Week 7 Story: Apartment 4D

Jess had had it. It was exhausting. Living with three other dudes was mentally draining. To add to the misery, Coach was moving back in, so make that four dudes. Nick, Schmidt and Winston were so excited to have their old friend back. Jess was at her breaking point though, she was thinking of moving out and running away to another city. She was in between jobs, teaching wasn't going too great for her at the moment. Her best friend Cece was thinking of moving back home to India, so she really had no roots keeping her in the city of Los Angeles. Jess and Nick had long broken up, so she certainly didn't have a boyfriend holding her back. Jess was thinking of moving back to Portland, where all her family lived, her mom, dad and sister, Abby.

It was time to tell the boys that she was leaving. As Jess rounded up everyone in the living room, she began to think over the past memories she had in this loft, and felt a little emotional. All the guys staggered in, really confused what was going on. Nick and Schmidt were bickering about something stupid, as usual, and Winston still was looking for his cat, Ferguson. In a panic, Jess started rambling on and on about a bird she saw earlier that day, nervous to tell everyone she was leaving. Back to Portland she goes. All the guys were shocked, but that wore all quick as everyone started screaming at once. No one wanted her to go, it was something they hadn't seen coming. Jess started telling them how she didn't feel like she belonged anywhere anymore. The guys were all so upset at this news, telling Jess in their different ways that she was a vital part of the loft and their friendship. At this news, Jess started crying and decided maybe all the stress of living with these boys could have been worth it. She just didn't see what was right in front of her.

Author's Note: As I was thinking of what to write for this story, New Girl, the tv show, popped up on tv and I was instantly hooked. I have loved that show for a long time, so I wanted to rewrite it with Indian Epics elements wrapped into it. Instead of running away from the losing battle, Jess is running away from her battle of being the only girl living in an apartment with four dudes. Her final argument, aka battle, was with the guys after they found out she was thinking of leaving. I only took the general plot from the original story and made my own version of what I think that learning opportunity would be if told now days.

Source: Duryodhana in the Lake from Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

 
(Apartment 4D: wikimedia)

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part D

Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

Duryodhana in the Lake is one of those stories that really stood out to me. The Kauravas at this point had fled in terror after Karna had been killed. Kripa told Duryodhana that peace was to come as the warriors had been killed. Duryodhana was scared of everything he had done to the Pandavas and that they would not accept his plea for mercy. Duryodhana realized that the war would have to continue till the end. Shalya was the new leader of the Kaurava's army, which had decreased in numbers greatly. The Pandavas were fighting warriors that never ceased so on the eighteenth day Duryodhana decided to run away, taking with him his mace. He had the power to hide in the water for as long as he needed, so he dove into the lake and hide beneath the water's surface.

Shalya was eventually killed by Yudhishthira, and he fell hard. Sahadeva killed the fake Shakuni and Bhima killed all of Duryodhana's brother that had survived. The only remaining heroes left of the Kaurava's army were Ashwathaman, Kirpa and the hidding Duryodhana. Bhima eventually discovered where Duryodhana was hidding and Yudhishthira went to the lake to tell him to come out. Duryodhana told the Pandavas to take him kingdom as he was going to the woods for meditation in exile. Duryodhana and Yudhishthira fought back and forth. Eventually, Duryodhana and Bhima fought in battle and Duryodhana was slain. Bhima's destiny was fulfilled and Draupadi was avenged. Yudhishthira was not happy though, as this death would look bad on all of them. Arjuna took Bhima away. Yudhishthira knelt by Duryodhana and asked what he should do to honor Duryodhana, as he had been cheated in battle. Krishna tried to find the balance in everything that had happened, as all the bad equaled each other out. Krishna easied the venegful spirit of Balarama and told him not to cause any more battles.


(Duryodhana in the Lake: wikimedia)

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part C

Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

Riddles at the Lake was one story that really stood out to me throughout the section of readings. The Pandava had been in exile for twelve years at this point in the woods. One last challenge blocked them though from this exit of survival. A stag with twig antlers was sprinting away through the woods, and they were instructed to catch it. The twigs were needed to start a fire. After chasing the stag, they were all exhausted so they needed to rest and drink some water. Yudhishthira had sent Nakula to the river, but said not to drink from it until he had answered the question. Nakula was so thirsty though, he completely forgot about all the fear of the Yudhishthira. As he drank from the waters, he died. Sahadeva followed his brother andgazed upon the pool, and even though he heard the voice too, he drank from the pool. He died.

Arjuna approached the water and demanded the voice show itself. He ended up drinking from the river, along with Bhima, and they both fell dead. Yudhishthira approached his brothers and saw them all dead, and asked the voice to appear. The voice claimed he was yaksha and he had warned his brothers to not drink the water. Yudhishthira told the yaksha to ask his questions and so it began. The yaksha asked a multitude of questions, each one being answered by Yudhishthira with a sense of wisdom and knowledge. After all the questions had been answered, the voice revealed himself as Dharma, the god of wisdom and justice. Dharma granted Yudhishthira two boons, and then he asked Dharma to bring his brothers back to life. So Dharma accepted this request and brought his brothers back and gave the brothers all the power to claim the thrown and to never be challenged.


(Pandava's Exile: wikimedia)

Biography: An Italian Paradise

Italy is the country I fell in love with, and it only took two weeks when I was only eighteen years old. I had only ever been out of the country twice, to go to Mexico, so to say the least I had never been so excited. I could have lived without the flight that seemed to last forever, but it was worth it. The trip that inspired me to study their language for two years in college, and the country that drove my passion for culture, food, and fashion. From traveling to Venice, Rome, and cities throughout Tuscany, there isn't a day I don't wish I was back there. The beautiful thing about Italy is that everyone can name multiple cities they have heard of. It is a country of rich history and nature that enamor the tourist that get the opportunity to visit. To the cities I haven't been able to travel to yet in Italy, Florence, Milan, Naples, Sicily, Capri, and many more, I will come back to my home away from home.

Note: I wanted to write my story in the first person point of view so the reader could experience my vacation in a more indulgent manor. But rather the vacation itself, I want the reader to experience the love I developed for Italy from that trip alone. I want the story to come alive and the best way I know how to is to speak to my reader, as if it is written just for them.

(Italian Vineyard by me)

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part B

Wife of the Five Pandavas is the one story that stood out to me the most. The Pandava brothers went towards their mother, Kunti, to tell her that had a marvelous gift. Kunti told her sons to share the gift, as they become a foundation of brotherhood. Yudhishthira, one of the brothers, told their mother that the gift was Princess Draupadi. Arjuna had won her at the "auction" of sorts for wives (might I add, I find great offense to this). Kunti becomes a little upset at the idea of this and the fatal consequences that may follow. Arjuna then said how he had won the princess and so she was destined to be his bride. They begin to bicker a little and decide that Drupada should have the final say in who Princess Draupadi should marry. Every Pandava desired to have her as bride though. King Drupada was sad his daughter had been sent away and sent his son away in disguise to see what was happening with his daughter. When Drupada's son returned with what had just happened, the king was happy that the brothers were kshatriyas and not the brahmins. Drupada sent word to the Pandavas that there would be a wedding feast, so the Pandavas went. The brothers tell Drupada that Arjuna had won Draupadi. Drupada visibly ecstatic. Drupada invited the Pandavas to stay at the palace for a couple of days so the brothers did. The oldest brother and Drupada decided that a great rishi should be invited to way in on the decision of who Drupadi should be the bride of, so Vyasa came. Vyasa told them that Draupadi was the re-incarnation of a woman who had prayed five times for a husband. So Draupadi was destined to marry all five of the brothers, as these brothers were all incarnations of Indra. Drupada gave permission for his daughter to marry all the brothers, so all the brothers wed Draupadi. Drupada gave the Pandavas many gifts and this was the end.

Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie


(Pandavas: wikipedia)

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part A

Drona was the biggest character that stood out to me within this reading. This story was written by Donald A. Mackenzie and surrounds the life of Drona. We start of with Bhishma looking far and wide for a warrior that had brains. This man would be Drona, son of Bharadwaja. Drona was more than happy to train the princes and bring them to their title of standing. Drona had no mother, since he was born by a nymph. Drupada was somewhat of a brother to Drona, as he was of similar origin. Drupada's father though was Prishata. As they grew into men, fate divided the two apart. Drupada became King of Panchala and Drona married Kripi. Drona and Kripi had a son named Ashwatthaman. Drona was devoted to raising his son. Drona received heavenly weapons and the power to control them from Jamadagni. Drona wanted to share his wealth with Drupada, so he went to his childhood friend. Drupada basically spit in his face through words and so Drona hurried away from the kingdom without a remark.

The next story that is important to the previous is Drona's Revenge written by Donald A. Mackenzie. Drona, at this point, has built a mighty army that is ready to fight Drupada. Drona tells his army to defeat Drupada and to bring him to Drona. A war began and Drupada was eventually defeated by Pandava. They destroyed the city and brought Drupada to Drona. The two men begin to speak, in a passive aggressive tone. Drupada asks to be friends again and Drona agrees. Drona took possession of half of Drupada's kingdom and the two men went on their way. Drupada also knew that he would never be able to defeat Drona, so he never tried to fight again. The Pandavas started a great war with surrounding kingdoms and extended their kingdom for many miles.

Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie



(Mahabharata: wikipedia)

Week 5 Story: Chasing After a Hopeless Love

There was once the Girl who imagined a life of happiness. Girl had always been fascinated with the idea of love and all the beautiful things it was associated with. She looked up to her parents and saw the happiness they had on the daily. She had always wanted to find the perfect boy, who could sweep her off her feet. Girl was seventeen when she met Boy, and she thought this was it. Everything started off as a fairytale, literally. The flowers, gifts, the perfect dates, it was all there. Words have a powerful role when it comes to love, but actions speak louder than those words. Over time, those actions began to change from the words she was receiving. The idea of that romantic love began to slip away, as manipulation and distrust began to creep in. As time went on, everything became more and more dark. Girl was left vulnerable and all alone, while Boy and the romantic idea of love ran away. The fairytale love was over and Girl realized relationships aren't meant to be like the movies. Love doesn't work like that, it's raw and real. Girl then realized, that young love wasn't meant to last. At least for the most part. There can be imposters, fakes, and even just other people who are as lost as you. And even sometimes, the love was real, it just wasn't the right timing. As people grow in life, they inevitably change. Love you have can change, it can grow, or it can disappear. There are different types of love, from family, friends, and life partners. They all have one thing in common though. Love should be trusting, but also independent. Through all the issues of life, love was just like everything else. Seemingly impossible until you find your true Golden Deer.

Author's Note: I took the story of The Golden Deer and turned it into a hopeless romance story. The Golden Deer is represented in my story as the idea of love and the tricks it can play on the mind. Sita is represented by "girl" in my story, as I wanted this story to be more abstract rather than assign character names. On the same level, Rama and Lakshman's roles in this story are combined to create the idea of "boy". Other than those aspects, I went more or less off base from the original story.

Source: The Golden Deer by Sister Nivedita


(Red Rose: pixabay)

Reading Notes: Sister Nivedita Reading B

Source: Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists: Ramayana by Sister Nivedita

The first story that caught my interest was Sita's Second Trial that I found refreshing from this viewpoint. Rama, at this point in time, has been governing Ayodhya for ten thousand years. Sita was now with child and Rama wanted to give her a special gift, so he asked if there was anything she desired. Sita wanted to visit the hermitages of the sages so Rama planned the visit. Rama was later that night talking with his counsellors and friends, and asked what the citizens had been saying of Sita. They then told him that everyone had been speaking ill of Sita and her time with Ravana. Rama's heart sank and he told everyone how faithful Sita had been in her time with Ravana. Rama knew he could not have a wife though that no one believed in. Rama instructed Lakshman to take Sita on the trip. Lakshman began to weep on the trip and when Sita asked what was wrong, he said he simply missed Rama. Lakshman then informs Sita he has been instructed by Sita to leave her there, as she has been renounced. Sita faints at this news. Sita asks Lakshman to send a message back to Rama, that she had always been faithfully and loving of Rama and she would never do anything to betray him. Lakshman returned to Rama and Valmiki's son found Sita along the river-side. Valmiki took Sita back to their hermitage and gave her to the wives to shower her with affection. Lakshman then told Rama the deed was done, and everyone was a mess of emotions. Lakshman left Rama alone and came across a dog waiting at the gates, and he asked what he needed. The dog replied he had a message for Rama, but he could not enter to tell him due to his ungodly nature. The dog simply would not enter.


(Sister Nivedita Home Morum: wikimedia)

Reading Notes: Sister Nivedita Reading A

Source: Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists: Ramayana by Sister Nivedita

From the section of readings by Sister Nivedita, the first story I loved from her viewpoint was the Golden Deer. Sita, Rama and Lakshman are in the woods when they come across a beautiful deer. This wasn't any average deer though, as it was Maricha, an obedient servant of Ravana. He transformed into a magnificent golden deer that attracted the eye of anyone who crossed its path. Maricha roamed around hoping to be seen by Sita and he eventually was. Sita begged Rama to either catch or kill the deer for her, and Rama, in his own fascination, agreed. Lakshman was weary though and warned Rama that it might be a rakshasa in a disguise. Rama chose not to listen and to leave Sita in Lakshman's protection while he went to hunt down the deer. Rama intended to bring back the deer skin with his arrival. Rama hunted the deer farther and farther away from his wife and brother and eventually grew tired. Maricha was joined then by another deer he created to trap Rama. Rama brought out his bow and arrow and shot the deer. As Maricha was dying, he assumed his own form and tried to draw Lakshman away from Sita. In Rama's voice, he called out for Rama's wife and brother. Once Sita heard this cry, she forced Lakshman to leave to go help Rama, even though Lakshman knew it was not a good idea to leave her alone. Sita said some cruel things and so Lakshman was forced to leave Sita alone in the woods. 

The next story following this one was Sita Stolen, which I felt added to this previous story. Sita was now all alone in the forest and Ravana assumed the form of a beggar to approach her. The forest fell silent because everything knew who he was and was scared of him. Ravana asked Sita to become his wife and he would give her palaces and jewels. This made Sita mad and she yelled at him how she was loyal to Rama. Ravana became enraged and turned into a monster that rose up into the sky. After a quick battle, Ravana grabbed Sita and took her away up in the sky. Sita dropped her belongings down in the hopes they would find their way back to Rama. 


(Sister Nivedita: wikimedia)

Storybook Plan

For my storybook, I want to rewrite a tragic type love story into a more modern version of the story. I found three stories about Pramadvara and Ruru I wanted to include within this story book as it is centered around these two and their tragic love story. The first one is the complete story of Pramadvara and Ruru. The next is the general story of what happened to these two individuals and the myth surrounding it. Thirdly, the story of Ruru after the death of Pramdvara will be included. I hope to intertwine these three stories so each page on the story book is a more detailed look into their love story and every part along the way. I want the reader to get a better look into this interesting love story since it is not covered within the readings of my Indian Epics course. 
(Pramadvara and the snake)

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Storybook Site


(Ramayana: wikimedia)

Biography: My Greatest Love Story

(My siblings: a photo from me)

Those three, seemingly normal kids are my absolute world. From left to right, you have Emma, Paul, Ella and then me, Anna. Yes, I am the oldest of four kids and I wouldn't change a single thing about that. We are all seemingly close in age, everyone is about two years apart from the other. I don't think I will ever love anyone as much as I do my siblings. Emma is the strongest person I have ever met in my lifetime and I think I ever will. Paul has the absolute heart of a lion and cares more for anyone than he'll let on. And Ella, she's the one that can put a smile on absolutely anyone's face. I could never write a biography about my life without including these three people. I grew up with them, they were the first people I ever loved other than my parents. They made me into the person I am now and I aspire every day to be more like them. It's hard to explain my bond with them, because I can go days and even weeks without talking to them. They make me laugh harder and louder than I ever thought possible. They are the people I want to be like when I grow up, even though they are younger than me. Every single one of them has their own unique strengths and I am so impressed by their determination daily. There are so many stories I could write or tales I could tell about how strong every single one of them is in their own way. These three humans will be my best friends until I take my last breath and I will love them as long as the stars are burning. 

Author's Note: Instead of telling a typical story from our childhood, I decided to write about my love for my siblings instead. I wanted to take a different approach when telling my story in the hope's that the reader would feel the love I have for them instead of simply reading about it. 

Reading Notes: Ramayana Part D

The first reading that I liked from this set was the story of Ravana's Death written by Donald Mackenzie and Romesh Dutt. At this point everyone is fighting and Ravana has grown ten heads. Rama is running forward in order to attack Ravana. Brahma had created a flaming weapon that would protect the gods, so Rama grabbed it and threw it at Ravana. This killed Ravana instantly and Rama had saved the day once again. Heavenly music started playing from above and a voice started singing a song. Rama entered the city in victory. Vibhishana performed the appropriate funeral ritual from his fallen brother and was later crowned King of Lanka. In the next part of the verse, this course has a lyrical tone speaking about the great battle. They speak of the firing weapon of power. It tells of how Ravana was slain and a cry of terror arose from the world. Heaven had never been so happy. Rama was the true champion.

The other story I really enjoyed was Sita and Rama by Sister Nivedita. Rama had called Hanuman to go check on Sita for him and he found her naturally resting by the Ashoka tree. The rakshasis guarded her a normal. Sita wanted to see Rama so she sent this message along with Hanuman. Rama had called for her return, but she must bathed and covered in jewels. Rama was so overcome with sorrow over her capture by Ravana when he saw Sita that he was desperate to see her. Rama ordered that Sita come to him on foot and say no wrong in seeing her. Rama gets to see Sita for the first time since she had been a prisoner and he could hold none of his emotions back when he caught sight of her. Rama became torn and realized he couldn't be with a wife who had caught eyes of another. This is the most tragic story I have read through these stories.

(Ravana versus Rama and Hanuman: wikimedia)

Reading Notes: Ramayana Part C

Throughout my readings, the first story that stood out to me was Sita and Ravana by Sister Nivedita. Ravana has taken Sita prisoner in his kingdom over the seas. Hanuman arrives where Sita is said to be held captive and notices a very fragile and weak prisoner in the palace. Hanuman assumes it is Sita based off her jewels described by Rama and her spotless skin. Sita was guarded by many rakshasis in this kingdom. Hanuman was overwhelmed with joyful tears thinking about Rama and Lakshmana. While Hanuman was watching Sita, Ravana awakens and heads over towards Sita, who becomes visibly upset by his approach and sobs. Ravana tries to court Sita with every jewel and wealth imaginable but she continually turns him down saying Rama will come and kill him. Ravana gave her two months to accept his offers to become another one of his wives and if she refused after that point, the rakshasi could torture her forever.

The next story I enjoyed was Hanuman and Sita by Donald A. Mackenzie and Romesh Dutt. Hanuman approached Sita in secret and at first she thought it was a trap of Ravanas. Once she saw the ring of Rama that Hanuman possessed, she became ecstatic with happiness. Hanuman offered to carry her away, but Sita was modest and wouldn't allow any man to touch her other than Rama. So Sita gave Hanuman the jewel from her hair and told him of Ravana's two month plan. The next part goes into a more poem style verse. Sita speaks to Hanuman about her woes and how much she misses Rama. Sita asks if he misses her as well and if Lakshman is still by his side. Sita is so overcome with emotion about the thought of Rama and wants nothing more than to be back in his loving arms.

(Sita being Kidnapped: flickr)

Feedback Strategies

Feedback is important in this era and often underestimated. The first important article I read was Why Do So Many Managers Avoid Giving Praise?. In the work place, managers have this mindset that they are doing the right thing with negative feedback, rather than praising their workers for doing the right thing. Sincere praise will go a long way in productivity and morale. The next article I read was Five Reasons to Stop Saying "Good Job!". The most important takeaway I got from this article was that excessively saying good job created praise junkies who will never find more pleasure in life than from this easy way out. It is a habit that almost everyone has, but can be overcome.

(Feedback: pixabay)

Topic Research: Tragic Love Story

Story Idea One: Pramadvara and Ruru
My first idea is to rewrite the love story of Pramadvara and Ruru through the eyes of a more modern day love tragedy. I would take Ruru's love at first sight take and rewrite it into a more current century story.

Story Idea Two: Savitri and Satyavan
The love story of Savitri and Satyavan is a really interesting one. Savitri is a loyal wife and protects her husband from the god of death, Yama. I could write a story about a fiercely devoted wife who protects her whole family from death in a superhero type fashion.

Story Idea Three: Shakuntala and Dushyant
My final idea for the story is to write about Shakuntala and Dushyant. I found this story interesting due to the spells cast and shock factor. Although it has a happy ending, it was a bit rocky in the middle.


(Pramadvara: sreenivasarao)