Monday, April 7, 2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
The People are the Land
Danyelle Brown - February 21,2014
Alan Paton, author of Cry the Beloved
Country, goes into great detail about the land of South Africa. He uses the
land of South Africa as symbol of the overall message if the book. I feel the overall message of the book is when
the land is destroyed so are the people, but how does Paton use the land to
show the message? Paton shows many symbolic features by using archetypes as he
describes the land.
Alan Paton mentions “…red hills... (34)”
to represent the blood the people shed. He is also referencing the “erosion of
land” to the people, culture, and civilization breaking apart. He also uses the
“highland and the land in the valley” to show the separateness of the land. The
highland is use to show the good part, the original South Africa; and the land
in the valley is where we see effect of the erosion of the land, the debris. As
all this is happening, you have the people of South Africa who are being
destroyed due to the apartheid. Not only is the land suffering the people are
too.
Paton reveals, “… but the rich green
hills break down. They fall to the valley below, and falling, change their
nature. For they grow red and bare; they cannot hold the rain and mist, and the
streams are dry in the kloofs. Too many cattle feed upon the grass, and too
many fires have burned it. Stand shod upon it for it is coarse and sharp and
the stones cut under the feet (34),” to show that as the land is destroyed, it
destroys the people. The rocks of the land erode and become sharp, and does
damage to the people who walk on it. As for previously he used parallelism
stating, “…keep it, guard it, care for it, for it keeps men, guards men, cares
for men. Destroy it and man is destroyed (33),” to show that as long as we
protect the land, the land protects us.
In conclusion, I feel Alan Paton wants
the readers to know that South Africa is a beautiful land, and he hopes for the
renewal of the land. To heal the land of South Africa, one must first heal the
people in spiritual way. Once the people are healed the land can go back to its
original formation. Although the people have come a long way, they are only at
the beginning.
Word Count: 505 words
Friday, November 8, 2013
Music Cures the Soul
I have always been a pretty moody person, very easily irritable. My daily escape from the world is music. A belief that I acquired several years ago is that music cure the soul. Music in my opinion is described as a sweet melody that you can just lose yourself within the lyrics.
For as long as I can remember, when I'm tired of everyone, including my family and friends, I run to my music. One of my favorite singers once quoted in a song, "I think I'm in love with my radio, it never lets me down," and that is exactly how I feel about my sweet ole music. Music cures my soul by allowing me to temporarily escape from reality. I remember one particular day, I was on my grandfather's farm and he played this one jazz song. The song really did express how I felt that day. I was feeling pretty jazzy and relaxed. We sat there with the song on repeat, whistling along with the rhythm.
At the end of the day, I rely on music just as a young child relies on his favorite superhero. Music relates to me on so many levels. I believe their is a genre of music for every emotion my soul feels. There is love or heartbreak; dancing or hype music; and even meditating or relaxation music. Music is its own form of communication. It has its own answers to life problems within the lyrics.
Music is a very important aspect of the day. I use it while completing homework, chores, and even traveling to, from, and even during school. I cannot imagine going one day without it.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Christmas Rice Crispy Treats
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Coat a 13 by 9 inch pan with margarine. Then in a large saucepan over low heat melt three tablespoons of margarine.
During times such as holidays, my family is usually very noisy. You can hear sounds such as children playing, arguing, and crying. You can even hear the adults laughing and reminiscing on past events such as times before my grandfather's death. Nothing different from any other normal family. My grandmother decided to start a new tradition nearly six years ago. This tradition consisted of her gathering all of her grandchildren together to make a popular treat among children, Rice Crispy treats. Not just any Rice Crispies, but they were Christmas Rice Crispy treats.
"Dannie, gather all of your cousins and your sister. I have a surprise for all of you," she said graciously, not remembering my sister had been grown for several years now.
My grandmother decided to call them "Christmas" Rice Crispy treats because we started the tradition on Christmas 2007 and also due to there colors. They are usually green because of the green food coloring, which in alternative color such as red may be used. They also have sprinkles that can be either red or green. We start out preparing them melting margarine in a large saucepan. Then stir in the marshmallows. Usually as this was being done, you can here my grandmother humming songs such as: Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Jingle Bells, and even Santa Claus is coming to town.
After the marshmallows have melted, add four to five drops of food coloring. Stir until the color has been evenly distributed through out the marshmallows mixture. Next add the Rice Crispy cereal, and stir until they are completely cover. Stir well, then remove from heat. Once your finished, spread the delicious treat into preferably an aluminum pan. You can also add wax paper to the bottom of the pan before adding in the dessert, to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Finally, add the sprinkles to the top of the homemade Rice Crispy treat. For easy cutting, use a pizza cutter,
Once the entire dessert is finished, my grandmother usually sat the pans on the table for the entire family to enjoy. I feel that it is best enjoyed while playing Christmas related games, and drinking hot cocoa or apple cider. This is truly on of my favorite family traditions.
- 3 tablespoons of butter/margarine
- 1 package of marshmallows
- 6 cups of Rice Crispy Cereal
- Green or red food coloring
- Red or green sprinkles
Preparation:
Coat a 13 by 9 inch pan with margarine. Then in a large saucepan over low heat melt three tablespoons of margarine.
During times such as holidays, my family is usually very noisy. You can hear sounds such as children playing, arguing, and crying. You can even hear the adults laughing and reminiscing on past events such as times before my grandfather's death. Nothing different from any other normal family. My grandmother decided to start a new tradition nearly six years ago. This tradition consisted of her gathering all of her grandchildren together to make a popular treat among children, Rice Crispy treats. Not just any Rice Crispies, but they were Christmas Rice Crispy treats.
"Dannie, gather all of your cousins and your sister. I have a surprise for all of you," she said graciously, not remembering my sister had been grown for several years now.
My grandmother decided to call them "Christmas" Rice Crispy treats because we started the tradition on Christmas 2007 and also due to there colors. They are usually green because of the green food coloring, which in alternative color such as red may be used. They also have sprinkles that can be either red or green. We start out preparing them melting margarine in a large saucepan. Then stir in the marshmallows. Usually as this was being done, you can here my grandmother humming songs such as: Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Jingle Bells, and even Santa Claus is coming to town.
After the marshmallows have melted, add four to five drops of food coloring. Stir until the color has been evenly distributed through out the marshmallows mixture. Next add the Rice Crispy cereal, and stir until they are completely cover. Stir well, then remove from heat. Once your finished, spread the delicious treat into preferably an aluminum pan. You can also add wax paper to the bottom of the pan before adding in the dessert, to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Finally, add the sprinkles to the top of the homemade Rice Crispy treat. For easy cutting, use a pizza cutter,
Once the entire dessert is finished, my grandmother usually sat the pans on the table for the entire family to enjoy. I feel that it is best enjoyed while playing Christmas related games, and drinking hot cocoa or apple cider. This is truly on of my favorite family traditions.
Monday, August 12, 2013
ThINK assignment -August 12
Title- The Handsomest Drowned Man
Author- Gabriel Garcia Marquez
In the short story, "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World," by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, tells the tale of man whom is given the name Esteban. Esteban is a rather large, but yet amazingly handsome man.
Esteban drowned at sea, and was found by children who were playing nearby. The children were discovered by a couple men, who were obviously curious of the "dark and slinky bulge" that had appeared to be a the body of a man. The men then carried the body to the nearest house in the village. There he would be prepared for a funeral just like any other stranger who had washed up in there village.
When his body arrives in the village, the women of the village cleaned of all the jellyfish tentacles, fish remains, and seaweed. After his true massive size and beauty is revealed, Esteban is given his name by the older women who insist that there could only be one Esteban. The women become so amazed , and begin to the strength of the men of their village. After awhile they realized how miserable he had been because of his large size. Then then continue to prepare him for his funeral, and explain their realization to their jealous men. Esteban is finally given one of the most respected funerals ever given.
This short story taught me one important lesson, no matter how good something seems; there are still several negative things about it. After all the grass is not greener on the other side. I think this is an appropriate short story for all ages.
Author- Gabriel Garcia Marquez
In the short story, "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World," by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, tells the tale of man whom is given the name Esteban. Esteban is a rather large, but yet amazingly handsome man.
Esteban drowned at sea, and was found by children who were playing nearby. The children were discovered by a couple men, who were obviously curious of the "dark and slinky bulge" that had appeared to be a the body of a man. The men then carried the body to the nearest house in the village. There he would be prepared for a funeral just like any other stranger who had washed up in there village.
When his body arrives in the village, the women of the village cleaned of all the jellyfish tentacles, fish remains, and seaweed. After his true massive size and beauty is revealed, Esteban is given his name by the older women who insist that there could only be one Esteban. The women become so amazed , and begin to the strength of the men of their village. After awhile they realized how miserable he had been because of his large size. Then then continue to prepare him for his funeral, and explain their realization to their jealous men. Esteban is finally given one of the most respected funerals ever given.
This short story taught me one important lesson, no matter how good something seems; there are still several negative things about it. After all the grass is not greener on the other side. I think this is an appropriate short story for all ages.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
thINK Assignment
Danyelle Brown
Title: When Art Danced With Music
Constantly music is being revolutionized, and to see it conjoined with another form of art amazes me because I feel that each and every form of art is important to every culture. The image that I found at http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/exhibitions/2013/diaghilev.html depicts what seems to be a person dancing along to music. We should all look at the relation it has with the modern world. Although the image was created in the early 1900's; it is very important because art in general, but music specifically plays a large role in today's society as a way for an individual to express his or herself. The image is shown in what seems to be original, but there may have been little manipulation.
The artist, Leon Bakst, was apart of Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. He focused on designing exotic sets that were richly colored. The image was also commissioned by Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. As accordingly, Leon Bakst purpose of the image was apart of a set design. In my opinion, the main idea was combining Bakst's interest in music with his interest for painting.
I thought the image was amazing because I have always enjoyed seeing paintings that sent a message, and also because music is apart of my everyday life. I describe the artist technique as being a form of his signature because in several of his painting he has curved thick line in the background. As in this image, the line is painted blue and green. It is presented as an interpretation of music being combined with art. My attention is immediately caught by my fascination with all of the contrasting colors. The smallest detail that says the most is the title, because it explained the main idea of the painting before I seen the image. Adjectives that I can use to precisely describe the painting could be the use of warm colors all throughout the painting.
I truly wish I could have met the artist, Leon Bakst, to study his unique way of creating his paintings. It would have been a great opportunity to see how he got his inspirations. The image opened many different discussion that could be held on this one image.
Title: When Art Danced With Music
Constantly music is being revolutionized, and to see it conjoined with another form of art amazes me because I feel that each and every form of art is important to every culture. The image that I found at http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/exhibitions/2013/diaghilev.html depicts what seems to be a person dancing along to music. We should all look at the relation it has with the modern world. Although the image was created in the early 1900's; it is very important because art in general, but music specifically plays a large role in today's society as a way for an individual to express his or herself. The image is shown in what seems to be original, but there may have been little manipulation.
The artist, Leon Bakst, was apart of Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. He focused on designing exotic sets that were richly colored. The image was also commissioned by Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. As accordingly, Leon Bakst purpose of the image was apart of a set design. In my opinion, the main idea was combining Bakst's interest in music with his interest for painting.
I thought the image was amazing because I have always enjoyed seeing paintings that sent a message, and also because music is apart of my everyday life. I describe the artist technique as being a form of his signature because in several of his painting he has curved thick line in the background. As in this image, the line is painted blue and green. It is presented as an interpretation of music being combined with art. My attention is immediately caught by my fascination with all of the contrasting colors. The smallest detail that says the most is the title, because it explained the main idea of the painting before I seen the image. Adjectives that I can use to precisely describe the painting could be the use of warm colors all throughout the painting.
I truly wish I could have met the artist, Leon Bakst, to study his unique way of creating his paintings. It would have been a great opportunity to see how he got his inspirations. The image opened many different discussion that could be held on this one image.
Monday, June 24, 2013
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