Week 3: Famous Last Words

Well, another week is coming to a close. What happened this week? Hmm..

I started my practicum at Calm Waters in OKC and I LOVE IT! Calm Waters is a nonprofit organization that provides free grief and divorce support groups for children ages 3-18 and their parents. The work being done there is really wonderful and the people who run Calm Waters are kind, dedicated, and seriously incredible! That place functions like a large organization, but is run by only 4 employees!! Anyway, I was given my group assignments and found out that I will be facilitating the children 1 group (ages 3-5) on Mondays for the grief session and the children 3 group (ages 8-11) on Tuesdays for the divorce session. I was really nervous for our first night of groups because i'd never facilitated before and in all honesty, i'm awkward when i'm with a bunch of children that I have a professional relationship with. I am glad that I have to work with these tiny humans because they will teach me how to have patience, how to address problems with very young children, and how to connect with them professionally (because I've never had to do that before). The hardest part of the first night with the children 1 group was probably not picking them up. They are so sweet and adorable! My inner-mom wants to pick them all up and chase them around.

My awkward selfie in front of Calm Waters OKC

Photo from 8/25/14

Also, week 2 of class went really well and I finished my week off by going out to Campus Corner and visiting Louie's Too and Seven 47 with my roommate, boyfriend, and good friends. We danced and goofed around and had just an overall wonderful time. I'd never gone out to campus corner for drinks and dancing before, and was not disappointed. It was a fun, upbeat atmosphere where everyone was just having a good time. Everyone was friendly and polite, we all hugged and told jokes, it was great! Then, we walked across campus and hung out for a little bit before going home for a much-needed night of sleep. 

Last, but DEFINITELY not least... FOOTBALL SEASON STARTED!!!!! It's football time in OOOOKLAHOMA! We played Louisiana Tech here at OU and won (of course)! The whole town of Norman was alive like it can only be on game-day. There were so many people and cheering and crimson & cream shirts! The Sooner Spirit was alive and well! I watched the game at Buffalo Wild Wings with my roommate and boyfriend. We had some yummy snackage and cheered and chanted along with the rest of the crowd. I get really into the game and was staring something fierce at the projection of the game, so much so that I totally ignored my boyfriend for the whole first half and felt like a total dork afterwards. I love Oklahoma football and am just determined to have a great semester. BOOMER SOONER!

The Sooner Schooner being pulled by Boomer and Sooner

Photo by John Silks on September 15, 2007

Retrieved from Wikipedia 

Storytelling for Week 3: Hope

Hope 

Once upon a time there was a beautiful woman named Sita. She was smart, loyal, and liked by all who met her. She lived a simple life in the forest, going on adventures with her husband Rama and his brother Lakshmana. The three were on an important mission to rid the forest of the evil asuras who terrorized the holy men who lived there.

Rama in the Forest

The lord Rama portrayed as exile in the forest, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana

Found on Wikipedia

One day, while Rama was away and Lakshmana was on his way to help him, Sita was abducted by the evil ten-headed Ravana. He snatched her up and away they sailed in his chariot. Rama searched and searched for his beautiful bride, becoming more and more distressed the longer they were apart. 

Ravana approaches Sita

Painting by Nina Paley

Found on her website www.ninapaley.com

After searching and searching not only by himself, but with the armies assembled by Soorpanka and Hanuman; their search however was not yielding any results. Then, one day he meets a badly burned and charred bird named Sampathi who, with the simple mention of Rama’s name is restored to healthy and beautiful glory. He is Jatayu’s brother and at hearing of the news of his brother’s death, he decides to leave and take his place as the new ruler. However, before he leaves, he tells Rama that he saw where the evil Ravana took Sita.

“Look to the south, across the ocean. There, in Lanka, you will find your Sita.” He said before taking flight.

Immediately Rama looks to Hanuman who has been by his side for the search. He asks him to go forth and find his bride. Hanuman is, after all, a shape-shifter who could cross the ocean in a single step. After some encouragement, Hanuman agrees. He grows and grows, becoming taller than any tree and takes one big step over the ocean, landing him in Lanka. 

Hanuman

Retrieved from Pixabay

Han Hanuman searches, walking all over Lanka before arriving in Asoka Vana. Here, he finds Sita surrounded by evil rakshasa women. Ravana stands in front of her, trying to convince her to be his main mistress. He finds her incredibly beautiful and tries to persuade her with tales of power and with his many accolades. She is not impressed and refuses to betray Rama. Ravana becomes furious  and storms off, ordering the rakshasas to terrorize Sita until her will breaks and she realizes the mistake she’s making by choosing Rama. 

Ravana, Sita, Hanuman 

by: Harish Johari

found on Sanatan Society

Hanuman watches, hidden in the trees as the rakshasas throw themselves at Sita, frightening her. Sita cries out, and Hanuman fights his urge to run to her as she is tormented by the demon women. The torture goes on for what seems like forever, but finally the rakshasas retreat, leaving Sita curled up on the ground crying and pleading to the gods for salvation. She begs Rama to save her, losing hope that he will ever find her. She feels like there's no way out; she refuses to betray Rama and be with Ravana, but if Rama never finds her she will have to live the rest of her life in misery until Ravana finally decides to kill her. 

Sita comes to the conclusion that the only way to escape is death. Hanuman panics, and jumps out of the trees shouting, "No Sita! Rama is alive and near!" 

Hanuman's Visit

Retreived from Wikipedia

Sita's face lit up when Hanuman approached, but was skeptical of Rama's impending arrival. "How can I be sure that he is alive? Oh Rama!" Sita asked, pleading with Hanuman to prove his words were true. Hanuman simply told her to trust him and produced for her a ring. Sita squealed with happiness, a smile lighting up her beautiful face. It was Rama's ring!

"Oh Hanuman! He IS alive! When shall I expect him?" 

"Very soon, very soon Sita; but for now I must ask you not to harm yourself and to be patient. Rama will be here to rescue you and vanquish Ravana imminently."

With that, Hanuman turned to leave, but Sita stopped him. She grabbed his hand, opened it, and placed a small piece of jewelry that she'd had hidden in her sari. "Here," she said, "Give this to Rama, and please tell him to hurry!" Hanuman agreed and took leave. He couldn't believe such a small thing could give Sita so much hope.

 

On his way back to Rama's camp Hanuman stopped and suddenly grew in size again. He turned around, and destroyed Asoka Vana with one large stomp. Immediately, Ravana's minions charged Hanuman who let them take him captive. They grabbed Hanuman and rushed him to the capital where Ravana awaited his arrival. 

Ravana Statue by Indi Samarajiva 

Found on Flickr

Hanuman arrived before Ravana, his 10 heads and fearsome expression made Hanuman nervous but he felt strong in his convictions and stepped forward. He pleaded with Ravana to reconsider and let Sita go. "If you beg for forgiveness, i'm sure Rama will be merciful!" He said, hoping Ravana would change his mind, but slowly realizing there was no way to get around hi stubbornness. Ravana ordered Hanuman to be executed, but was convinced by his brother not to stoop so low as to murder a messenger. 

Hanuman was free to go, but he had one last thing to do before he left...

Hanuman Burns Lanka 

By: Fred Miller

Taken from "Sita Sings the Blues" by Nina Paley

Found on Flickr

Hanuman set fire to his tail and ran through the capital! Soon, all of the buildings were ablaze and Hanuman strolled away, pleased with himself and prepared to reunite with Rama against the evil Ravana. 

Author's Note:

This story is based on chapter 8 from The Ramayana titled "Memento from Rama." In this chapter, Hanuman wanders through Lanka before arriving at Asoka Vana where he finds Sita surrounded by evil Rakshasa women. He watches as Ravana (her captor) approaches and continues to try to convince her to become his main mistress, but Sita is loyal to Rama and has been terrorized by Ravana; she refuses to bend to Ravana's will and in response, he orders the Rakshasas to torment her until she breaks. Hanuman looks on as the demons make Sita's life hell before leaving her in tears and tatters, pleading with the gods. She cries and in her hysteria decides to take her own life. With this, Hanuman reveals himself to Sita, stopping her from giving up by giving her Rama's ring, a memento to help her make it until Rama can save her. This renews Sita's hope and she pulls out a piece of jewelry that she'd had hidden in her scrap of sari to give to Rama. Hanuman takes this and leaves, but as he does so he grows giant again and destroys Asoka Vana. He allows himself to be captured and taken to Ravana where he gives him another chance to let Sita go and beg for forgiveness from Rama or face destruction. Ravana orders that Hanuman be killed, but his brother steps in an reminds Ravana that it is improper to kill a messenger, saving Hanuman's life. Hanuman then sets Ravana's precious capital on fire and returns to Rama to deliver news on Sita's situation. In my version I decided to focus on hope and how important it is in bad situations while also sticking with the hero/damsel in distress element of the original story. I wanted to tell it like a fairy tale but with a twist because the Ramayana is an important story in India much like fairy tales are important in the US because they teach us about the world and lessons about things such as friendship, trust, humility, hope, etc. 

Bibliography:

Naryan, R.K. (1972) The Ramayana 

Storybook: Brainstorming Styles

Topic: My storybook will be about the theme of shape-shifting within the Ramayana and Mahabharata. I plan to find four stories that feature characters that have the power of changing shape. I have already chosen Indra and Hanuman for 2 of my stories. I’m also debating on using Mareecha (from chapter 5 of the Ramayana) but am unsure and will have to decide after I read the Mahabharata. I do not believe I will have any trouble at all finding stories that will work for my storybook and think the topic will give me a cool opportunity to write some neat stuff.

Possible Story Options

Law & Order: SSU (Shape Shifters Unit): A possible style I am considering is a first-person account of events mixed with third person storytelling style that would be formatted in a way similar to the television show Law & Order: SVU. I think the switching of perspectives would be a good way to keep the stories interesting and prevent them from sounding monotonous. Also, it would be dramatic but still fun to write.  I’m unsure of whether or not I would modernize it or not. I am thinking the shape-shifters themselves would be members of an elite team of crime-fighters (similar to those on the show) who used to be criminals but have been recruited by the government to use their ability for good. The characters would see it as some sort of redemption for their past actions, to help them build better karma. Each story would tell my retelling of the original story in third person then shift to the character now and what role they play on the team with their powers (sort of like a character introduction on a TV show website). Indra could, for example, be the strange tech analyst or the field agent  who conducts sneaky investigations when in other forms and reports incredible observations in his real form back at the office (because he sees everything with his 1000 eyes).

è Opening on first page of site could start like this: In the criminal justice system, sometimes criminals who can be rehabilitated are recruited to help with especially difficult cases. These detectives are members of an elite squad known as the Shape Shifters Unit. These are their stories

Children’s Storybook: Another possibility for my storybook is that of doing a children’s storybook. I would tell the stories in third person style but with an audience that is young. Each story will teach a lesson, as is traditional with children’s stories. All of the stories will have a happy ending, but will all focus on the shape-shifter even if the character is the “bad guy.” I might even do my own illustrations if I do this one. With this style, I debate aiming it for really young kids, or like elementary (maybe 3^rd/4^th grade) so that I can keep it somewhat simple, but still use bigger words. Also, I’m not sure if I would aim it for girls or boys. If I chose to write for a group of young girls, it would be much like a Disney storybook with bright colors and pretty illustrations. If I write for a group of young boys, I would be more likely to include darker colors and illustrations where the creatures look scarier when they are bad. The edges would be sharper in the illustrations too. Maybe I will combine both and find a happy medium, but either way I think it would be fun.

Teenagers: I could write my storybook in a diary format where each character has a few diary entries to tell their stories and express their angst, frustration, pride, etc (feelings) and tell their story from their point of view. It would be written in the modern day as the four characters go through their daily lives at the same high school. The stories would remain mostly true to the original tales, but with a few changes that are essential to the setting and age of the characters.

è For example, Indra would be the freshman who is generally popular at school, but feels inadequate and frustrated when he becomes infatuated with the gorgeous Ahalya, a senior who is at the top of her class but is incredibly humble and sweet but is dating the varsity wrestling captain/president of the archery club who is very popular because he is nice, strong, honest, empathetic, and heavily involved in the school/community. Indra would write entries where he saw Ahalya and how it made him feel, how obsessed he becomes because he knows he could never win against her boyfriend Gautauma so instead of being a gentleman and trying to win her hand fairly he uses his shape-shifting powers to get close to her, etc.

X-Men Style: I could combine the idea of them being teens (or at least some of them) with shape-shifting powers that interact at school with the idea of them being on a crime-fighting team by writing their stories as if they were in the X-Men comics. They would all be attending Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. It could be a mix of third-person story telling style with the occasional diary entry or scribble in their notes about how things are from their perspective. Or it could be similar to a character bio where it tells their story, strengths, weaknesses, powers, etc.

è Indra would be the trouble-making recruit at the school who is foreshadowed to be bad. He enjoys causing trouble and picks on others occasionally but still works with the others and is training to be an x-man, but during a big battle where all of them come together (similar to that in the X-Men: Last Stand movie), he chooses to go with the bad guys (Magneto’s camp).

è Hanuman would be the good student/teacher favorite who is sweet and truly dedicated to/inspired by Professor X. He truly wants to do good and fights alongside the X-Men, acting as a sort of apprentice of Professor X’s.

This is for my week 3 storyBOOK assignment, and I don't have to post it, but I was hoping to get some feedback from other students (maybe) about which style they think I should go with. 

Week 3: Reading Diary B- The Climactic Finish

Reading Notes (p. 131-171)
The Ramayana by R. K. Narayan 

Chapter 10: Across the Ocean

•  Vibishana cries out to Rama, seeking his grace and protection
• Jambavan & Sugreeva council Rama not to trust Vibishana because he is an asura and the brother of Ravana- it could be a trick 
• Hanuman doesn't believe Vibishana to be evil. He points out that Vibishana tried to save his brother but failed, he saved Hanuman, and his house is that of a man of piety and purity 
• Hanuman believes Rama should accept Vibishana
• Rama agreees- "One who seeks asylum must be protected." (Narayan, 132)
• Rama accepts Vibishana & declares that he should be treated like an exiled king, with all the comforts he needs and honors he deserves 
• Vibishana gives information on Ravana's position, weapons, and strength- helping Rama plan his attack
• Rama's army crosses the sea to Lanka

Chapter 11: The Siege of Lanka

• The battle begins & Rama wipes out Ravana's army before sending a messenger to once more ask Ravana to let Sita go & end the battle peacefully
• Ravana orders the messenger killed, but it was Angada and he beats the 2 Rakshasas who come to seize him and leaves to report to Rama
• With Angada's news, Rama orders and assault on Lanka
• Indrajit attacks Rama and Lakshmana, knocking them out and reports to Ravana that he has defeated the two
• Ravana sends him and Sita in a chariot to see the dead bodies of Rama and Lakshmana
• on sight, Sita breaks down, but Trijata (one of Ravana's women) tells Sita in a whisper that they are not actually dead, just unconscious. 
• Rama recovers and kills Ravana's commander-in-chief
• Ravana is badly beaten and forced to accept Rama's concession (Ravana may leave and return the next day with weapons) because otherwise he will die in an unfair fight
• Ravana awakens his brother Kumbakarna from his deep slumber to face Rama- Kumbakarna destroys and swallows thousands of monkey warriors, and almost Sugreeva
• Rama kills Kumbakarna
• Lakshmana kills Indrajit
• as a result, Ravana decides he must kill Sita, but is advised not to

Chapter 12: Rama and Ravana in Battle

• Ravana prepares for battle, calling upon Shiva for favor
• the gods send Indra's chariot to Rama to aid him in battle- its name is Matali
• Ravana and Rama come together
• Ravana is rushing ahead while Rama waits patiently
• Mahodara (Ravana's assistant) tries to attack Lakshmana and is killed by Rama
• Ravana decides to attack, but hesitates briefly when he notices many omens presenting themselves and hinting at his doom
• his bow-strings snapped, mountains shook, horses cried, and elephants with decorated foreheads moved along dejectedly (p. 141)
• Rama destroys all of Ravana's armies 
• Ravana plunges forward, coming closer and closer to Rama
• conches are blown to signal the beginning of the battle 
• Ravana sees Indra's chariot and is enraged that the gods chose to help Rama over him
• Ravana fires thousands of arrows from the 10 bows his 20 hands operate, but to no avail
• Ravana kills Matali, sending Rama's chariot down  
• Ravana invokes "maya"- a weapon that confuses the enemy by creating realistic illusions
• it shows all of the enemy army coming back to life, confusing Rama
• Rama uses "Gnana" or wisdom/perception- effectively breaking the illusion
• Ravana uses "Thama"- a weapon that creates total darkness
• this is countered by Rama using "Shivasthra"
• Ravana uses his deadliest weapon- a trident w/ amazing destructive powers
• Rama collapses the trident with an incantation
• Ravana sends a weapon of huge snakes vomiting fire and venom, but Rama uses "Garuda" (eagle) and thousands of eagles came in and destroyed the snakes
• Rama causes Ravana to faint, but lets him recover out of fairness 
• To end it all Rama uses "Brahmasthra" - a weapon made by Brahma to only be used as a last stitch effort- he hurls it at Ravana and it strikes him in the heart, killing him

Pushpakh Lanka Poster

From the popular movie "Sita Sings the Blues" by Nina Paley 

See the movie HERE

Photo by: Fred Miller

Found on Flickr

Chapter 13: Interlude

In order to establish her integrity, Sita assembles a large pyre and throws herself into it- she is then returned to Rama in the hands of Agni, the god of fire

Chapter 14: The Coronation

Dasaratha comes down from the heavens to see Rama who asks him to forgive Kaikeyi and Bharata.

Vibishana gives Rama the Pushpak Vimana which takes him back to Ayodhya where he takes his rightful place as king with his queen Sita at his side. 

Week 3: Reading Diary A- Oh Snap! Things are Getting Intense

Reading Notes p. 89-130
The Ramayana by R. K. Narayan

Chapter 6: Vali
*This chapter is considered to be very controversial
*Shape-shifting

-Ravana has just abducted Sita-
Setting: in the mountain/forest area of Kiskinda- the kingdom of monkeys

Sugreeva= monkey clan ruler
Hanuman= Sugreeva's companion and helper

Hanuman sees Lakshmana and Rama enter on a mountain path. He shifts into the shape of a young scholar and approaches the two to greet them and see why they have come- Rama sees through his disguise. He is actually a giant monkey.

Sugreeva's Story

• Sugreeva has a brother with ultimate strength named Vali
• Vali churned the ocean to create nectar for the gods so that they can live forever- this is how he got his strength, speed, energy, and luck (the ability to steal half of an opponent's energy
• a demon named Mayavi showed up and challenged Vali, but did not get a good look at Vali and when he stood up Mayavi fled to a cave
• Vali followed him to the cave and was gone within the cave for 28 months after which time Sugreeva was told by his advisers to block up the cave entrance and become the ruler of Kiskinda
• When Vali finally tried to emerge, he was blocked and FREAKED OUT on Sugreeva. He tried to injure/kill Sugreeva, but Sugreeva had reached Mount Matanga. Vali could not step foot on the mountain; if he were to do so, he would die. So, Vali returned to his position as ruler and stole Sugreeva's wife, exiling him to the mountain

Rama feels bad for Sugreeva. hanuman notices that Rama is Vishnu incarnate and realizes that he could help them defeat Vali...

Dundubi's Story

• Buffalo-shaped demon who wanted to wage war with Vishnu- told by Indra to seek out Vali to fulfill his wish of being able to fight forever 
• Vali Vs. Dundubi- fight lasts 1 full year before Vali rips off Dundubi's horn and uses it to eviscerate the demon before throwing his carcass to the side... right at the feet of Sage Matanga who was performing sacred rights 
• This is how Vali got his curse 

As Ravana was abducting Sita, he flew over Kiskinda. Sita saw the monkeys and threw her jewelry down to them..possibly as a sort of bread crumb for Rama- Sugreeva gives the jewelry to Rama and swears to help find Sita.

It is decided that the first step is to eliminate Vali. Sugreeva goes ahead of Rama and calls out Vali for a fight; Rama plans to shoot Vali when he isn't prepared. Vali excitedly agrees, but before he can leave his wife warns that she has heard Rama will help Sugreeva. Vali does not believe this, after all, why would a just and fair man like Rama get involved in a brotherly quarrel?

As they wait, Lakshmana warns Rama that he does not think they should get involved in this battle. Sugreeva and Vali fight and Sugreeva gets beaten very badly, but before Vali can deliver the last blow Rama pulls out an arrow and shoots him, killing him. Vali is shocked and tells Rama that he has broken his own code and killed someone who has done him no wrong. This causes Rama to doubt himself, but then Lakshmana jumps in and explains that Rama had a promise to fulfill to Sugreeva for giving him refuge. Vali understands, and agrees that Rama was not in the wrong before dying. Sugreeva goes on to become king and take Vali's son Angada as his second in command.

Chapter 7: When the Rains Cease 

Rama declines an invitation to be a guest a the royal palace in Kiskinda, as well as the offer of aid from Sugreeva and Hanuman telling them he vowed to live in the forest for 14 years and they need to focus on ruling, but that he will appreciate their help in 4 months once the rainy season is over.

Rama became depressed during the rainy season, but Lakshmana helped keep his mind straight. When the rainy season ends, Rama and Lakshmana are left wondering where Sugreeva is with his army to aid them. Rama sends Lakshmana to find out why Sugreeva never showed. Angada tells Sugreeva of Lakshmana's imminent arrival, but in his drunken stupor, Sugreeva does not reply. Kiskinda shut down, people locked their doors and windows, and Lakshmana watched all of this happen before kicking down the gate to the city. Everything calms down eventually and Sugreeva realizes his mistakes before vowing to never drink again. He sends out his messengers to assemble the army then goes to visit Rama and apologize for his actions. Rama accepts and tells him to go home until the army is ready.

The army is collected and search parties are sent out by Rama with specific instructions for how to search for Sita and to return in 30 days with a report. He told them that if they should find her, to give her his ring and bring her home to him.

Sampathi- Jatayu's brother who was burned and charred by the sun god- is restored to former bird glory by the mention of Rama's name

• saw where Ravana took Sita- South, across the sea

Hanuman is selected to journey across the sea because he can shape-shift. He grows giant and with one step, crosses the ocean to Lanka

Chapter 8: Memento From Rama

*Mandodari = Ravana's wife- beautiful, lives in luxury

Hanuman wanders through Lanka before arriving at Asoka Vana where he finds Sita surrounded by evil Rakshasa women.

• Ravana comes and tries to get Sita to be his main mistress, but she vehemently refuses
• Hanuman reveals his location to Sita because she has given up hope and wishes to end her life. He tells her his story and gives her Rama's ring
• Sita is renewed and gives him a piece of her jewelry that she'd hidden in her scrap of sari to deliver to Rama as a memento

Hanuman grows giant again and destroys Asoka Vana, then allows himself to be captured- he implores Ravana to change his ways or face destruction at Rama's hands

• Ravana orders him to be killed but his brother (Vibishana) reminds him that it is improper to kill a messenger, saving Hanuman 
• Hanuman sets Ravana's capital on fire, then leaves to return to Rama

Chapter 9: Ravana in Council

• Ravana's men council him to wait for Rama and his brood to come to them, then destroy them
• Kumbakarna (Ravana's brother) offers to fight- Ravana is touched by this and orders for the armies to be gathered and march on to Rama
• Indrajit (Ravana's son) tells him to stay, and that he will take care of it
• Vibishana (Ravana's youngest brother) tells Ravana to let Sita go and warns of danger if he continues on the path he's on
• Ravana's had 3 curses put on him: Nandi said his end would come through a monkey, Janaki cursed him, and Vedavathi said she would be reborn to end his life
• Vibishana uses these as evidence that Ravana is making a big mistake
• Ravana's response... "Nobody's curse can ever touch me." (Narayan, 127)
• Accuses Vibishana of being Rama's admirer 
• Vibishana tries oncemore to convince Ravana not to fight Rama, but this angers Ravana who orders Vibishana to leave or he will kill him
• Vibishana leaves and heads to Rama's camp

Collage Tech Tip

A great tool for making a simple picture collage is PicMonkey. I used it to create these:

A summer of (mostly) four-legged friends

left to right, top to bottom: BooBoo creeping, camel kisses, Lily in the light, pony smooches, me and Emma Blue (the great dane), The Too-Legit-Too-Quit Trio, tiger cub!, petting a zebra (as it turns out, the brown/black stripes feel different than the white ones), Winston on a float, family snake portrait, Naala attacks, wiggle worm, Me on a horse, pony pal, Lily learning, alligator touching with mom, and Naala relaxing on the couch

Makeup Artistry: A Hobby for the Imaginative

left to right, top to bottom: Dr. Frankenfurter from Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), Darth Maul from Star Wars, Torn flesh makeup, 80's makeover, Dress as your favorite teacher day: Geoff Smith, Kratos from the God of War video game series, Leopard Print Club look, Masquerade Ball, and Zombie

Meme Generator Tech Tip

This tech tip allowed me to play around with making my own memes on Meme Crunch. 

I actually had a pretty good time messing around late after my first official day of class. 

Here are my masterpieces:

 People who snicker at me while I struggle at the gym... 

I'm just saying... my bursar for just the fall 2014 semester is over $10,000

I'm sure we all know that one person..

Poster Tech Tip

For the week 4 tech tip I chose to learn about making motivational or de-motivational posters using Automator. It's a pretty fun little tool, and I usually like the de-motivational posters because some are really fun but I decided to make one that demonstrates what I have been trying to maintain: positivity.

Good luck to everyone this week!

Cheezburger Tech Tip

For this tech tip, I had the pleasure of learning how to make a LOLCat. I'm not good at coming up with humor when I have to, so I made this:

Haha it doesn't relate much to class, but I love cats!

Week 2: Famous Last Words

This week marks the end of summer and the beginning of what I hope will be a good semester. It was pretty crazy and my apartment has been abuzz with the sound of our little trio trying to get everything prepared. I did some cleaning, bought school supplies, bought groceries, did some work for this class, and took care of my physical and mental state as best as possible. There were 3 big things that I did this week that I feel deserve a little more explanation:

1. 2nd Lap Band Fill
On August 13th, I had an appointment at True Results Aftercare to get my second fill for my lap band. A fill consists of a doctor taking my weight and vitals before discussing how i'm feeling about the band, how i've been eating, and what I want to do. Then, I lay back and the doctor pushes down on my stomach, about 2 inches below my biggest incision to find my port (my port is a little piece of hard and soft plastic that has been sewn into the muscle of my stomach and is used to put in or take out saline) before putting a big (I mean, really big) needle in there. The stick is uncomfortable, as all needle sticks are, but it is not very painful and is over quickly so I just breathe. When the needle has gone through the soft plastic of my port, the doctor pulls a little saline out to make sure they are in the right spot, then injects more saline in to make my band tighter. This will hopefully help keep me full longer, allowing my to lose weight and eat about 2-3 times a day without being hungry in between meals.

Anyway, I got another .5 ccs added to my band, bringing it up to 4.6 ccs out of 11 that the band can hold. I am very pleased with it and am super excited. I wont lie, even though I had surgery and i'm eating right and doing what I can to lose weight, I still expect the scale to go up when I step on it. I still expect to be disappointed at having gained weight, because that is what I am so used to after my year of injury. However, today I stepped on and lost another 2 lbs. I'm feeling great and now I have lost a total of 32.8 lbs since August! I can't believe it!

My Second Fill

My photo from August 13, 2014

I actually blog pictures, recipes, and my own thoughts about my health journey.
It can be found here: My fitblr

2. Girls' Day
My roommate Amber took me for a girls' day that consisted of shopping for practicum/work clothes, getting our hair cut, and getting our nails done before coming home to hang out for a while before heading to the hookah bar just the two of us. It was great to get out of the house and spend time with Amber; she's not just my roommate, she's my best friend and we spent a lot of our summer apart. So, we had a good time doing girly things and increasing our confidence by improving our outward appearance. It's crazy what a $7.99 (we had coupons) hair cut can do. We talked a lot and played with Lily which was nice; and it had been so long since we'd visited the hookah bar that we were received with big hugs by the owner. It was a great way to help us feel prepared for the semester by taking a mental health/relaxation day together.

Amber at the Hookah Bar

My photo from August 2014

Hookah Bar Selfie

My photo from August 2014

3. Practicum Training
So, this semester I am doing a 300 hour, unpaid practicum at Calm Waters in OKC. Calm Waters is an amazing non-profit group that holds support groups for families dealing with grief, specifically death and divorce. The people there are great and the service they provide is so important. Knowing this, I knew my practicum would be interesting, but I was a little peeved that I would have to spend so much gas money to go work for free at an agency that's 45 minutes away in North OKC. However, I had training Friday and Saturday where I learned what group facilitation will be like, what to expect, how to cope with things, etc and now I am so excited about the work I will be doing and the huge amounts of experience I will gain. I really think it is going to be a great experience!!

Here's the website in case you want to check Calm Waters out. They run almost entirely on volunteers... just sayin'.. Calm Waters

Week 2: Reading Diary B- The Plot Thickens

Reading Notes (p. 54-89)
The Ramayana by R. K. Narayan

Important: King Dasaratha dies when he hears the news that his sons were out in the rough forest (p. 55)

Foreshadowing on p. 56- something is going to go wrong on his journey? He didn't consult the astrologist about whether the timing was good for his journey, he wonders about possible change in the atmosphere.. then, he finds out the news of the reality of his family's situation- threatened to kill Kaikeyi if it wouldn't make his brother (Rama) hate him.

The kingdom needed a ruler, but Bharata refused and gathered a HUGE group of people to go with him in search of Rama. When they find him, they ask him to be king and he refuses. He wants to finish his father's wish of him living in the forest for 14 years. Rama and Bharata argue until the gods order Bharata to rule for 14 years in his brother's place.

Chapter 4: Encounters in Exile 
Setting: traveling through the forest, eventually arriving at Panchavati- very near to Godavari River

*Remember: Asuras = demon

"Rama's whole purpose of incarnation was ultimately to destroy Ravana, the chief of the asuras, abolish fear from the hearts of men and gods, and establish peace, gentleness, and justice in the world." (Narayan, 63)

Ravana's Sister: Kamavalli/Soorpanaka

• daughter of Sage Visravas

She approaches Rama and wants to marry him, unaware that he is taken by Sita. He refuses and she argues, until she sees Sita. She assumes she is another woman who has snuck up on Rama and tells Rama to stay away from her because she is not really a beautiful woman, but a demon. He laughs and tells her to leave before his brother finds her, then he turns around and goes back into his ashram, shutting the door behind him.

Soorpanaka then shuts herself in a cave where her infatuation turns to madness and hallucinations. She decides to get rid of Sita in a last-chance effort to win Rama before she kills herself. She stalks Sita and as she pounces, Lakshmana tackles her. Upon realizing she is a woman, he decides not to kill her; instead he cuts off her nose, ears, and breasts.

Soorpanaka leaves to go find Kara (a warior demon and Ravana's step-brother) who orders 14 of his commanders to go kill Rama and Lakshmana, but bring Sita back to him. When they fail, Kara and his army go to finish the job, but are defeated by Rama. Soorpanaka flees to Lanka to tell Ravana what has happened.

Chapter 5: The Grand Tormentor
Setting: Durbar Hall, owned by Ravana - filled with enslaved gods and adoring followers who rain flowers down on Ravana

Soorpanaka enters the hall and tells Ravana of what has happened to her. She then tells him of Sita and her beauty. Ravana falls in love with the image of Sita from Soorpanaka's description. Soorpanaka urges him to kill Lakshmana, take Sita for himself, and give Rama to her.

Ravana sets out to get counsel from his uncle, Mareecha who had tried to kill Rama twice and failed. He warns to stay away from Rama, so Ravana decides to simply steal Sita. He convinces Mareecha to take the form of a golden deer to lure Sita away so that Ravana can capture her. Rama goes to catch the golden deer, but realizes it is an asura and kills it with an arrow. As it died, it screamed out for help in the voice of Rama.

Sita hears this cry for help and freaks out, ordering Lakshmana to leave his post protecting her and go to Rama's aid. They two argue until she threatens to harm herself and he leaves. While he is gone, Ravana dressed as a homeless beggar enters the hut where Sita waits. Ravana sings the praises of the asuras and himself (in 3rd person) to Sita who speaks of her husband's mission and victories. When Sita points out a weak moment of Ravana's he grows angry and says he would destroy her if she wasn't to be his queen. He implores her to become his, but she refuses telling him to run and hide from Rama. Ravana picks up the ground Sita is standing on and puts her in his chariot before leaving.

As he's escaping, Jatayu (huge eagle who had promised to protect Dasaratha's children) begins attacking him trying to get him to take Sita back, but is struck down by Ravana's sword. Ravana takes Sita away to Lanka and Jatayu keeps himself alive long enough to tell Rama and Lakshmana what happened but then dies.

Narayan, R. K. (1972) The Ramayana
Class Reading Guide B (for my later reference)

Storytelling for Week 2: The Stone Maiden

The Stone Maiden

One wonderful day while Brahma rested, watching over the Earth, a thought occurred to the great creator. He smiled as this idea, this plan swirled through his mind tickling him and growing to become a grand scheme. “Yes!” He exclaimed, “She shall be as beautiful as the sun shining down upon the Ganges!” With that, Brahma went to work collecting the ingredients necessary to create a true beauty. His hand created spirals in the air as his ingredients began to swirl and glow. Slowly they began to take the shape of a woman. Brahma’s excitement grew as he watched the sparkling figure form before him. Then, with a flash of blinding light, she was completed.

Brahma looked down at his creation with great pride. She was a vision! Her every breath brought with it grace and beauty. He looked down into those stunning brown orbs that shone with flecks of gold and said, “Ahalya, you shall be called Ahalya.” At that she smiled, and the sun shone brighter. Brahma laughed a hearty laugh that sounded like wisdom, power, kindness, and masculinity. He sent for the wise Sage Gautama with whom he planned to leave his delicate creation to be brought up and taught the ways of the world. It was during this time that the God Indra, caught sight of the lovely Ahalya. He was immediately ensnared by her beauty and vowed to have her as his own. Brahma ignored Indra and Ahalya was sent off to live with the Sage who raised her until she was old enough to return to her creator.

After many years of watch Ahalya grow and mature into a gracious young woman, Brahma greeted her return with an all-consuming hug and a smile that could light the darkest dungeon. He hugged her and spun her around, admiring his work close-up. “My dear,” he said, holding Ahalya’s hand, “I am so ecstatic to see the glorious creature you have grown up to be. You have done well and I have Gautama to thank for that.” He looked over to the sage before turning away from Ahalya to shake his hand. Brahma was impressed with the sage and his purity; not once did an unclean thought slither through the sage’s mind as he raised this incredibly attractive young being. Because of this purity, Brahma decided that the sage alone was worthy of his daughter’s hand and as such, presented her to him.  The two were wed with the blessings of Brahma and many other gods in a divine ceremony. They lived a life of bliss together. Ahalya had grown up with the sage and as such knew him well; she was a great wife to him and him a loving husband to her.

The two went on their daily routine day in and day out not realizing they were being watched.  You see, unbeknownst to the sage and his wife, Indra (the God whose obsession with Ahalya had only worsened by her marriage to Gautama) had been sneaking up to the sage’s ashram every day to behold the beauty of Ahalya. How did he do this without being caught? Well, Indra was known to be a great shape-shifter who used his gift to spy on the woman every day, his infatuation growing with each passing sunset. Then, one day, the temptation became too much.

Indra knew that every morning the sage would leave to go bathe in the river and pray, so one morning the crafty god took the form of a rooster and woke the sage who, believing the time to be the same as always, took his leave to perform his morning rituals. Not soon after he had gone did Indra take the form of the sage and stroll into Gautama’s ashram and into the arms of the unsuspecting Ahalya. She gave herself to him, and the two made love though for Ahalya, something didn’t seem quite right. Her wildest fears could not have conjured up the truth for when the sage returned early (sensing a disturbance in his routine) and found the two the truth was revealed. Indra quickly changed from the shape of the sage to that of a cat, hoping to slip away using the cat’s natural quietness and agility. Ahalya screamed and grabbed for something to cover up with, humiliation and shame taking over her.

The sage looked quickly from his wife to the cat; he was not fooled. Indra in his cat form could not get away before Gautama changed his existence forever. With a few simple words, the sage made the outside of the god reflect his inner thoughts. Suddenly, Indra’s skin erupted with a thousand female organs, the object of his constant obsessions. Indra fled, fleeing into a life of hiding in the shadows, unable to reveal his form to anyone out of respect and decency. 

With Indra taken care of, the sage's attention turned to Ahalya. "Please!" she pleaded, "I didn't know!" But with one quick gesture, Ahalya was silenced. "You have committed a sin of the flesh, regardless of your intent or awareness, you must be punished" the sage said before telling her, "Your beautiful flesh shall become your tomb. Your punishment shall be to watch the world go by, unable to move or talk, thinking about your indiscretion until Rama one day crosses your path. Then, and only then, will you return to your human state and rejoin the world, and hopefully me." With that, the sage turned her into an odd, smooth shaped stone to await the arrival of the one named Rama. 

Ahalya Leaning on a Tree

Chromolithograph by R. Varma (1896)

Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons

Author's Note:

This short story is a retelling of an excerpt from The Ramayana by R. K. Narayan titled "Ahalya's Story." This excerpt tells the story of Ahalya's creation as well as her entombment. It describes how Brahma created her out of the most beautiful ingredients and how the Sage Gautama took her in and raised her before taking her as his wife. It also tells of the jealousy, attraction, and obsession felt by Indra the god who tricks her into having sex with him when he is in the form of the sage. The two are discovered and as punishment, Indra is covered in 1,000 vaginae (later, when the sage is no longer mad, he turns these into eyes-hence Indra being known as the thousand eye god). Ahalya's punishment is to be trapped in a stone until a royal descendant named Rama crosses her path. It was an interesting story, but I liked that when she regained her human form in the end, Rama told her not to dwell on her past, but to try to move on and make a positive future. I personally believe that it is essential to not focus on the past, no matter how bleak, but to look on toward the future with hope. You have to create your own bliss. 

Bibliography:

Narayan, R. K. (1972) The Ramayana

Week 2: Internet Assignment- Learning About Blogger

Blogger Terms:
Blog- short for "web log"- a website where content is sorted by date with the most recent at the top
Post- the items you put on your blog- the individual bits of content
Timestamp-the date and time the post was created
Sidebar- a smaller bar along the sides of the main (usually centered) bar that contain additional content
Widget- The dynamic content- interactive parts of the blog that are small and usually connected to social networking
Javascript- computer programming language used to create dynamic content
Template- the blog's overall design
Label- tags that allow for blog content to be filtered
Archive- the whole of all the blog's posts, a way to search through every post based on time
Comments- People can leave feedback on posts in the form of comments
Feed- a list of the most recent posts by date and a small preview of the post

Also, i've been playing around with blogger and I like the ability to really personalize it, but I like the simplicity of my original layout.

Youtube Tech Tip

Seth Green Loves to Decorate with Googly Eyes 

So, for my tech tip this week, I learned how to embed Youtube videos. The above video gave me a great laugh, I hope it does the same for you!

Also, I absolutely LOVE dance.. all kinds of dance. As such, I decided to share a type of dance that I learned about that got me interested in Indian culture, religion, and arts. The dance shown in the video below is calla Bharatanatyam. It is a traditional Indian dance that represents the coming together of expression, rhythm of the beat, music and dance to embody the movements of fire. It is definitely different than what most Westerners think of when they think of dance, but it is impressive and beautiful.The video is short, but I thought it might be of interest to others. Enjoy!

Bharatanatyam- Traditional Indian Dance Performed by an Accomplished Dancer

Week 2: Reading Diary A- The Journey Begins

Reading Notes (p. 1-53)

The Ramayana by R.K. Narayan

Ch. 1: Rama's Initiation

Setting: Ayodhya- capital of Kosala and home to Dasaratha (the king)

Dasarath

• Beloved King- compassionate, courageous, loved, and honored
• 1 big problem: he has no kids

Dasaratha summons his mentor (Sage Vasishtha) who suggested he pray to the Supreme God Vishnu for his help. A sacrifice was held and performed by Sage Rishya Sringa. This sacrifice went on for a year before a supernatural being stepped out of the fire bearing a plate of sacramental rice on it. This rice was to be given to Dasaratha’s wives so that they would have children (which they did).

The Royal Family

My image, created on Microsoft Paint (2014)

Rama

• Son of Dasaratha, an avatar of Vishnu
• Sent to accompany Sage Viswamithra to Sidhasrama (a holy ground just beyond the Ganges river) where he plans to do a yagna (sacrifice)- Rama is to protect the sage and defeat the evil creatures that inhabit Sidhasrama, preventing any religious ceremonies from being done there.

Lakshmana accompanies Rama and Viswamithra.

Sage Viswamithra 

• Used to be a ruthless king and conqueror 
• Takes the boys to a forsaken desert inhabited by a demon named Thataka.

Thataka 

• Was once a yaksha (demigod) who married a chieftan and had two sons (Mareecha and Subahu- both have supernatural powers and great physical strength). Her husband and sons destroyed the surrounding woods and as a result, Sunda (the husband) was cursed to die by Agasthya (a saint whose hermitage is located in the destroyed forest. When Thataka found out, she and her sons went to avenge their fallen family member but were themselves cursed to become asuras (demons).
• Breathes fire and wishes ill will on all those she meets
• Eats anything that moves & harasses hermits when they pray for fun
• Rama killed her with an arrow to the throat

Mahabali

• Took over heaven and Earth while Vishnu meditated 
• Was pushed down into the underworld by Vishnu 

The sage and the saints began their sacrifice while the two boys protected them from the many asuras (including the two sons of Thataka) who hovered above, trying to ruin the yagna. The boys successfully defeated the demons and the yagna was performed. 

Then, they headed toward Mithila City- King Janaka planned to have a great yagna. They stopped near the Ganges. 

Ganga

• The River Ganges is considered holy and was brought down to Earth by Bhagiratha after consulting Brahma (the great creator) and Shiva (who agreed to help tame the destructive and wild Ganga so that she could flow down peacefully to the Earth

"Thus Bhagiratha helped not only his ancestors, but all mankind, as the Ganges bears a countless number of holy shrines on its banks, and nourishes millions of acres of land and people along its course." (Narayan, 19)

The trio arrived at Mithilia City where Rama brushed past an odd piece of stone that turned into a beautiful woman named Ahalya.

Ahalya

• a woman created by Brahma out of absolute beauty
• God Indra wanted her for himself, but Brahma gave her to Sage Gautama to raise and eventually marry
• One day, Indra (a shapeshifter) took the form of the Sage and made love to Ahalya who realized something wasn't right but was too late. The Sage came home, found the two, and punished Indra by covering his entire body in female organs so that everyone would know where his mind really rested. The Sage then turned Ahalya into stone as punishment for her sins, saying that she would be free when Rama crossed her path. 

Eventually, the Sage no longer harbored ill will toward Indra and turned the thousand vaginae into a thousand eyes so that he could carry out his duties once more. 

"Rama said to Ahalya, 'May you seek and join your revered husband, and live in his service again. Let not your heart be burdened with what is past and gone.'" (Narayan, 21)

Chapter 2: The Wedding 

Setting: Mithila City- a city of color, gold, jewels, happiness, love, and activity. 

Sita

• an avatar of Lakshmi (Vishnu's wife)
• adopted daughter of King Janaka 
• An incredible beauty that many suitors sought after- The king decided that any man who can bend Shiva's great bow (a nearly impossible feat) can have Sita's hand in marriage 
• Rama gives it a shot and BREAKS the bow- gods and mortals alike rejoice

Rama and Sita are wed in Mithila with the majority of the kingdom there to watch. Rama's 3 brothers also find wives and are wed at the same time. Viswamithra told King Dasaratha of his sons' achievements before giving his leave and retiring to the Himalayas for the rest of his days. 

Chapter 3: Two Promises Revived 

King Dasaratha, realizing his age, decides to crown Rama as his successor. He announces this to his subjects and they take the news with great happiness and excitement. 

Kaikeyi (favorite wife of Dasaratha) heard the news of Rama's impending coronation and rejoiced until her maid told her of impending doom and reminded her of two promises that were made. She told Kaikeyi to demand that Rama be exiled to the forest for 14 years and that Bharata (her son) be crowned instead. The king knew he had to keep his promise, and allowed his wife to speak for him as he wallowed in silenced grief. 

In a moment of despair, the king cries out against the inhuman way his wife has attacked him. The king and his mentor pleaded with her but to no avail. The people of the town cried out in agony and anger at the news of Rama's banishment. When Lakshmana, his brother, found out about his exile he dressed in his battle gear and exclaimed that Rama shall be crowned! He tries to convince Rama to stay and claim his place at the throne. Rama remains calm and continues on. He is joined by his wife who refuses to leave his side. 

The mentor and the rest of the town tried to convince Rama to stay, then had to watch as the trio rode off slowly on a chariot. 

Narayan, R. K. (1972) The Ramayana

Week 1: Famous Last Words

This week has been wonderfully productive. It’s only Tuesday, but I’ve finalized some details for my training at Calm Waters this weekend, done almost every assignment for week 1 (all except for blog comments because that cannot be done until Friday the 22^nd), made a list of things to get done before school starts, and spent some quality time with my roommate and my boyfriend.

My roommate has been in Kansas for most of the summer, helping her grandmother with work around the farm. Her grandmother really is wonderful, and Amber does so much to help her. In return, her grandma is giving her a plot of land to build a house on once they get their finances in order and Amber graduates. It’s a nice area with plenty of shade from trees, room to grow a garden, and room for a decent-sized house. I saw it when I went up to visit earlier this summer.  In fact, I saw a lot when I visited earlier. Kansas really is quite beautiful! It has rolling hills, farms growing wheat or corn for miles, little houses with broken down old tractors, good ol’ farm dogs, placid lakes, wild plums (that make for a DELICIOUS jam that Amber’s grandma makes), and a different way of living. Everyone there knows everyone and everyone helps each other out.  It’s precisely this sense of community that I have come to notice my hometown lacks.

Frisco, Texas is where I grew up and spent most of my adolescence. When we moved there, it was a farming community with 1 high school and no Wal-Mart. Now, there are 6 high schools, at least 3 Wal-Marts, a 3-story mall, tons of mega-churches, shopping centers as far as the eye can see, and a truly unnecessary amount of fast-food chicken joints. It’s a wealthy town, though my family is not wealthy which continues to set us apart. The people here seem to care more about keeping up appearances, having material items, and being “superior” than about the lives of the people they surround themselves with. Frisco doesn't really have a sense of community, togetherness, well-being, responsibility, pride, or goodwill. Every time I go back, I realize precisely why I was so ready to leave. It’s just not the place for a down-to-earth, positive gal like me. I feel like it holds me back and brings me down, but I return pretty often to see my amazing family!

In fact, I’m blogging from my mom’s living room in Frisco with her Chinese Crested Powder Puff named Naala in my lap, begging for food I don’t have. Anyway, this week has really only just begun, so I don’t have any exciting stories to share but I know that the rest of this week is going to be lovely. Tomorrow I have my second fill for my lap band, which is pretty exciting (for me, at least). After that, I have training at Calm Waters in OKC then school starts! I can’t believe how fast the summer has gone by, but I think I’m ready for fall.

Here's some pictures of Naala to finish this post and hopefully leave you with a smile!

Naala's "Begging" Face

My photo from August 2014

Naala is a bro

My photo from August 2014

Week 1: Introduction

So who the heck is Bria Waters??

"Sometimes you just gotta wear a bear hat."

My photo from August 2014

Age: 21
Major: Social Work
School Level: Senior (Class of 2015)
Where I'm From: Frisco, TX
Hobbies: Bellydance, makeup artistry, tumblr, writing, drawing, reading, dancing of any kind really, giving animals love, volunteering, occasional crafting, & not wearing pants
Pets: My cat, BooBoo Kitty & my roommate's dog, Lily

BooBoo Kitty at Christmas Time

My Photo from December 2013

Lily's First Snow Experience

My photo from winter 2013

Campus Activities: Volunteer with the Women's Outreach Center, member of the Undergraduate Social Workers Association, member of Alpha Lambda Delta, member of the OU LGBTQ Club, member of the sooner ballroom dance club, & a trained Sooner Ally

My Summer: This summer has easily been the best summer I've had since I've been in college. I went camping, visited my roommate's grandma in Kansas (where we rode horses, cooked, swam, and worked), spent the night at the Grand Casino where I gambled for the first time and saw The Band Perry, had a behind-the-scenes tour at the G.W. Animal Park that ended in me getting one-on-one time with a baby tiger, swam a lot, saw my little brother graduate high school, made a new family friend and became acquainted with her four-legged children (3 dogs: Izzi, Emma, and Winston), went to my first drive-in movie (to see Maleficent with my boyfriend), made a zombie cake, cooked a lot of new/healthy food, spent lots of time with my family, hung out with my friends, and had surgery.

Trying to shake off the jitters before I go under the knife

My photo from June 26, 2014

Background:

My past two semesters have been filled with hospitalizations, injuries, absences, and frustration. I hurt my back pretty bad from falling down my staircase and had to have 2 rounds (3 injections each) of epidural spinal injections. I had bulged a disc in between my lumbar and sacral vertebrae and the resulting pain and numbness led to further injuries and the inability to walk without a cane. Along with this, my lordosis (swayback) had gotten worse, and I could no longer do any of the physical activities I had previously enjoyed. The next step was spinal reconstructive surgery, and neither I nor any of my doctors wanted to do that. So, their next option for me was to lose a substantial amount of weight in a fast amount of time. I've tried to lose weight in the past, but to no avail (I have a hormone problem) so I did some research and had the lap band procedure. It has changed my life! I am losing weight, my back is straightening out, and i'm feeling so much better!

Week 1: Storybook Favorites

Food and Culture
The first project I looked at was Autumn's Indian Scrapbook where she described stories, travel experiences, and local cuisine. She also shared two recipes and gave great descriptions of culture and events. I also really enjoyed her format and pictures. The website was attractive, easy to understand, and full of good content. Her writing was vivid and I just felt like the whole project flowed well together and integrated something i'm very interested in: cooking. I love learning how to cook new things and it's cool to read about the significance of food and the role it plays in people's lives.

Tattoos

The second storybook I perused was Melissa B's project titled "Yama's Tattoo Parlor." Right away I was interested because I love tattoos. I love learning about them, seeing them, and getting them. I have 3 currently with plans to get many more, so I instantly clicked the link, curious as to how tattoos would relate to the course content. 

I was pleasantly surprised. It is narrated by Yama, the god of death who has taken a break from ruling the underworld to run a tattoo parlor that specializes in Mehndi tattoos but also offers typical spa services (nails, massages, and hair styling being listed as a few). The writing was a little silly, but I think it worked well. I like to imagine the god of death as being somewhat humorous (think Hades in the Disney Film "Hercules"). 

The navigation was easy and the colors went well together. I liked the simplicity of the page that contrasted with the patterned background. I think i will keep my storybook pretty but simple as well. I also liked the alliteration in the section titles- "Taraka's Tale," "Damayanti's Drama," and "Hidimba's History."

Her storybook can be found Here!

Voice of the Ganges 

The last storybook I chose was Ganga the River Goddess. The name intrigued me because I like learning about gods and goddesses from different places and times, plus I love the water. If any element matched me, I think it would be water. So, naturally, a storybook about a goddess of the river (i.e. water) was right up my alley. 

The story is told from the point of view of Ganga and the author did a great job of writing in a style that exuded wisdom and elegance which I felt matched the goddess character quite well. I liked the color scheme too, but felt that the overall appearance of the site could be improved. 

Learning about Ganga was interesting and has opened my eyes to possibly exploring a goddess myself. Hmm...