Famous Last Words Week 10: The Final Post

Final post count on my blog, screenshot taken by me. 

This famous last words will be my 84th and most likely final post, as doing the declaration will put me over the 410 points I need to earn my A. I made the most posts in Week 2, I wrote a total of ten blog posts that week. According to Blogger, I also have 91 published comments on all of my posts. I lost track long ago of how many comments I have left on other peoples profiles. It means a lot that so many people took the time to read my writing and take the time to leave a positive comment or try and help me with some constructive criticism. I hope you guys and gals have enjoyed reading and writing along with me this semester, because I have enjoyed working on this class with all of you. To those who haven't finished yet, good luck with the remainder of this class. To everyone, including those who have finished, I want to say good luck with the rest of this semester. Especially to all of the other petroleum engineers in the class, we need a bit of extra luck with the way the economy it is right now.

My final piece of storytelling in this class was The Tiger and the King. This is probably the story which is closest to a traditional Indian story and style of writing that I have done, you guys and gals can check it out in my portfolio. This is the fourth story I have added to my portfolio. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

As far as other classes are concerned, I am currently in the break between spring break and my next round of midterm testing. It made it a good time to finish up this class, so I can focus on all the other homework assignments, projects, lab reports, and midterm tests I have. Hopefully the rest of the semester goes smoothly.
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Week 10 Reading Diary Continued: Fables of Bidpai

This week I will be reading The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai by Maude Dutton. Link. This post will cover Part B.

The Partridge and the Hawk, from Yesterday's Classics

• The Rustic and the Nightingale had a funny ending, there didn't seem to be a moral but rather an actual pot of gold at the end. 
• The Partridge and the Hawk also confuses me, there doesn't seem to be any point to the story. 
• A dragon has appeared. Despite these stories having talking animals there are usually not fantasy elements like dragons. 
• Kidnapping a mans son for revenge and holding him ransom does not seem like the moral thing to do. 
• Another story about being content with your own possessions and position in life. They are really harping on this. 
• I like the story about the two princes, it was very effective in getting it's message through. 
• Another story is taking place in the middle east, this time Baghdad. 
• The Lion and the Hare reminds me of Baka and the village. But, Baka wasn't a fool like the lion who was easily tricked. 

Thanks for reading!

Week 10 Reading Diary: Fables of Bidpai

This week I will be reading The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai by Maude Dutton. Link. This post will cover Part A.

The Tortoise and the Geese, courtesy of Yesterday's Classics

• Once again, I am already familiar with some of these stories. Some of them seem to be very common children's stories.
• The stories that I haven't seen before are even shorter than the ones I have. They are just a few sentences warning against things like greed. 
• I like the story of the Ape and the Carpenter, people really shouldn't interfere with other peoples livelihoods. 
• The Poor Man is a tragic character. I don't think he did anything wrong, he was only dreaming of the future. I don't see the point of this story except to make me sad. 
• The Partridge and thew Crow was a great story about being proud of your own identity. 
• The Hunter, the Fox, and the Leopard also confuses me. What was so wrong about the hunter trying to capture the Fox? if anything the greedy leopard should have been the one to die in this story. 
• I'm surprised that so few of these stories focus on respect to your elders. I wonder if Indians at the time didn't care about this, or it was so ingrained in culture that it didn't need to be said?
• Another story focused on remembering your place in life. I wonder if this is because of the Indian caste system? 
• This is the first story that expressly takes place out of India, in Persia. 
• The story of the Apes also confuses me. They don't get their comeuppance after they bury and glow worm and kill the bird trying to help them. 
• Most of these stories focus on not being greedy. This must have been very important to Indian culture when these stories were written. 
• This story mentions guns, so surely some of these aren't ancient proverbs. Or maybe they have been updated.

Thanks for reading!

Learning by Heart: The Right Time

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I don't always like the readings in this class, but I understand that doesn't make them unimportant to others. Especially when you consider that I may never be in the right moment, since I lack the cultural context that some of these stories rely on.

Growth Mindset: Effort

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

As I close in on my final few posts in this class, I figured I would remind everybody that to accomplish anything some effort will be required.

Tech Tip: Embedding a Playlist

For this tech tip, I have embedded a playlist of Formula 1 helmet cam videos. I think these are fascinating to watch, I hope you guys enjoy.

Tech Tip: LolCat Creation

Made at Cheezburger

For this tech tip, just follow the link in the picture caption and try making your own!

Week 9 Review

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I decided to share this not only because I think it is something that everyone needs to keep in my mind, but also because that cat looks comfortable and I am tired as I write this.

Growth Mindset: Commit

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I figured I would share this post because I am currently committing to the goal of finishing this class, and I want to inspire others to give that final little bit of effort. 

Learning by HEART: Empathy

Courtesy of  Laura Gibbs

I thought I would post this because I think on some level everyone gets anxious about important things in their lives. I figured that by sharing this image I could remind people that a little anxiety is normal , and it can help keep you focused on the important things. 

Portfolio Guide

Week 2: The Forest 

• A tale about karma inspired by the story of King Dasharatha's Karma. Let me know what you guys think.  

Week 3 Storytelling: It Ain't Easy Being Me 

• A story in which Hanuman complains to a silent audience about his grievances with Rama and Sugriva. 

Week 5 Storytelling: Baka's Cave

• I thought the story of Baka and the village he maintained control over was interesting, so I wrote a story that explored what the life of people living in that village could be. 

Week 9 Storytelling: The Tiger and the King

• I tried to write a short morality story this week, inspired by my weekly reading. 

Week 9 Storytelling: The Tiger and the King

Once long ago in the kingdom of Benares, a noble King ruled over the land. His name was Upendra, and he fiercely defended the borders from any threat. Any opposing kingdom would be met with the full strength of King Upendra's military, which he personally led into battle himself atop a large black warhorse. King Upendra was a mighty warrior and his actions in battle made all of his subjects respect and love him as a ruler. Outside of battle King Upendra was wise and fair to any who entered his royal court. The peasants who visited with worries or disputes could be sure that their problems would be addressed and any slights or injustices would be met with swift judgments from the King and his advisers. The only hobby the King set aside time for was visits to the royal forest, where he and his hunting party would slay animals for royal feasts.

In this forest lived a majestic white Bengal tiger. He was the King of the Forest. He protected all the creatures who lived in the forest from internal and external threats. If animals had disputes over territory and feeding grounds or logging crews were causing excessive habitat destruction, this tiger would step in and defend his loyal subjects and his forest. This tiger allowed hunters, both peasants and Kings alike, to hunt in the forest provided that they did not hunt excessively.

A white Bengal tiger, courtesy of Animal Corner

One day the King and his hunting party approached the forest, eager to refill their food stores since it had been a long time since King Upendra had visited the royal hunting grounds. They began the hunt almost immediately, with the king and his hunters cutting a path of destruction through the tiger's forest. The tiger, watching the horror from afar, immediately moved in to threaten King Upendra and his hunters. The King, seeing the majestic tiger blocking his path, immediately called off his hunters. The King and the tiger shared a mutual respect, and the tiger's appearance meant that something had gone wrong.

"Why, great tiger, do you block our path?" called out the King to the tiger. "It has been long since we have hunted this forest, and we have to fill our food storage."

The King's men stood at attention, looking tense as they waited for the tiger's reply.

"You take too much," calmly replied the tiger to the King and his men. "I have sworn to protect this forest, and I will continue to do so even against Kings and their warriors. I allow the hungry to hunt, on the condition that they are not greedy."

The King looked on at the tiger in thought, formulating his response.

"We take only enough to make up for our absence, nothing more. Why do you continue to harass us?" the King asked.

"It is not my fault that you have not visited the forest for so long that your supplies run out. If you take too much at once, my kingdom will never recover and I will have failed my subjects," said the tiger to King Upendra.

The King, seeing the wisdom in this argument, ended his hunt for the day and returned to his castle with his hunters. He vowed never to greedily hunt the forest again.

Author's Note: This week I read Twenty Jataka tales by Noor Inayat. This collection of short stories focused on human and animal interactions that almost seemed like children's bed time stories. For my storytelling this week I decided to do my best to emulate this style of story. Many of these stories deal with otherwise moral characters (often nobles and other associated royalty) who make errors in judgement one way or another. These people are then corrected by speaking animals, oddly enough, who are paragons of one moral activity or another. My story features a noble King who hunts in a forest which has a tiger as a king. I thought that having the characters occupy similar positions would make it a more interesting story to read than otherwise, though having a King get taught a lesson by a lowly rodent or bug could also have merit. I chose the picture I did because I wanted my readers to have a visual representation of the morally superior character, the tiger. The story seemingly abruptly ends, but many stories in the collection did. I think they were written this way so that they were simpler to understand as a reader. This is because my main inspiration was the Jataka Tales in general, not any particular story. I hope you guys enjoy. 

Bibliography: Twenty Jataka Tales, by Noor Inayat. 1939. Link.

Week 9 Reading Continued: Twenty Jataka Tales

This week I will be covering Twenty Jataka Tales by Noor Inayat, link. This post will cover Part B, and will also be the end of this reading.

• Most of these stories are taking place in Benares, I wonder if the stories originated there or if the author is connected to that location somehow. 

Modern image of Benares, now known as Varanasi. From Varanasi Tourism.

• I don't know why the original authors made the animals have superior morals, after all I would rather aspire to be like a village leader or king than a pig, even if that pig ends up wearing silk and advising a king. 
• I feel like reptiles are underrepresented in these stories. Most of the stories focus on mammals because of their obvious connections to humans. But, I wonder if reptiles do not appear because of culture or a lack of reptiles in India.  
• Many of these stories end with humans agreeing to stop hunting, but I feel like Indian society is not vegetarian. I wonder what impact, if any, stories like these had on people who had to hunt for food. 
• The last few stories have been about accepting help when it is offered, even if it hurts the person offering it. I guess the message is to not ignore the sacrifices of others, and to give them the respect they deserve. 
• I feel bad for the innocent quails that got killed with the two that argued. It seems unfair, they were still heeding the kings words. 
• The story of the great goose finally explains why animals are moral superior in these stories. As the goose explains, humans may not always be honest but the words of animals can be trusted because they have simpler wishes.

That's the end of this book, thanks for reading. 

Week 9 Reading Diary: Twenty Jataka Tales

This week I will be covering Twenty Jataka Tales by Noor Inayat, link. This post will cover Part A.

Image depicting many Jataka Tales, from Wikipedia

• These stories again are replacing humans with animals. I still find it odd that the Asian religions (to me at least) are the only ones who regularly do this. 
• I don't know who is morally right in this first story, the monkeys or the men. Both want the fruit only for themselves. 
• All of these animals seem to be choosing chiefs who are the greatest of their kind, and then these chiefs impart lessons to the human kings in their sacrifice. 
• This story of the Deer and the King reminds me of Baka and the villages under his control. 
• I'm just wondering how many animals had to die so that each King could learn every lesson they needed to. 
• Also, if you actually met someone as morally righteous as the characters in these stories, they would likely be the most obnoxious person imaginable. 
• I have read some of these stories in others collections of short stories for this class, I thought I was having deja vu until I realized it. 
• These stories do make good replacements for parables, I suppose it is easier to keep people engaged with stories of animals than kings and peasants. 
•  I do not understand why the leaders in this story attempt to trick their followers into doing bad things, maybe it is to show their moral superiority and intelligence. 

Week 8 Review

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I thought that this was a funny picture. A little social pressure when posting in a "public place" like Facebook can do a lot to a person. Thanks for reading. 

Tech Tip: Reverse Image Search

The image I used

Using reverse image search, I discovered that this mystery picture was a actually a picture of Ravana, who we are all very familiar with now. By doing the search, I found his wikipedia page as the first result. If you ever need more info about an image, you should try this for yourself.

Learning by HEART: Reading is Dangerous

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I decided to past about something I try to do a lot of on breaks, reading. I thought this was a funny picture to share. Thanks for reading.

Growth Mindset: Tools are Essential

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I thought that this was a great picture. Not only are physical tools necessary for somethings, keeping a complete mental toolbox is an important part of being a good student. Thanks for reading.

Future Reading

Week 9: Twenty Jataka Tales by Noor Inayat. Link. I chose this because I like short stories, and the author seemed like an interesting woman.

Noor Inayat, from Wikipedia

Week 10: The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai by Maude Dutton. Link. I chose this because the blurb described it as the Aseop's fables of India and thta sounded interesting to me. 

Look for reading diaries covering these readings soon. 

Blog Ideas

I have been through the blogs of many other Indian Epics students this semester. I think the biggest step I could make in terms of my blog is to find one of the many templates available online that I like, and implement it on my blog. I have included three links to blogs that I thought were visually impressive.

Madison B.

Christina H.

Jessica W.

Time Strategies

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

My schedule for this class has been working well so far. I like starting on Friday, because I have no regularly scheduled classes that day. It feels good to wake up and get started of my work for the week. I am also including this picture because the Pomodoro technique has been working well for me this semester. I suggest that everyone give this a try if they haven't already. It is one of the strategies I plan on using in the second half of this semester.

Week 7 Review

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I chose this image because it was something I don't consider when I am doing my writing. But it is an important thing, so I think in the future I will be sure to pay more attention to my voice.

Famous Last Words: Week 7

I read The Five Tall Sons of Pandu by Richard Wilson for my chosen version of the Mahabharata this week. I liked the fact that the story did not focus on Gods or magical weapons. The characters had fantastic abilities, but they did not distract me from the character development and plot. Especially when compared to the public domain edition of the Mahabharata. This version felt more like a character drama and adventure story than the Public Domain Edition, and I enjoyed these differences.

The Pandavas, from Wikipedia

This week I also added another story to the portfolio, Baka's Cave. I chose to write this story because I wanted to branch out and try a new style of writing. The darker and tenser style of this story was a challenge for me personally. I had never written anything like it before. Most of my writing is more cheery and upbeat, especially in this class where the stories seem to be more cheery and upbeat to me. But I am ultimately happy with how the story turned out, so I added it to the portfolio. I hope you guys enjoy reading it.

My writing this week was also a different style for me. I tried to change the ending of the battle between Arjuna and Karna so that Arjuna lost, and the Pandavas lost the war following the battle. I felt like Arjuna not giving Karna respite was a low moment just as when Rama killed Sugriva's brother in an ambush.

This semester most of my other major related classes have felt like chores in a lot of ways. The weekly routine of homework and studying has really been grinding me down. However, now that the first round of tests have ended I'm feeling more motivated to do what it takes to finish out the semester strong.

Learning Challenges: Writing a Page a Day

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I thought this was an inspiring post. My mentality when tackling large projects or challenges is to do things one step at a time. I think looking at the next year as a project, and doing it one step at a time could be a great way to keep myself motivated and organized.

Growth Mindset: Dare to Fail

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

When I saw this post, I knew it would be what I write about this week. Whenever I'm considering whether or not I should "go the extra mile" or take a risk on an assignment, I can justify not doing it in case it does not pay off. In the future, I'm going to try and take more risks. Thanks for reading.

Week 7 Storytelling: Arjuna and Karna

Arjuna and Karna had met in battle the day before. Karna had been serving as the general for Duryodhana, his hatred of the Pandavas motivating his actions. Arjuna was begrudgingly fighting his family members and former mentors. He had been driven on by his loyalty to his brothers and the encouragement of Krishna. The first day of fighting between Arjuna and Karna ended in a draw, leaving both sides humiliated with the bitter taste of defeat on their tongues. Both agreed to a chariot fight, to begin in the morning of the next day. Arjuna steeled himself and mentally prepared for a long day of fighting. Karna called upon Shalya to be his charioteer. Shalya was the King of Madra, and had earlier met Yudhishthira in battle, which also ended with both sides retreating from the fight. Karna ended the day by swearing that either he or Arjuna would die the next day. Both spent the night anxious about the fighting. Arjuna and Karna knew that they were evenly matched, and even a small victory would be hard fought.

Shortly after dawn the next day, Arjuna and Karna wheeled their chariots onto the chosen field of battle. No words were shared by the two before the fighting began. Arjuna was a skilled archer, using his bow to keep Karna constantly moving. Karna used his superior charioteer to make quick attacks on Arjuna, leaving Arjuna off balance and frustrated as the battle went on. As the fighting continued, Karna struck a glancing blow Arjuna, shattering his bow. Arjuna called for a moment of peace, so that he may retrieve another bow. Arjuna declared that it was the honorable thing to do, that Karna killing him now would be no real victory. However, Karna was blinded by rage and pressed his advantage over Arjuna, continuing to attack the now defenseless chariot. Gathering all his strength to him, Arjuna managed to repair his bow, and the fight continued like this for hours.

Around noon, the wheel of Karna's chariot became stuck in a rut that had been carved in the muddy field. Karna, knowing that standing still Arjuna would kill him with no effort, called for a respite. Krishna, who had been watching the battle, encouraged Arjuna to not grant the respite to Karna. Arjuna decided to grant it, deciding that he would win the day and win it with his honor intact. Karna freed his chariot, and the fight continued.

Arjuna and Karna, courtesy of Read Kushal

Shortly after Karna had freed his chariot, Shalya guided the horses towards Arjuna's slower moving chariot. When the chariots were side by side, Karna struck out at Arjuna. This time, Arjuna was not fast enough and Karna's mace impacted his chest directly. Immediately, the onlookers knew that Arjuna had fallen. Knowing that Duryodhana would press his advantage on the demoralized Pandavas, they fled back to their camp and began preparations to return to their exile in the forest. Pritha revealed to the Pandavas the truth about his Karna's heritage, which further clouded their emotions. Knowing that one of their brothers had killed the other crushed them inside. The Pandavas went to live the rest of their lives in exile with Draupadi, and Duryodhana remained King.

Author's Note: My story is based on the story of the fight between Arjuna and Karna in The Five Tall Sons of Pandu. In their fight, Arjuna breaks his bow and asks for a respite to retrieve another, which Karna does not grant. Karna's chariot wheel later gets stuck, and Arjuna does not give him a respite at Krishna's behest. Arjuna then kills Karna. I thought it would make for an interesting story if Arjuna granted Karna his respite, and then Karna continued to win the battle. This would lose the war for the Pandavas and send them back into exile. 

Bibliography: "The Five Tall Sons of Pandu" by Richard Wilson. Link.

Week 7 Reading Diary Continued: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu

I will be reading The Five Tall Sons of Pandu, by Richard Wilson. This post will cover Part B. Link.

• I'm disappointed that part B does not open with the fighting, but I understand that having Krishna sue for peace builds the tension and lets us see the thought process of both sides going into the climax of the story. 

Krishna and the Pandavas, from Here Krishna Girl

• I like Krishna in this version. He advocates for peace, but still does his duty and fights in the war, while reminding others to do the same. If he dies, he would be a very tragic character, like something out of a Shakespeare play.
• The death of Bhisma is very sad, as he was just doing his duty like Krishna, and no on wanted to see Bhisma die. Bhisma also didn't want to kill anybody. I also don't know why Bhisma thought that telling Karna the truth about his heritage would clam him, he was the first born who was discarded and denied his destiny. 
• Duryodhana is going through a lot of generals. I feel like losing a general is the worst thing that can happen, it would be very hard to assume command in the middle of a chaotic battle. 
• I think Karna dying the way he did was all he deserved based on his actions that day, but I still understand his long term motivations to hate the Pandavas. 
• Duryodhana should take control of his own armies, he is left with far from his first choice of general. If the ending is anything like the other, it will not matter soon however. 
• I still think the Panadavas losing their sons is the most tragic element of this story. 

That's the end of my reading this week, check back soon for more. 

Week 7 Reading Diary: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu

I will be reading The Five Tall Sons of Pandu, by Richard Wilson. This post will cover Part A. Link.

• This version of the Mahabharata seems to be a grander in scale, more like an epic tale than the public domain edition. I think this could be because of the fact that one author wrote the entire story. 
• The fighting between Karna and Arjuna feels tenser to me than the previous version. 

Arjuna, courtesy of Wikipedia

• The plan of denying Karna the hand of Draupadi based on his birth and then giving it to Arjuna disguised as a hermit seems poorly thought out. 
• Draupadi becoming the wife of Yudhishthira is an interesting change, but I think it will still breed the same amount of animosity between the brothers. 
• Beheading King Shishupala at the ceremony seemed rash. Killing another King when he was not attacking you seems to be a bad way to start a new kingdom. 
• I think the changes so far make the story better. They are more realistic, and and tension to the story. 
• The section where Duryodhana comes to mock the princes but ultimately needs their help was satisfying to read.
• I'm always glad to see Hanuman mentioned again in a story. The conclusion to part A feels like a cliffhanger, I want to see if anything is different about the battle in this version. 

Week 6 Review

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I thought this picture was very relevant. The creative writing in this class does not come easily for me, it takes a while for me to get into a writing mood. I thought I would share this picture in case anyone else has the same problems as me.

Learning by HEART: What Kind of Reader are You?

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I am a monogamist reader. I can only read one book at once, whether it is for class or for fun and entertainment. I like to get into a book and absorb it all it once as opposed to reading many books at any given time.

Growth Mindset: Learning is Messy

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

Learning is often a literally messy process for me. My desk is often covered in eraser shavings and pieces of paper. However, it is also a mentally messy process. I often learn in leaps and bounds as I have epiphanies, it is not a constant flow of information into my brain. Additionally, not all of that information is neatly organized when it makes it to my brain.

Storytelling Week 6: Where Are They Now?

"One day I was lounging in the sun, when this guy named Bhima came up to me. He looks like a regular guy to me, and he keeps going on and on about how I'm laying in his pathway, claiming he is as strong as Indra and he will smite me, so on and so on. I was enjoying my nap, after all what else was I supposed to do? Rama asked me to stay behind on Earth to tell his story in return for eternal life. Little did he know, I was telling the truth about him to anyone who asked. That's why I took Rama up on his offer, so that I could set the record straight. Anyways, Bhima gets frustrated and tries to move me. I was getting sick of this guy, so I finally decided to tell him I was the 'Hanuman' and that I wasn't impressed".

Hanuman sneered and exhaled sharply, as if remembering a joke.

"So this guy Bhima gets all bent out of shape. He keeps asking me to recount my experience with Rama and reveal my true form and things like that. I decided that I didn't have anything else to do that day, so I start telling him the story of Rama. Not Rama the legendary embodiment of a God, but the cowardly and incompetent man. I told Bhima that Rama coming into my life was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Now, poor old Bhima looked pretty put down by the whole thing. I almost felt bad, and then I remembered how satisfied I was each time I told the truth about Rama to one of the naive people who believed in him".

Hanuman smiled to himself and then continued speaking.

"Still, this guy Bhima looked like he was broken. Big and strong guy like that, I figured his emotions would be rock solid. I was in a good mood after my nap in the sun, so I figured I could cheer this guy up. I balloon up to my true form, you know the one I use for moving mountains? Yah, that one. Bhima looked a little bit more cheerful after I did that. Bhima finally told me that he was also a son of Vayu. That one threw me for a loop. Who knew that poor old me would have a brother one day. I should start going to the annual family reunion".

Hanuman and Bhima, courtesy of KidsGen

Hanuman now looked like he was almost happy, like all his grievances with humanity and the Gods were forgotten.

"Bhima then said he had to be on his way, something about collecting lotuses for a Draupadi. I legitimately wished the guy well, after all he was my brother. I also hoped that he would remember the truth about that phony Rama, and tell everyone what he learned from me that day".

Author's Note: I have previously written a story about my favorite character from the Ramayana, Hanuman. He appeared again in the Mahabharata and I decided to do a follow up to my grumpy version of Hanuman when he is encountered in the Mahabharata. I figured I would have Hanuman give his version of the meeting with Bhima, his brother. This story is again written as Hanuman telling a silent audience a story about his life. 

Bibliography:

"Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition" by Multiple Authors, link.

"Ramayana: Public Domain Edition" by Multiple Authors, link.

Week 6 Reading Diary Continued: Mahabharata Public Domain Edition

This post will cover Part D of the Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition. 

• The battle that began in Part C continues to rage on. I am glad that the character list is getting somewhat shorter. 
• This battle is seriously dark and violent. More action and excitement than anything else in this reading thus far. 
• I think it is tragic that many characters are losing their sons and heirs, but it almost feels like that is their reward for dragging their sons into their own fights. 
• I think much as Rama killed Sugrivas rival in an ambush, The Pandavas killing Drona is meant to represent a low point where our heroic characters stoop to the level of their enemies. 
• I like how even though Arjuna has won, the story is not over. It would feel out of place if the good guys lived happily ever after when the battle ends. 



Ashwatthaman, from Wikipedia

• I think Ashwatthaman is exactly what the Pandavas deserve for killing Drona. 
• I like how Bhisma is trying to rebuild the kingdom after the battle, even though he has lost and is doomed to die. 
• I feel like a year is a long time to go without a king. Perhaps I am misinterpreting something. 
• I wonder why a God like Krishna would even have a weak spot. It must have been part of his plan to go back to heaven one day. 
• I find it interesting how similar heaven and hell are across cultures. 

Thanks for reading, I start another book next week. 

Week 6 Reading Diary: Mahabharata Public Domain Edition.

This post will cover Part C of the Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition. 

• I think it is interesting that so many epic stories, whether in Indian/Asian religions or the Abrahamic religions, have main characters go into exile. People at the time these stories were written must have seen a lot of value of surviving on your own in the desert or forest for a long time, or perhaps saw it as a time to learn and grow spiritually. I think the biggest difference between the Indian and Abrahamic religions are the fact that the characters in the Indian stories meet a number of people in their exile. 
• Once again unique weapons are playing a large part in these stories. I guess that some people preferred the idea of weapons giving these characters god like abilities as opposed to the characters inherently possessing them. 
• I am glad to see my favorite character Hanuman making a return. I am already thinking of ideas for a "where are they now" story about him. 



Arjuna and Karna, from Read Kushal

• I wonder why the writers of this story decided to have so many brothers, when it appears that the story mainly focuses on a few of them such as Arjuna and Karna.
• I wonder what happens when an unstoppable force like a deadly magic arrow meets and immovable object like earrings that make the wearer invincible. Something tells me I will find out soon. 
• The ability for the brothers to not be recognized by anyone is a great plot device. 
• I'm glad a large battle is finally occurring. It is great to see some payoff for the characters I've been getting to know over the last week. 
• I am familiar with the Bhagavad-Gita, I read parts in a highschool class. I had no idea there was this much backstory associated with it.

Look for more soon. 

Week 5 Review

From Laura Gibbs

As soon as I saw this image I knew I would use it for this post. I love watching horror movies (never alone of course) and I see a few classics, and some I should add to my list. Stay on this page for more next week. Thanks.

Week 5: Famous Last Words

Today brings me to the end of another week of reading and writing in this class. I began reading the Mahabharata Public Domain Edition this week. I don't like it as much as the Ramayana so far, there are too many characters and subplots to keep track of. Also, I can't decide whether it is a story about politics or mystical things like Gods and magic. However, I am only halfway through. I will be finishing the Mahabharata this following week, and perhaps my opinion will change and the story reaches its climax.

I have also added another weekly story to my portfolio this week. I finished my final edits on The Forest, and it was time to move on. I added It Ain't Easy Being Me, a story in which Hanuman airs his grievances with Rama, Sita, and Sugriva. I decided to add one of my more humorous stories to my portfolio this week. One of the great parts about doing the portfolio project is that I can write many smaller stories. This means I can have many more plots, characters, and themes. It also means that I can write whatever I am in the mood to, which makes it easier for me to write. Expect some edits to It Ain't easy Being Me soon, and then it will be on to another story after that.

As far as other classes are concerned, I am in the "eye of the storm" so to speak of my first round of testing in my major related classes. One down, three more to go. I think it has gone well so far, and I hope it only gets better from here.

Image from David Battrick

Thanks for reading the Mahabharata and writing your stories along with me this week, keep checking for more work from me soon.

Andrew

Learning by HEART: Every Morning

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

A big part of my morning routine is running through my daily to do list in the shower. I try and set realistic goals for myself, so that I don't leave necessary things undone for tomorrow me to deal with. This has become increasingly important as I move into my first round of testing over the next week. I encourage everybody to take a moment at the beginning of the day to set goals they are capable of doing, and take everything one step at a time.

Growth Mindset: Don't Force It

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

There have been times in this class where I just want to complete an assignment to fill out the declaration on time - not because I am in a mood to read or write. I usually work on this class in big blocks, which helps me get into a rhythm. In the future, I think I am going to try and work on the class when I am really feeling like it, even if that means working in smaller chunks. I think this could make an improvement in my writing.

Thoughts About Comments

Like most people, I really enjoy seeing a positive comment at the bottom of one of my post. However, I pay more attention to those containing constructive criticism, and take those comments to heart. For this class, I think comments should be a mix of both. Not many people in this class are aspiring writers from what I can tell, and it would be a downer to read critical comments all the time. However, we can help each other improve with critical comments. I try to strike the balance in all of mine. 

Let me know what you guys think. 

Week 5 Storytelling: Baka's Cave

I wasn't what would be called a popular person in my village. My parents had been chosen for sacrifice to the cannibal Baka when I was young, leaving me to grow up as a blacksmith's apprentice. I worked hard and kept to myself, and overcame all the obstacles set before me. I think the other village people didn't like me because I reminded them about a truly horrifying part of our lives, and its consequences. I reminded the men of their failure to protect our home, the women about their failure to protect their families, and my life was a nightmare for the village children. 

It was Monday morning again. The village square meeting. One "lucky" person would draw a short straw and be chosen for the sacrifice. They would then have to take a cart full of rice and two buffaloes to Baka's terrifying lair, where the sacrificial victim would have to lay down their own life to keep the village safe. As it turned out, much as my parents had both had their days, I was about to have mine. I stood silent in the square, clutching a short piece of straw. I got a few looks of pity and fear from the people standing around me, as it dawned on them that Baka was about to end yet another bloodline in our village. I knew, however, that there was no way to fight my destiny. I thanked my master for the opportunities he gave me, and collected the rope to lead the buffalo hauling the cart. 

I did not turn around to look at my home again. It was a memory of the place where I had grown up. The toll that Baka had placed on us was draining all the energy from the village, and it was withering like a branch cut from a tree. I set upon the road that led deep into the forest. I had come out this far once, as a child on a dare, never realizing that I would have to walk this path again. The sun set around me as I approached the exterior of Baka's cave. I tied the buffalo around a hitching post and stared into the endless blackness that began at the mouth of the cave. As I looked on, a deep grumble rose from the cave.   

Cave Entrance, by Rolanet

"Enter," the voice said to me. Knowing that I could not overcome this obstacle and defeat this demon, I stepped into the cave and followed the only path forward. I came upon a room dimly lit by a torch in one corner, and as I moved towards the light I stumbled across a pile of dry and dusty bones. My heart pounded and my head raced as I stood looking at the ground in front of me, contemplating my short future. A figure stepped into the light in front of me, but somehow remained obscured. 

"Do you know your duty?" Baka asked me. 

"Yes" was all I could meekly reply.  

"Good", he said to me as he plunged a knife deep into my heart. "You should know that even in your last moments, your lives belong to me." 

Life continued on back in the village.

Author's Note: 

I was inspired by the story of Baka during my reading this week. A village chief demanding regular human sacrifices in return for protection from other dangers seemed more like a Stephen King novel than something out of an ancient religious story. So, I decided to style my story exactly that: a horror story about a villager chosen for the blood sacrifice, that is more about tension and dread than jump scares. I was torn on whether or not to have a happier ending, but I decided not to. I wanted to keep my story simple. 

This was a different style of storytelling for me. I had never tried to write anything that was "scary" or tense before I attempted this writing this story. I didn't make any major changes from the original story. I mostly did this because I wanted to explore this setting more because I thought it was so interesting. I chose the image I did because I felt it represented a cave where a creature such as Baka might actually live. I didn't think a cave decorated with bones and paintings of blood would fit with the atmosphere I was trying to create. I also could not find any pictures of Baka himself that I also felt fit with the theme. 

Bibliography: "Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition" by Multiple Authors, Link.

Week 5 Reading Diary Continued: Mahabharata Public Domain Edition

This post will cover Part B of the Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition. 

• This story reminds me more and more about Game of Thrones. The idea of children not being eligible for succession, but still influencing royal politics. 
• I like that this story again illustrates the fact the Rakshasi can be good, not just evil. 
• I can't tell whether this story is about royal politics and succession, or if it is a more supernatural story. It almost feels like the politics is the ancient reality, and the supernatural elements are the exaggeration. 
• I feel like the five brothers sharing one wife will inevitably lead to conflict. 



Arjuna, courtesy of The Unbounded Spirit

• The amount of characters introduced is quickly becoming too complicated. I feel like I should be keeping a notepad for this story. The amount of flashbacks and origin stories are also confusing me. 
• I feel like even though there are more named gods in this story, they intervene on a smaller scale than in the Ramayana. 
• I feel like the story is coming to a midseason climax, it makes it very interesting to read. It is turning into a great revenge story.

Thanks for reading along with me, keep checking for more. 

Week 5 Reading Diary: Mahabharata Public Domain Edition

This post will cover Part A of the Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition.

• The idea that the author is a character in the story is very interesting to me. I wonder if Vyasa was actually the author, or if it is a storytelling device. 
• The amount of characters in this story is confusing. I guess that is part of what makes it a truly epic story, almost like Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. 
• A human being born with the powers of 8 gods is ever so slightly different from a god being born as a human. I think it will let Devavrata be his own character, separate from the gods whose powers he possesses. 
• Ancient curses, like the one placed on Bhishma, are a classic plot device. I'm interested to see how Bhishma defeats this curse. 
• I think Bhishma is showing a lot of honor by upholding his vow, and helping Vichitravirya get not one but three brides. Honor is part of what makes a heroic character I suppose. 
• I also think the idea of winning in combat as opposed to feats of skill is an interesting twist. 



Bhisma, courtesy of Hindutva

• The similarities between Rama and Bhishma continue, Bhishma is also a world class archer. I think it says a lot about what skills Indians considered important at this time. 
• I feel like a lot of the storytelling up to this point is buildup, and that many main characters and conflicts have yet to be introduced. 
• Pandu's curse is very similar to King Dasharatha's. I feel like this curse is not as severe, but that remains to be seen. 
• I feel like these two groups of sons living together under the same roof is going to lead to conflict soon. 
• This middle parts of the story with Drona feel like they would be a training montage in a movie
• This story of the battle feels very much like a medieval story about knights. 
• I like that characters like Drona are not necessarily good or evil - for instance, he trained the princes, but only so he could use them to take revenge. 

Thanks for reading guys.