Week 15 Review

This week, being the last, has been fairly easy. Just had to wrap up everything and do a ton of extra credit to get an A. But I am just happy I was able to squeeze by with that A. This is actually the last post I have to do to get 410 points. This class as a whole, I have really enjoyed. Everyone has been so nice, including Laura. This week I really liked the link she shared to Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir. The entire video and the way all their voices fit together perfectly, was truly amazing. I really enjoyed the graphics in the video! 

(Fly to Paradise)

My Famous Last Words, Really

Well, we have come to that time in the semester. Yes, you guessed it, the end. (Hallelujah) I mean, darn! But really, I have so enjoyed this class. Typically learning isn't an enjoyable thing to me. I have a hard time staying focused in my classes because I typically lack interest for the topic. And while reading has never been a huge interest to me, I liked being able to read then transform these stories into somethIng I could call my own. I am really into writing poetry and have been since I was about ten. This was a bit different than poetry, of course, but it strengthened me as a writer and I appreciate that. There were so many talented people in this class. I truly enjoyed reading all their stories each week. Unfortunately, I never got to all of them, but the ones that I read I really liked. 

This semester as a whole was a bit rough. After being in school for sixteen years total now, I am a bit burnt out. I finally declared a major this semester- communication, so that's a tiny step in the right direction. Truthfully I just picked it because at this point I had to pick something. It's a bit sad, but my passions don't lie in classes with textbooks and exams. My passions are for people, animals and writing. It's something you have to god out in the world and do. You can't be taught these things. So I just need the degree that says I am dedicated enough to stay in school. For the sake of a steady job in the future, I have to push through. This class has been a light through it all though. While it is quite a bit of work, it is easy and interesting. It allowed me to tap into my creative side and that's when I'm truly the happiest.

I chose this painting because I wanted to pick something that I felt portrayed passion. I love the colors and how abstract the faces are. Also there is just a lot of emotion here. 

(Passion)

 

My Wikipedia Trail

This is the first time I've tried the Wikipedia Trails assignment but I think it was a really clever idea. I started out with Sita and ended up at the drink called "Soma".

For the most part everything I read about Sita I already knew. I think the way she was found is so interesting, inside of a furrow. But it also said that some associate her as the wife of Indra, which I wasn't aware of. That's how I came to Indra's page.

For one, I actually really like the name Indra. I thought it was really cool that he is the god of lightning, thunder, storms, rains and river flows. He possesses a lot of earthly power. To be able to control the earth in that way seems like he has control over the earth's emotions. It's very poetic if you ask me. 

Then I got to Vritra who is the adversary of Indra. It also says he is in the form of a dragon or serpent. And is also the personification of drought. I have never heard of Vritra before but Wikipedia said that he was slain by Indra. I thought it was pretty interesting how he is the drought and Indra is basically a huge storm.

Somehow, I ended up at Soma which is a Vedic ritual drink. It is also said that drinking Soma produces immortality. But it is attested that humans consume this drink.

Here is my trail...

1. Sita

2. Indra

3. Vritra

4. Soma

(Indra vs Vritra)

Growth Mindset: Janet Echleman

I watched Janet Echelman's Ted Talk about imagination. I enjoy art but I don't often seek it out. I rarely go to art museums but I do appreciate it. My artist side favors writing such as poetry or music. But her pieces were so out-of-the-box and innovative that I was captivated by them. She actually came up with a way to create a moving sculpture. I would love to have the chance to lie underneath one and just watch it. I feel like it would be so soothing. I really admire the fact that she dreamt up something and actually found a way to bring it to life. It wasn't easy and she had to incorporate many different groups of people with different talents but in the end she did it! I truly don't think I've ever seen something so creative. And to think, she was actually turned down by seven art universities! Her story is a testament to never give up on something you're passionate about. I told my manager the other day that it's difficult to be a creative person. Someone really just has to take a chance on you for you to be able to succeed. But you just have to know that you may not make much money by choosing to do art for a living. Some get lucky and some do not. But I think no matter what you should never let your passions slip away. 

(Janet Echelman)

Learning Challenge: Attention

I viewed the video about attention and was shocked. I seriously didn't notice the gorilla walking through the video. What?! I knew my attention span was bad but I didn't know it was that bad! Apparently that video gets everyone though. So that's comforting.  She said in the video that it's been noted that an attention span can be as short as 8 seconds. No wonder I can't read a text book or study to save my life! Okay, not an excuse, but still. I love watching brain videos like this. The creative side of me likes learning things about the brain or taking personality tests. I have always thought all of it was so cool. 

I also watched the video on procrastination. I was weary of the Pomodoro Technique because I usually don't like using a timer. But it was actually a great idea. I think I'll try it next time I study. Maybe while I study for my big psych final that's coming up this Wednesday! 

(Timer)

Tech Tip: Canvas App

I heard that there was an app for Canvas but I hadn't checked it out until now. It's been frustrating that D2L doesn't have an app so I really appreciate the convenience of the Canvas app. 

I like how easily it is to personalize your Canvas account. Everything is so well organized on the app and easy to access. Sometimes viewing the full Canvas site on your iPhone can be a bit overwhelming. 

Another thing I've really liked on Canvas is the ability to enter potential grades to calculate what you grade may add up to. On D2L you have to calculate everything yourself and with me being bad at math, I hate that. 

Since Canvas is going to be used by all classes next semester, I am glad I got the app now. I can already tell that it will be extremely helpful!

(Canvas App)

Improvement Suggestions

From the beginning I have been extremely impressed with the way you have set up your online class. Everything is so complex but so well organized that it's easy to understand. 

All of your new ideas look great to me. But I am particularly interested in the last three. Considering I am absolutely terrible at time management, I'm sure the first one would really help me out, though. 

Audio Recordings

I would love this! I didn't even realize audio recordings had been an option for us. That would help me tremendously because reading isn't something I naturally enjoy. I also feel that I am able to focus more and comprehend better when I am read to.

Writing Tutorial Videos

This would be awesome. I am a hands-on/visual learner. I like to watch tutorial videos over class material because I feel like it's more efficient for me than reading instructions. I know it will probably be a lot of work for you to create the videos but the good thing is that you can reuse them for each semester!

Thematic Reading Units

Yes! This would make it even easier to find readings that I'm interested in. Since I'm inclined to stories about love or stories about animals, this would be an efficient way to find stories that intrigue me. 

I love that you're constantly striving to change your class for the better. I truly appreciate the way you try to tailor the class to each of your students needs. School for me isn't easy, due to me being a hands-on/visual learner. Textbooks don't do much for me but I don't have an alternate option. I have enjoyed your class immensely and want to thank you for sharing your passion for and knowledge of the epics with all of us!

Story: Wreck Me (Sita & Rama)

Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep...

Sita struggled to open her eyes. As she blinked away the blur, she saw a figure standing in the doorway. "Rama?" She croaked. 

"Hi honey, you're finally awake. We were so worried. How do you feel?"

She stared blankly at the older man, now hovering over her. "Where am I?" She looked around the clean white room and down at the wires and IV in her right arm. 

"You've been in a car accident, darling. You're in the hospital until you've made a full recovery." The man explained.

Sita began to panic. "Where is Rama? Was he in the accident too? Is he okay?"

"Rama?" The man looked at her, concerned.

"Yes. My husband, Rama. Where is he?" She asked frantically.

"Sweetheart, you and Rama haven't been together in a year."

She shook her head. "No. That can't be- I was just... tell me where he is! Who are you?!"

The man brushed her hair from her face. "Honey, I am your father. Do you not remember me?"

*Two days earlier*

Sita was running late for school as usual. She had spilled her coffee all over herself right before walking out the door. It was the first day of her senior year, so she had to look exceptional for this day. Plus, this would be the first time she's seen Rama in months. She didn't want to make him miss her. I mean they had agreed it was best to go their separate ways for senior year... but it hadn't been easy to just let go. 

She walked into her first class, ten minutes late, and grabbed a seat near the back. 

"Nice of you to join us Miss Sita!" Mrs. Berry said.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Berry, it won't happen again!"

She went through the day, class to class. Seeing friends here and there. She had already run into Lakshamana. He stopped and asked how her summer was and if she was ready to graduate in just one short school year. She had missed him. But mostly Rama. Even though she acted at ease about their decision to go separate ways, she longed for his embrace. Finally the lunch hour crept around, when she was sure she would finally see Rama. She turned the corner to the cafeteria and there he was. His perfect shaggy dark hair had gotten longer since she had seen him last. And he must have been out in the sun plenty this summer judging by the golden brown color of his skin. He was sitting at a table with his brother and their friends, Ravana, his sister Soorpanaka, and the five Pandava brothers: Yudhisthira, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva and Arjuna. Sita was so busy studying him that she hadn't realized she wasn't even walking anywhere. 

"Hey! How was your summer girl?" Draupadi swung her arm over Sita's shoulders.

Sita jumped. "Oh! Hi. Sorry, did you say something to me?"

Drapadia laughed. "Yes. Welcome back, I asked how your summer was? Are you alright?" Draupadi followed Sita's gaze over to Rama. "Oh. You all are still on that break thing?"

"...Yeah, we are. It's just what's best for now." Sita sighed.

"Well, c'mon. It isn't nice to stare." Draupadia grabbed Sita's hand and drug her over to the boys. "Heeeeyyyyy!" She said, in her usual bubbly tone.

Rama looked up and met Sita's gaze. He smiled and stood up, wrapping his arms around her, embracing Draupadi next. "How are you girls? Sit down! Eat with us."

They sat and spent the rest of the lunch hour with the crew but Sita wasn't being her normal self. It felt weird to her to have to act just as Rama's friend and she really wasn't sure what that even looked like. 

That night Draupadi texted Sita, inviting her to her back to school party at her house. Draupadi's parents were out of town, so she was going all out. Sita didn't feel like doing much that night. She promised Draupadi she would come away, though, because she was her best friend and all. Sita was assigned to buy desserts and ice for the drinks. She left an hour before the party started to go and run the errands and help Draupadi finish setting up. 

She was stopped at a red light. And then it turned green, so she went. Someone coming from the right of her decided to run a red light. She saw lights right before everything went sideways and then black. The next thing she saw was an older man standing over her, lying in a hospital bed. And the only person she could remember was Rama. 

*Present Time*

Her face fell. "No. I only remember Rama. Can you please get him for me?" She begged her father.

Just as she said those words, Rama ran around the corner. "Sita! What in the world? I didn't know until today. I would have come earlier. I am so sorry!" He knelt at her side, grabbing her hand. 

Tears began to fill her eyes. "Rama, I am scared. I think I may have lost most of my memory. I awoke and all I could remember was you. And this man-" 

"Your father. You don't remember him?" Rama interjected. 

"No. You are the only one. I was so afraid, he told me we were no longer together. I didn't think you would come." Tears began to soak her face. 

Rama crawled into the hospital bed with her. "I am here now and that's all that matters. Don't worry, we will make it through this."

Sita drifted to sleep, in Rama's arms. She spent the next six month regaining her strength and memory, but Rama never left her side. It was fate that they belonged together and they vowed never again to separate from on another.

A/N

I've always wanted to write a story about someone who lost their memory after a car crash. I know there are already books and movies about this but it's always fascinated me. Especially when love is involved. I sort of tied it to another story of mine, or tried to, Draupadi's Party and Kunti's Hundred Questions. The party found in that story was the party Sita was headed to when she got in a wreck. I would like to revise this a lot and give it some more twists but this is just the rough draft. I kind of thought "the skies the limit" with this one since it was my last story. So I made a few of the main characters from the epics friends in this story. I thought that would be interesting. I hope you enjoyed it!

Bibliography: Narayan's Ramayana 

Reading Notes: Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shakuntala, Part B

I've loved this reading. it's a whole new approach to the stories I already know. I was shocked when I read about Sita and Rama's first encounter to find out they were both so young! It was said that at the age of fourteen Sita's father began looking for a husband for her. It also said that Rama was sixteen when he completed the task of breaking the bow. I feel that their whole meeting and becoming a couple was not explained thoroughly enough for me in the Ramayana. I was excited for all of the details. The imagery created when they first laid eyes on one another was absolutely perfect. I also was unaware that Rama's full name was Ramchandra. I think the story of Rama and Sita will always captivate me the most.

Bibliography:

Title: Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shakuntala 1919

Author: Sunity Devee

(Rama and Sita)

Reading Notes: Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shakuntala, Part A

I decided that for my last reading I would read about Indian women. So far I've really enjoyed learning of Sita's background. They each have such unique story. I thought it was interesting that the word sita means furrow. I was surprised to find that Sita was actually found inside of a furrow in a gold gharrah (pitcher). It was said to be buried in the ground. How was a baby alive inside of a pitcher, buried underground? Well I guess things do not have to make logical sense in epics. I am eager to read more about the other two women. I like that there are stories that solely focus on the india women. That's pretty neat to me. I hope I can come up with a great story this week after reading the Nine Ideal Indian Women!

Bibliography:

Title: Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shakuntala 1919

Author: Sunity Devee

Growth Mindset: 4 Lesson in Creativity

I watched Julie Bernstein's video over the four lessons in creativity. I am drawn to creative people. When I feel that I am lagging behind, talking to someone about their passion is likely propel me forward. I enjoyed listening to the words of all the creative people she had interviewed. It truly excites me to hear all the different point of views. I liked how she focused so much on imperfections. We tend to have some sort of creative plan but that doesn't mean things always go according to that plan. She used the pottery as an example. She showed how one pot acquired a crackle pattern on it due to the quick change in temperature. The pattern was not intended but it was actually beautiful. Or when she talks about how the photographer was about to make something beautiful out of the rubble from 9/11, I feel that I can relate to that. I can really only write after I've been heart broken. While this is a form of destruction, it makes the most beautiful art, at my own cost. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I think it is that way for many artists. The strongest of feelings end up as the most vibrant. Creative people will always ignite the spark inside of me. I really enjoyed this short video. 

(Rupi Kaur Poem)

Story Planning: The Brave Little Bear

I am considering writing a story off of "The Brave Little Bowman" story. I may include a hunter in my story and have him be the antagonist. It will start with a family of bears in the woods and all their woodland friends. I could also incorporate parts of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". So there would be Papa Bear, Momma bear and Baby bear in my story. I could have Papa bear get caught in the hunter's trap and then baby bear has to rise to the occasion and save Papa while protecting Momma. 

The bears will be a family of grizzlies. Baby bear's best friends will be a fawn and a young hawk. I want to use a hawk so that he can use his flight to help Baby bear save Papa bear and the other animals in the forest. I'd like to start out my story with how the three became friends. I think it would be cute to write about the young hawk learning to fly, the fawn learning to run and Baby bear learning how to climb a tree. This will explain the bond they have with one another and lead up to them helping Baby bear. 

I don't want the hunter to be killed in my story but rather just scared off. I think it would be interesting to have Baby bear not be able to roar. Maybe this is something Baby bear is very self conscious of. And then I could have Baby bear's roar scare off the hunter and all the animals will be so happy for him finding his roar finally. At this point I am just spouting off ideas but I guess that's what brainstorming is. I want to make this story a combination of a few of the Jataka tales I've read this week. 

Bibliography: More Jataka Tales 1922 by Ellen C. Babbitt 

(Baby Bear)

Reading Notes: More Jataka Tales, Part A

I stuck with my recent theme of Jataka tales this week. I am hoping next week to branch out more. I think the stories about women look interesting so maybe I'll tackle those next. This week I read a few Jataka tales but there's one I particularly enjoyed. It is called "The Woodpecker, Turtle, and Deer". I liked that in this story they all ended up helping one another escape death. I truly valued the lesson taught here. I think that these days it can be hard to find loyal friends. These three friends demonstrated a perfect example of loyalty to one another. The turtle and the woodpecker worked together to save the deer from the hunter. In return, when the turtle was captured by the hunter, the deer came to his rescue. In the end they were all able to keep their lives. This ordeal brought them all closer and it is said that they lived out happy lives together from then on. I think one big reason I am drawn to these stories is because they typically involve animals. Animals are one of my biggest passions. I also enjoy these stories because of the lessons they teach. Some lessons may be easier than others, but each and every one are important. 

Bibliography: More Jataka Tales 1922 by Ellen C. Babbitt 

(Bambi and Friends)

The Sea Turtle and the Whale

The Barrier Reef is home to many vibrant families. They all have specific jobs in their community. Each species is so diverse from the other. They usually only mingle with those like them. It's common to find two clown fish cracking jokes with one another. As well as two clams polishing pearls together. But cross-species mingling is not acceptable. 

Ruth, a scrawny year-old humpback whale, never feels connected with her fellow humpbacks. Everyone else her age is twice her size. And on top of that, her sight isn't very strong. She's constantly bumping into large rocks, the reef, and other humpbacks. The others always make fun of her. Joking about her size, "I think you were meant to be a dolphin," one cackles. "Or maybe a mole? Since you can't see a thing!" another adds. Ruth spends most of her time alone, swimming the same route she does day after day. She has it memorized so that she won't embarrass herself by running into things. It's a wide open ocean. It shouldn't be that hard to avoid obstacles. But when an obstacle the size of a silver dollar comes swimming at you full speed, there's really not much one can do!

THUD.

"Ow... what in the world was that?" Ruth rubs the tip of her nose. She looks around trying to figure out what had just hit her. There's a small green object lying on the floor of the ocean. She swims down next to it, inches away.

"Please, don't eat me! I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was swimming!" a little voice croaks from the being lying on the floor.

"I'm not going to eat you, silly! I just can't see very well. Are you a sea turtle?"

"Oh. Yes, I am. My name is Eugene."

"Nice to meet you, Eugene, I'm Ruth!"

"I've never met a humpback. Y'all are even bigger up close." Eugene's eyes widen as she gets up and dusts herself off. "That was quite the collision, nearly knocked me out!"

"And I have never met a sea turtle. You are so tiny, I didn't even see you coming! How did you miss me?" Ruth asks.

"Well, I was playing tag with my friends and I must have wandered off a bit far. I was looking back to see if anyone was chasing me and BAM, I ran into a wall. Or, so I thought. And the next thing I remember was this creature with huge eyes staring at me!" Eugene explains. 

"Well, I am sorry about that. I would have gotten out of your way had I seen you!"

They are both laughing at this point. And from this day on they are inseparable. With Eugene by Ruth's side, Ruth is able to venture out to parts of the sea she has never seen. Eugene is always the eyes of the duo and if they come upon any potential threats, Ruth is big enough to protect the both of them. But others cannot understand why a humpback and a sea turtle would want to be friends with one another. I mean, it is truly unheard of. 

"Glad you finally found someone to take pity on you, Ruth." A girl humpback named Calliope taunts Ruth about her new found friendship. "Looks like a match made in heaven!"

Eugene just cannot hold her tongue. She swims up to Calliope, and shaking her fin in the giant mammal's face says, "You can't understand true friendship till you learn to love someone who couldn't be more different from you. How shallow of you to hate on our friendship. It's possible that our relationship is the deepest one in the ocean. Living the way you do, you may never find a friendship like ours." And with that she turns to Ruth. "C'mon, we don't need to waste time with whales who have nothing interesting to say."

Ruth and Eugene's friendship only grew stronger over time. Their husbands became great friends as well, and their children, and their children's children. To this day they still swim the same route they always have. They are the one reason sea creatures all intermingle now. Diversity is what makes the sea so rich and in embracing it they unlocked a door of endless love and happiness. 

Author's Note:
After reading Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt last week I was inspired to write a story with cute animals in it. Each Jataka tale always has a lesson in it. I wanted to choose a lesson very important to me. That's why my lesson is to accept others no matter how different they may be from you. I love the diversity in our world and can't understand why more of us can't learn to embrace it! Without diversity, the world would be a pretty boring place. I wanted to use a sea turtle and  a humpback because they are such different creatures. My humpback, Ruth, was modeled after a character from Finding Dory. And my sea turtle, Eugene, was modeled after Squirt from Finding Nemo! I feel like these days many are in need of this lesson. We are all too caught up in our own ways to try to accept anyone else. All I ever see on the news anymore is violence and more violence. And it all centers around the same issue, people not seeing eye to eye. I hope that one day we can overcome all of this adversity and learn to love one another despite our diversity. 

(Great Barrier Reef)

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt

Reading Notes: Twenty Jataka Tales, Part A

This week I read some more Jataka tales. In part A of the reading, I particularly enjoyed the story about The Fairy and The Hare. It taught a wonderful lesson about being selfless. The four animals decided to not eat for a day and save their food for someone who really needed it. So all but the hare found food to give away. The hare was beside herself trying to find food to give away. Then she decided she would give up herself as food. While this story is the extreme, it truly teaches such an important lesson. Being selfless is such a rewarding act. For the past two years, during thanksgiving, my family and I go to the City Rescue Mission in downtown OKC to eat with the homeless people. Some don't talk, they just eat. But some share their stories. Or if there are kids, they're always fun to play with. It's really rewarding to get to share a meal with people who may go hungry some days. It also really does make you thankful for what you have been given in life. I really enjoyed the moral of The Fairy and The Hare.

Bibliography: Twenty Jataka Tales by Noor Inayat (Khan)

(The Fairy and The Hare)

Story Planning: The Sea Turtle and The Dolphin

This week I chose to focus on a few of the Jataka Tales. I really enjoyed reading these. Since they were written for children they were simple and easy to comprehend. Each involved a different set of animals and each taught a lesson about life. I feel like using the Jataka Tales as a guideline for my story could be very helpful. Maybe I could choose a specific life lesson and then pick my animals accordingly. I want to challenge myself to pick an animal that wasn't already used i the Jataka Tales. 

For this next story I want to challenge myself also to focus more on punctuation. I have been struggling with it in previous weeks. I also want to become better at editing my own stories. I think skill is extremely important to a writer. 

I think I would like to use a sea turtle as one of my animals in my story. Maybe a sea turtle and a dolphin? Or maybe a whale? I think setting my story in the sea would make for a ton of vibrant imagery. Maybe it could give it a Finding Nemo kind of feel. 

For the lesson maybe I could focus on "follow your passion". Not sure what the passions will be for the dolphin and sea turtle yet but I'm sure I can come up with something really cute. I love being able to personify these creatures. Stories always seem to be more intriguing when talking animals are involved. 

I am eager to write this story because I feel like I can really dig deep into my imagination. I'm excited to develop a unique, feel-good story. I also feel like I can pack more emotion into this story which I always love. I primarily write poetry in my free time so emotion is usually what I use to propel myself. 

(Finding Nemo)

Bibliography:
Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt

Reading Notes: Jataka Tales, Part B

I read another Jataka tale tonight. I really like these because they have to do with animals and animals are one of my biggest passions. I read "The Elephant and The Dog" this time. This was about the friendship built between an elephant and a dog. In life there seems to be many interesting animal friendships. I feel that the human race could learn a lot from nature. An elephant and a dog could not be more different but that doesn't stop them from loving one another. Once they are separated both are devastated. The elephant won't even eat or bathe. In the end once the dog returns to the elephant they are both elated. In life sometimes we think if someone is drastically different from us we won't be able to get along. But we are all living and breathing beings, on the same earth. When it comes down to it we aren't that different at all. We are all capable of love, every single being. I fully believe that. I really loved this short little tale and feel that I will be able to write a great story this week based off the Jataka Tales.

Bibliography:
Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt

(Elephant and Dog)

Reading Notes: Jataka Tales, Part A

This week I decided to read the Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt. I read the tale of "The Foolhardy Wolf". I liked this tale because I feel like there is a huge underlying lesson to it. In life I feel that often we become too confident in our ability to do things on our own. This kind of reminds me a bit of the relationship between a child and their parent. Children are always so eager to go out and do things on their own, until they really get thrown into the real world. I know this happened to me once I went to college. Being an adult definitely isn't easy. In this story the lion was making all the kills for the wolf as long as the wolf would look out for prey and notify the lion of them. They had the perfect dynamic going on until the wolf grew bigger and took on too big a task. He wanted to take down his own elephant and in ignoring the lions warnings that he wouldn't be able to do it, was killed by the elephant. I am so eager to read more of these tales and hopefully compile them into a story of my own about life lessons!

Bibliography:
Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt

(Lion and Wolf)

Sita's Rebellion

(Rama, Sita, Lava and Kusa)

The gossip was always high here, but Rama and Sita were the talk of the town. Since Rama is the one in power, he and Sita had eyes on them at all times. When they were out amongst their people the whispers echoed around them. Not to mention the eyes that darted their way. It's like people had nothing better to do. 

"I'm not like Rama.  I won't take back someone who's slept in another man's house."

"Sita is definitely impure if she spent any amount of time with Ravana. How does Rama even look at her?"

"I don't care if Sita has "proven" her purity to Rama. I don't buy it."

It's like no one had heard of grace! No one had heard of love! The accusations don't bother Sita one bit. She knew she was pure. Rama, however, couldn't shake feeling guilty for taking her back.

Sita and Rama were celebrating their exciting news, Sita's pregnancy, but Rama just wasn't acting like himself. 

He kissed his wife. "Let's go on a trip to celebrate!"

"But we just got here? You already want to leave?" she asked. 

"Yes, pack your bags!" Rama said in the most enthusiastic tone. Sita smiled at her husband and rushed to their room to gather her things. 

"Lakshamana, my subjects think less of me for accepting Sita after being with Ravana. I cannot rule without their support. Take Sita with you to the forest and leave her." Sita returned in record time. She had her bags in her hand and was ready to go.

"I have a few things to address here. You and Lakshamana go ahead and head to the forest! I'll catch up with you two in a bit," Rama said as they were leaving.

Sita, thinking she, Lakshamana, and Rama are just going for a day in the forest, happily accompanied Lakshamana. She loved the peace and quiet of the forest. It's always been one of the best escapes from everyday life and after her time with Ravana, she needed this!

They arrive in the forest and Sita soon realized this isn't a day trip. Lakshamana explained Rama's wishes to Sita and she fell to her knees sobbing.

"Why, Rama, why? I have proven my purity to you and yet you still question me? I will spend all my days loving you, I will never love another man but you. Oh, please Lakshamana, take me back with you!"

Lakshamana shook his head at Sita. "I am sorry. I have to honor my brothers wishes."

In the days that passed, Sita doesn't move an inch. She just cried and cried and cried, every single day. One day she met Valmiki. Luckily for her, she doesn't have to live in exile alone. Soon she had two beautiful twin boys, Lava and Kusa, to raise. Valmiki taught them of their father, and they learned to love him. Meanwhile, Sita grew stronger and stronger. Rama abandoned her at the worst time. He wasn't even there for the birth of their sons! How could he? 

One day, while Lava and Kusa are singing a song about Rama, Rama hears them and becomes curious. He learns it is his son's voices from the forest. He was eager to finally meet his sons so he left to bring them home with him.

 Rama arrives and falls in love immediately at the sight of his two sons. 

"Sita, our sons, they are perfect! You have done such a wonderful job raising them. It is time you and the boys come back home with me." 

Sita stares at him blankly. 

"Father, Father, we have heard so much about you! Have you finally come for us? We wish to be strong like you one day!" The boys were running circles around Rama, excited to meet their famously strong dad. 

"I have told the boys this day would come. I told them I would support their decision either way," Sita said.

Rama looks at her puzzled. "What do you mean, "their decision"?"

Sita looks him dead in the eyes, confident in her decision. "I am not coming home with you, Rama."

Rama's mouth drops in shock. "I knew eventually you wouldn't be able to lie any longer."

"What are you talking about, Rama? Is this about my purity again? "She begins to raise her voice.

"Yes, Sita. How can it be that Ravana never laid a hand on you?"

"You won't ever believe me Rama. This is why I can no longer be your wife. I have never loved another man as I've loved you and not once have you ever had my back!" Sita is now screaming through her tears.

"So be it, I don't need you to rule," Rama's pride yells back at Sita.

She wipes her tears from her face. "Boys, what have you decided?"

Lava and Kusha look up at their mother, then over to their father, then back to their mother. 

Lava speaks first. "We both want to know our father. But our loyalty is to you, mother. You have raised us to be who we are today. So we have decided to stay with you. We could not leave your side." 

Sita kneels down and hugs her boys. "I am so proud of the both of you."

Rama is standing there, astounded. He came to bring back his family and will be leaving alone. He could never have foreseen this. 

"Thank you, Rama, for coming back for us. But it looks like we are perfectly happy here in the forest."

Rama ruled for twenty more years while Sita, Lava and Kusha spent their days in the forest. The day finally came for Rama to step down. Lava would be the heir to the throne. He ruled with Sita and Kusa by his side. And the very first thing Sita did with her acquired power was banish Rama to the forest. 

Rama lived out his days alone, surrounded by trees and wilderness in the forest. While the family he created lived a life of luxury and happiness without him.

Author's Note:

As I'm sure many of us were, I was tired of Rama not trusting Sita. She was kidnapped by a scary man. Please tell me how any of that was her fault? He questioned her purity over and over again and no matter what she did, it was simply never enough for him. I thought it was CRAZY that he banished Sita to the forest simply because his subject didn't approve of his decision to take Sita back. If the love he felt for Sita was real, he would have chosen her over being the ruler. In this story I wanted to empower Sita to break free from Rama.  I wanted Rama to suffer in the same way he made Sita suffer. And while he may not have shown his pain, you know that watching his family walk away from him crushed him. I also loved the picture I chose because it shows the boys loving on Sita and Rama just in the background almost waving "bye". It was too perfect for my story!

Bibliography: 

Bibliography: 

Sita Sings the Blues 2008

Nina Paley

Reading Notes: Pattanaik Calendar Art, Part A

(Elephant Head)

I thought this video was so interesting. I really am fascinated with the Indian culture. It is amazing how in depth everything goes. Even the simplest things have meaning to them. Ever god is so unique and each serve a different purpose. Each detail on every god is a symbol for something. I like the the Indian culture has reasons for their traditions. I feel that in many cultures a tradition is just a tradition and there's not explanation for why or how it started. Indian culture, to me, seems more like a fantasy. I know that to those who claim the culture this is all very real to them. A human with an elephant head? That is something completely normal in Indian culture. To me that's something I'd see maybe in a Disney movie. But I love this about Indian culture, the sky is the limit. It is captivating. I learned so much more about the culture just from this one thirty minute video over the Indian Calendar Art!

Bibliography:

Title: Seven Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art 2009

Author: Devout Pattanaik 

Story Planning: Sita's Rebellion

I thought this week I would try the new story planning option. I really like this idea because sometimes I feel I haven't really developed my story fully when I write it. Here I will brainstorm some ideas for my story this week. 

I would really like to write about when Rama chooses to banish Sita the forest. I think it's crazy that Rama treats Sita in this manner. All she has ever been is loyal to him and he has shown no loyalty to her. Here are my two ideas.

1. Rama does not banish Sita to the forest. 

Maybe Rama could just choose to rule with Sita by his side and not worry what society might think of him. Another idea would be to actually have Rama step down from the thrown in order to be with Sita. I would really like to see some sacrifices being made on Rama's part for Sita. If he was really so in love with her he shouldn't have to worry how society views him, even though he is king. 

2. Rama still banishes Sita but she doesn't come back with him from the forest. I could have Sita fall out of love with Rama. When Rama comes to the forest to retrieve Sita and his two sons I would still have her prove her purity to Rama but she will not be going home with him. In my opinion Sita has done so much for Rama and always thought the world of him but Rama more than once has questioned Sita's integrity. I think it's time to be able to see Sita stand up for herself. Maybe I could even split up the brothers. Maybe one will want leave with Rama and one will wish to stay in the forest with his mother Sita. 

Of course, I always like happy endings, but life doesn't always work out that way. I think it would be interesting to give the story a twist that the readers don't expect. And who knows, the more I think about it maybe I will have Sita cheat on Rama. That could get pretty interesting. 

(Rama and Sita)

Bibliography:

Sita Sings the Blues 2008

Nina Paley