Myths and Folklore with Karissa

I read other people's writing this week and I really liked what I read! It gave me some new ideas. I read Laura Gibb's storybook, and at one point, she addresses the audience in the middle of a story. I would never have thought to include the audience like that, but I really like the idea. I like to write. I've discovered that I like to write fiction, using my personality and imagination to create something wonderful. I wish this class wasn't ending. Sometimes, the assignments were too much during my busy weeks, but I always enjoyed developing an original story. I'm sad I'll lose this outlet for my creativity. This past week, I wrote two new stories for my storybook. I think my leopard story was one of the best pieces of writing I've done. I liked how the leopard's loss of identity matched with the displaced mother's loss of her motherhood. I also worked on including more descriptive words, like "spotted menace." It was a success in

Sometimes when I write, I speak the words I'm typing and it seems to clear my mind. It allows me to focus on just the words, one after another. I also read out loud when I am editing papers. It slows me down, and I catch more mistakes and more opportunities to add something new or better. Since reading out loud slows down the process, my brain is able to work in more ways. I think the only disadvantage is that it does make me more critical and does take longer. If I'm reading something for fun, I don't want to think too much about the words; I just want to enjoy the story and characters. Image information: Megaphone

" When we get negative feedback, let's take it in stride." " R-Rejoice U-Under N-Negativity" These are quotes about how to response to negative feedback. I often struggle with negative feedback. Maybe I'll dismiss it as wrong or dismiss it as unimportant. But I like this response better, and I think it will open new perspectives and ways of editing/creating. I want to train my brain to run with critical feedback, so the work I do in the future is better for it. " I was so focused on not failing that I almost missed the whole point of school. To learn." I really like this quote because I think it is easy to go through the motions in school. In one of my classes, we have two journal entries. The first is to summarize our readings and the second is to interact with the readings somehow. This can be applying the theory to something happening in the world or connect it to past readings. It is easy to just go through the motions in this

I decided to start my Wikipedia trails at Hasinai, because I just retold a story about the origins of the skunk's many features from a Hasinai legend. The Hasinai are a Caddo-speaking Native American tribe that originates from what is now eastern Texas. I wanted to know more about the language so I clicked on Caddo Language next. This page states that there were only 25 speakers in 2009, meaning it is critically endangered! The page goes on to discuss revitalization efforts, which includes the Kiwat Hasinay foundation offering classes, creating dictionaries, phrase books, and are digitally archiving Caddoan oral traditions. The Wikipedia page then goes on to describe the phonology of the language. Apparently, it lacks liquid consonants, which is unusual. I wanted to learn more about what liquid consonants were so I clicked on that next. This page states that liquids are a class of consonants that include lateral approximants and rhotics. I didn't know what a lateral ap

Skunk wandered the forest floor, searching for food to  soften the rumbling of her empty stomach. But she could barely focus on this task because she was afraid - afraid of what lies in the dark patches under bushes, afraid of the noises the forest animals make, and afraid to make a sound. Wanting to be rid of this crippling fear, she journeyed to the top of a snow capped mountain to convene with the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit appeared in the form of a swirling wind, carrying leaves and snow, towering over the shaking body of fearful Skunk. The Great Spirit spoke, "Little one, what brings you to the top of the world?" Skunk felt the caress of the breeze as the words reached her ears. "I am afraid, Great One. I'm afraid of my own footsteps. Will you grant me the might of the big cat that walks the forest?" The Great Spirit thought about the request before replying, "That might belongs to the powerful Lynx, but I can grant you sharper teeth and

This is the test photo I uploaded to my new Flickr account. I don't remember taking this photo, but I think it was during my trip to or from California about two years ago. It is a faint double rainbow. The quality isn't very great, but I thought why not have my first picture be somewhat magical? I do have some pictures that I would be comfortable sharing via Flickr. I might add some of the pictures I took in South Africa from Kruger National Park; they are better quality and everyone needs more pictures of beautiful animals! I have used quite a few pictures from Flickr. I am always happy with the quality and appreciate that people share their work, so I can put gorgeous pictures on my blogs! Image information: Small Double Rainbow Link to Flickr page