Discovery Learning
Discovery learning is basically active learning. One participates actively rather than having a passive outlook.
When participating actively, I think one can better understand and learn while thinking when learning.
It encourages you to go further. The responsibility, however, falls entirely on you. Discovery learning makes education become a process, rather than a list of facts and details.
The benefits of discovery learning are great for long-term memory. The key ideas are focused on because you are paying more attention to certain things. It is also much more motivating.
Active learning seems that it would help someone out when dealing with new subjects the most. By figuring out the "learning process" one can better identify the main ideas and understand the new material better. The "learning process" can be different for each person, so it is the person that has to decide the best plan.
I like the fact that the "real world" is discussed with discovery learning. The "real world" is imperative to life and thinking. If we connect information with the "real world," we will better understand it. Eventually, it becomes clearer. The "real world" is what we need to get by in life.
Radical Changes
CAI is basically an encouragement for socail contact and learning. CAI has increased competition, which makes total sense to me. Think about it, a new way of contact that everyone want to get involved with ... it makes sense to me. With LAN and the new INTERCHANGE, "reading and writing are socail rather than individual activities when a class communicates electronically."
I think this is a great program because it lets the teachers learn from the students and the students learn from the teachers, which should be happening anyway. Collaborative writing seems to be the key, however. Thinking together, planning together, and now writing together.
An interesting fact about this program is that it allows people to open up and be included. For example, a woman told Faigley that before INTERCHANGE she had never said a word in class. This is great that a simple interchange can help people become more involved and feel important in dicussions.
There are problems that are somewhat obvious to figure out. First of all, it is hard to learn how to use a computer and be expected to know all the subject material for the class as well. This creates a stress level called "technostress." However, dealing with stress is a part of learning anyway. Another problem that makes sense is the ability to write whatever you want - there are no restraints. Now, this could be a good or bad situation, depending on what is written of course.
A cool program called CONTACT semms vey helpful for Freshman. The peer editing is available right there on the computer screen. It is a great opportunity to get a feel for other's opinions and the "real world's" opinions as well.
The CACD makes people want to discuss. If one is embarassed or shy, he/she is able to communicate with CACD. However, it might not be the fastest way to communicate, it is effective. There also is no central control over what is said, but if you think about it, there is not a lot of control in a classroom discussion either. The absense of control, or should I say a teacher, can be good in a way. Sudents might begin to participate more and communiate with other sutdents more often. Who knows? We'll find out, I'm sure.
It is interesting to me that the majority of the students with INTERCHANGE took theri exam using it. I think that Freshmen are more familiar with technology and some older people are sitll scared to try it. The stats in the course show: 41% computer assisted small group, 20% face-to-face small group, 20% class as whole, and 17% watching videotape. The INTERCHANGE has proved to make an immediate impact on discussions. It is interesting to me that the majority of the surveys preferred INTERCHANGE to CONTACT. I guess that makes sense though. I mean, "INTERCHANGE moves much faster and allows for quicker thiking and transfer of ideas." The CONTACT was no different than writing notes in class.
A student brought up a good point in saying that "INTERCHANGE gives everyone a chance to speak whenever without the rudeness of interrupting someone." With this program, I'm sure students are more willing to participate and interact with other students.
I think it is great that with this program students are more interested in acutally participating in class. It is nice to think hat the students see no disadvantages and really like the new program.
Technostres seems to be the only worry. The older students encounter this mroe often because they aren't used to using computers at all times. If this continues, then by the time the Freshmen are Seniors, the SEniors won't have technostress anymore. So I am not worried. If technostress is the only main disadvantage. then I don't think there are really any relevant disadvantages afterall.
Ex-Apple Pioneer
Bill Atkinson is an interesting guy. He is smart and enjoys nature and photography. He's known for "the user interface of the Apple Macintosh computer" and "one of the most influential software desingers."
He is now only doing nature photgraphs around. His website is "www.natureimages.com." I totally agree with him that computer "programming is left brain intensive and requires intense concentration" and that "photography was very relaxing and nourishing." This just proves his love for photography and nature. Atkinson uses Adobe Photoshop software on a Genesis MP 800 computer. This is funny to me because he used to work for Apple and he is not even using a Mac.
The good thing about Atkinson is that he doesn't seem to worry about money. He said himself that he doesn't expect to make much money, just hopes that he can sell enough to pay for his travels as a photographer. His equipment, alone, costs $100,000.
A similarity between being a photographer and a computer programmer is simple, seeking essence. That's it. Frustration seems to be the key factoe that Atkinson is no longer a computer programmer and will NEVER be one again, so he says.
Left vs. Right Side of the Brain
Electronics has made a lot of difference in our world. With new multi-media things coming out all the time, our culture changes on a daily basis.
Neil Postman wrote "Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business," which I have read before in E306. It's true though, Postman only has one chapter dealing with actual teaching. Whereas, "Healy's book focuses on education, often framming the debate in terms of left and right hemispheres of the brain."
However, every critic has his/her own thoughts and opinions. There is a new operating system of the humanities called the electronic revolution. The first great revolution is the age of writing and the alphabet and the second is the printing press, and the now "the electronic revolution."
With hypermedia, the right and left hemisphere, meaning the "whole brain" and not just one or the other. "Hypermedia enables us to fulfill the promises of all those who have called for more right brain and more progressive education." It does not replace analytic reason.
Some people don't liek hypermedia because it is common to associate hypermedia with the right brain and not both. An interesting point made was about "emotional intelligence." This consists of, according to Peter Salovey, knowing one's emotions, managing emotions, motivating oneself, recognizing emotions in others, and handling relationships. Emotional intelligence is important for mental health, education, and also physical health.
"The right side of the brain was identified as puritans of rationalism," who are usually administrators or natural scientists. Electronic media dominates universities and "learning" today.
Wordsworth's "Prelude"
Wordsworth uses many aspects of nature in his prelide. Birth seems to be an aspect, "stood alone beneath the sky, as if I had been born ... a naked savage, in the thunder shower" (312). He then grows up, fostered by beauty (mother) and fear.
Wordsworth talks about being "alone" in nature quite often. It seems that being "alone" in nature is, in factm a good thing. Then, fear comes into play. Motion is scary and being alone becomes to fear. Nature is a powerful force that can make many impressions on a person, especially alone.
"My boat went heaving through the Water like a swan" (314). It is very interesting to me that the boat is used as a metaphor for a swan and that the "Water" is capitalized. Interesting. Wordsworth also refers to the willow-tree as "her," which shows some feminem aspects in nature and the world today. Nature brings sex and many feelings about. The nature around us can do many things to us, especially when we are alone. You never know what to expect. I'm sure we all have different feelings and experiences when we are alone in nature. That is the way it is supposed to be.
"The relationship pf mind to nature is the crucial question for man's ecology" (420). This essay deals with childhood and creative imagination. For this, we must study the relationships of human development and a child's perception with the natural world, a.k.a. nature.
I like Cobb's statement that there is a difference between humans and animals. Because animals are a part of a species and every individual human is his/her own species. Our response to the environment says a lot about ourselves.
The word "genius" means something different to everyone. Earlier it was considered to the spirit of place, which is a "living ecological relationships between an observer and an environment" (423).
Children are geniuses because they are so interested in everything and want to discover new and old things at all tiems, because it keeps them active creatures. Children don't like to be bored. Unity with nature is also something children like to encounter, even though they really don't know what is exactly going on.
"Itness" is a new word I should explore. It's meaning, however, seems to be self-explanatory - "It and I were one" (429). An example is when they boy climbed by a tree stump and felt immersed in itness. This means to me, he felt one with the tree. This is an exact example of unity with nature and shall I say "itness."
Fern Hill seems to refer to nature itself and all of its beauties and wonders. This poem refers to a "he" all the time. I have tried to figure it out and all I can come up with is God or maybe Jesus. I love the lines ... "In the sun that is young once only, time let me play and be." This line means to me that the sun is the time and only when the sun is out that he/she can play and do other things.
Then Thomas refers to an Adam as he awakes. Now is this the Adam from Adam and Eve or what? So I am confused a bit. Since "birth" and "stable" are mentioned in the story, it makes me think of Jesus's birth. However, I am not really sure of this.
"Oh I was young and easy in the mercy of his means." Now what does this refer to? The "his" throws me off. Is it the sun, the moon, the sky, or our God?
The Auguries of Innocense seems to be about life and it's good parts and bad parts. For instance, "A Robin Red breast in a Cage, Puts all Heaven in a Rage." This line seems toanger Heaven and therefore is a bad part of life. It is interesting, that Puts, Heaven, and Rage are all capitalized. Crazy.
I think the poem wants the reader to think about what is really right and wrong and choose the right choice. I think hunters are implied in this line ... "He who shall hurt the little Wren, shall never be neloved by men" (ln.30). It refers to the killing of birds which are hunters. I do not necessarily think that hunters are bad because without them we would have no meat products. However, just tormenting an animal with no intention of goodness is just plain out wrong.
Basically, the nature of gothic appears in every building - "a greater or less degree of Gothicness" (157). Every building differs in some respect from every other, which totally makes sense to me. Think about it. How could every building look and have the same amount of "Gothicness." There's just no way. I have trouble even understanding what exactly "gothic" means? Ruskin goes on to say that there are moral elements of Gothic. These are savageness, changefulness, naturalism, grotesqueness, rigidity, and redundance. However, a building does not have to possess all the characteristics to be considered "gothic." But, a lot missing might influence the gothicness of the building.
Ruskin goes on to examine each element in detail to better my knowledge. Savagness is at a start - sterness and rudeness. To go on, it was first developed in the "so-called Dark Ages." "It is true, greatly and deeply true, that the architecture of the North is rude and wild; but it is not true, that, for this reason, we are to condemn it, or despise" (161).
Changefulness comes next as the "perpectual variety of every feature of the building" (164). Rational signs, outward signs, and novelty influence changefulness. "The gothic builders were of that central class which unites fact with design; but the part of the work which was more especially their own was the truthfulness" (169). Their belief, truth, and dignity in their buildings were amazing and of course, still are. "Love" for buildings of gothicness most definitely occurs. Which then comes naturalism. Now that word is self-explanatory, from my point.
Grotesque is not fully defined, but left a "you'll find out" sort of thing. "The peculiar energy which gives tension to movement and stiffnes to resistance" (173) is none other than a great definition of rigidity. Last, but of course, not least, is redundance. This definition is more confusing than not ... "the uncalculating bestowal of the wealth of its labor" (176). Not exactly a clear definition, but I guess it is good enough for gothic. Reading into he actual sculpture seems to be the key when looking at gothic sightings. Without truly understanding of one's own views, one can not look "into" a piece of gothic, but only see that it is, infact, gothic.
The Indians are amazing people. They used nature to thier advantage, unlike the world today that basically hurts nature and does not appreciate it's finest points. They made their own homes from the nature God provided. That is amazing, I tell you. They used bundles of grass and various items.
Log construction is covered as well and the advantages are layed out. "They include economy (nature provided the materials); speed of construction (time, that is)" (5). Log construction did not need special talent, but it does help for the appearance of decoration. Different shapes can be created, like "box-like, cornices, entablatures, and pilasters."
Now in the 20th Century, there has been rapid movement of "industry and transportation of Art Deco" (16). This means that triangles, circles, borders, and horizontal geometric decorations are used quite often. An international style does exist. That of stucco and plaster surfaces that are "boxy" in form. "Buildings are cultural resourses that in many cases are irreplaceable" (18). Now that is a statement to remember.
I'm just sitting here at Mozart's on the beautiful day of Tuesday. The deck of Mozart's has a beautiful view of the lake, well if it was full that is. They are trying to clear up the duck weed, so they are drying up the lake. It is very crazy looking with there are boats, but no water. Crazy. Beyond the water there are beautiful hills that are amazing. You can feel thier presense around you when you sit here. One day I want to live on those hills. I can picture it now. It is like I am in a nature wonderland surrounded by beautiful green hills. The houses are so awesome looking as well, standing up on the hills so tall and noticeable. I just want to climb up there and see the view as well.
The sun is so bright my sun glasses are not really helping much. But it is such a great day to be outside I just don't care. You know? The wind is blowing, not too hard though, and the sun is a shinning bright! I love it. The clouds are spaced out perfectly. There is a great deal of blue then white and back to blue again. This day is most definitely one I will always remember. It is beautiful I tell you, beautiful.
John Ruskin is a Victorian prophet that practiced the art of drawing. He not only draws what he sees but read into his drawings. "He suddenly realized that all of nature was composed or unified by the same scientific-aesthetic laws" (125). Ruskin took pride in his beautiful lines and drawings. Hopkins, a great Victorian poet did sketches or so-called drawings as well. "There is, in the best of them, a fierce intensity of contemplation which tears at 'inscape,' with an almost relentless fervour and sets the chosen trees, clouds, and waterscapes in a hushed expectancy of gaze" (126). This quote really caught me. How beautiful one can make nature and the drawings of nature. They were both great drawers even though more than half of their works had hardly been published.
There is much more realism in Hopkins and Ruskin's sketches than those of the 20th Century. Now we take more of an abstract and not natural look. There is a principle, however, of plentitude. This emphasizes an "infinite variety" - but not always will two things be compatible.
It seems that this poem talks about a man, even though he has to sleep "on the ground" he only notices the great nature and sounds around him. Rather than looking at all the bad, he looks and hears only the good. For instance, "Maybe sleeping next to dirt had numbered his ear with a queer hurt - but all within his head was healed" (442). This says, to me, that even though he had to sleep on the ground, on the dirst, this discouraged him, but he has made a realization of things and his life, with the help of nature by his side. He has time to reflect and understand himself, therefore "his head was healed."
This also could refer to one who is dead. Because when one is buried (in dirt) the sounds and nature are the only things present and around. And with the head being healed, he is healed and is going into heaven now. Just a possibility I assume.
Everything seems to be perfect in the passage except the fact that he has to sleep next to the dirt ... but his head is healed. It is healed for the better.
The sycamore tree is planted right there in front of me. It lives there with prickly bushes surrounding it. From my sitting point, it make the HRC look fantastic. The tree is so detailed that you can see each and every leaf, stem, branch, and color. The color of the tree changes rapidly. The bark has come off in places so there is tone-to-tone tan color appearance. The leaves are in variety; from green to red to even yellow. The sun in the background makes some even look neon green. When there is no sun reflection, the leaves look reddish-brown. The architecture of the HRC is very plain and box-like. It doesn't have much form. If the tree wasn't here, I would think nothing of the building but a plain and simple sqaure. There are other trees around as well. But not one makes an impact like the sycamore. I see a bird now, sitting on a branch. It looks so peaceful, nothing is bothering it. It is so pleasant. When looking at the sycamore I hardly realize that the HRC is behing it. It's power is so great. There are berries, red berries, on the bushes surrounding the tree. The bright red compared to the light building and tan bark makes it all noticed. Did I mention how huge this tree is? It looks as if it might just reach out and touch me. I hope it does.
Both the house and the tree mean something. I'm not sure what though. They are both so unique, but perfect for each other. The forest green color of the tree on the red-brown brick makes it all stand out. From my sitting point I see a huge tree over-bearing Littlefield. However, Littlefield has tremendous towers that are seen behind the tree. When loking at the tree I see about the same amount of bark and leaf. It somewhat looks like there is a huge part missing in the middle as if someone scooped it all out. It reminsd me of a mushroom. It's cool. It's awesome because some of the branches and leaves almost hit the green grass. They are about an inch away from meeting. The branches would sag over anyone underneath the tree. Sice the tree is so distinct, it matches perfectly with the gothic-look of Littlefield. The architecture is brillant with the misplaced collumns, creative balcony wiring, circular window and towers, and colors. Whoever designed the house was definitely trying to get someone's attention. Everytime I go to class, it seems like I pass this house. And not once do I not stare for a split second. It is so hard not to notice. The colors on the roof alternate. This is like no other. There are some very small windows near the top. I wonder who looked out them and what they were for? Ummm. The tree almost looks as if it is engulfing the house. It's towering branches are covering more than half of the house's beauty. But, it looks perfect. Looking at this tree makes me think, think about when it first started growing there. And what made it so unique? Did it always have such a distinct feel? It calls to everyone that sees it. How could it not? It's beautiful. And so is it's companion, the Littlefield home.
"I was surprised to realize, after an hour or so of hearing Redding expound upon the feelings of trees and the secret harmony of all living things, that I was listening not just with my usual journalist's detachment but with a kind of hunger" (452).
It is dear that anyone who sees the Treaty Oak realizes this and know the hunger involved. I wish I could see this oak myself. "That's the power spot. That's the peace spot" (454). This is interesting becasue the Treaty Oak is like the sycamore and Littlefield experiences for myself. The power of nature and the things it leaves in our lives is unbelieveable. When the tree died, it was horrible. The tree acted as if it was a true being, a living being. I guess it was though.
The last part was crazy when she wanted to die by the Treaty Oak. That just proves how important and what a significance nature makes in our lives. It's impressions are so remarkable that everyone is touched by it's beauty and grace. Nature, especially the Treaty Oak leaves this impression forever.
Naturalism, natural supernaturalism, and mediecalism are discussed in the Characteristics of Pre-Rapaelite Poetry and Painting. I have never thought about the actual characteristics of writings ... but it all makes sense to me now. I do think so.
"Naturalism is the love of natural objects (especially plants) for their own sake, and the effort to represent them frankly, unconstrained by artistical laws" (586). This includes realism, which is divided into two different sections which also involves preternatural brillance. Now what exactly does that mean? Umm.
Realism and natural design are also involved with natural supernaturalism. The word super sparks out in my mind, like it is a super force or power of some sort. According to Morris, there is an ornamental or decorative characteristic as well, "a definite harmonious, conscious beauty..." (587). It sounds so wonderful. Crazy, but beautiful.
This so-called poem is talking about our Mother Earth, I assume, and how we really do treat the nature around us. When saying that, that sounds scary. We all know how horrible humans can treat our nature. One line says, "Where we, even where we mean to mend her we end her" (253). That is a very powerful statement. Even though we try and save our nature, at the same time we hurt her severely. The trash, constent pollution, and down right nastiness to her hurts HER, our Mother Earth.
So many things in nature are beautiful and for the world to forget about all of that and just destroy where we live is so wrong. I am pretty sure we all know it is wrong, but no one thinks that one day our earth will not be here for us. Now think about that. If Mother Earth was not here, neither would we. We should remember this and put it in our minds the next time we thinking of harming HER, our Mother Earth.
This poem is again about the nature around us. What great natue we have not to destroy. May is the primary month talked about and its founder - Mary. Mary is referred to as "Nature's Motherhood" and the "mighty mother." It seems to be a very spiritual poem as well. However, it involves instances of anture as well. Spring is the unique season in May that ... "Spring's universal bliss, much, had to say to offering Mary May" (575).
It is almost as if Spring was calling to Mary "take me, I am yours." It is as if Mary is the wanted one of all the seasons, but May and Spring are the only ones that get her, Mother nature.
"This ecstasy all through mothering earth tells Mary her mirth till Christ's birth to remember and exultation in God who was her salvation" (576). It is saying that the only reason Mary or May is here because of God, the almighty Father. I totally feel the spiritual blow in this poem. God is so present in me and this poem, especially when I read it.
This painting is brillant. The colors used is what got my attention. They are bright and very romantic. I love them. There is a beautiful water view, oarsmen getting into the boats, and a beautiful landscape in the background. I think one can view this painting and think whatever they want. When I look at it all, all I see is the landscape in the background. I hardly even see and realize that there are people in the painting. I think the artist was trying to focus on the oarsmen, but the water and scenery is supposed to add to the excitement. I love how it isn’t that clear, the impression I get is great. You can tell this painting was portrayed during the day because of all the bright grass, lights, and sky. It is wonderful to look at.
Check out the Oarsmen here
The Canal of Loing at Morel by Alfred Sisley
This painting is by Alfred Sisley, an artist I am not very familiar with. The painting uses dull colors, like the colors of the fall season. Concentration is mainly on these tall, thin, branchless trees that reach from the bottom of the painting to the top. These trees are what drew me to the painting. They are so unique. They surrounded a river that surrounds a huge white house that is portrayed in the back. The tree branches are distinct but so detailed. The landscape is not really that pretty, but more a farm type atmosphere. I do not know exactly why I like this piece. It is most likely because of the tall, tall, thin trees. They attract me much.
Check out The Canal
Who are they talking about? They start out with, “One of the owners of this isle lies here, head clipped from slaughtered course” (465B). Now that line does not start out with the happiest note. Don’t you think? Instead it puts a deathly image in my mind and total sadness.
It goes on about “stiffness” and “angry armor.” Sadness again. It is not pleasant to the reader, which is myself. Then I look down at the image portrayed and see that it is a snake with it’s head decapitated. Sadness again. The description explains his skin … “copper-coopered smoldering band, thicket will never again south him sleeping in sileek ampersand” (465B).
The last question, “Where shall we turn for simple terror?” (465B), is interesting to me. What exactly it means, I am not quite sure. Crazy I tell you. Crazy.
This poem is extremely long for a poem and to add to that, it is about a fish. Such a simple animal, so we think. The poem starts out describing the life of a fish and how the water surrounds it with greatness. It is crazy to think that a fish has “No fingers, no hands and feet, no lips; No tender muzzles, no wistful bellies; No loins of desire, None” (109). For a living being not to have these things seems so strange and I wonder how it can live and function without these important parts?
An interesting point got to me … “To have the element under one, like a lover; and to spring away with a curvetting click in the air, proactive. Dropping back with a slap on the face of the flood. And merging oneself” (110). My favorite part is … ‘to be a fish!’
He goes on to say that he did not know his God. Like a fishes God is different than a humans or something. I mean, maybe it is, they are so unique. But I seriously doubt it though.
Nature is a funny thing if you think about it. One minute it is bright, sunny, and joyous outside, and the next minute it is cold, muggy, with tons of rain. Maybe it is just Texas weather that does this, but it is still crazy to think that God changes his mind so much.
Sitting here at Waller Creek, all I can think about is that at one point in time, this place was so beautiful that no one could take their eyes off it. Not that it is not beautiful now, but the pollution and muggy atmosphere doesn't help the situation. In the words of Barney, "If you can't make peace with God down here you've still won an armistice" (164). I sometimes wish that I could have a special "creek" atmosphere that I could go to just to think about things. Waller Creek has this definite potential. The flowing water over the rock I see and the peaceful wind passing by makes it all worth while. Not that there is an outragious flow of water in the creek, but just enough to see the water go by. The trees surrounding the creek adds so much to the wonderful scenery. They are green and brown, set to match the creek. "Beauty is not a luxry; it is a necessity, a positive agency of survival, a deterrent to the terrorism with which our world is infested" (164). O wait, I see an insect on the rock next to me. I wonder how it feels, being totally surrounded by water? How will it escape from the water without drowning? Good luck little one.
It is so nice outside at the moment. I wish Waller Creek was deep enough to swim in. That way I could just sit in a raft and flow down the stream with no worries. I would pass by various scenes in nature, wondering how this world got so beautiful. My feet would barely touch the water to get just enough feeling of the cold water. My feet are in the water now, well at least my toes are. I don't know if this is such a good idea, considering the pollution everywhere. But, oh well, the risks I must take to relax and be peaceful. The flow of water, what flow there is, is tickling my toes. It is somewhat clear now. I wish I was surrounded by animals so we could all sit and relax together. Animals make all the difference and my atmosphere so much better. I guess just knowing that I am with creatures that live in a nature, I can relate with nature at a more one-on-one level. As Barney says, "A man needs something animal to be attached to, thought Mr. Bloomer, a cur, a nag, a wench" (470.)
"...nor a smaller God so designed" (469).
It is crazy that a martyr for our Earth, our sweet Mother Earth, died of protecting the trees. “This is a story of a man who, at the hour of his death, was doing something in which he fervently believed” (178). His sister felt the same way saying that … “Along with the shock, I felt immediately at peace knowing he died fighting for something he believed in. That’s something most of us don’t do our entire lives” (180). That is a crazy thing to think about. If we could all die loving what we were doing at that moment, the world wouldn’t seem so bad after all.
You never really realize how much the environment means to the world until it is brutally destroyed, you know? There are just some people who will do anything to make the rest of us aware of the fact. It is a stupid thing once thought about. It should be obvious that nature surrounds us everyday, therefore is one of the only reasons for our existence.
San Jacinto seems to be farm or ranch atmosphere scene. This gave it away, the line … “sens of pristine grass, men riding free” (75). It made me think of a clear green and beautiful valley, with all these beautiful horses and horsemen or horseback riding with no worries.
But then I got a sense of city life afterall. Austin, the great capital is mentioned. A competitive force comes into play – Austin versus Houston. The city life appears with … “…but a campus struggle to save Waller Creek riffles beside shuttle bus and faculty traffic at this street” (36).
The works of Vanity Fair and War and Peace are mentioned quite frequently in this piece. I am not sure why, maybe a comparison issue with the nature of Austin. It is funny that is says Waterloo is just a poor village creek that suffered from too much defeat and “overrun its weak position” (77). I am not quite sure what the point of this was. It seemed to jump around in a way I just couldn’t seem to figure out. However, Jerry says it is about Joe Jones. I suppose he is right, after all he is the professor.
The death of a hawk seems very depressing. It is as if it is worse for a hawk to die than a human. No one really knows a lot about the life of a hawk and the fact that a poem is about a hawk’s death makes it harder to relate. See, I do not know much about hawks. It seems that they are very spiritual animals though.
He just sat there contemplating his death. It was very sad to me. Since he is so strong, it was harder for him to imagine pain. “He is a strong and pain is worse to the strong, incapacity is worse” (413). It is like since he can not do many things anymore, thins are harder for him to deal with and actually do. I mean, it would be hard for me to deal with my own death. I think this poem is more about the fear of death than the actual death.
It is funny because, when you think of death, you think of hawks. Hawks swirl in the air around the dead animal. It is crazy to think of a hawk dying with a swarm of other hawks over it. It makes you think.
As I have said before, the vultures that fly over dead animals are interesting. I think it is so funny that this man was sorry to disappoint the hawk. Why would a man care if he disappoints an animal? There is some kind of relationship (possibly hidden) between man and animal. I am not quite sure what it is though.
Animals are really so beautiful. I’ve never thought that a vulture was a beautiful animal however. I only think of them as a sign of death. Obviously not a good thing. “My dear bird, we are wasting time here. These bones will still work, they are not for you” (475). As I said above, it is like the vulture thought that the man was dead, but he made clear that he was not. What a crazy and depressing story! I did not like it.
I think it is interesting how John Graves says that hunting and fishing are the old entry points into nature for men. It is as if nature was only here at first for men; women were excluded from nature.
It is funny to say that they killed, grazed, chopped and plowed out the natural world they knew. But it is true. Think about the world today. It is full of buildings, concrete, cars, hardly any greenery – especially in the city areas. “The terms of today’s human beings are air conditioners and suburbs and water impoundments overlaying whole countrysides, and the hell with nature except maybe in a cross-sectional park here and there” (494). This exactly explains what a city is like to me. The basic description reminds me of the things I hear about New York and such.
He also talks about “knowing.” Knowing seems to be something really important. Is he talking about knowing our limits with nature or just knowing in general? The whole thing with actually knowing is very confusing to me. I guess the whole point is to just “know” when something is cherished, like the river. Because before you know it, it could be turned into that “impoundment overlaying whole countrysides.” Now we don’t want that to happen, do we?
I have never really read anything about raising cattle. I have never even known really what it takes to raise cattle. The fact that nineteen cows seems like so few to cattle raisers is crazy as well. To me, nineteen cows seems like a whole lot. But I guess, when you are raising cattle, the more the marrier.
Also, the amount of oats, proteins, and supplements that are given to these cattle is crazy. It is like they are healthier than the average human. I have never really thought of animals striving to be healthy, but I guess they do. The “worked” process seems scary. The beatings, brutality, and meanness towards the animals seems harsh. It is funny to me how its harsh on the raisers. Let’s think about the animals here.
The quote that got me was … “With a small herd you come to know your animals as individuals and even if you don’t view them sentimentally you have favorites among them and a relationship with the whole bunch based on what they have done for you and the longstanding responsibility you’ve exercised toward them” (500).
The Gabriel seems to be the perfect kind of river. It is interesting that Perry says it’s the perfect size to hold a baptizing. It sounds so wonderful with the beautiful colors involved. It’s discussed and described in total detail to make it sound spectacular. The sky above sounds great as well. “But daytime, night times, or any other, the river’s cool, rippling, aerated, and shaded water is a great solace to a thirsty cow after a long session of grazing in the hot summer sun” (505). Doesn’t make the water sound so nice? It makes me want to go swimming in the river right now. How nice.
All the names mentioned in this essay remind of the campus area of Austin. San Antonio, San Marcos, the Trinity, the Nuecesm and many more. It is described in detail again the one I’ve just read. The colors and atmosphere make me want to be there. I loved the quote … “The colors and tastes all had their smells, as the sounds have their echoes: the bitter whiff of air over a sprawl of animal skeleton after the buzzards were gone … “ (507). It sounds so wonderful, even though it could be sad.
Autumn is such a great time of the year. The beautiful trees, leaves, plants, and the sky make it wonderful. Cotton picking is talked about greatly. When the rain and sun have disappeared, it is time for the cotton to be picked. Cotton is something that is such a reminder of the south. Southern people seem to have more cotton than others. The fact that there can be “a white field” sounds like such an amazing sight. I wish to one day see this clear whiteness. I can not wait. “The heart and soul of the south is visioned here” (508). It sounds spectacular. I want to be there.
I can totally relate to Cedar Cutter because I am much of an outdoors person. You see, I have gone camping a lot in my past years, so I know how it feels to find the perfect spot. “Striking camp is a relief something like that the snake feels in sloughing off his old skin” (223). It is crazy how one can relate a camp site to an animals such as a snake. Crazy.
There are so many beautiful sights described while being discovered. The oak, for instance, is talked about. The sun is also a great thing talked about. It is so nice how when you wake up in the morning after camping what a feeling you get when you wake up in the morning after camping what a feeling you get when you see the morning sun. The sunlight on the oaks and trees reflects such a beautiful sight. It is wonderful. Nature and sunlight together make such an impact in feelings.
What is this paisano? I have no clue. Maybe it is some kind of raccoon or creature in the woods. It gives me chills to look at an animal that I don’t know what it is. You don’t know their normal moves or what they eat, or anything.
Cutting cedar you say. How interesting. But then the real world calls, “Routine machines our lives to conform to industrialization. Life it its opposite: dawn, stars, storms, calm, the witchery of twilight, the whimsicality of the seasons, and the vast and ample variety of the natural clay – all proclaim an antagonism to routine” (227). Crazy when thought about, don’t you think? But there is one thing for sure, it sounds beautiful, just like nature itself.
This is from the same book of Adventures with a Texas Naturalist. Austin is talked about frequently. For instance, the birds in Austin and the way they love to be free around the Capitol. The way the birds flee to the Capitol makes it even more special than before.
”No matter how charming the bird may be, coming from the wilds and putting his trust in welcome form man; no matter how expert he is in destroying mosquitoes and other noxious insects – no matter : he has habits which make him impossible as a guest lodged above the entrance to a public building” (221). When thought about real hard, this quote is heart pounding. How man takes nature for granted, but he bird (a.k.a. nature) has no fear and nothing against man whatsoever.
The swallows were unsuccessful in their venture. Maybe the Capitol was not the right home for them after all. Or maybe we were just too cocky and vulgar to see that it was. I guess we will never know, but hopefully the swallows will come back to visit us and give us another chance one day. Hopefully they will.
Michael seems to be a young boy at first ready for anything in nature. Before they talk about Michael, a quote really got to me about the hawks. Its as if they are so special because they can see things we, as humans, can not.
It is interesting that “Which like a book, preserved the memory …” (257). It’s like all of nature is like one big book. Michael’s family grew this son now 18, Luke. Now they talk about the light that they call “The Evening Star.” Interesting to me that they think of a star as light, but I can see it now. Its also interesting to me that Michael is referred to as a Shepherd and Michael. Why don’t they just stick with one name?
When Luke is supposed to go away, his mother doesn’t want him too. Eventually, Michael gets really old and convinces Luke to do so. He ends his profound speech with … “whatever fate befal thee, I shall love thee to the last, and bear thy memory with me to the grave” (260). It’s sad, but so emotional to the family. Love is a powerful thing. It makes anyone person strong and able.
Both stories are about their lives, but they lead different lives in nature.
Bisney Poplars is talking about Mother Earth. It seems that it is talking about how we really do treat the nature around us. One line says … “Where we, even where we mean to mend her we end her” (253). Very powerful statement if I must say so myself. Even though we try and save our nature, we hurt her severely. The nature around us is beautiful and always growing for us. However if we continue to punish Mother Earth with pollution, she might stop being there for us. Scary to think about.
This is more about farm life than actual scenes in nature. One thins that related Hopkins to Dobie was the quotes I picked. The one from Hopkins seems to be sad but this one makes the point of view better … “…how the people get not only satisfaction but happiness out of little things – a bird, the growth of barley, a sow’s protection of her pigs, flowers, the seasoning of a manure pile” (271). It seems that the English respect and take care of their nature more than the average Texan I guess. Hopkins poem talks about the beautiful nature, but then it makes it seems like we don’t care about Mother Nature. Dobie makes the nature seem beautiful and that the English do really respect and love it. Everything about it that is.
Our tour of the university today was very interesting. Actually seeing where a wonderful writer lived was pretty cool. Dobie’s backyard was interesting, as well. Since he lived right by Waller Creek, he was at an advantage. Waller Creek is such a cool place to visit near. It was probably more pleasant than it is now however. It’s like he had his own little thinking spot buried right there in his backyard. Now that is awesome. “The mesquites were all in new leaf with that green so fresh and tender that the colors seems to emanate into the sky. The bluebonnets and the pink phlox were sprinkling every hill and draw” (288).
I loved seeing that albino squirrel. Hopefully it brings me much luck. The mustangs are an old favorite statue I have loved looking at since I first step foot on this campus. They are so real and alive. Its as if they are really there, in real life, that is. I love the quote from Dobie … “The earth does not think and does not care what people think, but it gives and takes with undeviating justice, and it remembers” (301). That quote is so in depth and overwhelming to me at the same time. It’s such a wonderful quote that it makes so much sense once really thought about. It’s great because it is true and beautiful, while making you think about real life issues.
"Man selects only for his own good: Nature only for that of the being which she tends, Every selected character is fully exercized by her, as is implied by the fact of their selection" (341). - Darwin
This Ichabod has left us poorer. Where shall we turn for simple terror?" (465B). - Barney "On Greener Island..."
I picked sitting by the pond with the turtles. I find that animals are so interesting. I only wish that humans wouldn't of numbered the turtles. That just tells me that they are part of some kind of experiment - who knows if it's good or bad. They are so peaceful though. It is almost as if I am invading their home or something. I wish I that there weren't so many people around and cars driving by. It is somewhat annoying to me. The pond is pretty ugly to tell the truth. I wonder if the turtles care? They most likely don't even notice. I'm cold. It just looks so man-made. But I guess everything is man-made nowadays. I wonder how the turtles just stay so still? I could never be still that long. It is cool, however, that there is this wonderful spot to sit and ponder in between all the buildings on campus. It somewhat catches you by surprise. It's like you're walking along and boom - there's a turtle pond.
I can hear the tiny waterfall behind me. It is a peaceful sound to hear. I like it. I feel like #16 turtle is looking at me. I think he wants me to take him home with me. We'll see. He moves a lot for a turtle, on a tiny rock. After all, he is so small. There he goes - in the ugly pond. Wow...I'm cold. I can't find him anymore. There is this strange looking wire basket making a circle in the pond. I wonder what it is used for? Probably something to do with the biology department I'm sure. There is the most annoying couple talking behind me. I don't think they notice that other people are around - it is so distracting to me. Oh well.
"The mesquites were all in new lead with that green so fresh and tender that the colors seem to emanate into the sky. The bluebonnets and the pink phlox were sprinkling every hill and draw" (288). -Dobie ("The Longhorns")
"The earth does not think and does not care what people think, but it gives and takes with undeviating justice, and it remembers" (301). -Dobie ("The Mustangs")
I totally agree with Bump one this one. The fact that we have “taken for granted categorical dualism like ideal vs. real, eternal vs. mortal, man vs. nature, and heaven vs. hell” is so true (346). I’ve never really thought about such issues especially though.
The technique talked about that interested me the most was Rothenburg’s “homospatial” process, which is the superposition of one image on another. I can not really imagine what this would actually be like, however.
The recombination of opposites is another interesting technique of creativity. This theory I don’t really understand very well though. I guess it is just using both sides of the brain to think. It sounds like a good idea to me.
”The contropuntal imagination is becoming … a training granted for stereoscopic vision needed to cope with successes and limitations of today’s science” (346).
The fictions talked about are quite interesting to me. My favorite of the ones listed is that death is evil, and that life must be a constant war against it. It sounds so great, but in true and unrealistic at the same time. You know?
“Fictions are useful so long as they are taken as fictions” (352). I totally agree with this statement that they are only a way of figuring out the world. We all had to agree on some things, like time and dates. The problem does come into play when these fictions are taken seriously as facts. Now, that is not a good idea.
I like the fact that … “Our whole knowledge of the world is, in one sense, self-knowledge” (356). That sounds so correct and profound. I love it. It is true that we teach ourselves things. Everything has to be learned at one point. We do not automatically know about everything that goes on in life. Our knowledge we have learned from others and ourselves. This is our self-knowledge. Does that make sense? It just makes sense to me I guess.
The only thing I could do was stare in amazement at the beautiful place. Have you ever felt like this? Well, this is the feeling I got as I encountered the gardens. The noises surrounded me with much delight. Not busy street noises, but nature noises. I think that the noises made my visit to the garens spectacular. The water, birds, and even the flowers made precious sounds that made my day. The only thing that could of made my journey better was if there were not so many people there. The garden is heavily visited, and it is quite difficult to find a place of solitude. That is okay though because the beauty capulates me to solitude. I think I could just sit here all day long admiring the atmosphere. The most magnificant flower is right by me. I can not believe that I am sitting next to the most beautiful flower I have ever seen. The water in the background keeps getting my attention. It reminds me of the Biology Ponds because there is a little waterfall there as well. However, the garden has many more beautiful qualities. Even though it is man-made, you can't really tell. Unlike the biology ponds where it was so obvious. This is most definitely a place that I can be "one" with nature at. The unity is greatly shared. I feel like the nature around me is calling my name. "Andrea, come be one with us!" I know that sounds cheesy, but it is sort of how I feel. I could just sit here all day looking into the sky surrounded by my new friends in nature. I will most definitely return to this spot. Perhaps to ponder, perhaps just for a quick smile. I am surprised that I have never been here before today. I will have to share this place with my family and friends.
It is very interesting to me, that is, primitive cultures and things pertaining to the primitive mind. Our view on primitive cultures is truly degrading to our present day. We always think of how deprived they were and not the great things they brought into our world and the accomplishments they made throughout their lives. For example, “We all know what primitive cultures don’t have. What they do have is knowledge of connection and responsibility which amounts to a spiritual ascesis for the whole community” (360). They had more to offer themselves and the world than hardly any one today. They were so much more spiritual than anyone would ever of thought them to be. If you think about it, they had no technology, so their time was spent on precious things involving their community development. They were much more “one” with nature than us, of course. I can not imagine them polluting the things they cherish. You know what I mean?
Another interesting aspect of this essay was the quote … “Poetry, it should not have to be said, is not writing or books” (361). This is such a profound statement that I totally agree with. When I wrote a poem, I love it and take care of the words on the page. I do not think of the poem as a writing, but a true feeling that overcomes me. It is more than words on a page, but a deep emotion of myself coming out and expressing itself to the world. Poetry means something different to each culture, but every culture must cherish it’s own type of poetry. It would make no sense for every culture to have the same type if every culture is different. It makes sense to me. It sure does.
I could not really think of many songs that I really like that involve nature and such. Therefore, I chose the music we listened to in class called the birds. I have never really listened to such craziness, in my opinion. However, it gave me a sense of a new type of music. The feeling I got was only illuminating.
The first song played was called “The hen.” Because the music was supposedly about “the hen,” it is as if the hen is running rapidly. It reminds me of the saying, “…a chicken with his head cut off.” It is almost as if the hen is being chased by something else, maybe another bird or an enemy. It also could be that the hen is knocking on wood or something of that sort. It is too hard to interpret the song, however.
”The Cuckoo” was the next song we listened to and it sounds more peaceful. This is not how I imagined it though. Cuckoo’s sound like they would be more crazy and wild. They seem more abrupt than hens, but I guess not. It is almost as if the cuckoo is a depressed animal. It could be that it is almost morning time and he is about to announce it to the whole world or farm. The music might be just building up to that point or something.
”The Nightingale” was the last music piece listened to. It starts off very slow. It reminded me of a ballet or something of the sort. Maybe the nightingale is soaring through the deep quiet sky during the night. It is gliding so peacefully that it is smiling the whole time. It makes me smile as well.
Waller Creek seems a little different today. Maybe it is the fact that the water level has changed. It is higher, putting off a more appealing look, I think. Sitting here at Waller Creek I can't help put ponder on the fact that my surroundings are polluted. I know I am supposed to ponder on unity, but the distractions are hard. At least it is not as bad as the Biology Ponds.
Seeing the big picture is harder than one thinks. There are so many things to stare and wonder about in the creek. I guess in some way they all have a connection and I would assume that this connection is that they are all considered "the creek." The rocks, fossils, sky, fish, trees, and water all are connected this way. The unity they share is being "the creek." They make the creek one. "Our whole knowledge of the world, in one sense, is self-knowledge" (356 Watts). This quote really makes sense when pondering on Waller Creek. Our whole knowledge of Waller Creek is what you know and make about it. People can tell us different things about it, but how we really feel comes from inside us. Everything that belongs to the creek has been acknowledged by us and learned sometime in our lives. The leaves, trees, animals, and water, we all know because of education. This is our self-knowledge.
"We all know what primitive cultures don't have. What they do have is knowledge and connection and responsibility which amounts a spiritual ascesis for the whole community" (360 Synder). This quote really makes me appreciate Waller Creek. The primitive cultures had much more respect for nature and things than we do today. With this respect, they connected everything so that everything meant something to them. This connection made a connection with themselves. I assume that this brought them together to love nature and their surroundings. I admire them for their love and gratitude towards nature. I'm sure if Waller Creek was around when they were, they would of found many connections and loved it. Waller Creek looks a lot different when you think about the actual big picture rather than a single rock or animal. Everything connects in Waller Creek and that is what makes it such a special place to ponder.
”If solitude or fear, or pain, or grief, should be thy portion, with what healing thoughts of tender joy wilt thou remember me …” (407). – Wordsworth
This quote really gets to me. It is somewhat sad because it is almost like someone is dying and does not know how people will remember him/her. In fear, pain, or grief, one does not know. Fear is the worst out of the three. Were people scared of this death or scared of their own? Pain is bad as well because having pain is not good for yourself or the others around you. Those who love you feel pain as well. It is not good for a community either. Lastly, grief. Grief is hard to talk about because it means something different to each person encountered with it. Death seems to be the most common thing associated with it though.
”For we of the road do not admit in conversation that there is another side at all” (389). – Forster
This quote can apply to almost anything in life. The road is what? What is the road? Is the road our whole lives and the other side is something we do not know anything about? This quote is really mind blowing. I can not, alone, interpret this for sure. My belief is that the road is the life I lead and the other side is non-existent in my life because all I truly see is my road. It is hard to believe in something that you can’t see for sure. That is where my disbelief comes into play. Right here.
”Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: the soul that rises with us, our life’s star, hath had elsewhere its setting and cometh from afar …” (409). – Wordsworth’s Ode
This quote is so true to me. It touches me in a spot that none other can. Sleep is such a curious thing once thought about. You know? No one really knows what’s going on in sleep, just that we sleep, and that is it. Sleep is considered birth as well. I have never quite understood this however. How can birth can a sleep? Birth is so immaculate and amazing, and sleep is so quite and solitude. But I can see how the soul rises and awaits for more to come. When we sleep we are anticipating a new day. And when we are anxious in our sleep, it makes the future so much more prevalent. Sleep is a birth and birth is a sleep. Something so profound that you have to think about it to truly understand the meaning. What is sleep? Sleep is something different for each of us and that is what makes it so special to our life’s star.
”We try to see nature as God sees it. I have read that when trees are cut down, they scream. But we can’t hear them. Only God can hear them. What causes God pain causes us pain and what brings God joy brings us joy” (515). – Nuns of Brenum
I have come to realize that the most influential quotes thus far deal with God and his pain. God is such an important figure in my life and that is most likely why they touch me so. Nature is our God. When we hurt nature, we hurt God. Now that is a scary thought. Think about how many times we have hurt nature. That is how many times we have hurt God. I know that I have hurt nature on occasion and that is scary to me. It is scary to think that I have hurt God. The good thing about God is, however, that he can recuperate. On the other hand, nature can not. That is something to think about, isn’t it?
"Though my senses were sinking in oblivion, they seemed to expand eve they reached it. They perceived the magic song of nightingales, and the odour of invisible hay and stars piercing the fading sky" (393). - Forester
"Man selects only for his own good: Nature only for that of the being which she tends, every selected character is fully exercised by her, as is implied by the fact of their selection" (341). - Darwin
Well, I'm sitting here again at the Biology ponds. It is a little chilly here just like the last time we were here. That is so ironic. There is a difference though because today there are pigeons all around. One is about a foot away from me. They are really interesting animals. I have never really just sat and watched them before though. I am sitting in a different place this time. I'm near the little waterfall and the lily pads. I picked this spot so I could sit on a stone and not sit on the wet ground. I was worried earlier today that we might not get to come here today because it was raining. Thankfully, the rain stopped.
It is pretty interesting how the lily pads just sit on top of the pond. I am not quite sure how they work. They cover the whole top as well. It looks very nice. Oh wow, there is one orange-brown pigeon. The rest are the usual gray-black color. Interesting. It reminds me of the ugly duckling story. He looks different than all the rest; however, he does seem to have other pigeon friends. He could be the UT pigeon - in burnt orange colors and all!
The turtles are not getting my attention today. I guess I'd just rather look at different things. Nature is so massive. It is hard to pay attention to it all. I'm trying though. Nature's beauty just capulates me. It is great to be surrounded by such a wonderful atmosphere.
I like this poem because it flows real nice. I’m not exactly sure what it is about, but I think you can interpret it according to your own tastes. I interpret it as a peaceful journey of daffodils that is. The line, “I gazed – and gazed – but little thought, what wealth the to me had brought” (395). It is like you do not notice how much beauty and how much you appreciate nature until it’s over. The moment is over and gone and that is it. Nature surrounds me so that I can not get out of its reach. I love that feeling. I wish I could feel that all the time. By gazing around, this thought is brought back to me. The remembrance of nature will always make me smile. Nature can only bring smiles, and when it disappears, sadness appears. That is what is wrong.
Spring is thought of as a favorite season. The majority of people love it for the colors, clothes, and various things spring involves. Nature especially beautiful during the season of spring. It is wonderful. There is so much detail involved and we do not even realize it really. This poem is in total detail. For example, “The birds around me hopped and played, then thoughts I cannot measure – but the least motion which they made, it seemed a thrill of pleasure” (396). We cannot even try and imagine what joy animals have in nature. Nature is their home, unlike ours, which is made of materialistic items. I am sure that a bird can find so much more joy than we can in nature. After all, they want their home to last throughout their lives. I would love to be an animal for one day just to see what it is like to live in such a beautiful world. Crazy I tell you. But awesome.
”What is all this juice and all this joy? A strain of the earth’s sweet being in the beginning. In Eden garden …” (397). – Spring
What juice is he talking about? We think that the earth began truly with the garden of Eden. This may be true for nature’s beginning of wonder, but the earth is too complex to actually figure out. Is the juice and joy nature? Since there is a “earth’s sweet being,” I think that that must be an animal. Animals are sweet beings in nature and so are we. We began, supposably, in the garden. That is crazy to think that we were surrounded with beautiful nature, a garden. Juice, joy, no matter what the name, nature is all the same to me: beautiful.
”I walk, I lift up heart, eyes, down all that glory in the heavens to glean our Savior” (399). –Hurrahing the Harvest
This quote is great. It is one of those quotes that really can make one think. You can interpret this into many things. I think that it is an awesome feeling when I look deep into the sky, I see the heavens above. Just think, our Savior, is waiting for us in the clouds. The sky is His home. He looks down on us always. He helps the harvest hurry and he knows that we try in life to be the best. As long as He is on our side, nature is, because He is our nature. Now that is profound.
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