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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(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)