Spring 2021

 Life as Animals of the Epics This Storybook is definitely one that I will be bookmarking. I really enjoyed reading through each of the different stories and seeing how they each tied together in a unique way. I also loved that it was all about the animals. This Storybook is very similar to one that I could see myself writing. Rhino from Felix Wong Gods and Goddesses I enjoyed the way in which this Storybook flowed from one story into the next. The outline and design was very engaging and is one that keeps the reader wanting to know what is next. I think researching about the Gods and Goddesses in relation to Indian Epics would be a fun topic after learning so much about different ones last semester. Looney Tunes Goes to India This Storybook was so fun to read due to the way it incorporated an old story with one that is new and was a childhood favorite for many of us. I don't think I am always very good at putting my own unique twist on a story such as this one, but doing some more...

   Why Rejection Hurts So Much No body likes rejection but it is an opportunity to grow and learn. I found it super interesting to learn that when someone recalls rejection the same part of the brain that feels physical pain is activated. It is important to learn what to do in the wake of rejection. One should not chastize themselves to harshly and instead acknowledge their shortcomings. Then you must remember your self worth and boost our feelings of connection with those around us who will lift us back up. How to Tame Your Inner Critic:A Simple Habit to Rewire Your Brain This simple article title is eye catching to me. I am often the type of person who is way too hard on myself for no reason at all. This does not lead me to doing better and instead just leads to an added plethora of stress. In this article it shows that "Instead of brooding over setbacks, you begin treating each setback as a springboard for small helpful steps, accompanied by self-congratulation." By le...

 The Snake and the Ferret's Heart In a hidden forest deep in the mountains of India a sly snake and his wife lived and ruled the ground, along with the river that ran through its center.  All the forest animals were terribly frightened to ever go near the pair of snakes for they were ruthless and unforgiving. One day the snake's wife spotted a lone ferret frolicing through the forest and knew instantly that she must have him. She commanded the snake to bring her the ferret's heart or she may perish. The snake concocted his plan and knew just what he would do to lure the ferret down close enough to snatch him.  As the ferret approached, the snake called out to him saying, "Oh Mr.Ferret you must be mighty thirsty. If you come down to this river right here I'll lead you to the best drinking spot." "How kind of you," replied the ferret as he scurried down to the river's edge next to the snake. The snake instantly began to coil his body around the fer...

 The Crocodile and the Monkey's Heart This story was my overall favorite from Jatakas the Indian Epics Anthology. Stories that carry with them different animals as characters have been the ones that have always stuck out to me from a very early age. I enjoyed the way in which this story used the crocodile couple and gave them a funny persona. The crocodiles had a sneaky character just as what you would think a mean old crocodile would have. Then for the monkey. He was silly, mischievous and witty. Using his wits he was able to out smart the mean old crocodile and convince him to help carry the monkey safely to the other side. The use of a trick by the crocodiles and their scheme along with the plan that the monkey concocted to get out of it are both great ideas that could easily be incorporated into many different stories. In rewriting this story I think it would be interesting to try and find different animals to try and fit the mold of the crocodile or monkey. One other interesti...

 I am choosing to read the Tiny Tales from the Ramayana for many reasons. While taking Indian Epics last semester I fell in love with the tiny tales we were reading and writing because they had a sense of carefree, fun to them. I think these stories will be inspiring and exciting to read. Ramayana (from Drabbles ) Having different comic books and videos to watch is a great way to help build and maintain interest. For the first comic book I want to read is Stories of Courage . This book makes use of animal characters who then take on different identities, personalities and characteristics that are extremely interesting to me. The second comic book I am choosing is Shiva Parvati . This story is labeled as one of divine love and I am a sucker for all things love stories. As for the videos, I am very interested in 'Fascinating Women from Mythology' and 'Indian and Greek mythologies paralleled', both of these videos I believe will be able to give me a better understanding of...