Week 14: Famous Last Words

Well, this marks the end of this class for me! It is really a bittersweet feeling. I have thoroughly enjoyed allowing my creative juices to flow these past 4+ months. I've written things, both in storytelling assignments & for my storybook, that I didn't know I was capable of writing. I was able to learn more about myself as a writer and what style suits me best. I learned more about what kinds of stories I like and what kinds I don't really enjoy as much. I was able to meet new people through this class and catch up with old friends. This has to be one of the best classes I've taken, and I've been at OU for four years, so that's saying a lot! The way this class was set up was the absolute best. I didn't have to worry about someone's opinions getting in the way of grading. Sometimes I felt like in other classes, I had to write to the style of the teacher and not write how I liked to (still grammatically correct and all). It's a bit hard to explain, but I was just incredibly happy to have a class where we were graded one effort and doing our best. For 20+ years, we've been graded the same and as humans, we are all different and learn in different ways and therefore perform differently as well--not necessarily worse or better, just different. That's why I have enjoyed this class so much. We are all students trying our best, writing our best, creating stories and projects to the best of our abilities. And the results of that were amazing! I read so many great stories and learned so many things from other writers. I loved this class and will recommend it to any of my friends that need the credit but also a class to learn more about themselves and others as students. I could write on and on about my experience in this class but all I have to say is it was an A+ course that I enjoyed to the fullest.

We did it ya'll (Image Source).

Growth Mindset: Meme

I am almost finished with my classes. I still have three finals left but this past week has been my most hectic one. It should be all downhill from here, God willing! We are almost done with school and the beginning of summer vacation. Here is a little motivation for us all.

We almost done with the semester (Image Source).

Tech Tip: Happy Me Meme Generator

A little Dead Week motivation (Image Source).

Week 14 Reading Diary: The Giant Crab and other Tales

The Giant Crab and Other Tales retold by W.H.D. Rouse

For my last week of reading, I want to finish off with...you guessed it! More children's' stories.

One of the stories I read was one I read before for a previous reading diary assignment. It tells of a crocodile wife who wants monkey's heart to eat so the husband tries to get it for her. In the first story I read, it was the son who wanted to get it for his mom. In the story, the crocodile's husband tries to trick the monkey into getting on its back to get delicious fruit on the other side of the river. After the crocodile gets the monkey on its back and the monkey realizes what is happening, he tells the crocodile that he left his heart in the tree. The crocodile falls for the trick and ends up taking the monkey back to safety! Even though I've read this story twice, it never fails to entertain me and show that the power of wit is a strong weapon indeed!

Another cute story was called the Mouse and the Farmer. In the story, the farmer always took care of the mouse and to repay his kindness, the rat brings the farmer a piece of treasure buried in his farm. From that gold, the farmer buys food and gives some to the rat. This continues day after day until the rat gets nice and fat, noticed by the farmer's cat. As the cat is about to eat the rat, the rat makes a deal that he will give the cat all the food the farmer gives him. The rat gets skinnier, noticed by the farmer, who then gives him a "glass home" to protect himself. When the cat comes by and demands food, the rat rejects him, which results in the cat eating the rat, glass and all. I laughed in the part of the story where it said cats can digest pretty much anything...just not glass. So the cat ends up dying and the rat escapes. The story ends with the rat and farmer continuing on with their friendship of generosity and kindness! Such a cute story!

The unlikely friendship (Image Source).

The last of the stories that I really enjoyed was called The Monkeys and the Gardner. A master's gardner was needing to go away for a bit but needed someone to tend to the garden. He then asks monkeys in the trees to water the plants while he was gone. They agree and end up taking the plants out from the ground, because they thought they could measure the water the plants needed according to their roots' length. The gardener comes back to see his plants drooping and scolds the monkeys, calling them fools. The master then says the gardner is the fool, leaving monkeys to take care of a garden. This story was so funny!! The last line by the master was the highlight of the story!

Week 13 Storytelling: The Merchant of Seri

Author's Note. In my reading for this week, I read a few children's tales. I especially liked one that told of two merchants who go around town selling and trading brass and tinware. The first merchant (we'll call him John) goes to the house of an old lady and her granddaughter (we'll call her Emily). The grandmother has nothing but an old bowl to trade, not realizing it is actually made of gold! The merchant realizes this and attempts to trick the grandmother by telling her it's worthless and goes on his way (hoping to return back later). The second merchant (we'll call him Jacob) also visits the grandmother. However, this time, he realizes it's gold and tells the grandmother that it is too expensive for him to afford! After some discussion, they make a trade and the merchant goes on his way back home. When the first merchant comes back to the grandmother's house, she lets him know of the trade that had already happened. The merchant realizes how his greed and lying had cost him a sale. I absolutely loved this story as it teaches a great lesson. I want to retell it in a way where we get to see the whole story from the greedy merchant's point of view, getting an insight into his thoughts and his realization of his mistake at the end. Enjoy!


John opened the door of his house and squinted against the bright morning sun as he made his way down the street, ready to begin another day of trade. John prided himself on his skills as a merchant, able to bargain and trick customers in order to get the price or product he desired. Today, was no different. He made his way down the road yelling "brass and tinware for sale! Get it here. Cash or trade! Get it now!" He walked until he saw a house he hadn't visited yet. He made his way to the door and knocked.

A frail, old grandmother answered the door. After explaining about his business, the grandmother told him to wait as she went to look for something to make a trade with."

"Emily, Emily. Theres a man at the door who is selling brass and tinware. I don't know that we even have anything but this old bowl your grandfather you used to love to have his morning porridge in."

"Grandmother, we might as well try. Who knows, he could be kind and make a trade for it!"

As they made their way back to the door, the grandmother handed John the bowl. John held it and used a needle to see what it was made out of. To his amazement, he discovered that this old bowl was actually made of gold! He couldn't believe his eyes.

"Oh my. This bowl is worth more than everything I own. They don't seem to know its worth. Well, well...looks like it's my lucky day. But I need to make them think its worthless and then come back later to buy it for cheap." These thoughts were racing through his head, as he fought to control his facial expressions, not wanting to give anything away.

"Well lady, this is a rather old bowl that is worth mere pennies. My products are worth a good price and I can't accept scrap for them." John left the house and smiled as he walked down the street, sure he was going to make a great deal with them later in the day. He was going to hit the jackpot with that gold bowl. Or would he?

John tries to trick the grandmother (Image Source).

Later in the day, John had made his rounds around town, making trades here and there. He could barely concentrate as the thought of the grandmother's bowl remained at the forefront of his mind. He made his way back to their house and knocked on the door. He prepared his face to look unconcerned, ready to trick them into giving him the bowl for a paltry price.

The grandmother opened the door and frowned, realizing who it was. "How may I help you?"

John was taken aback by her tone of voice and frown apparent on her face. "...Uh, yes lady...ma'am. I just wanted to come back and buy your go...I mean old bowl. I can make an exception today for my high quality brass and make the trade for your old bowl."

The grandmother shook her head, feeling pity for the merchant who lacked honesty and manners in conducting business. "Listen, I have already sold the bowl, to a nice young fellow named Jacob. He told me the truth about the worth of the bowl. It was gold after all! My husband had told me of its worth once but I thought he was just teasing me, as he always used to do. You should be ashamed of yourself, attempting to trick a little old lady like me."

John stood in stunned silence. It had been years and years since he had been scolded. He felt as if it was his own mother getting on to him. He bowed his head, realizing his terrible mistake, and spoke to the grandmother.

"Ma'am. I am deeply sorry. Greed had blinded me. When I thought you wouldn't know anything about the worth of the bowl, I thought I had hit the jackpot and was about to make the biggest trade of my career. I realize now that greed and dishonesty gets you nowhere. I apologize for trying to trick you. I am glad you sold it to Jacob, as he is an honest and trustworthy merchant. I sincerely beg for your forgiveness and swear to always conduct my business with honor in the future."


~The End~



Bibliography.
Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt. Web Source: The Baldwin Project.

Week 13 Reading Diary: Jataka Tales

Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt

This week, I decided to continue with reading some children's tales. I really enjoy them because they are short and sweet while also teaching a lesson at the same time.

The first story I read was actually really entertaining! Usually it takes me a couple of stories in to really find a story I enjoyed. In the story, titled The Monkey and the Crocodile, the dumb crocodile attempts to catch and kill the monkey, to give his mother the monkey's heart she so desired. I liked the story because it was a sort of back and forth battle of wits between the two animals and of course the monkey came out victorious over the dumb crocodile.

The monkey tricks the crocodile and gets to safety (Image Source).

The next story I liked was about two merchants who made this living selling and trading tinware and brass. When the greedy merchant come across a grandmother and granddaughter who have nothing to trade but an old bowl, the merchant realizes it's actually a bowl made of gold! He tries to trick them by telling them it's worthless and leaves. When the second merchant pays them a visit, he tells the grandmother that it is made of gold. In the end, he pays her a large sum of money in exchange for the bowl and goes on his way. At the end of the story, the greedy merchant tries to go back to get the bowl from the grandmother, but learns that the other merchant had already bought it. He learned his lesson that his greed and trickery made him lose an opportunity to make a deal, and an honest one at that.

The last story I really enjoyed was about an ox who was the strongest in the land. After his owner brings him to town and boasts about his strength, he makes a bet that his ox could move a hundred carts. However, after speaking rudely to the ox and whipping it, the ox remains still. The man lost the bet and paid the dues. After he goes home, he talks with his ox who tells him that he had never been spoken to rudely or mistreated by the man. The man apologizes, realizing his mistake and vows to never talk harshly or mistreat the ox again. The ox then says that they shall go to town tomorrow and repeat the bet. The next day, the man and ox make their way into town, to the jeers of the crowd. However, this time around, the man speaks kindly and the ox shows everyone his strength, winning the bet! I loved this story because it deals with the importance of treating animals kindly!

Storytelling for Week 12: The Poor Man and the Flask of Oil

Author's Note.
I read a collection of children's stories this week. One of my favorites was titled the Poor Man and the Flask of Oil. In the story, an poor man (we'll call him Thomas) is living next to a rather rich neighbor (we'll call him William) who sells oil and honey. After his neighbor gifts him with a flask of oil, all the poor man can think about is selling his flask of oil and seeing what he could buy with it, how much money he'd make, how he'd spend it and so on. Before he knows it, his vision for his future is shattered as he breaks the bottle on accident while imagining all he could do if he sold the bottle. Although this was a short story, it did teach a good lesson about not being too greedy and being patient to take things as they come. He was already thinking so much ahead and got too ahead of himself, resulting in the loss of his precious bottle of oil. In this week's storytelling assignment, I want to expand the story a bit so that readers can really get to see how getting too far ahead of himself cost him in the end.

It was a beautiful sunny day as Thomas walked out of his house to water his garden. He took great joy in coming out every morning to water it. Due to his diligent care, what resulted was a spectacular, colorful bed of flowers. He made his living on selling his flowers. Although it didn't give him an enormous income, it still provided him with just enough to keep living in his small house. As he made his way through the garden, he heard the sound of a door closing. He looked up and saw his neighbor, William, leaving his house to head off to work. Everybody in town knew William. He was a wealthy merchant who sold the best oil and honey in the land. He and Thomas were friendly with each other, as neighbors should be. Just the other day, Thomas had brought over some pastries he had gotten from the bakery to give to William. 

Meanwhile, William looked up and saw that his neighbor was again watering his garden. He chuckled to himself as he looked at Thomas focusing on his flowers, careful not to give them too much water. William was on his way to work but stopped in his tracks as he remembered that he had intended to repay Thomas for giving him pastries the other day, instead making his way to the garden.

"Good morning, Thomas! The flowers look incredible. You have all the colors of the rainbow in your front yard. It looks absolutely splendid!"

Thomas smiled at at his neighbor, happy that his garden was getting so many compliments. 

"Why thank you, William! This garden is like my own child. I have to look after it with care, and look how they all grow!"

William, nodded, admiring how beautiful the flowers looked. 

"Say, Thomas. I'm off to work but I wanted to give you this. It's the new oil I'm selling. It's yet to be on the market, but as my neighbor who is always generous to me, I wanted to give you this as a gift. I hope you enjoy it! It can be used for almost anything. Hair care to cooking! It's extremely versatile. Take good care of it, as it is still not on any stores' shelves yet! I'll see you later, my friend!"

William's gift to Thomas (Image Source).

Thomas watched as his neighbor headed off to work, speechless that he had just received such a lavish gift. He looked down at the bottle of oil, almost glowing in the morning sunlight. He walked as fast as his feet would take him and heading into his house, being careful not to drop the bottle. He walked into his house and put it on the top shelf in his kitchen. Although William had told Thomas all about the uses of the oil, the only thing Thomas could focus on was on its price and scarcity in the market. This flask could be his gateway to making money and living comfortably, not having to worry about making the bare minimum selling his flowers.

"Oh my. This is one of the most expensive things I have ever owned. It's not even on the market yet! And I own it now! Oh, what I could do with it. I can sell it to the town next to ours. I know it's filled with such rich families. They would jump at a chance to own this oil. If I sold it to them, I could make a great chunk of money. From the money, I could buy the sheep I've always wanted to own. And you know what, after that, I can sell some of the sheep and have a big income. That way, I could finally marry a beautiful wife and be able to support her financially, with no worries! And we could have kids. Oh I could even have a son, who grows up to be tall and mighty. He could become a guard in our town, protecting everyone. And if anyone messes with him, he'd be able to fight them like this.......and like this.....and swing at them like this......and..."

At that moment, his arms were flailing in every which way, trying to act out how his future son might protect the town. As he was lost in his reverie, he failed to notice how close he was to the shelf on his kitchen wall. Within moments, his arm had hit the shelf and the flask of oil on top began teetering until, almost in slow motion, it spiraled in the air before coming crashing down on the floor. The glass shattered and the oil splattered everywhere, Thomas dropped down to look at what he had caused.

"Alas, because of my impatience and greed, I have ruined a precious gift that my neighbor has given me. I should not have been so hasty in trying to sell the flask. It was given out of the kindness of William's heart and all I could see was the money I could get from it. I should have appreciated what I have with my beautiful garden, providing me with a living. This flask of oil could have helped me in my daily life and now I can't even use an ounce of it. From this day on, I promise to be patient, be thankful for what I have, and not think too far ahead into the future as things could change at any moment."

~The End~

Bibliography.

"The Poor Man and the Flask" by Maude Barrows Dutton (1908). Web Source: The Baldwin Project.

Week 12 Reading Diary: The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai

The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai: by Maude Dutton

This week, I decided to read another collection of children's stories. I enjoyed it so much a couple weeks ago, I found another collection with stories extremely similar to the style I read before.

The first few of the stories were a bit sad but they did each teach a lesson! The one that I really liked was one called the Poor Man and the Flask of Oil. In the story, an old man thinks about selling the bottle and seeing what he could buy with it, how much money he'd make, how he'd spend it and so on. Before he knows it, his vision for his future is shattered as he breaks the bottle on accident while imaging a scenario of the future. Although this was a short story, it did teach a good lesson about not being too greedy and being patient to take things as they come. He as already thinking so much ahead and got too ahead of himself, resulting in the loss of his precious bottle of oil.

Another story that was interesting was called The Youth, the Hawk, and the Raven. This told of a boy who had seen a hawk feed a lazy looking raven. The boy decides that if he becomes lazy like the raven, he won't have to do any work and people would bring him food. After a couple days of no food, the boy realizes how foolish he was. He laments that he should have imitated the active Hawk instead of the lazy raven. I liked this story because it sort of teaches a lesson about who you look up to. If you admire someone with positive qualities, it will help you more in life if you plan to follow in their footsteps.

I think my favorite story of this bunch is the one titled The Tyrant who became a Just Ruler. After ruling over a people he treated terribly, he decided one day to gather them all to tell them he had changed and would, from then on, rule them justly and well. When a townsman comes to ask him why he had changed, the King retells the story of how he had seen a domino effect of events that caused the one who had done something bad, to have something negative happen to them. Karma. He therefore says that "he who doeth evil will sooner or later be overtaken by evil." Great lesson to always be kind and treat people with respect! 

The Just Ruler (Image Source).

Growth Mindset: Memes

Once again, school is about to get extremely hectic with all the exams, projects, and assignments from my various classes. I need to stay relaxed and focused and before I know it, hopefully the weeks will fly by and summer will arrive! I made a meme to give me some extra motivation!

We can do it! (Image Source).

Tech Tip: Quote

A little motivation for a Monday morning!

Link to creating quote.

Week 10 Storytelling: Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals

Author's Note. One of my favorite stories that I read this week was one of the children's stories. It is called Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals. It tells of a prince who was...wicked...just as his name says. He gets lost in a river after a storm and a poor old man saves him, along with a rat, parrot, and snake that were on the same log. After taking care of them and they get ready to return home they each promise to have treasure/money set aside for him if he ever needs it in the future. He goes back to all of them later in the story to see if they would keep their promises. They all do, except for the prince (who became the king after time had passed). King Wicked decided to order the poor man to be killed so no one would find out that he had saved the prince a long time ago. In the end, wise men in the city question the poor man and the truth is revealed. King Wicked was no more and the poor man was crowned King! He returned to all the animals later on, building them nice houses beside him so they could all live together nicely! I decided to write my storytelling assignment this week about this story but changing the ending. Instead of the King being killed, I would rather he learn his lesson. I hope you enjoy!

As King Wicked rode on his beautiful white elephant, he waved at the peasants he now ruled. He thought all about how his life had turned out. What a man I am now. I can now be the King I was always meant to be. I shall do whatever my heart desires. I will...wait. Who is that. That poor, wretched man who saved me. Sure, he saved me, but that was his duty as a peasant of this city. No one can find out about this. 

"Guards. Seize that man over there and kill him." King Wicked tried to muster up his sternest look to force the guards into acting without question. The guards, always having been fearful and uneasy about the King, followed his orders. They ran up to the poor man and bound his hands and feet. They beat him until they could beat him no more. The poor man stayed silent aside from one phrase he kept repeating. With every hit, he kept saying "it is better to save the animals than to save a prince." 

The King was close enough to hear what the poor man was saying. For some reason, that repeated phrase hit him strongly. He sat silently on the elephant and contemplated the poor man's words. I am the King. Yet the man believes the animals are more important than me. I must find out why he thinks mere animals are more valuable than human beings. 

"Guards. Stop. Bring him inside the palace at once," the King thundered.

As they carried the badly beaten, poor man into the palace, the King had gotten off the elephant and followed them inside.

The guards left the two alone in the library to discuss their matters privately.

The poor man looked at the now grown boy with pity in his eyes. Even after having been beaten because of the King, he couldn't help but feel sorry that the King never learned any positive traits. Meanwhile, the King couldn't understand why the poor man was looking at him that way. He decided it was time to get his questions answered.

"Poor man. Why did you utter those words as you were being beaten? Are mere animals more important than me, a human being?

The poor man once again felt pity. "My King, it is not whether one is an animal or one is human. It is the presence or absence of simple courtesy, kindness, and love that I care about. After saving you all from that dreadful storm, you all promised me financial help if the time ever came that I needed it. To see if you all would keep your promises, I visited each one of you. Upon visiting their abodes, my dear snake, parrot, and rat all responded as soon as I uttered their names. With you, I was met with nothing but hostility. You lacked even the courtesy of kindly turning me away. You simply decided I should be killed so you could avoid embarrassment. And THAT is why I never regretted saving the animals. They actually cared for me and kept their promise."

The King, who had never been scolded a day in his life, finally felt the pain of realizing his mistakes. He could do nothing but ask for forgiveness. Rising up from his chair in his long, burgundy robes and grand crown upon his head, the King fell to his knees at the feet of the poor man and begged for his forgiveness.

"I am deeply sorry for all I have done. I have never learned what kindness was as a child because everyone assumed I was rotten and was treated as such. You have shown me what kindness is. I made the mistake of returning that kindness with hostility. I ask you to forgive me, with the promise that I will now and forever treat everyone with respect and kindness. I also ask that you join my royal court, as my personal and closest advisor. I need a mentor like you to teach me how to rule a kingdom in the best of ways."

The poor man was proud to see that the King had taken the first step in changing for the better. In the following years, the King, the man (poor no more), and the animals lived happily ever after in the grand palace treating their townspeople with respect and care.

A happily ever after (Image Source).

Bibliography.

Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt (2008). Web Source: The Baldwin Project.

Week 10 Reading Diary, continued: Jataka Tales

Jataka Tales: by Ellen C. Babbitt

For this next reading diary, I got to read even more of the adorable kids' stories with little lessons thrown in. Although I liked the first batch of stories a bit better, the ones in the second part were pretty good as well!

In one of the stories, called The Hawks and Their Friends, again they come to each other's rescue in times of need. The line at the bottom, stated that friends in need are friends indeed. I have heard that line many times in my life so I am glad to they incorporated that into the story. It's great for both children and adults alike to learn that lesson!

The second story I enjoyed was one that told of two traders who after one lied about selling the other's plow, ended up lying to the other about a bird stealing his son. After going to court, the judge eventually ordered both of them to return what was rightfully the other's. It was a pretty funny story but it did teach a lesson. Don't do to others what you wouldn't want done to you.

One of my favorite stories from all that I've read in both sections is called Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals. It tells of a prince who was...wicked...just as his name says. He gets lost in a river after a storm and a poor old man saves him, along with a rat, parrot, and snake that were on the same log. After taking care of them, they each promise to have treasure set aside for him if he ever needs it. He goes back to all of them later in the story to see if they would keep their promises. They all do...except the prince who became the king after time had passed. King Wicked decided to order the poor man to be killed so no one would find out that he had saved him. In the end, wise men question the poor man and the truth is revealed. King Wicked was no more and the poor man was crowned King, returning to all the animals, getting their treasure, as well as them and taking them back with him to live in luxury and peace in his castle. It was such an interesting and beautiful story!

The last story of the bunch was such a cute one, telling of the strong friendship between an elephant and a dog. Even vastly different animals like that could be great friends.

I loved reading all these little stories and I wouldn't mind reading more of them again in the future!

The best of friends (Image Source).

Week 10 Reading Diary: Jataka Tales

Jataka Tales: by Ellen C. Babbitt

This week, instead of watching another film, I decided to go a different route. For my reading diaries this week, I wanted to look at stories that weren't related to the main epics we've read this semester so far, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Although I loved them both, I have read them and various adaptations of them (other stories or films). Therefore, I decided to sort of revert back to the stories I first read at the beginning of the class. Children's stories!! I always enjoy those because they are simple, a bit funny/entertaining, and teach a lesson.

There were a lot of stories that I read this week but I will just point out a few of my favorites. There was a story that told of three fish, names Very Thoughtful, Thoughtful, and Thoughtless. Although it was a very short, simple story, with Thoughtful coming in to save the day. It reminded me of an older sibling who always looks after the young, lost ones. It reminds me to be thankful for my own big sister for taking care of my little sister and I so well!

Another story that I enjoyed was one that old of a group of friends including a deer, turtle and woodpecker. They all took turns saving the other when a hunter was threatening to capture one or the other. It may seem a bit cheesy, but I love that the story told of different kinds of animals living in peace together and standing up and protecting each other. Certain other species should learn from them (ahemhumansahem).

Friendship goals (Image Source).

The last story that I really enjoyed was the one that told of four princes wanting to see the famous red-bud tree. They all come back saying they saw something different. Their dad then goes on to explain that they each went at different times of the year and that's why all their descriptions sound different. Although it was a simple enough story, it made me laugh! How fascinating that we can all have different views on things!

Can't wait to read more of these stories!

Growth Mindset: Memes

With less than 2 months of school left, I am feeling pretty overwhelmed. With so many assignments, exams, and projects for school, everything seems to be piling up. I also have a lot of responsibilities outside of school. I am very thankful to be busy but I could use a laugh...which is why I made a meme. It really did help cheer me up! I tend to like using memes in various social media websites so I'm really glad I found a website where I can generate my own memes. I love using humor in all aspects of life so I plan to use this in the future!!

A little motivation (Image Source).

Tech Tip: Pinterest Board

For this week, I decided to use the tech tip of utilizing Pinterest for this class by creating a separate board. I have used (and still use) Pinterest for many things including fashion, nutrition & exercise, as well as wedding planning (my sister is getting married!!).

Link to my board.

Week 9 Reading Diary, continued: Mahabharata Epified

Epified Mahabharata: by Epified Channel

For the second reading diary, I got to watch part B of the epified Mahbharata. Since my favorite parts of the epic happened while I was reading the second half of the story, I was most excited about watching the epified episodes that corresponded to those moments in the epic. These were parts I was more familiar with since all the "action" happened in the later chapters of the epic. I definitely enjoyed all the episodes I watched, but I did have my favorites. Again, the drawings in the episodes are so beautiful to watch and despite their simplicity, they had ample detail, whether it was the emotions written on a character's face of the scenery depicted. I truly enjoy this kind of storytelling because it has narration and images as well.

One of the biggest parts of the epic, in my opinion, is when the Pandavas are in danger of being stuck inside the burning palace. During the episodes, the images depicted them searching through the palace and realizing the materials used to build it were flammable. I also really enjoyed the picture that depicted the making of the tunnel for their escape. One of my favorite parts of the episode was the drawing of Bhima carrying all his family members. He looked so powerful and full of charisma!

The next part that I really enjoyed was the episode that tells of Baka and his horror. Although I already know what happens because of reading the epic previously, I was so happy that Bhima once again showed himself to be the powerful man he was. It was only one picture that depicted the fight where Bhima overwhelms Baka but I loved it nonetheless!

Bhima destroys Baka (Image Source).

The last part that was a favorite of mine (I even did a storytelling assignment over it) was the part of the epic dealing with Draupadi, the competition, and how all the Pandava brothers ended up marrying her. 

This was one of my favorite reading/watching assignments and I've learned this style of storytelling (through images and narration) works really well for me!

Week 9 Reading Diary: Epified Mahabharata

Epified Mahabharata by: Epified Channel

For this week, I chose to explore the Mahabharata through another lens: a movie!! I have to say, it was one of my favorite weekly "readings" so far this semester. I thoroughly enjoyed the various parts of the 'film.' The drawings that depicted all the scenes and characters were so simple yet so beautiful. I especially loved how they simplified everything, but made sure to cover all important parts of the epic. I already know the plot of the story from having read it before but there were some scenes that stood out to me in this movie.

I especially liked the first couple of episodes because they helped clear up a lot of who the characters were and how they were related. I liked the scene where King Shantanu and Ganga met, as the drawings really helped me understand what happened and why she left.

The other parts I really enjoyed was how the Pandavas and Kauravas. I remember while reading the epic originally, I was so unbelievably confused who were the sons of which father and who the wives were. This epified version of the Mahabharata helped make it all a lot more clear. I was able to understand it better because the two families "beginnings" were focused on separately, with the drawings depicting how the Pandavas came to be and how the Kauravas came to be.

Another favorite part from the film is where I feel the drama starts. The Pandavas returning to Hastinapura allows both famlilies to be in close proximity of each other. Competition and rivalry is inevitable and that is exactly what happens. Jealousy and negative feelings begin to develop. I am truly grateful that the film explained everything simply because there are so many scenes in the epic that confused me including why the Pandavas and Kauravas were truly "against" each other.

I really can't wait to finish the film and learn some more!

The Mahabharata through drawings (Image Source).

Tech Tip Poster

The source for the quote is from Brainy Quote and the image was from a randomizer tool on the AutoMotivator website.

Reading Plans

For week 9, I'd like to choose the film, Epified Mahabharata to be able to view the epic in a different format.

The Mahabharata retold through film (Image Source).

For weeks 10 and 11, I'd like to view another film, explaining the secrets from Hindu calendar art.

Calendar Art (Image Source).

Blog Ideas

I'm glad we are getting a chance to review the details of our blog this week. I have been thinking it's about time for me to change the design and appearance of my own blog. This assignment really helped with getting ideas. I looked at a few blogs that had great ideas that I want to implement in the future. I took a look at the blogs of:

Thomas: At the top of his blog, there was a very helpful toolbar that made it so easy to locate the assignments for the different weeks and with various labels. I sometimes struggle with navigating through blogs trying to do the weekly commenting but his toolbar at the top made it extremely easy.

Benika: Her blog had her profile picture at the very top of the side toolbar. Although this seems like a very simple detail, it helps whoever goes on her blog instantly put a face to the writer of all the stories each week. Even through the introduction post, we don't really get to know one another's faces so having a profile picture sounds like a great idea.

Ashlyn: Her blog had a beautiful, yet simple background design. I have been growing tired of my rather dull blog design so I was definitely inspired to change it. I did not want one with difficult to read fonts and I did not want a background that was too busy. I actually went ahead and chose a simple yet pretty design for my own blog a few minutes ago. It was about time!

Time Management for the Semester

This semester has been my busiest one thus far. Although I am not taking a lot of credit hours, I have so many responsibilities outside of school that are all starting to stack up. These past couple of weeks have been a bit tiresome and I found myself struggling to get the reading assignment done last week. My shadowing and volunteering are starting in the next two weeks so I do not want to change my weekly schedule because it actually fits the times I will be the most free. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays seem to work pretty well for me. I think I might start setting alarms or reminders in the future so that I avoid any procrastination or simply forgetting an assignment. For most of my other classes, I have various different time management techniques. Setting a schedule, even just mentally, helps motivate me because it gives me a framework to work with for the week. Starting earlier on some assignments has also been helpful for me for certain assignments/exams. For the rest of the semester, I know it will be extremely hectic. For this class especially, I think I want to do more extra credit just in case I come across a week where I am very busy, like last week. I was okay last week, points-wise, because I had done enough extra credit to make up the points I missed. For the remainder of the class, I'd like to do a lot more extra credit, especially with exams and finals week in the next couple of months. I'm ready to take it on! Let's gooo!

Coffee makes everything okay (Image Source).

Storytelling for Week7: The Mahabharata-Under the Sea

Author's Note. For this week's storytelling, I decided I'd like to do a retelling of another scene in the epic, focusing on the part during the battle where Duryodhana takes refuge from the final battle by hiding in the lake thanks to his powers. The style of storytelling I've decided to use is a 'beneath the sea' theme. I will be using our most beloved sea creatures, Marlin (Nemo's dad) and Dory, to retell the story from their point of view. My goals in using this sort of storytelling style is to be able to see this part of the epic through another pair of eyes. We can see how the sea creatures were viewing how the battle was unfolding and who they were rooting for. I loved Finding Nemo and really loved the characters in the movie, so I think they will be able to provide some comic relief in this rather tense part of the story. For those of you who have not watched the movie, Dory has short-term memory loss and is a very hyper little fish. Marlin is the serious, focused one of the pair. For the sake of flow through the scenes, where Dory and Marlin explore in the sea will lead them through a deep underground channel that connects to the lake near where the battle is happening. Also, everyone in the sea knows of the great and powerful Kauravas and Pandavas. I hope you enjoy!!


~Under the Sea~

Marlin and Dory were swimming through the sea, trying to find a new adventure for the day while Nemo was away at school.

"Hey Marlin, do you ever think back to our adventures of finding your son, Fabio. That was cool. I wish we could do it again. I mean not lose him. But go on an adventure. Meet different creatures. Travel from sea to sea. I love to travel. You know my family used to travel a lot. They loved going on adventures. My family. Hmmm...where are they?"

Marlin could only chuckle at Dory. He had gotten used to her ramblings and ever-forgetful mind. But like Dory, was ready for a new adventure.

"Hey Dory, what do you say to exploring the sea today?”

Dory readily agreed and they began their spontaneous trip. They swam for half the day before they reached a pair of swordfish. Marlin went and asked for directions to the best places they could explore. Meanwhile Dory waited behind, coming across a group of shrimp swimming nearby. They overheard Dory and Marlin's plan of exploring.

"Hey you. Fish in the blue. Yea, you. I heard you were going exploring. There are some pretty nice places around here, but whatever you do, don't go through the tunnel with the markings around it, okay? It leads to a lake on the other side and there's a battle going on around there above the sea. You got it?"

Dory listened intently and nodded before the shrimp continued on her way. Marlin came back from talking to the swordfish and told her that he had learned there were some nice areas of the sea farther ahead. They swam a bit more before coming to an interesting looking tunnel with markings.

"Hey!! This looks like the doorway to adventure. What do you say, Dory? Let's go through it!"

Dory stared at the tunnel before answering. "You know Marlin, there's something about this tunnel. I really, really don't think we should swim through it. There's something weird about it. We should just go around it and see what else there is to explore."

Marlin really wanted to explore the tunnel so he used his best tool to convince Dory: distraction. 

"Hey Dory, look, a pearl!"

Dory looked around quickly, failing to see what Marlin was talking about. "I don't see it."

Marlin knew success was right in front of him. "Ohhh, I think another fish just stole it and swam through the tunnel. Let's follow it."

Dory, successfully distracted and oh so forgetful, excitedly followed Marlin.

After swimming for a bit, they came across a wide blue lake. There were no other sea creatures around them for as far as they could see. As they hesitantly swam further, they saw the outline of a man in the distance. Marlin instantly recognized the mighty Duryodhana. Above, they could hear the sounds of battle. Marlin instantly regretted his decision to swim through the tunnel, realizing what they had just swam into: a war--and a very powerful, violent war at that. The fish couldn't take their eyes off of what was happening.

"Dory, I heard about the battle that was happening, but I didn't think we'd swim right into it. I'm so sorry, you were right about not going through the tunnel. The Kauravas and Pandavas are fighting viciously. I personally am siding with the Pandavas. Those brothers are so strong and powerful. I think they may have the edge in the battle right now. Why else would Duryodhana be hiding in the ocean?"
Dory could not recall if she had every heard of these people and why there were fighting. All she knew was that it was about to get bad, and very soon. The fish swam to the surface to see what was happening.

Up above, Yudhishthira, Sahadeva, and Bhima were fighting their enemies, slaying them one after another. Bhima powerfully killed all of Duryodhana’s comrades before looking around for him. Dory and Marlin could only watch in awe as the mighty Bhima looked around with anger in his eyes, not leaving a rock unturned, searching for Duryodhana. At last, he discovered that he was indeed in the lake. He spotted the fish and asked them for confirmation.

“You, fish. I need your help. Is my enemy under the lake?”

Marlin could barely retain his composure that the amazing Bhima was addressing him before quickly remembering the question he was being asked. He quickly nodded and indicated where Duryodhana was hiding. Bhima silently thanked Marlin. Duryodhana, finally realizing he was spotted, came up and told his rivals to take the kingdom and leave him be. The Pandava clan quickly rejected the suggestion. To regain his pride at being so quickly stumped, he made a bold suggestion--proposing a one-on one battle. Bhima was on the edge of losing his patience, screaming at Duryodhana.

“If you do not come out of there right now, I will dive in and drag you up here myself.”

Duryodhana emerges from the lake (Image Source).

Duryodhana knew their one on one battle was inevitable. He got out of the lake and the two mighty warriors went at each other with such power. Dory and Marlin watched in amazement, Marlin quietly whispering his support for Bhima. After more vicious tumbles and blows, Bhima finally struck his enemy on the knee and kicked his head. Victory was his. He stared at his fallen rival and looked around at his fellow fighters. “Draupadi is avenged. Good job, my brethren.”

Marlin was ecstatic that Bhima was victorious. Dory, clueless as ever, joining in his celebration. As they made their way back to the sea and back home, Marlin explained all about the history of the Kauravas and Padavas to Dory. Although she thoroughly enjoyed the story Marlin was telling her, she forgot it all before they reached home. Marlin eventually made his way back to his anemone, seeing his son was back from school.

“Nemo!!! You will not guess what I saw today..”


~The End~

Bibliography.

Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913). Web Source: Mahabharata PDE.

Finding Nemo by Pixar Animations (2003)**[Some quotes and scenes were taken from/similar to the movie]**

Storytelling for Week 6: The Mahabharata

Author's Note. For this week's storytelling, I decided I wanted to incorporate one of my favorite book series---Harry Potter! I've read the books one too many times and love them more each and every time. Since completing the Mahabharata, there is one scene that reminds me of something in one of the books. This will have a lot of spoilers about the last book in the HP series...just a warning! In the last book of the Harry Potter series [SPOILER ALERT], there is a stone, called the resurrection stone, that gave the owner the power to bring back loved ones from the dead (in a kind of half ghost, half living form). While reading the Mahabharata, there was a scene towards the end where the Pandavas get to see their lost loved ones in the Ganges River. In my story, I will write about the Harry Potter trio (Harry, Ron, and Hermione) and one of the Patil sisters, Pavarti, talking about this part of the Mahabharata. This story will take place following the [SPOILER ALERT] great Battle of Hogwarts where Harry is recalling the power of the stone that he used to see his loved ones before going to Voldemort--the big bad guy for anyone who has not read the series :). Just for some background information: the students attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are put into certain "houses"/"teams" (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin). Each "team" has a certain part of the castle where they live in, and each house's common room is a kind of living room that the students spend their time in. Any characters mentioned that are not the trio are simply other characters in the Harry Potter series. Hope you enjoy!




Gryffindor Common Room

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting in the Gryffindor common room, recalling the events of the Battle that had just occurred a few weeks ago.

The trio in the Common Room (Image Source).

Harry always felt a stab of pain any time the Battle was mentioned. He could not help but feel the agony of the loss of so many of his closest friends, those he considered his family. Those that supported him. Those that fought for him. Those that died for him. He tried to push the thought away and focus on the positive changes that were slowly happening after their world had been rid of the awful enemy.

Hermione and Ron could not help but wonder at those moments right before Harry confronted Voldemort. Ron hesitantly approached the subject.

"Say, Harry, you don't have to tell us anything about it if you don't want to...but how did it feel right before you faced Voldemort. I mean, bloody hell, I would have been scared out of my mind!"

Hermione scolded him, "Oh Ronald. Be a bit more sensitive about this will you?!"

Harry realized he had not yet told his closest friends all about the time right before he was willing to give up his life to end the Battle of Hogwarts. Ron was right. He was scared out of his mind. Which is why he had used the resurrection stone. Harry decided the time was finally right to tell them just what unfolded in the last part of the Battle between him and Voldemort.

"It's fine, Hermione. Really. I'm sorry I haven't told you both about what happened but I've just had a lot to process."

Hermione didn't want Harry to feel guilty at all.

"Oh Harry, don't apologize! We know you needed time to think everything through."

Ron nodded in agreement and Harry finally began his story.

"As I was walking in the forest toward Voldemort, I could hear him and his followers in the clearance right beyond me. I was very nervous, like you said Ron. I needed support. But there was no one around me. I took the resurrection stone out of my pocket and, in that moment, I knew what I needed to do. I turned it over in my hand three times and whispered that I was about to die. It was incredible. Just incredible. Almost immediately, ghost-like forms of my parents, Lupin, and Sirius came forth. They were almost real, but not quite solid..y'know?"

Ron and Hermione could only nod in silence as Harry continued on.

"I could talk to them, they could talk to me. They gave me the support and love and comfort that I needed to take those steps toward Voldemort. I am still a bit freaked out about just how powerful that stone was. I mean really...I got to see my loved ones even after they died. Have you ever heard of something like that?!"

One of the Patil sisters, Pavarti, was sitting on a couch near the trio and could not help but overhear what Harry had been telling Ron and Hermione. She got up and made her way toward her fellow Gryffindors. To provide him with some comfort, she wanted to tell him about an Indian epic she had read a long time ago.

"Hi Harry. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help but overhear your story about the resurrection stone. You seem a little apprehensive about the incredible power of the stone. I just wanted to let you know that it is not a crazy idea. I read this Indian epic a while back called the Mahabharata, and in the story a similar thing happened. Following a lengthy and tragic battle, the survivors are in mourning and in need of reassurance and comfort...some closure as well, understandably. A great sage called Vyasa came and told them that he would be able to relieve their suffering. He told them that they should bathe in the great Ganges River and after that, they would be able to see their lost loved ones again."

Pavarti Patil in the Common Room (Image Source).

Harry listened with rapt attention, as though his life depended on it. What happened in the forest for him was no small incident. It was not something he could just accept and forget. It was a lot to take in and rationalize. He listened closely as Pavarti continued.

"They did as they were told and bathed in the Ganges. The river water began to bubble and foam, and one after another, all the deceased relatives and comrades ascended through the water. They reunited with their loved ones, hugged, wept, and held on to each other tightly. Their grief and suffering slowly began to ebb away as they felt such joy from seeing each other once again. Once the sun began to rise, the deceased parted from their loved ones and made their way back to the water. Although they would not come back to life, this powerful reunion of the dead with the living helped ease the sorrow and grief that everyone had felt. They got the closure that they needed. From that day on, they were able to go on with their lives, thinking of their lost loved ones with happy memories."

Harry felt as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He was not crazy. The stone was not crazy. Everything that had happened was not crazy. It was a process of closure that he had to go through. Harry wondered if the story Pavarti had told was real.

"What an incredible story, Pavarti. Thank you. Really. Thank you so much. You don't know how much I needed that. But...I am curious about something. Is this a real story or just something that someone made up in their head?"

Pavarti could only smile before saying, "Of course it happened inside their head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?"***


~The End~


Bibliography.
Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913). Web Source: Mahabharata [PDE].
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (2007).
***A direct quote--(but spoken by Dumbledore) in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (2007).

Week 6 Reading Diary, continued: The Mahabharata [PDE]

Mahabharata: by various authors

I got to finally finish the epic today. I am sad to see it end but I loved reading all about how the story comes to a close.

The scene where Abhimanyu dies was such a sad scene! The way he died and poor Arjuna's hearing about it was absolutely heartbreaking. It says that "when it was told to Arjuna that his son was slain, the mighty warrior wept silently and lay upon the ground." This sentence was so powerful because it shows just how much the mighty warrior loved his son and how absolutely distraught he was at his son's death. He did get his revenge and killed the one who killed his son. Sadly, Ghaotkacha, Bhima's son, also loses his life in battle.

As Bhima stated before, he finally gets his revenge on Duhshana for having humiliating Draupadi all those years ago.

The battle of Arjuna and Karna was long-awaited! It was a short chapter but it was so unbelievably captivating. The intensity and suspense was so incredible throughout the fight. It was also a bit sad for me to read because, in the end, it is the two brothers fighting against each other.
even though Arjuna came out the victor, I was so sad to see that it was at his hands that his brother died. Just tragic.

It was a short little scene, but I loved that Kunti was able to reunite with her five sons and Draupadi!

I finally got to read about the battle I've been waiting most for! The battle between Duryodhana and Bhima! The way the battle was described was just great with Duryodhana being in the lake before the battle eventually commences. It says that "the warriors fought like two fierce bulls, and smote one another heavy blows, until their faces were reddened with blood. Once Duryodhana almost achieved victory, for her struck Bhima on the head so that all present thought that the Pandava hero had received his deathblow. Bhima staggered but recovered himself, and soon afterwards he struck Duryodhana a foul blow upon the knee, which smashed the bone so that he fell prostrate. Thus was the vow of Bhima fulfilled." My expectations for this battle were fulfilled as well.

Duryodhana in the lake before the real fight begins (Image Source).

The departure of all the characters was bittersweet. It describes it as them all walking "towards the rising sun, and by the long circuitous path which leads to Mount Meru, through forests and over streams and across the burning plains, never again to return."

Another great epic!!

Week 6 Reading Diary: The Mahabharata [PDE]

Mahabharata: by various authors

This week, I continued reading the Mahabharata. Last week, I stopped at the part of the epic where Duryodhana wins the match and Bhima swears revenge.

It starts out with the brothers living in the forest in a period of exile. This and the following chapters really remind me of Rama's adventures in the Ramayana! He too was exiled and had some various encounters like the Pandavas do. It is a simple little detail that I noticed but it was still nice to see the similarities between the two epics.

The Pandavas and Draupadi in exile (Image Source).

There is one scene that is not of the utmost importance but it was really very touching. It showed the care that they all showed one another in exile. The scene tells of how "they wandered in sunshine and shade; they dwelt in pleasant places, amidst abundant fruits and surrounded by flowers. They suffered also from tempests and heavy rains, when their path would be torn by streams, and Draupadi would swoon, and all the brethren would be faint and weary and in despair. Then Bhima would carry them all on his back and under his arms." How beautiful of a picture it is!!

Another scene that was brief but had such a great impact on me was the one where Yudhishthira was giving advice to Draupadi. He says that "anger is sinful; it is the cause of destruction. He that is angry cannot distinguish between right and wrong. O fair Draupadi, one should forgive every wrong. Forgiveness is holiness; it is Truth." This is truly one of my favorite little scenes in the entire epic. It is such a great piece of advice and something that we can apply in our own daily lives.

I love the part where Hanuman makes an appearance! I really liked the scenes between him and Bhima since they are half-brothers after all!

Like in the Ramayana, Draupadi faces many obstacles and challenges like Sita. I love finding more and more similarities between the epics!

One of the best scenes in the epic so far is the one where the brothers are asked riddles by a "voice" in the river and at the end, only Yudhishthira was patient and answered them all wisely.

The battle was was so nice to read about! I can't wait to finish the epic!

Tech Tip: Weather Widget

Hey ya'll!

I just added a weather widget to my blog. If you ever need to know the weather in Norman, you know where to look! Here are the directions for adding your own weather widget to your blog (and it counts as an extra credit tech tip).

~Bayan

Thoughts about Comments

The comments on my blog have been one of the best parts of this class. I get to meet so many new people who share many similarities with me. It has been an absolute blast getting to know all about my peers in this class. My introduction post comments are always so sweet and welcoming. I get compliments, comments about something sports-related, and interest in my background. All these different kinds of feedback really make me feel so welcomed! The comments on my stories have been both extremely sweet and helpful. I get encouragement from my peers to keep doing what I am doing in terms of writing style. They also leave helpful suggestions on how to possibly expand or improve my story. All the comments are very much appreciated as I think they can help me become a better writer. The comments that are most memorable to me are the ones that are either extremely supportive or have some humor in them! They are so fun to read and really make my day. I think what makes a good comment is being honest, positive, and a being a little funny. Everyone loves a good laugh!

I appreciate each and every person's comment on my blog. It keeps me in good spirits to continue writing and posting!!

I have tried to comment well on other people's posts as well. I try to be as positive and supportive as I can be. If I have a suggestion, I make sure to phrase it in a way that allows it to be taken as constructive feedback and not some insult. I need to perhaps improve on not being afraid to provide optional suggestions to people. I could present it in a way that allows someone to consider it without feeling that they are being criticized in any way. There are so many talented writers in this class so I've absolutely loved having the opportunity to see my peers' work and replying to their posts!

Storytelling for Week 5: The Mahabharata

Author's Note. For this week's storytelling, I decided I wanted to do another story where I add some kind of modern detail to a traditional Indian epic, this time using the Mahabharata [RPE version]. My goal for the story is to try to make sense of a weird situation in the epic by writing it out in another format. This week, I decided to write out a bit of an episode of The Bachelorette, starring Draupadi as the main star! This storytelling assignment will reflect the scenes in chapters 26 and 27 where Drupada held a contest for who would marry his daughter. Various men participate in the contest but of course the mighty Arjuna beats everyone and becomes the "winner", being granted the chance to marry Draupadi. However, as we all have read, things take a rather unexpected turn. Arjuna's mother, Kunti, accidentally said for her sons to share the prize, without knowing that the prize was a bride! In my story, Kunti will be the host, misreading her lines and ends up changing the course of the show. This is my take on the epic, with a little touch of a modern reality show. Hope you enjoy.

The Bachelorette: Draupadi [Live Finale]

Tonight on The Bachelorette--The men compete to win Draupadi's heart. After last week's episode with Karna's dramatic departure, who will step up and capture her attention? 

It was the last episode of the season. Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva were the only men to remain in this final week of the show. This was the first time that brothers had made it all the way to the end. Throughout the weeks of getting to know each other, Draupadi came to admire and like all the men and their personalities. They were strong. They were dependable. She felt safe when she was near them. All in all, she had quite a nice selection of men to choose a husband from.

Today, there was a game that was to be played by the contestants. It was a recreation of an old, fun sport, resembling the game of Stickball. To make the game a bit more challenging, the contestants would have to use a bow and arrow. The aim of this game was to have players attempt to shoot a gold fish on top of a tall pole. The winner would get the chance to get the final rose from Draupadi!

[Scene begins with all the men lined up. Draupadi is on the side beside the host.]

Kunti stands in front of the men, ready to give them their instruction for the day. "Hello everyone. I hope you all are well rested and ready for today. Gentlemen, you have made it very far in your quest for love. Today, we will see just how strong that love is. Next to you, you will see a tall pole with a golden fish at the very top. Your goal today is to knock that fish off using a bow and arrow. This bow and arrow will only allow the strongest of men to use it. It is a matter of quickness and strength. The first to shoot the fish off will have to share the prize...I mean..[Kunti could not read her cue card but could not pause the show to figure it out. She quickly tries to cover up her mistake]..Um. Yes. Best of luck, gentlemen!"

The men paused and assessed the situation. Bhima, Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva thought about whether they were strong enough to use the bow. They did not want to take the chance and fail, being humiliated in front of their prospective bride.

Arjuna on the other hand was as confident as ever. Striding toward the bow and arrow, he easily picked it up and hit the golden fish before anyone could realize what was going on. The brothers were stunned. Their brother had done it. He had shot it with such ease. Draupadi could not believe it. Her admiration of Arjuna grew even more. What a strong, powerful man he was. What a wonderful husband he could be.

Kunti, regaining her composure, broke the silence. "Well done, Arjuna! You have displayed such charisma and strength. Draupadi, you may make your decision...after we come back."

Behind the scenes, the producer and her staff were debating and discussing an issue. Kunti hesitantly walks over. The head writer looks up and takes a breath before addressing his show's host. "Listen, Kunti. I know you did not mean to mess up your lines, but we cannot go back on what you said. Arjuna will have to share the prize. If Draupadi chooses to give him the final rose...well...she will need to give more than just one rose."

Kunti could not believe she had messed up the course of the show so terribly! She had not meant to say what she did. But the producer was right. She could not take it back. She hesitantly walked over to where Draupadi stood, getting her hair touched up. "Draupadi, I'm afraid I have to let you know something a bit troubling. If you decide to give a final rose tonight, you will have to give it to all the brothers. Since the show is live, we unfortunately cannot go against what I said earlier. I am deeply sorry."

Draupadi was a bit puzzled. She had not expected this turn of events at all! The more she thought about it, the more she realized there was really nothing else she could do. Her father expected her to get married to someone from the show. She made up her mind. The Bachelorette would make her choice tonight.

Kunti relayed the same information to the brothers. They were very puzzled at first, but eventually came to understand the situation.

[Back from commercial.]

"Welcome back everyone. In just a few moments, we will see what Draupadi's final decision is." Kunti heads off the stage and lets Draupadi make her choice.

Draupadi shyly walks over to the raised platform. She clears her throat before beginning. "Hello gentlemen. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know all of you. I have been able to learn about your amazing personalities, strengths, and talents. You are all wonderful and I thank you for taking care of me these last few months. I have made a decision. For the final time, I will be giving a rose today. Actually. I will be giving away five. Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Arjuna... I would be honored if you would accept these roses..."

[Fade to black.]

The Bachelorette and her husbands (Image Source).

Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913). Web Source: Mahabharata PDE.