I'm taking this course not only for GER requirements but with with my major I don't have much time for reading so this way I'll have an excuse to spend time with a book. I also haven't spent much time learning some of the classics that will be covered in this class so I'm looking forward to that as well.
I guess I don't have a favorite novel per say but I have read The Wizard of Oz every year since I was seven. I love anything by William Blake, he was one of the first poets to embrace a return to nature. I just finished reading David Byrne's ( of the Talking Heads) latest book "The Bicycle Diaries" which was amazing and am now reading a collection of stories put together by Graeme Gibson "The Bedside Book of Beasts" which compiles some great literature about human relationships with Animals (it also features some great artwork). I like any type of book that educates me be it a fiction or non, novel or short story I want to finish it as a smarter person.
I have taken all kinds of English classes, last semester it was Blues Poetry, then before that it was Post Modern Fiction. I'm hoping that the online format will allow me to express my ideas more openly, I have issues with that in a classroom setting. I shy away from speaking because it isn't my area of study and I am afraid of coming off as ignorant in the subject. I am not necessarily not "well read" I love to read and always have I have read all kinds of books and have been caught many times sitting behind the meat counter with one (which usually gets me into some trouble).
I am a part of Facebook but nothing else I can't say that I spend much time on the internet but I'm sure I won't mind this blogging business.
www.belamuseprints.com
^This is probably the website I frequent most often it has beautiful artwork in print and postcard form with quotes by poets. I finally got one this past Christmas from my beloved boyfriend who put me on to my favorite youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSgiXGELjbc
^ You can't beat Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking... remixed. I love "If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe."
Finally,
This is a food market in Nicaragua, it smells like heaven, everything is so fresh and colorful. It's my favorite place in the world.
Be Well Everyone
Hi Ann!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, your youtube video suggestion was hilarious! I didn't ever think astronomy could be so fascinating. It was like an after school special was given the hip hop treatment. I think it's pretty awesome you don't own a television. There was a period of time growing up, that my parents didn't own one and once we did it was only for movies. I'm pretty much a tv junkie and thursday nights are tv nights for my husband and I.
How does one become a butcher? Unfortunately I have negative word association with the word "butcher" and I immediately think of the book "Fast Food Nation". I am still a meat eater though, so it's funny how that works. I tried to look up www.belamuseprints.com but it didn't work for me. I would still like to check it out, is there a key word you recommend I google?
I can completely relate to what you were saying about feeling ignorant about the subject matter, even though you're a well read person. In classes/discussions I often feel like I have no say or significant input or that I'm even "not getting it". Another problem I have is articulating the actual point I want to make. It's there, on the tip of my tongue and sounds so brilliant in my head, but for whatever reason I sound silly.
As much as I dislike that, I like speaking to groups (when I have a set subject or idea). I did debate as part of my high school's forensics team. Another thing I did in high school was become a youth facilitator for "The Other America Tour" with the ACLU. We did workshops on breaking down "isms" we all face- racism, ageism, classim, etc. Speaking to a crowd can be so fulfilling and rewarding!
I'm looking forward to getting to know you much more this semester.
Drea
Hi Ann,
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's weird at all that you work as a butcher. A couple years ago when I was taking a break from school, I worked in a meat department and was on track to learn how to be an apprentice meat cutter. Like you said though, many people seem to have a negative stereotype of the profession. I decided to go back to school, however, I had considered it as a profession. I did not really fit in with the other "meat heads". I didn't mind the environment though and the work. Who knows, maybe it's only meant for some.
I really liked your youtube video :) At first I was like WHAT?? Then "If you wish to make an apple pie, you must first invent the universe" LOL then I got it. I also think it's awesome you don't own a television. Before that was invented people spent so much more time together and I feel like our culture has changed for the worse because of it. I am from the south and there are so many homes down there with giant porches and no "living rooms" designed to be centered around a television set.
With social networking and so much technology centered entertainment, it seems like people take for granted how important and awesome face to face social interaction can be. I also find it interesting that you read "The Wizard of Oz" every year. I have never read it but hear that it is really good...and a lot different from the movie. HAve you also heard of the book "Wicked". I have not read that as well, but have heard it has to do with the land of OZ before Dorthy even gets there.
Anyways, I look forward to getting to know you and conversing throughout the semester. I like face to face interaction but I also have issues in a classroom setting. This is my first experience with an online class and already I am feeling more comfortable and like you feel that I can be more open in discussions. Best wishes for the class and semester.
Nate
Hi Ann! Welcome to the course. You said you are obsessed with music and music festivals. What sort of music do you like? I love music festivals, too. What was your favorite music festival "experience"? I love that you love William Blake. He's certainly one of my favorite poets. I will often use Songs of Innocence and Experience when I teach my Gothic Literature class.
ReplyDeleteI'm a member at Outpost, and I don't think being a butcher is "weird" at all! I tried being a vegetarian for a few years, but...in the end, I just love a good steak every once in a while. However, I will say that my fiance and I are trying to cut back on our meat intake after watching the documentary Food Inc.
Welcome to the class, and I look forward to working with you this semester.