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Here is my cropped image!

Kitten
(University of Kansas)

It's good to know you don't have to use Photoshop to crop an image like this!

Reading Diary B: Homer's Illiad

So, after reading through the rest of the unit over Homer's Illiad, I was stuck on what to write about. The story was beautifully detailed and the dialogue brought an ancient story to life, but I struggled to find new information to write about without summarizing the whole thing.

So, as an alternative, I'm going to dive into the unit about Ovid's Metamorphoses. Hopefully this will keep things a little more interesting! I also think the poem style and the stories that are more sectioned off, will be a little easier to read and, in turn, interpret. This section over all was easier to read and I found the stories a little more interesting. I think that because they were shorter it helped with the flow. However, I sometimes found some of the dialect and descriptions to be wordy and difficult to understand. 

Deucalion and Pyrrha: I found this story really interesting because a great flood was brought on by Neptune with just a strike of his trident. The flood wiped out buildings and caused great starvation across the land. The situation effect many people in different way, which is why I liked the story. There are many perspective over the situation, which gives the reader and all encompassing view of what happened. For some the great flood brought death and total devastation, but for others it created a new fresh start with more nutritions vegetation.  

Io: This is a very strange story of a Io, who was taking from her home and husband by Jupiter. Io is kept away and transformed into a heifer (at least, I think that's what happens). The story mentions so many gods and humans that it is difficult to keep up with the different story lines, even after reading through it a few times. So, at the end of the story Io is turned back into human, but still when she gets mad or vengeful she returns to her beastly state.

Io as Heifer
(Greek Myth Index)

Phaethon and the Sun: The part of this story that really caught my attention was the last paragraph, titled "His further warnings". It is very philosophical and steams beyond the issues brought up in the rest of the story. I talks about keeping yourself humble and to be brave in the face of danger. 

Reading Diary A: Homer's Iliad

How the War with Troy Began and The Quarrel: I merged both of these discussions together because the first chapter sets up the other chapter about the battle of King Agamemnon. I found this story interesting because it depicts the beginning of a battle. I think the retelling of the story makes it more interesting, especially because of the use of dialogue. I also think the internal struggle between Achilles and Agememnon is interesting.

What Thetis Did for Her Son: I always enjoy learning about the Greek Gods and their stories. I think the power they held, but also the accessibility many humans had to them was really cool. They were kind of 'gods among men' that were able to answer requests and prayers of those in Olympus. I also love how just one nod can change the course of history, like is Zeus's situation.

(Anime Social Network)

The Embassy to Achilles: This particular section of the Iliad was interesting because it deals more with the emotion of Agamemnon, who has been set up as a very nobel and powerful. Again, the roles of god and humans plays into this part of the story. I think this is really interesting because it further expands on the role the have in everyday life.

The Deeds and Death of Patroclus: I liked this story because it focused on Achilles and the battle, which was so cool. I really loved the imagery and the war like diction that was used. The recreation really brought it to life.

Storybook Brainstorming

Topic: Girl Power: Maid Marian. Is she more of a hero than Robin Hood?

Comments: I've always been really interested in Robin Hood's story and adventures. From hollywood to history, Marian has always symbolized a very authoritative and powerful woman to look up to. I think it would be interesting to explore her true roles in the success of Robin Hood and how she made a difference in the lives of those in her town.

Possible Stories: Here is a website diving more into the history, as well as the story itself. Another, here is a full story book on Maid Marian. Also, there is a lot of information of the Wiki page, and external links near the bottom.

Sample Story: I think it would be really cool to do diary entries that give the reader and inside look on Robin and Marian's relationship, while depicting the work she did for the poor. Another idea would be a news article. I really enjoyed doing one for the Week 2 Storytelling.

Bibliography Info: Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock (2008) Web Source: Gutenberg

Robin Hood and Maid Marian by Francis James Child (1888) Web Source: Robin Hood Tales


Topic: As The Birds Fly: Bluejay and his Companions

Comments: I really love deep tradition of Native American, so I think it would be cool to explore that more in this storytelling project. I think the story itself is a little dark, so maybe in my story I can find a way to lighten it up, while still keeping it true.

Possible Stories: There is a book containing the story while also talking about the Southern Paiute and Ute tribes. Also, the book Tales of the North American Indians can provide more textual and historical evidence on the story.

Sample Story: I think I may write this in the perspective a an actual Bluejay surveying the actions from the ground. Another idea could be to make it into a diary entry, breaking up the story into many different days.

Bibliography: Tales of the North American Indians by Stith Thompson (2012) Web Source: Google Books

Southern Paiute and Ute Linguistics and Ethnography by Walter de Gruyter (1992) Web Source: Google Books


Topic: Hansel and Grethel: The most adventurous kids in school

Comments: I like that this version is such a detailed elaborate account of this now famous story tale. I also like how many natural elements, like wind, are personified in this story.

Possible Stories: Wiki page directly about the Grimm brothers will be really helpful in historical context needed. The end of the page has dozens of external resources used in the creating of the article, which is always helpful. Another webpage that expands on all of the Grimm brothers.

Sample Story: I think a long newspaper story/article detailing the days and times the children were seen and the evidence left behind would be a really cool way to retell this classic story.

Bibliography: Brothers Grimm, Wikipedia. Web Source: Brothers Grimm
The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales by Jack David Zipes (2000) Web Source: Google Books

Topic: St. Collen and the King of Faery: No. sorry no relation.

Comments: I'm sorry, how could I now pick a story with a name so close to mine. My welsh heritage basically is typing the rest of this blog. St. Collen is a dude, so it throws some things off, but we're going to look past that. Also, he's awesome and a little stubborn, so I can connect in many ways.

Possible Stories: Obviously, attempt to connect Colleen, myself, to St. Collen by merging the modern and the classical stories. If that doesn't work out, I image a diary entry will also do the trick.

Sample Story: Wiki page dedicated to the monk. Another helpful website that is dedicated to providing historical and personal stories about all of the Saints.

Bibliography: Saint Collen of Denbighshire by Saints.SQPN.com (2014) Web Source: here
Saint Collen by Wikipedia (2013) Web Source: here

St. Collen
(Early British Kingdoms)

Extra Reading Diary: Cupid and Psyche

Cupid and Psyche 

The Captive Woman: This story is much more intense than any of Aesop's tales. I seemingly noble woman is taken away from her home of comfort and put away in a cell. The only way she deals with her situation is be crying uncontrollably and wasting all of her energy, instead of trying to escape or understand what has happened. The elderly woman brought into to help the young woman from crying, does not console but scorns her for her tears. This is an interesting story and I don't think I am completely understanding the main point or take away, if there was one.

Her Dream: This story describes a violent dream had by a soon to be bride about her misfortunate wedding day. Her mother comforter her and says the more violent the dream the more happy the reality. I think this is interesting because I thought during this time period, dreams were still considered omens and predictions into the future.

Psyche's Beauty: Wow. Venus not cool. She basically got really made that there was a human more beautiful than her and set out to make Psyche's life the worst. Venus asked her own son to create something really terrible to happen to Psyche. That pretty mean.

The Mysterious Husband: This is a very interesting continuation of Psyche's story. Her unknown husband denies her to see anyone during the day, but after many tears and pleading she is allowed to see her sisters under tight rules made by her husband. At the end of the story Psyche is able to make her own rules just by her tight embrace and love. I thought this was an interesting story because at the beginning Psyche is kept under tight rule, but at the end she uses her own femininity and power to woo her husband into letting her do what she wants and have what she needs.

Mystery Man
(Dynamic Messaging)

Storytelling Week 2: News Briefing, Tortoise's Tragic Demise in North England

Tortoise's Tragic Demise in North England

On January 20th, 2015 a great tragedy struck in the northern England province of Yorkshire. The unexpected death of Tortoise Thomas, a quit yet gentle animal, was witnessed by two of his closest duck friends. Darla and Danny Duck noticed that Thomas was feeling quite sad about missing a large party and decided to cheer him up. Thomas has was not able to make the great wedding event of the year because he was sick at home. Jupiter's wedding was the event of a lifetime, and the whole village was invited to celebrate on June 4, 2014. According to the wedding planner, 300 residents of Yorkshire were in attendance. 

Ducks and Turtles (Nahant Marsh Gallery)

"He was down in the dumps after missing the great Jupiter's wedding when he came down with a cold," said Darla.

The two ducks decided to take Thomas to visit his family, who made their home on the South Embankment of the River Thames in London. Thomas's sister and brother lived there with their families. Thomas has reportedly not visited since the summer of the great rain in 2000. The two ducks carried Thomas by holding a sturdy branch between their two bills and Thomas clasping it in his mouth in the center. Darla and Danny explained the danger this action may have, but decided the risks outweighed the benefits. 

"We told Thomas to be careful and not speak, as this action would cause him to let go of the branch," said Danny. 

It was a rather long journey and Thomas was awestruck by the beauty of the countryside, according to Darla and Danny Duck. The wonderment overcame Thomas and as he went to comment on the beauty, his grip from the branch slipped and he plummeted to the earth. Darla and Danny raced down towards him, trying to outrun gravity, but could not catch up. As soon as they had noticed what had happened, Thomas was dead. 

"We could hardly believe it. We just wanted to show Thomas a good time, and cheer him up," said Danny.

Detective Investigator Bradley Badger was on the scene moments after the incident. He ruled the death an accident, with no fault given to Darla and Danny Duck, according to police reports. Legislative action may be taken by Major Mark Mole, in the form of a law to increase public transportation for all animals across the Yorkshire province.

"In order to keep all of our neighbors safe, we must take precautionary action to make sure a tragic incident like this never happens again," said the Major during a press conference the day of the accident. 

Thomas was known for being a shy and quiet tortoise, but always kind and grateful to others. He also enjoyed carrying small animal children, like ducklings, baby mice and raccoons on his back during the summer. He was beloved by all in the village and often noted for his beautiful deep operatic voice. He sang in many village musicals and could be heard singing while cleaning his home or bathing in the sun. 

Thomas is survived by his wife, Tiffany and their two children Tina and Thomas Jr.  

Author's Note: This is a story about The Tortoise and the Ducks, in which a tortoise regret not going to a wedding. When he is given the opportunity to see the world, two ducks offer him a ride above the clouds that ultimately ends in his demise. The story end on a sad note, so I initially wanted to make the story more interesting a give the characters a little more backstory that originally detailed in the fairy tale. I think re-writing stories in a newspaper-like way makes it very interesting and fun. You can bring in a lot of elements that were not in the original story and create backstories for characters. 

Also, the style of writing is so different from classic fairy tales. I believe this really changes the way one may look at a series of events. The newspaper article style also allows me to create a sequence of events, a time line in a way, that helps give a greater meaning to elements that I feel may have been left out in the original story. I really enjoyed writing this in the news article style, especially because I was able to incorporate other animals into the storyline. 

Bibliography: The Tortoise and the Ducks from Aesop for Children (Winter) by Aesop and illustrations by Milo Winter.

Image information (Ducks and Turtles, Source Nahant Marsh Gallery)

Tortoise and Duck Aesop Winter

Reading Diary B: Aesop for Children (Winter)

Page 1: I like the start of this new unit because the stories were a little longer, however they often had a sad or unfortunate ending and moral. For example, The Tortoise and the Ducks  started fairly light hearted. I liked how the explained the tortoise shell as his home. But, as soon as the ducks wanted to carry the tortoise into the sky and dropped him, it was a little depressing.

Page 4: The story and moral of the Sheep and the Pig reminded me of the story about the Boy and Wolf when the boy is hiding on the roof and the wolf is walking through the village.  As a vegetarian, the ending of this story is a little more grim than the other one.

Page 9: I found The Monkey and the Dolphin story to be very interesting. I didn't understand why the dolphin was so mad at the monkey for having a ride on his back. I mean, I thought all animals were friends. I also thought the illustration was kinda strange. Mainly, because the dolphin looks mean.

The Monkey and the Dolphin Illustration

Page 11: The story I found interesting was The Bear and the Bees because I thought the moral was a good one. There are times we think what we are doing is right, and when we find out it's not the right thing we think that we can still do it with the same outcome. Like Eistein said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" 

Reading Diary A: Aesop's Fables (Jacobs)

Lions, Part 1: My favorite story from this section is Androcles and the Lion because it shows the relationship between man and animal. I'm a huge animal lover and I find the loyal relationship depicted in this story very honest.

Lions, Part 2: I found the story The Lion in Love to be very interesting because it shows the crazy and mindless things one may do for love. I think the use of a lion and not a man gives a more exaggerated meaning to what one will do for love. The lion is willing to discard of the things that keep him alive, through defense and hunting.  This shows how willing he is to do anything for love.

Foxes, Part 1: I really enjoyed the The Fox and The Grapes because I think this idea can translate into anyones life. I am the type of person that if I don't excel at something, I generally disregard it and dislike it. I also really love the short rhyme under it because it flows really well.

Foxes, Part 2: I thought The Fox Without a Tail was really interesting because he was trying the push his misfortune on others.

Wolves: The Wolf and the Kid was an interesting tail because I think it has a very modern influence with the problem of cyber bullying. People feel more safe when they are at a distance, or even anonymous.

Dogs and Cats: I particularly like the illustration in the story The Dog and the Shadow. The story also had a good message, that you should be satisfied with what you have, and not always want more than you can handle.

The Dog and the Shadow Illustration

Nature and Inanimate Objects: I like the stories titles The Tree and the Reed mainly because of the dialogue and the image a giant tree talking to a little branch.

UnTextbook

The following are units in the UnTextbook I am excited to learn about:

Celtic Fairy Tales. This chapter looks interesting because my background is from Wales and I already have a brief idea about the rich traditional and folklore they have. I also think the writing style will be easy to understand because of the literary prose

American Indian Fairy Tales: I think this sections seems interesting because there is a storyteller behind all the tales, which I believe stays true to the oral tradition of storytelling. I think I will enjoy some of this content because of my limited background in Native American music class.

Brothers Grimm (Ashliman): I've always been interested in the Grimm brothers, so I'm excited to learn more about the history and some of the stories I may have not heard. I also think learning about the Bible-based folklore will be cool.

The Monkey King Sun Wu Kung: I mean the Monkey Kind title alone was what interested me from the get go. I also think the Chinese culture is rich in folklore and tradition, so i think it will be a fun chapter to read about.

Storybook Favorites-Grimm, Hood and Blackbeard

I picked three different fairly popular stories and wanted to explore what new information I could find out.

Tales of Grimm
The title of the website is pretty informative about what the content will depict. The introduction is interesting because instead of explaining the history of the Grimm Brothers in a third person or formal manner, it is told by Maria the owner of Grimm Inn. Maria tells about her time spent inside the castle and her servitude to royalty for many generations. Maria explains through the trials and tribulations of kings, queens, princess and princesses, love was the overarching force.

The rest of the site tells the stories of Rumpelstilltskin, Little Briar Rose and The Frog Price. The one I had not heard about was Little Briar Rose, so I decided to read about it. The story is basically the story of Sleeping Beauty told from the prince's perspective.

Tales of Grimm
(Website Here)

Robin Hood: A Trip Back in Time
This website's introduction is very interesting because it alludes to the anonymous prisoner in the story to be Robin Hood. I liked the section of the website titled "Robin's Origin" because it gave more history into the background of Hood, which was what I was interested in. I learned in more detail about the specific missions and the people he tried to help.

Robin Hood: A Trip Back in Time
(Website Here)

Blackbeard The Wretched Pirate
This introduction to Blackbeard was very interesting because it's main focus was to tell horror stories from his past in a diary format, which I though was very interesting. The first diary entry is about capturing a ring that was very meaningful fro him. The next entry is about a cut throat Blackbeard who will risk any one's life to obtain anything he wants. I think the style and format of this particular website is interesting because it relates the history is a more interesting way.

Blackbeard The Wretched Pirate
(Website Here)

Introduction- To Me

Hello,

My name is Colleen Owen. I'm an advertising student at the University of Oklahoma with a minor in Film and Media Studies. I chose to go to school in Oklahoma because I loved the small campus atmosphere and Gaylord had a great program for what I wanted to do.

My mother is originally from England, and when she was younger she traveled all over the world. My mom and my dad actually meet on one of her trips across the ocean in Bermuda. The two of them have emphasized the importance of traveling ever since I was young. My dad worked in the hotel business for a long time, so we've always lived by the coast in very touristy places, like South Carolina and Florida.

When we moved to Texas, I had the opportunity to travel to France and Italy on a school trip when I was about 14. I love wondering the streets, exploring places I had never been and learning about the history. My favorite memory from that trip was when we learned to make homemade pasta in Italy in a very small village outside Florence. Another trip that I will never forget is when I traveled to Pakistan with my professor and two other girls. It was for a class in which we had won a competition for a comprehensive advertising campaign. This was obviously a trip of a life time and probably something that will never happen again. It was interesting to see the vast difference between the western world and the middle east. There were times I was worried about safety, but once we visited the embassy and left to go the the University of Gujrat I felt welcomed and safe. The ten security guards helped.

Colleen, Caitlyn and Audrey with our security guards.
(Personal Photo)

I also love film photography. I took one class my junior year and have been hooked ever since. I own a Pentax K1000 with a few different lenses. I love the process of measuring the light and pretty much shooting blind until the pictures are processed and you can learn what you did right and what you did wrong.

Trees in Houston
(Personal Photo)

Guard in Pakistan
(Personal Photo)

I hope this helped you take a glimpse into my life! Thanks for reading!

Storytelling Week 1- Two Missing Children

MY dear, do you know,
How a long time ago,
Two poor little children,
Whose names I don't know,
Were stolen away on a fine summer's day,
And left in a wood, as I've heard people say.

And when it was night,
So sad was their plight,
The sun it went down,
And the moon gave no light.
They sobbed and they sighed, and they bitterly cried,
And the poor little things, they lay down and died.

And when they were dead,
The Robins so red
Brought strawberry-leaves
And over them spread;
And all the day long
They sung them this song:
"Poor babes in the wood! Poor babes in the wood!
And don't you remember the babes in the wood?"

The Nursery Rhyme Book. Andrew Lang. Website: Gutenberg

~~~~~

Two children were stolen away from their homes and left in the woods. The children tried to escape from the woods, but failed. The birds in the wood and the plants wrapped the children's body up. The village sung and remembered the souls of the children.

I thought the story was very dark. So, in my version I thought I would create a much more pleasant way the children went missing.

~~~~~
Two children were playing in the garden when a giant bird came and swooped them into his giant basket. He gently took the children to the top of a mountain. The two children looked out into the distance and saw something amazing. Beautiful green pastures, wild flowers and adorable baby animals frolicking in the grass. The pastures were lined with bluebonnets and there were slides and carnival rides all over the place. The pasture had baby pigs, kid goats, ponies, kitten, puppies and everything the children could imagine.

Baby Animals
(Fan Pop)

Unfortunately, the mother and father of these two children were very worried about their well being. So they tried to find the two children in the forest, along with the rest of the village. They looked and looked all night, but did not find any trace of their where abouts. The giant bird that picked up the children, saw the village looking for the children. He carried this news back to the children and they decided to send a letter to their family the next day. The giant bird dropped off the letter to the family's home in the village. 

That night, when the father came home, he saw the letter by the doorstep. He carried the letter into the house and sat down with his wife to read the letter. When they read the letter they cried, but understood why the children choose to be so close to nature. They knew how much the children loved to be take care of themselves and be independent, and they wanted to give their children the opportunity to do just that. 

The two children spent the rest of their lives in the pasture and grew up with the animals. The farmed and cultivated the land. The giant bird that brought them to this oasis, delivered fresh produce to their village for the rest of their days.

The Two Children
(Spoiled Sweet Boutique

Favorite Place-Huddersfield

One of my favorite places is my Aunt's house in Huddersfield, Yorkshire in England. Her and her husband live on top of a very steep hill and have one of the best countryside views in England. They have a small farm with chickens, bees and a few goats. The inside of their home has beautiful old wooden beams and her husband is a carpenter and custom built their kitchen. I love this home and town because it is quite and peaceful. There are so many places to hike and explore, you are never bored. 

Castle Hill in Huddersfield
(http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/1819/castle_hill_huddersfield.html)

Huddersfield from Castle Hill
(http://www.yorkshiredales-stay.co.uk/location/Huddersfield/tourist-guide/)