Week 2: Storytelling- Love at First Sight

Ever since Sita was a little girl, she dreamed of the man she would marry.  She had always hoped for a tall, strong man with dark hair and sparkling eyes.  However, her idea of a dream man seemed less and less possible as her father set the bar really high for any guy who would want to marry her.  Her future husband would have to have the strength of one thousand men and find his way to her- it was not as if she could scour the world for the strongest man on the planet but instead, he would have to wonder into her town.  Additionally, the chances of such a man also being charming and good-looking were very slim.  However, one day, she laid her eyes upon a handsome man of beautiful stature and a body any supernatural being would want.  Sita was completely caught off guard as she could not remember the last time she had swooned over a man so much.  As Sita and Rama gazed into each other's eyes for a brief second, time seemed to stand still.  It was if the world around them seemed to melt away as they soaked up each other's gaze.  Her longing gaze was cut short as she lost sight of him.  Sita gushed to her maids, "He was so perfect- tall, broad shoulders, and kind eyes- I have never seen someone like that in my entire life!"  Her minds sweetly asked, "When will you see him again?"  Their innocent questions had pure intentions, but Sita suddenly realized she didn't even know his name, much less where he lived, and her chances of meeting him again seemed bleak.  Unfortunately, it seemed like fate would never allow them to meet again.  Sita felt ill at the thought of such a charming man being dashed away by the chaos of the world.  As she climbed into bed, she wept her heartbreak away as her maids remained oblivious to the obvious attachment she felt to a man she didn't even know.  Meanwhile, Rama met Sita's father and completed the strength challenge- a prerequisite to having his daughter's hand in marriage.  When Sita heard a man completed the feat, she could not be happy thinking about someone, other than the handsome gentleman she laid eyes on today, spending the rest of his life with her and the handsome fellow she had seen that day being betrothed to someone else.  Luck seemed to be on Sita's side and soon enough, she married the handsome man of her dreams and had a beautiful wedding.

Love and Romance

Author's Note:  I really enjoy love stories, so I wrote about how Sita and Rama fell in love.  I think it's so beautiful how when they met eyes, they were both blown away and how amazing it was they found each other once again and got married.  I wanted to convey what Sita may have been experiencing in this brief excerpt of her life and I wrote it in third person so I could include other details I may have otherwise been limited from.

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

Week 2: Reading Diary B

As I said before I wrote the other reading diary, I apologize if my thoughts are scattered.  I will write in my blog as I read so I may jump through the story a little bit.  For starters, I think it's sad that the king hates his wife so much for using the two wishes against his son.  I cannot blame him for being upset, but I hate to see a wedge driven into a relationship, especially that of a husband and wife.  I appreciate the fact he respected his word- that says a lot about his character.  I can't believe that the wife feels the need to exile Rama completely though- seems a bit excessive to me.  The obedience of Rama is quite commendable- he obeyed "without question."  I think it's a bit strange the wife expects the whole town to be offended if the king didn't keep his word- I bet they would see more the trickery and evil intentions by the wife misuing a wish/"boon."  I think it's sweet Sita and Lakshmana went with Rama- did Lakshmana choose to or did he have to?  Later, when Rama left Chitrakuta, I feel as if it was very sweet that he didn't want to detract from Bharatha's rule so much that he left the proximity of Ayodyha so he wouldn't be a reason people didn't listen to/respect Bharatha's rule.  Skipping forward, I think it's interesting how the sister of Ravana felt so love-sick from seeing Rama with Sita that she shut herself into a cave.  I mean, really? She's supernatural anyways- is there not a supernatural, good-looking male for her?  It's a bit crazy how supernatural beings are awestruck by the beauty of humans, and I don't understand how Ravana plans on making Sita his queen if he can't even touch her without consent.  I can't imagine he'll be able to convince her to love him and then he'll be faced with impending death.  I feel really bad for Lakshmana- the whole time he is making really good points about not following the deer and not leaving Sita and when they don't believe/listen to him.  It reminds me of somehow we, as humans, may disregard what someone has to say because the person may not seem as important, but they may make a really good point and we are too prideful or do not consider their words and may suffer as a result.  I wonder what happens to Lakshmana and hope he ends up okay in the long run.  I'm sure if Rama knew he left Sita unattended, he would be extremely upset.  I wonder why Sita felt like it was safe to let an old, creepy man into her home with all of this fishy business going on at the same time.  It's very sweet of her, but I'm not quite sure how she was not suspicious or nervous.  I can't blame her for passing out when Ravana lifted her up by carrying the soil underneath her feet, though.

Week 2: Reading Diary A- The First Part

I apologize if my thoughts are all over the place for this reading diary, but I will do my best to remain cohesive as I record my thoughts throughout the reading.  One of my first thoughts when starting this book is that it's really impressive how the sage had such "complete mastery over his bodily needs."  In today's world, whenever we want something, we can pretty much get it.  Information is instant, food is everywhere, and there's usually air conditioning close by if it's hot or a room with heating close by in the cold.  It's hard to imagine a world without the luxury of having everything at our fingertips.
Later, when Rama questioned the location of Thataka, I wonder if he asked out of fear or if he saw a challenge of finding/defeating her.  Perhaps if I read along farther I will find out...  I think it's a little crazy how he killed her so fast.  I'm surprised no one else had done it if he had done it so easily.  I also think it's interesting how Rama did not acknowledge what Viswamithra said about how Rama alone could have helped him protect the area while they performed the sacrifice.  Rama simply asked about what's to come. Jumping ahead to Ganga's story, I'm guessing that the belief system present holds to the idea that time will pass and eventually earth will end on its own without any sort of rapture or one huge natural disaster?  Later, when Ahalya turns to stone, I feel like her husband was a bit rash.  I'm glad she had a way out though.  I think it's crazy how Rama was picked/chosen for all these things and neither of his brothers had any of this "responsibility."  Why him?
For Chapter 2- "The Wedding"- how is it that there is no one in Kosala to receive charity?  Also, Sita's dad wants to suggest marriage of his daughter to Rama?  For arranged marriages, I thought it was more like the hopeful-husbands-to-be would "apply" in a way to marry the girl?  It looks like the other princes of the land tried to do so, but I wonder what about Rama made Sita's dad go so crazy for him...  Also, is a lotus flower supposed to symbolize something?  I'll have to look that up.  I want to say I've read a different epic with a lotus flower in it and it put the hero to sleep?  Another random thought- I think it's interesting they have "professional announcers."  It later says that "the couple's first meeting [was] at the conclusion of the wedding ceremonies."  Let me just say, I could not even imagine that.  I suppose couples back then honored marriage vows more regardless of whether or not they knew one another before the ceremony or not, but it would be so crazy to spend the marriage getting to know someone as opposed to getting to know someone via dating.  One of my friends may end up in a situation similar to this- her parents strongly support the culture of her home nation and are trying to get an arranged marriage for her.  Her sister already went through it and is happy with her new husband, but my friend is more like me- not really sure about the whole thing.  It's a tricky situation and for the fathers who arrange a husband for their daughters, I hope they truly get to see the kind of man the suitors are before they set up their daughters with a man for the rest of their lives.

Week 1: Famous Last Words

          Looking back on this past week, so much has changed in such little time.  This time last week, I was checking in all the new freshmen as an RA but was also trying to study for my Biochemistry final.  I really enjoyed taking biochemistry (along a couple other classes) this summer and truly enjoyed the content and the class.  My professor was also very nice and genuinely enjoyed teaching.  Sure, it was a little stressful having both class and training (sun up to sun down), but I enjoyed both things so I was in no way miserable (my staff is incredible).  On Friday, I took my final, ended my time at my summer job, ran errands, baked an Oreo cheesecake (for my boyfriend's birthday), had desk duty, and went on rounds (they lasted until 5 am- whew).  I tell you, freshmen come up with crazy stuff to do every year- their creativity never ceases to surprise me.  Anyways, I held the duty phone until the next morning and anxiously drove around picking up items for a surprise party I was throwing later that night for my boyfriend.  When he arrived at noon, we got him moved into his apartment and then a couple of his friends and I surprised him with dinner and a trip to The OKC Escape (speaking of which, you MUST try this place out- it's amazing).  Then, when we returned to his apartment, all of his friends were there and it was an even bigger surprise! A couple of his friends are leaving Norman so it was nice for him to have an opportunity to see them before they left.  He was expecting a surprise so the dinner excursion was my means to make him think that was the surprise when in fact it was the surprise party afterwards.  On Sunday, I held my first floor meeting and took my residents to their class picture.  Monday and Tuesday were a bit overwhelming, but Tuesday my class schedule changed and I feel so much better now.  Previously, my schedule was going to be extremely difficult, and it stressed me out just to think about my classes.  Now, my classes will be difficult, definitely, but much more do-able.

Surprise hat for the surprise party

http://pixabay.com/en/hat-party-birthday-happy-children-25732/

Week 1: Introduction to Me

Hey, everybody! My name is Taylor Hamstra and I am a Chemical Biosciences major with a minor in Medical Humanities.  I'm a junior this year although I'm graduating so I guess you could call me a senior?? Anyways, I spent my summer here in Norman doing a variety of things- taking classes, working as a tech, shadowing PA's, volunteering in the NICU and at the animal shelter, etc.  I also went home some weekends which was really nice. When I say I "went home," I did, but I have lived in seven different places so Fort Worth is where I go to, but it's not where I was "born and bred."  Also, my family got a puppy not too long ago so I was very eager to spend some time with the cute dog before I came back to Norman.  As you might have guessed from what I've written so far, I want to be a physician assistant (PA) when I am older.  I shadowed many different specialties this summer, but my favorite was outpatient pediatric oncology.  I shadowed a lot of PA's this summer because during the school year, I take lots of classes but also work as a resident advisor (RA) which keeps me pretty busy.  As I've told my residents, I've had my fair share of crazy stories- don't become one of them :) I really enjoy working as an RA and one of the neatest things for me is to see how my residents transition from knowing nearly no one when they first move in and then seeing them at the end of the year in their various organizations and grabbing lunch with different friends every day of the week.  It's a really rewarding job and although it can be hard sometimes, it truly is a wonderful job and it also has taught me a lot about myself and mediating conflict among others.  On a lighter note, it's fun to plan events for my floor and for the fall semester, my floor theme is puns- so there's lots of terrible plays on words at every turn.  In conclusion, I look forward to being in class with all of you and wish you all a great semester!

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Week 1: Storybook Favorites and My Thoughts on Them

          As I've said in a previous blog post, I think it's really neat to have a new and unique take on a known story.  The storybooks I read were just that.  Based on the title and how catchy it was, I chose these three storybooks:  The Royal Girls' Room, The Heavenly Academy Awards, and Kamaveda, Love Therapist.

          The first storybook I read, The Royal Girls' Room, was the most fascinating storybook I had read.  I really enjoyed how the author (Marissa Dutton) put a fun, modern day twist on an ancient story.  It was also very relatable because similar to the story, I recall catching up in the bathroom with my friends during the school day when I was in high school.  The design of the storybook was very colorful but almost too colorful- the polka dots were somewhat distracting although I did appreciate the bright colors.  In moderation, the colors and designs of the storybook would have been less of a distraction.

Image for storybook by Dutton

          The next story I read was titled The Heavenly Academy Awards.  The title caught my attention because of its modern-day reference to academy awards and the spin on its everyday meaning was very interesting.  It was neat to see what supernatural creatures might recognize about one another and what themes commonly occur in epics and mythological tales.  The design for the storybook was nothing special, but there was some color which is always nice to break up monotony.

The Backstabber Award

          The final storybook I read was Kamaveda, Love Therapist.  The title appealed to me because relationships fascinate me and different cultures can have varying views on what a marriage looks like.  Seeing such powerful couples with their various issues was interesting to read about because even though the characters have such amazing abilities, they still struggled with their own minor issues that may not have been focused on in their individual epics.  The layout on this storybook was nice and simple.  It was not distracting but did not exactly add to the storybook either.  

          In conclusion, I enjoyed each of the storybooks I read and I especially appreciated how they were easily relatable to modern-day life. 

Week 1: Indian Epics and Thoughts

Going into this class, I have a pretty open mind.  Growing up, I've read so many pieces of literature that are English, but I don't think I've read any that are Indian.  I am definitely looking forward to the diversity of literature I'm about to experience and anticipate to be very fascinated.  I also have several Indian friends so it will be neat to have a glimpse into the culture of their country.  I am eager for this class but don't know what to expect.  So far, writing the post about a "story on a story" was really neat and I'm looking forward to reading different versions of the same story throughout the semester.

Week 1 Storytelling: For a Child

"BYE, baby bunting,

Daddy's gone a hunting,

To get a little hare's skin

To wrap a baby bunting in."

(traditional nursery rhyme)

(bow and arrows similar to those father used in story)

              In a conservative log cabin in late November, a small child was born to a young couple.  The baby boy was happy and delicate but as winter snow enveloped the land, the parents became worried about their small child because he began coughing and seemed more feeble.  The young parents had never had a child before and were concerned.  However, they were far away from the closest town and needed a short-term solution before they made the trek out into the cold in order to seek out a doctor for their son.  Thus, the young father decided that he would trek into the snow-covered hills to hunt in order to provide fur for his son to stay warm.  

               Unfortunately, most of the animals were hibernating in out of reach places and the father felt defeated as he could not find any large game to bring home to his family.  As his strength and stamina gradually waned, he knew he didn't have much time left to get home before dark.  After about half an hour or so of his trek back towards the cabin, he spotted a hare not too far away from where he was standing.  The hare froze in its tracks as it seemed to sniff the ground, unaware of the lurking danger.  Not skipping a beat, the young father whipped out his bow and arrow and ended the rabbit's life in order to extend the life of another- the life of his son.  As he carefully bent down to pick up the slain hare, he paused to think of his small son and sweet wife back at the cabin.  With newly found energy, he raced back to the cabin to find his wife anxiously peering out the door scanning the woods for him.  As she spotted him, a smile grew across her face as her husband had returned safe and sound.  After the young wife crafted a fur blanket to wrap her son in, they made plans to journey to the neighboring town the next morning.

Author's Note:  First off, my story is based off the nursery rhyme "Bye, Baby Bunting" which is included in The Nursery Rhyme Book edited by Andrew Lang in 1897.  When I originally read the rhyme, I thought about a father's love for his son and what great lengths he would go to in order to ensure the health and wellness for his child.  The picture and beaty of love was really inspirational and painted such a beautiful portrait in my mind of a young couple doing everything they can in order to work together to raise a healthy, young baby.  I chose to make the story based in the past where it wasn't as easy for parents to simply drive down the road and see the doctor- the dad sacrificially wandered through the snow in search of warmt for his son and risked the fact that he may not find anything at all!  The mother also was a great help and did her part at home- tending to the baby as needed and welcoming her husband home with open arms as soon as he arrived.  

Week 1: My Favorite Places...close to home and far away!

My favorite places in the world are both very close to me and far away.  Both OU and Guatemala have special places in my heart.

The south side of Bizzell Memorial Library (entrance).
Image Location: Wikimedia
More Information (web source):  Wikipedia

OU is where I have made life-long friends, where I have learned a lot about life lessons, and it's where I call home.

Tourists visiting Antigua, Guatemala in 2005.
Image Location:  Wikipedia
Image Information (web source):  Wikipedia

Another one of my favorite places is Guatemala where I visited an orphange two years in a row in high school.  I haven't been able to go back since, but I think about the children there frequently.

Google Search-by-Image Tech Tip

I searched this image using Google's search-by-image tool.  The picture is a smaller part of the Sistine Madonna painting by Raphael.

A portion of Sistine Madonna by Raphael.

Image Source:  Wikipedia
More Information:  Sistine Madonna

Testing New Blog

Hi! My name is Taylor Hamstra and I'm a Chemical Biosciences major with a Medical Humanities minor.  I'm super excited for this class!