Week 1: Untextbook

It was very interesting to learn about this concept of having an "Untextbook." In looking through the lists, I decided on four untextbooks that I thought seemed very interesting from strictly the names. The first one that caught my eye was Unit: Cupid and Psyche. I actually believe I might have the book for this story. The name Cupid sparked my interest, considering I am a Valentine's baby, and that guy is kind of associated with my birthday.

The second one that I looked at was Unit: Andersen Fairy Tales. Honestly, who doesn't love a good fairy tale. After reading on a bit, I was very intrigued that it involves the Little Mermaid. It sounds very interesting to read a very un-disney version. Definitely captured my attention. I picked the image associated with this unit because I really liked the artwork.

(Illustration by W. Heath Robinson)

In Unit: Chinese Fairy Tales, I was very interested in the fact that it incorporated animal legends, as well as items about the supernatural. It seems like this unit really has a lot to offer in readings, and doesn't stick to just one thing.

Lastly, I looked into Unit: Mississippi/Great Lakes. It seems like this unit really has a lot to do with different tribes involved in these areas. The overview referenced a story about trickster-hero Manabozho. After reading this, and about a battle with his wolf-brother, I was very interested to read more.

Week 1: Storybook Favorites

In all honesty, I picked all three of these storybooks based on their names, and how every one sort of relates to something I'm interested in. I am not familiar with any of these stories, but the storybooks definitely have me interested.

The first storybook I look at was Mermaid Maiden. The name of the storybook was the first thing that caught my eye. Once I was at the website, the picture used on the main page really stood out to me. I thought it was a great find of artwork to convey the idea of the website. After reading the introduction, it was very clear that the author had very good, as well as vivid, writing skills. The overall look of the site was very nice. I really liked the simplicity to it.

(Image found at Deviant art)

The next storybook that captured my attention was Planet of the Cats. Again, the title really captured my attention. I have a bit of an obsession with cats, so it was really cool to see that someone made a whole website that incorporates just cats! From first look, the website was very well organized and the colors/layout used really was pleasing to the eye. I really enjoyed the photo used on the main page of the website. It was a very interesting artwork that I would actually be interested in have tattooed on me. The writer was very creative, and the introduction definitely had me wanting to read more.

Monster Hunter was the last storybook I was interested in. I was attracted by the name, but once I got to the website, I was extremely pleased with my choice. First of all, once I was directed to the site, I was extremely impressed with the background and layout used. It really worked well with the picture the author put on the main page. After reading the introduction, I was very excited to read on. The only thing I would have wished for was maybe a photo or picture on the Introduction page, but overall it was great.

Week 1: Introduction

My name is Taylor Peterson. I’ve lived in Oklahoma for roughly 8 years now and consider it to be my home state. I moved to Norman from Tulsa 4 years ago in May to continue my education and to be with my boyfriend. We met in high school and have been together for almost 6 ½ years. We have two adorable pets. Our cat Bella definitely loves to beat up on her younger dog brother Cobi. Although they fight quite a bit, they still have their loving moments. They definitely bring a lot of happiness to my life, and I couldn't imagine it without them now.

Currently, I have an Associates in Applied Science for an Accounting Associate, but am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration for accounting as well. This will be my sixth semester at OU, and so far I really like it here. As for my career, I just started a job as a tax intern for an accounting firm in Oklahoma City. Luckily they extended me to stay on for the spring, and I hope they will just keep me on for good. I really love it there and pretty much everything about it. The people are great, and it's nice to know that I always come home from work with a smile on my face.

I have a few options to occupy my free time, but I think my most favorite hobby would have to be playing Magic the Gathering. It’s a card game I started playing at the local comic book shop in August of 2013. It’s kind of like Pokemon or Yugio, but more for adults, and I think a little more complex. It’s a really fun game, and if you get a chance, you should definitely try it. Unfortunately the new set of cards is not very good, but hopefully it will get better.

(Image Information: personal photo of Bella and Cobi; photo from January 4th, 2015).

Week 1 Storytelling: The Tormentor Known As Cat

(Abandoned Pet 26. Source: Deviantart)

Week 1 Story: The Tormenter Known As Cat

A young cat lived on 22^nd floor of an apartment complex with its owner. The cat kept to itself for the most part, but did not like intruders in its space. One day, the cat went to the kitchen for a drink, and saw a mouse creeping around on the floor. The young cat hesitated for a moment, then decided confront the mouse. He chased the mouse until it was trapped in a corner of the room. The cat contained its desire to eat the mouse, but instead tried to validate his desires. “Little one, you have come in to my house and offended me every day for the last week.” “I do not believe so sir, I just started my journey to this apartment last week from the first level of the complex,” squeaked the tiny mouse, “I just arrived in these apartment’s walls two days ago.” “You nibbled on the cheese in my owner’s fridge, and I will not take lightly to such senseless actions.” “I am unable to eat cheese sir, I am lactose intolerant,” the mouse said in his defense. Then, the cat stated, “you drank all the water from my bowl. I am certain it was you!” “That is inaccurate. I am not capable of drinking that much water in two days,” stated the mouse, "If I were capable, I would not be this tiny.” “All you speak is of lies,” argued the cat. The mouse saw the look of death in the cat’s eyes, and attempted to run towards the hole in the wall. The cat caught the mouse by the tip of its tail. “I am correct in my accusations, and I will not listen to your insignificant rebuttals,” said the cat, “I am right in my desires to consume you, and you will be one scrumptious snack!”

     Author's Note:

     The original story was about a wolf (cat) and a lamb (mouse). The wolf comes across the lamb, and accused the lamb of wrongdoing him under three different accounts. In the end, the wolf is just trying to justify why he should be able to consume the lamb. It doesn't matter what the lamb says in rebuttal, because it doesn't matter to the wolf. I decided to change the characters of the story, and to also add a few more characteristics of the environment as well as add to what the characters have to say. The moral of the story continues to be the same: the tormentor will always find reasons to back what he wants to do.

     You can find the orgininal story of The Wolf and the Lamb here. 

Week 1: My Favorite Place

I wouldn't necessarily I have a favorite distinctive place I like to be. I do have a favorite place that encompasses many different locations though. I love the beach, whether that be one in Santa Barbara, California or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I find beaches to be very beautiful, and sometimes very unique in there own ways. Some rocky, which aren't very safe for swimming, but very nice to look at; and soft sandy beaches that are great for playing in the waves.

This past summer, I took a trip with my family to Cabo San Lucas. We went to two different beaches, both offering something a little different. Both were very beautiful. Chileno Beach had soft sand and medium sized waves to play in. It was very fun swimming out, and kind of just floating in the ocean. It was very calming.

(Chileno Beach. Photo by Taylor Peterson)

Santa Maria Beach, on the other hand, had very rough sand that hurt our feet. That didn't stop us at all from playing in the waves though. Not only was the sand rough, but the waves were rough too. We were too scared to swim out, for fear that we could drown. We did find another activity to occupy our time though. My dad and I decided to try climbing up on the big rocks that sit to both sides of the beach. We found many crabs just hanging out up there. Although that probably wasn't one of the safest things we could do, it was well worth it treking up to new territories.

(Santa Maria Beach, Photo by Taylor Peterson)

So, like I said, I don't think I have a favorite location, but my favorite place to be is definitely the beach, wherever that might be.