Rediscovering Belle and Sebastian made me reminisce of times when I used to listen to them (music is so amazing in the way it can bring you back). This reminded me of the book I was looking forward to reading before. I haven't read it yet and have had some troubles finding it but I will continue to look of course! Here is the plot summary as told on Goodreads.com
"All Tom's friends really are superheroes.
There's the Ear, the Spooner, the Impossible Man Tom even married a superhero, the Perfectionist. But at their wedding, the Perfectionist was hypnotized (by ex-boyfriend Hypno of course) to believe that Tom is invisible. Nothing he does can make her see him. Six months later she's sure Tom has abandoned her."
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Flash back
After posting a few music musts I spent some time looking through my iTunes and rediscovered Belle and Sebastian, I can honestly say I can listen to them at any time. I find that their music tells a story. Obviously it's not for everyone, it's quite laid back and quite, however the lyrics are thought provoking and well thought out. Belle and Sebastian to me is the literary equivalent of the fault in our stars (John Greene) it's quirky and fun but some of their songs have a sad undertone. I highly suggest you have a listen!
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Writing:
I think writing my twitter fiction went pretty well. At
first it was a struggle getting the hang of writing micro-form but eventually I
found a way that worked for me to do it. I found success when I started liking
what I was writing. To start I found writing about people I love (friends and
family) and worked my way up from there, writing about people I knew put
purpose into my writing and the purpose made me enjoy what I was writing.
Frustrations came when my inspiration dwindled and I hit a writer’s block, I
was having a really tough time coming up with more single tweet stories this is
when I realized that I should probably try doing at least one extended story.
This worked really well for me and I surpassed my writer’s block. I learned
that I have a hard time expanding into new forms of writing but once I get the
hang of it I do enjoy it. I think that I may even continue writing twitter
fiction, maybe not publishing it but keeping a journal or something. I was a
little self-conscious writing and publishing my twitter fiction on the internet
where everyone could see it, however, I got great response from others in the
class which encouraged me and made me excited to post more!
Reading:
I chose to read the Sasquatch twitter fiction! It was awesome;
it was in a way making fun of the new teen obsession with paranormal love
stories. Making light of the fact that Sasquatches are probably the least
attractive paranormal being but also convincing the audience that they can also
be loving creatures! It was excellent; I looked forward to the new chapter each
day. It was nice being able to read different forms of writing in Thursday’s class,
as of late I had felt a little restricted to books. Now however I have had my
break from books and would be happy reading either (book or internet)! I was
surprised while reading the twitter fiction how much I enjoyed having to wait
to read the rest of the book. When I am really into a book I can’t put it down
and read it all the way through, this way it forces me to take my time and
savour each chapter. Sometimes even re reading them just so that I was sure I
knew every detail before I read the next chapter. I really loved this part of
twitter fiction!
Twitter:
This assignment didn’t so much change my perspective as gave
me one. I did not have a twitter account before this and so I got to experience
it for the first time. I would say that before I had an account I thought twitter
was mainly for celebrity’s, drunk teenagers looking for attention and other
random people. I can now say it is much more than that, I think twitter can be
whatever you need it to be, a way to connect or publish. It is a great way for
people who normally wouldn’t get a voice to give their input in books or TV
shows etc… I think that as a class we could use twitter to recommend/discuss
books with each other and even as an extension of our blogs. For example if you
want a specific person to check out your blog, tweet them!
Apocalypse?
In keeping with the Bruied Life theme I thought, why not make a post about the end of the world that was scheduled for... 6 days from now? I think by now most people have either forgotten that the 2012 apocalypse or decided that it is not going to happen. Despite the convincing movie "2012" with John Cusack I have decided that the world will not end on the 21st. However, for the sake to the post let's say that it wil.
To date, I have lived an overall good lie. I've traveled lot's I have friends and family I can depend on, but if I only had 6 days to live, I would not be sitting here writing blog posts (sorry Ms. M). I would take my friends and family and go on a crazy adventure. It would probably start with an impromptu trip to an exotic destination (I've always wanted to visit Thailand), seeing the world would end in six days anyways, I don't see how money could be an option anymore. I would probably encourage my dad to purchase a nice Rolls Royce of some kind so that we could cruise around the content in style.
After a few days in Thailand I would like to visit Rwanda where my sponsor child lives, I would spend some time with her (and probably make a quick trip to see the monkeys) and then I think I would make my way north up to Milan. This is where I would really rack up the credit cards. I would go to as many fashion shows as I like and probably buy some designer garb for the less fortunate living in the city.
Since I am already in Europe, mine as well visit the Menzies castle! I have always been curious about what it looks like (my grandma is a Menzies) I think I would probably walk around like I owned the place (because, why not?).
Thinking about all the things I would do if the world was ending in six days makes me wish I could live like the world was ending all the time but in reality, it's just not quite possible. Instead, I will just have to relax with my family and enjoy a peaceful Christmas.
To date, I have lived an overall good lie. I've traveled lot's I have friends and family I can depend on, but if I only had 6 days to live, I would not be sitting here writing blog posts (sorry Ms. M). I would take my friends and family and go on a crazy adventure. It would probably start with an impromptu trip to an exotic destination (I've always wanted to visit Thailand), seeing the world would end in six days anyways, I don't see how money could be an option anymore. I would probably encourage my dad to purchase a nice Rolls Royce of some kind so that we could cruise around the content in style.
After a few days in Thailand I would like to visit Rwanda where my sponsor child lives, I would spend some time with her (and probably make a quick trip to see the monkeys) and then I think I would make my way north up to Milan. This is where I would really rack up the credit cards. I would go to as many fashion shows as I like and probably buy some designer garb for the less fortunate living in the city.
Since I am already in Europe, mine as well visit the Menzies castle! I have always been curious about what it looks like (my grandma is a Menzies) I think I would probably walk around like I owned the place (because, why not?).
Thinking about all the things I would do if the world was ending in six days makes me wish I could live like the world was ending all the time but in reality, it's just not quite possible. Instead, I will just have to relax with my family and enjoy a peaceful Christmas.
Great motivation
If you are a fan of the walking dead, or even a zombie video game this is the ideal excersize for you.
Picture yourself racing through an intense obstacle course, mud on your face a group of other races around you, suddenly you start to hear a groaning coming from up ahead. around the next corner you see.... a group or zombies!!! This race is 5k's of intense obstacles littered with walkers. you have flags around your waist that the zombies have to try to pull off. At the end they usually have bands and different booths set up for spectators and racers to enjoy them selves.
Right now there is nothing like this in Winnipeg or in the surrounding areas. I personally think that this is something we should think about bringing here, I know I would participate!
http://www.runforyourlives.com/
Picture yourself racing through an intense obstacle course, mud on your face a group of other races around you, suddenly you start to hear a groaning coming from up ahead. around the next corner you see.... a group or zombies!!! This race is 5k's of intense obstacles littered with walkers. you have flags around your waist that the zombies have to try to pull off. At the end they usually have bands and different booths set up for spectators and racers to enjoy them selves.
Right now there is nothing like this in Winnipeg or in the surrounding areas. I personally think that this is something we should think about bringing here, I know I would participate!
http://www.runforyourlives.com/
Music Must
I have recently discovered a new music must!
I know that they have been becoming much more famous lately and I have definitly jumped on the band wagon! These guys are amazing you should give them a listen!
http://thelumineers.com/
I know that they have been becoming much more famous lately and I have definitly jumped on the band wagon! These guys are amazing you should give them a listen!
http://thelumineers.com/
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Bucket List
1.
Coachella
2.
Sky Dive
3.
Taj Mahal
4.
Climb a mountain
5.
West coast trail
6.
Thailand
7.
Get up and go
8.
See Broadway
9.
Pay for someones groceries
10.
Go on tour with a band
11.
Host an awesome A-List party
12.
Do a triathlon
13.
Go to the underground beach
14.
Attend a fashion show
15.
See the 7 wonders of the world
16.
Meet Zac Efron
17.
Meet Snoop Dogg
18.
Go to Rwanda
19.
Visit sponsor child
20.
See Ed Sheeran in concert
21.
Help someone accomplish their Dream
22.
Hike around the world
23.
Great Wall of China
24.
Carnival (Rio)
25.
Mardis Gras in New Orleans
26.
Ride an elephant
27.
Extra in an Oscar winning movie
28.
Ride and elephant
29.
Great Barrier Reef
30.
Parasailing
31.
Build a tree house
32.
Wine tasting in france
33.
Pasta making in Italy
34.
Visit Greece
35.
Make Beer
36.
Be in a live audience
37.
Meet Jimmy Fallon
38.
Crash a Wedding
39.
Bungee jump
40.
Visit Buckingham Palace
41.
Go to the super bowl
42.
Olympics
43.
Jet’s Game
44.
Euro Cup game
45.
Spend an entire year abroad
46.
Go on a camping trip with friends
47.
Pet a kangaroo
48.
Go to New York
49.
Pan for gold
50.
Get a tattoo
51.
Learn to surf
52.
Solve a Rubik’s cube
53.
Go on a hot air balloon ride
54.
Road trip
55.
Drive a Maserati
56.
Meet Ewan McGregor
57.
Swim in an infinity pool
58.
Paint party
59.
Swim with dolphins
60.
Go Zorbing
61.
New Years in New York
62.
Learn to SCUBA
63.
Eat fugu
64.
Swim in the Dead Sea
65.
Visit Jordan
66.
Document all the list Items I’ve completed
67.
Valley Fair
68.
White water rafting
69.
Shower in a waterfall
70.
Go to a rave
71.
See a Tasmanian devil
72.
Be on Wipeout Canada
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Reading reflection 11
@jordandyker: Read the pregnancy project, so inspiring and thought provoking. What will you do to change/break stereotypes? #RR11 @Cre8tiveHavoc
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Ever since I saw the first episode I knew that before I died, I wanted to meet the Buried Life boys, this is my story:
This was the first day i ever skipped a class (an an english exam at that). Me and my friend Jordan saw on facebook that the buried life were coming to the university of Manitoba. Of course, us being huge fans, we had to go. It didn't matter the consequences (we both skipped exams me: English her: French) we had to see these four inspirational (and hot) guys speak at the UofM.
Us not being students of the University we were unsure of where to go once we got there. So we came up with the logical conclusion of calling the University and the not quite as logical solution to look on the Buried Life website for the number instead of just googling the UofM. So once we had what we thought was the correct number for the university we called, however, much to our distress the heavily accented woman on the end of the line told us the boys had come and left last year and there was no record of them coming back. Devastated Jordan handed me the phone and I redialed the number to try and reach a different person to talk to. I questioned the odd area code but thought it was probably a special university thing when the person on the other line answered "Hello you've reached the University of Memphis how can I help you?" I hung up quickly (hoping to avoid any extra long distance fees) laughing at how we had obviously chosen the wrong UofM.
When we finally got there (after we figured out there was the big hall in the university center)we saw a huge line-up of students waiting to get into the room where they were speaking, not to be deterred we went and waited in line not knowing if we had to be students or not to get in. I honestly am still not quite sure if you were supposed to be a student to go see them speak but we went anyways.
I can honestly say it was an amazing experience. They had an excellent presentation and took the time to take pictures with everyone and have quick conversations with most after it was all over. Although we had to have groups of around 6 in a picture it was still great to meet the guys and see that even with this massive following, they are still pretty down to earth. I will always be a fan!
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Reading and Writing Reflection 10
Writing:
I think writing my twitter fiction went pretty well. At
first it was a struggle getting the hang of writing micro-form but eventually I
found a way that worked for me to do it. I found success when I started liking
what I was writing. To start I found writing about people I love (friends and
family) and worked my way up from there, writing about people I knew put
purpose into my writing and the purpose made me enjoy what I was writing.
Frustrations came when my inspiration dwindled and I hit a writer’s block, I
was having a really tough time coming up with more single tweet stories this is
when I realized that I should probably try doing at least one extended story.
This worked really well for me and I surpassed my writer’s block. I learned
that I have a hard time expanding into new forms of writing but once I get the
hang of it I do enjoy it. I think that I may even continue writing twitter
fiction, maybe not publishing it but keeping a journal or something. I was a
little self-conscious writing and publishing my twitter fiction on the internet
where everyone could see it, however, I got great response from others in the
class which encouraged me and made me excited to post more!
Reading:
I chose to read the Sasquatch twitter fiction! It was awesome;
it was in a way making fun of the new teen obsession with paranormal love
stories. Making light of the fact that Sasquatches are probably the least
attractive paranormal being but also convincing the audience that they can also
be loving creatures! It was excellent; I looked forward to the new chapter each
day. It was nice being able to read different forms of writing in Thursday’s class,
as of late I had felt a little restricted to books. Now however I have had my
break from books and would be happy reading either (book or internet)! I was
surprised while reading the twitter fiction how much I enjoyed having to wait
to read the rest of the book. When I am really into a book I can’t put it down
and read it all the way through, this way it forces me to take my time and
savour each chapter. Sometimes even re reading them just so that I was sure I
knew every detail before I read the next chapter. I really loved this part of
twitter fiction!
Twitter:
This assignment didn’t so much change my perspective as gave
me one. I did not have a twitter account before this and so I got to experience
it for the first time. I would say that before I had an account I thought twitter
was mainly for celebrity’s, drunk teenagers looking for attention and other
random people. I can now say it is much more than that, I think twitter can be
whatever you need it to be, a way to connect or publish. It is a great way for
people who normally wouldn’t get a voice to give their input in books or TV
shows etc… I think that as a class we could use twitter to recommend/discuss
books with each other and even as an extension of our blogs. For example if you
want a specific person to check out your blog, tweet them!
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
New ways to publish
In keeping with the twitter fiction theme and new forms of publishing stories, I have found one of the most interesting ways so far. Author Shelley Jackson has published her new book 'skin' on the epidermis of willing volunteers.
I have to say I love the idea of this, I would definitely willingly volunteer for her project. I think just knowing you are part of something world wide (and volunteers do come from all over the world) that will last forever is a very special feeling.
I also love how daring this project is, the entire story is not published anywhere and the only people who get to read the whole book are the people who volunteer to get inked.
There is something so special and deeply connecting about this project idea. These people that will never meet each other are still somehow connected by the fact that they share pieces that fit together in a big puzzle of words.
To find out more there is a link to an article and Shelley's website bellow:
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20040606&slug=tattoobook06
http://ineradicablestain.com/stain.html
And the picture is from pintrest, which is where I first heard of this incredible idea
I have to say I love the idea of this, I would definitely willingly volunteer for her project. I think just knowing you are part of something world wide (and volunteers do come from all over the world) that will last forever is a very special feeling.
I also love how daring this project is, the entire story is not published anywhere and the only people who get to read the whole book are the people who volunteer to get inked.
There is something so special and deeply connecting about this project idea. These people that will never meet each other are still somehow connected by the fact that they share pieces that fit together in a big puzzle of words.
To find out more there is a link to an article and Shelley's website bellow:
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20040606&slug=tattoobook06
http://ineradicablestain.com/stain.html
And the picture is from pintrest, which is where I first heard of this incredible idea
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
twitter fiction
1 He was
young, strong and brave, the virus could care less.
·2 One summer
she was happy and healthy. Something was said. The next summer she was skinny
and sad.
3 He builds her
up, strong and proud. Only to break her down, weak and small.
4 They said you
could do anything but shot down your wildest dreams, now get back to the office
5 Is the love
gone? The bullet left the barrel, no time for second guessing.
6 Who doesn’t
want to get lost? That’s what I was thinking when I left, now I’m not so sure.
7 Everything is
spotless, scrubbed clean. The only evidence was a small drop of blood left on
the floor.
8 “Come on” he
said “what could go wrong?” he never could have predicted the destruction of
everything he loved.
9 Her eyes lit
up with joy. He never saw his best friend come in the door behind him.
10 She was
nervous because being lonely was all she knew how to do. He was going to change
that
11 The light danced on the water almost like the fight never happened but it did and now you will never see him again
12 “Adventure is waiting” she whispered taking
your hand and leading you into the forest, “we just need to find it.”
13 Think about the way it felt holding her, the way she fit right in the
bend of your elbow, while she is in front of you requesting the keys.
14 It’s hard
watching, possibly your only friend in the world go from a healthy human being
to nothing at all.
15 Each bead
was a person, each color, a method, each string, a country. a cold blooded way
to keep track of the dead
16 You forgot
your ring when you left; I wear it close to my heart. A hidden love just like
me.
17 I’m
watching the country pass in a blur wondering why you said no.
18 The strong
soldier stood, one tear falling from his left eye.
19 “I promised
I’d do anything for you, I’m just following through” he whispered to himself
20 BANG the
sound was deafening but with that his tears fell to the ground with the rest of
his limp body.
21 When his
wife came to see the last place he stood she was awestruck
22 Amidst the
muddy plane there grew one single rose
23 It was the
most beautiful rose, fresh with dew mimicking the tears of a soldier.
24 When
she smelled the rose it was sweet, with
a musk much like that of the soldier
25 Ironic
since, it was the soldiers tears that allowed it to grow.
26 Ten years
later the plane was turned into the most beautiful garden, but the rose bush in
the middle was the most magnificent plant in the garden.
27 He was on a
crazy break away, everyone was cheering when someone hit him from behind. The
hit that changed his life.
28 He woke up
in a hospital bed unable to move his feet and in incredible pain. The taste of blood in his mouth
29 It felt
like his life was over, no more hockey and no high school diploma left him with
a bleak future and a severe case of depression
30 Someone
suggested coaching and he realized life wasn’t over; he could coach others to
greatness.
31 Ten years later he went back to find the guy
that hit him, to thank him for the opportunity to coach all the way to the
Stanley Cup.
Monday, 26 November 2012
This is an amazing movie and i would love to read the book that the movie is based on. I think that usually the book is better than the movie and the movie was amazing. The acting was flawless and the story line was amazing and dynamic. I think that this movie was probably the best performance Zack Galifinakis has ever done. I could watch this movie a million times and it would probably never get old. Go watch it!!
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Dream Vacation
I cannot think of anything I would rather do than hit up an amazing music festival with my friends, an added bonus if that festival is in the desert near California. If I had a million dollars (musical pun) I would take all of my friends to the Coachella music festival. It's a full weekend of concerts that range in genre from rap to pop to alternative. It's gotten press recently for it's hologram performance by Tupac, however other music greats perform there regularly. Although the list isn't out yet some people that have performed in the past are: Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Mumford and Sons, Arcade Fire, Andrew Bird, Bon Iver, Black Keys, Swedish House Mafia, Frank Ocean, Arctic Monkeys, I could go on. I can't imagine how fun it would be to camp out in the desert for three night watching all these amazing bands and having the opportunity to meet some famous people (even they are enticed by the festival)!
Music Must (idea snagged from sarah's blog)
The Shout Out Louds.
The Shout Out Louds are one of my favorite bands. They put me into a great mood if I'm feeling low and keep me in a great mood if I'm not. It was a toss up as to whether I should post this or not as they are one of the best kept secrets in music I think, but it would be selfish of me not to share them. They are from Stockholm Sweden and have some of the best Indie Pop out there. I love the variety in the music on their album Our Ill Wills and would love to see them in concert one day!!
Monday, 19 November 2012
Writing reflection #9
I have completed about seventeen
tweets out of 30. I have chosen to write the short short stories and not the
extended twitter fiction. I selected this style of writing because I feel it is
more complete. I am not a huge fan of things that don’t flow and to me the
extended twitter fiction does not flow right. It’s choppy and inconsistent. I
am finding it very hard to create a good story using only 140 characters or
less, it’s hard for me to even think of one story not to mention 30 little ones.
I am thinking of doing some extended tweets only consisting of three tweets,
one for introduction, one for climax, and one for resolve. I am considering
this because it is hard to create a complete story that I am sure that everyone
will comprehend. What I mean by that is, I am trying to use creative and clever
ways to create a complete story but I am not sure if other people will read
them and understand all of the words that were left unsaid. So far in my list
of to-do’s I have over half of the required tweets, I have included all of the
dialogue needed and I have some pretty good ideas of what I want for visuals. I
think I need to work on the V/A/S/K part of the to-do list. I am having lots of
trouble with the character development also. I can’t figure out how to develop
a character in 140 characters. It doesn’t seem possible to do it in the style
of twitter fiction I chose to do. It’s a toss-up, do I focus on the story
development or the character development. This will have to be an area I focus
on if I do a three tweet series. I feel this project is more catered to the
longer series of tweets than to individual tweets.
Friday, 16 November 2012
reading reflection 9
Mercy
Jodi Picoult
Read pages 207-380
The book is really picking up now.
So
much has happened since the last time I checked in and I just want to sit down
and finish it.
As
a usual Jodi Picoult book does the book has switched focus from before. As I
predicted, Allie found out about Mia. I loved her reaction (selling all of his
clothes) because I think it represents a huge change in her character. Before
Allie was small and meek and shy and she would do whatever Cam asked her to do.
Now however, she holds the cards because she was the one who was hurt. I was
surprised however that she chose to cheat on Cam as well but realized it was
not going to become a trend when she started to cry. I predict that her doing
that will come back and bite her at the end now that things are resolving
between the two of them.
When
Allie was in her shop burning the flowers and they mentioned that one of the
flowers that accidentally caught on fire signified the death of someone close. I
thought for sure that it was going to be Cam or Mia. It turned out to be Angus
but I’m not so sure he was the one that the flower was hinting at.
As
for the trial, things are going excellent in my opinion. If I were a jury
member I would say that the defendant should go free, no charges. Graham is
doing a wonderful job defending Jamie and I still predict that He will walk
free.
I
realized that the whole time I was reading I was making text-to-text
connections. As I’ve said before this book is extremely similar to other Jodi Picoult
books! Especially the trial scenes, she always uses a court in her books.
Writing reflection #4
Better late
than never right?
So
for this writing reflection we are supposed to reflect on our six word memoirs.
I took a look back on how things went with my memoirs and what I would have
done differently and I came up with a few things.
First
off I thought that if I were to re-do the project I would probably have used
pictures that I took myself after the initial writing process because I found
that I changed my memoirs to go with the pictures instead of the other way
around (the way it probably should be). If a picture did not match up with the
memoir I changed the memoir, once or twice completely, so that it would go with
the picture I had chosen. I feel it would have been more meaningful to create
or take images of things that went with the actual memoir.
The
second thing I would have change is switched up the editing on some of the
pictures. I find looking back that they all look the same in that they are all
faded and saturated. I think that if I changed the editing I would make the
editing correspond with the theme of the memoir more. For example if it was a
sad memoir I would have brought out the blues and dulled the saturation. If it were
a happy themed memoir I would have brightened it, and a nostalgic memoir I would
have used about the same editing technique that I used for most of them.
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Seasons
http://goo.gl/O6KaZ
For me the seasons influence how creative I can be. For
example at the beginning of school (Fall) I feel like I want to be creative but
have a hard time thinking of something creative to do. I work better under
guidelines or with an idea already planted. I wish I could teach myself to drop
everything and just create. Winter is a difficult time for me to be creative.
The lack of sunshine and how little time I spend outdoors definitely influence
this drop in creative juices. Everything blends into one grey blob, just like
it is outside. I think this probably has a lot to do with the fact that I am
right in the middle of the school year and am surrounded by structure and
homework. Also, not getting out to the lake very often doesn't help either because;
I am probably most creative at my cabin. When spring finally comes around I
feel lighter and less grey, creativeness is brought out once again with the
warm weather. However I am still in school so creativeness is not at its full
as of yet. And then comes summer, the most creative season of all for me. I am
at my cabin, there is no school and I can do whatever I want whenever I want.
It is the best season of all for creative projects, for example me and my dad
made my bed one summer and this last summer I painted my room.
Monday, 5 November 2012
Writing Reflection
This
post we are looking at the Newspaper blackout poetry, I can honestly say that
this was one of my favorite assignments so far. I love being creative but I
work best with a bit of a guideline, I loved the poems because they exude so
much emotion. It is so spur of the moment to just sit down and find words that
speak to you. I think this would make an excellent coping exercise because it
is coming straight from the heart. I liked this project a lot because even
though there were guidelines, they weren’t exactly set in stone. We could
decide for ourselves whether or not we wanted to black out pictures or how long
we wanted our poems to be. I loved that this project was also very
aesthetically pleasing along with being creative. I think that comparing it to
other types of writing this would have to be one of my favorites. I am not
really a huge fan of long forms of writing (stories, essays etc…) so this short
form really spoke to me. I think that it would work well for a future art
project or something along those lines because it is so creative but still nice
to look at. I guess I mostly learned that I do really prefer shorter forms of
writing to longer ones while doing this project. I learned that, for me, it is
easier to borrow words than write new ones. In conclusion, I really like this
project!
reading reflection #8
Book: Mercy
Author: Jodi Picoult
Pages read: 59-207
As I said
before I am not usually a fan of Jodi Picoults writing style because I find it
repetitive so as expected my predictions came true. Mia and Cam did start an
affair and I really just had to roll my eyes. However, I am intrigued on the
possible back story between Cam and Mia. I was wondering if it would end at
simply Cam had seen her from a distance on a vacation, I really hope that it
doesn’t. I was thinking about what Mia represents to Cam, I think she
represents the freedom that he will probably never have. He is anchored to his
town while she has no anchor to keep her anywhere. I predict that by the end of
the book Allie will find out and probably react in an extreme way maybe by
killing Mia or herself. That is my prediction for the end of the book.
As far
as the trial goes I am predicting that Jamie will go free. I think that everyone
can sympathize with him, what he did was out of love. I don’t understand Cam’s
frigidity towards Jamie, I think Cam might be jealous of the love that Jamie
had for his wife because he does not love Allie enough to kill her. I was
wondering while I was reading about the defense that Graham was going to use
why there are so many holes in the assisted suicide case. I think that if they
used all the neighbors and even the confession they could for sure get
assisted suicide to pass. I’m hoping that Jamie gets what he wants; he has been
through so much already I think that if the trial continues for much longer he
will not be able to handle it.
As far
as text connections go, most are obvious text to world connections for example
the trial, the cheating and the 60:40 ratio in the relationship. It is hard for
me to connect with this book because It is about older issues, teenagers don’t
generally deal with cancer, cheating or murder trials.
Monday, 29 October 2012
Reading reflection 7
Mercy
Jodi Picoult
Read Pages 1-59
While I
have read many Jodi Picoult books before I have never really liked her writing
style. To me it seems like she has an idea and writes it without much research,
this book however is different. I find that she goes into just the right amount
of detail about the past of the clan and why they are essentially trapped in
Wheelock. It gives the book a whole other dimension that I’m sure will come
into play when the “twist” starts to occur.
A few
predictions I had while reading the book were that for one the past of the clan
will come into play in a big way. I’m not too sure how she is going to do it
but I think that Uncle Angus is on to something saying that Cam’s Great Great
Great Grandfather is not happy. A second prediction that I made is that Cam and
Mia will have an affair. Although Cam says he loves his wife it doesn’t seem
like he does. I feel like he just says it because it is another one of his
obligations. I think he is attracted to Mia because she is a world traveler and
that is something that he aspires to be.
A huge
question that came up for me was near the end of my reading Mia and Cam had
officially met, Cam asks her “Do I know you?” and she thinks back “Yes, I think
maybe you do.”. There are so many possibilities here as to why they might know
each other. The first might be that History
repeats itself and this potential affair could be mirroring events that
happened in the past. A second is that Mia is involved with the murder. It is a
little suspicious to me that she showed up to Wheelock the day of this huge and
unusual crime, maybe she is not as innocent as she seems.
A
connection that I made while reading was a text to world connection. This being
about the idea of assisted suicide. My mom told me about a case where a mother
went to jail for killing her two sons who were suffering from Huntington’s, her
sons were suffering so badly that she could not stand to watch without doing
anything so she killed them. I know people have their own opinions on things
like assisted suicide however I think that Jamie did the right thing. There is
no point to living in pain when there is no hope of recovery; I think it is
better to die with dignity than losing your mind slowly after being trapped in
a body that is shutting down. I think that a letter from his wife saying that
she consented to the whole thing would have made the situation easier but at
the same time I can appreciate the reason they didn’t have one.
Character iPhone: One Mississippi
Character iPhone front: Apps
iLingo AB- Daniel uses this app to keep up with the slang in Alabama.
Sonny&Cher tube- Daniel and Tim both have this app and use it to watch Sonny and Cher on the go as well as comment on episodes.
House Tracker- Daniel uses this app to track where he has lived over the years.
Dancing 101- Daniel downloaded this app in hopes of learning some new dance moves for the prom.
InStyle AB- Daniel and Tim consulted this app before choosing thier tuxes for the prom.
Medic!Nose Bleed- Daniel gets nose bleeds so often that he keeps this app on his phone so he knows what to do in a pinch.
XCountry Messanger- This app provides free messaging across the U.S, Daniel uses it so he can stay in touch with old friends.
Moving Truck Tracker- After the previous moving truck disaster Daniel downloaded this app for future moves so he ca keep track of the families belongings.
How 2 Cut Grass- This app comes with lots of tips and tricks for keeping the grass short.
Weather Comparer- When Daniel first moved to Alabama he was missing home so much that he decided to download this app so he would always know what the weather was like in Indiana.
Character iPhone back: The back of Daniels iPhone is a blue tuxedo with a green tie and a pink corsage. I did it this way because so far in my reading this is Daniels biggest moment, stepping out of the car looking sharp. It was a big deal for him and Tim to get these powdery blue tuxedos but they went out and did it together. I think this really represents the strength in their friendship. Even though they had ordered the standard Navy tuxedo's they decided they could rock the sky blue as long as they did it together. It shows strength in the face of potential crisis.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
http://jamesstruthers.com/
Another great musician only this guy is a local! He graduated from St.Pauls high school a couple of years ago and is trying to make a career out of his musical talents. I can tell you that I really love his laid back style, very similar to Jack Johnson's type. He has been featured on Keeping Up With the Kardashians (I know this is not the best show to be featured on but good for him!) he plays around town and is incredibly good live. Take a listen to his music and let me know what you think! (I suggest looking up you me and optimus prime on you tube, probably the best videa I've ever seen)
Another great musician only this guy is a local! He graduated from St.Pauls high school a couple of years ago and is trying to make a career out of his musical talents. I can tell you that I really love his laid back style, very similar to Jack Johnson's type. He has been featured on Keeping Up With the Kardashians (I know this is not the best show to be featured on but good for him!) he plays around town and is incredibly good live. Take a listen to his music and let me know what you think! (I suggest looking up you me and optimus prime on you tube, probably the best videa I've ever seen)
http://www.kodaline.com/
This is a website that you won't be able to access on the school computers. I highly suggest that you check it out though! This is a band I discovered warching Grey's Anatomy. I fell in love with their song "All I Want" it's beautiful and emotional. Unlike most bands that I find where I only like the one song, I listened to the rest of the songs and realized that I loved them! Please check them out and leave a comment on whether or not you liked their music :)
This is a website that you won't be able to access on the school computers. I highly suggest that you check it out though! This is a band I discovered warching Grey's Anatomy. I fell in love with their song "All I Want" it's beautiful and emotional. Unlike most bands that I find where I only like the one song, I listened to the rest of the songs and realized that I loved them! Please check them out and leave a comment on whether or not you liked their music :)
Monday, 22 October 2012
Question #1
I have to say that I have been doing a lot of thinking about
what I want to do after high school. There is a lot of pressure on all of us to
decide now what we want to do for the rest of our lives. This is an unattainable
expectation because we have no idea what the world is going to throw at us or
what we may fall in love with in a few years. Think about it; say we decided
today that we want to be an astronaut so we shut ourselves out of all of the
arts programs but ten years from now we end up hating our job as an astronaut
and wish we had become a lawyer instead. That would entail going back to school
for up to 8 years and that complete change in career paths would cause a lot of
stress on us and our family. That is why there is so much pressure on us as
teenagers to decide what we want to do and make the decision that is right,
whether it’s for a comfortable lifestyle or an eccentric one. We really don’t
know how we will be feeling in ten plus years when we don’t know how family
friends the economy or our location will affect us. I would love to suggest
that taking a year off to discover yourself is the answer to all the problems
of deciding your life at an early age but the reality is most of us just want
to be done with school, we want to “get it over with” so to speak. Waiting
around until a career path falls in your lap just isn’t a realistic way of
dealing with the stress. I know that life is long (it’s the longest thing you’ll
ever do) but nobody wants to spend their whole life going to school to figure
out what they love. At the same time I’m afraid I’ll end up going with a career
path that was more or less laid out for me and the only reason I choose that
particular path is because it was secure and had a generous income. The issue
with this is I could find myself stuck in a job I don’t have any passion for
and end up staying at because I don’t hate it enough to quit. My real fear is
never finding what I love.
Question #2
Comment #1: http://sjkennedy95.blogspot.ca/2012/10/blog-post_19.html?showComment=1350914727308
I commented on Sarah’s
blog, I really like this picture and the comment you wrote about that wasted minutes
add up, thinking about that what is your opinion on movies? If you think about
it it is kind of a waste of time to be sitting in front of a screen for two
hours when often there are things to do. I obviously watch movies like everyone
else but do you think all of those hours that go into the movies are wasted minutes
adding up, or time well spent?
I was thinking about how much time people waste on tv and
video games and once I saw Sarah’s post I had to comment. She suggests that every
wasted minute adds up and I thought what about those wasted hours? Sure some
movies make you think but those movies could probably be shortened into shorted
segments and I am pretty sure that James Bond is not a real thinking movie.
Even though movies can be fun and entertaining why not instead make your own
adventure? I’ve definitely been inspired be movies and T.V shows but I wonder
how I can inspire others. I am not suggesting that movies are bad and we
shouldn’t watch them but next time you sit down to a movie maybe make a mental
note on what you could have been doing instead. This will force us to realize
that we are missing out on life because of all of our time spent on screens
instead of outdoors in the fresh air getting exercise. Just to add a bit of
irony to this post, just think of Wall-E, we don’t want to turn into fat
floating blobs instead of people.
Comment #2: http://jdcreativewriting.blogspot.ca/2012/09/six-word-memoir-5.html?showComment=1350915028218
I commented on Jamie’s blog, this is a beautiful sentiment.
I love that you can look at this picture and remember that there is sunshine in
dark places. Have you ever used this thought to get you through any rough times
you may have had? What other coping mechanisms have you used in the past?
I was looking at Jamie’s blog and loved her explanation of
her six word memoir; it made me wonder if this was something that she looked at
when she was feeling down. I think that everybody uses different things to cope
with sadness and grief and I thought the way she put her description was just
so beautiful she could probably even help other people dealing with difficult
times with this thought.
I think that even if people end up stumbling across your
blog they will enjoy the thought you have put into your posts. Your
creativeness might keep them coming back! Have you ever stumbled upon any websites
that you have enjoyed and gone back to? If so what was it?
I think that this is an example of somebody underestimating themselves. Sam said he didnt think that people would return to his blog after stumbeling upon it the first time. I think that people will come back because of all of the creative thought he has put into his blog. Everything is well laid out and there is lots of artistic posts that will keep people intersted. I wondered if he had found any other web sites that he had found because I would love to check them out and see what kind of things catch Sams eye.
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