Dodgson's Muse

Alright, so I don't have a quote for this post but I do have a picture. I know that we haven't started with Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, but I figured that I would go ahead and write anyway. So with that said, here goes...

Many know of the story Alice In Wonderland, many more have watched the Disney version of the story. But what many do not know is that Lewis Carroll is a pseudonym for Charles Dodgson and that the character of Alice was created with someone special in mind. That is, Dodgson knew a young girl by the name of Alice Lidell, later to be known as Alice Hargreaves, and it said that she was Dodgson's muse for this story. It is also believed that Dodgson had a relationship with this girl and that it was merely platonic. Others aren't so sure that it was platonic...

I was horrified when I first found that out... I was in my ENGL 481 class a few summers ago. We were doing these reports over biographies of authors and someone had chosen Charles Dodgson/ Lewis Carroll. Needless to say, this definitley changes how I feel about the story and this author. It's not the same story that I remember reading... No, this seems to be a different story- it kind of ruins it for me.

Homework! oh, Homework!

Not Exactly Outside Reading

"Homework! Oh, Homework!
I hate you! You stink!
I wish I could wash you away in the sink,
if only a bomb
would explode you to bits.
Homework! Oh, homework!
You're giving me fits.


I'd rather take baths
with a man-eating shark,
or wrestle a lion
alone in the dark,
eat spinach and liver,
pet ten porcupines,
than tackle the homework,
my teacher assigns.

Homework! Oh, homework!
you're last on my list,
I simply can't see
why you even exist,
If you just disappeared
it would tickle me pink.
Homework! Oh, homework!
I hate you! You stink!" Shel Silverstein/ Jack Prelutsky-??



So, I'm beginning to think that my fifth grade language arts/ history teacher either made us do lots of memorization or that there really is an obvious reason why they call us "Super Seniors." Anyway, I think that I memorized this poem in fifth grade, just like I think that this poem is written by Shel Silverstein. When I looked for it on the Internet I found that it might have been written by someone else. Either way, I still like the poem. I figured that it was fitting that I post on this seeing as how my "week of hell"-tests/midterms are around the corner. Naturally, homework is piling up.

I don't think that I noticed anything different when I read this again. I notice that it's pretty far fetched and goes to the extreme. Perhaps, this is what makes it such a memorable and well loved poem. For example, when I googled the poem, I had no trouble finding the poem. It was a poem that had been used multiple times when people blogged. Furthermore, I believe that it is memorable because people can relate. When people can relate to something or someone their postive face needs (Whoop for being able to apply what I learned in LING 307) are satisfied and they feel as if they are more affiliated with the world in which they live. As those needs are met a person begins to do better and better... For example, I think that all students whether in the first grade or in college can relate to this poem. I don't care what anyone says, at times even the Rory Gilmore's of the world( people who like school and studying) hate their homework.

I think that about wraps it up for now. I'm spent on words and thought. My brain is fried, I need a break. One last thing, I know the cartoon doesn't really fit but it was really funny. It says " No you may not outsource your homework to India"- it was sooooo funny.

D.W. Thinks Big

Outside Reading

"'I may be little said D.W., but sometimes I can be a big help.'" Marc Brown, D.W. Thinks Big

Among my favorite authors as a child was Marc Brown. I'm not sure why I liked them but what strikes me now is that it would probably be easy for a kid to relate to these stories. The stories deal with issues that children face thus they serve a meaning powerful role in the lives of those who read Marc Brown's books. In reading this again, the story was powerful because I was able to relate to D.W. I am the little sister and I have one older brother. I don't exactly remember the times when I was too young to help or do something but this story tells me what I might have been like for me.

Another thing I like about the book is that D.W does help and proves that she is not too young and not a nuisance. Without her the wedding wouldn't have been possible. Her parents and brother are wrong and in the end, it is D.W who is getting all the praise and glory. In the beginning it is Arthur. I remember all the times growing up that I felt that I lived in the shadow of my brother. He had blazed the trails before me, and met all the teachers who might one day teach me. When I got to high school, I met his friends and acquaintances. I was always known as “Nick’s little sister” and I hated it. He was and is very, very smart. I'm smart but in a different way than Nick is... So, I think it’s the same for D.W. Arthur kind of blazes the trails too.

Anyway, I think that's about it. I'm spent on words; my brain is tired... It's been a long week.

Not Your Grandmother's Cinderella

"According to the Foxmovies web site about Ever After(http://www.foxmovies.com/everafterthemovie.html), 'This is not your grandmother's Cinderella.' Andy Tennant, director and co-screenwritere says fo the film, 'I wanted to tell a very different version of 'Cinderella' because I have two daughters.' What kind of Cinderella is Danielle? How does she differe from your grandmother's Cinderella? Why do you think Tennant wanted to create this particular type of Cinderella?"

Alright, so I'm posting on another discussion question... In short, I agree with what was said in class and I also agree with the website. This retelling of Cinderella isn't the tale our grandmothers or even us for that matter are used to. For the most part, we are used to reading about a Cinderella who is not as assertive, is not a feminist and allows her stepmother and stepsisters to control her and tell her what to do. It is refreshing to hear the story told differently. I like this version. I like that Danielle does not depend on the king to save her. I like she teaches the prince and makes him a better person. In return, he gives her his love, and supports her in the end by having Danielle's step mother stripped of her title. Basically, the baroness gets what is coming to her because of HenryII. Had it not been for him, Danielle would have led a lackluster life.

This Cinderella can kind serve as a role model to girls today as they are taught to stand up themself and to not depend on others. The version that we grew up with, and the version our grandmother's grew up with may be memorable as we look back and reminisce but she, thre traditional Cinderella, failed to teach or serve as a role model to young girls today. In the past girls were expected to serve, and do what was told of them. If they said no or did otherwise they were looked down upon. The independent woman of that time, who was strong, and not vulnerable was looked down upon. Today, things are different as is reflected by the characters created by writers the world over.

I Cannot Go To School Today

Not Exactly Outside Reading

"I cannot go to school today."
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.

My mouth is wet, my throat is dry.
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox.

And there's one more - that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue,It might be the instamatic flu.

I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke.
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in.

My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My toes are cold, my toes are numb,

I have a sliver in my thumb.

My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,

I think my hair is falling out.

My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,

There's a hole inside my ear.

I have a hangnail, and my heart is ...
What? What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is .............. Saturday?

G'bye, I'm going out to play!" Shel Silverstein, I Cannot Go To School Today




When I was in in fifth grade Mrs. Hatcher, my history/langauge arts teacher made us memorize this poem. I thought it would be appropriate for me to use seeing as how everyone is getting "sick." Then, my second class got cancelled today because our professor was sick. I did everything but check my TAMU email when I was in the Blocker computer lab. I feel kind of stupid. But anyway, without further ado here's the latest "installment."

What I like about this poem and about this author is that it's sort of a classic. Shel Silverstein is among the best known children's author's of all times. Dr. Seuss I would have to say is number one but Silverstein would probably take the silver or bronze if poets got olympic medals. In regards to this poem in particular I like that it, like other poems, is relatable that every child at one point or another has played hooky from school and has attempted to convince his or her parent that he or she is unable to go to school. Little Peggy Ann McKay is no different. She uses every excuse in the book. While it would be impossible that she be so ill, I think that her attempts to feign her caretaker are good and bold. Realistically speaking, she would be dead if she were as ill as she makes herself out to be. But, being that she's a child, she probably doesn't think about this. It is though, as I said a charming poem and something that we can all relate to.

For example, I don't remember how old I was but I remember this one time when I was younger I had stayed home because I was sick and then I wanted to go to Wednesday night church because I felt better but my Mom wouldn't let me. At the time, I was furious but it made sense when I really thought about it. So yeah, I like this poem because we can relate and because it seemed fitting to write on this poem today. Besides that, Silverstein, as I have also said is among the best poets ever...

I think that's it for now. Gotta run.

Amazing Grace

Outside Reading

"Grace was a girl who loved stories. She didn't mind if they were read to herr or told to her or made up in her own head. She didn't care if they were in books or movies or out of Nana's long memory. Grace just loved stories." Amazing Grace, Mary Hoffman; Caroline Binch

I vaguely remember reading this story as a child; I couldn't have been more than seven years at the time. But what I do remember is that I liked the book. Once again, I find that I enjoyed the book. It's a unique story and really warms the heart. It has a feel to it, a very special Caribbean feel. However, one thing I do not like is that Grace, who I assume lives in this current era, is told that she cannot play the role of Peter Pan because she is African American.

In this day and age, traces of what use to be are left behind. For the most part, I see that people are more tolerant and accepting of those outside of their race. Today, people of all races, nations and tribes work and live together in a near perfect harmony. I am however, a caucasian female writing this so I guess I kind of have a biased opinion on this matter. I do realize that racism is still alive and well in some people but we Americans do tend to think differently than those that raised us... Another thing that I like about this book is that by the end of the story the conflict has resolved itself. Grace regains her confidence when her Nana takes her to the ballet. Afterwards she regains confidence and lands the role of Peter Pan in her school's production of the play Peter Pan. And I suppose that the author writes this way to teach the readers, both young and new, a lesson. The lesson- is that all children given the right circumstances can do anything if they just set their minds to the task at hand.

The Rushed Childhoods of the 21st Century

"I am not a child now

I can take care of myself

I mustn't let them down now

I Mustn't let them see me cry

Cause I'm fine, I'm fine

I'm too tired to listen

I'm too old to believe

All these childish stories

There is no such thing as faith

And trust and pixie dust

I'll try

But it's so hard to believe

I'll try

But I can't see where you see

I'll try, I'll try, I'll try.

My whole world is changing

I don't know where to turn

I can't leave you waiting

But I can't stay and watch this city burn

Ooh, Watch it burn'

Cause I'll try

But it's so hard to believe

I'll try

But I can't see where you see

I'll try, I'll try

I'll try and try to understand

The distance in between

The love I feel and the things I fear

And every single dream

I can finally see it

Now I have to believe

All those precious stories

All the world is made of

Faith, and trust... and pixie dust.

So, I'll try

Because I finally believe

I'll try, cuz I can see where you see

I'll try, I'll try

I'll try...

Woah woah woah woah..

To fly." I'll Try, Writer Unknown

Okay so I feel like I'm writing about a lot of songs but I really like this song and the movie, Return to Neverland. I guess what I like is that it's relatable. People can relate to the main character Jane, who happens happens to be Wendy's daughter. Jane's childhood is cut short, and for many children growing up in the 21st century it is the same. In a perfect world all children would get the same opportunities as their peers but the sad truth is that they do not. For the most part children who do not come from good homes with loving parents have to grow up a lot faster. When a parent fails to fullfil the role, for whatever reason, of parent then a child might step in and become a sort of caretaker to a younger child. It seems a morbid thought that the parent would fail in their role as a caretaker and provider but I've seen and read about it far too often. As these children are forced into taking on more responsibility they leave their childhood behind and grow up all too soon.

In the end, Jane wins and hopefully these children who grow up too soon will too. How does Jane win? She is kidnapped by Captain Hook and is kind forced into believing all the wild stories that her mother told her. And it's kind of a blessing in the end. The setting of the story takes place in WWII London, where no one is safe and children are definitley forced to grow up. This kidnapping lightens the mood for Jane and improves the situation in the end. Hopefully, these children if nothing else can find something, or someone to believe in. I think it crucial to find something to believe in, and for children to take their time growing up...

The Prevalence of Ogres In Children's Literature

" Fee, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman." The Ogre in Jack in the Beanstalk


Okay, so I got the idea to do this entry quite a while ago... We were discussing the Hansel and Gretel tales, Molly Whuppie to be even more specific. Anyway, I decided to do a post over the prevalence of ogres in childrens literature. When I put it into a search engine I got a lot of hits. I always say that I don't claim to be the most knowledgable source abt. literature or children's literature for that matter. For that reason, I seek to find what others say abt. these ogres and why they've made their way into popular works and movies. But I do want to write on the subject. Basically, I'm just saying that I'm not a scholar on the subject.

One thing that strikes me is that these ugly, both physically and emotionally, ogres have been made to look relatively attractive- that is for an ogre. In looking at pictures of them on Google, I have to say that they are pretty ugly. They're supposed to be. But, if this so then why has Disney made Shrek somewhat appealing? My answer to my own question is that they have to sale tickets and in order to do that they have to appeal to their target audience which is children. If Shrek were made to ugly kids would be horrified and wouldn't come to the movie. Then Disney or Dreamworks, whoever it is that makes this movie, would lose lots of money. So if Shrek is made to look somewhat attractive then it's for the good of the company.

Secondly, I used a quote from Jack in the Beanstalk because that's the first time I ever encountered ogres. I was pretty young and didn't realize what an ogre was. To be honest it wasn't that important. Then years later when the Shrek movies came out I figured out what an ogre was. I was reminded again when I read Molly Whuppie. I read Ella Enchanted over the weekend I noticed that ogres were abundunt in this work. It was while reading this work that I realized how bad they really were. The ogres put Ella in grave danger several times. It is only because of luck and her cunning, rebellious nature that she lives.

Really, I think that about wraps it up. There really isn't much else to say...

Cinderella's Trip to the 21st Century, Pt. 2

"She spins and she sways

To whatever song plays

Without a care in the world

And I'm sitting here wearing

The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long dayAnd there's still work to do

She's pulling at me Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle

And I've been invited

And I need to practice my dancing

Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh, I will dance with Cinderella

I don't want to miss even one song

'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed

She wants to know if I approve of the dress

She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away

And I need to practice my dancing

Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh, I will dance with CinderellaI don't want to miss even one song'

Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand

Just glowing and telling us all they had planned

She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away

But I need to practice my dancing

Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh, I will dance with Cinderella

I don't want to miss even one song

'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone." Cinderella, Stephen Curtis Chapman

So, first off I just have to say and explain that Stephen Curtis Chapman is among my favorite Christian artists. I heard this song on the radio and was delighted to find out that he sang it. In a video on youtube i found the music video and a little blurb abt. the song. Basically, as with other writers, artists, etc. he found his source of inspiration from his family. In listening to the little blurb I learned that he got his inspiration for from his daughters to be more specific. Now then for the meat and potatoes of the post.

I guess I'm pretty much going to start where I left off in my last post. As I said before, these modern day songs and literature tell others what life is like now as opposed to what life was like in the past. Years from now, people will be able to learn about our culture and how lived by listening to audio clips, watching movies, or reading books published hundreds and possibly thousands of years ago. I suppose that this song will inspire and warm hearts the hearts of many just as did mine. In listening to it I certainly find that it's something that we can all relate to. Life is monotonous but it goes by so incredibly fast. One thing that this song reminded me of was all the times I've gone to the store, or mall with my mom... She loves children; she just has a way with them. Anyway, she of course has to go up to the parent and if the child is a girl she'll say " You know she'll be twenty-two one day don't you?" If the parent has a son she'll talk about my brother. And then as always the mother or father looks at me and then at her daughter and gives you this wonderful radiant smile. It's as if my mom reminds them to love their child and to savor all the memories; to fully enjoy their child before they grow up.

In closing, this song unlike others takes you through the life of a child, it shows how a child metamorphoses and changes. But one thing that never changes is her love for her father.... I think that about wraps it up. As usual, I'm spent on words and thoughts for now...

Cinderella's Trip to the 21st Century, Pt. 1

"When I was just a little girl
My momma used to tuck me into bed
and she'd read me a story
It always was about a Princess in distress
And how a guy would save her and end up with the glory

I'd lie in bed and think about the person that I want to be
Then one day I realized the fairy tale life wasn't for me

[Chorus]
I don't wanna be like Cinderella
Sittin' in a dark old dusty cellar
Waiting for somebody, to come and set me
free
I don't wanna be like Snow White waiting
For a handsome prince to come and save me
On a horse of white, unless we're riding side
by side
Don't want to depend on no one else
I'd rather rescue myself
Someday I'm gonna find someone who
wants my soul, heart, and mind
Who's not afraid to show that he loves me
Somebody who will understand I'm happy
just the way I am
Don't need nobody taking care of me
I will be there for him just as strong as he will be there for me
When I give myself then it has to got to be, an equal thing

[Chorus]
I can slay, my own dragons
I can dream, my own dreams
My knight in shining armour is me
So I'm gonna set me free." Cinderella, The Cheetah Girls

Alright, so I admit it- I watch the Disney Channel sometimes... I don't really watch that much TV during the semester but when summer or Christmas break roll around I watch a lot of TV and go to lots of movies. We don't have satellite, but we do have basic cable. I still feel like I don't have a lot of options though. The Discovery Health Channel is one of my favorites but it can get a little too graphic for me, I also like MTV, VH1 and the CW... Anyway, I think it was last summer when The Cheetah Girls came out with their second movie. I also admit that I watched it. As I recall there wasn't much else to do or much else on TV.

Now, months later I'm rembering that there was this song about Cinderella and since we've just read Cinderella I thought that I would write on this song, and how this tale is and still remains one of the most popular stories for children. The different versions by many different authors have given a glimpse as to what life was like during the time in which they lived. In a sense, they are time capsules. This version speaks its audience as it shows that girls can be strong, independent and that they can fight their own battles. In the past the Cinderella stories told its audiences that women were weak and that their place was in the home. Being that they were weak they probably could not fight fight their own battles. Today, women have a brighter outlook on life as is reflected in song and literature.