Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Reading Notes: Pattanaik. Seven Secrets of Vishnu Part A


Reading Notes Mohini's Secret | 7 Secrets of Vishnu Part A

Mohini Part 1

I like that they explain the way Vishnu as a woman is different than other enchantresses. That her motive is different because she in reincarnated as women but is actually male. 

I like the idea that 2 worlds can exist at one time. 

Differentiating between spiritual reality and material reality is interesting. I amused by the fact that people are upset that Vishnu as women depicts material reality. 

The talk of metaphysics made this seem more like a study than a story. It is an entirely different type of source than I have been familiar with.

How can I tie the colors associated with reality into my stories? 
Red is representative of material reality
White is representative of spiritual reality.

Vishnu: That which expands to occupy everything. He is a god that celebrates infinite growth.

Spiritual growth: The power to overcome emotions.

Mohini Part 2

Brahma represents infinite consciousness.

Everything that is born eventually dies.

Outside in nature, everything is moving, and one has to act to survive.

Aspects of nature that frighten and aspects of nature. I could tie this into the Wild West Storybook.

What was good in one place may be bad in another. Good concept. Confuses the character applies to (Vishnu?)

Maya means delusion. What types of Maya will the characters have in the Wild West?

Prakriti is the forest in which man is no different than other animals. Another good concept to tie into. One of my characters could wander into the desert or Prakriti and be one with nature.. or nature and animals could simply seek to kill him like they would other animals because they are the same.

What about a story as a dream of one of my characters where they dream one of the Indian epics?




 
Image Information: Mohini offering the Gods Amrita
Author: Norvanamim
Source: Wikimedia

Source

Title: Mohini's Secret | 7 Secrets of Vishnu
Author: Epicast
Year: 2016

Monday, March 27, 2017

Reading Notes: Epified Krishna Part B

Krishna Episode 11- Krishna Humbles Brahma

Brahma, the creator of the universe, sees Krishna who has the universe in his mouth. Interesting.
This part of the story reminds me of Satan tempting Jesus in the desert. 

Krishna Episode 12 - Krishna rides Hastin

It could be cool to write about someone riding the biggest worst bull in the Wild West. Maybe instead of writing an entire story about Krishna and the tornado in the story book, I modify it to bee a story that encompasses a few stories of the things Krishna had done.
Krishna rode the bull with ease until the Bull praised Krishna. It was a lesson o kindness. Kindness is the ultimate strength. 

Krishna Episode 13 - The Saviour of Dharma

Sounds a lot like Jesus if you ask me. It is sad he can not marry his lover, though. I guess because it is a greater power it is okay.

Krishna Episode 14 - Akrur Invites Krishna

Family members killing each other seems to be a theme.

Krishna Episode-15 - Krishna's Farewell

After all, he has done, I am shocked they were so insistent that he don't go to Mathura.

Krishna Episode 16 - Krishna Arrives At Mathura

Krishna coming to Mathura could be the story of Krishna coming to Tombstone in my storybook. Trivakra reminds me of the lame woman who touched the garment of Jesus. Wow. Similarities. People spreading the miracles is also similar to the Bible. 

Krishna Episode 17 - Krishna Kills Kuvalayapida

The ease with which Krishna took out the elephant is quite amazing. It really helps you picture his strength. Kans failed to kill Krishna for the last time. 

Krishna Episode 18 - Krishna Kills Kamsa

This story reminds me of Rama because of raising the divine object effortlessly. Kans dying to Krishna was celebrated. The evil rule was over now.

Krishna Episode 19 - Freedom For Mathura

Krishna's king being his grandfather is pretty cool!

Krishna Episode 20 - Dwarka - Krishna's Kingdom

All the attacks on Mathura are sad. I feel like Mathura was a great place with good people. Shifting a whole city. Could Tombstone be shifted? The old town being burnt down like in this story?

Image Information: Krishna Breaks his Vow
Author: R.U & V Press, Ghatkopar
Source: Wikimedia




Title: Krishna
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Tech Tip: First Tweet

STEP THREE: Blog. Write up a quick blog post where you say something about your Twitter strategy: are you using Twitter already? are you new to Twitter? did you create a new account for this assignment? did you try using the group Twitter account? I am curious to hear your thoughts about Twitter; for me, it's turned out to be a powerful online tool, although it did take me a while to figure out how to make good use of it!

I have been a Twitter user for a few years. I can say I used twitter much more in high school. It was like a personal diary that no one asked me about. I remember tweeting about my day or sad song lyrics as if people cared. Now, I hardly use Twitter but am glad to see it had been a big hit for the classes Professor Gibbs teaches. I think Professor Gibbs are amusing.  I think it is a powerful resourceful tool, but everyone I follow from high school still misuse Twitter as if it were a diary. It is obnoxious. That is all. Rant over. 

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Week 9 Storytelling: One Tough Tornado

One Tough Tornado

It had not been raining long when Krishna got a call from the town sheriff.

Sherif: "Krishna, it's not looking good out tonight. I believe there is a storm rolling in. A storm bigger than any of us town folk has ever experienced. The people are scared. I have questions about what everyone needs to do, and I don't have any answers. Can you help me, partner."

Krishna: "Well Sheriff, I do reckon you're right. This storm looks mighty big. Now, I don't have a lot of advice in regards to the questions, but I got an idea for staying safe from this storm."

Sheriff: "Well boy we ain't got much time so tell me what you're thinking?"

Krishna: "I'll call you soon, let me see what I can do."

Krishna hung up the phone with dozens of ideas circling in his mind. The town folks were scared, but they had options. Krishna had seen storms before. Krishna figured that everyone could load up brave the rain and head east to calmer lands, but that came with the risk of running into unfriendly outlaws. The sheriff wouldn't go for that. Krishna also considered a few other options before settling on creating a shelter for the town folk.

Krishna called the sheriff back.

Sheriff: "Krishna, please tell me you've come up with a solution."

Krishna: "Yes sir, do you recall if those old tunnels are still under the WindyDay Saloon?"

Sheriff: "I believe they are, no one has been down there in years.. can that be a good solution?

Krishna: "Sir I think its the only option we have, and honest we don't have much time. Meet me at the saloon with all the town folk you can find in ten minutes. You can not afford to be late."
Krishna hung up once more. He started sending all those he crossed to the saloon. He had 8 minutes until he needed to meet the sheriff. As Krishna looked to the west the skies were dark, the wind was screaming, and the whirlwind of chaos was moving toward the city at speeds unseen. A tornado was about to hit the town.

Krishna made it to the saloon with 2 minutes to spare. The sheriff and townspeople were in a panic. Krishna lead them all to the tunnels he had asked the sheriff about previously. Once all were underground and secure, Krishna stepped back outside to check the status of the storm. It was getting closer and closer. Krishna was a western man and followed few rules, but knew if the God his momma always told him about were real He would be the only one who could save the town now. At that moment, as the tornado reached the edge of the town blowing the pig feeders, hay bails, and rocking chairs array Krishna hit his knees and reached his hands toward the sky.
Krishan with outstretched arms prayed.

Krishna: "God, if you exist spare this town for they are good people. Calm Your winds and cease Your rain."

Seconds later, the rain stopped, the winds died, and the setting sun broke behind the horizon.
A little boy who had not made it to the tunnels was watching big eyed and terrified from a shop window nearby.  As the townspeople emerged from the tunnels and saw the storm had ceased they were relieved. The little boy ran into the crowd of emerging people and was retelling what he had witnessed.

They boy spoke and said, "I saw Krishna on his knees in the midst of the storm with arms outreached. It was like he strangled the tornado."

Authors Note: I wanted to take an approach with this story using Krishna strangling the Tornado. I feel like the story makes a lot more sense if you have knowledge of the original epic.  I felt like the tornado was exactly what the Wild West theme in my storybook was going for. While some elements ty to my storybook, I hope to change the title and character names for my storybook, but my creative juices were flowing as written, so I didn't want to alter the direction I felt I was taking this story. I'd consider this a story to inspire a better more elaborate, edited version of the story I hope to add to my storybook.

Sources

Title: Krishna
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015



Image Information: Krishna Eating Butter
Author: Shrinet27
Source: Wikimedia

Reading Notes: Epified Krishna Part A

Reading Part A

Krishna Comes - An Introduction

The introduction reminds me of Jesus. Especially them not being a part of his world and instead they being apart of his world.

Krishna Episode 1 - Kamsa

The tale is eery to open. I like that the baby does not die for it is the same baby reincarnated.

Krishna Episode 2 - Vasudev Meets Yamuna

Would the guard not question where the father and baby went when they awoke. The voice in his head is like the Holy Spirit. "The world was about to change" like when Jesus was born unto earth

Krishna Episode 3 - Durga Speaks to Kamsa

Women in power! You go, baby! I like that she delivered a message with power regardless of her gender! I don't understand why he went back to the prison cell. Why didn't they all leave and stay gone? Maybe it was the voice in his head.

Krishna Episode 4 - Putana

Everyone loved Krishna like everyone loved Jesus. Krishna killing Putana dying from a baby eating her breast milk. Weird. Kinda like the strength of Hercules. 

Krishna Episode 5 - Maakhan Chor 

A naughty child haha! That is funny! I could write a story about how Krishna grew up to be a savior at the age of 33. 
He stole butter. That's so random. Why is eating mud naughty?

Krishna Episode 6- Krishna's mouth

The universe inside Krishna. That's a cool story! Like a trip into Krishna's mouth... How do I translate that into the western world?

Krishna Episode 7 - Dreams and Music

Krishna playing the flute... that comes from his reincarnation I assume.
The snake is what saved the baby in the beginning. I am confused at why he saved him but now was against him. 

That's where snake charming comes from. I didn't know that!

Krishna Episode 8 - Kamsa's Terrors

Krishna choking a Tornado. That's good for the Wild West. All of these stories remind me of Hercules though!

Krishna Episode 9 - The Govardhan Hill

Indra begging for forgiveness to Krishna. Interesting. The bad boy in the Wild West could beg for forgiveness from the good guy.

Krishna Episode 10 - Radha's love

The devotion between this couple is awesome. It could be more like a disciple than a love story!



Image Information: Krishna
Author: Kamal Bro
Source: Wikimedia


Sources

Title: Krishna
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Week 8 Growth Mindset


I took the charted and made myself answer honestly to the following, highlighted is where I feel I am right now. 

doing the minimum vs. pushing yourself to go further
looking for praise and other rewards vs. finding the motivation inside yourself
staying in the comfort zone vs. being willing to try new things
focusing on grades vs. focusing on learning
expecting things to stay the same vs. being ready for things to change
taking a short-term view vs. taking a long-term view
letting others make choices for you vs. setting your own goals
playing it safe vs. taking risks
thinking you are "not good" at something vs. being confident you can improve
choosing what's easy vs. choosing what's hard
wanting to get things right the first time vs. being ready to spend time practicing
doing things at the last minute  vs. setting your own schedule and priorities
generally feeling bored and/or frustrated vs. generally feeling curious and/or excited
wanting only positive feedback  vs. being open to any and all feedback
being a perfectionist vs. always ready to learn more
feeling defensive about mistakes vs. being willing to learn from mistakes
comparing yourself to others vs. focusing on your own progress
sticking to what you know vs. asking lots of questions

My strengths and weaknesses through this class are apparent now that we are at week 8. My strengths are my ability to incorporate other stories into my own stories that are based on the epics we have been reading. My weaknesses have been my time management and my creativity. I think I need to do better at a time blocking for creativity I time block for assignments, but I do that with the expectation that I will be able to jump right in and write away. That has not been the case. I need more time to plan and get my creative juices flowing. 

I think that as I have studied and read, I have learned a lot. I hope my writing has reflected that. I still think that I could be better about making statements rooted in a growth mindset. I need to make more declarative statements about my creativity and ability to write that are constructive and positive rather than fixed. 

I like that this week is a relaxed wee. MY BRAIN IS FRIED. I need it to look more like this right brain image. 

Those are my thoughts for now.



Image Information: Right Brain
By: Allan Ajifo

Source: Wikimedia

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Week 7 Story Planning: A New Face in This Part of The Wild West

A New Face in This Part of The Wild West

Talented, handsome, witty, and bold. 

His voice was deep and raspy. His breath smelt of sweet tobacco from the cigar he typically kept in the mouth. He spoke words slow and sweet paying attention to those who observed him, but he rarely spoke at all. His lips pursed together to form a line, and his brow was usually furrowed. He was tall and slender, his clothes hung a little loose, but he was toned and strong.

His skin was thick and dark, tanned by the sun. His golden color contrasted his eyes. They were a foggy green, beautifully unique. His hair was brown and covered by his hat, but his beard was blond, bleached by the sun. 

He was slow to anger but quick to draw. He could sling pistols better than anyone who ever crossed him, and that was exactly what he was traveling across the West to do. 

"Bad guys go runnin' Whenever he's in town. He's the rootinest, tootinest. Shootinest, hootinest cowboy around", and His name was Eastwood. Arjuna Eastwood. 



Image Information: Arjuna
Author: Illusion
Source: Wikimedia

Image Information: Clint Eastwood (Arjuna)
Author: Sergio Leone
Source: Wikimedia



Authors Note:
I wanted to take what I had gathered from the Mahabharata and developed my first character for the Wild West. I took an interest in Arjuna and want him to be the town heartthrob. (Maybe Rama will be in my storybook). I think that I needed a strong male character to carry over into my story book. If you have any suggestions on character development for Arjuna, PLEASE tell. 

Side thoughts for continuation: 
Arjuna was famous in several towns throughout the western region. Arjuna was known for defending towns that were being attacked by the Indian people. 

It wasn't that Arjuna disliked the natives. He didn't enjoy taking down their tribes, but he needed to make a living. You see, a man like Arjuna makes of list of his priorities and will let nothing and no-one stand in his way. Arjunas momma was back up North, and she was sick. Really sick. Arjuna had made it his life mission to provide for her in any way he can, and shooting down Indian tribes for the western towns paid well. Real well. 


On a quiet, smoldering, dusty afternoon Arjuna rode his trusty horse Cantu into a city he'd never visited, El Santo.

Source:
Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition
http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/r/randy+newman/woodys+roundup_20804643.html