Story: Owen and Clark

There was one week left to prepare for Ithaca South High School’s prom. Owen, a senior who attends ISHS also had two weeks to figure out how to ask the girl of his dreams to prom. Claire was a senior who sat right in front of Owen in their world history class. He was constantly distracted hoping not to embarrass himself in front of her or say something stupid. She was shy, intuitive, caring, and always gentle with her words but remained firm with her knowledge. Claire’s eyes were brown with a mixture of yellow that seemed piercing yet captivating. The glow of her eyes radiated off of her ghostly white skin while her dark wavy hair fell in front of her face leaving gaps for her eyes to see through. Owen always watched his every move around her-mind you he has had a crush on her since the ninth grade. He was smart and strong, but underestimated when questioning his abilities. This week was crucial to Owen, however, he still doubted himself because of his underdog perception.

The bell rang releasing the students to head to their fourth period. For Owen, this was lunch for him and his friends. As they all met up in the courtyard they began to eat their lunch and tell their stories about previous events that happened that day, who they were going to go to prom with, an episode of Bob’s Burgers that was watched the night before, etc. Owen couldn’t hold in the ideas he had on how to ask Claire to prom so he spilled the beans to his best friend Allen. Once Owen figured out how to ask Claire to the prom without any hesitation Owen relayed the information to Allen. His excitement outpoured along with the details of his plan. At the same moment, a school bully named Clark and his two buddies from the lacrosse team walked up and took his lunch out of his hands and threw it on the ground. They proceeded to make fun of Owen and his crush on Claire. As they started shoving him into the brick wall Owen immediately shouted, “I don’t want any trouble. We were just having lunch and hanging out here. Clark, there is no reason to start a fight.” Clark and his buddies began to laugh while corning Owen and his friends. Clark lunged toward Owen to attack and before Owen could realize it he dodged out of the way and was able to punch Clark square in the face knocking him to the ground. Owen and his friends were able to snatch their things and run back into the building. The bell rang for fifth period-Owen and his friends were late for class but luckily they were able to lose Clark and his friends.

Owen ran into his world history class and immediately made eye contact with Claire. Miss. Opus stopped her introduction for today’s agenda and stopped to recognize Owen’s tardiness. “You are late Owen…O-Owen are you bleeding?” Owen began to check himself out from his feet and up. As his chin met his chest he saw a drop of blood fall on his shirt. He quickly touched his fingers to his lips and realized that his bottom lip was bleeding. Owen responded, “I must have accidentally bitten it at lunch, Miss. Opus. I am sorry I’m late. I lost track of time in the courtyard.” Miss. Opus just nodded and continued on with her agenda while Owen found his seat behind Claire. Owen pulled out his history book and before he could turn another page Claire smoothly passed a folded up notebook piece of paper to him. He opened it and it read: “What really happened to you dork?” He silently giggled and wrote back, “You should see the other guy! Haha”. As he passed it back the class was interrupted by an office aide coming in with a small yellow slip and handed it to Miss. Opus. Each color meant something different. A green slip meant that the front office needed you for some lousy reason (lost and found, parking related issues, parents left something for you, etc.). A blue one was for matters that you can deal with after you leave the class you are in. Lastly, the red slip. The red slip was more serious. It was coming directly from the principal and normally is dealt with immediate response. “Owen, grab your things and head to the office. Principal Wagner needs to see you.” Immediately, his stomach dropped. Owen packed up his things, grabbed the slip, and turned around to see Claire looking at him with confusion as he left the room.

Owen walked into Principal Wagner’s office and found Clark leaving with a pack of ice covering a black eye along with a bruised face. “Sit down Owen,” Principal Wagner said sternly. He began to bring up the information that Clark brought to him. Obviously, it was all a complete lie insinuating that Owen started the fight. Once Principal Wagner finished his whole spiel he followed up with a detention slip for today and told him that he could no longer attend prom. Owen got enraged and with all that anger explained what really happened. Knowing Owen and his record Principal Wagner had a strong feeling that Owen (a good student) was telling the truth. Principal Wagner concluded with, “just to be sure, Owen, I am going to look into today’s camera footage from the courtyard and get down to the bottom of this. For now, you are to be assigned to in school suspension (ISS).”

Seventh period was starting and Owen was being sent to ISS. He was devastated that we wouldn’t be able to ask Claire to the prom like he planned after school. For the rest of seventh period and half of eighth period Owen waited in silence hoping that the principal would find the footage to prove his innocence. With twenty minutes to spare Principal Wagner came in concurred with what Owen said earlier that day. Owen was released and quickly ran to Claire’s last class to already find her waiting there for him. “I heard what happened to you today,” Claire said softly. Owen replied, “Yeah, it wasn’t too bad other than the fact that Clark tried to frame me for a fight he tried to start.” They began to chuckle and before Owen knew what was happening Claire was kissing him. She backed away and said, “I would love to go to prom with you.” Owen couldn’t help but hold back a smile that then turned into confusion. He asked, “How did you know-” Claire quickly interrupted, “Allen told me.” They both couldn’t help but smile and start laughing. Claire exhaled and said with exhaustion, “Ahhhh, it has been a long day.” Owen recalled his whole day and replied by saying, “You have no idea.” 

Author's Note: Yes, I know this is long but I think I had a hard time making sure to keep in the relative details from Homer's Odyssey and my story. I ended up never using the group of popular girls that were going to be portrayed as the Sirens. I realized that it would've made my story even longer so I ended up just ignoring that idea. I kept my focus on the fight between Owen and Clark that was originally inspired from the characters Odysseus and the Cyclops. The fight itself wasn't identical but if you caught on near the end when Owen saw Clark again in the front office the cruise on his faced should resemble something of a black eye (damage to the eye via cyclops' injury). In my opinion, I think I twisted the story immensely because of how unexpectedly long it was becoming. The ending of the story did, however, tie in showing that the Cyclops never slowed Odysseus down or deterred his efforts of making it back home and Owen never backed down to him and never stopped trying to get Claire's acceptance.

Bibliography: Homer's The Odyssey. Link to online reading 

Black eye resembling Clark's bruise

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Reading Notes: Homer's Odyssey, Part B

For the second half of the story I decided to focus more on the Siren’s Isle. I found them intriguing on how they could draw someone in with their singing and beautiful looks and then possibly kill the victim. How haunting and luring they are, yet so mysterious it draws a person in. These mermaid-creature’s characteristics remind me of a group who is portrayed as fake, beautiful, intimidating, yet admirable. My incorporation of the Siren’s will probably be a cliché group of popular girls who are pretty, conniving, dangerous, and manipulative. Because of the main character (Odysseus) winning the fight against his bully (the cyclops) he is seen as some underdog hero that suddenly became noticed. These girls plan to use their words and actions to draw the main character of my story off course of his mission to ask the girl to the high school’s event.

Further on throughout the story the main character ends up getting a call to the principal’s office because of another student reporting the fight that occurred earlier that day. The consequences could avert him from even going to the event which would prevent him on making his move to ask the girl of his interest to the dance. At this moment in the story, I wonder if he will even get to go to the dance. If he does get to go to the dance, how would he get out of the consequences the principal gave him? 

Dangerous Siren 

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Bibliography: Homer's The Odyssey. Link to Siren's Section of The Odyssey

Reading Notes: Homer's Odyssey, Part A

Since Homer’s Odyssey was written sometime during the 12th century, I figured I would try to create a story with the opposite setting. The characters personalities made me start thinking about my story occurring at a high school while each character plays a specific role preparing for some dance or prom. While reading the first half of Homer’s Odyssey I decided I wanted to incorporate the Cyclops-possibly as a bully because he was such a ruthless character. I also liked Circe and the connection her and Odysseus had along with his loyal followers.

The main character’s intention throughout the first half of the story is to try to impress a girl enough to take her to said dance/prom. The cyclops will be portrayed as the main character’s bully and will be preventing him to ask the girl to the dance/prom he is hoping on taking her to. Because of the random significance of Circe and Odysseus’ relationship I planned on making Circe the certain someone the main character wants to ask to the event. Furthermore, Odysseus’ character in my story will face one or two more obstacles to get her acceptance. These obstacles might even prevent him from getting to go to the event at all. 

Bibliography: Homer's The Odyssey, link to reading online

Circe & her marble house

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Growth Mindset

Before watching these videos I have never heard of Carol Dweck and the growth mindset. I think it is obvious that the more you work on something the better you will become. Just like the expression, ‘practice makes perfect’. When I was in gymnastics in order for me to achieve a skill perfectly I had to continuously practice and do drills even if I face planted or failed over and over again. I really liked the second video’s message making challenges the new comfort zone. I think everyone can agree that failing can be embarrassing. Carol’s thoughts on affirmation made me realize kids are shaped to feel good about getting the right answer rather than seeing their progress throughout the learning curve. I am hoping that I can encourage myself this semester to not get too upset when I don’t do well on something.

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Growth mindset meme

Starting the Semester

At the beginning of each semester I make sure to have at least one folder to collect the syllabi for each class along with extra papers handed out. I make sure to have the basic school supplies so that I don't hit a brick wall when it comes to random assignments during the week. The most important and favorite organizational tip I can give is to always have a planner! That is the only way I can stay organized and not forget about anything. Once I get each syllabus I go to each class schedule and write down future assignments and their due dates so I won't fall behind. 

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Weekly Planner

My Reading Options

I chose Homer's Odyssey to read for Week 2. I read it in my British Literature class when I was doing concurrent courses in high school and found it really interesting. Because the course was condense and short we sped right through it so I couldn't really absorb it as well I wanted to. I would like to read it again so I can actually go about it at my pace.

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Odyssey and Polyphemus

As a child Robin Hood was one of my favorite movies. It reminds me of all the other disney movies I watched as a kid. I am eager to read more into this story to see what correlates in the movie and the book. Robin Hood Link 

Along with Robin Hood, Alice and Wonderland is another childhood movie that I always fantasized about. I loved how different and unique the storyline was; it was kept my attention with its colors and illusions. I'm excited to see what the story entails! Alice and Wonderland Link

Beowulf was the third story I found interesting when doing this assignment. I read the book in high school and watched the movie around the same time. I liked certain scenes in the book and enjoyed the mythology as well. Even though I am not the most creative person, I definitely appreciate the mysterious monsters in the dark and the creatures in the story. Beowulf Link

Courtney's Storybook Favorites

Secrets of the Ancient Past 

Mysteries have always grabbed my attention from the start, therefore it has been a strong interest of mine for awhile now. The title fit perfectly in my opinion. Secrets of the world is very vague so in result the title should be just as vague! The introduction discussed the narrator's passion of seeking out these secrets and having endless questions about the way the world and its features were brought about. The layout and design of the page seems very broad; it is a picture of a foggy forest that has a black gradient to it, which I think is a good set up for such a vague mystery. The design of the page was easy to navigate around, the font was a great touch along with the pictures of the seen and unseen world.

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Stonehenge at sunset 

Tales of the Forgotten Mermaids

I am familiar with stories of mermaids and have always enjoyed the fantasy of it all. I do not mean to demean mermaids, however, to me it is just like big foot-there is no valid evidence of their existence. The introduction introduced the ocean as the narrator (which I thought was creative) and then the three mermaids in the story. Other than the fact that the mermaids are 'forgotten' everything was covered in the introduction. The layout and design of the page was a little too simple but easy to absorb. The pictures helped make it more interesting rather than boring, but because of this page specifically, I realize how important the design of a page is when directing a story. 

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Mermaids, Doubtful Newsblog

Spooky Irish Ghost Stories 

Based on my previous comment(s) and post(s) before I definitely love and enjoy mysteries or anything with the genre of suspense and thrillers. I would like to believe that over half of our population can appreciate a good ole' ghost story. Who wouldn't?! We grew up listening to them and telling them ourselves. The correlation of the title and story is clear as day. In the introduction the narrator is known to be the family crest which I also found pretty creative. The crest is hung about the main staircase, so it says, which allows it to hear and see everything that goes on or has already happened in the house without anyone else knowing. I thought the physical layout was lacking and needed a little bit more pictures or a different colored background. I understand that for stories such as this one you would need to stick with darker colors to correlate with the darker story. Taking on the perspective as an audience member made me realize that when telling a scary story pictures make it more enjoyable and easily to visualize as it goes on. 

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Haunted House

Introduction & Tech Tip: Embedded YouTube

 Hey again!

So currently I am a senior at OU striving to be a nurse practitioner. I have completed my minor, Sociology, and the prerequisites for Pre-nursing. I am now a pre-Multidisciplinary Studies major hoping to graduate this spring with a Bachelor's of Science. This summer I was able to visit my mom and stepdad in Colorado and my dad in Texas. I am very family oriented so I soak up my time when I am with my family over break. During summer I was also able to celebrate my mom's birthday in May and mine in June! I am the youngest in my family, however, I believe I am the most responsible. I have a twin sister, Carly, an older brother, Eric, and two older step brothers, Ryan and Austin. I have a wonderful kitty Oliver who is roughly 4 months old and is crazy as ever. He is constantly running and jumping all over the place (we have carpeted walls so he literally climbs the walls-it is somewhat humorous but also terrifying). I love all food genres but my favorite is pizza for sure. Like I said in a recent post, I love to travel and hope to backpack over around Europe within the year. I have always found an interest in broadening my perspective of the world and hope I can add more experiences in Italy, Spain, Ireland, Germany, and many more places. J

Furthermore, when it comes to my profession I haven't decided what I exactly want to do when I become a nurse practitioner. I do sway towards pediatrics, but I think ninety percent of students going into the medical field feel the same way before graduate school. Once I settle down I hope to move somewhere else...probably Colorado but I try to keep an open mind when planning for the future. Either way, I am excited to see where my next steps in life take me!

My ~4 month old kitty, Oliver

The Weekend - Starboy feat. Daft Punk  

Week 1 Storytelling: The Case of the Missing Twins

 My dear, do you know,

How a long time ago,

                                                               Two poor little children,

Whose names I don't know,

Were stolen away

On a fine summer's day,

And left in a wood,

As I've heard people say.

And when it was night

So sad was their plight,

The sun it went down,

And the moon gave no light.

They sobbed and they sighed

And they bitterly cried,

And long before morning

They lay down and died.

And when they were dead

The robins so red

Brought strawberry leaves

And over them spread;

And all the day long,

The green branches among,

They'd prettily whistle

And this was their song-

'Poor babes in the wood!

Sweet babes in the wood!

Oh the sad fate of

The babes in the wood!'

(Nursery rhyme)

“911, where is your emergency?”

“They are gone! They were just in front of me and now they are gone!”

“Ma’am please try to calm down. Where are you located?”

“I-I’m at Grizzly Park off Grand and 12^th…please hurry!”

Bob and Linda’s twins went missing Thursday at 4:48pm at Grizzly Park. Soon after the 911 call police arrived to the scene to investigate. Unfortunately, what was left was little to no evidence. Officer Mort, who was in charge of this missing case turned to the parents hoping to find a better lead.

Linda was talking with another cop when Officer Mort walked up. While choking on her tears she managed to explain the scene, “they were just swinging and running around for one second and then the next they were gone. I only looked away for a second.” Bob continued to comfort Linda when he began to describe that one of the twins was wearing a red dress with a matching bow while the other one was wearing shorts with a green t-shirt.

A search party was gathered and began at 6:00pm where they started to search further into the woodsy area that surrounded the park. Before it was dark, a whistle was blown a mile or so out of the park, which in turn means that a volunteer or officer found something that could be evidence. As Linda ran to the sound of the whistle she arrived to a volunteer holding the matching red bow to her daughter’s dress. At that point her and Bob were frantic to find their twins and only started to get careless so Officer Mort had them sent back to the station to get some rest.

It was 1:03am when Officer Mort announced to meet back at Grizzly Park at 8:00am the following morning. Supposedly, the night the twins went missing there was a severe thunderstorm that hit the area around 4:30am that morning.

The sun was shining in between the leaves letting leftover rain droplets fall below. Birds were chirping and taking turns bathing in the puddles beneath the trees. As they continued their search through the slippery mud and protruding branches they soon found recent tracks that led to a nearby river. Another whistle was blown as they came closer to the river. Volunteers were gathered around a tree trunk that had fallen where they soon found the twins. They were peacefully laying there, beside the fallen tree and a bed of red tulips. Officer Mort called the time of death-it was 10:14am.

Author's Note. The rhyme that I shared above and my story beneath have identical plots. In the rhyme two children went missing and struggled throughout their night in the woods. They soon were found dead with strawberry leaves on them left by robins. I always find mysteries and missing cases interesting so I just planned on taking the rhyme and making into a modern situation of parents losing their kids, in this case twins. Instead of robins specifically leaving strawberry leaves on the children I gave the scene more imagery by describing what it sometimes is like after the storm along with the bed of red tulips that surrounded the bodies. 

Bibliography. This story was based on the nursery rhyme, "The Babes in the Woods" in The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang. 

  Babe in the Wood

My Favorite Place is Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, CO

Hey guys! My mom and step dad live in Colorado and while visiting there over the years I have to say that my favorite hiking trail is Hanging Lake Trails. I have always enjoyed being outdoors and the Colorado mountains and greenery had me from the beginning. I love to travel and hope to go to Europe soon and start backpacking from there. I'm sure I'll will find new favorite places!

                                 

Glenwood Springs, CO

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Hi my name is Courtney Ambrose and I love my cat Oliver.
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