stop the war

From the very beginning of Othello, Shakespeare creates a war-like atmosphere. For example, in scene one, Iago expresses his anger toward Othello because he chose Michael Cassio,"that never set a squadron on the field, nor the division of battle knows more than a spinster" for his lieutenant. Iago even descibes Othello as being "horribly stuffed with epithets of war." In these first few lines, the significance and emphasis on actual war, as well as the figurative war between the characters, is made clear.

Thread of Light

1. Ruth is the mother of Milkman Dead.

2. Ruth searches for her identity by using breastfeeding as a tool to gain a sense of power and purpose.

3. Ruth is oppressed because of her race and gender. Judgement, abandonment, and neglect not only affect Ruth, but every female character in the story. Coincidence, I think not.

4. "It was as though she were a cauldron issuing spinning gold. Like the miller's daughter-the one who sat at night in a straw-filled room, thrilled with the secret power Rumpelstiltskin had given her: to see golden thread stream from her very own shuttle." (Morrison 13)

5. Ruth's purpose is to bring life into the world. She's dependent on breastfeeding her son to gain a sense of control and to have attention from another human being. Ruth tries to hold onto her purpose and her power for as long as possible. Her role as a mother is what gives her self-worth and her identity.

6. I'm interested in Ruth's character because she gives all and receives nothing in return. And she somehow survives. The unconditional devotion of mothers is amazing. Ruth is extremely oppressed because of her race and gender in this time, and it's intriguing how her motherhood is her sole source of empowerment.

Love is like Water

What is love?

Love is essential in it's many forms. There is nothing more important. Whether it is from a friend, family member, or partner, it keeps us going.

No amount of money or possessions can generate happiness. A person will never be happy if they do not have the ability to love themselves and others, or to let themselves be loved.

I have been extremely lucky. I've grown up with very supporting parents, family, neighbors, and friends. We've felt and shared each other’s pain and loss, as well as happiness and joy. I immensely value the close relationships with the people who I love and who love me. They are the people who give meaning to my life and allow me to be the happy person that I am.

A person only has one life to live.

A short life with long fame OR a long normal, yet good, life?

I choose a long life because I simply enjoy people and enjoy living. I would rather live a long, wholesome life in normalcy, than a short one, making me forever famous to people who bear no meaning to me. A person only has one life to live.

The TEN Things I Would Carry

The following is a list of tangible items, in no particular order, representing intangible parts of myself.

1. Journal

2. Pictures

3. Cards

4. Flashlight

5. iPod

6. GPS

7. Rechargeable Batteries/Charger for Electronics

8. Identification

9. Seashell from Cumberland

10. Tennis Ball