The End of One Thnig and the Beginning of Another

Well, summer break is finally here! I have officially survived two full terms of college! After being so busy over the last six months, it is a strange feeling to have nothing to do. I must now decide what I want to do over the summer months. Other that the normal college student summer goals, such as get a part time job, work on my fitness, etc... My main plan for the summer is to write! My dear characters have been neglected for far too long, and I do think a few of them are getting crabby.

Today I sat down at my computer for the first time in nearly six months and opened the file named "My Story". The moment I opened up the file, I entered into that wonderful world, my world. I began to write, slowly at first, for I was a bit rusty, and then with more and more speed, until now, 1,500 words later I am ready to share a small snippet with you, my friends.

Why this rare treat, you my ask, well, I will tell you. Today I got the wonderful, thrilling pleasure of writing into being for the first time, my most favorite character that I have ever created... Soryn Llyr. He is no longer a figment of my mind, waiting for his part to come, no, he is now reality. I think this must be how it feels to have a baby, to be waiting so long for this person you have created and grown to love, and then to see him finally come to life... ah, it is a feeling like no other. 

And now, without further ado... I give you Soryn Llyr!

I have decided to simply give you the whole scene, with the exception of a small part, since I don't think it gives anything away, and it will give you a good feel for my whole story, not only Soryn.

"The Clapping Clam tavern was an old stone building with ivy growing up on either side of the wooden door. As soon as they walked in the door Rowan and Brogan were greeted by the smell of the clam chowder for which it was famous, a blazing fire, and the soft trill of a harp, from the corner where old Marc, the local bard sat. “Well, Lord Brogan! What can I get for ye today?” asked Balbo, the tavern keeper. He was a medium sized man in his early 40’s with broad shoulders and a middle to match. He had laughing blue eyes and his light brown hair and beard were slightly unkempt, giving him a flustered look. “Hello Balbo, I will get the usual, chowder and an ale.” Answered Brogan as he looked around the crowded room for a place to sit. “And you, young miss, will it be the usual chowder an’ cider for ye?” he asked cheerfully. “You guessed it,” replied Rowan as she followed her father to a table near the fire.

“So, what have ye been up to for the last month?” Brogan asked after they sat down. “Oh, the usual,” she answered, “Hiding from mum and Ella, lest I be made to sit around and do some of that wretched embroidery, sword practice with Sir James, poor Galien trying to get me to hit a target with a bow,” Brogan laughed, “What?” she asked incredulously, “I don’t know why he doesn’t just let me use my sling, I’m much better with that.” She took off her cloak and hung it over the chair in front of the fire. “So what about you, Did anything interesting happen while you were in Brockhoist?” She thought she saw a shadow of worry cross her father’s face at the mention of Brockhoist, but it disappeared just as quickly, and before she could ask him about it, Balbo arrived with their food. Two huge bowls of thick, creamy clam chowder, a thick slab of fresh bread, and two large mugs, one of ale, and one of steaming apple cider. “Thar ye go my Lord,” He said as he set it down on their table, “Fresh made,” he said proudly. “And it smells as good as ever, thank you Balbo.” Brogan replied, his smile returning. As he reached for his spoon, the tavern keeper bobbed his head several times and moved away from their table, smiling cheerfully.

As they ate, Marc the Bard, began playing a light jaunty tune on his harp that soon had everyone’s feet tapping and several men clapping their hands to the rhythm. Balbo was scurrying back and forth, refilling mugs of ale, bringing food to newcomers, and clearing the tables of those who had left. Rowan sighed contentedly as she leaned back in her chair with her mug of cider. There was no other place on earth she would rather be....

....Rowan turned her attention back to her food, but the contented feeling had lessened as she mused over Black Tom and his friends. Suddenly a cheerful greeting broke through her thoughts, “Well, Brogan me chap, ye made it back in time after all!” She turned to see the massive form of Odif, the horse trainer walking towards them. “Aye Odif, ye didn’t think I’d miss me ol’ friend’s wedding did ya?” said Brogan as he stood to shake hands with Odif and give him a massive clap on the back. Rowan noticed the slight shadowy form of Soryn, Odif’s nephew, standing slightly behind his uncle. “Hi Soryn,” she ventured, Soryn turned and glared at her, his dark brow furrowing in a scowl and his black eyes snapping in annoyance. Odif turned to his nephew and frowned. “Soryn, are you going to greet the young lady or not?” he asked, pinning Soryn with his piercing deep blue eyes. “Hi.” Soryn sneered before sitting by himself at a separate table.

“You’ll have to excuse him, he’s been having a hard time with my gettin’ married.” Odif said softly. “Why?” Rowan asked, stealing a sidelong glance at the brooding figure at the other table. “I think he’s afraid that it will turn out like when his father remarried.” “What happened?” She asked, unable to mask her curiosity. “Rowan,” Her father chided, somewhat sternly. “It’s alright Brogan,” Odif replied. “You see, Soryn’s father remarried because he needed someone to watch over his son while he was out at sea, but Soryn’s stepmom hated him, and every time Svengal, Soryn’s father, was gone she would have no mercy on him. When his father died when he was eight, her hatred of him got so bad that he ran away from home and had to learn to live out on the streets. Finally when he was seventeen he walked all the way from Brockhoist to here and found me. Since then he has been able to find a small amount of happiness liven with me an’ working with my horses, but now I’m gettin married, and I think he’s afraid he’ll get kicked out again.” Odif sighed sadly. “Why don’t you tell him that won’t happen?” Rowan asked, “I’ve tried,” Odif said sadly, “But he’s had a hard life for his young age, and has learned the hard way to trust no one.” “Oh.” Rowan replied. “But,” said Odif in a slightly more cheerful tone, “he just got accepted as Darryl Retawz’s new apprentice! I hope the woods will do him some good, and who knows he might even make friends with Darryl’s boy, Atokad.” “That’s great!” said Brogan as he mopped up the last of his soup with his bread.

Rowan turned to study the young man at the other table; his black hair was kind of long, and was cut around the base of his neck, his skin was bronze, and his black eyes now studied his hands which were folded on the table. He was the same height as her, and slightly built, but she had seen him working with horses, and knew he was strong. His shoulders were now hunched miserably, and his mouth turned down in a frown, but of course, he was always frowning. She had only seen him smile once, when he was working with a young horse, and it at last decided to trust him. As it nuzzled first his hand, and then his neck, he had smiled, and laughed a little too. He stirred suddenly, as if he could feel her watching him, and she turned away before he could catch her.  

Brogan and Odif talked for a long while over several mugs of ale, but finally Brogan rose to leave. “Well, I best be heading home before Aswyn starts worrying what happened to Rowan.” He said as he paid Balbo for the meal. “Aye, I’ve got a bit of work to finish up before tomorrow,” Odif replied, also rising. “And I’ve got to get this rascal something nice to wear. Can’t have him showin’ up to the wedding looking like he just got done mucking a stall.” He said as he wrapped one massive arm around Soryn’s shoulders. Soryn scowled and tried to wiggle free, but Odif held on. “Oh no you don’t.” He laughed, “you’re not escaping again. No, this time you’re comin’ with me.” He said as he practically dragged his nephew out the tavern door and towards the seamstresses place."

 Well, there you have it! It is sooooo good to finally have him in the story, and don't worry, he eventually becomes more likeable, and by the end of the story even loveable (though he would hate to hear it). I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to my favorite character, and don't worry, there will be plenty more to come!

A Formal Introduction

I have talked alot about my story and my characters, but I don't think I have ever actually formally introduced you to each one, and since they are so dear to me, I don't see any reason to not let you begin to know them as well.

I will begin, of course, with Rowan Oakly, my main character...

Rowan is strong willed and fierce. When her father goes missing, she is not the kind to sit around and wait for the adults to find him. No, with the help of her closest friends (Arries, Atokad, Soryn and the Black Twins) she sets out on her own to track down the people who have kidnapped her father and the crown prince. Little does she know that she will uncover a plot far larger than any of them could have ever anticipated. Weapon of choice... definitely the sword and the sling for long range.

Arries Retawz has been Rowan's best friend for as long as they could remember...

Arries is a healer at heart, and has always been more at ease with the forest than with people, but for the sake of king and country she has set aside the quiet peace of the forest and became a fiercely loyal, and extremely useful piece in the fight to reclaim Azeroth from the evil hoards of Falcon. Weapon of choice... A bow and a dagger.

Soryn Llyr has been alone for most of his life...

His father was murdered when he was eight, and his step mother chased him out of the house not long afterwords. He grew up on the streets, and has learned to trust no one. When you first meet him he appears bitter and distrustful and often downright unfriendly at times, but once you get to know him you will find him loyal and full of mischief. Weapon of choice... a bow and the long knife his father gave him before he died. H is proficient with the sword as well.He is also extremely good at knife throwing.

Atokad Retawz has been trained by one of the best...

He is quiet and logical, and is always there to help when you need a cool and level head. He was born and raised in the coastal village of Radcliffe and the surrounding forest. He is the son of Darryl Retawz, one of the most wanted men in the opposing kingdom, and he was trained in the war arts, and particularly the Ranger arts by Galien, a ranger and "spy" known throughout the kingdom and is even legendary in Falcon's army. Atokad and Soryn have some extreme tolerance issues until around the middle of the book, then they get it sorted out.

Darryl Retawz grew up on the seas, but is now one of the most wanted men in the opposing kingdom...

Darryl is half dwarven. His father was a dwarvish pirate, so naturally and grew up on the sea. He was trained by the best in the arts of navigation, trading, seafaring, and the dwarf favorite... Warfare. When he ran away from his father and that lifestyle, he was hired by the merchant, Brogan. But not only has he been working for Brogan, he is also one of the leaders of the rebellion against Falcon.

Galien is the close childhood friend of Brogan Oakley, and also one of the most skilled ranger in Azeroth...

He was born in Galica, but when they ran out of food on the island because of an enormous army encamped on it's rocky lands, his family moves to the Highlands, where he meets Brogan Oakley. The two boys grow up together and train together as warriors. (There is alot more to this story, but alas, I cannot speak of it yet). Eventually Brogan settles down and has a family and becomes a merchant, (though he is very active in the rebellion as well). Galien takes to training young rangers and doing anything in his power to oppose Falcon.

Sir James was once the old kings most trusted knight, but since the kings death and the disappearance of the crown prince, he has been made to go into hiding...

Since the disappearance of the prince, James has been doing everything in his power to stop Falcon from taking over Azeroth. He has become the head of the rebellion, with Darryl, Galien and Arries as his most valuable weapons.

Flint is the king of the Elves but he has wandered alone for many years...

Flint is a wise and gentle leader, and also the greatest warrior the elves have known for many centuries. Nearly 150 years ago, there was a great battle that ended badly. Flint was separated from his people, and the people had no choice but to flee without him. They left a riddle for him to find, if he lived, that would lead him to their hiding place. Ever since then, he and his daughter Jossa have wandered Azeroth, searching for the answer to the riddle. He is the one person Falcon wants to find the most. They were once friends before Falcon turned dark.

Falcon has been fighting for many years for throne of Azeroth, and he is finally so close...

Raised with an abusive father, he ran away after he watched his mother die at his fathers hands. He was taken in by a order of assassins and trained by them. It didn't take long for him to become the best of them, and eventually their leader. He now longs for the throne of  Azeroth, but most of all, to find and kill his childhood friend, Flint, whom he is convinced betrayed him.

Niki was found in a boat wreck as a baby, and is now one of the most feared assassins and Falcon's "Significant Other"...

Niki is the most feared and skilled assassin in all of Azeroth. She has never failed a quest, and once she is on your tail, there is no escaping.

Jossa is Flint's only child and travels with him throughout Azeroth...

Jossa's mother disappeared when she was three, and ever since then, she has traveled with her father, Flint.

Well, I think that is all of the important characters at least, Let me know what you think of them! Soryn, Rowan, Falcon and Jossa are my favorites, but Soryn is definitely my most favorite.

Arries

An Update

Yes, I am still alive. Life has been literally CRAZY in the last couple of months. I will try to sum it up for you as best as I can, but that may be a bit of a challenge.

Most exciting news first I think... Dakota (my brother) and I both got our Drivers Licenses about a half a month ago! We are soooooooooo happy!!!!!

Things have become a lot easier around here, not having to wait around for our parents whenever we want to do something!

We are now into our second term of college, and I have officially decided that I LOVE COLLEGE!!!!!!!!! My horrible writing class is FINALLY over, and surprisingly, I got out with a B+ score and on my last paper I got an A! Now this term I have to tackle the math... Ick.

Over Spring Break, I finally sat down with my story and worked out some wrinkles that I had been thinking about all through the Winter Term and never had a chance to contemplate. As a result, it has evolved quite a bit and is now richer and more flowing than it has ever been before! I love my story!!! and most of all... I LOVE Soryn!!! He has shaped and matured through this process, and now fits the story so well.

 I have also added two new characters into the story. The Black twins! Josie and Jocalyn! I have recently read several books that have identical twins in them, which inspired me to create them. They are Rowan's friends, and accompany her in her quest.

And now, last but not least of my news is......hmmm, how to state this calmly......I SAW THE HUNGER GAMES IN THEATER AND IT WAS AMAZING!!!! I COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW GOOD A JOB THEY DID!!! I LOVED HAYAMICH, AND CENNA AND GALE AND I ALMOST CRIED WHEN RUE DIED. Ok, rant is over... I think... IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, now its over.

Well, that's it for now. I hope I can find time to do a real post sometime soon! Until then...

Navaer, silo Anor bo men lin

Farewell, may the sun shine on your road

(Elvish)

Sierra

My Newest Creations!

All through December I had no inspiration to write, but as soon as school started and I had no time, I started getting all kinds of longings and ideas. This is one of many that I tucked away, patiently waiting for spring break. They are known as "The Black Twins". I have had this character for a while known as Black Tom; former pirate, village drunk and local villain. Well not long after term started I realized that other than Arries, Rowan doesn't have many friends. I was playing around with a couple of ideas all term, and have finally sat down to think about it. Finally yesterday I had had sudden inspiration to add twins to my story, I mean, every story needs their Ulf and Wulf (Brotherband Chronicles) or Fred and George (HP). Once I sat down to consider this idea, my mind started working overtime. Now a day later, I have the results. I give you...... Jocalyn and Josie!!!

They have a drunk for a father and their mother died when they were around 5, so naturally they can easily fend for them selves now. They are also the village mischief makers, and also Rowan's second to best friends. They also get to join Rowan on the quest of finding Rowan's father, lord Brogan.

I look forward to getting to know them better, and I have a feeling they will quickly make it to my favorites list sometime in the near future.

It's Over!!!!

Other than finals, the winter term is finally over!!! I could dance for joy if it wasn't for the fact that everyone is in bed right now. No more homework until April!

Things I plan on doing for spring break...

Listen to music

Read as many books as I can

Watch Hunger Games in Theaters!!!!

And most of all, relax as much as possible!

Sierra

My Future Home

A couple of weeks ago I read the book Inkheart, a wonderful book all about books and their worlds. In the book there is a character known as Aunt Elinor. This character makes me laugh...

...but we are also so alike that it is almost a little bit scary. She is crazy about books, and collects them like the last cookie collects all of my younger siblings (Yes, a bit random, I know... but you would be surprised at how fast that happens in our house). The 20+ rooms in her enormous mansion are all full of books.

Today as I was browsing through pictures, I found some that show what my home will probably look like when I move out. So now, without further ado...

 This one is awesome! I am going to ask dad to help me figure out how to do this one (without hurting the books of course)

 Stacks of books everywhere!

 Even under the pillow

 And under the stairs!

 I wish I had this bed when I was a kid

 Who needs a coffee table?

 This is the coolest one of them all!

My sister (who has seen the inkheart movie) already calls me either Elinor or Mo every time she comes into my room, because I have stacks of books everywhere, and every surface in my room has been used as a bookshelf. In my opinion, a person can never have too many books!

Arries

When Will My Life Begin

Well, I have a tiny bit of time today, so I am going to do a tag that I have seen around. It is the ipod tag.

The Rules are:
1. Put your ipod on shuffle
2. for each question press the NEXT button to get your answer
3. You MUST write down that song name - NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS
4. Tag 20 friends
5. Have fun!

So here it goes!!!

1. If someone says "Are you okay" you say ---- Sake of the Song by Blackmore's Night

2. What would best describe your personality ---- He's a Pirate by Hans Zimmer (LOL! That is me to a tee!!!)

3. How would you describe yourself ---- Sister Gypsy by Blackmore's Night (Also me to a tee!)

4. What do you like in a guy/girl ---- Highway Man by Loreena McKennit

5. How do you feel today ---- Riving of the Border by Heather Alexander (Yes, I am feeling a bit adventurous today. Unfortunately I have homework to do)

6. What is your life's purpose ---- The Road to Rivendell by David Arkenstone (Yes!!! It is!!!)

7. What's your motto ---- Wanderlust by Heather Alexander (Wow. This ipod knows me better than I thought it did so far every song has been accurate!)

8. What do your friends think of you ---- Song of the Wind by Richard Searles

9. What do your parents think of you ---- Celtic Warrior by Steve McDonald (well, I love the celtic people and traditions and music, and my mom has always said ever since I was little that I am a fighter)

10. What do you think about very often ---- The Call by Regina Spektor (Oh so true! The call of an writier, the call of a book, the call of adventure. So many things call to me, and I long to answer)

11. What is 2+2 ---- Right Place, Wrong Time by Sahara Sound track

12. What do you think of your best friend ---- The Queen of Argyll by Silly Wizard

13. What do you think of the person you like ---- I've Got a Dream by Tangled Soundtrack (LOL!!!! But it's true, because boys in books are just... better.)

14. What is your life's dream ---- Freedom by Nicole C. Mullen (Very true!)

15. What do you want to be when you grow up ---- On Stranger Tides by Hans Zimmer (An author, and a wanderer. I log to wander the strange places, and to make them known to others)

16. What do you think when you see the person you like ---- Ibelin...Light of Life By Harry Gregson-Williams

17. What will you do at your wedding ---- Under a Violet Moon by Blackmore's Night (How mystic and  romantic!)

18. What will they play at your funeral ---- Where Are We Going From Here by Blackmore's Night (well, I hope everyone would miss me that much)

19. What is your Hobby/Interest ---- Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel (I must admit, it is true. There is nothing like the sound of silence)

20. What is your biggest fear ---- End Credits by Hans Zimmer (LOL!!! Yes, I do hate it when a story is over. I always want it to go on forever!)

21. What is your biggest secret ---- Soul of a Harper by Marc Gunn (The strings of my harp will never be stilled while the green of the shamrock still grows on the hill for the music of Ireland is her strength and her will and the soul of a harper no mortal can kill.)


22. What do you want right now ---- Jake's First Flight (Avatar Soundtrack) by James Horner (Ah, that would be awesome!!!)


23.What do you think of your friends ---- Wild Mountain Honey by Steve Miller Band


24. What's the worst thing that could happen ---- I Guess it Doesn't Matter Anymore by Blackmore's Night (The worst thing you can do is give up hope)


25. What's one thing you regret ---- Empty Words by Blackmore's Night (There are people talking everywhere I look No one saying what they mean till they talk anyway When there's nothing to say There's so much said in empty words)


26. What makes you laugh ---- Guilty of Being Innocent of Being Jack Sparrow by By Hans Zimmer (Well, Jack always makes me laugh, and the title of the song is funny too)


27. What makes you cry ---- Health to the Company by The Brobdingnagian Bards (well, it is kind of a sad song... I suppose) 


28. Will you ever get married ---- A Thousand Tear Drops by Windham Hill Records (I hope that is not a bad omen)


29. What scares you most ---- Winter Time by Steve Miller Band (Hey, I'm not scared of winter, I just don't like it.)


30. Does anyone like you ---- I See You by Avatar Soundtrack


31. If you could go back in time what would you change ---- Becoming One of the People (Avatar) by James Horner (I'd like to become one of the people more like!)


32. What hurts right now ---- The Captive by Heather Alexander


33. What will you name this note ---- When Will My Life Begin by Tangled Soundtrack (indeed! When will it?)

Well, I have discovered that my ipod knows me quite well, and I have also realized that I have a peculiar taste in music. Gypsies, pirates, wandering, fighting, etc... Maybe that is because it is what I have longed for for sooooooo long. I often think I was born a couple of centuries too late.

P.S. anyone who wants to do this is welcome!

A Long Month with Socrates

Hey! How are ya all?

Okay, I'm sure you have all noticed my long absence, but honestly, I have been trying to find time to update. College is going well, and is also the reason I haven't been on here for so long. I just happened to get the grumpiest and strictest writing teacher in the whole school and he gives ENORMOUS loads of homework every day. Since that is about the only thing I have had time to work on, I thought I would share my most recent writing assignment with you! I hope Socrates doesn't bore you all to death as much as he does me, and if he does, feel free not to read it. ;-)

Socrates’ Methods: What Can We Really Learn From Him?

Many have heard it said that Socrates’ life and teachings stand at the foundation of Western philosophy.  From his use of critical thinking, to his unwavering commitment to the truth, Socrates set the standard for all future Western thinking. However, despite these seemingly great accomplishments, many readers today find him simply annoying, and have a hard time putting up with his methods of argumentation.

If you are anything like I was when I first heard of this great Greek philosopher, the first thing that probably crossed your mind was, “Who on earth is Socrates?” To help answer this question, I have provided the following brief summary of who this man was. Following that, I will discuss who his audience was, what methods he used, why he used them, and if he actually succeeded, or simply annoyed those he sought to teach.

Socrateswas born in 469 B.C. the son of a stonemason, an honorable and important trade at the time. He lived a simple life, renouncing wealth and holding himself aloof of political ambitions, in Athens, Greece and was executed in 399 B.C. after being accused of leading the youth of Athens astray, and of inventing new deities.

His teachings were directed primarily towards the youth of Athens, making a point to single out anyone who considered themselves wise and knowledgeable of the ways of the gods (i.e. Euthyphro, Meno, and Anytus).  What drove Socrates to seek out this particular group was his desire to understand the oracle of the god Delphi, who stated that no man was wiser than he. As he states in his own words in “Apology”, “So even now I continue this investigation as the god bade me – and I go around seeking out anyone, citizen or stranger, whom I think wise. Then if I do not think he is, I come to the assistance of the god and show him that he is not wise.”He sought to teach them because as he says to the Athenian counsel in “Apology”, “I was concerned with you, approaching each one of you like a father or elder brother to persuade you to care for your virtue.”

The thing that stands out the most about Socrates’ Methods of teaching is that he never took things at face value. He took things commonly accepted as truth and examined them to see if he could identify any loopholes or contradictions, and then he challenged them against themselves and with other similarbeliefs. He asked questions of logic (Webster’s 1828 Dictionarydefines Logic as“the science or history of the human mind, as it traces the progress of our knowledge from our first conceptions through their different combinations, and the numerous deductions that result from comparing them with one another”) as in Meno, where he asked questions about shape and color.

  It seems that the questions Socrates asked wereintended to help the people he was teaching to discover what they truly believed about a certain topic.He would often go to those he considered wiser than himself in the ways of the gods, and engage him or her in conversation. He would ask the people to bestow upon him, as if he were “their humble student,” the knowledge they possessedand their answers to his simple questions concerning true piety, virtue, and what isgod-loved. When those he questioned had finished telling him what they believed, he would then begin to interrogate them in order to compare their reasoning to commonly held beliefs of that day.

By asking these logical questions, Socrates caused the people he was speaking with to have to examine and defend their core beliefs, and eventually the person would realize that they could not even defend the simplest aspects of what they believed against Socrates’ logic.Often the questions he asked would cause them to have to contradict what they had originally said they believed, thus confusing them and making them question their beliefs. Once this happened, he then led them to follow him in finding out what is true piety and/or virtue, by beseeching them to join him in the search for truth as he does in Meno, where he states: “Nevertheless, I want to examine and seek together with you what it may be.”

Many people found Socrates’ endless questioning and at times circular reasoning extremely annoying.  As Euthyphro exclaims in “Plato’s Five Dialogues”, “But Socrates, I have no way of telling you what I have in mind, for whatever proposition we put forward goes around and refuses to stay put where we establish it".  Often afterwards, the people Socrates sought to teach left the debate confused, bewildered, and not knowing exactly what they believed anymore, or even what the truth really was. They would realize that perhaps they did not truly know as much as they thought they did.

I do not think the success of Socrates’ methods was at first evident. The dialogues never show Socrates and his students actually coming to a conclusion, but I think the questions Socrates would ask would probably stay with his students for a long time, and cause them to analyze what they believed on their own, without his guidance.  Also, the results were not immediate. During his lifetime he was very unpopular among the Athenians, so much so that they eventually put him to death in 399 B.C. As he said during his trial, “As a result of [my] investigation, men of Athens, I acquired much unpopularity, of a kind that is hard to deal with and is a heavy burden (Apology).” But now here we are in the 21st century, looking back on Socrates as a wise teacher and philosopher, and even using his methods in things such as psycho-therapy and law school. So I think in a way, he did succeed, although he never lived to see it.

If we were to sum up Socrates’ teaching method into one simple phrase, I suppose we could say that he taught by asking his students questions instead of giving them answers, and thus he would cause his students mind to have to stretch to answer him.  Likewise, we should aspire to train our minds to be inquiring, constantly probing into a subject with questions and not willing to blindly accept whatever everyone else accepts as truth.Moreover, when teaching our own children, we should use Socrates’ method of asking, not telling to strengthen their minds, and to cause them to search out the truth, no matter what, because “truth is the most important thing we have” (Mark Twain).

Sorry if that was too boring! I promise to try to get a real post on here hopefully this weekend. 

Fare thee well, for now

Sierra

Book Questionaire

Hey, how is everyone! School has been awesome so far! I love it.


I stole this questionnaire from Celtic Traveler's blog because I love books, and I love to talk about them as much as possible. so, here you go!

1. Favorite childhood book?

The Hobbit and the Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

2. What are you reading right now?

The Republic by Plato, The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien, and The Hunger Games (again) by Suzanne Collins

3. What books do you have on request at the library?

The Stowaway by Karen Hesse, and The Book of Irish Verse by Montague 

 
4. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

The Warrior Princess by Frewin Jones, Encyclopedia of Ireland, The country cooking of Ireland, and All the Tea in China by Jane Orcutt (an AMAZING book)

5. Do you have an e-reader?

 No! I loathe e-readers with a passion. Some technology scares me, and it scares me even more when they mess around with my precious books.
But e-readers can be good for some people, though... I suppose... maybe...

6. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

Usually no more than two or three. One for school, one for once in a while, when I feel like reading something a little deeper (hence the Silmarillion) and one for fun

7. Can you read on the bus?

Yes, and in the car, and basically anywhere else I am!

8. Favorite place to read?

On my bed usually, unless it is summer, then I go out to the garden.

9. Do you ever dog-ear books?

Yes, I do. I put down and pick up my book so often and in so many different places that it is impossible to keep a bookmark with me.

10. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

 No! Never!

 
11. What makes you love a book?

How do you expect me to answer that!!! There is so much to love in a book! The characters, the world, the intricate twists and turns of the plot, and I could go on and on!

12. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

If I absolutely love it. And as one fellow, (I cant remember his name), once said, "You know a truly good book when you turn the last page and feel as if you have lost a close friend"

13. Favorite genre?

Historical fiction and Fantasy (and sometimes the occasional classic, if I am in the right mood)! That basically sums up everything I read!

14. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

If I post a negative review, it is only so that others who come behind me can know what could be objectionable in the book. I would never simply leave a negative review just to be negative.

15. Favorite Poet?

Oh, I don't know! I guess I would have to say Tolkien. He was after all, my first introduction to Poetry in the first place, and everything I like seems to be his style. Brian Jacques in a close runner up.

16. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?

Usually around 15, but their not ALL fiction! There are always a few cookbooks and such there too!

17. How often have you returned books to the library unread?

Often I am afraid. Sometimes I will get a book, but the next day I am no longer in the mood to read them.

18. Favorite fictional character?

Oh, I should have known you would ask me something like this!!! It is an impossibly close tie between Aragorn and Thorin Oakenshield. I first met Thorin when I was around 7, and so he is more sentimental and closely tied to my childhood memories, but Aragorn has also been one of my favorites since around the age 9 or so. It is hard to beat those childhood heroes.

19. Favorite fictional villain?

Oh dear. I would say that my favorite villain is my own, Falcon, but I don't think he would qualify. And so, let's see... I would have to say Guy Vexille from the book The Archer's Tale, by Bernard Cornwell (not a recommended book, but he is an awesome villain).

20. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?

Probably whatever I am reading and depending on how long I am staying, anywhere between 5 to 10 others. Probably including the Lord of the Rings set, The first two Rangers Apprentice, the Hunger Games, and a few I have grabbed in the library to suit the purpose.

21. The longest I’ve gone without reading.

3 months, but only because I was grounded from reading as a punishment for something or another, (I don't even remember what it was, only how tragic the punishment was).

22. Name a book that you could/would not finish.

Not to pick on any of you Jane Austin fans, but I once tried to read Pride an Prejudice and could not even get through the first chapter. I got so bored that I put it down and have never picked it up again, and never really intend to. Although I have still managed to collect a few of her books.

23. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?

Once i start reading, I enter the world of the book so thoroughly that I have been known to read right through somebody coming up to talk to me, and even call my name a few times. Once I was reading in the car and I didn't even notice that we had arrived home. One of my siblings came out about 10 minutes later to tell me to get out of the car. 

24. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?

Lord of the Rings of course! And then Narnia. I hope the Hunger Games movie comes out as good as those two did.

25. Most disappointing film adaptation?

I would have to agree with Celtic Traveler. Inkheart was the most disappointing film. I saw Inkheart long before I read the book and loved it. But after I read the book and then saw the movie again, I could not believe how much they missed!!! I still love the movie though.

26. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?

There is not a lot that can make me stop reading a book, but, of course I always try to choose good books in the first place. Immoral scenes, getting too deep into other religions (to where in starts getting uncomfortable), and general weirdness are usually something that stops me from finishing the book. Or of course there is the option that it is just plain boring. That would stop me too.

27. Do you like to keep your books organized?

Ah, generally, yes. It is hard when you have them stacked all over your room, but yes, I usually manage to keep them neat. 

28. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

Keep. I find it hard to give away even books I didn't like, especially if it is a really old book. 

Well, there you have it! I got to talk about my books, hope you enjoyed listening. and now I am off to bed.

Sierra 

 

A New Horizon

I find myself looking forward to next Monday with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As I stand at the edge of the unknown, I find myself wanting to stay within sight of familiar territory, and yet I also am longing for the excitement of exploring the new horizon, the thrill of discovery, the adventure of the unknown.

What is this grand adventure of which you speak, you may ask. Well, I'll tell you. Next Monday, January 9, 2012, I begin Collage. I have been homeschooled my whole life, and so not only will this be a new horizon to me, but a whole new world1

Will I be able to fit in, or will all of the big city folks sneer and snicker at this quiet country girl? Will I make the grade? Will I make a friend? I hope so. What if I get lost? What if I don't understand the Math or Sciences they teach? But what if I do? There are so many unanswered questions, but I guess that is the adventure of the unknown. You get to find, and make, the answers to these questions, step by step.

And so I look forward to the next few months and years with anticipation. What will the future hold?

Sierra