Thursday, April 8, 2010

Evaluation

I love to write. At first, I would have rather kept a notebook than a blog. Mostly, this is because blogs are so public, and I knew not everyone would agree on my viewpoint. However, now I am glad we were able to keep blogs for this semester. It was fun to look at other people's ideas, and to see what they had to say outside of class. I also have become more comfortable in sharing my opinions.
I also enjoyed how much freedom we had with our blogs-- that we just need to make entries, but they can be about ANYTHING we want. At first, it was harder to come up with ideas to blog about, and I focused strictly on what we read for class. But by the end, I was able to branch out a little, and be more creative while still tying my comments back to what we have learned in class. Overall, I have enjoyed my blogging experience! =)

New Historicism

This critical approach is the one I have seem to have been focused on this semester. From what we learned in class, new historicism has these categories:
-Exploration. Look for related ballads, labels, plays, comics, etc.
-Reading critical analysis' of the time period.
-Thinking of the text in a modern time period.
I found the quote by Bloom in our "Falling Into Theory Book" rather funny.
"Students have become amateur political scientists, uninformed sociologists..." etc.
To some extent, I agree with Bloom on this statement. For example, when I went to check out Othello from the library, there were 20x the amount of critical analysis' on Othello, and it was hard to find the original play! It is good to use new historicism, and beneficial in fact. However, I think some people spend too much effort trying to read the minds of the authors, or to apply it in every context. Some people don't seem to realize how much of their own personal opinion is embedded in their work, and that is when it is taken too far.
At the same time, however, I agree that the text is more personally meaningful when we can apply it to our own lives and dissect the text in new and exciting ways.

villanelle- French poem from the middle ages, consisting of 19 lines
interlard- to insert between; mix
magniloquent-lofty or boastful. Proud

Book List

One of my best friends has a list of 32 books that she wants to read this summer. 32! This motivated me to make a list, because I will have spare time during the summer while not at work. Books are amazing for educating, AND entertaining. Ahem:
1- The Count of Monte Cristo
This is my mom's favorite book, and I have always had the desire to read it, I just not the time.
2- Moby Dick
It was dedicated to Nathaniel Hawthorne, which I learned during my author spotlight study, and I also remember that it is Matilda's favorite book on the movie with the trunchabul =)
3- The Kite Runner
I started this book over winter break, but have not had time to finish it yet.
4- As You Like It
I realized, while studying Othello, how much I enjoy Shakespeare. This is one of his happiest plays, or so I've heard, and I want to see how it goes.
5- The Catcher and the Rye
My brother is reading this right now, plus the huge discussion in class has made me intrigued.
6- Running With Angels
My mom likes this book, as a runner, and says it has good insight.
7- The Uglies series
My cousin Natalie just bought these at the bookstore, my friend Dallin has been reading them, and they just seem to be everywhere!

My list isn't long-- yet! But I will add to this list, and pick up random books that I see while wandering around the library as well. Summer is so close!

General Conference

I was able to go to the Sunday afternoon session of general conference at the conference center. It was amazing! I always love when the prophet walks in and everyone stands up and goes silent. Not to mention, the counsel was very uplifting, as usual.
I wonder how long it takes to write a talk for conference. I was surprised to hear that those who speak in conference come up with their own topics and don't discuss it with any other apostles or speakers. It may be possible that there are two people speaking on the same subject, but that just means it is all the more important for us to hear at the time. Also, everyone has a different take on different subjects.
It is great that conference can be watched online at any time, as well. My freshman year in seminary, my teacher had an eye-opening activity. He played a list of 10 songs (just parts of the song) and had us write the title and the singer/band. Then he played little clips of apostles speaking and had us identify them. It made me realize that I should listen to the words of the Lord's apostles more, so I can quickly identify who is speaking.
For me, there is always a spiritual high that comes from the general conference time of year =)

Indecisive

I have been contemplating coming to BYU for the summer semester, and have swayed back and forth from that decision many times. What do you do when your choices seem to balance the differences perfectly? My sister and I used to tease my mom when we would ask her, "Mom what's your favorite movie?" And her answer would go something along the lines of, "Well, it depends on what mood I'm in." Or, "Hey Mom, which one was your favorite type of pasta?" "Oh I can't pick a favorite, I just love ALL the flavors!"
More and more, I'm realizing we are all a little indecisive at times. Some things, like what color of a cup to drink from, are not significant.
I also LOVE the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson (which Johanna shared in her author spotlight)
"A foolish consistency is the hobgolin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now... and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks.... though it contradict everything you said today....."
It is a great quote that makes me feel free to tell other people my plans, then I don't need to worry to upset them if I change my mind. Ultimately it's up to me, and it's ok to jump from one side of the ship to the other every now and then.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Quadratus Lumborum

It seems as though the only words I have been reading lately are:
sternocleidomastoid
intercondylar eminence
splenium
perpendicular plate
and many many MANY other anatomy terms. The huge anatomy lab final is tomorrow-- so I have been busy immersing myself in names for body parts, muscles, and bones.
No matter what class I am in, reading and writing are crucial. Languages are so important! Think of how much language-- English specifically-- helps! I am majoring in communication disorders, because I am fascinated with communication and expressing yourself to others, and there are so many ways to do this. But no matter what you get a degree in, reading and writing are essential skills and blessings that we need to work with. English is important and plays a major role in our every day lives here in the United States, so we need to get the most out of our English classes. It will be beneficial to us no matter where we end up, whether sailing across a sea, or performing a complicated operation.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

I'm Engaged and I Broke my Leg

I love holidays. April fools is a paticularly funny holiday if you think about it-- what other day of the year allows you to make up stories and tricks, and then get away with it with a simple shouting of, "April Fools!" So, as a little memoir of all the past April 1sts that I have survived, =) and to hopefully spark some ideas of how I can trick people today, here is a list of thoughts:
1-My uncle told me that my gma and gpa's cow had a baby, and they named the calf Rylee after me.
2- I was one of those kids who brought lunch from home most of the time. On April fools day, I would find my twinkie filled with ketchup, or something creative like that.
3- FOOD COLORING!!!! The possibilities are endless....
4- "I'm moving to Japan..." this actually worked on me! My friend Jenna told me that in the morning, and I totally fell for it. I'll blame it on the fact that seminary is very early.
5- The rubber band attached to the kitchen sink idea is a classic. Someone in my house back in Ohio gets sprayed every year... sometimes it's even the person who was pulling the prank!
6- Changing the clocks, preferably ahead so you don't ruin a person's schedule.
7- Dry erase markers are good for drawing mustaches on the picture frames we have hanging along the wall by the stairs-- it comes right off too.
8- BEST FOR LAST, I love this-- you get plain vanilla yogurt and put it in a circular shape on a plate. Then get a canned peach or apricot half and lay it smack dab in the middle. Wah-la.... sunny side up eggs!
It is great to see reactions after awesome little pranks, and it is awesome that we don't have to go to any classes for the holiday! ;) Happy April fools!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Gavin DeGraw

I am a die-hard fan of Gavin DeGraw. Die-hard? Let me explain:
1- His homepage is the first on my list of 'favorite websites.'
2- I have a shirt with his name and logo on it.
3- I can sing along with EVERY one of his songs.
4- Second row at his concert in Columbus!
5-My English 251 notebook has two lines of lyrics from various Gavin DeGraw songs on the bottom of all the pages.
6- My background picture on my phone is a picture I took of him singing-- and has not changed for almost a whole year.

It is a great feeling to find a singer out there that you really connect with. I love how he writes his own music, because that passion comes through as he sings. Singers should write their own lyrics, just as a President should write their own inaugural address. Obviously, it is not as serious, but how can you put as much emotion into something that someone made up for you? Music is very important to me, and I am excited that we get to learn about Hymns in class this week. =)
I just want to suggest that everyone listens to Lover Be Strong, the best song ever.
that's all.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Birth & Death

"The birth of the reader must be at the cost of the death of the author." -Roland Barthes.

I am not sure how I feel about this quote.
On the one hand:
When people spend all their effort in researching about the life of the author, and WHY they wrote what they did, it may take out the creativity of a reader. They will just willingly and effortlessly agree on what the author says. Readers may use knowledge and experiences of the author to excuse, or validate what the author says. If the author is unknown, no feelings are superficial or completely biased.
On the other hand:
Working on my author spotlight project had me become more interested in authors. Nathaniel Hawthorne was a great guy from what I have read, and not only that, and there is so much purpose in his writing. Learning about his life helped me read and understand his statements better. Even if writing is fictional, or about someone completely random, I believe that the author is somehow strongly related to their characters in most cases.

Poetry?

"How to Recognize a Poem When You See One" by Stanley Kish was very interesting to read, amusing even. He described how one day, he put the following on the board:

Jacobs-Rosenbaum
Levin
Thorne
Hayes
Ohman (?)

Then, he had his classes explain what it was. The more technical class recognized right away that they are all names of linguists, but his poetry class came up with a pretty deep interpretation. The class was explaining the symbolism to Christ.... Jacob is in the Bible, thorns pierced Christ's head, and one boy even pointed out that the most prominent letters are S O and N, as in Son of God. Imagine their reactions as they all realized that they are all names of linguists, rather than a symbolic poem.
Stanley Kish said that "Poems are an ongoing accomplishment," which I agree with. Poems mean different things to different people, and I love hearing the views and ideas of others. Sometimes I pick apart the ideas to enhance what I think, and sometimes I disagree with other stances completely.
There is a point where poems become over-analyzed, but for the most part, I think poems are a form of expression. Once the words/expressions are out there, readers are entitled to make their own assumptions of the poem, and allow it to influence them how they wish. Poems are not written to satisfy others, rather to lay out feelings, and hopefully touch another life in the process. I love how William Wordsworth says "Fill the paper with the breathings of your heart." That is how I recognize poems; when it is genuine, when the words are real and they make me feel. Some may read it as a list of names, but others may read it as a poem that helps them come closer to Christ.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Holding out for a hero

On February 18, we talked about heros in class.
What does it take to be a hero? "He's gotta be soon and he's gotta be strong and he's gotta be larger than life...." not necessarily. =)
There are three sections to a hero's journey-- departure, initiation, and return.
I had never formally classified a hero's journey that way, but it is true. Everyone has different heros, but they all have to depart to chase after their dreams, save a life, etc. Initiation is the most essential part of becoming a hero, and then return was questionable to me. Some heros will die on a journey whether they have accomplished their goals or not.
Then, I decided to not take 'return' so literally. Returning does not have to be in a physical sense, heros can return in memories or stories to help others. Heros are not fleeting champions, rather, they make legendary impacts.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Langston Hughes

Theme for English B
--I find it interesting that he actually wrote this when he was 50. It is so convincing that he is a student, I would never have known. The line with the most impact, to me, is "So will my page be colored that I write?" I think that really sums up the reason behind his poem.

Negro Speaks of Rivers
--There is a recording of Langston Hughes actually reading his poem online, and he also gives a little background information. His grandma had said that "To be sold along the Mississippi River is one of the worst things." All the rivers that he speaks of have symbolic influence, for example, the Euphrates is also mentioned. This river was a part of the beginning of civilization, so it puts black people at the beginning of civilization. This poem is introspective, and powerful when stating, "My soul has grown deep like the rivers."

I, Too
--I saved this poem for last, because it is my favorite of Hughes' poems that we have read in class. It shows his faith that colored people will eventually be recognized as Americans too. This is very prophetic, as we mentioned in class, because it was written in 1926, long before civil rights. I admire the fact that he "laughs, eats well, and grows strong," even though his circumstances are unfortunate. I like the optimistic view toward America, even though he still is not accepted as an American. He IS American though, and therfore he is beautiful, just as the song "America the Beautiful" suggests. Hughes wants everyone to see that within him, because he has already learned it for himself.

introspective- to look into or examine one's own internal state, or feelings

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Beginnings

This is the beginning of my sonnet.... in 7th grade, my teacher would have us pick up our pencils and just write whatever came to mind for 5-10 min. This is what I did, and then just pieced my sonnet together from here....

If you were to take a stroll around, or even sit on a stump somewhere, and just think, look at your surroundings, it would be easy to realize how blessed you are. I've often heard events/things described as not a big deal, and it's true- some things don't change who we are, or destiny, or fate. But little things add up and make a difference, even if they start out small. Things like the sound of one guitar. A stranger sat on a lonely bench and made my day more beautiful through sharing a song. Every penny I find in a parking lot makes me one cent richer. It doesn't seem like a lot, and it's not, but it's one more wish that can come true once I throw it in a fountain. Or 24 more days like that, and I will have enough for a gumball. One mile seems shrunken in the vast land before us, but every extra mile you run can strengthen you. It will make you stronger if you let it. And it is worth the extra distance required to visit an old friend. Even if it is a quick trip. I remember following a recipe precisely, and then double-checking with my mom when I saw one of the listed ingredients. She assured me that it belonged, and those cookies would not have tasted half as delicious without one teaspoon of sal. A single simplistic pavillion can be an oasis from a storm one day. They are little graces that help us to see that things will work out. Mending, healing, and moving forward are possible. Every bolt, screw, and nail plays its' parts. An extra 'Z' if sleep can result in a better mood, and a better resolve to be productive. Yes, all small things have a difference and a does, If little things don't, make a difference, what does

There it is-- completely in free verse/ the drafting and thinking stage.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

No Hope

Isn't it incredible that one of the most well-known and quoted poets of American history had "no hope" written next to her name on the class roll? Not only is "no hope" incorrect, but "average" is a litote as well. Class last Thursday has deeply impacted the way I think of Emily Dickinson, though I have always loved her writing. On my bulletin board above my bed at home (you know, where I put all my important things, like a picture my younger sister drew for me, tickets from Gavin DeGraw's concert, a few favorite photos, etc) I have the quote by Emily Dickinson,

"They might not need me; but they might. I'll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity."

No hope?
The 1,700 poems that she had written were not discovered until after her death, and to me that says a lot about her character as well. Sister Steadman said that one of the best ways to describe her is ambiguous. I would like to add geniune as well. Emily Dickinson did not write to become famous, or to have people love her poetry. She did not write to prove anything to anyone, or to make something of herself. She wrote to express herself, to pass time doing something she loved. This is very powerful to me, and inspiring as well. Poetry to me, is very personal, and should be written as though you are writing for yourself to read, or those who are close to you. Let the critics make slashes in your poetry, outsiders turn their heads. Let "no hope" be written next to your efforts. If you write what is in your heart, and end up with a sincere poem in front of you, there is not much else as satisfying.

ambiguous- having several possible meanings or interpretations.

litotes-understatement

Monday, February 15, 2010

Title: Title

As I was searching online to find two short stories to read by Nathaniel Hawthorne for my author spotlight, I realized how important titles are. Not that I have never thought about it before, but it is very interesting to skim over all the titles... "Sunday at Home," "Old News," "The Pomegranate Seeds," etc, and see which short stories capture my interest. For me, coming up with a title is a hard thing to master. Not only do you want to give the reader an idea of what your writing will be about, but it needs to be catchy too. At the same time, you don't usually want to give away too much information before the reader even starts. In A.P. Lanuguage and Composition my jr year, my teacher actually deducted 5-10 points if you forgot to put a title on your writing. This seemed like a lot, but it emphasized his point that titles are important, and I agree that they are.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Blake and Class Notes

I love the contrast between the Lamb and Tyger poems, even just evaluating them through formalism. It is amazing how powerful word choice is, because I can literally feel the difference in both poems through Blake's descriptions. However, I didn't enjoy The Chimney Sweeper or London as much. It's not that I have a problem with poems expressing bleak situations, but it was hard for me to identify his point (enterting the rhetorical stage.) Was it satire? London was an especially dreary poem, and words such as "chartered" make the situation they are in seem inevitable because of the government. It was interesting to learn in class that Blake's main question as he wrote, was "Do we have to have the experience? Or can we remain in innocence?"

Formalism-staying within the text while analyzing (tone, meter, symbolism, etc)

Rhetorical- asking questions while reading

New Historicism- applying personal values

Rainbows and the World

My Heart Leaps Up....
It is interesting that Wordsworth says "natural piety" because we often read in the scriptures that the natural man is an enemy to God. I personally interepreted that as if Wordsworth was referring to a child, or innocent child-like attributes. I like that he ALWAYS wants to find himself fascinated in nature. The rainbow in this poem not only seems to be a representation of nature, but of God's hand in nature and life, since God created the rainbow as a promise, and to prove His love.
The World is Too Much With Us....
I think that there is a difference with the word "world," as Wordsworth chose, and the word "earth." The world seems to refer to a greedy type of living, of going through actions to stay alive, while earth sounds to me, more like a lovely place to live, full of nature. They sound so different, and yet both represent the same place where we live. It was interesting for me to think about while reading. I also enjoy imagery from the line "It moves us not," and I picture someone standing, unaffected, or "unmoved" in a less literal sense. We are "becomming out of tune," as is mentioned. I couldn't help but think that becomming out of tune is a gradual process. According to Wordsworth, we are slowly straying from recognizing nature.
Last thought-- it is interesting to me that both of the Greek Gods that he mentions (Proteus and Triton) are Sea Gods. Why?
After reading these poems, I am very much a fan of Wordsworth.

Lonely As a Cloud

I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud....
I really love this poem. It isn't too complicated, and I love the imagery. It's interesting to me that Wordsworth chose to use the word lonely-- which usually has a negative connotation-- and made it sound jocund, in fact, he later describes it as blissful solitude. I also noticed that some form of the word dance, is in every stanza. I like the simplicity and thoughtfulness of this poem. I am not as attached to nature as Wordsworth seems to be in this poem, but I really love camping and being outdoors. In fact, I just went running outside and the weather is starting to feel like spring, yay! It was interesting to read that excerpt from his sister Dorothy's journal and compare it with his poem. I know that they were both on the same walk in nature together, but the poem seems more significant as he mentions that he was lonely, since nature kept him company.

jocund- cheerful
(This is how I wil be listing my new vocabulary within my blogs)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Rylee in a Nutshell

A little about me....

Two of my all time favorite things: Christmas Lights at temple square, and the firework show on July 4th in Washington D.C.

I love music-- I have played piano since I was 5, and Gavin DeGraw is the best singer I have ever heard.

Ruby Red Grapefruit juice= <3

My high school mascot was a shamrock! Haha Dublin OH is my hometown

The plan as of right now is to major in Communication Disorders, minor in English, and then earn a Master's in Speech Pathology.

I was able to visit my grandparents in Sweden over the midsummer celebration, with my mom. This is when I decided I want to travel the world. There is so much to experience!

I have 2 younger sisters, and a younger bro. Our family is very close.

I love to read and write! I have a notebook that I write poems in, to express myself.

My goal this year is to run a marathon. Yep, 26.2 miles!

I love laughing and making the most of life, afterall, it's not about waiting for storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain! Have a great dayyy

1- Author Spotlight

The Scarlet Letter is one of those timeless, loved books that is usually required to read in high school. Somehow, I never was forced to read it, and I decided I should read it on my own. The author spotlight project is the perfect oppertunity for me to get the most out of not only that book, but other Nathaniel Hawthorne's classics.
So, that being said, I went to the Lee Library to check out different Hawthorne novels last week. After finally being able to identify where I could possibly find the call number PS 1864, I noticed many old books with red bindings lined up along the shelves. Other readers can probably relate to the feeling of pulling down an antique book down from a shelf, and almost literally being able to blow the dust off from the cover, it's fantastic.
Anyways, the best part was opening Twice Told Tales, and seeing "Lucy W Smith" signed in cursive on the top left corner. Underneath that, is a sticker that says the book used to be in the library of President George Albert Smith, and his wife, Lucy. The book was donated from their children. WOW! I don't know exactly what it is about that, but it gave me the chills (in a good way) just to be able to have access to books that were in a prophet's library is awesome. Looking through the pages, I saw lines underlined, and notes scrawled in the margins. Even if it doesn't seem like we have very much time to read three texts by a paticular author, and create a project to spotlight them, I am excited.