UnTextbook

The UnTextbook is AMAZING!!!! I'm super excited to read these stories! I saw way more than four stories that I am interested in reading but, here are the first four that popped out at me.

Russian Folktales:
I am so excited to read these! I remember when I was in the 3rd grade I checked out a really cool fairytale book that had fairytales from different countries in it. I remember finding the Russian fairytales the most interesting. I also like that they include the undead. I think that it gives Russian fairytales an interesting flare.


Through the Looking-Glass:
In 5th grade, I read "Alice in Wonderland" but I never did get around to reading the sequel. I wrote a paper on Alice in my capstone class and I remember thinking that I wanted to add "Through the Looking-Glass" to my summer reading list. This is the perfect opportunity to read it now instead of waiting until the summer.


Celtic Fairy Tales:
When I hear Celtic, I automatically think of fairies! Fairies are a personal favorite of mine! One of my best friends is Scottish so I think it would be fun to read these stories together.


Jamaica Anansi Stories:
In elementary school, our class went on a field trip to the public library down the street from our school. One of the librarians gave us a tour and then told us stories about Anansi. They were very entertaining and I remember our class hanging on the every word eagerly waiting to see what Anansi was going to do next. The librarian only told us a few stories so I'm excited to read more about Anansi and his crazy antics.

I found this really cool picture of Anansi as a superhero! I chose this picture because I mean, it's a picture of Anansi as a superhero! Who couldn't pick this pic!

(Anansi reimagined as a Marvel Superhero)



Storybook Favorites

The Princess Constellations:
I really liked the idea of this story! I have no background knowledge of this topic but I still found it to be very interesting. I thought that it was really cool how the author decided to write the story from the point of view of the stars. I love reading and strong and brave princesses as opposed to the “damsel in distress” type of princesses that we are used to seeing and reading about. The introduction does a great job of explaining what the story is about. I think that it sets up the main plot very nicely and makes me want to read more. Overall, I think that the main thing that attracted me to this story was the title and the page layout. The dark purples combined with the shining star really made the layout come together.

(picture from The Princess Constellations by Mathias Krumbholz)

Demigod Daycare:
This story seems great! The title instantly drew me in. It reminded me of a combination of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and Disney’s Hercules. The Muses were my favorite characters in the Disney version of Hercules. They were so fun and sassy! Using a daycare setting was a cool way to set up the basis of the story. I felt like I was learning along with the Demigod kids. The introduction made me want to keep reading more (after I finish this assignment, I am going to go back and read it). I liked the font that the author used as well. It made me feel like I was reading this out of an old huge fairytale book.

Peter Pan:
I LOVE Peter Pan! The lock screen and home screen wallpaper on my iPhone are Peter Pan quotes! Anything Peter Pan related is sure to be a hit with me (except for the live action version on TV)! The layout of the page was great. The greens and whites and the font that looked like someone’s handwriting gave the page a whimsical and youthful feel, just like the boy himself. I also liked the style and feel of the writing. It makes the reader feel connected to the story.

 

Introduction: Hufflepuff, Starbucks barista, Lover of Music and all things Yellow!

Hey y'all! My name is Terrica (pronounced like Erica with a T) and I hail from the great state of Texas, Austin to be exact. This simple fact has caused a lot of people to give me the side eye and ask, "Why didn't you go to UT?" or "What made you come to OU?" The answer to this question is simple, my family has never been a big fan of UT and I wanted to go to college away from home. As soon as I visited the OU campus, I knew that this is where I needed to be.

 

(Me at home taken by my mother)



 

This summer, I did absolutely nothing but go back home and soak up all of the music I could. I know that probably sounds cliché but, I absolutely love music! I spend 98% percent of my time listening to music and doing music related things (the other 2% is eating ha-ha!). I love everything from pop-punk to country music but, I find myself being completely obsessed with bands. My purple headphones are literally glued to my ears 24/7. Music is a huge part of my life and I honestly don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have it! I swear there is nothing better than an impromptu road trip to a concert. Another genre I’m super in love with is musical theatre! My two best friends and I often find ourselves belting out Disney songs and Broadway tunes randomly throughout the day.

(Music is Life!)

 

 

Aside from music, I’m obsessed with binge watching TV shows. There is nothing better than sitting down with my best friends and stuffing our faces with junk food and watching every season of a show over the weekend. I have no idea why we wait until a show is 3 seasons deep before we decide to watch the show instead of watching each episode one at a time on its scheduled  day and time but, there is something strangely satisfying about watching a TV show until your eyes bleed (no literally of course). Along with TV shows, I love movies. My favorite type of movies is comedies (both RomCom and non RomCom). The conversations between my friends and I are often made up of movie quotes and references and song lyrics.

 

Social media! Sadly, social media has taken over my life. Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube are my best friends. I love connecting with other people from all over the US and the world. It is amazing how many friendships you can form and how many cool and interesting things you can share with people. No matter how you feel about our generation’s dependency on technology and social media, you have to admit, there are some seriously funny people and videos online. If you need a laugh, just hop on YouTube or Twitter or Tumblr and I guarantee you will find something hilarious.

(Social Media Icons)

 

 

 The last thing I want to mention is my involvement in Alpha Phi Omega. Alpha Phi Omega, better known as APO is a co-ed community service fraternity. APO has been a huge part of my college career and I know that if I hadn’t of made the decision to join, my college experience would not have been the same. I met 2 of my best friends through this organization and I have made countless memories with brothers that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Some of the service projects we have done, for example, Soonerthon, changed my life and gave me experiences I will never forget. So, here is my shameless plug; if you are in any way interested in Leadership, Friendship, and Service, please do not hesitate to ask me about APO! It is a great organization to be a part of!

(Alpha Phi Omega- Delta Beta photo taken by Matt Rom)

 

 

 

Week 1 Storyteling: Dr. Sheldon, Relationship Guru

Knock. Knock.

“Come on in,” yelled Dr. Sheldon from inside her office. Dr. Sheldon, or Shelly as she preferred to be called, was the most renowned relationship counselor in all of Aesop City. She had mended many friendships in her career but these next clients were going to be a challenge. In walked her new patients, the man, better known as Manny, and the lion, better known as Linus. “So, tell me what is going on,” said Shelly. Manny and Linus frantically begin to tell their side of the story, both trying to talk over the other. “Time out!” Shelly yelled. “One at a time please. Manny, why don’t you go first.”

Manny cleared hi throat and said, “It all started when Linus and I were walked home from work. We cut through the forest just like we always had but something was different. Linus has always been prideful but that day he let his pride get the best of him as he challenged me by saying how lions were superior to man.” “Don't let Manny fool you,” roared Linus. “He was the one yelling about man’s mental and physical dominance over my kind!”

The two begin to bicker back forth, each one trying to prove the superiority of their kind. “Enough!” said Shelly. “This arguing is not getting us anywhere. Please continue, Manny.” Manny began to explain that as he and Linus continued their trek through forest that they came upon a great statue. “The statue showed a man savagely tearing the mouth of the infamous Nemean Lion,” Linus said with disgust. “That man,” said Manny, “was Heracles. He is a hero among my people. That very statue proves our strength and shows that your kind is like putty in our hands.” Linus combated Manny’s brilliant (or so he thought) statement by saying with a rough laugh, “Your kind, man, sculpted that piece! The statue would show the opposite if it were crafted by a lion!” Before Manny could object, Shelly said, “Linus is right Manny. Point of view is very important. How you see things can be different than how Linus sees things. To make your friendship work, you both have to be willing to consider the other’s point of view.”

When the session was over, Linus and Manny left Dr. Sheldon’s office with all smiles. Seeing the two old friends laughing and clapping each other on the back, Shelly knew that she had done her job and done it well. “Dang, I'm good,” Shelly whispered to herself as she put her feet up on her desk, threw her arms behind her head, and leaned back in her chair.

Heracles slaying the lion statue

(Wikimedia Commons)

 

Author's Note. This story is based on the fable "The Man and the Lion." You can find this fable here; Aesop for Children, by (anonymous), illustrated by Milo Winter (1919). This fable tells of a man and a lion that get into an argument about which kind is superior; man or lion. The two come across a statue of the Greek hero Heracles tearing open the mouth of a lion. To the man, the statue proves man kind's dominance but, the lion disputes this by saying that if a lion had sculpted this statue, it would be quite different. The moral of this fable is everything depends on point of view. In my story, I decided that the man and the lion were longtime friends who needed the help of my added character, Dr. Sheldon ( a turtle who happens to be a therapist), to help them work through their argument over superiority and mend their friendship. I liked this story because the moral is very relevant to our lives. Sometimes we forget that even though we are the best of friends with someone, we can both have very different views and these varying views do not have to ruin the friendship but can instead strengthen it. 

 

Austin and Los Angeles...My Favorite Places

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas is not only my hometown but one of my favorite places. I love the hipster vibe and the "Keep Austin Weird" mentality. There is always something interesting to do and the music scene and quirky feel of the city is by far the best part of Austin!

 

The graffiti wall and the "Greetings from Austin" mural is a big tourist attraction

(zachandmaggie.com)

 

Guitar statues can be found all over downtown Austin

(https://www.flickr.com/photos/venturist/3386698121/)

 

 

Los Angeles, California

Technically, I've only been to LA by way of LAX but, I am in love with the city. I did not get a chance to explore LA but, I plan on visiting this summer and potentially moving there with one of my best friends after we graduate. The city is a perfect fit for us; laid back but still fast paced. I am very excited to start our new journey in LA and I can't wait to explore and do all things touristy in the summer.

Los Angeles, California skyline

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_California)

 

California's iconic palm trees

(http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hancock_Park_Street.JPG)