Reading Notes: Ovid's Metamorphoses, Part A

Cupid and Dis

I like the idea of being able to write Cupid and how he is able to affect people so easily. I'm not one for cheesy stories, but I think it would be funny if Cupid happened to shoot the wrong person and has to watch in worry about what would happen to them.

Dis and Proserpine

I love the story of Proserpine (though I've never seen the characters referred to by these names). I could either write from the perspective of Proserpine or Cyane-- or I can do both. If anything, I could write a happy ending for Proserpine-- one where she manages to be with her mother forever and escapes from Dis.

Arachne rejects Minerva

I was surprised at Minerva; this was a side I hadn't expected of her. There could be a story about what happens when she is pushed to a certain point and when she is disrespected as a goddess. Rather than always seeing her as patient, I'd like to branch out and see what happens when she snaps.

Minerva. Source. 

Bibliography. Ovid's Metamorphoses by Tony Kline.

Reading Notes: The Nursery Rhyme Book, Part B

Love and Matrimony

"LOVE your own, kiss your own,"

I think this line is very cute! While simple, it can lead to a story that just revolves around the happiness in a family who is grateful for their loved ones.

Relics

I like the story about what little girls and boys are made of. It'd be interesting to go against the story-- like girls aren't always sweet and such or they aren't always made of "sugar and spice". It's a general idea right now, but the story could expand on how a boy and girl may not necessary act like a typical boy or girl and how others might see it.

Heart. Source. 

Bibliography. The Nursery Rhyme Book by L. Leslie Brooke.

Reading Notes: The Nursery Rhyme Book, Part A

Proverbs

I think the story about sneezing is cute. Since it's over the course of most of the week, there could be a story about every day that follows the prompt. I also enjoy the story about the one who thrives; it could tie in with someone who constantly wakes early to go to work and put all their efforts in.

"As the days lengthen, so the storms strengthen."

It's a simple line, but could revolve around a rainy, gloomy day. I could even personify rain.

Songs

"Say, will you marry me, my pretty maid?"
"Yes, if you please, kind sir," she said.
"What is your fortune, my pretty maid?"
"My face is my fortune, sir," she said.
"Then I can't marry you, my pretty maid!"
"Nobody asked you, sir," she said.

I don't really know how to tie this in with a story, but I thought it was funny. I like sassy characters; they're always fun to write. I do have a vague idea about someone trying to go after another person just for their fortune and going into more detail about it.

Rain. Source. 

Bibliography. The Nursery Rhyme Book by L. Leslie Brooke.

Wikipedia Trails: From Pyramus and Thisbe to Euhemerus

1. Pyramus and Thisbe. Pyramus and Thisbe were lovers who were not allowed to be together. However, they decided to sneak off, but when Thisbe went to the location, she fled because she was afraid of a lioness. However, when she left, her veil fell off. When Pyramus came, the sight of the veil caused him to believe that his lover died. As a result, he killed himself, which also led to Thisbe killing herself.

2. Babylon. Babylon was founded in 2300 BC and abandoned in 141 BC. At one point, Babylon was known as the largest city in the world. It was the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.  

3. Belus. Belus is known as the king who founded Babylon. He is also associated and sometimes linked to Zeus He is the god of war.

4. Euhemerus. Euhemerus was a greek writer and philosopher. It is not known where he is from-- there are several debates on his origins. He tried to tie in mythology with history.

Pyramus and Thisbe. Source. 

Wikipedia Trails: From Nemesis to Phobetor

1. Nemesis. Nemesis is also known as Invidia or Adrestia; the latter meaning "the inescapable". Nemesis means "to give what is due". She is associated with weapons such as a sword or a dagger. Her mother is Nyx.

2. Nyx. Nyx represents the night and is seen in popular culture often, such as in video games. A moon has also been named after her. She is heard to be very beautiful and powerful. 

3. Hypnos. Hypnos, also known as Somnus, represents sleep. He is the son of Nyx and is the twin of Thanatos. His name is tied to "hypnosis", which refers to a condition where the person is put in a sleep-like state.

4. Phobetor. Phobetor is associated with Hypnos and Nyx. He is associated with dreams, but more specifically, nightmares. He lived in the Underworld in the land of Dreams.

Nyx by dragongirl. Source.

Reading Notes: Ovid's Metamorphoses, Part B

Echo

"She can repeat the last words out of many."

I think this sentence is eerie in a way; it'd be super fun if I could write a character who was haunted because of this, but can only communicate how she truly feels by her expressions instead of her words. It would be cool to write a scenario where she needed help, but she struggled to find someone who could understand her because they were either frightened of her or they just couldn't figure out what she was trying to tell them.

Narcissus

I like the idea of Narcissus becoming a flower, especially since it has a heart in it. This could be used to symbolize infatuation in a story; I could also go with the idea that someone became too infatuated with something or someone that it eventually became their downfall.

Mars and Venus

"Love even takes Sol prisoner, who rules all the stars with his light."

I really like this because it personifies the sun and also shows how powerful love can be, no matter who is affected by it. I could use this line and make a really sappy story with a normal romance.

Narcissus. Source. 

Bibliography. Ovid's Metamorphoses by Tony Kline.

Reading Notes: Ovid's Metamorphoses, Part A

Io

I've always been interested in the story of Io; I think it's very sad that such a thing had to happen to her. I think it'd be easy to retell the story and go more into her thoughts. I could describe her emotions-- how afraid she is, how dreadful the situation is, and how she feels whenever she returns to human form. It wouldn't be too difficult doing so and I think her perspective would be refreshing, since it doesn't go into a lot of detail about how she feels. It'd really be a rollercoaster of emotions, honestly!

Phaethon

This story always made me sad because the father's oath is what brought the downfall of his son. He never had bad intentions. I also think it would be cool to describe his father's feelings. From meeting his son to being happy enough to grant him anything, and then seeing the panic seep in when he realizes that he should not have said those words. Finally, it would end with how regretful he was and how sorrowful the death of his son would be.

I have always been fond of the whole "__ flew too close to the sun" line, as well! I also love the personification of the sun and earth.

Phaethon. Source. 

Bibliography. Ovid's Metamorphoses by Tony Kline.

Reading Notes: Aeseop's Fables (English), Part B

The Fly and the Mule

"For I know when to give back and when to go."

Another line I really enjoyed. I could imagine a kind character (maybe a traveler) saying this. There could be a traveler who helps out in times of need, but if everything is okay, then they leave and help others. They could be well-known and admired by people.

The Fly

This story was amusing. It made me think of someone who might not be as strong or as big as others, but they still have faith in themselves and believe them to be strong. It could be one of those stories where someone may be weaker than others, but they still contribute a good amount and help out. It could show that you shoudn't underestimate people based on appearances.

I couldn't really find any inspiration from these stories in general; I did enjoy them, though.

Mule. Source.

Bibliography. Aeseop's Fables by Sir Robert L'Estrange

Reading Notes: Aeseop's Fables (English), Part A

The Wolf and the Shepherd's Boy

I always loved this story. It'd be easy to try to make a story based off someone who always cries wolf and only earns distrust from people, but maybe I can add some sort of twist so the plot isn't easy to predict. I also like this line:

"Those who are known to have deceived,
When they speak truth, are not believ'd."
I think I could start out the story with that quote!

The Wolf and the Shepherds

This line sticks out to me:

"The powerful too oft abuse
Rights which to others they refuse."

I really like it because it shows how the powerful and corrupt can harm others, so it makes me think of a cruel king or ruler who treats his people poorly. I could have someone get payback on the king because of his behavior or it can be some noble who disrespects others and is selfish.

The Dancing Apes

"The Force of Nature is infinitely beyond that of Discipline and Imitation."

I think this is a beautiful quote! Definitely had me thinking. I think it would be challenging to incorporate into a story using that theme, so I'm not entirely sure what I would be able to do with it; maybe show how dominate nature is against everything.

Wolf. Source. 

Bibliography. Aeseop's Fables by Sir Robert L'Estrange

Tech Tip: Uploading Files on SoundCloud

I have been using SoundCloud for quite awhile now, but never uploaded any tracks. It's actually very easy!

1. Register/log in here.

2. Have the tracks you want to upload ready (they must be saved to your computer already).

3. Upload tracks.
I haven't used this feature yet, but you can go ahead and record yourself! So if you're interested in making a cover or singing an original song, go for it! If not, select "choose a file to upload"
This will open up another window; access and select the file you want to upload, then click okay.

4. Processing.
The music file has to process beforehand, but while you do that, you can fill in the other info! You can add a picture if you want, title the track properly and add artist info. After that, just hit save to finish uploading it.

If you're uploading, I believe you can only upload about 300 minutes worth of music before you have to upgrade accounts.