Reading Notes: Wilson. The Five Tall Sons of Pandu Part A

I really enjoyed reading about the Pandava Brothers. There story is one of my favorites to focus on. While reading through the reading guide, I was thinking of a different way to tell this story. I did not want to write about the Pandava brothers again, but instead tell it in a different way. Maybe change the plot? I decided I wanted to focus on one aspect of the story. I chose to stick with the Exile and End of Exile part of the story. I have noticed a trend in these stories. Someone always gets exiled for one reason or another. I was thinking for my story I would have five brothers maybe get kicked out of the house at a young age. This would be related to exile. I also like that the end of their exile ends happy. They are ready to reclaim their kingdom, instead of being in exile the whole time. I am thinking that maybe later in the story claiming their kingdom could be either becoming completely independent from everyone and becoming successful. Or, it could be going back home to their parents and being reunited. I am leaning on the independent one more, but this could switch. I also want to add an antagonist in this, and I am thinking that I would make the antagonist either just like the forces of the earth, or have the brothers parents play a big role in the antagonist. I am excited to see where this story goes.

The Pandava Brothers

(Source: OU Blog)

Bibliography:

Wilson. The Five Tall Sons of Pandu. Reading Guide Part A.

Week 11 Storytelling: The Circle of Life

Once upon a time there was a little boy who was roaming the streets begging for food. He finally stumbled upon a Chinese restaurant. His mouth was salivating and his stomach grumbled with hunger. The restaurant owner came out and saw the boy looking in the window sick and skinny. He took the kid in and fed him until the kid could not eat anymore. 

The kid started to come every day and the man fed him. Soon the man gave the kid a job at his restaurant. Every day the kid would come, work his shift, eat and then leave. Finally, one day the man asked the kid, "Where are you living that there is no food to eat?" The kid told him, "Please do not judge me. I sneak into an old man's boat a couple of blocks down from here. My parents kicked me out, and I have just been doing my best to survive." The owner immediately took him in. 

The kid grew up helping the owner as much as he could. They had a special bond. One that lasted a long time. Finally, the day had come for the kid to go to medical school. The owner was sad to see him go but was glad that he was able to get the kid on his feet. Time passed and they still kept in touch, however the kid got busy in his own life.

The kid turned out to be a really successful doctor. He was known worldwide and was the most credited doctor in the country for the extraordinary successful surgeries he had performed. One day a patient was rushed in, in the middle of the night. The patient had passed out because he had a heart attack. The kid, who was now a doctor, was called and requested to come in. He was not happy about it, because he just worked a 13-hour shift, but went to the hospital anyways. When he got to the hospital he immediately questioned his staff about why the other doctor was not able to help the patient. The intake nurse said, " In the process of his heart attack he requested to see you." The doctor was shocked, and wondered who would say something like that during a heart attack.

When he entered the room, his eyes immediately filled with tears. He went to the patient’s side and fell crying in his arms. It was the man who had took him in. It was the man who had fed him for years and years. It was the man who had paid him enough so that he would be able to attend medical school. It was the man who was the dad he never had. 

He helped the owner get better and get back to his feet. When the owner returned home he came to a stack of bills and his heart started to race again with stress. When he started to open the bills one by one he saw that they all said $0.00. He was very confused. He finally opened the last envelope which contained a letter. The letter was written out "To: The Best Dad Ever."

The guy was confused but continued to read. The letter was a letter of appreciation for everything the owner had down for the kid. The kid explained he had paid off all the owner's bill. Furthermore, there was a check in the envelope for $100,000. This was so the owner could finally retire since everything is paid for and spoil himself a little. That is when the owner realized the circle of life.

The Owner and the Kid

(Source: StaticFlickr)

Authors Note:

In the original story, there is an elephant that has a splinter in his foot. He is hurting when he comes across a few carpenters in the forest, who help the elephant get the splinter out of his foot. Then the elephant decided to assist the carpenters in order to repay them for their generosity by cutting down the trees. The elephant then had a child and taught the child how to help the carpenters because he was getting too old to help them himself. The carpenters would feed the baby elephant and take care of the baby elephant. The baby elephant would play with the carpenter’s kids on his down time, and made good friends with them. Then finally one day, the king was strolling by when he saw the white baby elephant. He was so astonished by its beauty that he paid the carpenters a good amount for the elephant. He then took really good care of the elephant. The carpenters helping the elephant, the older elephant helping the carpenters, and then the baby elephant helping the carpenters came full circle when the king took care of the baby elephant. My story is based on this but in human form. A child needs help and the owner helps him. In the end the owner needs help and the child helps him.

Bibliography:

This story is based on Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt. The King's White Elephant. Reading Guide Part A & B.

Reading Notes: Jataka Tales Part B

The story I chose to focus on The Prince and the Water Sprite. This story actually reminded me about the very first story I wrote about. It was about a queen who wanted her youngest son to rule the kingdom. So all the sons went to the forest and got fooled by the water-sprite. I think the story idea I have for this would be a jealous wife/step-mother trying to brainwash her husband into thinking that her kids are not suited for their family and should move out of the house. Her kids should move into the house. Then the husbands kids will find a clever way to show their dad how evil the step-mother is.

The other story I read was The King's White Elephant. I enjoyed reading this story. There were no sad or super upsetting twists and turns in it. The story was basically about these carpenters helping out an elephant, and in return the elephant helps out the carpenters. I think for my story I want to do something like a kid is hungry, so this food chain owner gives the kid free food. Later on in life the kid becomes a doctor and helps out the food chain owner. I think this would make it a full circle.

The Kids Playing With the Elephant

(Source: Main Lesson)

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt. Reading Part B

Reading Notes: Jataka Tales Part A

For this week, I am focusing on Children stories once again. One of the stories I read "The Turtle Who Couldn't Stop Talking" was actually quite disturbing for a children's story. Basically the turtle died because he could not keep his mouth shut. I think for my story I would change just a little to where it would be about two siblings and one who could not keep their mouth shut about anything. So he always got in trouble, I am not sure if I want to have a happy ending in my story or a similar one as the ending of the Turtle story.

The other story I read for this week is "The Foolish, Timid Rabbit." This story was about a Rabbit who thought the earth was breaking up because a coconut fell to the ground. He then gathered a herd of animals who also ran with him. Finally it was the wise king of the beasts the lion who got to the bottom of it and found out that the earth was not breaking it was just a coconut falling. I found this story quite amusing. I think for my story I want to keep the plot about just following someone blindly, but I want to write in human form. For example, it might just be about the popular kids and everyone just following them blindly not questioning their actions.

The Rabbit and the Lion

(Source:Main Lesson)

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt. Reading Part A

Famous Last Words: Surviving April

As April approaches, I am a little nervous. There is so much to do in such little time. I really wanted to finish this class at the end of April instead of dead week because that will allow me more opportunities to study for my other courses. However, with the limited time that I have, it is hard for to get ahead. I think I am just going to try to dedicate this weekend to getting a bit ahead in this course. So far I think I have been doing a pretty good job. I like the stories I have come up with, some of them really surprise me on how good they end up becoming, not to sound conceited or anything. Other I know I can use a little work on. I think what helps me is picking a few specific details to focus on when I am reading a story, and writing it in my notes. That way I can look back at those notes and make a story from what I have written down and the details I chose to focus on. Other than this class, school is stressful, especially since I am taking so many hours to graduate! I am excited because there is basically like a month left of school before I do graduate and that is nerve wrecking but very exciting. It is said that I did not get to take senior pics or anything, but I just do not have time at this moment. I am going to graduate school here in the fall, so I think that is when I will have my big break! I hope to just balance school and work and everything as I have been doing. I know it will be hard to do in April, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

(Source: StaticFlickr)

Week 10 Storytelling: A Love To Confess

Once a upon time there were two families who lived next to each other. The Randolph's had a little girl name Ellie Grace Randolph. The Pierce's had a little boy named Damien Joshua Pierce. Ellie and Damien were five years old when they first met. As the years past, their friendship got stronger. However, it was not until Freshmen year of high school when they both realized that what they felt for each other was a more than just love for their friendship.

It was first semester of Freshmen year and Ellie and Damien were hanging out with some friends on a Friday night. Usually their friend group would just watch movies, play board games, or go out for some desert. However, this night things were a little different. While they were just sitting around waiting for their pizza to get there, one of their friends suggested a new game. She said that it would be fun to try spin the bottle. She was met with weird stares and an awkward silence. After a few minutes of convincing, the group finally agreed. I mean what could go wrong right? 

As they game began, everyone agreed that they would not let this affect their friendships whatsoever. The night was going fine and everyone was having fun, until the bottle was pointing to Ellie. As Ellie looked at who was on the other side, she saw the sweet face she loved and admired, Damien. The room went quiet, and everyone waited impatiently for their kiss. Ellie was nervous but calmed herself down thinking, "he is my best friend, this is just a friendly kiss, this does not mean anything." As they leaned in they both felt a feeling overcome their body. The kiss was truly magical. In that moment, they were alone, they were each other's, and they felt love. When the kiss ended, the game continued and the night went on like normal. However, it was not normal. Not for Ellie and Damien at least.

The next few weeks Damien found himself writing love letters to Ellie. He never gave them to her, but he wrote them every night. Ellie caught herself getting lost in daydreams about Damien. She would doodle his name on her papers, notebook, and anything she could get her hands on. However, she never told him either. Damien caught himself getting jealous when he would see Ellie hugging another guy. Ellie would try not to care when she saw Damien chatting up other girls in class. They both felt so much for each other, but were scared that the other did not feel the same. They did not want to risk losing one another over some crush they had on each other.

Weeks, months, and even years went by and they did not confess their love for each other. Throughout high school they dated other people, but were both jealous of one another. They acted the same regardless of how much they felt, and before they knew it, graduation had come. Ellie was going to stay in their hometown and go to a college nearby. However, Damien had gotten accepted to a school out of state, and was planning on going there. Ellie had decided that on graduation night she was going to tell him how she felt. However, when time came, she looked at Damien’s sweet face. She admired it and did not want him to change his mind about leaving because of her, so she kept quiet. Damien had also planned to confess his love to Ellie, but he could not get himself to do so, in fear of rejection.

The summer quickly passed, and Damien left for college. They both got busy with other people, school, and commitments in their life. They talked on the phone every now and then, but things were different now. They both wish that they would of said something to the other, but it was too late…or was it?

Damien came home for Christmas and his whole family was so happy to see him. Ellie was patiently awaiting his arrival for several months now. It was Christmas dinner at the Pierce’s and Ellie and her family got ready to head over. When they got to the Pierces’ home they were greeted at the door by Damien. Ellie was the last one to see him. For several moments, they just stood there getting lost into each other’s eyes, until they were interrupted by loud laughter and chant. “Kiss, Kiss, Kiss.” Said everyone. Damien and Ellie looked up and saw the mistletoe. Once again, the moment had come for them to share something magical. As their lips met, they felt they were alone, each other’s, and loved. Everyone continued on the night like normal, but it was not normal for them two.

After dinner, Ellie and Damien for a walk. As they talked about their lives and caught one another up on everything, they seemed to grow quiet. Standing there in the middle of the street, on a cold winter night, hugging each other close for warmth, and as they the little snowflakes fell around them, they shared another kiss. Then at the same time, the confessed their love for each other, and muttered the words, “I love you.”

That is the moment they know that they could not leave each other’s side again. Damien did not go back to college out of state after that winter. He stated in town with his beautiful girlfriend Ellie and attended college with her. A few years past and they got Married their senior year of college. It was truly a love to confess.

Ellie and Damien. Happily Ever After

(Source: MaxPixel)

Bibliography:

This story is based on More Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt. Reading Part A & B.

Author's Note:

This story is based on the tale The Elephant and the Dog. In the tale the Elephant and the Dog became best friends. They did everything together. They slept together, ate together, and played together. One day a farmer spotted the dog and asked the Elephant keeper if he could buy the dog off of him. The Elephant keep sold the dog to the farmer. When the dog left, the Elephant would not eat, bathe, or do anything for that matter. When the chief came to inspect what is wrong with the Elephant, they realized that Elephant was lonely and sad cause his friend the Dog had left. The king ordered the dog to be returned. When the dog returned they were inseparable from that day on. I decided to take this story into human form, and have two best friends fall for each other, but not confess their love. Until one day one of the best friends leaves and when he returns from college they confess their love and they are inseparable from that day forward.

Week 9 Storytelling: Honesty is the Best Policy

Kylie and Kendall

(Source: Pixabay)

There once were two best friends. They grew up together and knew each other really well. Their names were Kylie and Kendall. They met when they were both Freshmen in high school. There friendship lasted even though both of them pursed different career paths. Kylie worked as a waitress at Pizza Hut, while, Kendall went on to be a model. Kylie was outgoing and fun. She was the one who was adventurous and willing to take a risk regardless of the cost. However, Kylie was barely making ends meet to live her adventurous life. Kendall on the other hand was very thoughtful and intentional in everything that she did. She spent her money wisely and stuck to a strict budget. One day Kendall was going out of town and needed someone to watch over her condo while she was gone. Kylie offered to help and Kendall was very grateful. 

Kylie was going to stay over at Kendall's apartment to watch the condo, water her plants, and watch her dog. Kylie had only been to Kendall's condo a few times but had never really gotten a chance to see all of it. Kylie was very excited to get a chance to live a lavish life for a few days. However, the lavishness of Kendall's life really got to Kylie and things took a turn for the worse. 

Kylie was awed by all the amazing things that Kendall owned. For instance Kendall owned at least seventy pairs of designer shoes. Her huge walk-in closet was filled with Coach, Prada, and Michael Kors. She had handbags, scarves, hats, dresses, coats, and much more. When Kylie saw her jewelry box she could not believe her eyes. There were so many diamond rings, necklaces, and bracelets Kendall owned. During this state of shock Kylie got a mischievous idea.

She thought,"Why not take some of this for myself? I mean Kendall would not mind. I bet she would hardly notice if anything is gone. She has so much it is not like she’s losing a whole lot. Plus I deserve this! I work so hard and I deserve a break in my life." 

Kylie was dead set on taking some things for herself. Every now and then she would change her mind and tell herself this is was not right, but the more she admired Kendall's things the more she wanted them. Finally, Kylie got a bag and started collecting a few pairs of shoes, some dresses, a scarf or two, a few clutches and handbags, and several diamond earrings and rings. 

A few days later Kendall came back and was delighted to see her friend as well as her condo in one piece. She was so happy that her friend could watch her place that to repay Kylie she told her that she would take her shopping in the next few days. Kylie could barely look at Kendall because of how guilty she felt, but she still went through with it and took some of Kendall's nice things to her home in a large trash bag. Something that Kylie was not aware of was that Kendall had hidden cameras all over her condo. That night Kendall watched the tape and was in complete shock at what her friend was doing. Kendall decided instead of confronting Kylie, she would play a trick on her. 

The next day she took Kylie shopping. Once again, Kylie took advantage of the situation and shopped till she could not shop anymore. Kylie thought she was living the good life. However, when she got home that night she looked at all the nice things Kendall had bought for her and felt extremely guilty. She decided she was going to put all of the things that she stole from Kendall back the next day when Kendall would be at work. Although, that night Kendall had her own plan.

Kendall broke into Kylie's house and took all her things back. Then as the morning came Kylie was terrified because she thought some stranger had come in and stolen the stuff she was supposed to give back to Kendall. Kylie did not know what to do at this point. She immediately went over to Kendall’s place in tears and told Kendall everything. She begged for her forgiveness and said that she was so sorry and would repay Kendall for everything she stole.

Kendall then confessed that she had found out that Kylie had stolen her things. Kylie was shocked and felt ashamed. She told Kylie that she could keep everything that she had bought for her, but never again would she trust her with anything else. From that day forward their friendship was not the same, and Kylie learned that honesty is the best policy.

Bibliography: 

The Giant Crab and Other Tales From Old India by W. H. D. Rouse Reading Part A &B

Author’s note:

In the original story there was man who went on a journey and asked his friend to take his plough till he should return. The man’s friend immediately sold the plough and used the money for his own selfish reasons. When the man came back and asked where his plough went, his friend made up a fake story about how a rat ate it. The man was cleverer and knew his friend stole his plough, so he thought he would play the same trick on him. He took his friend's son out for walk and hid him in his other friend's house. Then he went back and told his friend that the boy got taken by a hawk. In the end the dishonest friend learned his lesson and gave the man his plough back and the man returned the boy. In my story I set the scene for a more realistic story. I had one friend go off on a trip and left the other friend in charge of looking over her condo. The dishonest friend in this story stole her things. The friend returned and saw video footage of her friend stealing her things and therefore decided to play a trick on her friend. In the end the friend learned her lesson and would never steal again.