhadeva's Grey Hairs
  • King Makhadeva-righteous ruler who reigned for 84,000 years in Mithilia 
  • Finds a grey hair on his head and gives up his position to become a hermit
    • grey hair reminds him of death and motivates him to reflect and lead a holy life
  • Finds the "Four Perfect States", becomes a king in Mithilia again, unites his family, goes to become a hermit again (cycle)
The Monkey's and the Ogre
  • The monkey's are follow the command of their leader, which proves life-saving
  • The ogre is convinced he will eat all of the monkeys, but their leader outsmarts him-using reeds as straws to drink from the lake. It's a win-win, they get to drink and avoid getting eaten
The Discontented Ox 
  • "Big Red"-Bodhisatta 
  • "Little Red"-his brother
  • Together, they had to do all the work of the family 
  • Munika-fattened big to be given as dowry for the marriage of the family's daughter 
  • Little Red gets jealous of the great food Munika is getting fed, but Big Red has to point out that he is only getting that because he will soon be killed 
The Oldest of the Animals
  • Three friends-partridge, monkey, elephant 
  • The partridge  becomes their leader because he has the most seniority
    • doesn't matter the size or stature of the leader, just their wisdom 
File:Conte de Jataka, Le crabe et la grue - 1.jpg
The Crab and the Crane: Wiki Commons
 

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Famous Last Words: Week 12

Today marks my last day of class for the week. With all of my papers out of the way, it wasn't near as bad as my past weeks. I am enjoying the week of, though, because I will have three 10 page papers and the rest of my capstone due by the end of the semester *plays sad violin music*. I really liked this week’s extra credit blog comments assignment because it allowed me to reflect on this semester and think about all the stories I have read. At the beginning of the semester everyone was still putting their feelers out for their blog, so it was very cool to see how everyone developed their writing skills as time went on. It's impressive to see how good my classmates have gotten at this skill. Reading all of those stories reminded me of how much influence they had on my own writing skills. In the beginning, my writing was very rigid and didn’t have much imagination that allowed it to venture from the original story. However, after reading other people’s blogs you start to get more creative and stumble across different ideas for how to spin your story. It was a really helpful part of the course.

Outside of class, I had a fairly productive week as well. I have had a damaged car for a while now, so I finally took it to an auto repair shop and got an estimate on it. I’m planning on taking it in next week to get the repairs taken care of. It’s going to be so relieving to be able to open my car door all the way! Also, I submitted my final paper work for a scuba diving instructors course today. It only took me a quick trip to the post office, which is no big deal, but this thing has been lingering over me since the end of July, so I am very excited to have everything finally completed. As the semester comes to a close, everything seems to be working out pretty well!

Keep Calm and Carry On: Google Images 

Growth Mindset: Week 12

Find your own path: Blogspot 
I chose this meme for this weeks Growth Mindset assignment because it relates to my time here at OU. During the first couple of semesters, I was often found myself placing more importance on "fitting in" and living up the "college experience" than on my studies. As a result, I had two semesters were my grades suffered badly. Once I realized what was happening, I prioritized and starting focusing more on my school work. Looking back on it, jeopardizing my classes by constantly worrying about fitting in was stupid. In fact, if everyone was on the exact same path, life would be extremely boring. It is amazing what opportunities life gives you when you start walking down your own path. This is something that I try to think about from time to time to make sure that I'm still on the right path. 

Portfolio Guide


This story is based on the tale of the Golden Deer of the Ramayana. It tells the tale of how Ravana was able to kidnap Sita. 

Giovanni Domenico Tipeolo, Procession of the Trojan Horse in Troy. 1773..jpg
The Trojan Horse: Wiki Commons



Trouble in Middle Earth 

This story adapts the tale of Rama's exile to fit the famous trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. It demonstrates how good men can be tainted by their jealous, bitter peers.
Representation of Dasaratha being asked in court to banish R Wellcome V0045070.jpg
King Dasaratha is asked in Court to Banish Rama: Wiki Commons 


Mahabharata Draft Day 

A modern twist on the on the Mahabharata as the Pandavas and Kausavas prepare for battle.
File:First Take Salute the Troops broadcast.jpg
Skip Bayles on ESPN's First Take: Wiki Commons 


Hear No Evil, See No Evil,  Speak No Evil

Try as he might, young Buddha's father cannot prevent the life the Gods have destined for his son.

File:NikkoNoEvil4902.jpg
The Three Monkey's at Toshogy Nikko : Wiki Commons

Paradise Lost

A noble Shoshone Chief demonstrates the difference between a leader and a ruler.

Snake River with Teton Range: Wiki Commons 

The Red Paperclip 

The story of how one man turned a single red paperclip into a two story house.
File:One red paperclip.jpg
One Red Paperclip: Wiki Commons 

Monday, November 9, 2015

Week 12 Storytelling: Paradise Lost


The Snake River of western Wyoming provides a landscape that is unlike any other. Its flowing waters sparkle like diamonds in the sun and are a life source for all creatures that dwell nearby. Protected by a wall of majestic mountain tops, the vast green fields stretch as far as the eyes can see. It is here under the protection of the mountains that Chief Washakie lived happily with his people.

For centuries the Shoshone thrived alongside the river. Playing countless hours of games, enjoying plentiful harvests, and fostering many generations of chiefs, warriors, and princesses, this was their paradise. While legend of such a place had spread throughout the lands, the expansive white settlers were never able to find it. 
Snake River with the Tetons : Wiki Commons

However, one day two brothers were climbing the nearby mountains for sport when they noticed a settlement far off in the distance. Tightly compact and tall buildings, they thought it must have taken 1,000 trees to build such a camp. Confused, the brothers rushed back to their village to tell Washakie what they had seen. Upon hearing the news, Washakie warned his people about the white man, telling them that their paradise would surely be lost if they were to discover it.

From this day forward the Shoshone lived with this threat looming over their heads. No longer could they climb the mountains or burn the great bonfires. Nevertheless, Chief Washakie and his people enjoyed their lives under the protections of the mountains.

One day, Cullen Bohanan, a worker from the nearby settlement, went out hunting with this son. Catching the trail of an enormous big horn sheep, the pair climbed up the mountains protecting the Shoshone. Reaching the top of one of the smaller peaks, Bohanan looked out onto the Shoshone’s land and could not believe his eyes. Dumbfounded, he stood for hours taking in the beauty of what lay before him. Although he went home hungry, he raced straight to the mayor’s office to tell him of his exciting discovery.

Upon hearing the news, the townspeople all agreed that they must make this amazing place their home. After all, while their current home was one of the biggest settlements for miles around, the ground was dry and the crops were bland, making life there less than ideal.

All the men in town quickly saddled up their horses and, rifle in hand, raced towards the Snake River.

Now, since the discovery of the settlement, Washakie has ordered that a scout be situated atop of the mountains to keep an eye on their neighbors. Rabbit Foot, the fastest of the Shoshone people, happened to be on watch this day but was exhausted from the races that took place the day before so he was dozing off. Awoken by the sound of gun fire and the excited cries of the approaching posse, Rabbit Foot raced back to his village faster than his legs had ever carried him before, for he knew exactly what this meant.

Panic arose throughout the village once everybody had learned of the news. Looking for advice from their great leader, everyone turned to Washakie. Known for his bravery and compassion, the chief quickly organized a plan that would see his people to safety. With certain death and destruction quickly approaching, Washakie ordered all of his people into canoes, bringing with them all of the food and supplies they could carry.

Now, the food and supplies took up so much space that the people had already cast off before realizing they were without their chief. Fully aware of the situation, this was always a part of Washakie’s plan. Stranded in his village with no food, weapons, or supplies, the great chief had sacrificed himself in order to protect his people.

When the posse arrived, there stood one man fighting for the protection of the lands. With whispers of confusion among the men, the mayor asked Washakie why he remained when he knew this would lead to his death. To which Washakie replied, “Oh poor stranger, they lived with me in this valley. I am their chief, guide, and father, and I loved them. I do not suffer in leaving this world for I have gained my people’s freedom. And if my death may be a lesson to you, than I am more than happy. It is not your spear that makes you king; it is love alone.” 
File:Washakie.jpg
Chief Washakie: Wiki Commons 


Hearing this brought shame to the posse. The men returned to their settlement in honor of the great Washakie, only returning to the Snake River for harmonious trade and leisure alongside the Shoshone people.

Author’s Note. This is a story from based on an episode of the the Jataka Tales titled The Monkey-Bridge. I liked this story because it highlights the difference between a leader and a ruler. I had read this at some point earlier in the semester but chose a different reading, so I am glad that I stumbled across it again. The story involves monkeys living in a mango tree up river from a town. They know their fruit is the best thing around so they try and prevent any of it from falling in the river, knowing this would lead to their demise. Inevitably it does, and the chief of the monkeys forms a bridge with his body allowing his subjects to flee. I chose the Native American theme because I think that this is something that the Native Americans experienced quite a bit with the early westward expansion of European settlers. Particularly, I chose Chief Washakie because he remains one of the most revered Shoshone chiefs. A fierce warrior, clever diplomat, and great leader, Washakie lead his people through the intrusion of the white man while also helping them along the way in certain instances. Because of his great qualities, he was one of the only chiefs to actually chose the lands where his people were forced to relocate.

Bibliography. 
Title: Twenty Jataka Tales
Author: Noor Inayat (Khan)
Illustrator: H. Willebeek Le Mair
Year: 1939
Link: Twenty Jataka Tales 

Reading Diary B Week 12: Twenty Jataka Tales

The Two Pigs

  • Mahatundila and Cullatundila-two pigs that get taken in by an elderly woman and raised as her children
  • "Bathe in the Pool of water as on a bright feast-day , and you shall find a perfume that never fades away"
    • pool of water=love 
    • perfume=love (never fades away)
The Patient Buffalo

  • The buffalo doesn't pick on the monkey because he knows he is too small/simple to deserve that harsh treatment 
  • Don't pick on the weak to make yourself feel better
The Sarabha

  • Mysterious deer that lives deep in the woods 
  • The Sarabha helps a King who is trying to capture out of a chasm he has fallen into. 
    • The king feels more pain from viewing the deer as his enemy 
The Great Elephant

  •  A story of sacrifice 
The Quarrelsome Quails 
  • All the quails have to do to avoid being caught is cooperate. 
  • The bickering of two quails also gets others trapped in the net 
The Forest Fire 
  • The quail with small wings is able to do something his stronger brothers would never (drive back a forest fire) 
  • It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog 
The End of the World 
  • A little hare creates an uproar because he mistakes a fruit falling from its tree for the world coming to an end. 
  • Don't jump to conclusions 
image of page 122
Lion saving all the animals from "the end of the world": Twenty Jataka Tales 

Reading Diary A Week 12: Twenty Jataka Tales

The Monkey-Bridge:

  • The lesson is for rulers to love out of love for their subjects, not because they have the biggest sword
  • King Brahmadatta 
The Guilty Dogs 
  • All the dogs were ordered to be killed for something the royal dogs had done (who were the only ones to be spared) 
  • Dog chief reasons with king and proves palace dogs guilty 
Banyan 
  • Banyan-King of Deer (Golden Deer)
  • He offers himself as a sacrifice to a gluttonous king in order to spare a mother who has a young daughter. By doing this the King finds love and spares the lives of all animals in the woods. 
The Tortoise and the Geese 
  • A king learns who to hold his tongue 
The Fairy and the Hare 
  • The hare is rewarded for his pure intentions and honesty while his friends do the wrong things for the right reason 
The Young Parrot 
  • The young parrot is able to take rice from a farmers land after he tells him why he is taking it. 
  • Good deeds are often rewarded 
Swan Kingdom
  • King of Benares- same king from Monkey Bridge story 
  • King Dhritarashtra- king of swans 
The Master's Test 
  • What matters is what you do when nobody is watching

image of page 81
"There is no place wherein nobody is watching"- Twenty Jataka Tales 


Friday, November 6, 2015

Growth Mindset: Week 11

And if I try Harder, I can Climb Higher: Blogspot

I chose this meme in light of my past week or two of school. I had a ton going on-probably the busiest time of the semester so far. With the ominous, seemingly endless, workload I had in front of me, I almost didn't even know where to start. But, now that it's over, it's easy to see how that hard work has payed off. It could have been easy to just rush through the assignments to get them out of the way as quick as possible. But actually taking the time and putting forth the effort, while that sometimes cost you sleep, gets you the grade that you want and just gives you a feeling of accomplishment. I've have definitely rushed through assignments before, and I never felt any better once they were done because I knew I could have tried harder, and I knew that my grade would reflect that. By making that a habit, I have seen my grades go up pretty drastically, and that is going to help me in the long run. 

Review : Week 11


I always get a kick out of the grammar and/or punctuation puns. I have never seen this one before. Usually, it is something about the difference between coma and comma, which can be quite hilarious in some contexts. I think the reason I find these things so funny is because I always think I am using too many commas in my writings. Every time I have someone proof read one of my essays, they call me out on it. However, I tend to get good grades on my essays so HA! Anyways, I got a chuckle out of this. 

Famous Last Words: Week 11

This week was another busy one. Unfortunately, I started to lag behind in this class. I wasn't able to complete the reading diaries or write a story, so I am knocking out all of the extra credit to help make up for it now that my schedule has slowed down a little bit.

This week I had a 2 page mini essay, a 150 page book, three chapters of another book, a research paper proposal that included a thesis statement, bibliography, and explanation of the question, significance, etc.., and then to top that off I had a 3,500 words draft due for my capstone project. All of this, with the exception of the 150 page book, was due by Wednesday. I'm not going to lie, it was a pretty miserable week, but I'm glad that it is all out of the way. Hopefully now, with the majority of my capstone done, the rest of the semester won't be so bad.

File:FileStack retouched.jpg  
Lots of Paper: Wiki Commons