Reading Notes: Japanese Fairy Tales, Part B

For today's reading based on, The Japanese Fairy Tale, Part B, the story that stood out to me was The Crab and the Monkey. Considering the plot outline I put together yesterday from part A of my reading notes I found that the story, The Crab and the Monkey, could be incorporated based on the teamwork and loyalty portrayed in it's ending. Just so you know what I am referring to I will give a quick overview of this short story which will show the audience a better understanding of what I am incorporating in my story. The monkey passes this crab who obtains some rice in which he is interested in. After asking for some, they decided to do a trade--the crab gave some rice to the monkey in return for half of a kaki fruit (and the seeds within it). After some time, the crab grows a luxurious tree full of the kaki fruit. Once the monkey finds his way to pass through he notices the full tree and bothers to ask the crab for some fruit. He begins to take advantage of the crab and her kaki fruit tree and then injures the crab close to death. This upcoming part is what will be incorporated into my story. The crab is then found by her animal friends in the forest and nurtured back to health while they devise a plan to punish the monkey next time he comes around. To see what happens in the end for that story you will have to read it yourself!
Furthermore, for the outline of my story, I plan to continue with my idea of the two cats eloping to start a new life full of happiness together and that they are only left realizing that their happiness has always been with them all along. Now, since I am incorporating the story with the crab and the monkey I will design an obstacle that the cats will face at some point during their journey where they seem to have a hard time overcoming the challenge. With the help of their feline friends back home and the new animals that they have befriended along the way, they will be able to work together to defeat the obstacle and fulfill their goal.

Japanese Fairy Tale image with a cat

Link to picture

Bibliography: This story is part of The Japanese Fairy Tale unit. Story source: The Violet Fairy Book by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H.J. Ford (1901). 

Reading Notes: Japanese Fairy Tales, Part A

For week six I chose to begin the reading, Japanese Fairy Tales. All of these short stories had cute details and characters which kept my interest peaked. A lot of the characters were made up of a collective amount of various animals (which I appreciated). I was thinking of combining the two stories, The Two Frogs and The Cat’s Elopement. The other stories were creative and cute but I felt that the combination of these two stories would compliment each other. In the story, The Two Frogs, there were two identical frogs that were traveling in between each of their hometowns. Both frogs were curious about the other frog’s hometown where later on they find out they are identical like themselves. In the story, The Cat’s Elopement, it was basically about two cats who lived with different owners where they then attempted to run away together to elope. However, soon after they run away from home they only find themselves being split up facing their own obstacles along the way.
For my story I plan to create an outline that would most likely correlate more with the elopement story rather than the story about the frogs. The characters would be two cats who love each other and plan to start a new life together by eloping and finding a new home elsewhere. Maybe I could write about a journey that the cats face together when transitioning from their small town lifestyle into a big city lifestyle. I could create an obstacle the newly wedded cats face while moving and end with them knowing that it doesn't matter where they end up as long as they are together. The purpose from the story about the frogs would hopefully mesh well when I incorporate the meaning in the end. Furthermore, I would aim to have the story end with some kind of relatable anecdote people face when realizing that happiness is only found from within.

Two cats cuddling
 Link to picture

Bibliography: This story is part of The Japanese Fairy Tale unit. Story source: The Violet Fairy Book by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H.J. Ford (1901). 

Tech Tip: Resizing Images

For this Tech Tip, here are some of my personal pictures capturing where I have traveled in the past. 

Lookout Mountain Park

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge 

Doc Holiday's Cemetery

I have added captions to these images so that you know the location of where I took the pictures. 

Google Timer Tech Tip

Google timer is actually new to me! I have never used it before but I have heard about it. I like to think that I am organized so these tactics such as time management seems pretty beneficial. I think it could possibly be useful during class assignments, managing your studying time, or timing a break from whatever you were doing. Sometimes when I have a hard time focusing on one assignment I try to take breaks by working on other assignments I have to finish. This could potentially be a good time I could incorporate the google timer.

 

Story: The Evil Magician's Desire for Power

“Sire, that is the deceased man’s son, Aladdin” the snake whispered, “he is who will retrieve the lamp for you from the dangerous depth below.”
“Ah, good work, Vincent,” the magician affirmed. “With his vulnerability exposed we will have no problem manipulating him to getting what we want, which is the magic lamp.”
The evil magician approached the little boy and introduced himself as his uncle and said that his dead father was his dead brother. Without knowing that his posed uncle was not who he said he was, Aladdin freely brought him back home to meet his mother. The evil magician didn’t predict this coming so he immediately began to panic. As they arrived back to Aladdin's home the posed uncle out poured in sweat and had no choice but to wing it hoping his mother won’t remember his true uncle’s face. Before he knew it he was standing before her analyzing her face which expressed despair and confusion. Aladdin quickly updated her on what happened leading her to believe what he says is true. Without haste, the magician broke the silence by telling Aladdin his plan to take him out into the city tomorrow and that he needs to look sharp and be on his best behavior.
As soon as the sun broke the horizon the evil magician woke Aladdin up to start the busy day. On their way towards the city the posed uncle is dealt with curveball questions regarding his father. With each answer the uncle goes with his gut hoping that his true identity wouldn't be revealed before his master plan has been accomplished. Trying to keep Aladdin distracted the posed uncle attempts to keep the conversation going and entertaining. Unfortunately for him, Aladdin quickly noticed the change in direction the led deep into rural, isolated lands. With some difficulty the posed uncle convinced Aladdin to remain calm and began to explain what he needed Aladdin to do.
“What you will do is enter into this cave, pass the golden arches where you will then find a small golden lamp. There will be treasures all around you, however, you are only there to acquire one-the lamp. I would go in and get it myself but I am unable to enter the cave. Also, avoid touching anything else or else you will die immediately.”
The snake slithered up beside the evil magician as they both watched Aladdin enter the cave. Time passed quickly while they both waited for Aladdin to return. Then, out of nowhere, they felt a crack beneath them and heard a roar that echoed out of the cave shaking them where they stood. Right before them they saw rocks fall from the ceiling of the cave realizing that Aladdin had seconds from escaping. Vincent, the snake, was the first who saw Aladdin appear running towards the mouth of the cave. Knowing that Aladdin wouldn't make it the evil magician and the snake lunged toward the boy to grab the lamp from him but it was already too late. The magician and Vincent looked at each other hoping that one of them at least got the lamp but only realized that neither of them had it and the cave has collapsed. Feeling discouraged they left the boy behind and ventured back to their homeland.

[2 months later]

Vincent raced over to the evil magician’s bedside to deliver the important news. “Sire! Sire! Wake up and look outside. This time you don’t need my whispers. The rumors of the Sultan’s daughter’s mystery man is true. Aladdin, the poor boy whom we remember is now a man with luxury and power. The only possible way he could have achieved thi-”
The evil magician awoke and instantly interrupted Vincent, “he must have the magic lamp! How could he have possibly escaped the cave? We saw it collapsed before our eyes! That smart boy has already found the lamp’s true powers. We must steal back this lamp immediately since it was ours to begin with.” Vincent informed the evil magician about Aladdin becoming a prince after marrying the Sultan’s daughter. He also passed on his previous whispers containing the location of the prince. The snake’s only concern is how the evil magician will wiggle his way in to steal back the lamp.
On their journey back to where Aladdin and his princess reside, they discussed each possible plan of attack knowing that they would possibly face Aladdin themselves. Luckily, once they arrived to the town Aladdin lives in they heard that he was out on a hunting trip. Feeling good, the evil magician and the snake disguised themselves as a poor homeless peasant just trading new lamps for old ones. As they arrived to the palace door he successfully tricked the princess into trading the magic lamp for a beautiful unextraordinary one. Once the lamp was passed off into his hands he removed his disguise to which the princess jumped back in shock. While mesmerizing the lamp he continued to rub it so that a genie would appear and grant his wish of taking the palace and the princess along with himself and Vincent back to his homeland.
Days passed and the evil magician sat in a throne within the palace with the kidnapped princess by his side. He tempted her to leave her faith and forget about  Aladdin. Each day she cried but never broke knowing that Aladdin would find her. As for the magician he and the snake were stuffed with joy and never thought about Aladdin and their worries again. Little did they know, Aladdin had found where the evil magician fled to and raced to the princess’ rescue. At dusk, Aladdin snuck in and was able to devise a plan with his lover.
At dinner the magician sensed something different with the princess and her behavior-a good different. She seemed more open and friendly to the idea of them becoming husband and wife. Feeling overjoyed for his future he began to say a toast before the meal was served, “my sweet princess, you are an unexplainable beauty that was captured when I first lay-” the princess interrupted and said, “first let us drink to celebrate and then you can continue.” The evil magician threw back the cup and downed the wine. As he followed with an inhale he quickly realized the tightness in his chest and pulsation in his eyes. Before he knew what was going on he was already dead.
Aladdin appeared around the corner and embraced the princess whom he then complimented her bravery. He picked up the magic lamp and wished him, his wife, and his palace was back home. As they went to bed early from the exhausting day, little Vincent was able to escape from a cupboard he was hiding in after the murder of his master. He left the palace rushing back to his homeland in attempt to find the evil magician’s brother. Vincent would then proceed to give the news about his deceased brother.
It was near the break of dawn when Vincent found the evil magician’s brother. He approached the man and introduced himself and his previous title of being the evil magician’s right hand counsel. The brother accepted his greeting and asked him what his purpose was once the snake found him. Vincent, out of breath, slithered back, “I have many whispers for you to hear.”

To be  continued

Author’s Note:  After reading the story, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, I immediately thought of a creative idea of switching the main characters. Everyone knows the gist of the story Aladdin and it’s overall plot about the powerful lamp and the genie within it. If you don't then get to it! Moreover, the story shares the same plot and the only difference is the character we are experiencing it through. I had fun writing about the evil magician’s side of the story because I liked the idea of leaving out the information that we already know about based on the original story/movie. I did plan on incorporating the evil magician’s brother, however, I think leaving his vengeance of his brother’s death would be better told in a sequel.

Bibliography: This story is part of the Arabian Nights unit. Story source: The Arabian Nights' Entertainments by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H.J. Ford (1898). Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

Reading Notes: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, Part B

While reading the story Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp based from the overall story Arabian Nights I thought that turning the tables could be potentially cool and interesting. Instead of the main character being Aladdin I would flip the script by having the false uncle, known as the evil magician, be portrayed as the main character. I think adding this different perspective could be fun and intriguing for the readers and myself. I would add a couple more characters in the story so that transitioning would be easier. For example, in the beginning, the magician would have to find out about Aladdin and his recently deceased father. Therefore, I would create a small character (such as a snake) that would remain by the magician’s side carrying out the tasks of some sort of assistant. The use of this character would be to whisper ideas, information, or opinions into his ear which could possibly be used as an advantage throughout the story. Being so, this is how the magician would find out about the death of Aladdin’s father and his crippled demeanor. The snake, being the magician’s servant, will later perform his routine tasks for the magician’s brother once he is murdered by Aladdin after stealing back the lamp. The character of the snake servant will help connect and continue on with the brother’s vengeance to finish the story.  

From the beginning to the end, the reader will take in different obstacles that the magician faced throughout his distasteful journey that was unseen in the original story. He will have to find his way back to China through the treacherous travel and complete his plan up until his death. There will be different dialogue along with different perspectives of each scenario along the way. Furthermore, the magician’s brother will soon replace his position as the main character up until his death too. I liked this idea of rearranging the characters because most times stories don’t portray the villain as the main character. I also liked incorporating the snake because he shares the same perspective that the audience has which helps put together the malicious side of the story.

I didn't realize there was a snake in the movie, Aladdin. However, the evil snake acting as a servant in my story would probably look something like this. 

Link to picture

Bibliography: This story is part of the Arabian Nights unit. Story source: The Arabian Nights' Entertainments by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H.J. Ford (1898). Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

Feedback Focus

If I had to rank these three techniques (from most usefulness to least usefulness) it would be: Reading out loud, copy and delete, use a timer. I have used the technique, reading out loud since I was able to read. It has always helped me maintain my focus on what I am reading/studying. I still read out loud to my boy friend and cat! The copy and delete technique reminds me of when I would read books for classes and analyze each paragraph or chapter assigned for us to read. I found it helpful because I would pin-point the main aspects of the story and magnify it so that I would understand the overall meaning that is being portrayed. On the other hand, using a timer is my least favorite studying method. I hate the feeling of being timed! It makes me anxious and constantly check the timer when I should be focusing. I understand why people would use this technique by doing a chunk of work in intervals, however, this is not the most efficient way of focusing for me. After going through each technique I ended up not being surprised with my results. Throughout my academic career I have used these techniques and mastered the ones I am best at. Going through these options seemed normal to me and naturally the ones I am better at seemed more comfortable when focusing on these stories.
For reading out loud the biggest advantage is that you are using a different part of your brain when processing the information. Whenever you can use the multiple parts of your brain when focusing the more permeable the information will be in the long run. I think that reading out loud helps you take in  the information at hand and process it into your own understanding. The biggest disadvantage would be that you have limited time and space to use this technique. Whenever you would be doing your assignments or studying most people go to libraries, study rooms, or work on these things with a group. No matter what, no one likes when people are reading out loud while each person is working on their own work. Reading out loud is distracting for people around you! With this technique you have minimal opportunities for its use.
When copying and deleting the information that you are focusing on it also has an advantage of using different parts of your brain. Most times, for kinesthetic learners rewriting the information you are analyzing or studying can be extremely helpful. When I study I normally rewrite things or add notes to the side and find it useful for me in the long run. I think a huge disadvantage that acts as an anchor to me at least is that copying and deleting takes time. I view it as taking a fine tooth comb and analyzing the meaning of each concept or paragraph that is being overlooked.
Lastly, as for timing yourself the only advantage I see is that it gives you a structure or should I say timed agenda for each assignment at hand. It can keep you on track for each assignment and probably helps when you are trying to beat a deadline. As for the disadvantage, when I use this technique I get the same feeling you would get when you are being timed during an exam and you have ten more questions to finish with only three minutes left. That may seem a bit dramatic, but for me it is normal. Being timed is another distraction for me and I'm sure that is a common disadvantage students face when dealing with this technique.

Read Aloud cartoon 

Link to picture

Reading Notes: Turkish Folktales and Fairy Tales, Part B

After reading the second half of the various Turkish folktales and fairy tales I still feel the same when I say that these stories at times feel unfinished. I think that I could take bits and pieces of each story to make it my own but taking certain things that stood out to me in one story might not be enough.
The first fairy tale of the second half, The Patience-Stone and Patience-Knife seemed like a good and interesting story that could be useful. For instance, I enjoyed the thrill that the bird brought when saying that her kismet (fate) lied with a dead person. It was an inescapable part that kept my attention and fell into the kind of reading I like. Near the end of the story there was a moment of truth of the whole situation that cleared the air so that the main character could live happily ever after. Those points in a story are very helpful to make it go together smoothly; it gives the story and overall meaning/lesson that the audience can leave with. I feel that I could take pieces from this story and possibly incorporate it in with the story I will tell Wednesday.
The other fairy tale that stood out to me in the second half was, The Wizard and his Pupil. It reminded me of a situation where I could base the story off of Darwin’s natural selection theory. Or better known as, survival of the fittest. If I write a story based on this one, I already know that the similarities will be easily spotted by the audience since that is what the whole story pretty much entails.
Like I said before in my previous post, this week’s story already seems like a hard assignment to tackle. I feel like I picked a poor story to go off of making it difficult for me to decide how this will all go. Luckily, I have several ideas of what I will write about!

Will Pogany-Turkish Fairy Tales  

Link to picture

Bibliography: Turkish Folktales and Fairy Tales, by Ignacz Kuno

Reading Notes: Turkish Folktales and Fairy Tales, Part A

Reading the Turkish Folktales and Fairy Tales was interesting but seemed unfinished to me. Each story had an odd ending and sometimes odd plots which makes it a little difficult when deciding what my story will be about. The first story, Turkish: Fear, is probably my favorite when referring to the first half of the assignment. If I had to choose what I was going to write about right now it would most likely be based on that story. It was thrilling at times and intriguing when the youth (the main character) could not seem to experience fear. Fear is what he was seeking out the whole time and in various suspenseful scenarios he was unable to feel afraid. This plot gave me a few ideas to write about relating to a smaller character. My first idea would have a weaker main character, maybe a mouse, that is brave and sets off to find a challenge. Each challenge is accomplished by this small character whom in the end might be defeated by something out of the blue. Or my second idea was that I could write about a group of kids playing truth or dare. In this situation there could be this runt of a kid taking on dares left and right as if they were nothing. Lastly, my third idea was as simple as a young character just trying to get rid of their hiccups. In order to do that the main character’s family all take turns trying to scare the hiccups out of him/her. In the end it would possibly be the most pesky thing that finally got rid of them. All ideas seem vague enough for me to build up from here. I will say this might be a harder story for me to write so I am already nervous to see how it turns out.

Mr. Worry character 

Link to picture

Bibliography: Turkish Folktales and Fairy Tales, by Ignacz Kuno

Story: The Intravenous Flower

It was year 2092 when life on Earth vanished from a mysterious environmental explosion that covered the whole planet. In comparison to the world’s population there was an infinitesimal amount of people who were able to escape just before the explosion in the space station now known as Traejerron. Over the years the community reproduced and began to efficiently survive on the space station. For everyone to continue to obey the laws before them a council and chief was formed to keep order. The council contains six people along with Chief Malent. The engineers of the space station just recently informed the chief and his council that the resources used to survive will soon be unobtainable and the Traejerron will soon die off along with the people inside it. Because of the recent news Chief Malent and the council have decided to quickly organize an experiment where one woman and one man will be sent to Earth to prospect it and see if it is livable.

Alan and Elizabeth were normal people who performed their tasks each day on the space station without knowing that the other even existed. When they received news that they were randomly chosen for an unexplainable quest they had no idea what to expect. Both Alan and Elizabeth were informed on what their intentions were once they arrived and warned about the unknown life that possibly came about after the explosion. They departed together as strangers hoping that they would be able to live on to see the end of Traejerron and the beginning of new life on Earth.

~~~

The ride down to Earth was bumpy and filled with awkward silence and small talk. As they landed on the assigned coordinates they were relieved to be able to breathe realizing that oxygen was still accessible. Alan began to build shelter since he could foresee an oddly colored storm coming while Elizabeth went out searching for food and objects that could possibly help them build shelter and tools. The sun began to set as she ventured out into the woods making it harder to see each minute. As she turned the corner making her last rounds picking up berries and sticks she noticed an illuminating glow out of the corner of her eye. It seemed to be a flower that was luminescent with pedals that contained a gradient of colors such as red, blue, and purple with a brightly yellow center. The flower’s characteristics were mesmerizing yet Elizabeth felt an unusual sinking feeling within that slowly pulled the life out out of her. While walking back to base camp she tried to understand what just happened. How long was I standing there? What was this mysterious flower? Could it help us? These thoughts raced through her mind but little did she know that that mysterious flower was there upholding a parasitic relationship and only made her weaker.

“Elizabeth, there you are! I was about to go look for you. It had been awhile since you left into the woods.”

“Oh yeah, sorry to make you worry… I got a bit distracted with this flo-”

“I was able to build a shelter over near that tree. I’m glad you found some sticks. Maybe you can try starting a fire. It has definitely been awhile since I had to so I might be a little rusty.”

“I can get one going.”

Elizabeth couldn’t get her mind off of the feeling that this flower inflicted upon her. It was intriguing and powerful and yet she knew it felt wrong which kept her curiosity going. Before she went to bed she told herself that tomorrow she would go back to this flower and figure out its purpose.

~~~

The feeling the warm sun beaming on Alan and Elizabeth’s face was unfamiliar but soothing to wake up to. As they got up to start their day Elizabeth was eager to head back into the woods to find the flower from last night. They split up to cover more ground to see what more this planet now offered. Throughout the day they made more and more progress documenting their experiments on the ground figuring out what could be harmless and harmful. As Alan finished his findings and called it a day he began to head towards camp. However, once he came around a cluster of tall majestic trees he noticed Elizabeth on the ground unconscious with a pale sickly complexion. He ran to her to lift her up but immediately was pulled back by the stems intact to her body as if it was some sort of IV. Instead of the mischievous flower’s stems acting as an IV pouring in nutrients it was acting more like a suction taking Elizabeth’s life away by the second. Alan pulled a knife from his bag and was able to cut off the stem that was attached to the flower. Elizabeth gasped for air after the disconnection leaving her completely delusional of what just happened. Her and Alan looked down to see the tangled vine like stem wrapping around her arm all the way from her fingertip to the top edge of her shoulder. It was a painful remembrance of giving in to even something so beautiful yet evil can only lead to degradation of one’s self and will power.

Alan looked back at the plant and saw it slowly deteriorating leaving what was now just an evil flower without its power to latch on to it’s victims. While Alan reported back to the space station about the incidence Elizabeth continued to try to detach the stem from her body. Unfortunately, it was already too late. The thorns pierced beneath her skin giving more of a deeper attachment leaving her with more than just a physical scar.

“But sir, you can’t just banish us! Earth is livable! It has only been a couple days and what other options do you have now?! We need more time.” Adam said frantically.

Chief Malent replied unpleased with the situation. “I don’t like this either, but I can’t risk infecting the community of Traejerron with what Elizabeth and you might already have! You and Elizabeth could be sick.”

“Chief Malent, please, if you would only-”

“Enough Alan. You say life on Earth is possible, right? Well, maybe it is time for you to start a new beginning. I will send down more food and supplies to get you started. We will continue to search for life on other planets and if all else fails then who knows, maybe we will meet again. Good luck, young man.” Chief Malent signed off leaving Alan and Elizabeth to their new optimistic future.

~~~

Mischievous flower

Link to picture

Author's Note: I chose to specify on the disobedient and deviant behavior that Eve portrayed in Adam and Eve because I felt that there was a lot of room to build my story from there. Like I said in my previous post, I chose to present the story in a more futuristic time with other pressing events such as the mysterious environmental explosion. For those of you who are familiar with the show, The 100, I based the aesthetic of my plot off that TV show. While writing the story I also decided to make the evil character/life form a beautiful flower instead of a serpent. I wanted the moral of my story to project that even the most beautiful things can be poisonous.

Bibliography: Adam and Eve, by Louis Ginzberg 

Reading Notes: Adam and Eve, Part A

I chose to do my reading over the story Adam and Eve because it is a familiar story that was told to me as I grew up. While growing up and going to church throughout each age group we were told the story of Adam and Eve-except as I grew older more details and analysis to the story was told. I like the simplicity of the story and I think that is why I decided to write a short story based on the original plot.

Instead of the story’s setting originating in the past when it was only them on planet earth along with the animals I decided to place the setting in the future when all of mankind was killed off by some mysterious cause. Adam will be sent to earth from space station Traejerron to figure out if there is any life left on earth. Turns out the chief and his council is really just conducting an experiment to see if earth is even livable again. In order to make sure both men and women could live on earth together while using the same resources they plan on sending a woman as well (which would be a character playing off of Eve’s character). Furthermore, this chosen man and woman would not know that they are both being sent. They would assume it would be just themselves taking on this adventure.

Once they get to earth they will have to take on obstacles together and alone. Even though they are sent to different coordinates they will soon find each other and find that working together is the best way to survive and make the right choices for their community’s future. However, because of the mysterious causation and termination of humankind and animals different creatures and substances were brought up in the new world on earth. Not knowing if the chosen man and woman can take on these creatures and plant life and their unknown illusions is the real challenge throughout the story. 

Space Station Traejerron

Link to picture

Bibliography: Adam and Eve, by Louis Ginzberg 

Feedback Thoughts

Negative feedback has always be a good thing in my opinion. Even throughout my science courses such as Physiology I was taught that the negative feedback loop is how things are kept at a comfortable and balanced setting while performing certain functions. Yes, negative reinforcement can be hurtful but it is a clear way of getting the mistakes out and the open so they can be corrected. Based on the two articles I read the idea of negative feedback is seen as a positive way of learning and perfecting one’s skills/knowledge.

I normally try to encourage negative feedback in my classes with other classmates. I also try to keep it involved when playing sports to help out others and myself! While giving negative feedback it is important to remain patience and understanding. When receiving feedback it is also very important to not be hasty and get discouraged when failing each time. I recommend taking things slow and be observant when taking in constructive criticism.

Positive and Negative Feedback

Link to picture