Microfiction: Health and Safety

6-word: Washing hands is best for safety.

Dribble: Paul is trying to keep his family safe during the spread of the Coronavirus. He instructs his wife and children to wash their hands often, continually sip water all day to stay hydrated and keep throat and mouth moist, and avoid close contact with others whenever possible.

Viruses

Note: I wanted to write a quick story about how Paul is keeping his family safe by instructing on good hygiene and typical precautions.

Week 9 Story: Enhancing The Orca and the Crown

The Orca and the Crown

Orcas and Penguins from Wikipedia

Down in the harsh environment of Antarctica, lived a mighty kingdom of killer whales. They lived in harmony with the penguin and leopard seal kingdoms by a peace treaty. Unfortunately, the three kingdoms struggling through this season. Food was scarce, and the peace between the three species was dwindling.

One particular orca was an outcast. He disobeyed his father's wishes, so he was outcasted while his brother was made king of the Orca Kingdom. He had been banished for years now, but no one quite knows how long. He knew his killer whale brethren could not survive the season without some means of intervention. He knew they needed a hero, and this was his shot at redemption.

The orca approached the kingdom and requested a meeting with his brother the king. After ignoring some threats for returning to the waters he was banished from, he finally is face to face with his brother. He offered his proposal, his plan to feed and save the species. However, he learned that the orcas were more desperate than he predicted. Many were starving, and his brother was hopeless with the thought that they would not survive the month. The king admitted that the people needed to eat by any means necessary, and he would surrender his crown if the orca could save the kingdom. The orca knew the most vulnerable remaining food source around them was their allies, the penguins. How fitting, he was outcasted for his past betrayal, and now he would be redeemed by betraying the penguins.

Meanwhile, the leopard seals were already breaking the treaty and invading the penguins' ice to survive. They were vicious creatures, and the penguins were searching desperately for a new home to escape to. This was a perfect opportunity for the orca to execute his ploy.

The orca approaches the gathered masses of the penguin kingdom and quickly explained what he had found. He stated that through a ice cave there is a land to make a new home with plenty of food to save both the penguin and orca species. The penguins were reluctant, so they sent one scout along with the orca to confirm the orca's tale. The orca guided the penguin through the underwater ice cave and eventually reached the new island of ice that could be their sanctuary. They returned to the penguin kingdom, and the orca began guiding groups of penguins to the new land. As the penguins arrived to the ice cave, the orca people attacked them. The orcas outnumbers the penguins as they were trapped in the ice cave. The orca kept going back and guiding groups of penguins to their demise. It was a sad day for the Antarctic kingdoms.

They were honorable species before, but the brutal conditions brought out the worst in the orcas. The orca was crowned king as promised, but at what cost? Morals were sacrificed, and the kingdom was now lead by a king with compromised character. How can they live on with this dishonor?

Author's Note:
I wanted to make a story with a cunning betrayal similar to the Crane and the Crab. However, instead of outwitting the villain and defeating them, I wanted the villain to win in the end. I did this so that I could leave the audience with some moral questions. Is survival worth it if you sacrifice your morals? Even if it is your last resort, could you live on with your life knowing you betrayed your friends/allies?

I based this story off of The Cunning Crane and the Crab by W. H. D. Rouse. In this story, a tiny pond is being reduced to a puddle due to a drought. This puddle is home to some fish and a crab. The crane lived near a flourishing lake but was looking for an afternoon meal. He saw the desperate fish in the puddle and offered to carry them in his beak to the lake. They were reluctant, but the crane eventually proved credible enough to earn their trust. The crane carried the fish to the lake one-by-one, but tricked them and ate them in his nest before returning for the next fish. Finally, the crane got greedy and decided to try and eat the crab. The crab talked the crane into carrying the crab by allowing the crab to latch onto the crane's neck. As soon as the crab knew the crane was deceitful, He clamped down on his neck and killed him. The crab lived happily ever after in his new lake home.

Reading Mahabharata Video Part B

Reading Mahabharata Video Part B

100 demon sons were born and Pandava had his 5 sons.

Bhima was given a potion by his serpent grandfather.

the pandavas were trained in their chosen war specialty by drone.

dyrods assassination attempt is unsuccessful.

arjuna completes the bow challenge to win Draupadi

all five pandavas marry draupadi

Mahabharata

Reading Mahabharata Video Part A

Reading Mahabharata Video Part A

devavrat is the kings only son left alive. he is taken away by wife. devavrat returns and helps bring the fishermans daughter to the kingdom. vows to never marry or have children. devavrat becomes bhishma and can choose the moment of his death.
one half-brother dies.
bhishma kidnaps three princesses for the other half-brother.
king dies before he has sons.
mom reveals that there is another half-brother sage.
three different half-brothers are born: blind, albino, and well-rounded.
blind dhasharta became king and married blindfolded wife.

Mahabharata

Biography: 1st Weight Meet

At my first OU Powerlifting weight meet I knew that we would test our maxes in squat, bench, and deadlift, but I didn't know what else to expect. The team atmosphere was amazing! Everyone cheered each other on, and it felt much more intense than me lifting alone. At one point, I had to hit a squat successfully in order to continue competing in the meet. Someone videoed it, and watching the video was equaling exciting to being in the moment. I could hear the whole team cheering me on with intensity. They truly wanted me to be successful. It was a great team experience.

OU PL

Note: I wanted to talk about my first meet and how thankful I am to such a great experience.

Wiki: From Color Wheel to Photoreceptor

Color Wheel: So I began by exploring about the color wheel.

Primary Colors: That led me to dive into the article about primary colors.

Color Vision: Then I started learning new things about color vision.

Photoreceptors: Finally, I wrapped up by reading about photoreceptor cells in the eye.

Color Wheel

Microfiction: Rags to Riches

Hint: He made it to the top. He had all the money he could want, but was it worth it?

Dribble: Johnny grew up dirt poor, but in a loving family. He made it big as a broker, but never speaks to his family. He lives alone in his cutthroat business, but makes millions of dollars every year. He often reflects on his life. Am I happy? Was it all worth it? Do I have regrets?

Note: I made up a character that prioritized money over everything throughout his life. Money is very important in this world, and it can open doors that many people will never have the opportunity of seeing. There is always a balance to see which amount of money is worth the sacrifices they require.

Cash Money

Week 8 Progress

I am very happy with my progress so far. I am ahead on points and should finish early. I am most proud of my story about the kitten and the frogs. I loved the dialogue I was able to integrate it well and give my characters more personality. I think if I keep my pase, I should finish everything in a couple weeks or so.

Cute cat

Week 8 Comments and Feedback

The comments I have received about my stories have been helpful. The specific feedback helps the most because it gives examples on how I can improve my writing.

I enjoy giving feedback to others because I enjoy impacting their stories. I feel that I have been able to achieve that goal through the comments I leave each week.

I am very happy with how my intro turned out, and how I have been able to connect with others.

I need to focus on giving other students specific feedback like the content I have received that has been very useful for my editing.

Wise cat

Week 8 Reading and Writing

Overall, I am very happy about how this course is working out for me. My stories are nice, and I think they have been more creative than what I expected at the beginning. The readings are entertaining, and I enjoy all the stories we read. I think that plays a part to why I am able to write creatively. My blog and my portfolio website look good so far! I can't wait to see my portfolio site when it's finished.

Bhishma in battle

I picked this image from the Mahabharata because the great battles fought between the cousins was very intense. They fought harshly, violently, and to the death, yet they were all family. Most of the characters had second thoughts about killing their kind, but in the end the battles were fought. Many family members died, and the surviving ones were left to clean up the damage. 

I am glad this is a review week haha. I have midterms and other big projects due, so this is great timing. I plan on working ahead again after this week, and possibly finishing the course before spring break or maybe just after.

Wiki Trail: From Drake and Josh to Nickelodeon

Drake and Josh:
I started with Drake and Josh because I used to watch that show as a kid.

Amanda Show:
I also used to watch the Amanda Show, which is where Drake and Josh got their start.

iCarly:
This is the spin-off show that Miranda Cosgrove got after her role in Drake and Josh.

Nickelodeon:
This is the network in which all these shows aired. Nickelodeon was probably my most watched network as a kid.

Nickelodeon

Fortune Cookie Tech Tip

Fortune Cookie

Biography: My Workout Partner

 I once had a friend who wanted to workout with me. I frequent the gym often, so I am in pretty good shape. My muscles are used to the demand I put them through. They have built up endurance, and they do not typically get too sore after my daily workouts. Well my friend, Josh, does not typically workout. However he wanted to make a change and be more active with me. I warned him that he would be very sore throughout week one. Luckily, he listened to my warning and prepared himself. He survived week one, and to this day, I still have Josh as my workout partner.

Note: I am thankful to have a buddy that enjoys working out with me and staying in shape. It is truly beneficial to both of us.

Bench press

Microfiction: The Break Up

Hint: John and Katie had a misunderstanding. Luckily, they were able to talk it out and make up.

Drabble: Katie got a little too drunk at a party and passed out on the couch. John was ready to leave so he went looking for his girlfriend, Katie. He eventually found her sleeping on the couch next to another guy. John was upset, but woke up Katie and took her home. He was accusing at first, but after Katie explained herself that she fell asleep while the couch was unoccupied, John forgave her.

Note: A story about relationship troubles. This was fortunately overcome by communication, listening, and love.

Relationship trouble

Week 7: Enhancing The Frogs and the Kitten Story

New Version in Portfolio

There once was a small little peaceful pond just beyond some trees. Three little frogs lived there. The three siblings loved to cross the pond by jumping on lily pads as they floated across the water. They loved racing across the water by waiting for the pads to line up and hopping across them. One day they encountered a friendly little kitten by their pond. This kitten had played all the games around his home and mastered them all. His name was Chester. Chester was the most athletic kitten of his home and needed new games and competition to occupy his time and test his skills. He noticed the young frogs playing their lily pad game and approached them casually.

"Hello there frogs," Chester said politely. "What is it that you're playing?"

The frogs responded, "We are racing across the pond on these lily pads to see which of us is the fastest! Would you like to try?"

Of course Chester wanted to try! He wanted to be the fastest to cross the pond!

So the frogs showed him how it was done. They had to jump on a lily pad, wait for the next one to float by, then jump on it and wait to repeat the process. "It's a game of patience, speed, skill, and agility!" The frogs said excitedly.

"I am fast, skillful, and agile!" The kitten responded as he was practicing. "I think I'm ready to beat you three!"

"Are you sure you're ready? We have been doing this for a while. Are you sure you don't want more practice?" The frogs said. "The pond can be dangerous if you were to fall in. Can you swim?"

"I don't need to swim!" Replied the kitten. "I am going to win without touching a single drop!"

So the four of them lined up on the bank of the pond eager to race to see who was the best. At the start of the race, the kitten pulled ahead. He was faster than the frogs, so he was able to quickly hop across the lily pads that were grouped together. As they reached the middle of the pond, the lily pads grew farther and farther apart. The kitten had to wait on the pads to come closer, but the frogs could jump farther and reach the pads before they were close enough for the kitten to reach. By this point, one frog pulled ahead of the kitten. The kitten was doing all he could to catch up, but with the spacing of the lily pads, the frog's lead grew. The kitten started making riskier and riskier jumps to catch the frog.

"Be careful Chester," the frogs said, "those jumps are dangerous. Please don't fall in."

"Don't worry," Chester replied, " just a little more!"

Chester was gaining on the lead frog, but the finish line was coming up fast.

Chester made one last risky jump to retake the lead, but the lily pad wasn't quite close enough. He fell in the pond. Chester paddled and splashed, but he kept sinking lower into the water. The frogs jumped in after him, but they were not strong enough to save poor Chester.

Chester, the kitten, was just too competitive. He couldn't stand to lose, and he didn't have the patience to wait for the lily pads to come closer to him. His mistakes cost him the ultimate price.

The frog and lily pads

Author's Note:
I got the inspiration to write this story from the Talking Turtle and the Geese. In that story, the turtle always had to get a word in even when it was against his best interest. He annoyed may of the creatures around him with his constant yapping, but he made friends with the geese. The geese knew of a mountainous area where they migrated every winter with plenty of room where no other creatures could hear you. The geese knew how much the turtle loved to talk, so they offered to help carry the turtle up to the mountains with them. Their plan was to carry a stick between their beaks, and the turtle could bite the stick to hitch a ride with them. The turtle could live out his talkative days in the mountains and could talk to his heart's content. On their journey, some boys were poking fun at the turtle for riding along with geese. Unfortunately, the turtle could not keep his mouth shut, and he released the branch for a rebuttal. He fell to his death on the journey. I added my own twist by changing the animals and setting, but I still taught a lesson about discipline and patience that both the turtle and kitten lacked.

From Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt

Mahabharata PDE Part D

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part D

Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore.

Bhishma in battle

Bhishma is killed in battle. Abhimanyu is killed while trapped alone behind the enemy lines, and Arjuna seeks revenge. Many loved ones are lost and the pandavas use trickery to their advantage.

Karna takes command of the bad army, and Bhima seeks revenge for the treatment of draupadi. Arjuna kills karna after a long battle.

Many warriors seek revenge and attack throughout the night. Bhishma gets to choose the moment of his death, so he waits so that he can instruct the survivors on how to rule the kingdom before he goes. Yudhistra seeks kingship by a horse sacrifice. After Krishna's death, the Pandavas and Draupadi decide to leave earth and leave the kingdom in the hands of Parikshit, Arjuna's grandson. Yudistra must pass a final test. He goes to hell to be united with his brothers and this is followed by then all going ot heaven and Dyrod going to hell.

Mahabharata Online: PDE Part C

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part C

Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore.

Draupadi and the Pandavas in the forest

The Pandavas must now enter a long period of exile. pandavas run in Hanuman on one of their adventurous journeys while exiled. Hanuman was also from the Ramayana. 

Draupadi struggles with the dangers of being a woman during the time of exile. They rescue her after the kidnapping.

The Pandavas enter their final year of exile in which they must spend in hiding, not to be recognized. More trouble for draupadi as there is another rape attempt and her husbands can do nothing bc they are in hiding.

The exile is over and the pandavas want a vengeful war. Many diplomatic attempts are made but the conflict is escalating to an approaching war. Both sides are reluctant to fight their family, but the battle begins anyway.

Biography: Night Driving

I once had a friend that was had a blindness when night driving. After dinner, they asked one of us to drive us all back home. Apparently, they claimed to be blind when night driving. Unfortunately, we didn't believe them, and we made them drive. They went to make a turn, and they told me they took a mental note that they usually turn too wide. So in this instance, they intentionally made a sharper angle for the left turn. Unfortunately, there was a median, so they needed to take it wider. We immediately are looking at oncoming traffic, and my friend swerves right and hits a street sign in the median. That's was the last time we made them drive at night!

Note: I wanted to tell the scary story of crashing with my friend driving at night. I never knew they had night blindness, but I will never underestimate that again!

Night Driving

Wikipedia Trail: From Blank to Blank

Call of Duty:
I started with Call of Duty because they recently released a new update for their latest game Modern Warfare.

Modern Warfare:
This led me to read more about the current game, Modern Warfare. The campaign plot was based off real-life events like the Syrian Civil War.

Syrian Civil War:
This conflict is what the fictional war being fought in Modern Warfare is based upon. This takes place in Syria, nearby countries, and London in the video game.

Casualties of the Syrian Civil War:

The Syrian Civil War is actually the second deadliest war of the 21st century! This comes in second only to the Second Congo War that concluded in 2003.

Syrian War

Tech Tip: Newspaper

Newspaper Clip

Microfiction: A Nightmare

Six-word: He couldn't swim. Luckily, he awoke.

Hint fiction: He tried to stay afloat but couldn't tread water any longer. He sank and drowned. He awoke flustered but thankful it was only a dream.

Note: I wanted to contrast two ways to tell a story about a drowning nightmare. Fortunately it was only just a dream in the end. Or was it?

Drowning

StoryLab Microfiction: The Gambler

6-word: The man rolled. The man lost.

Dribble: The old gambler was known throughout the land for his fatal flaw, gambling. He loved the rush. He loved the prizes. He loved the risk. He once had it all, but gambled it all away. His wife, his riches, and his kingdom.

Note: I told a story about an old gambler. He loved what he had in life, but he loved gambling more. It was his fatal flaw, and he made a fool of himself and his life because of it.

Gambling

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part B

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part B

Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore.

Battle of Kurukshetra

Duryodhana's attempt to kill the pandavas appears successful but really isnt. Vidura is the brother of Pandu and dhritarasha. he is loyal to the pandavas.

the pandavas escaped with a hidden passage into the wilderness. Wife of the 5 pandavas!!

Y brother becomes king of another ally kingdom and somehow Duryod learns that the pandavas are still alive and is enraged.

Mayasura builds an amazing palace for the Pandavas. Duryod challenges Y bro to a gambling match that he isnt allowed to refuse, and he gambles away his wife and kingdom.

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part A

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part A

Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore.

Battle of Kurukshetra

Even though Bhishma obtained wives for Vichitravirya, this did not result in sons who could carry on the Bharata dynasty. Unfortunately, Vichitravirya died before Ambika or Ambalika had any children.

Dhritarashtra (blind) and his brother (half-brother) Pandu (pale) (throne)

king pandu kills a sage accidently and is cursed. Duryodhana is the son of Dhritarashtra (leader of 100 demons) and sparks the hatred between the pandavas and the Kauravas.

after pandu's death, the two sets of sons (cousins) are raised together. Bhima is dhritarashtra's strongest son, but Yudhishthira is the eldest son and gets the throne.

Wiki Trail: GTA to Southern California

Grand Theft Auto:
I started my search with Grand Theft Auto. I have started playing the most recent video game GTA 5. I play it with my younger brother, and we help each other with the missions.

GTA 5:
My search led me to the wikipedia page of the current video game I have been playing.

Los Angeles:
The game takes place in Los Santos which is actually just a renamed version of Los Angeles, CA.

Southern California:
I then concluded my research by reading a bit about southern California.

Talking Owl Tech Tip

Animated Owl

Major Trouble Biography

I started college wanting to become an engineer. I didn't really know if I truly wanted to do engineering, but my academic strengths were in math and science. So I originally majored in biomedical engineering and enjoyed my course work. During the fall of my sophomore year, I was made aware that the biomedical engineering degree program was not yet ABET accredited. ABET is a national engineering association that approves degree plans to ensure they meet national standards and produce competent engineers. Without an ABET degree, it is difficult to get internships and a professional engineering license. I met with the director of the chemical engineering department, and he allowed me to switch majors without falling behind in my coursework. This allowed me to keep my graduation date on time with an ABET accredited chemical engineering degree!

Choosing Majors

Author's Note:
I like telling people this story. I think it illustrates to people that you can still change your major if need be even into your sophomore year! I had some fortunate help from the director, but I was still able to keep the same graduation date without delays.

Skydiving Microfiction

Six-word:
He flew. He jumped. He fell.

Dribble:
John always wanted to skydive. He boarded the plane and put on his parachute. When instructed, he jumped out of the plane and felt the air rush past him. He deployed his parachute and landed safely on the ground.

Skydiving

Author's Note:
I wanted to write a happy microfiction, so I wrote about John's first time skydiving. He has always wanted to do it, and he was able to have a fun, safe, experience.

Week 5 Story: The Frogs and the Kitten

New Version in Portfolio

There once was a small little peaceful pond just beyond some trees. Three little frogs lived there. The three siblings loved to cross the pond by jumping on lily pads as they floated across the water. They loved racing across the water by waiting for the pads to line up and hopping across them. One day they encountered a friendly little kitten by their pond. This kitten had played all the games around his home and mastered them all. His name was Chester. Chester was the most athletic kitten of his home and needed new games and competition to occupy his time and test his skills. He noticed the young frogs playing their lily pad game and approached them casually.

"Hello there frogs," Chester said politely. "What is it that you're playing?"

The frogs responded, "We are racing across the pond on these lily pads to see which of us is the fastest! Would you like to try?"

Of course Chester wanted to try! He wanted to be the fastest to cross the pond!

So the frogs showed him how it was done. They had to jump on a lily pad, wait for the next one to float by, then jump on it and wait to repeat the process. "It's a game of patience, speed, skill, and agility!" The frogs said excitedly.

"I am fast, skillful, and agile!" The kitten responded as he was practicing. "I think I'm ready to beat you three!"

"Are you sure you're ready? We have been doing this for a while. Are you sure you don't want more practice?" The frogs said. "The pond can be dangerous if you were to fall in. Can you swim?"

"I don't need to swim!" Replied the kitten. "I am going to win without touching a single drop!"

So the four of them lined up on the bank of the pond eager to race to see who was the best. At the start of the race, the kitten pulled ahead. He was faster than the frogs, so he was able to quickly hop across the lily pads that were grouped together. As they reached the middle of the pond, the lily pads grew farther and farther apart. The kitten had to wait on the pads to come closer, but the frogs could jump farther and reach the pads before they were close enough for the kitten to reach. By this point, one frog pulled ahead of the kitten. The kitten was doing all he could to catch up, but with the spacing of the lily pads, the frog's lead grew. The kitten started making riskier and riskier jumps to catch the frog.

"Be careful Chester," the frogs said, "those jumps are dangerous. Please don't fall in."

"Don't worry," Chester replied, " just a little more!"

Chester was gaining on the lead frog, but the finish line was coming up fast.

Chester made one last risky jump to retake the lead, but the lily pad wasn't quite close enough. He fell in the pond. Chester paddled and splashed, but he kept sinking lower into the water. The frogs jumped in after him, but they were not strong enough to save poor Chester.

Chester, the kitten, was just too competitive. He couldn't stand to lose, and he didn't have the patience to wait for the lily pads to come closer to him. His mistakes cost him the ultimate price.

The frog and lily pads

Author's Note:
I got the inspiration to write this story from the Talking Turtle and the Geese. In that story, the turtle always had to get a word in. He annoyed may of the creatures around him, but he made friends with the geese. The geese knew how much the turtle loved to talk, so they offered to carry a stick to the mountains where the turtle could talk to his heart's content. The turtle could bite the stick and live out his talkative days in the mountains. Unfortunately, the turtle could not keep his mouth shut, and he released the branch and fell to his death on the journey. I added my own twist, but still taught a lesson at the end of the story.

From Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt

Reading: Sita Sings the Blues

This reading was a refreshing and unique perspective of the Ramayana. I enjoyed the side story of Dave and Nina as well as how the narrators would argue about the plot of the story. The animations cracked me up. I really enjoyed the visual version of the story. I found a lot of differences between my envisionment of the characters and the movie's.

I also liked actually seeing the wise elder teach Rama and Sita's kids in the forest. I felt like the written version did not go into much depth. I liked seeing the parallel between the Ramayana and the story between Nina and Dave. It still makes me sad that after all the trouble, they still did not live happily ever after together.

Author: Nina Paley

Title: Sita Sings the Blues

Year: 2008

Wikipedia Trail: From KC Chiefs to NFL

Kansas City Chiefs: 
I started by reading about the Chiefs after their Super Bowl victory last night.

Super Bowl LIV:
I then followed the trail and read about the game that took place last night. That included reading about both teams' seasons and the stats from the game.

San Francisco 49ers:
I then read about the Chief's competition. I felt bad for Kyle Shanahan because his team blew the lead last night as well as a few years ago when they lost the 2017 Super Bowl to the Patriots.

National Football League:
I then looked and read about some NFL history and fun facts.

NFL Symbol

Tech Tip: Ninja Text

This was super fun to create!

Ninja Text Generator

Learning Challenge: Happiness Jar Part 2

I greatly enjoyed the happiness jar challenge. At the end of the week, I was able to reflect on the things I am thankful for in my life. It was a great positive note to end my week on. My favorite piece I wrote down was the small blocks of time that I got to spend talking with my mom, dad, and little brother. I often take these moments for granted, but I was glad to reflect on these moments and cherish them. I would recommend this challenge to everyone.

The Happy Jar from Pinterest

Biography: My First Home Run

I stepped up to the plate with the game on the line. We were down one run with a runner on first base. The pitcher wound up and released a high and tight fast ball. I did not think. I just reacted. I trusted my hands, and they did not steer me wrong. I connected with the pitch and followed through with my swing. It was a deep fly ball to left field. I began my jog to first base, but realized the ball travelled over the fence. I had hit my first homerun, and it helped my team win by one run.

Author's Note:
I wanted to give a step by step perspective of my first homerun. It was a great moment for my team and I, and I wanted to share it with you.

Homerun

Microfiction: Quick Baseball Story

Six word: Swing, crack, ball flew off bat.

Hint Fiction: The pitch comes in. The batter swings hard. The bat smacks the ball, and the ball flies over the fence!

Author's Note: I wanted to write a brief baseball story. I tasked myself with a quick story, and then one with a bit more detail.

Baseball Bat

Comment Wall

To my portfolio project: https://sites.google.com/view/indianportfoliotales/dakka

Shurpanakha tempts Rama

Story Lab, Microfiction:

Two-sentence: There once was a man named Saul. He became Paul and lived happily ever after all.

Dribble: Saul sought out Christians and persecuted them. Once he saw the flaw in his actions, he repented and became Paul. He changed his name and began spreading the word that he once persecuted people for spreading. There is always opportunity for change and redemption.

Reference: The Bible via Wikipedia

Author's Note:
I enjoy making the short stories rhyme haha. I wanted to tell the brief story of Paul the apostle. It is one of my favorite stories because it could happen in today's world. People can do evil deeds, but there is always opportunity correct and realign their path.

Paul the Apostle

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part D

rama's forces begin to construct a bridge to cross the ocean to lanka.

spies try to convince ravana to surrender sita bc of rama's great power, but ravana is enraged. ravana uses illusion to convince sita that rama had died, but she resists.

Indrajit, ravana's son, wrecks rama, lakshmana, and the monkey army and returns home to lanka victorious, but Garuda flies through the sky and heals everyone.

Kumbhakarna, ravana's brother, a giant, is awoken, kills thousands of apes, but rama severs his head with arrows.

Indrajit wrecks the army again, but hanuman retrieves a life herb from himalaya that revives everyone.

more illusions as indrajit tries to make rama think sita is dead and ravana tries to make sita think rama is dead. vibhishana tells rama a place where they can ambush indrajit.

Lakshmana killed indrajit and ravana is distraught. he almost kills sita but the rakshasas guarding her convince him not to kill a woman.

ravana slays lakshmana but is revived by hanuman. they night attack lanka and intercept sacrifices that wouldve boosted ravanas forces.

indra sends down his chariot for rama to use. rama kept slicing off ravanas heads but to no victory. rama finally strikes him with the brahma weapon and kills him. Vibhishana is made king of Lanka.

Rama and sita are reunited but Rama rejects her since he doesnt believe she has been faithful.

Sita tests her loyalty with fire and passes. the gods convince rama to take her back. they fly back home in ravana's chariot. Rama us crowned king.

Rama banished sita for potential disloyalty w/ ravana, and she births two sons. rama wants to perform horse sacrifice to cleanse himself of the sin of killing ravana. his sons (~16 years old) capture the horse and defeat the royal army. Rama confronts his sons, and greatly longs sita.

Lakshmana and Rama ascend to heaven to return as Vinshu.


PDE Ramayana, Part D
Sources used: M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.

Lanka Bridge

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part C

Rama and Lakshmana meet Hanuman and Sugriva. They agree to help fight Vali. Vali is killed by Rama ambushing him.

Sugriva is now monkey king. he agrees to help find sita, but must wait out the rainy season first. Rama struggles with waiting.

4 monkey armies are sent in all directions to search for Sita. the southern group locates Lanka. they find sampati, jatayu's brother, and he confirms that south is the right way.

Hanuman scouts lanka alone. he finds ravana, but no Sita. He finds sita in a grove guarded by rakshasis. Ravana asks sita to reject rama and be his wife but she refuses.

hanuman meets sita. she gives him a jewel. ravana gives her 2 months to live. hanuman kills many demons but is captured by ravana's son, indrajit.

hanuman was brought before ravana. he decided to set his tail on fire. hanuman used the burning tail to kill rakshasas and burn half of lanka. he returns to the monkey kingdom.

the army marched on lanka. ravana and the council discuss giving up sita, but decide to fight instead.

Vibhishana, ravana's younger brother, warned him about the fight, but is banished and flees lanka to join rama.


PDE Ramayana, Part C
Sources used: M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.

Ravana and Sita

Week 3 Review

Examine anxious

I like this quote because it is important to examine what makes you anxious, so that you can journey out of your comfort zone.

Shakuni - Bringer of War

I liked the video about Shakuni. He seeks conflict and manipulates people with illusions. He is one of the devious main villains in Mahabharata. I appreciate every perspective I can get on Hindu folklore.

Famous Last Words: Week 3 Recap

I really enjoyed the reading for week three. Ever since we sampled some of the previous semesters' storybooks, I was anxious to read the Ramayana. I wanted to dive in and learn more about Hindu mythology. So far the Ramayana has not disappointed. I have only read parts A and B so far, but the story is very interesting. I am very excited to read about the epic Battle of Lanka. So far, I have followed Rama and his brother's journey of helping sages, exploring other kingdoms, and fighting many demons. I followed along as Rama won the heart of his princess, Sita. I have seen the beloved Rama betrayed by his father and cast to exile. I have witnessed the loyalty of Sita and his brother, Lakshmana. They have obtained celestial weapons and slayed many demons. They resisted the temptations of the forest, but trouble continues to find them. They crossed a few of the wrong rashakas. Ravana's plot to kidnap Sita worked to perfection, and now Rama and Lakshmana have to travel to Lanka to reunite Rama with his bride. I look forward to parts C and D, where I will finish the Ramayana and read about the epic Battle of Lanka. I was also able to read some stories from my classmates they wrote last week. It is always fun to read my peers' work. It is amazing what students just like me can create with their minds! It pushes me to continue to test my limits and write every opportunity I get. Hopefully, next week leads into a deeper dive of my project, and that research allows me to synthesize a quality piece. After reading the storybook projects from the previous semesters, I am excited and eager to start the storybook project of my own for this semester!

Rama and his company cast to exile

Learning Challenge: Happiness Jar Part 1

My plan is to construct a happiness jar like the image in the google doc. Each day this week I want to write something I am thankful for on a slip of paper and then put it in the jar. At the end of next week, I will pull out all pieces of paper and reflect on all the blessings in my life.

The Happy Jar from Pinterest

Growth Mindset: Quote Memes

I chose this quote because I often worry to much about the future. It's okay to prepare for the future and think ahead, but mindless worrying is never healthy. Stop and breathe like this image below haha.

My Quote from Cheezburger

Wikipedia Trail: From Stem Cells to Collagen

Stem Cells
I started with stem cells because I am currently using that topic for my capstone topic. We are using stem cells to help patients with heart disease.

Adipose Tissue
Adipose tissue is a potential source for obtaining stem cells. I wanted to read more about the advantages/disadvantages of extracting cells from this location.

Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts play a major role in the body for wound healing. I wanted to read more into the specific role fibroblasts could play in healing the cardiovascular system.

Collagen
Collagen is the building block of the body. It is the main structural protein for connecting tissues, and it is the most abundant protein in the human body.

Stem cell differentiation

Meme Generator Tech Tip

MAKE DA MEME from ImgFlip.com

Biography: Squatting Struggles

Shortly before I left for a summer internship a couple years ago, I maxed out on squat with my lifting friends. I finally hit a personal goal of squatting 365 lbs. I then moved halfway across the country for my internship. I continued lifting throughout the summer and attempted 365 many times on squat to replicate my success. Every time I tried, I failed the lift. I could not understand why I couldn't do it again! The last week I was in D.C., I intentionally skipped legs for a week and then maxed out again. I was experimenting with my body. As I built up the weight, I ended up blowing up 355 lbs, which was the most I successfully lifted all summer. So I decided to skip 365 and put 375 lbs on the bar instead. I blew it up and set a new personal record!

Author's Note:
I wanted to tell a story about my summer internship in Washington D.C. and my struggles with strength training over that summer. I learned to give my body rest as it asks for it, and my body will return the favor!

Squat Rack from Wikipedia

Microfiction: The Maze

6 words:
Why are these walls so high?

140 characters:
Where am I? These walls are so high! A dead end? Where should I go? Oh no! Am I stuck inside of a maze? Surely, I must be dreaming. Wake up!

Author's Note:
Wow, this one was hard! Meeting the exact 140 character count took a few tries to perfect. I wanted to contrast two versions of a person's reaction to waking up stuck in a maze.

The MAZE 

Feedback Strategies

What Kinds of Messages Help Kids Grow?  
I really like the concept of using specific feedback. Everyone knows that "Good job!" doesn't help kids learn, but we do it out of laziness sometimes. Using good job followed by something specific the child did seems like a great strategy I can implement into my life. I will also use the power of yet. Telling stories of resilience and telling kids they haven't tied their shoes "yet," is an excellent way to teach them to keep their head up and keep them determined to succeed.

How to Give Feedback Without Sounding Like a Jerk
Key pieces for feedback giving:

• level with the audience
• explain why a problem needs fixed
• be honest and transparent with people
• ask if they want feedback, no one ever resists (usually)

This article was very helpful for feedback in the workplace. One of my supervisors used these techniques and feedback for my work was always an easy process. I wasn't personally offended ever, and I knew she only wanted me to help me improve my work!

Feedback by geraldt

Topic Research: Makara

I would like to focus my project on crocodiles in Hindu mythology. I would like to incorporate and revolve my stories around Makara.

Story 1: Deceitful croc
One story could be about a cunning crocodile that deceives many people. He uses tricks to gain trust and even kill. One day he meets a god that he also tries to trick. The trick goes south and the god punishes the croc with a curse or death.

Story 2: Friendly croc
Another story would be about a god trying to pay penance. He is reincarnated as a crocodile and must help a town with a danger/crisis. Once performing a good deed, the penance is paid, and the curse is lifted.

Story 3: Croc and Monkey
I would tell of a croc trying to eat a monkey in a swamp. The monkey is actually a god that punishes the croc with a curse and a quest leading him far away for a chance at redemption. It may have to carry Ganga on its back.

Any of these would contain celestial weapons and/or include rashakas that tempt or attack the main character.

The stories would revolve around Makara, so the Wiki page will be very useful.

Makara