Week 15: Improvements

The only improvements I believe that could have been possible with this class were from me. I believe this class is set up very well and doesn't need anything. I got confused on some of the instructions, but it was my own fault not asking more questions or trying to figure out what was going  on. The structure for the class is really well made but it also leaves a lot of room for convenience for the students, which is really nice! Overall, I have no improvements to suggest! But from looking at the top five ideas suggested, I think it could be cool to have readings grouped by themes. That would probably make it a lot easier for people to find stories for their storybooks or portfolios!

Week 14: Growth Mindset Challenge

Growth in your other classes:

I try to always find moments to improve on myself and my skills if possible. This past semester I have really had to work on getting back into a mode of being a good student like I used to! I used to be so good at getting my homework done and getting my studying done and maintaining reasonable grades in my class, but this has actually been my hardest semester! It didn't help that I had massive computer problems at the beginning of the semester. Which sucks when three of your four classes are online... Anyway, in the past two weeks I have a friend who has been a necessary part of me remaining motivated to really finish out the semester strong. I have 5 papers to write by the end of the semester, one of which was my 10-20 page capstone that I was terrified of! This particular friend was constantly harassing me telling me to finish the page goals I had set for myself, even if I had gotten ahead the night before. She told me that when she is working on school work she just has to tell herself that her school work is the most important thing and that she knows she will be able to sleep when she gets it done and that if she gets it all done in a timely manner, everything will be much easier. She kept harping on me about that and it really got into my brain. Since I don't like to disappoint my friends, she has really helped me to get back in gear and really get on top of all of the final projects and assignments and study sessions I have and really do the very best I can. Even if it is the last two weeks of school, I am going to give it all I've got and more! I can sleep when I graduate so I can get everything done! So, while the challenge was to grow in other classes, I wanted to explain that with the help of this friend, I wouldn't have been able to grow in any class. So a big shout out to her!

STUDY TIME. LETS DO THIS.

Week 14: Famous Last Words

I feel like this is a perfect thing to do at the end of the semester since they basically are some of my last words! Not only will I be finishing this class, which has been one of my favorites, I will be finishing my time at OU completely! I graduate in only two weeks time and I still cannot believe it. I have learned so much from my time in college. I went through some of the most painful struggle of my life thus far but I also formed some of the closest relationships I think I will ever form from those struggles. I learned what I am truly passionate about in life, I learned a little bit more about who I am as a individual, and I learned how to grow up and be an adult. I learned many skills that will aid me in my goals and I learned that if I want something bad enough, there is only me standing in the way of achieving that goal.

A little over a year ago I started working at a restaurant for the first time in my life and I was so terrified when I started. I wasn't too great at dealing with people and I was scared of everyone I worked with. I think working there has been one of the largest factors when it comes to how much I have grown. I learned not only how to deal with unruly and obnoxious customers, but I learned how to be a better person and how to deal with conflicts between coworkers and friends. I am so grateful to work there and, just so you all don't worry about me, I am no longer terrified of anyone I work with! In fact, there is not a single person in the entire staff that I have any actual dislike towards. I am pretty great friends with most everyone actually! Even the kitchen staff!

So these are my short final words to wrap up what I could write about for hours. Thanks for reading my stories and providing me with the feedback to make me a better writer! I'll leave you guys with a few more fun pictures of my life.

Here is a picture of me (left) with two of my coworkers! The one in the middle is also my roomie!

Personal photo, Abner Ale House December 2016

A couple crazy aerial photos: Left - Tulsa AHHA Art Gallery Create Gala Performance (May 2016)

Right - Tulsa Lyra and Straps workshop with Anya Shevelyuk (May 2016)

As requested, pictures of my two fur babies: Left is the oldest, Marie. Right is my cat/bowling ball, Koko. Both taken in 2011. Alas, I cannot find a picture of my bearded dragon!

Hope you guys enjoyed!

Week 14: Learning challenge

This is the first one of these that I have done but I figure now is as good a time as any to do it!

Share your health and/or happiness tips/ share your favorite happiness quote:

I often find that when I am feeling particularity down it is because I am feeling down about myself and about my capabilities. This semester I have really struggled with being able to maintain my own happiness without having to rely on others. I have a necklace that my aunt bought me one year because I fell in love with it. I never ever take it off because I would be lost without it. It is a flat ring that twists around and has a beautiful font that reads "This above all: to thine own self be true". I find so much peace and strength in these words that they have always managed to bring me back to at least a better state of being. This may not be a quote about happiness, but it is something that helps me to find the path to happiness again when I truly feel like I will be lost from it forever.

I hope this may help someone or gives you some peace of mind!

This is the exact necklace that I have

Week 14: Reading Notes Part B

Reading Notes

Part B

Bibliography: Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie Shedlock 1920

The Bull that Demanded Fair Treatment - I like that the bull so easily taught the squire a lesson about being fare to those who help you. I was so angry about the fact that he called the bull a wretch when the bull had been so good to him!

The Elephant that was Honored in Old Age - I understood this story but the wording was a little hard to get through. I am glad that the elephant was able to be restored her honor. I like that the moral of these stories is usually someone standing up for the honor that they rightfully deserved.

The Faithful Friend - This story is adorable! I am so happy that the puppy dog and the elephant got be get back together and be friends again!

The Faithful Friend

Week 14: Reading Notes Part A

Reading Notes

Part A

Bibliography: Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie Shedlock 1920

The Hare That Ran Away - I thought this story was cute. I don't really need to find stories that I would turn into stories anymore, but I found this story to just be pleasant. I thought it was cute how patient the lion was with the little hare. It made me think of mob mentality where no one stops to see for themselves if the rumors are true, they just go along with the crowd.

A Spirit That Lived in a Tree - I was so worried the entire time that the king was actually going to cut down the tree! I am very glad that, since the main tree was willing to be cut down, and in such a painful way, he allowed the tree to be spared.

The Man Who Worked to Give Alms - I liked that the man was so willing to give alms that he began to work himself to collect something to give. He was even willing to give away his own valuables!

The tree that the tree-spirit lived in

Portfolio Index

Portfolio Index:

Something that has been brought to my attention several times is that people are getting confused by some of the relations between my reoccurring characters and some of their backstories. I don't want you all to be confused any more so I will give a small explanation!

Gregor and Sarah Strike are two intergalactic bounty hunters. They are siblings that left Earth many many years ago. One of their biggest adventures was on the planet of Mauku where they found a clan of shape-shifting cat people. To read more about that you can read my old storybook from when I took Mythology and Folklore here: Planet of the Cats

Penny-Nichole is an Earth girl who was picked up by the Strikes when she was very young. She lived with her older brothers who were all very abusive and mean. Both of her parents had died and were no longer able to protect her from her brothers. Penny-Nichole had always collected stories of the Strike siblings here and there, whether it was from newspapers or books or stories from some of the space travelers and other bounty hunter that traversed through the shop she worked with her brothers. From all of the stories and tales she heard, Penny-Nichole grew to admire them and looked up to them. When the Strikes went to visit Earth and collect some of their bounties they found her beaten half to death by her brothers, they decided to take her with them. You can read their first story here: Cast Out

I hope this makes a little more sense for everyone and if you have any more questions please ask!


Protect the Mother Spaceship! - The Hunters are locked in an epic battle with space demon Kellan. Will they save their mother-ship? Read to find out!
We Shall Pass - Sarah has been kidnapped by Kellan's oldest brother! Penny-Nichole and Gregor must build a bridge to get to the magical land where she is being kept to save her.
Off With His Heads - The time has come for the great monkey and bear army to assist Penny-Nichole and Gregor to save Sarah and destroy Rava! Who will win? Will they actually save Sarah or will our heroes die gruesome and tragic deaths?
Cast Out - A flashback into how Penny-Nichole became a part of the Strike's team and a small window into her sad childhood.
An Unwelcome Reunion - Penny-Nichole had made it back to where she never wanted to be again. Earth. Will she take revenge on her horrid brothers or will she find it in her heart to forgive them? Find out in this final story!

Week 14: Extra Reading

Extra Reading - Part B

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt 1912

The Elephant Girly-Face - It makes me so sad that the elephant is so easily taught to be mean and murderous. I guess the moral could be showing how easily susceptible to things our children are and how they can pick up on the wrong things so easily.

The Banyan Deer - I have read another version of this story before and it both makes me so happy and sad at the same time. In the other version the king agrees to not harm any living creature again, which I felt was going to far, but I love that the great king of the deer is so willing to put his life on the line for one of his own.

The King's White Elephant - This is such a sweet story! I was so worried that the people were going to kill the white elephant because it was different, but they took it in and treated it well! This is the kind of story I like to read.

The Ox Who Envied the Pig - This story was sweet and simple! I don't have much to say about it, but I like it and I think it is a good lesson.

The Banyan Deer

Week 13: Extra Reading

Extra reading - Part A

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt 1912

The Monkey and the Crocodile - I like this story because I like the fact that the mom croc is challenging her child to think outside of his limitations to achieve something great. I also like that, though the crocodile doesn't succeed in catching the monkey, the two gain a mutual understanding and respect for each other.

How the Turtle Saved His Own Life - Haha! I thought this story was great. It reminded me of small children being tickled where they clearly want to be but they just keep yelling, "No, don't tickle me!" while basically laying there waiting to be tickled.

The Turtle Who Couldn't Stop Talking - I think this story has been in every Jataka tale combination I have read so far and every time I read it, it makes me think of my lack of faith in humanity. At the beginning of the story I don't trust the turtle to stay quiet even to save himself, just like I don't really trust humanity to shut up or do something against what they want to do just to save themselves.

Turtle who saved his own life

Week 13: Storytelling - An Unwelcome Reunion

"Why do I have to go down and catch the bounty? I'd rather stay and tune up the ship's weapon system. Maybe clean my room..." Penny-Nichole wasn't convincing anyone. She never cleaned her room.

"You know the area. And we're getting too old for capture missions." Gregor gave a pointed groan as he placed himself in a chair with his cup of coffee.

"As far as I know, my brothers still live out there. If they do, then I have no interest in seeing them. They could be dead and I wouldn't care." Penny-Nichole crossed her arms, turned up her nose, and faced away from Sarah and Gregor.

"Pen, that's not true. You may hate them, but you don't wish them dead. You're not heartless." Sarah walked over and placed her hand on Penny-Nichole's shoulder.

Penny-Nichole let out a deep sigh, dropping her arms.

"Sarah, I haven't been home in fifteen years. The land's probably changed, I won't know my way." Penny-Nichole knew she was going to have to track their mark, but she wanted to at least try to get out of it if possible.

Sarah gave a warm smile. "You'll be alright, dear. Here's your pack. You better get a move on before you miss your target."

With another heavy sigh, Penny-Nichole left the ship and headed off. They had parked the ship in the same place she'd been picked up all those years ago. The same rock Penny-Nichole used to cry on when her brothers beat her, still stained with blood from her small wounds, was sitting quietly by the forest. The sight of it filled her with anger and disgust.

After a few hours of surveillance, Penny-Nichole spotted her mark. She followed the target for another hour until he entered a shabby, rundown motel. It didn't appear like the mark was going to be leaving, so Penny-Nichole went to wander around. She walked up and down the streets, looking in the shop windows and meandering past the market stalls. It was a little past noon and the streets were buzzing.

Penny-Nichole stopped at a stall with several nice looking jackets. "Penny? Little Penny? Is... is that really... really you?" Penny-Nichole spun on her heals, hand already gripped to the hilt of her flame-sword.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Penny-Nichole locked eyes on a small crouched man with a scraggly beard.

"It... it's me! Travis Bellmer? I... well I..." His words faded off.

Penny-Nichole scowled. "You were that wretch that hung out with my brothers and laughed at their side as they beat me!"

"Yes... I am sorry about that. We were all young and stupid. But I am sure your brother would be happy to see-" Penny-Nichole held one of her smaller daggers up to Travis' throat.

"They are still alive? Where do they live?"

"P-p-please Penny! Please, can we just put the past behind us and be friends?" Travis stuttered.

"I'd rather die than ever befriend you. Now where are my brothers?" She pressed the dagger closer to his stubbly throat.

"Well, you see, we were all playing once a couple of years after you disappeared and, well, I was hiding up in the Crystal Cave! Cameron forgot where the entrance was and when he tried to run at me, he smashed his head... he didn't make it... Jaden found Cameron and I got too scared to come out and tell him where the entrance was because he just got so angry! One of his rampages. He ran straight into the crystal and smashed his head in too. It was hours before Quinn found me... I couldn't stop crying. He... he still lives in your old house alone. I think you should go and see him, Penny. He's not the same as he was when you left. You look good thought. You look like you've taken care of yourself." Travis' voice was soft and sincere.

"Is there a problem here, you two?" A gruff voice broke the moment. Penny-Nichole sheathed her dagger and turned to the police officer. She had forgotten where she was and hadn't realized that they were making a scene.

Travis quickly grasped Penny-Nichole in a hug. "I am terribly sorry for all of the pain I caused you." With that, Travis disappeared into the crowd.

Penny-Nichole knew she needed to check in on her mark, but she felt that seeing her brother was more important.

A short walk away from the market, Penny-Nichole made it to her old home. The sight of it reached into her chest and gave her heart a painful squeeze.

She walked with determination to the front door and, with a small hesitation, burst through it. Unlocked as always.

"Quinn! Hello? It's me! Penny!" Her voice echoed through the house. It was so empty compared to how she remembered it.

"Penny? No... it can't be... You disappeared. We lost you." A broken voice snaked its way to Penny-Nichole's ears. It was Quinn. A skeleton figure turned the corner and Penny-Nichole sprang back, battle ready.

"Quinn?" Penny-Nichole couldn't believe the frail figure cowering before her. Quinn began to cry like a small child as he draped his arms over her shoulders and sank into her shoulder.

"I am so sorry for how awful we were to you, Penny. We were so angry at our parents leaving and then you left. We didn't know that to do with ourselves. Please, sister, I am so sorry. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness and I don't blame you for leaving." Quinn wailed into her shoulder for a long time. Once he seemed out of tears, Penny-Nichole grasped his shoulders and held him back at arm's length.

She looked him in the eyes, searching his soul. "I forgive you, brother."

"Also, the Strike siblings are real.That's who I've been with for the past fifteen years." Penny-Nichole and Quinn chuckled happily.

Author's Note: This story is loosely based off of "The Jackal Would A-Wooing Go" by W. H. D. Rouse. In the original story, there is a group of lions made up of three brothers and one sister. The sister would always stay home and clean and the brothers would go out and hunt. A jackal that lived in a crystal cave nearby fell in love with the lioness and eventually asked her to marry him. She was disgusted and turned him down. Saddened, the jackal went home. The brother lions returned one at a time and offered food to the sister. When she refused and told them of the jackal, the first two lions ended up going to try to kill the jackal. But they both broke their skulls on the crystal walls of the cave. The third brother was smarter and found the entrance and scared the jackal to death. He went back to his sister and they lived happily. Penny-Nichole is a less dramatic version of the sister lion, and her brothers represent the lion brothers. Travis is supposed to be the jackal but asking for friendship instead of marriage and just disappearing instead of dying. While the lions were protecting their sister, P-N's brothers were just being stupid. I mostly used this story because I felt it would be a good way to end the stories of P-N and the Strike siblings. It would give more back ground to how long she had been away, how old the Strike siblings were, as well as give some closure to P-N and her brother. Hope you all enjoyed the adventures of the bounty hunter Strike siblings and Penny-Nichole!

Bibliography: "The Jackal Would A-Wooing Go" by W. H. D. Rouse

Little Penny's Rock

Week 13: Reading Notes - Part B

Part B
Bibliography: "The Giant Crab and Other Tales" by W. H. D. Rouse

Lioness from 'The Jackal Would A-Wooing Go'

Union is Strength - This story is interesting and I like that the group works so well together at t first and then starts to fight. I feel like I could use my trio somehow, but mostly I just found the story to be interesting.

Silence is Golden - I think it is so sad that the little lion has to hold his tongue around others just because he doesn't have a lions roar! He should be able to be himself as a little jackal-lion... but I guess that would defeat the moral of the story that silence is golden.

The Bold Beggar - For some reason I could totally see a young Gregor do this. I don't think I would write a story after it, but I found it entertaining!

The Jackal Would A-Wooing Go - This could make for an interesting story with P-N going back to visit her home planet earth and running into either a fan of her stories or a friend of her brothers (she would find that pretty repulsive) who proposes to her. She could end up seeing her brothers and telling them something about the friend. I would have to change their interaction, or maybe the brothers have changed and after they lost their little baby sister they had changed! I think I could do a good amount with this story.

Week 13: Reading Notes - The Giant Crab and Other Tales

Reading Notes Part A

Bibliography: "The Giant Crab and Other Tales" by W. H. D. Rouse

The Giant Crab

The Hypocritical Cat - I think this could be a good story to do something with my trio being with some sort of army or large clan and they have a mysterious problem losing their troop and the trio figures out its the strange statue siting outside of the entrance of the camp! Or something like that.

The Crocodile and the Monkey - I think this would be a fun story with either P-N or Sarah as the monkey out witting the crocodile.

The Dishonest Friend - I could possibly use this story. Mostly I thought it was an interesting story.

Week 12: Storytelling - Only a Girl With the Moon at Her Back

Penny-Nichole snuggled down for bed one night, flipping through her old journals. She liked to read some of her oldest entries as bedtime stories to herself sometimes. As she flipped through one of her very first journals a large grin spread across her face. 

"I remember this one." Penny-Nichole spoke softly to herself as she started reading the tale of how she used the moon to fend off hungry murderous giants.

Entry (the date had been long since smudged off),

I have been traveling with my heroes, the Strike siblings, for about six months now and I couldn't ask for anything more in this great universe. They have taught me so much and have never shown me an ounce of meanness. 

Sarah and Gregor bicker a lot, but I can tell they still care for each other a great deal. Gregor likes to push Sarah's buttons even though he knows Sarah will win. I like it most when they are bickering and Gregor is smiling the entire time. It drives Sarah mad! I think he does it just to make me laugh sometimes. Sarah will come down and read me bedtime stories every few days, which makes me so happy! It's like I finally have the family I always wanted. Ma and Dad tried their hardest and I loved them for it, but with so many kids, it was hard to give us all the time we needed. 

Penny-Nichole's smile grew. Her handwriting had been so atrocious when she was younger, and the page was covered in strange little doodles that easily gave away her age at the time of the entry.

She continued to read on.

Entry (some time a few weeks after the previous entry)

We have been on this strange planet for a couple weeks now and I really like it here! The natives we found are so adorable. They are small and fluffy with long ears that stand straight up usually! They have these giant hind-legs that they use to hop around on and squishy little tails. They have been ever so kind to us as we fix the ship up but a few nights ago a horrible thing happened. Apparently a family of giants decided to move into the patch of woods that lined the fluffy creature's land. When they made it to the land, there was a horrible sound that is still stuck in my brain. When we went to investigate we found three whole families had been squished to death by the giants! It was awful. Although, I remember everyone getting so sad and crying but I just got really angry. I think it reminded me too much of my brothers.

Penny-Nichole saddened a little at the thought of her brothers. She hadn't seen them or spoken to them since the day she left Earth. Pushing the thought aside, she continued on.

I couldn't understand why the fluffy creatures didn't seem to want to do anything so,when everyone started heading back to the village I turned right back around and walked into the middle of the giant's family! I think I scared Gregor and Sarah just a little when they realized where I'd gone. In fact, everyone seemed startled! They shuffled up behind me and watched. I remember I yelled out to the brutes to go away! I told them that I was a goddess child from the moon come to vanquish them if they did not leave the land of the fluffy creatures! They just ignored me though, which just made me more angry! I remember looking over and seeing the large full moon reflected in the lake they were splashing in. Haha, I was so excited! I had formed quite the plan in no time at all. I wanted so badly to avenge the squished fluffy things! 

"You see? My lady, The Moon, has come down from the heavens herself to make you leave! If you don't leave soon and she manages to get a hold of you,she will surely drag you back up to the sky with her so that you can never smoosh one of her little creatures again!" When I yelled that to the giants they finally looked down and became so scared of the moon they they ran away! the fluffy creatures cheered and bounced all over the place! I remember we had a sort of party that night to celebrate the giants leave but also to celebrate the poor squished fluffy creatures. It was a lot of fun! I got to stay up way past my normal bedtime. 

I can't wait to see what adventures I will get to have tomorrow! 

Penny-Nichole giggled to herself as she closed the journal and set it beside her bed.

Author's note: This story is based off of The Hare in the Moon by Devi Shovona. In the original story, a herd of elephants moved into an area that was already inhabited by hares and so, when they settled in, they trampled and killed a lot of the creatures. One hare in particular stood up to the elephants and used the moon's image to help drive them away again. I kept the same premise of the story but instead of elephants I have giants and instead of the hare saving the day, I have my little Penny-Nichole! I thought this story would be a really cute way to start going over some of the earlier stories with young Penny-Nichole and the Strike siblings. It also gets to show that P-N was just as much a little spitfire when she first joined the siblings as she is in the other stories. I noticed, with this story, that I am not particularly good at doing journal entry like stories, nor do I particularly like doing them. That may stem from all of the horrible journal entries I had to do when I was younger. I now respect those who's entire storybook or portfolio is in this style! 

My take on the giants

 

Week 12: Extra Reading Part A & B

Bibliography: Twenty Jataka Tales by Noor Inayat (Khan) - 1939

Part A

The Monkey-Bridge - This could be a good story to do if I wanted to make a long journey like series of stories. The monkeys and the monkey king with their fruits and then the humans and the human king going off to find the fruits. I could change the fruits because they seem so much more mystical until they name them as mangos.

The Guilty Dogs - This could also be another easy story to use. I'm not sure if I would necessarily have to use my usual characters, this could be a fun story to use to bring up new characters for a short time.

Banyan - I liked this story too, but I feel like if I used this story, I would change the ending just a little bit because I feel like the deer asks a lot to have the king spare all of the living creatures.

Part B

The Two Pigs - I like this story because I like that it has a happy ending. I like that the brother is so supportive and loving of his brother but also still loving of the woman who took care of them for so long.

The Forest Fire - This story is so cute! It made me sad that the last little quail only had weak little wings but I thought it was so cute that he stood down the flames and was able to live happily in his little nest.

Forest Fire

Week 11: Tech Tip - Creating a LOLcat meme

Hehehe, I had no idea what to do when I started this tech tip. There were so many pictures and I couldn't think of anything funny! Then I saw this one it instantly made me think of my lovable Strike Siblings. Obviously the kitty on the left is Sarah and the kitty on the right is Gregor. 

Week 11: Reading Notes Part B (extra reading) - The Divine Archer

Reading Notes (extra reading) - Part B

Bibliography: The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould (1911)

Hanuman's Leap to Lanka

Hanuman in Lanka - Could be cool to find one of the Strike's old allies in Rava's territory and have him/her/it help out the team!

The Battle Begins/The War Ends - I wish I had read this version along with our main version of the Ramayana. I have already done my stories from these particular sections but the shortened version make so much more sense and are easy to read!

Sita and the Twins - maybe way later down in the lives of our team, I could use this story somehow. It would be sad, but it would be cool!

Week 11: Reading Notes Part A - The Divine Archer

Reading Notes - Part A

Bibliography: The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould (1911)

Birth of Dasharatha's Sons

Birth of Dasharatha's Sons - I don't remember the note about Rama's mother seeing him as a cosmic being before he looked like a baby again. I think that is kind of neat! Maybe I could incorporate some mention of Penny-Nichole being a celestial being in some of my stories. That could give her a super mysterious background. 

Rama and Sita - Reading this section gave me an idea for something hilarious. Since P-N, Gregor, and Sarah are all supposed to represent different parts of Rama and P-N is kind of my main character at the moment, I think it would be really funny to put her in Sita's position of this story but have her be completely uninterested because she represents Rama's side of justice and righteousness, not his side of love and compassion. 

Parashurama - It would be really neat to do a story where P-N and the Strikes do something and then end up meeting different versions of themselves, like how Rama and Parashurama are different incarnations of Vishnu.

Bharata - P-N doesn't have a good relationship with her brothers when we first meet her but it could be cool to bring them back in. They could represent Rama's other two brothers that aren't Laskshmana.

Agastya - if I ever run low on ideas for stories, this would be a good go to so that I could explain some of the divine weapons P-N had from the battle with Rava story.

Week 10: Reading Notes - Devi. Indian Fables and Folklore

Reading Notes Part B

Shibi and the Hawk - I wouldn't use this story, but I do like the idea behind it. I like the resolve that Shibi came to in order to save both birds. He had to give up a good part of himself in order to do so, but he was willing and so it was a valiant sacrifice. I feel like there is more behind this story.

The Fighting Blades of Grass - I think it is funny that a demi-god is born from a sneeze. Makes me think of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy!

The Logical Pupil - This could be a fun story to use to give some back story on Sarah and Gregor! Maybe give a little insight into some training they may have gone through when they were younger and just to have a fun story to explain their characters a little more.

Bibliography: Devi. Indian Fables and Folklore by Shovona Devi 1919

The Story of King Shibi

Source

Week 10: Reading Notes - Devi. Indian Fables and Folklore

Reading Notes Part A

The Man in the Eye - I'm not sure what it is about this story that I like so much, I don't even think I could recreate it into my own story, but I love the idea that the little person you see in your eye could be death looking forth. I know its a morbid thought, but the idea is mystical and intriguing to me.

The Hare in the Moon - I want to use this story SO BAD as another way to showcase how righteous and valiant Penny-Nichole can be!!! Maybe the earth could be in trouble some how and she comes along and saves everyone by being her awesome wise self who seeks justice.

The Gifts of the Sun - I think this story is cute! I think it is funny that there is an origin story behind how the parasol and shoes came about and that they were considered gifts from the sun. I wouldn't use this story for my stories, but I thought it was cute enough to comment on.

Bibliography: Devi. Indian Fables and Folklore by Shovona Devi 1919.

Hare from Hare in the Moon

Source

Week 9 Storytelling: Off With His Heads

The mighty monkey and bear army that had traveled to Lanka with Penny-Nichole and Gregor put up a valiant fight. However, as Penny-Nichole searched the battle field, she could not locate many that were still standing. Some had retreated back, lying in wait as they recovered some stamina as well as some courage. Others had completely run from the battle. Penny-Nichole didn't blame them. This was a battle that should have been fought between gods, not a battle to be fought by animals and men.

"Gregor!" Penny-Nichole cried out. She could barely see from the blood and sweat that poured across her eyes. She tried to stand from her kneeling position but quickly dropped back to the earth, gasping for the precious air that her lungs burned for. She assessed her wounds to see if there was anything that she could patch up with the scraps of medical supplies she still had on her. The large gashes that scored her body were not going to be fixed with just simple gauze wraps though.

"Gregor! Sarah!" she cried out once more. Penny-Nichole prayed to her own gods that the Strike siblings had not met their death.

Stand up, small one. Stand and let me strengthen your bones with my fires. Let my blood flow as yours and give new life to your muscles so that you may destroy Rava. A powerful voice boomed through Penny-Nichole's mind. Her eyes fluttered as she tried desperately to remain conscious.

Stand, Penny-Nichole of Earth! Stand and fight for the justice you so crave! A dam broke somewhere deep inside Penny-Nichole's soul. She felt fire race through her veins and cool water wash the blood and sweat from her brow. She bowed her head as the power of the gods flowed through her body and healed her of her wounds. She could feel the skin and muscle from her legs and arms as they knit themselves delicately back together. Slowly, the quiver and bow she broke in battle reappeared on her back, the quiver full of deadly arrows. The daggers she had thrown to save some of her men reformed on either side of her hips. Breathing deeply, Penny-Nichole stood. She lifted her head to the sun and let out a mighty and vicious battle cry that stopped all who were still fighting. All heads turned and stared at the now glowing form of Penny-Nichole. With her right hand extended, a new weapon took shape in her palm. She glanced down at it and took in all its fiery wonder.

This blade is my last help to you. I, Brahma, the lord of all knowledge and the universe itself, gift this sword so as to aid you in your victory against Rava. Use it well, my child. With his final gift clutched firmly in her hand, Penny-Nichole felt Brahma's presence slip from her mind.

Penny-Nichole stared at the sword for a moment, flipping it back and forth as she examined its details. Flames engulfed the entire sword as well as her hand but she felt no burn from it. Replacing the sword in the sheath that had formed on her hip behind the daggers, she scanned the field until she found who she was looking for. Gregor had Sarah back safe and sound and the two were rallying the troops that remained to prepare for another strike against the rest of the smaller demons. Penny-Nichole smiled. Gregor was always the wise and level-headed one of the group. He was always able to remain calm in even the most stressful of situations.

"You may have gotten your pet back, but I will still slaughter you all like the germs you are!" Penny-Nichole snapped her attention to Rava as he strode towards her. The great and gruesome Rava had remained a nonexistent part of that battle up to the moment that Penny-Nichole was healed by Brahma and even then he only sat back and watched. It was about time for him to show his ugly face. Penny-Nichole thought to herself. Rava's ten grotesque heads chuckled and laughed as his twenty arms swung their horrid weapons dangerously through the air.

"I have been gifted by your gods in ways you could not fathom, you disgusting creature. Feel my wrath as well as all of the pain and suffering you have caused these people! Die, Rava!" In one swift motion, Penny-Nichole nocked a flaming arrow and sprinted towards Rava. As she loosed the arrow towards him the fire grew into a mighty lion. Penny-Nichole released several more quickly behind her first arrow and soon there was a pride of flaming lions charging towards Rava.

A few of the arrows managed to sever some of Rava's heads, but that didn't slow him down. Penny-Nichole growled low in her throat. She stood her ground and nocked three arrows at a time, letting loose a flurry of flaming animals towards Rava. More of his heads were severed but still he stalked slowly towards her. Once Rava was close upon her she returned her mystical bow to her back and moved to grasped the flame sword on her hip. The arrows would do her no good if the demon's heads continued to regrow after she severed them.

"Now you die!" She pulled the sword from its sheath and, with a spin for momentum and unerring aim, Penny-Nichole sank the god's fire sword deep through Rava's heart. With his faces only inches from hers, Penny-Nichole could clearly see the smile on all the demon's ten faces fall and the color rush from him.

"No..." Rava's voice trailed off quietly. The last breath of the mighty demon god fled from his body and Rava crumpled to the blood-soaked earth.

It was finally over. The last of the smaller demons were easily demolished by Gregor and Sarah. Penny-Nichole sheathed her sword and sent many prayers and thanks to all of the great gods that had aided her on her journey. Gregor and Sarah rushed up to Penny-Nichole and the three embraced in a much needed group hug, shedding many tears of happiness at being reunited.


Author's note: This story is actually based on two stories. In Rama and Ravana, Rama is met by one of the gods chariots. Using it, he fights Ravana some more. Agastya tells Rama to send prayers to the sun god, which he does, and this in turn rejuvenates Rama. In the original story, Rama's arrows are said to each be like a flaming lion, which is why I described mine as such. This is also the story that shows that Ravana's heads regenerate. In the second story I used, Ravana's Death, Rama realized that the heads are regenerating and so, using the flaming weapon from Brahma, he pierces Ravana through the heart, killing him. I didn't use the very last part of this story because it brings in characters that I hadn't introduced and I didn't feel like I had the story in a place to bring them in. I don't remember where Sita actually comes back into the picture, but I chose to bring Sarah back here because I knew it would give Penny-Nichole more fuel to get back up and fight. I was also able to use it as another spot to work in some descriptions of Gregor's character. I really had fun adding in how Penny-Nichole got the divine flame sword. I don't remember when Rama got it, so I improvised! I hope you all enjoyed! This will probably be the last adventure with the stories of Rama.

Bibliography: Rama and Ravana by Sister Nivedita and Ravana's Death by Donald A. Mackenzie

Rama and Lakshmana attack Ravana

Week 9: Reading Notes - Dutton Fables of Bidpai

Part B (note: I do read all of the stories, I just only make notes from the ones I think I will use.)

The Rustic and the Nightingale - I like that at the end of this story the Rustic lets the bird go and the bird rewards him with the knowledge of the pot of gold. I feel like in most of these stories one or more of the characters does something stupid and everyone gets screwed over. I also like this story cause I can see a good application for it for my usual characters!

The King, The Falcon, and the Drinking-cup - I don't think I would use this story to make one of my own, but for some reason the story just really touched me and I wanted to make note of it! I had a feeling the bird was trying to save the king but it is awful that he killed it!

The Merchant and His Iron - This story would be fun to use with just young Gregor or just Penny-Nichole. They can both be pretty damn spunky!

The Lion and the Hare - This story reminds me of a book I read once called the Lottery. Its only sort of the same but it could be interesting to use this story to incorporate into one of my own.

Bibliography: The Baldwin Project by Maude Dutton

The Lion-king from the Lion and the Hare

Source

Week 9: Reading Notes - Dutton Fables of Bidpai

Part A

The Carpenter and the Ape - I like this story and I really feel like I could use it to make my own from it! The monkey watches the carpenter and then he thinks that he will be able to do the job just as well. I don't completely grasp the moral, but I think I could recreate it as another story!

The Scorpion and the Tortoise - This could be a cool story to use with my bounty hunters! I could see them befriending a strange creature and it betraying them in the end. I feel like I could do some cool things in it.

The Partridge and the Crow - I think this could be an interesting story to use Penny-Nichole and Sarah in. I haven't been able to do much to show their relationship and I feel like this could be a good story to show it. I don't completely understand the very last part of the story, but I could just chose to not use it.

The Tyrant Who Became a Just Ruler - This is story is basically about karma. I could easily use this story!

Bibliography: The Baldwin Project by Maude Dutton

1847 illustration of "The Scorpion and the Turtle"

Week 8 Reflections

 So, when I took mythology and folklore I felt like it was one of the easiest and most enjoyable classes I had ever taken. I loved being able to read the giant variety of stories and being able to let my imagination go as far as it wanted. When I was finally able to take this class I was so excited because I thought that it would be close to the same thing. Somehow, I was mistaken. For some reason, this class hasn't been as smooth as mythology and folklore. I had an awful time getting started and kept missing assignments and getting so confused on the most basic instructions! And it wasn't anyone else's fault but my own! I don't know why it was so much more challenging for me this semester than the other one, but goodness it was. I wanted so badly to just get in there and go with the same flow as the last class. It took me a while but I think I finally found my flow. I am having an easy time writing the stories, it is mostly finding the new stories that I am having such a difficult time with. Again, i'm not sure why it is so difficult, but I am managing to get through it!

The best part about this class when I was struggling to get everything together though, was reading everyone's introductions and other stories. They gave me some inspiration on what to do for my new stories and really helped me get up and running with my posts! I always love learning about people and their similarities and their differences. I love seeing how their lives and adventures shape how their write and what they write about. Its so fascinating!

Over the next few weeks I really want to try and build up my reoccurring characters. I want people to understand the smaller parts of their characters but to also see how they relate to the characters from the stories they are being based off of. That will take some dedication to the character but I feel that it would really bring them to the next level if I pulled it off! I haven't read ahead to see what new stories will be given to us, but I am excited to see where I can take my characters. As much as I love Sarah and Gregor from my old stories, I really want to make Penny-Nichole the new star. She holds a dear place in my heart and I can't wait to let her shine!

I believe that is all for now and I really look forward to reading and writing more stories and doing the best that I can with the rest of this class!

What I attempt to do when writing my stories.

Week 7: Extra Reading - Part B

Kincaid. Shri Krishna of Dwarka - Mahabharata

Part B - Author: C. A. Kincaid (1920)

8. The Syamantaka Jewel
I really like the whole story of Satrajit and the jewel that makes the sun god unable to be seen. I also think the qualities of the gem are cool. If owned by one who is brave and good it shall give them treasures but if they lead an evil life, they will meet their death. Since they don't go into great detail of the battle between the great bear king and Krishna, I think that could be another cool battle story.

9. Adventures of Balarama and Pradyumna
I could make a tale of the adventures the divine baby has inside the fish. Or make a story of how the demon wife finds the baby in the fish she is going to make for dinner.

10. Naraka and Bana
Just reading the first paragraph I feel like I could compare Naraka to a spoiled child who is too big for his own good. It could be fun to take this story and make it from the view that Naraka is in fact just a small child playing in his world where he gets everything he wants.

11. Nriga and Paundrika
I feel that it could be fun to use the chameleon character in another story.

12. Deaths of Jarasandha and Shishupala
I think it is really cool to have a crossover between this chapter and the Mahabharata. There are also a couple of instances that I feel I could turn into stories.

13. The Passing of Krishna
How the club is produced is interesting. The event where Balamara passes could also be used as a good story.

Bibliography: Shri Krishna of Dwarka by C. A. Kincaid. Link.

Death of Krishna

Week 7: Storytelling - Madam Moo the Planet Guru

Once upon a time there was a young planet named Earth. She was home to many creatures of many sizes. There was one particular species that seemed to think that they were in charge of all other species. Earth called these creatures, humans. She had a love hate relationship with the humans, see, they were fascinating to watch but they weren't the brightest of beings. Honestly, she wasn't entirely sure how they had managed to become rulers of the other creatures. The were able to build some very impressive structures, but they would also constantly engage in meaningless squabbles that would result in many of them dying. One day, while Earth was enjoying her time observing the humans as she often enjoyed doing, a particular baby was born to a particular family. This baby, Kansa, was the reincarnation of a great demon that had once plagued Earth while she was still very young. Earth didn't know that it was the same demon, but she knew that nothing good would come from this child. She had been watching its family and she'd never had a very good feeling about them, but since they had never posed any actual threat, she'd let them be. Not too long after the baby Kansa was born, Earth started to notice many more creatures appearing on her surface that she knew she did not want. These creatures quickly began picking on the weak humans and causing tremors through to her core. The demons were upsetting the balance of her generally peaceful residents. Earth knew that the only way to rid herself of these parasites was to speak to the great planet guru, Madam Moo. Earth sent out distress signals across the galaxy for Madam Moo to come to her aid. She called for years and years until finally, the great guru appeared before her.

"What is it yoooooou need my dear child?" Madam Moo asked softly. The great guru shifted between different forms of an animal that the humans would call cows. Earth wasn't really sure why the amazing and all powerful guru was named after such a humble creature, but she didn't pay the detail much heed.

"Madam Moo, oh please help me! I have these creatures appearing on my surface that are causing quite the ruckus! I need to be rid of them as soon as I can. They are making quite a mess of my fascinating little humans and if I am not rid of the creatures soon, they are sure to wipe out all other life on me. I am worried that if they finish with all the other life, will slowly start to take mine as well. I am too young to die! Please. What must I do, Madam Moo? Please, you must help! I'm not sure how much longer I cant take these trembles that are constantly stretching across my lands and seas." Earth wailed helplessly to her great guru.

Madam Moo smiled and continued in her soft and gentle tone, "My dear, you must take the shape of the noble cow, as I have chosen to doooo, and travel to Mount Meru. There you will implore the help of Brahma Deva. He will tell you what needs to be done. Goooo now, and you will find peace in due time. Stay strong, young one." With her final words, and moos, Madam Moo disappeared into the endless universe. Off to aid another planet in need or assist a helpless spaceship stuck in her web of existence.

Earth focused her energy and slowly transformed into a brilliantly golden cow. Her horns and ankles were adorned with simple silver cuffs and a small crown of lapis topped her head. She drifted through time, desperately trying to find the mountain. When she felt that she would just succumb to the creatures torment, she finally found what she was looking for. Earth found this Brahma Deva and from his help, a divine pair of children were born unto her surface. These were not like any ordinary humans that had been born on her lands. No, these children were as strong as thirty men by the time they could walk. Their skin never burned from the sun or was ever marred by scratches or scars. They were righteous and brave and any creature that dared stand against them was instantly put to death. As the two grew they extinguished the plague of parasitic demons. First they would just take them on one by one and then slowly hoards of the creatures would throw themselves at the children. Earth had a marvelous time watching the two destroy the infestation. After many years of the children fighting and hunting and destroying the creatures, Earth was free from their horrible deeds and balance was right on her world again.

Author's note:
This story is based on the story "The Coming of Krishna" from the C. A. Kincaid version of the Mahabharata, Shri Krishna of Dwarka. The begin of the story tells of how the earth takes the shape of a cow and goes to Mount Meru to seek the help of Brahma Deva to be rid of the demons that were tormenting her. The help resulted in the god Shiva and his serpent being reborn onto Earth to slay the demons. I found it confusing and hilarious that the Earth took the shape of a cow to seek help so I thought I would make a comedic story from the Earth's point of view! And as soon as I knew which story I wanted to use, the name Madam Moo popped into my head and I found it so funny I just had to use it. This isn't a story that goes with my usual characters, but it is a little refreshing to give the bounty hunters a day off and just tell a background story!

Bibiography: "The Coming of Krishna" by C. A. Kincaid. from Shri Krishna of Dwarka.

The Worship of Vishnu at the Birth of Krishna

Source

Week 7: Reading Notes - Part A

Kincaid. Shri Krishna of Dwarka - Mahabharata

Part A - Author: C. A. Kincaid (1920)

1. The Coming of Krishna

So the Earth turned into a cow? Or a cow went to Earth? Nope. It looks like the Earth turned into a cow.. Okay then..  But I feel like it could be fun to make a story of how the cow turned into an animal and went off seeking aid to be rid of its demons. I also think it is cool how Vishnu has two incarnations sent to earth, one as his serpent and the other as himself.
I'm not sure if I could bring myself to do it, but it could make for a really gripping story if I wrote about how Kansa ended up slaying his first six children.

2. Krishna
The part where the baby grabs the demon and throws it around reminds me of Disney's Hercules. I feel like I could do something interesting with the female demon with poisoned milk but I'm not quite sure what I would do. I would also love to do something with Krishna as a toddler, I feel like it could be super funny!

3. The Boyhood of Krishna
While it is a little gory, I could use the moment when the false buffalo seeks to try to kill Krishna and Krishna finds it instead and kills it. Or when he get swallowed by the giant demon crane but beats his way out of it then kills that demon. Or use the demon snake because the imagery of how large it is is very impressive.

4. The Youth of Krishna
I could use the part where Krishna raises the mountain over his people' heads or the part where he save Nanda from the man-slaying serpent that was actually just a cursed man.

5. The Manhood of Krishna
The fight between Krishna and Arishta, who takes the form of a bull as tall as the mountain peaks. I also like when Krishna meets Kubja and she gives them ointment and Krishna straightens her back. The fight between Krishna and Kuvalyapad the demon elephant would be fun.

6. Krishna Founds Dwarka
I could make something small out of why "no Yavada prince can rule over Mathura". They already gave me the background story. The battle between Krishna and Jarasandha's army.

7. Rukmani
I could make a story around when Rukmani writes the letter to Krishna. Or her wedding night.
Bibliography: Shri Krishna of Dwarka by C. A. Kincaid. Link

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Kaliya Damana

(by Khitindra Nath Mazumadar,

from Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists, 1914)