Week Six: Famous Last Words

Week six has been a pretty good week. I think I had a good story this week and received great feedback. Also, others had great writings too. As far as school is going, everything is pretty great. All my classes are going well and the semester is half way over. 

Spring break is coming and I cannot wait. I do not think I have a lot planned. I do know SXSW is that week. Friends and I have talked about going there. Also, I have a sorority conference that week too. I am sure that I will be busy Spring Break. I would like to relax and do absolutely nothing. That just is not possible. 

I have been applying for jobs after graduation, which is a job itself. Lol. Completing applications can become so time consuming. I am sure it will be worth it, when I receive a great opportunity. 

There is an upcoming event that I am super excited about. Oklahoma State University is hosting The Big 12 Conference. Students form all over the nation attend. There are many events over the weekend. I cannot wait to see some friends that live too far for weekend visits. There will be a greek stroll off! These are the best! They are similar to step shows but a little more relaxed. Also, there will be a party!

Speaking of step shows...There will be a step show in Norman on Friday, March 20th at The Embassy Suites Hotel at 11:00pm. I think everyone should go. It will be a great chance to learn about a different culture and black greek letter organizations. Also, who does not want to see a step show? No one. Lol. It is always fun to see students doing something that they love. Be there or be square.

All or Nothing

Reading Diary Essay

I have really enjoyed this unit, Nigerian Folk Stories. This unit offered a variety of topics such as: tricksters and fools, women's roles, and children's stories. The stories were very entertaining and to the point, which I enjoy. 

There were a few stories that consisted of trickery and foolery. Of the Pretty Stranger Who Killed the King, was the first story of the unit. This was a great example that you should always treat others with respect because you never know how karma will come back to get you. A country really disliked their king that reigned over them. He was not friendly and boasted about his riches every chance that he had. A decietful witch dressed up as a pretty young woman, so that, she could attract the attention of the king. The relationship between the two progressed very quickly and they married. While the entire town slept one night, the pretty newlywed sliced her husband's head off! Crazy! Karma came back to retaliate against him in one of the worst ways. 

The women in this unit were the center of attention in a few stories. There are about six stories which women swept off their feet, helping someone less fortunate, or the person deceiving or being deceived. For example, The Disobedient Daught Who Married a Skull is the story that I chose for my week six storytelling. I was really able to be creative with this story and write a story that reminded me of a movie. It was not necessarily a particular movie; but I imagined a move as I wrote it.

The Woman, the Ape, and the Child was a heartbreaking story. A lustful man, Edem Effiong, tried to seduce the wife of Okun Archibong and mother to a newborn. A jealous man told a husband that his wife was romantically involved with an ape. The husband shot the ape, unsuccessful at killing him, so the ape tore the newborn baby to pieces. Next, the husband shot the wife out of anger! Love will make you do some crazy things.

The little baby could have grown to read some of the stories in this unit. Many stories answered questions that most children ask. Why are bats only awake at night? Why do hawks like to eat chickens? Why do cats eat rats? Why do we bury humans, when they die? Why does the moon disappear and come back? These stories answered questions in a rememberable way.

There are many stories that have the answers to these questions. I am twenty-two and still enjoyed these stories. Yes, I know the real reasons why these things happen but it is nice to have a cool story that goes along with it. 

Ape and Baby

Week Six: Storytelling

A Parent's Nightmare

The night was late with a nice spring breeze. The stars illuminated Norman, Oklahoma, sometimes referred to as Nompton. It was the eve of May Graduation at the University of Oklahoma. Students, graduating and not graduating, crowded Asp Avenue with intentions to celebrate their accomplishments big and small. Destiny, a graduating fifth year senior, was one of the few that did not have such a jovial spirit as she laughed, drank, and danced with friends and strangers. It was as though she was just there so that she would not get fined.

Many students on campus admired Destiny's beauty, her poise, her intelligence, and her involvement in the community. She also considered herself to belong to the elite on campus. Her resume was very extensive. She believed that during her collegiate career that she remained faithful to her morals, values, and goals. She rarely dated because she had standards that could not be questioned. She was very selective with who she chose to associate herself with. The thought of being seen on social media in the wrong way frightened her.

Bang! A door slammed and hit Destiny.

"Hey! Watch out for the beautiful lady. You should still have some type of respect even if you are drinking!" said this tall Italian guy. His curly brunette hair blew in the breeze and his muscular arms flexed. He turned and smiled at Destiny with perfection. His teeth were white and straight.

It was love at first sight.

Destiny found herself consumed by admiration and unable to respond. Her friends began to laugh and sing, "Ooooh...Destiny has a crush." The two lovebirds locked eyes and time stood still. He held her in his muscular arms for her knees seemed weak. He took in her beauty.

Four weeks later...

As Destiny's father walked her down the narrow church aisle covered with roses, family and friends gazed in awe at her elegance. Her mother could not stop crying her eyes out. Her sobbing was somewhat distracting but no one could blame her. Her tears expressed the pain that she was feeling. Her little girl was marrying a random boy that she barely knew and moving overseas the next day.

"I do!", said the two newlyweds. They left the altar with bright smiles and focused on a happily ever after. The newly married Mr. and Mrs. Tinkleberry traveled hours to their new home, Chris Tinkleberry's hometown.

Unfortunately, their honeymoon did not last very long. Chris only wanted to marry Destiny to help grow his illegal businesses. The plan was for Destiny to lure rich druglords while Chris robbed them of their riches. Chris's sister, who was also part of the illegal festivities, felt sorry for the beautiful girl. The sister knew that her brother was up to no good and did not deserve such a wife. The sister knew that Destiny was raised in a different environment.

The sister started stashing money so she could send Destiny back home. Destiny once was a beautiful girl that had her whole life ahead of her. Unfortunately, one wrong decision ruined her life. After about two weeks, she sent Destiny back home by boat.

Once Destiny arrived home, she became a different person. She followed her parents' wishes and married a family friend. They lived happily ever after forever.

The Proposal at graduation

Author's Note: I chose to use The Disobedient Daughter that Married a Skull for this week's storytelling. Afiong had beauty that every other female in Calabar wanted and that made every man fall in love. Afiong was aware of her beauty and denied every man that asked for her hand in marriage. She wanted to marry the best-looking man on earth. She knew that she was not going to settle for just anyone because she deserved better. A skull borrowed body parts from other skulls so that he could look the best for Afiong. He got a new leg here. He got a new arm there. Her parents warned her about him. They knew that all that glitters is not gold. Soon enough they realized that there was nothing that they could say to their daughter. They finally let the two marry. The skull took Afiong back to the graveyard, which was not what Afiong imagined. She thought they would live in a luxurious home and have a luxurious future. The skull's mother wanted to send her back to her parents. His mother knew that he was up to no good. She disguised Afiong and really wanted to return her back to her parents. I decided to add a little drama to my story. I tried to make the story somewhat like what would happen in a movie. I changed the setting of the story and made it something that I could relate to. Many men did not ask to marry Destiny but wanted to date Destiny. Instead of a graveyard, I changed it to a bad neighborhood. Also, I changed the mother that sent Afiong home to a sister.

Bibliography: Folk Stories From Southern Nigeria by Elphinstone Dayrell (1910).

Week Six: Reading Diary B

Nigerian Unit

The Story of the Lightening and Thunder

I feel sorry for the Ram, Lightening. No one should ever be so angry that there anger destroys the peacefulness of others. Especially, a child. The king did right to make them live far away in the sky. The poor mother needs a husband that can help raise her son to be a respectable man.

The Bush Cow and the Elephant

The chief was completely wrong for shooting them with a bow and arrow. I think the leader should have found a better way to put an end to the fighting. That was an amateur decision.

The Cock Who Caused a Fight Between Two Towns
Jealousy is such a cruel thing. It causes more issues than what seem to exist. The half-brothers should know to trust each other. Friends should never come between family members. I am glad that everything ended well. I am sad that many men died and the cock was killed.

The Affair of the Hippopotamus and the Tortoise
Poor king hippo. The tortoise cheated and that is not fair. I think a better way to go about the situation would be to genuinely get to know the king. The king was willing to feed the people in his own home. I don't think he was too worried about everyone knowing misname but more worried about them actually caring about him.

Why Dead People are Buried
This story is very interesting. It can be interpreted so many ways. Today, a dog is known as a man's best friend. I feel like it is because the dog is loyal; therefore, I am sure that the dog would have given the word correctly. I guess he did but the sheep beat him to the delivery.

Of the Fat Woman Who Melted Away
This story is too comical for me. Lol. Why would someone want to marry a woman that is made of oil. How do you have feelings for oil like that? Once again, one's jealousy ruined the happiness of someone else. At least, the husband did the right thing by returning the jealous wife to her parents.

Why the Moon Waxes and Wanes
This is another great story. I really enjoy this unit. This would be another story to tell children that ask a million questions. Lol. The poor woman was too greedy. She didn't care about the moon. She only cared about herself.

How the Tortoise Overcame the Elephant and the Hippopotamus
Another cunning character. The tortoise was too clever for the elephant and the hippopotamus. Why couldn't he just go to work like everyone else? Also, why would he want to be separated from his son. I realized that this unit highlights the selling or sacrificing of children.

The King and the 'Nsiat Bird
I have always wondered why some birds insist on invading town. For example, the birds at Sooner Fashion Mall are everywhere. I like the explanation for the birds being everywhere humans are.

Concerning the Hawk and the Owl
I agree with the hawk's friend about others that do not make much noise. I watch a lot of crime and drama shows such as: Castle, Lifetime, CSI:Miami, and Fatal Attraction. The person that is always guilty is the one that does not make a scene. I am very mindful of people that are very quiet in a room or try very hard not to be noticed.

The 'Nsasak Bird and the Odudu Bird
Why must we deceive our friends? I guess it is an "every man for himself" kind of world. I commend the Odudu bird for being honest. He is the true winner. Unfortunately, he starved to death and then his remains were eaten.

The Election of the King Bird
I like that Essiya did not feel the need to possess many slaves. As humans, we do not think that slavery exist for the animals too. The eagle is the definition of a true leader. A leader that is respectable doesn't have anything to prove.

African Fish Eagle

Week Six: Reading Diary A

Nigerian Unit

The Pretty Stranger who Killed the King

This story was very entertaining. It was like a miniature movie. Sometimes, you have to be clever,if you want to retaliate against someone that is perceived to be stronger than you. This reminds me of the television show Catfish! It is not wise to just marry someone that you have not taken the time to get to know. I hope the rest of this unit is as good.

Why the Bat Flies by Night

I have always wondered why bats are creatures of the night. Lol. Okay, maybe not always but it has crossed my mind. I enjoy creative stories like this that help get a point across. Besides the bush rat dying, this is a story that I could tell my future children. I am sure they will ask why bats like the night time.

The Disobedient Daughter that Married a Skull

Children. We have to learn things the hard way. We have to learn things on our own. Unfortunately, this leads to many other things that go wrong. I am glad this story had a good ending because it could have been terrible.

The King who Married the Cook's Daughter

What goes around comes around. That is karma. I am shaking my head. Being jealous does not serve a purpose. It only brings ill harm right back to the sender. 

The Woman, the Ape, and the Child

This story was somewhat glory. My heart cries for the baby. It is so sad that children  are brought into such violence, greed, and jealousy. The relationship between humans and apes has been ruined. A mother not only watcher her child die but also lost her life. No one won in this situation. When one person creates a lie, it involves so many other people.

The Fish and the Leopard's Wife

That unfaithful friend ruined for all fish in the world. That is terrible. I have noticed that these stories revolve around an intimate relationship. Never betray your friends because nothing comes of it. Always lock you spouse in a closet until you return.

Why the Worms Live Underneath the Ground

Talk is cheap. I like how the king made them settle it out the old fashion way. The worms were completely embarrassed. That sucks. I would really dislike to be defeated by everyone that lives in town also.

The Elephant and the Tortoise

These stories are great! I love them. This is so great! This story provided an explanation for two animals. You should never be so greedy that you would "eat" your own eye.

Why a Hawk Kill Chickens

The king gave the chicken a cruel punishment. You should never think it is okay to eat a child as revenge or repayment. That is not good. Why would the hawk want to eat a child? I guess animals do not care. Food is food.

Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky

The sun and the moon are nice enough to stay in the sky by themselves, so that, the water and its people have a place to visit. That is what you call a true friend. The sun has always been a good friend to the water. Once again, this unit has provided a story that has a great story line and meaning behind it.

Why the Cat Kills Rats

After reading all the stories, I have realized that the results last forever. Cats still kill rats. I like how the king, like in the previous stories, is very involved in everyone's situations and problems. 

The Cat and Mouse