Reading Evaluations

--> What readings did you like best?

If anyone has read any of my reading diary posts, they are probably aware that The Missing Queen by Samhita Arni. That was one of my absolutely favorite books and I am super excited that I now have a copy of it on my Kindle.

--> What reading diary strategies were most effective for you?

I just liked to write about how I felt after the reading and what the reading made me think about. That made it the easiest when I was writing the posts.

--> What did you think of the overall balance between reading - writing - commenting in the class assignments?

I thought it was a good balance. I especially like that we had the option for films. That also gave us a nice break from doing the readings.

  

--> As you look back from the end of the semester, what advice about the reading do you have for students who will be getting started next semester? 

My advice would be to look at all the options and pick any that look interesting. The reading options let you have a lot of fun.

EPILOGUE: reflection

I cannot believe it is the end of the semester! It flew by so quickly.

I know that I have said this before, but this class surprised me. I read so many reviews where people said that they highly recommended this class. I did not really understand why because India epics is not a very popular topic. It really grew on me and now I realize I am going to miss this class.

My favorite part of this class is definitely the Storybook. I am proud of how it turned out. I think having this project to work on was a great way to balance my classes. It really stretched my comfort zone with my creative writing skills.

I think that this class has really given me the confidence to share my writing with other people. I also feel happy that I have been able to learn more about the Indian culture.

Tech Tip: Blog Profile

I updated my blogger profile for this week. I read something Laura said about being proud of our work and letting people know that it was us who created these storybooks and blogs. So, I decided to fill out my profile a little bit. I put up a picture of my puppy. Surprisingly that was taken four months ago!

I have always been a little careful in regards to my social identity. In high school, I taught a class about online safety to some younger kids. In doing the research, I learned a lot about how information can be pulled by simply just tracking an IP address. Anways, that is why it is a picture of my puppy and I am not giving out my last name. I do think it is important to give credit where it is due, so I do like the "about me" sections in everyone's blogs.

Storytelling for Week 14: The Riddles [part two]

Continued from Week 12

“Boy, Goblin, you sure do take awhile to come up with these amazing riddles.”

He huffed. “Hang on just a second. It cannot be just any riddle. I definitely need to get you a good one, especially since you are one of those fancy, educated college kids.”

I looked at the sky and at the ground as the goblin pondered his next move.

“Please do not forget that I have to get to class. I would like this riddle as quickly as possible please.”

The goblin looked at me incredulously. “Boy, what they say about this generation is right. You all have no patience whatsoever. Fine. But just for your outburst, I am going make you answer two riddles. Let us start with our first one. It is a doozy. However, here you go:

A dad and his son were riding their bikes and crashed. Two ambulances came and took them to different hospitals. The man’s son was in the operating room and the doctor said, ‘I can’t operate on you. You’re my son.’”

The goblin now was staring at me expectantly.

“Okay. So the doctor can’t operate because the boy was the son? But his father went to a different hospital,” I mused. The goblin giggled a little. However, I was very determined to not let him win.

THINK THINK THINK

Maybe the son was adopted? Would that possibly be the answer? Or … wait!

“Ha! The doctor was the boy’s MOTHER!” I yelled with sudden mental clarity.

The goblin’s face fell. “You are right. Maybe that one was too easy. Let me give you a great one for the second riddle:

A man leaves home and turns left three times, only to return home facing two men wearing masks. Who are those two men?”

Well, dang. That goblin sure does have some good riddles up his sleeve. I tried to visualize this in my head but realized I just kept getting turned around. I picked up a stick and started making map.

I realized he made a diamond shape with the way the hypothetical man was walking. I chuckled. Too bad the goblin didn’t know that I was very into sports!

when I realized the answer

“The man is a baseball player. So, the two men are the catcher and the umpire!”

The goblin nodded thoughtfully. “You are right. Alright. I will let you pass the bridge.”

With that he went back to his hiding place and I crossed the bridge with no incident. I finished the walk to class as the sun came back out.

Author's Note: Here it is! Part Two of The Riddles. I suddenly realized that a lot of people were waiting for the second part of the story. So, thank you all for essentially pressuring me into completing this. I did not make up those riddles. Those are two riddles that I have heard a lot over my lifetime and I have always enjoyed them. They used to really stump me. In the original story, a goblin tells a king twenty-two riddles. There is one riddle everytime the king goes back to capture the goblin and the goblin escapes again. I thought I would switch it up and play with the "troll that guards the bridge" idea. The original story is in Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins (2009). 

Reading Diary B [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read from Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

Well, I was not expecting that ending! I knew it was going to be something unexpected this whole time and it certainly was. I did enjoy reading this story for the past few weeks, though. It was very interesting and different from the other things we have read.

I do not want to give anything away because I do encourage everyone to read this story for themselves. It is an easy read and keeps you interested and trying to guess the riddles for the different twenty-two times that the king goes after the goblin.

The readings have been incredibly interesting. I have learned a lot about different styles of telling the same story. Also, I feel that I have been challenged in my writing skills and creativity in telling my stories. I am going to miss this class!

A place full of culture

Reading Diary A [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

Wow. These past few weeks have really taught me a lot about what I think about this story. I thought it was so strange that the king keeps going back for the goblin. Now, I realize that he is just kind of really stubborn.

Time has gotten away from me these past few weeks. Which is what I have been saying all semester. I keep saying that I am going to stay on top of the class. Which I manage to do for a few weeks and then I right back to where I started. I never used to have this problem. I used to be the super studious person. Then again, I was not essentially working a full-time job and going to school full-time. Also, I was not taking Human Anatomy, which is a beast in of itself. Life gets in the way.

Anyways, it just made me think of the king. He was very stubborn. After all, he went after this goblin twenty-two times. I just feel like I am stubborn in my ways and do not like to change my routine. Although it inevitably results in a day of catch-up. I have not reached the end just yet (I am almost there!), but I am very interested to know how this all turns out.

TIME (is disappearing before finals week)

Reading Diary A + B [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

I kind of wonder what the author of this book was like in real life. The word play on every single part of the story is very detailed. It is a very clever story and I am enjoying reading the riddles.

It made me laugh when the goblin said the equivalent of "Dude, why are you still coming back to get me? I keep escaping!" I thought it was funny because I am sure all readers are wondering the same thing. This king is rather stubborn. He is up to fourteen attempts to capture the goblin by bringing him back to the castle. This only makes me wonder more about what is going to happen at the end of the story. It seems like it is pointing to a big conclusion with something interesting happening to the king.

The riddles are still pretty interesting and I enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out the answer. I am still enjoying this book very much and I cannot wait to read the end of it.

where the king finds the goblin

Storytelling for Week 12: The Riddles

All I wanted was to have a nice, normal day with nothing crazy happening. Silly me. Why did I believe that it was even possible?

It all started this morning. The sun was shining with a gentle warmth and birds chirped cheerfully along my route to school. Instead of driving to campus, I figured a walk would be a great way to start off my day. I had made my special coffee and had a healthy breakfast. Nothing was going to stop me today.

I blissfully strolled by trees that daintily dropped beautiful leaves on the ground. A squirrel chirruped a good morning as he scurried past me. I just loved these moments where all was right with the world and all my cares slipped away.

Autumn

I came to the bridge that transversed the gap over a bubbling stream. I was just about to set my foot on the gracefully worn wooden bridge, when all of the sweet birds suddenly

ended their songs.

The sun ducked behind a cloud like it was fearful of what was about to happen. Wind started a low, haunting whistle through the tree branches. The trees that had seemed fully decked out in autumn glory moments before now seemed to be ominous reminders of the coming dead of winter.

A voice arose from underneath the bridge. It sounded empty and eerie. "Who are you and why are you daring to walk across my bridge?" said the voice.

I was so confused and terrified at the same time. The shudden shift in mood had chilled me to my bones in anticipation of the unknown.

"I am just a college student trying to get to class. Is that okay? Do I need to go a different way?"

The voice laughed a deep, creepy laugh. "I am the goblin that guards this bridge. I do not know if I should let you go across."

Are you kidding me? Goblins are not real. They certainly do not guard bridges. That was just the stuff of stories. I guess, though, something was under the bridge. I decided to go along with ... well, whatever was happening.

"I am sorry. I crossed this bridge last week and I do not remember you being here."

"Ridiculous human! I just moved here."

"Okay, umm. Is there any possible way that I can get across? I do have to get to class."

"Well, I suppose. Education is important. Okay, I am feeling generous today. You can cross if, and only if, you guess my riddle!"

I had to get to class. So, I guess there was just one thing I could do.

"Okay, Goblin, bring it on."

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Author's Note: Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins is about a king trying to capture a goblin who lives in a corpse. As the king totes the corpse and goblin towards his castle, the goblin tells riddles to pass the time. The king is very quick and correctly guesses the riddles. He avoids the curses of the goblin. However, the goblin always escapes at the end of the riddle, but the king is persistent and keeps going back for the corpse-inhabiting goblin. I knew that I definitely wanted to recreate a story with my own version of the riddles. I was trying to re-imagine this story in a way that any reader could imagine it in a context relative to them. The original story can be found by reading Arthur William Ryder's Twenty-two Goblins (2000).

Reading Diary B [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read from Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

I am starting to become very curious as to how dedicated the king is to capturing this goblin. Because the goblin has escaped his grasp eight times, but the king keeps going back for the goblin. You would think the king would become very frustrated with the fact that he has to keep going back for this creature. It makes me wonder if there is some important connection in this observation to the end of the story when we find out what finally happens to the king.

These riddles are very interesting. I still think that I am guessing the correct thing and then it turns out the answer was much different. It is okay. It is providing my daily mental exercise! I wish I could read the original translation because it would be interesting to see if there is a specific way that language was used to communicate more of the riddle.

Lord of the Rings: Bilbo and Gollum Guess Riddles

Reading Diary A [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

This was hilarious! Also, it was very interesting to read kind of a different version of an Indian epic. It was very curious to read about goblins going to live in a corpse.

For those who have not read it, a goblin has gone to live in a corpse. A king comes along and is trying to take it back to his castle with him. While they ride, the goblin tells the king a story that ends in a riddle.

I have only read the first three stories, but I have not been able to guess any of the riddles before I read the king's response. He certainly has a quick mind with how he is able to guess all of the riddles. I am starting to feel like it is a challenge to guess the riddle before I get to the end of the story.

Example of a Goblin

Reading Diary B [Sita Sings the Blues]

I watched the last half of Nina Paley's Sita Sings the Blues.

This film surpassed any expectations that I had for it. It could have been really strange or dull. However, that was probably one of the most creative movies I have seen in a long time.

It did make me sad for Sita. She really had a rough life. She was kidnapped by Ravana. Later, when she should have felt safe at home, her purity was doubted. I wonder if she was angry that Rama did not trust her enough to believe that she was pure. Her life had started out so magical with her being able to marry the man she had fallen in love with instantly. Did her downward spiral start with Ravana being too greedy and wanting a woman who was not his for his wife? It would sure seem that way.

I recommend watching Sita Sings the Blues if you have not yet. For one thing, the creator holds no copyrights over it. That is something unique. Second, you would definitely enjoy the way Paley spins the story into a fascinating visual effect that so effectively communicates the Ramayana.

Sita Sings the Blues

Reading Diary A [Sita Sings the Blues]

I watched the first part of Nina Paley's Sita Sings the Blues.

This was definitely not what I expected when I started this movie! At first I was a little weirded out by it and then it grew on me. The way she changes animation type is very interesting. If I had thought about animation changing during one film, I would have said that it would be impossible to pull off. However, Paley did it so well. The way that all of the pieces fit together to tell the story is fascinating.

It did make me wonder if the "Nina and Dave" story had happened to Paley for real. So, I started looking into Paley herself to find out more about her story. It was so interesting! The way that she fights against copyrights is different. It made me think a lot about it. I did notice the TEDtalk that she did and I plan on listening to it. I always thought that copyrights were there to protect the creator of the work. So, that makes me wonder what points she brings up.

Opening Scene of Sita Sings the Blues

Storytelling for Week 10: The Godfather

“Is he in?”

The men nodded and I breathed a sigh of relief. It is not easy to catch the Godfather on one of his days in the office.

I was patted down to make sure I was not carrying any weapons and escorted through a dark hallway. The bodyguards stepped away and motioned for me to open the door. This was it. This was the big moment. This was the meeting that I had arranged for what seemed like my entire career. A moment with the Godfather was a moment that could make or break you as a person, much less a journalist.

I took a deep breath and swung the door open. The swivel chair behind the oak desk turned slowly – maybe the word is majestically? The large, older man gave me a look I could not describe. It was one that read my soul but also seemed unamused at being disturbed.

“How can I help you?” The Italian accent floated across the room.

“Well, yes … um, thank you for getting me in to see you. I was just wondering … if you would be so kind as to tell me … I mean …” I was embarrassed at how I was handling myself.

“I do not have all day. Please get it out.”

“Of course. Yes, I need to know what you know about Sita.” There. I had spit out a question that had ravaged my mind for weeks.

The Godfather chuckled slowly. “They always want to know. Most of the time they are much too afraid to publish what I tell them.”

“I promise I will publish this!” I said, way too eager for my own liking.

“Now, kid. Do not get ahead of yourself. You have not even heard what I have to say yet.”

I leaned back in my chair, cheeks red from embarrassment.

“Sita was running an establishment behind Ram’s back. She had a gambling business going. Although, no one understands why she had it. It did not seem that her and Ram were losing money. If they were, it was certainly covered up really well. Anyway, since Ram was away at all of these battles, he never realized what Sita was doing. Until the one day that he decided to surprise her at home two days early. He found Sita hiding money behind a brick. They got into a huge fight. I do not know if Sita was the one who left or if Ram forced her to leave. Whatever happened resulted in Sita out of the home and Ram covering up a huge scandal. I mean, what would the papers have to say about such a story?”

The real question is if you are going to publish it.”

I sat stunned in my chair. Who would have known that Sita was leading one of the biggest gambling rings? Also why had the story not been told? I felt like several reporters would have a great day publishing this. I was going to publish it.

Little did I know what obstacles I was about to face in getting this story to the press.

Godfather

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is coming from a retelling of Sita. It makes it difficult to do that retell of a retelling. So, I decided to go with an idea I had earlier about the Washerman in the original story and how he reminded me of the Godfather. I kept similar plot structure in the story, but spun it so the Godfather was a good guy and gave the reporter her needed information. If I were to continue, I would introduce the Washerman and his men as they attempt to keep the true story of Sita from getting out into the public. I really do not want to give important parts of the book away. I will say that what happened to Sita was not related to her running a gambling operation behind Ram’s back. That just came to me since I was already writing about the Godfather. I highly recommend that everyone watches the Godfather and reads this book. That would be a really fun time. The original story comes from Samhita Arni’s The Missing Queen (2014).

Reading Diary B [Arni's The Missing Queen]

I finished reading Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen.

I am so sad that it is over. This has been one of the most fun books to read for a class that I have had so far in my three years of college. However, I do not want to say too much in case someone else decides to read the story. I hope someone else decides to read this story!

I am going to say that it never failed to surprise me. Also, the ending was stunning. I could hardly believe that turn of events.

When I think of retelling a story, I think of this style. It makes such a difference if the author can magically take the basic structure and flesh it out in a new direction.

I highly recommend this story and I definitely plan on looking for Samhita Arni's other books.

The Missing Queen

Reading Diary A [Arni's The Missing Queen]

I read from Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen.

Once again, this was an interesting read. It never stops moving and the plot is always changing. I think this makes what could be a boring story turn into something fascinating that is able to keep readers on the edge of their seat the entire time.

I had to laugh. When she thought she finally saw Sita, I eagerly clicked to the next page and my computer took forever to load. It was quite annoying.

I do not really want to say too much because I want to encourage everyone to read it for themselves. In fact, I might just buy the actual book and send it around to all of my friends so they can read it for themselves.

Random Picture of India

Storytelling for Week 9: The Interview

Aruna choked on her coffee.

Did that reporter really just ask Ram himself about what happened to Sita?

Whoa.

Aruna remembered wondering why Sita disappeared. However, she would never have the guts to ask Ram what happened.

The mood had instantly shifted in the interview. Ram's eyes widened and Aruna thought she saw a hint of panic. Interesting. Was he hiding something?

"Actually, well ... I do have something to say. Something I have been wanting to say for a long time now," Ram started to say.

Now, Aruna saw Lakshmana's eyes widen in horror. He begin to signal people behind the camera.

Ram continued. "Sita was the love of my life and it broke my heart when she left. I thought we were going to be together forever. And now, she has been gone for so long!" Aruna thought she saw tears in his eyes.

Lakshmana cleared his throat rather loudly and shot a death glare at Ram, who did not seem to notice. The reporter had a tissue from her purse and handed it to him. Was it just the one question that had needed to be asked in order to get answers that everyone had wondered about for years now?

Aruna was beginning to be greatly amused by Lakshmana's attempts to derail Ram while remaining as regal as he could in his stretched-out general's uniform. His face was beginning to turn bright red from all of the fake coughing he was doing.

"It really started one day when we had a fight. It was not even a big fight. It was something so little. I think Sita had wanted a pet. For some reason, in my foolishness, I thought it would be too much responsibility for her. After all, she had gotten herself kidnapped by Ravana years ago," Ram said as he shook his head.

Lakshmana had moved in on Ram. None of his not-so-subtle attempts were working to stop Ram from telling this massive secret. "Sir, um, I think we better consider what is best for your well-being," Lakshmana said forcefully. The reporter glanced at the people behind the camera. Aruna assumed that the producer was angry, because a look of fear crossed over the reporter's face.

"No! I want to say it. You know I have been wanting to say this for a very long time!" Ram turned toward the cameras. "Sita has disappeared because

Suddenly, Aruna's television screen went fuzzy. The show had gone off air because Ram was about to answer the question that had been on everyone's mind for years.

Aruna's TV

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Wow. That was so hard. I had such a difficult time with this week's Storytelling post because I had already been reading a retelling of a story. So, I had to retell the retelling in a way that was unique. It definitely took a few tries to get it to where I wanted the story to go.

In the original story, the reporter asks about Sita, who had disappeared years ago. She asked Ram, the name for Rama in this story, about it while on live television. Originally, Ram took a few political moves and dodged the reporter's question. The reporter then is followed by the powerful guy called The Washerman who oversees all of the media sources in their town. For my story, I wanted to re-imagine the scenario, but make Ram want to answer the question. This retelling is a political thriller, so what if Ram was being forced to ignore Sita's disappearance? I did not have Ram give away the answer to Sita's whereabouts since I have not read that far in the book yet! I suggest checking back in next week to see what happens! The original story came from Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen (2014).

Reading Diary B [Arni's The Missing Queen]

I read from Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen.

I was still eagerly turning pages for this part of the reading. This is one of the best retellings of the story I have ever read.

The part where she is sent to the prison reminded me so much of The Count of Monte Cristo. He was wrongfully sent to prison. The prisoner in the cell next to him educates him on everything he knows while they prepare to break out. Although it is slightly different in this story, she is still imprisoned for just asking the wrong questions. 

I think adding The Washerman as the all-seeing overlord of the network was a great move. That reminds me of The Godfather. I am just really enjoying how the author tied all of these story lines together into this story. Also, I am constantly intrigued because the story moves so quickly and in ways that the reader would not expect. 

Can't wait for next week's readings!

The Godfather/ aka what I imagine the Washerman as ...

Reading Diary A [Arni's The Missing Queen]

I read from Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen.

Wow. This was so fascinating I just wanted to read it all day! It reminds me a lot of what I what trying to make my Storybook out to be.

The way that the story opens with the reporter interviewing the older Queen Kaikeyi. She brings up the disappearance of Sita, which apparently no one knows the story behind. It makes me wonder how I would feel if the I was one of their citizens. Would I notice if the country leader's wife had gone missing?

I think one of my favorite parts about what I have read so far is the way that the author re-imagines characters into modern times and imagines how the years might have affected them. Lakshmana was my favorite one of these, The way he was described as being stately but having the belly in his general uniform matched perfectly to what I had in my head.

I am so excited to read more of this book!

I highly recommend!

Reading Plan

There are SO MANY OPTIONS. It is kind of hard to figure out what I want to do. However, I am going to do a rough plan. I have to have some kind of plan here, but enough freedom to be flexible with my options. I don't really consider myself Type A or Type B. I consider myself Type A-.

[cue the confusion]

I like to have a plan and be super strict about my perfectionism with some things. However, with other things, I am content to let it slide.

Now that we have that cleared up, here is my tentative reading schedule:

Week 9: Sita Sings the Blues (film)

Week 10 - 11: Arni. The Missing Queen. (modern political thriller)

Week 12 - 14: Maybe Ryder's Twenty-two Goblins? It looks pretty interesting. I'll leave it here. Once I get to these weeks, maybe I will re-adjust my reading schedule.

Looking forward to the next few weeks!

P.S. I know some of you were interested in seeing a picture of my puppy. Here she is posing for her glamour shots. However, she's not too happy that I'm reading Indian Epics and not paying attention to her.

Lovely Lola (personal image)

Reflections: Looking Forward

What would I do differently for the rest of the semester? I think I am doing well so far, so I do not think there will be a lot that I am going to change.

It took awhile for me to get on track, but I think I am okay now. I know how to keep myself on top of things because I know the trouble spots. If I am not on schedule during those times, I find myself getting behind.

If I change things, it might be to write my posts in the mornings. I am a little bit more clear-minded in the mornings. This is before the stress of the day gets to me.

College