Reading Notes: Aesop's Fables (Jacobs), Part A

Bibliography: The Fables of Aesop by Joseph Jacobs, Unit 1 found here.

Notes:
I really enjoy reading fables, especially because of the animal characters. Every different animal has its own distinct characteristics, talents and hindrances. For example, lions are universally feared, foxes are regarded as clever tricksters, and mice are generally friendly. I would like to write my story with human characters, but perhaps using similar characteristics to create distinct personalities. I really like the morals at the end of each story as well. I was surprised to notice similarities between some of the morals in the stories and modern stories. The Lion's Share reminded me immediately of George Orwell's political anti-communist novel, Animal Farm. The story The Hare with Many Friends told the saddest story, in my opinion. A seemingly happy social butterfly realizes that his friends are only superficial, and this realization is overwhelmingly lonely. I think I'd like to include a character like the Hare in that story, but with a happier outlook, and certainly less lonely. I'd also like to include an antagonist that gets braver as the story goes on, much like the fox in The Fox and the Lion. I can't help but laugh at the dog who drops his food into the pond in The Dog and the Shadow. I would like to write a character like that for comic relief. I think these stories are sparking my interest, and I'm excited to put some ideas on paper.

Illustration of The Dog and the Shadow by Walter Crane. Found here.

Growth Mindset

I had not heard of Carol Dweck nor the concept of Growth Mindset before this week. I have, however, had similar discussions with my father about education systems and the way we reward students. I tend to struggle with a fixed mindset. School was very easy for me for most of my life, and when I began struggling with new concepts, I felt stupid if I did not understand something immediately. It really started to affect me very negatively, so much so that I was often quite unhappy with myself. I think what I started to focus my energy on is the idea that it is alright, even good, to be wrong. Being wrong presents an opportunity to learn and improve, which is something we should always want to do. I like that Carol extends the definition of growth mindset beyond the classroom, and into relationships and personal life. This is a neat concept, and I hope it motivates me to change some habits. Something that I am focusing on is the concept of happiness. I like to ask myself, "am I happy?" and, "am I bringing happiness to others?". These questions help remind me that there is very little that I can control, and that everything is going to be alright. 

This image speaks directly to me. Rest is vital to maintaining a positive mindset. Found on Laura Gibbs' Growth Mindset Meme Page. 

Tips for Starting the Semester

Some of my favorite ways to prepare for a successful semester include printing lecture notes, communicating with professors, and meeting classmates. Many professors post lecture or power point notes on D2L, or now Canvas, at the beginning of the semester. I find it best to print off any notes available as early as possible. Look over the next lecture's notes before you actually go to lecture. Things will make a lot more sense, and you will already have some questions in mind that the professor will probably answer in class. In addition, I like to take handwritten notes directly on the lecture notes I have printed out. You remember things better when you write them down by hand. Talk to your professors, especially in person. They like to match a face to a name. Professors are incredible resources and can lead to references, internships, or jobs. Visit during office hours, because most students don't, and your professor will remember that when it counts. Get to know your classmates as well! You never know when you might miss class and need to catch up on what you missed. Also, you're going to see your classmates around campus, and it will be much nicer to say hi to each other as opposed to awkwardly ignoring one other. Plus, you might have more classes together, or you could become best friends.

Photo of students studying. Wikimedia.

Reading Options

Week Two Choice: Myth Folklore Unit: Aesop's Fables (Jacobs)
I am not very familiar with Aesop's Fables, at least not to my knowledge, but the description said they have been very influential for over 200 years, so that is why I am choosing to read them.

Other Interesting Units:
Myth Folklore Unit: Native American Hero Tales
This unit caught my attention because I am interested in Native American spirituality and identity. I figured this would be a good way to understand Native American culture.

Myth Folklore Unit: The Monkey King Sun Wu Kung
I am interested in Asian mythology, and the Monkey King is apparently a very famous character in Chinese folklore and literature.

Myth Folklore Unit: King Arthur
I grew up loving the stories of King Arthur and the knights of the round table. The tales of bravery, magic and betrayal have stuck with me throughout my life. I'm looking forward to going back over these stories.


This is the image from the Monkey King Sun Wu Kung unit. I like the artwork and style.
The Monkey King by Yoshitoshi.

Storybook Favorites

Hero Visa Pending by Elizabeth Harper

The story Hero Visa Pending is told through the eyes of Hades' stand-in receptionist, Kyle, who is in charge of making heroes wishing to enter the underworld fill out the proper paperwork required for admittance. The topic caught my attention because of the casual office setting described and the nonchalant, humorous depiction of Hades, god of the underworld. I like that the writer used stories outside traditional Greco-Roman mythology. It shows creative playfulness in writing, and the interactions of characters from entirely different worlds make for an interesting storyline.
The author was very thoughtful in crafting her stories, and I think she was very creative in weaving together characters from different backgrounds. I know a little about all of the individual 'heroes' we encounter, but the writer goes into great detail to explain each story's background.

Deeper Into the Forest by Emily Suderman

The story Deeper Into the Forest introduces our hero, an adventurous prince, in a dark, scary forest. The introduction set the scene extremely well, and leaves the reader wanting more. I was attracted to this story because of the engaging introduction that leaves the reader on a cliffhanger, and because I know very little about the stories of the Brothers Grimm. I was intrigued to find out the hero's complete story, as well as be introduced to stories with which I am unfamiliar. The images throughout the stories add to the mystery and intrigue of the dark forest setting. As for design, the natural wood background positively contributed to creating a 'forest' setting for the reader.

Titan Tales no author listed

The introduction to Titan Tales immediately reels me in for a couple reasons. I am familiar with the stories of Prometheus and Atlas, and I love the idea that the brothers are doing group counseling. The humorous aspect draws me in every time, and the description of the brothers' different personalities is very creative. I wanted to read more immediately, especially to learn more about the other Titans. The stories explore the emotional states and psyches of the fallen Titans, and it gives them human characteristics. The brothers bicker like real siblings might, and the therapist serves as a mother figure that keeps them in check. The writing is really expressive and makes me believe they might interact like that in real life.

 
This is the image from the Hero Visa Pending story by Elizabeth Harper. I thought this was a good depiction of the setting that the introduction described. I imagine Hades would have quite a foyer in which heroes wait and fill out paperwork. Image of hotel foyer design from 3D house - hotel.

Week 1 Introduction to Thorpe

My name is Thorpe Mayes, and I am a 24 year old Junior studying Creative Media Production in Gaylord College at the University of Oklahoma. I currently work in Gaylord for OUTV and KXOU as a remote operations manager. That just means I'm in charge of setting up our live feed at any remote locations we cover. I enjoy good books, such as Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises and Orwell's 1984, as well as any of the Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Some of my favorite movies include The Departed, American Psycho, Ex Machina, Fight Club, and anything Wes Anderson or Quentin Tarantino, as well as most of the James Bond films. I like to listen to music by artists such as Flume, Chet Faker, Banks, Toro y Moi, SBTRKT, Shlohmo, Jack Garratt, Mura Masa and billions more. I got to see most of these artists at various festivals in 2014, most notably Coachella. It was amazing. I am studying Creative Media Production with a focus on Corporate and Commercial Media and Cinematography. I would like to be a director or cinematographer when I grow up. I like to laugh, but I love making other people laugh. Sometimes it doesn't work because I'm often the only one who laughs at my jokes. I grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and I went to high school at Norman North. I have travelled internationally to Italy, Mexico and Nicaragua, and domestically to many states south of the Mason-Dixon line. In my free time I like to travel, camp and hike, play and watch soccer, ride my bicycle, play chess and dominoes,  produce music, take photos and make videos, and drink whisky. I absolutely love Hispanic and Asian foods of all kinds. Last Spring Break I went on a road trip with some friends. We travelled to Colorado Springs, Chaco Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Tucson. Aussi, je parle un peu de français.  If you'd like to know anything else, feel free to ask!

This is one of my favorite sunset photos. I took this photo from the top of the parking garage at the OU football stadium. 

Week 1 Storytelling: Hector the Green

Hector Protector was dressed all in green;

Hector Protector was sent to the Queen.

The Queen did not like him,

Nor more did the King;

So Hector Protector was sent back again.

(traditional nursery rhyme)

~~~

Hector the Green

There was once a young boy named Hector who dreamt of being a knight. 

Since he was born, all Hector wanted to do was fight. When he was 5, he protected his mum from a man with a knife. Using only a spoon and all of his might, he chased the bad many away into the night. 

When Hector was 8, as if by some fate, he defended a seamstress called Kate. She was so grateful and wanted to thank young Hector, but she had no money to give. All she could fashion was a shiny green cape. Hector was reluctant to accept the gift, but Kate insisted. So he obliged, and wore his new cloak with pride. 

By the time Hector was 12 he had made a name for himself as a skilled fighter and swordsman. So much so that he was often told he would make a formidable knight. So Hector decided that he wanted to become a knight.
To do so, he journeyed to the largest castle in the land to see the King and Queen. The castle was far away from Hector's home, and it took him many days to get there. Once he arrived, he asked to speak to the King and Queen so that they might make him a knight. The court granted his request, and he awaited the King and Queen in the grand ballroom.
When the King and Queen arrived, Hector was summoned before them. He knelt. "What is your name, boy?" asked the Queen.
"Hector, your majesty," replied Hector.
"And what is it that you want, Hector?" interjected the King.
"I want to become a knight, to serve as your protector, sire," said Hector.
"Oh really?" mocked the King. "How could a boy as young as yourself possibly protect us?"
Hector pleaded his case, citing his many victories in duals and encounters with evil men. The King and Queen listened to his story, and whispered to each other for a moment.
Finally, the Queen spoke. "Hector," she said. "You are brave beyond measure, and your stories are wonderful, but we cannot allow you to become a knight."
Hector was crushed. "Why not?" he asked.
"Frankly," said the King, "you are too... green."
"Green?" said a puzzled Hector.
"What my dear husband means," added the Queen, "is that you are far too young to defend us with your life. Perhaps when you have grown in body and mind, we might reconsider. But for now, your place is at home with your family."
"But-," started Hector.
"Our decision is final," grumbled the King. "You are dismissed. Return home at once, and do not return until you are a man."
Hector was crushed. Though he could return and try again, years felt like too long of a wait. Hector mounted his horse, and rode away in tears.

My idea of the boy Hector Protector, dressed in green. Painting titled Prince Sigismund Casimir Vasa of Poland in Polish costume, circa 1644, by Peter Danckerts de Rij.

~~~

Author's Note: Hector Protector is a very simple nursery rhyme, as you can see. I imagined Hector Protector as a knight because of the 'protector' in the name, and the reference to king and queen. I chose to use Hector's 'green' garb as a metaphor for his youth. Youth would provide a fitting reason for the king and queen sending him away. Naturally they would want a protector to be around them, so there must be another reason for their not liking him. I gave him a little back story to the 'protector' name, in the form of protecting his mother and the seamstress. The seamstress served to provide the literal green that Hector wears.

~~~

Bibliography: The story is based on the nursery rhyme "Hector Protector" in The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang.
Photo of painting Prince Sigismund Casimir Vasa of Poland in Polish costume, circa 1644, by Peter Danckerts de Rij, available at Wikimedia.

My Favorite Places

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

View overlooking a valley at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo credits to Robert Corby at the German language Wikipedia. Image web source: Wikimedia.

Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I visited the unique rock formation during a Spring Break road trip last semester. The park is a popular destination for hikers, climbers and campers. There are plenty of trails for adventurers of all ages and technical abilities. The view at sunset is serene, and from the Garden, one can see the towering Pike's Peak. It really is a beautiful place, and I can see why the park attracts roughly 2 million visitors a year. I plan on going back this fall!

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