Qualities Post

In class, we've picked up The Book of Qualities by Ruth J. Gendler.  It is an interesting and poetic take on qualities that make us up, as humans.  I think that as a human, I am humorous and filled with anxiety.  My favorite poems I've written out of the four are Anxiety and Humor.  I really enjoyed the book and our assignment.

*I was absent on Friday, May 17.

Innocence

Innocence is a nine year-old boy.

He has dark, brown hair and

bright, green eyes.

He likes to run through fields

and draw.

He is made up of purity and is

the essence of unassuming.

His voice is soft,

and his mind is calm.

He is smart, and on a whole,

too trusting.

What Innocence needs most,

is his mother.

Humor

Humor is swift.

She swoops in surreptitiously,

causing surprise.

She can bring laughter to anyone’s lips.

She makes mouths toll like church bells,

with a swing of her hips.

Her eyes are always twinkling,

and her mind, always thinking.

Her voice is loud, but her footsteps,

light.

She gives ease to those who are bound tight.

Charm is her mother,

and Wisdom, her father.

Anxiety

Anxiety is monstrous and mean.

He is always clothed in a black

cape, from head to foot and his

face is never visible.

His heart is seeped in with evil

intent.

He likes to watch people squirm

in his presence and sweat at his

touch.

His list of harmful affects include

nausea and in severe cases,

paralysis.

His stays may occur frequently,

but, the durations vary.

Fear is his father.

And, Uncertainty, his mother.

Anxiety is a deadly hybrid.

Clarity

Clarity is an old woman,

with an even older soul.

She is wise enough to have

lived a thousand years.

She clears minds and

wipes away tears.

Her deep breaths move

mountains. 

And, with a blink of her 

crystal, blue eyes she can

spark up flames.

She is small, but sturdy.

Her bare feet are always

planted firmly on the ground.

Her face has lines from the

constant wear of a smile.

But, none from a frown.

Because she never lets

life get her down.

Rainy Day Prompt

Rain poured down hard as my alarm sounded.  I clicked it off and opened the window, just behind my head.  I closed my eyes and relished in the air.  I pressed play on my speakers and set my iPod to shuffle.  I curled into the sheets, felt the soft, cool air wash over my face and listened to the echoes of the music.  The crack of thunder electrified my thoughts.  I thought of everything all at once, the past present and future.  I thought about how once upon a time I was little and how much I wanted to go back.  I thought about all the bad decisions I ever made and then the good ones.  I thought about where all the choices got me to and how if I slightly changed just one, how different it may have all turned out.  Then, carefully and slowly I thought of forever.  I inhaled the rainy air and eased it out from my lungs.  It was too hard to fathom forever.  I was satisfied with the now: my eyes closed as the rain pitters against my window.  Before I knew it, I thought of nothing and fell asleep.

Dandelion Wine Discussion Questions

1.)Bradbury bottled up his memory and stored them away to write the book.  He thought of his memories as dandelions on a summer day, sweet and to be savored.

2.)Leo Auffman's wife was upset by The Happiness Machine because the joy was all an illusion.  She wasn't really in Paris or indulging in her wishes, hopes or dreams.  It wasn't real at all.

3.)The concept of the ravine symbolizes a darkness, and even death.  The ravine could even represent the darkness inside the characters themselves or within the very heart of the town.  The part of people they choose to ignore.

4.)I can see why Mrs. Bentley decided to deny her past.  But, it isn't necessarily right to.  Your past shapes you into what you are yet to become.  Sometimes you make choices that you aren't proud of, but you learn.  Your past consists of all the lessons you've once had to learn.  Past and present go had in hand.  The entire novel is connected to time.

5.)Through the documentation the boys keep, they learned how important the time spent actually is.  But, the process actually contradicts itself because they're wasting time counting up their experiences, instead of fully enjoying them.

6.)The Lonely One connects to the ravine in relevance to darkness.  The Lonely One represents the dark force that seems to always be present at night, to the boys.  The town thinks the man Lavina killed was The Lonely One, because it makes logical sense.  The boys refuse to believe this because, they think The Lonely One can not be killed.

7.)Douglas suffered a heat stroke type illness.  Mr. Jonas gives Douglas cool, pure air and tells him to breathe in.  'Drinking the air' cures him.

8.)The summer of 1928 never really ends for Douglas.  The dandelion wine represents his memories of the summer.  And, the memories can stay with him forever.

"Dandelion Wine" Thoughts

It's taken me a while to actually get into the flow of Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine.  At first it was a little hard to understand, but as the book went along, things became more clear.  I think the novel focuses primarily on the importance of time.  Time is an ever present element within the story.  Douglas documents many of the traditions and events over the summer, he is accumulating statistics.  I find that this places emphasis on the role of time in the novel, but contradicts the character wanting to revel in every experience possible.  Douglas is looking for the summer to last as long as it possibly can, he is trying to drag out every fond, 'perfect' moment and store it away as a memory.  I think that if he forgot about the statistics and just kept his eyes, but most importantly mind open, he might remember more when he looks back to his summer.  Time is very important in life, because it is something that is never guaranteed, but we view it as endless.

Practice Shots

These are links to the shots we practiced in class.  The first one is low angle and the second, full shot.  We enjoyed working on these and would like to try more when time is available.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LsWXCrfsKE&feature=youtu.be

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZkouc3o388&feature=youtu.be

Things To Note While Writing A Screenplay

We have been working on a film studies unit in class. As a part of the unit we will be learning how to compose a screenplay.  Here is a list of things to remember while writing your screenplays:

-A screenplay should always have cover/title/info page.
-Use master headers for location; actions must take place under these headers.
-Create a new paragraph when something new happens.
-Be sure to use parentheticals to describe how an actor should say something.
-Action cab interrupt dialogue, with a new paragraph.
-Describe locations, when they are changed.
-Above a new master header there should be a transition included, from the last scene.
-Indicate whether a voice is of screen (O.S), off camera (O.C), or voice over (V.O).
-Always indicate who is speaking.
-Dialogue should be centered on the page.
-Montages are sometimes used to compress space and time.
-Underline if something should be emphasized.
-One page of screenplay will be equal to one minute of screentime.
*Your screenplay should show the reader your movie! 

Reaction: "Something Wicked This Way Comes"

In class, we've been viewing the movie "Something Wicked This Way Comes".  It was originally a novel written by Ray Bradbury.  He also wrote the film's screen play.  It is a very intriguing.  The main characters, Jim and Will, are true to life and easy to identify with.  It's suspenseful and mystical, I've really enjoyed watching it.

Ray Bradbury Info

Ray Bradbury is a famous author.  He wrote mainly pieces of science, fantasy, horror and mystery fiction.  His most famously acclaimed work is Fahrenheit 451.  Many of his works have been adapted into movies, t.v shows and even comic books.  His short story I sing the Body Electric, became an episode of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone.  In class we are going to view the film adaptation of his work Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Film Studies: Movies We Should View

Our film studies unit has been very interesting.  I really enjoyed the first movie, Edward Scissorhands.  Other films I would like our class to possibly watch are Forrest Gump, Stand By Me and 12 Angry Men.  The first two films listed were enjoyable to watch and had great themes presented among them.  I have watched them both with my mom.  I would like to watch 12 Angry Men because we read the play.  It was full of suspense and I would like to see how it was conveyed on screen.

Edward Scissorhands Critique

The film Edward Scissorhands was written and directed by Tim Burton.  It is the coming of age story of the main character, Edward.  He is immersed in a new community and they view him as 'different'.  The film takes the viewer through  Edward's journey as he struggles trying to conform.  The thoughts and feelings of Edward, as well as the theme overall, was shown on screen through various technical techniques and aspects.

A recognizable technique is a montage.  Using a montage helps connect ideas within a film, shots are strung together purposely for this task.  There are two major montage's I noticed throughout the film.  The first one was in the very opening scene where the camera pans from inside the car to around the entire neighborhood.  This establishes the setting, which is very important.  The other montages are spread throughout the work.  They take place when Edward flashed back to his time with the inventor.  It connects the idea that Edward was loved by the inventor and cared about, to the struggles that he now faced in his new environment.

Edward is quite a vulnerable character.  Often times camera angles and certain shots help portray the feeling on screen.  He is often shot with his back to the camera, this shows the alienation he feels within the community.  The castle where Edward came from, on top of the hill, is shot in the upper part.  This makes it seem top heavy and ominous. 

Costuming played a major part in the film.  The community was clothed in eccentric neons, pastels and prints.  This contrasted heavily with Edward's costume.  He was outfitted in a black bodysuit, with hardware attached.  In comparison, Edward appeared more suitable.  This adds irony and also helps put the film's theme in perspective.

Many technical aspects attributed to the overall film.  They made viewing pleasurable and gave detail.  They were essential in conveying the film's theme of the ridiculous societal views and conformity, as well as uniformity.

Religion Research / My Religious Views

There are five major religions in the world Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.  They have all been established for relatively long periods of time.  How do you know which one of these could be right for you?  First you have to understand the basic concept of what religion is. 

Religion can be defined as organized collections of belief systems, cultural customs and world views.  These can then be determined and then translated into spirituality and moral values.

But what about faith?  Religion has no purpose if you do not put your faith in it.  The basic definition of faith is beliefs not based on proof.  Religion, faith and uncovering what you believe can be confusing.  This piece I have written for my self-discovery class is the story of my faith.

Church, Love and God

 

My earliest memory of being at church is at New Life Fellowship.  I can remember the balcony pews.  The wood was light colored and they were back lit by beautiful stained glass.  I can remember lying on a blue cot in the nursery and scribbling on printed pictures of Jesus.  But, I didn't find God there.  Not between the printer inked pages or in the bright glass tiles.

 

I found him in the little things, in nature.  Within the very things he created.  The warmth of the sun, the tickle of a green blade of grass, the fluttering wings of a butterfly, the buzzing of bees, the delicate petals of a rose, a swift, cool breeze, the lapping waves of the ocean, all the colors of a sunset, the crunch of crisp autumn leaves and the white wisps of blowing snowflakes.  I've always felt closer to God outside, than in Church on Sundays.  I can feel his presence fill me in a deep breath of fresh air.  I feel alive and greater than myself.  Like I am meant to be something great and part of something much bigger than my own day to day life.  Finding God is one thing, but knowing Him is completely different. 

 

I got to know Him through love.  Through the love of my parents and their love for me.  I've messed up many times and they still love me.  Just like He does.  But, I got to know just how much He loves me through my relationship with my grandmother.  She saw me as bright as the moon and stars, and I the same for her.  Even when my parents were angry with me, her arms were open for a hug.  She was there when things were good and when they fell apart.  I called to talk to her everyday, about anything at all.  She shared her wisdom and knowledge and anything else she could, with me.  She was the most kind-hearted and joyful person I have ever known.  She taught me many things.  But, above all, she taught me how to love.  The only way to love is wholeheartedly and unconditionally.  To love is to see the face of God.  And what is God?  God is Love.

Edward Scissorhands Discussion Questions and Themes

1. a) In the film, the use of color was essential. The crazy coloring wasn't just for appeal, it helped convey a message.
1. b) The effect of the color could have been used to show the contrast between Edward and the neighborhood, just how much he doesn't blend with the rest of society.

2.) The background music while the woman was driving up to the house on the hill sounded eerie.  It added drama and suspense to the scene.  The music in the scene where the inventor dies conveys the sadness and desperation that Edward felt.  Also, the music in the scene where Edward and Kim say goodbye, you were able to feel the strong emotions.

3.) The costume designs played a big role, over all in the film.  Edward was a simple character and his style of dress showed.  The neighborhood dressed extravagantly in bright, flashy colors.  It helped show the primary differences between Edward and the rest of the society, before the rest of the story began to unfold.

4.) Tim Burton conveys his views on societal conformity clearly through the film.  The characters looked ridiculous with their colors, while Edward was simply dressed, which protrayed the person he was.  The visual imagery helped make the theme boldly noticable.

5.) Edward could be considered a tragic figure, if you look at the film in a general sense.  But, in a way Edward triumphed, he found love.  To him, it made going back to the castle worthwhile, to know that Kim loved him.  For him, that was enough.  Finding love isn't a tragedy.

6.) My favorite part of the film was when Edward was first adapting to living with the Boggs.  It envelopes how tough growing up can be.  A sometimes difficult and frightening time.

7.) Tim Burton consistenly works with Johnny Depp, Danny Elfman and Helena Bonham Carter.  This would be important for a director creatively because they would have a sense of what the film could turn out to be like.  A sense of the kind of work an actor does and what roles and characters they could best fit into.

Chew on This

We have recently finished reading Chew on This, an investigative journalism piece written by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson.  I enjoyed reading the information that was presented.  It was fact fueled and interesting.  I've watched several documentaries regarding the same topic.  They together have motivated me to consume healthier, natural foods.  Over all the book was a little long, but worth it for everything it covered and the factual information it included.  It was an eye opening read.

Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands is a movie many people have seen.  I have viewed it previously with my father and younger brother.
It is directed by Tim Burton and the lead role was played by Johnny Depp.  Tim Burton's has had a hand in many great, well-known movies.  He has worked on Batman Returns,  the Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas and the recent version of Alice in Wonderland.
Johnny Depp is friends with Tim Burton and has roles in many of his movies.
I think our class is really going to enjoy the film.

Body Image

Why is it easy to love somebody, but not YOUR body?  Many have struggled with body image issues and feeling less than, including myself.  I had to learn to love myself, inside and out, the good and bad.  Most of what you don't like is possible to change.  Here is a slam poem I have written about the controversy around how women and girls perceive themselves.

Beauty: Not Defined

I will not be defined by the thickness of my thighs, the length of my hair or the measurements of my bust, waist and hips.
On the day I was born, I did not emerge from a cardboard box.  I did not come packaged with skimpy outfits, an extra pair of heels or a beach front dream house.
I am flesh.  Made up of blood and bones, not composed of polyvinyl compounds.  I can move my arms and run with my legs.  I can stretch my neck upwards towards the sky, open my arms wide and dance in the rain.  I will never have to stay stagnant, sitting on a shelf and if someone out-grows me, I can't just be tossed in the trash.

Hello!

Hello!

I'm Jaymee.  I love to write and hope to make a living out of it someday.  I find inspiration everywhere in life.  I dream of traveling the world.  I love my family, friends and my dog.  I like food, the shows Pretty Little Liars and Vampire Diaries and things that sparkle or glow in the dark.  Hope you enjoy my blog:)