Week 3 Storytelling: The Mad Monkey

 

Rama and Lakshmana conferring with Sugreeva (Source)

“Human Breaks Through City Walls, Terror Is A Misunderstanding.”

The words ran across the front page of every newspaper in Kishkinda. Steve dropped the paper on the kitchen table with a sigh.

“I just don’t understand,” he grumbled aloud. “Why do we keep helping these humans who come through our city? All they do is cause trouble for us! I remember when this town used to be safe. A monkey could go to work without worrying about getting mauled by an angry man.”

His wife, Linda, came up behind him and rubbed his shoulders sympathetically. “I know, dear, it’s an awful thing to see. But don’t worry, they’ll be gone soon. Sugreeva will help them find that man’s wife and we will have our home at peace again,” she reassured him.

“Don’t even get me started on that lazy ass Sugreeva. We were doing fine with Vali as king. Then his brother had to get involved. Assassination, corruption…” Steve pushed away from the table and walked over to the window. “We’d be better off not being able to communicate with that species at all."

“We’ll be fine! The city is strong and the King would never let any harm come to us. You don’t have to worry.”

Steve pressed his forehead against the cool glass and closed his eyes, a dull pain forming between them. “Please, Linda, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’m going to bed.”

With that he went upstairs and shut the world out, slipping into the warm pleasure of ignorant sleep.

-

The next morning, Steve walked into work not feeling any better. As he passed the spot where Lakshmana had torn down the palace gate, bitterness surged through him. He hurried up to the office. Inside, there was a buzz of energy as people whispered about the prior day’s events. He sat down, his body already feeling heavy and exhausted before the day even began.

“Hiya Steve!” Glen’s goofy smile popped up over the cubicle wall. “Crazy about the attack yesterday, huh? No worries, though! Hanuman says everything is fine. All a big misunderstanding! Which, boy oh boy, made me feel a lot better because we’ve got that company bowling tournament this weekend and…” Glen rattled on and on about Vishnu knows what. Steve closed his eyes, that dull pounding coming back between them. The phone at his desk began to ring again. The prattle echoed in his ears.

Clenching his teeth, Steve interrupted, “This isn’t really a good time, Glen.”

“Not a good time? Oh come on, Steve-O! Buck up! Don’t you worry about that tournament. I’m a great bowler!” Glen laughed. The phone kept ringing. Somewhere down the hall the copier was jammed and screeching. Glen was going on about bowling. The phone again.

Steve snapped. He jumped up out of his chair and ripped the phone out of wall and threw it on the floor. A silence fell over the office and they all turned to look at him. Glen stood stupefied.

“Are you all IDIOTS? Don’t you know that this isn’t going to just go away? Our palace wall was blown to pieces not twenty-four hours ago!” He yelled and turned to Glen. “And I don’t give a rat’s ass about the stupid bowling tournament!” He stormed off, muttering to himself about the idiocy of his own monkey race. 

He decided to walk home, wanting to calm down before seeing his wife again. The air was cool, and some moisture remained from the long rainy season they had. The breeze blew through the tree tops and rustled the leaves. He took a deep breath.

“Am I going crazy here?” Steve thought aloud. “Why am I the only one who sees the danger in getting involved with these humans? No good can come of this, I know it. I feel it…” His thoughts consumed him all the way home. When he reached the front door, he took a moment to collect himself. He spread the best smile he could muster across his face and opened the door.

“Hello, darling, I knocked off early fro-”, he stopped. The living room was dark. He looked around confused. Closing the front door, he walked into the kitchen, also dark. He was about to go look upstairs when he heard shuffling at the table. He turned on the lights and saw Linda sitting there, staring at the wall. She was holding something, although he couldn’t make out what it was.

“What are you doing? What’s wrong?” That pain was coming back.

Linda didn’t say anything. Her fingers traced along the edges of what Steve now saw was an envelope.

“Linda?” Steve asked again. Nothing. “What is that?” There was fear in his voice now.

Finally Linda turned, her face coming into the light. Her eyes were rimmed with tears, although her face was expressionless.

“We’re going to war. Against the rakshasas.” Her voice was slow and calm. She looked up at him, her face finally breaking into tears. 

“They’ve called you to fight.”

~~

Author's Note: This story is based off of the monkeys who Rama and Lakshmana encounter in Kishkinda in 'The Ramayana.' The original story itself does not really offer much information about the monkeys who live in Kishkinda, only the major characters like Vali and Sugreeva. While I was reading the part of the story involving the monkeys, I found myself wondering how normal it is in epics that animals can talk. Interestingly enough, their behavior is based on human behavior. You would think that animals would be a little different - although that is mentioned once when the brothers are fighting each other. Jokingly, I thought that animals probably wish they never even knew how to talk to humans. That way, they would never get asked for favors and never have to get involved in battles and search parties that don't involve them. Eventually that led me to creating a back story for the monkeys who end up fighting for Rama in the Battle of Lanka. The interesting part is that while I was writing, I found a lot of the sentiments relevant to today (even though I was writing about monkeys). I tried to add some humor to make it more of a dark comedy type. 

  

Bibliography: Narayan, R. K. (1972) The Ramayana.

 

Week 3 Reading Diary B: Battle of Lanka

pg 131-170

• Oddly enough, the beginning of this chapter shows a more humane side of Ravana. That's the funny thing about these characters - the good and bad is hardly ever so straightforward. It's kind of fuzzy
• Again, the sense of time is more apparent here - I mean, they built a freakin' bridge across the ocean! How long would that have taken?

 

Rama threatening to vanquish the sea (Source)

•  Seems nice that one of Ravana's wives would help Sita and tell her that Rama is not really dead. 
• Ravana is just a wuss and is too prideful. It's obvious that he's not going to be able to defeat Rama
• Even in the midst of war, Rama thinks of everything. Like whether or not the chariot sent to him is a trap or not. And he's STILL trying to get Ravana to surrender so that he does not have to kill him. As if it really makes a difference now that thousands of soldiers have been killed
• The illusion and psychological warfare is badass
• Seriously...Rama requests that Sita get cleaned up before coming out to see him!? That's just ridiculous. I don't understand things like that
• Ugh, bitch move, Rama, bitch move. Even if they did end up together. 

Week 3 Reading Diary A: Talking Animals, Sugreeva

pg 89-130

• It's interesting that all these characters are animals, and yet that is totally normal. Even in fairy tales or nursery rhymes that's the case too. I bet the animals wish they couldn't talk so they wouldn't have get caught up in the disaster that is human life
• I'm glad they specified that Hanuman was a 'giant' monkey - or human sized, as I am imagining him. Often times when there is a talking monkey, I just imagine it being regular sized and it becomes more comical than anything. Think Zach Braff as the monkey in 'Oz: The Great and Powerful'. 

Finley, the monkey in 'Oz: The Great and Powerful'. (Source)

• I seriously dislike stories about human's doing favors for gods. The gods are supposed to be these all-powerful beings, but here they are always asking favors of humans, which almost always ends badly for whoever gives them help. 
• I feel bad for Sugreeva because Vali is obviously a little power hungry, but the former has to be a little more aggressive and decisive if he wants to be king 
• WHY would the gods grant a demon buffalo the wish the fight forever?? Seriously they are just asking for trouble 
• Rama's grief for not protecting his wife is touching
• Vali is terrifying. 
• Tara is the voice of reason right now! And this meathead can't see it. Tsk tsk 
• Lakshmana and Rama's short discussion about whether they should go through with the plan is interesting! They always have contradicting points that bring the full picture together
• It's dumb that Vali is lecturing Rama about virtue, considering how he has behaved. He's just mad he lost! 
• The apparent transformation of Sugreeva from wimpy man to lazy, cocky king is weird - no explanation as to why he got that way? Wine and pretty girls aren't really a reason
• Tara stepping up! I like this woman/monkey
• You really get a sense of how long it's been since Sita was kidnapped...I mean, in movies it happens so quickly, but through books you realize it's probably taking years for her to be rescued 
• What is the purpose of the tunnel/trapped goddess story?

Week 2: Famous Last Words

This week was nice because we started reading the Ramayana. I have to say that so far, it is basically what I expected with only a few twists. I was really impressed with two characters: Sita and Lakshmana. Learning about all these different people is a little difficult to keep track of, but the reading guides help! I think one of my favorite scenes from the pages we read was when Rama first saw Sita. The description of the city that was full of luxury, jewels, music, beautiful people...it created such a vivid image in my mind of a place that is constantly celebrating with joy just to be alive. The imagery was really nice, and I’m interested in seeing how Buck will take it on in his version. If there’s one preconceived notion that I had about Indian tales is that they are colorful (literally and metaphorically) and fantastic. So far, those notions have been confirmed! And I am not disappointed by that at all.

Personal photo, taken 1/24/15

Lately I’ve always been reading Essays by E.B. White. I do not know much about him except that he is the author of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and ‘Stuart Little’. I just saw the book will perusing the public library and decided to give it a try. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover but...it was bright blue and had a picture of a dog and typewriter on it! So far I’ve enjoyed the simplicity of it. They’re really just random musings that he had at some point and range anywhere from farm like to politics. I also picked up ‘Jane Eyre’ which I am excited to read because it has always been on my list but I’ve never gotten around to reading it. I am a big Jane Austen fan and figured I’d likely enjoy the Bronte works, as well! Below is a quote I enjoyed from White - seemed fitting considering the weather lately (even though it's January...).  Hope you enjoy it!

"No matter what changes take place in the world, 

or in me, 

nothing ever seems to disturb 

the face of Spring." 

- Essays of E. B. White, E. B. White

Possible Storytelling Topics

Sita: I was really drawn to Sita the first time she was introduced in the Ramayana primarily because I felt like she was representative of the kind of person I respect while still being realistic. In most epics, the women are unrelatable or have extreme attitudes and personalities. I found when I was reading about Sita, she wasn’t the perfectly formed woman, but rather a nice mix. She was at times emotional and irrational, but also strong and loyal and willing to sacrifice.

 

Sita withdrawing into the Earth as punishment (Source)

As far as research goes, I know a little bit about her from what we’ve read in the Ramayana, and of course will continue to learn more as we finish the book. The Indian Epics Encyclopedia says that she is know for agriculture and fruits (which makes me interested even more). It seems she also has a tragic end (spoiler alert…), which is typical of most strong female characters.

Apsaras: as soon as I saw the words "celestial nymphs", I was hooked! For whatever reason, I am a huge fan of characters like this. The Fates, The Sirens, The Muses, and all similar groups in any mythology. I know nothing about them, but just from their description I'm sure they are beautiful, graceful creatures. And from what I can tell, there are four of them who are noteworthy. 

 

Depiction of apsaras (Source)

Wikipedia has hooked me even more! I love that they are known for dancing and being seductresses. The fact that they are powerful enough to change and shape the fates is amazing - it is no coincidence that almost all mythologies have fates who are female! We're obviously awesome. What I don't like is that they seem to be used by gods or men to do malicious tasks. I would definitely rewrite that. If I had to focus on one, I like the story of Tilottama because her abilities are used for good! 

Lakshmana: when reading about Lakshmana, I really liked his character. Again, he was a good realistic foil to Rama (who always seems to be doing the right thing, even when it's extremely difficult. All while remaining calm. Who does that??). Lakshmana, on the other hand, was protective and smart in dangerous situations. He wasn't perfect, but that's why I liked him. And his loyalty to his brother and his people was boundless! 

  

Rama and Lakshmana (Source)

His Wikipedia page informs me that he sacrificed himself for the safety of his people. It really sticks out to me that he never thought of himself. His actions were made knowing that his brother was destined for greatness and he had to do whatever he could to help Rama fulfill that destiny. He knew that there were bigger things than himself, and I really like that about him. The bottom of the page says that he is often criticized for leaving his wife, which I had not considered.

Mayasura: I randomly clicked on the link for this character, however I have no prior knowledge of who he is. But I was drawn to his type because the Storybook Topics page said that, even though he is a rakshasas, he is not an evil character. How can someone be a demon but not be evil??

So according to the Wikipedia page, this guy was an amazing architect and built three flying cities - now THAT is really cool. I just picture a somehow ancient yet extremely technologically modern city floating in the sky. I couldn't really find much other information about him, however when it comes to storytelling that could be a good thing!

Week 2 Storytelling: The Girl of the Forest

There once was a girl born of the Earth. She had no family except the animals and the trees. Wandering the woods, she spent hours with the things she loved most. The flowers knew her scent, and the birds knew her voice. She was the mistress of the Dandaka forest and was endlessly content with her surroundings.  

One soft, summer afternoon the girl, Soorpanaka, was lounging beneath the shade of a large oak, trailing her fingers in the cool river beside her, humming along with the birds above. Suddenly, a dark vibration filled her body and chilled her. The birds stopped humming. The rippling of the river ceased as it stilled with suspense. Soorpanaka heard the crunching of leaves under a heavy foot and quickly climbed the large oak and peered down. Below she saw a creature exuding more evil than she had ever felt before. She had heard stories of Ravana but never realized their dark truth until that moment.

“Why do you hide from me, little one? Do you fear me?” He spoke suddenly, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon.

Soorpanaka swallowed. “You are a stranger to me and this forest. I have no reason to trust you.”

“I am Ravana, the most powerful demon of this and all other worlds. And you are Soorpanaka."

She slowly climbed down the tree, her pesky sense of curiosity slightly piqued. She regretted her decision as soon as her feet touched the ground, as it put her at a disadvantage. Ravana’s stature was double hers. 

She lifted her chin and eyed him suspiciously, “What do you want?”

Ravana explained that he was looking for allies to build an army. The forest was located in an excellent tactical area and he wanted someone to rule it who would report to him.

“You already know this forest, so it is only logical that you become my eyes and ears,” Ravana said with a smug smile.

Soorpanaka could feel herself shaking, but spit the words out before she became silent with fear. “No. I will not ally with someone of such pure evil. We will not fight you. Just leave us alone."

Ravana’s eyes immediately filled with anger, the skies above him becoming dark, and he stepped closer to Soorpanaka.

“It is unwise to not do as I say, small girl. You will give me command of this forest.”

Soorpanaka paused. She did not know much about the world. Her encounters and experiences ranged no further than the edges of the forest. But she knew what good felt like. She knew kindness and love. And it was clear to her that the creature standing before her knew nothing of those things. She took a deep breath. “Get out,” she said with all the firmness and power she could muster.

Ravana took a step back. His shoulders relaxed and his lips curled into a cold grin. Without a word he turned and walked away. Soorpanaka let go a sigh of relief. Still shaking, she sat below the large oak and closed her eyes. She started to take a deep breath to calm herself but dense smoke replaced the cool air. Her eyes opened wide as fire and smoke began to quickly engulf the forest. Frozen, she sat by the river as all that she loved perished before her.

 

The birds in the trees flocked into the sky, their calls echoing the distress happening below them. The beautiful, thick ivy that weaved and curled so beautifully now turned to ash in an instant. Animals were scurrying left and right, jumping to cross the river to the other side. Flames followed the path of flowers and moss and shot up trees, leaves burning in seconds. Tears fell from Soorpanaka's eyes as a deer came to her side, nipping at her clothing, nudging her from the fire.

Soorpanaka blindly walked into the river, falling to her knees as her favorite oak tree turned bright with flames. She screamed out, a devastating noise that echoed in the suddenly cold, dark sky.

After the fire had ceased, Soorpanaka walked numbly through the forest of charcoal and ash. The hot ground burned her feet but she felt nothing. The smoke filled her lungs and stung her eyes but she felt nothing. She came lastly to her beloved oak tree. What once stood in majestic power and beauty was now nothing more than a charred, black stump. Soorpanaka slumped down against it, her body turning dark with ash and scarred with burns. Numbness turned to bitter cold. Her heart stopped aching and starting beating with vengeful deliberateness. She would find a way, somehow, to ruin Ravana like he had done to her. Somehow.

--

Years later, Soorpanaka was walking through the Dandaka forest. Evidence of the fire still remained on her body. The forest had healed but Soorpanaka had not. She noticed a small cottage had been built on the edge of the forest, where the famed Rama and Sita resided.

“What a beauty that woman has,” Soorpanaka thought as her eyes followed Sita. “No man would be able to resist a woman with such grace and kindness. No creature, either…” Her mind began to turn. Ravana would surely fall into obsession with this woman at first sight of her and take her as his own. Rama would never stand for something like that...

A cold laugh split the cool air as Soorpanaka began to walk slowly towards the cottage, her body transforming into a beautiful woman.

~~~~~

Author’s Note: This story was based on Soorpanaka in R. K. Narayan’s ‘The Ramayana,’ in which Soorpanaka is a rakshasa and the sister of Ravana. She comes to find Rama living in a cottage in the woods and is so completely struck by his appearance that she falls madly in love and does just about anything she can to seduce him. I decided to add a background to Soorpanaka because I hate the idea that someone is evil for no reason. If something happened to them that made them that way, there’s that small possibility that maybe they could be good again someday! I did not make her Ravana's sister because I felt it would not have made much sense for him to take such a drastic measure towards his own sister. Family ties seem to be very important in this culture. My story ends where the story in 'The Ramayana' begins. After reading my version over, I realized it takes on a very similar plot line as the movie Maleficent, where the story of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is retold from the side of the antagonist. As far as style, I like when there is narrator telling a story who acknowledges that they are telling a story, which is what I did here.The image I included was meant to create an image of an Eden-like forest in which Soorpanaka lived. While written description can be helpful, I believe some things just have to be portrayed visually. The more beautiful the forest was portrayed, the more understandable Soorpanaka's devestation. 

Hopefully at the end of the story you were able to sympathize with Soorpanaka a little bit. The background I created is not meant to excuse her actions in 'The Ramayana,' but it is meant to give a little insight as to why she is the way that she is.Things are usually more than they appear, and I believe that when you're reading a story, you should always question elements that don't seem right to you.

Bibliography

• Narayan, R. K. (1972) The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic.

• Surpanakha, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surpanakha#In_popular_culture

Picture 1 - beautiful forest (Source)

Picture 2 - burning forest (Source)

Week 2: Reading Diary B (Ramayana by Narayan)

Pg 53-89

• Lakshmana's anger at Rama being exiled and not getting the crown is admirable, I think! Even if he did go a little overboard with it
• Sita's determination to stay by Rama's side is awesome! Seems like the first positive depiction of women (53)
• Again, not the usual kinds of conflicts you would expect. Although the one wife was able to get what she wanted, Bharatha was innocent and did not want to rule the kingdom. To be wanting the kingdom for his brother is unlike what you would normally see in a story like this 
• "You are the soul. I am the body. We are one" (62)
• Jatayu - divinity in eagle form
• I don't trust this Kamavalli character
• This encounter between Rama, Kamavalli and Sita in the forest is just funny. I can picture the two inside the fence and the one on the outside, the latter desperately trying to deceive and win over Rama (67)
• This chick has it bad - Rama must be really handsome
• Ravana banishes all the seasons - (77)
•  Lakshmana seems to be the voice of reason here; he can see past the trickery of the golden deer
• Is it wrong that I feel like Sita kind of had this coming? I mean, she should have listened to Lakshmana!

Ravana kidnapping Sita (Source)

Week 2: Reading Diary A (Ramayana by Narayan)

Ramayana by Narayan (pg 1-53)

• The short background they give about the sage is interesting - he was a dreaded name before he gave up being king? How can you be such a feared king and then become a nice old sage? (7)
• I feel like in most old stories we hear about kings, the men are always strong and aggressive almost to the point of cruelty. Here the king is quite opposite that - he's extremely concerned about sending Rama off with the sage. 
• "You cannot count on the physical proximity of someone you love all the time" (9) - what at an awesome quote! Kind of like if you love someone, let them go
• Cool/terrifying description of the desert (10)
• Thataka's story (11) - children running around wreaking havoc, what else is new!
• Scene where the sage and priests are doing rituals while war and fire rage above would make an awesome picture (16)
• Ahalya's story (19) - I hate to e crude, but is this where we get the word "pussycat"?? Haha I laughed at that. Story is similar to a lot of roman mythology: god lusts after woman, woman is deceived, woman  somehow always gets the blame!
• When Rama and Sita meet for the first time <3 (23)
• Sita seems a little overdramatic, but I like her!
• The description of the wedding and parade of people reminds me of Arthurian literature I've read - very detailed and lists of all who was there 

Rama defeating Thataka (Source)

Week 1: Famous Last Words

This first week in the class has been great. One of the things that I'm really excited about is all the tech tips! This sounds silly, but I have very basic knowledge about how to use all the media outlets and online resources. I'm a twenty-two year old with the mind of a seventy-five year old! Haha. I've used Google Docs and Pinterest before but never knew I could do half the things that the tech tips taught me! I can see these being a really great resource since almost any job is going to require an intensive knowledge of how to use these tools. Plus, it just helps me get more out of them! So I am sincerely grateful that the tech tips break everything down so I can easily follow along and learn them.

I enjoyed reading the Storytelling posts by Kelsey and Anthony this week. Most of my creative writing is reflective of the kinds of books that I read (mostly non fiction and memoirs). As a result, it may come off as simple, basic, possibly even boring? Kelsey had great dialogue between her characters, and Anthony did a cool journal entry monologue in his story. These will definitely be writing styles I consider using to amp up my stories!

As for outside of school, this week has been challenging. I’ve found that the new job I started just isn’t what I expected and does not feel like a right fit for me. I’ve decided to quit and I’m pretty nervous about doing so. Anyone have any tips on how to quit a job? Haha. I am looking forward to finding something that I’m better suited for! I also saw a very cool quote this week which my sister posted on Facebook. I’d like the share it with you! I hope it inspires others like it did me. Have a nice weekend everyone! 

Actor and author Oscar Wilde circa 1882. (Source)

"Oscar Wilde said that if you know what you want to be, then you inevitably become it - that is your punishment, but if you never know, then you can be anything. There is a truth to that. We are not nouns, we are verbs. I am not a thing - an actor, a writer - I am a person who does things - I write, I act - and I never know what I am going to do next. I think you can be imprisoned if you think of yourself as a noun." -Stephen Fry (Source)

 

Class Overview

Ahalya emerging after being touched by Rama's foot (Source)

After reading through all the Orientation Week material, I am really excited about this class. There are a lot of aspects to it that you would never get in a regular class. Although the epics are completely new to me, I am a huge fan of myth-folklore stuff and I have never heard any of those from India. I am excited to get a whole new perspective from them! I think the UnTextbook is so great - it will definitely be a reading resource for me once the class is finished! A lot of times I am unsure about what on the internet is true or not, but I feel like this would be a great resource to learn more about Indian epics.

I don’t recognize any of the images on the Resources Site, but I’ve always found the artwork to be so beautiful. The colors and designs are wonderful. I know very little about Indian culture, which is partly why I took this class!

Week 1: Storybook Favorites

The Magical Book of Love Stories

I chose to take a look at this storybook because who doesn't love love? I am a romantic at heart so I figured it must be pretty good. The cover page was good - nothing too fancy but simple.The colors of the background and font made it easy to read. I really liked that the introduction was written in the first person - gave it more of a novel feel rather than someone reading me a story. It made me feel connected because the narrator was talking to me specifically. Definitely something I will consider to use in my own storybook.

Darkness Diaries 

 Screenshot of the introduction page of "Darkness Diaries" (Source)

I clicked on this story book because while I love love, I also love things that are kind of dark and mysterious. I enjoyed the different pictures on the cover page, but would have liked a more streamlined caption. Also, the font choice was difficult to read and I can't say I was a huge fan of the sparkly background. Doesn't quite go with that 'darkness' theme. The text of the introduction was okay, but I got bored and tried to skim through it. I get the feeling that the person was trying to be enticing but it came off a little cheesy.

Goodnight Naga

This storybook caught my eye because a). it sound like it was based on the children's book "Goodnight Moon" and b). it was the only one on the list that sounded unique from the others. I think the background is really beautiful and the color scheme is not too overwhelming. However I was not a huge fan of the font choice and the color made it difficult to read. I did really enjoy the setup of the introduction, though! A story within a story. I would consider doing this for my storybook. It helps bring the reader in. Like I'm on the kids about the hear a story from grandpa!

Introduction

Hi all! My name is Christina. I was technically supposed to graduate this past Fall but because of a lack of credit hours, I am taking this course to finish up my degree! In the meantime, I just started a full time position as an administrative assistant. The funny thing is that class work always seemed like work - something I needed to take a break from. Now this class has been something that I do to take a break from actual work! It probably helps that this subject should be really interesting.

Anise cookies - which I am now the master of making! (Photo Credit: Me)

My Christmas break was spent watching a lot of movies and a lot of Netflix. Spending time with my family and eating a lot of great food tops the list, though. I am one of six kids and although only four of us could make it home for the holidays, it was great to have the family together. My aunt just moved in with my mom, and she's a professional chef, so the food game was on point 100%! I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my aunt so that she could teach me how to cook traditional Italian dishes that we always make for Christmas. I rolled about a thousand meatballs and easily made a million cookies. But it's great to hear all the old stories about the family. My sister and I also played many rounds of Scrabble and stayed up late watching old movies.

 

My sister losing at scrabble (Photo Credit: Me)

There are a lot of things I enjoy doing, but if I'm honest I spend most of my free time watching movies. However when I do get the energy to do something besides stare into the abyss of my television, those things include: reading, doing puzzles, writing letters to friends and family, cooking, volunteering, and so on. I love reading memoirs and non-fiction books, although I've been trying to get back into fiction. I'm hoping I will be able to enjoy reading again now that I don't have to do it solely for academic reasons.

Week 1 Storytelling: The Good Woodman

 Victorian-Era depiction of Mercury and the Woodman (Source)

 

 Once there were two brothers who lived in a small village near the forest's edge, and they both worked as woodmen for their father. Although related by blood, the two differed greatly in virtue. The Good Woodman woke every day at sunrise. He would go into the forest and work until the sun set. His brother, however, was not quite as committed. He never really wanted to be a woodman in the first place, but in a small town like his, there are not that many options. The Bad Woodman rarely ever worked more than an hour a day. He would spend hours lounging in the shade, gorging himself on their lunches and watching his brother slave away. The Good Woodman always worked hard enough to cut enough wood for himself and his brother to take back to the shop and their father was none the wiser.

The two brothers headed out one particularly hot summer morning. After one hour of work, the Bad Woodman laid down under a tree to take a nap and the Good Woodman worked mercilessly to fill their carriage with enough wood for the village. The sun hung low in the sky and the Good Woodman was dripping with sweat so much that his axe slipped right from his hands and into a nearby spring. The Good Woodman cried out in despair, waking his brother.

“Must you work so loudly, brother?” The Bad Woodman grumbled grumpily.

“My axe has fallen into the spring! Please, let me use your axe. The sun is almost set and I have much work to do before dark,” the Good Woodman exclaimed.

“And have father ring my neck? Not a chance! I’m taking the carriage back to the shop.” The Bad Woodman picked up his axe and headed towards the village.

The Good Woodman sighed, walking over to the spring and peering into the dark spring. Suddenly, Mercury emerged from the water, the lowering sun glistening behind him.

“Why do you despair, young man?” Mercury asked.

“My axe has fallen into the spring. It was my father’s when he was a young boy and was entrusted to me. Now I’ve lost it. It will take me days to search these waters by myself,” the Good Woodman replied.

Mercury looked around. “Will your brother not help you in your search?”

“I’m afraid not. He does not do much of anything when we are out here. I dare not tell our father, though. It would break his heart,” said the Good Woodman.

“Perhaps I can help,” Mercury smiled, and dived back into the spring. When he emerged again, he was a holding a fine golden axe, better than any the Good Woodman had ever seen.

“Do not fret, young man. I have found your axe!” declared Mercury.

“I am sorry, but as elegant as that axe is it does not belong to me,” the dismayed Woodman said.

With a determined look, Mercury dipped back under the water, this time returning with an axe of silver, shinier than a new coin. “Aha! Now this must be your father’s prized axe!”

“No,” the Woodman answered disappointedly, “as beautiful as that axe is, it is not the one I lost. Mine is just a simple axe, with a wooden handle worn from use.”

Mercury returned to the spring once more, this time bringing with him the Good Woodman’s axe.

“You’ve found it!” the Woodman exclaimed with a smile across his face. “Thank you! Thank you a hundred times. I cannot express my true gratitude.” He took the old, worn axe from Mercury as if it were made of gold and jewels.

“Your honesty is thanks enough, young man. And as a reward for your good heart, accept the gold and silver axes as a gift from me.” With that, Mercury descended back into the spring.

The Good Woodman returned home that night, showing his father and brother the gifts bestowed on him by Mercury. His father beamed with pride at his son’s virtuosity and condemned his other son for not helping his brother. The Good Woodman had no need for the fine axes, and gifted them to his father. He became infamous in the village for his honesty and became the most respected man around. 

- - - - - - - - -

Author's Note: This is a retelling of the famed fable titled "Mercury and the Woodman". In the original fable, a woodman is working in the woods and his axe slips from his hands into a spring. As it is his only tool for making a living, he cries in despair. Mercury appears from the water, and after hearing the woodman's story, goes down to bring up a gold axe. The woodman says it is not his. Mercury appears with a silver axe, and the woodman again explains that it is not his. Mercury returns a third time with the woodman's axe. He is so impressed with the woodman's honesty that he gifts the gold and silver axe to the woodman. Others in the village hear of this and go to the forest. They hide their axes and cry out so Mercury appears, and when they are presented with the gold axe they claim that it is theirs. Mercury hits them on the head with the gold axe, knowing the truth, and takes their own axes as punishment. 

I added a brother character to better foil the woodman's honest and good morals. I wanted to portray him as a simple man, who didn't mind doing a little hard work in order to support himself and family. I added the small change at the end about giving the axes away because I didn't want the message to be sent that honesty should only be practiced in order to be rewarded. Otherwise, I didn't feel like the story needed much changing! Just some added dialogue. 

Source: "Mercury and the Woodman", The Æsop for Children by Æsop (1919) Web Source

Favorite Places

Boston 

 View of Boston from Prudential Tower (Source)

 

This is where I was born and raised! Kind of. I was actually born and raised outside of the city, in a suburb. But Boston has always been my home. I love the history, the culture, and sports teams! The best places to visit when you go? Quincy Market, the North End, and Santarpio's - best pizza you will ever have, I promise!

Akko, Israel

 Ocean wall in Akko, Israel (Source)

Akko is a really gorgeous ocean-side town. It's got tons of little winding streets filled with vendors, restaurants, and shops. It has a lot of historical places to visit, as well! I went this past summer while on an archaeological dig. The local kids jump off that seaside wall for fun! A few of my friends did it while we were there. I...did not.

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