When I was in 5th grade,  I was enrolled in a two day a week history and science course that ran from 9:00 to 2:00.  One of our regular homework assignments consisted looking up words in Webster's 1828 monstrosity of a dictionary which we occasionally had to drag to class.  Other uses of the dictionary: flower press and booster seat.   We would look up the definition of the word, write it down, and choose three words from the definition to look up and write down those definitions.  I received horrible grades on the first couple definition assignments. 

Why?

Because I was trying to paraphrase the definitions. 

My teacher wanted the exact definitions from that version.  I knew about plagiarism.  I was not going to copy someone's work.  My mom went in and explained the situation.  I'm still not sure why the teacher didn't ask me or why copying definitions from the dictionary was such an important skill to learn.  Then again, this is the class where the teacher lectured and wrote notes on the board that we were supposed to copy word for word.  Looking back on the class as a future teacher, wow...  Anyways, I was told that it was fine to copy word for word out of the dictionary because the teacher knew what the source was.  

Now at the university, I spend a lot of time citing my sources and checking my reference page to make sure everything is in the correct style.  I just got back from some final senior presentations and for some reason this story came to mind and it made me laugh because I've been so grade oriented for most of my life.  I just finished a human development final so I want to make a comparison between dopamine levels in the brain and a possible grade addiction but that makes my head hurt.  That 5th grade class assignment... I was pretty upset about it!  I got a B in history and I totally frustrated because I couldn't figure out what I did wrong. :) This semester, I really had to give up on grades and just do my best.  I worked more than I had in the past.  I had a weird schedule that didn't allow for quality study time.  I just did what I could and I'm ok with that.  It's kind of a nice feeling.  Hopefully, the feeling lasts when grades are posted.

P.S.  I have garden pictures galore so they will be posted soon.

Update

It's been a fun couple of weeks.  The program I work for at the University was going through an accreditation process and we ran about making sure everything went smoothly.   It went incredibly smoothly and the program passed with flying colors.  My new nickname is "the Dean's Assistant" as someone mistook me as such.  I'm not going to complain about that... I just need to live up to it!

Tonight, in my multicultural literature class, we were looking at Jacqueline Woodson's book If You come Softly. It's an excellent book that will be added to my library.  In the book. Jeremiah makes a comparison between rain and the looks he and Ellie receive  while dating (he's African American and she's White).

"Think of it..." Jeremiah said slowly. "Like weather or something. You got your rain, your snow, your sunshine.  Always changing but still constant, you know."

In class, snow was compared to the overt acts of racism and sunshine to the days where racism isn't present.

Jeremiah continues with, "Let's say it's rain- the people who've got problems with us being together-let's call them and their problems rain."

A little later, the snow is melting on Ellie's face and I made a point about snow as a metaphor for racism in the book.  This got my professor really excited.  And he proceeded to emphasize snow as he read the rest of his selections in the book.


But what he didn't know was...




My mom was an English major in college. 

 

She would do this thing when we were growing up, pointing out the symbolism and metaphors as we watched movies or read books.  She ruined more movies that way. :)  We'd be watching a movie and all of a sudden there's Mom talking and pointing out patterns and symbolism (see the waves crashing, that implies...or when Mr. Darcy goes for a swim, that's a symbol of rebirth...  yada yada yada ).   This is all wonderfully helpful as an adult but when you just want to watch a movie, not so much.

I caught myself doing the same thing recently while watching the "other" Pride and Prejudice (2006). I'm turning into my mother! When Lizzy wanders through the statuary room at Pemberley, there's an awakening and Lizzy gains the awareness of a woman. It wasn't a very subtle metaphor though.   I have to have a disclaimer here. This was my first time watching this version all the way through.  The first time I tried to watch it, I wanted to smack Bingley for acting like a 15 year old boy, walking into a girls room WHILE knocking, being coached on proper etiquette and his general silliness....  I just couldn't take it. ;) 

Anyways, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to post.  The picture at the top has nothing to do with the post.  I just wanted to add a picture.  Plus, I had been thinking about the trip Mom and I took to Washington a year and a half ago. 

Thanks Mom for making me look smart!  Love you!  :)

Reading... I mean listening

Starting when I was young, every summer was filled with swimming, gardening, family and books! The summer library programs started and I would be on a race to see how fast I could reach the highest goal.

Mom would always check to make sure I was reading appropriate material but by the time I hit Jr. High age, I was pretty self regulating. This was in the middle of my long skirts, of course I'm a conservative homeschooler "how could you tell?" phase.

In college (2004-now), while most students took a break during summer, I would make a list of things I wanted know more about or would make me more "well rounded" and check out stacks of books from the library. And in July, I would wish that there was an adult summer reading program to motivate me to finish!



I read Shakespeare, history books, cookbooks, architecture, math and science books. No, I didn't become an expert on anything but I have fun watching Jeopardy!

This summer, my reading was different. Since I drove quite a bit for work, I borrowed some audio books. I "read" the Fellowship of the Ring (for the first time). I know... what kind of person am I? Don't worry, I haven't seen any of the movies yet either. The experience was more enjoyable because I was listening because I listened to the parts that I would normally skim over (songs and poetry) which definitely added to my understanding as the story progressed.

I also slipped in some Jeeves and Wooster short stories by P.G. Wodehouse. Once again, so much better when listened to! I had read some stories before but so much of the subtle humor was lost. Are you getting the feeling I tend to read fast and skim over? ;)

Of course, I did read actual books.



The Insectopedia by Hugh Raffles seemed fitting considering that I was looking for insects all summer. It has an essay for each letter of the alphabet. Each essay is insect related but often touches on a more social commentary outlook. The first essay made me laugh out loud as it described a sticky trap attached to plane (researchers were trying to track how insects migrated). I'm picturing the yellow sticky traps we used in trees dangling from a plane. Other essays included the language of bees, Chernobyl (insect deformities as seen by an artist) and the culture of cricket fighting. It was fascinating and I was disappointed when I couldn't renew it any more.

So what do you read? Fiction, Non-fiction? What subjects interest you and do you have any recommendations?

Books Everywhere!

Welcome to my bookshelves.

(Louisa May Alcott Collection)

You've caught me at the best time. You see, I had started taking pictures of my books a few months ago to post but never got around to it. I took pictures of the most accessible bookshelves and stopped. Now, I'm looking at the possibility of moving in August and it was suggested by my roommate (sister, who would like a more minimalist look) and parents that I should box up and store the books since it would be quick, easy and make my summer much simpler. So I started boxing...

and boxing...

I already have two boxes under my bed. Now, add to that the 9 other boxes stacked next to my bed; it's like a built in bed now! I didn't realize I had so many books! I only had a 3'x3' bookcase, two 4' shelves and a 7 1/2' shelf. Of course, the long shelf was double stacked and I had carved out other spaces (under the bed, in the closet, ahem). The books are all boxed with the exception of a couple Spanish books, Bible studies, writing books and cookbooks which I know I will need at the University regardless if I move or commute.

I took pictures of the books in the boxes as a record so those are posted here as well. Almost all of my books are book sale finds, from recycled book stores or gifts.

(From left to right) Wives and Daughters, Jane Austen, Five Little Peppers Collection, Understood Betsey, The Prince and the Pauper, Deerslayer and Last of the Mohicans.

The Louisa May Alcott Collection (minus Jack and Jill)
My favorite surprise finds: Pansies and Waterlilies and one of the Lulu's Library series)


Various Christian living books, How the Heather Looks, The Burgess Flower Book for Children






My two favorite series from when I was younger: The Sugar Creek Gang and the Homeschool Detectives. The Sugar Creek Gang fans will know why The Hoosier School Master is boxed with the series. ;)

Bobbsey Twins

Favorite: Dr. Christmas


Boxcar Children and In Grandma's Attic

Nancy Drews = 1 1/2 boxes
Not pictured: Hardy Boys 1/2+ box

My contribution to the living room collections: Elsie Dinsmore (circa 1906 editions)

I hope you've enjoyed a peek at my shelves. Most of these are children's collections but I have a fair amount of classics that didn't get pictures taken before being boxed.

God be with you!

1.

This is my first post with blogger. I still have my xanga but it will be a reflection of the Garden of My Heart blog.

I found a laugh in my e-mail this morning. I had purchased a book online through a company and they thought that they would pass along some new titles. I'm not recommending these books in any way. I just found the titles amusing.

To Pleasure a Lady - Courtship Wars Book 1.
Only a Duke Will Do - The School for Heiresses Book 2.
The Beautiful Stranger - The Rouges of Regent Street Book 3.

My Dad called not long after I checked my e-mail and he had a good chuckle over them especially the first!