Sam Staley's Project

Artist's Statement on its way!

Bill Ross' Project

Artist's Statement on its way!

Morgan Robak

I can not recall when I became comfortable with who I was but to this day, I love who I have become. Every event that occurred during my 18 years of life, has created the person you see today. I have seen family members go through hard times, I have seen them come and go, I have helped out people who are less fortunate then me. None of this makes me better than anyone else, but it makes me who I am. It breaks me apart from the crowd because no one is like me out there. We are all different, inside and out. It just just takes moments and events to shape who we are.

Everyone knows who they can be, but it needs to be pulled out of them. I learned that if we were in a vacuum, all alone, we would be a different person than we are today. People shape who we are, how we think, what we look like. It just is your creative additions to yourself that makes you unique and an individual. It is different to take on someone else's identity as your own, those people just need to realize they can be themselves and be happy too.

Writing can be a big part of my life. When I write, I put down exactly what is on my mind, what I am thinking at that exact moment, wearing, or doing. It is a calming feeling that I feel when I am writing. I feel my thoughts are flowing through the paper and whether they are random thoughts or controlled thoughts, it expresses who I am. Pictures as well, when I draw something instead of right it, it is for a reason. It expresses who I am at that particular moment or what I am thinking.

I love who I am, I am comfortable with who I am. I really do not mind if someone does not like me. I am at that stage where I will find friends and people who enjoy my company. We are not all the same, and we might not all get along, but we can all be nice.

Lien Le's Project

Self identity is something I should be able to seek whether it is through visual image or words. My works show that I am self driven throughout my whole life experience.
I can say I have many personalities and I go through many moods every day. Recently, I took many risks in life and I think that it made me a stronger person. Knowing that I can do things I never thought I can do. I look at myself and I start to imagine my future and how my life will turn out to be. I believe if I stick to my goals and believe in myself I can conquer success and be what I always wanted to be… successful in life.
Through my artwork I can show viewers what I am seeing through my own eyes. The expressions I use through images and words.
Through research i fouond the the purple flower symbolizes dignity,pride, and success ,and represents accomplishment and admiration.

Abraham Ban's Project

Artist's Statement on its way!

Sarah Luckett's Project

Artist's Statement on its way!

My self is a stretch of sand along a shoreline. Along it have walked memories, people, and places. Each has left a footprint, an impression, which has faded with the tides, but existed nonetheless. However, along my shoreline of self lie six separate foot prints, which never fade. These six footprints are concrete, and have yet to fade away with the tides of my years. These six footprints define who I am.
When I received this assignment I immediately was drawn to the third prompt (“Impressions of Identity). Through class discussion I began to form a distinct belief that my “self” was completely made up of the people and experiences that have influenced me. My memories make up who I am
I decided to make a sort of replica of my self-shoreline, and the different impressions that have been made upon me. Originally I wanted the project to hang in the air, to be three-dimensional. However, my admitted lack of technical skill caused a change in plans. I felt like my orignal idea was too complex, and prohibit the discovery of my deeper meaning, so I shifted the project to follow simpler route – my shoreline theme.
My project consists of different “footprints” made out of pictures. The “toes” of these footprints are words that explain the impression that has been made on me. I also included pictures of myself, taken from different angles, each one paired with a photo of something that has left an impression. I believe in a complex “self”, where each memory or experience has affected different aspects of my personality, thus including pictures from different angles.

Madeline Kettlewell's Project

Mirrors and Metaphors
The task of this portfolio, as I came to understand it, is to display or create a symbol, which defines my identity at its essence. The symbol I chose that distills myself to its very essence would be that of a Hatchetman woven in to a Triquetra. I feel that these two symbols are a strong representation of who I am, as they both relate to my faith and what I believe in. I chose to show these symbols in a painting to further represent what I think best describes me. When faced with the challenge of creating this portfolio piece, I began with thinking of what different images may best describe my identity and eventually came to the conclusion that I could not use just one. As my project developed, my interpretation of a symbol describing my identity transitioned in to a description of my identity through my beliefs. I hold my beliefs very close to my heart and feel that, in some sense, they directly correlate to my constantly evolving personality.
The ‘hatchetman’ symbol is something commonly related to the “underground” musical group the Insane Clown Posse and their avid listeners. These fans have created a cult following to ICP’s music and record label, and consider themselves to be a non-conventional family. Ideally, this family dynamic takes pride in the acceptance of others regardless of social status, race, or any other defining factor that may affect one’s ability to “fit in” by normal standards. I consider myself to be one of these avid listeners and actually wear this symbol as a charm on my necklace (something which I have only taken off once in the four years of me owning it). To me, the hatchetman is a representation of the three phases of myself: the person I was, the person I am today, and the person I shall become. In short, it represents the evolution of my identity, which I don’t think could have happened without the help of my ‘family’.
The symbol that can be seen wrapped around the hatchetman is that of a triquetra. The triquetra is often referred to as a Celtic knot and has many meanings, depending upon the person and cultural backgrounds. For me, the triquetra is a symbol of my religious beliefs. This knot is often recognized to be symbolic of the holy trinity in Christianity. Interestingly enough, predating Christianity it has been symbolic of Pagan beliefs, specifically Wicca. This is how the symbol defined me. I have been a practicing Wiccan for many years now and still spend the majority of my free time studying my faith and meditating on my beliefs. Within Wicca, the triquetra is symbolic of the three phases of the Goddess: the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. Just as I found the hatchetman to be symbolic of the three phases of myself, the triquetra is symbolic of what I believe to be the three phases of the Earth and Cosmos.
When it came to the actual painting, I used color as a somewhat superficial representation of who I am, as I am obsessed with color. Whether it is my interest in obscure hair dyes and their possible color combinations, or just my interest in color and its composition, I think there is something to be said about my enthusiasm about color and form. I used my feelings about color to connect these symbols in to one, unified painting. My intention was to show an emotional sense of exuberance and energy with this. Whether or not it was successful is solely up to the viewer. Ultimately, I feel that this painting is representative of how I see my identity at its essence.

Patrick Lewandowski's Project

Artist Statement

For many years I have been a musician, I was inspired by my guitarist Kevin to play drums, but was never in a band with him. It was nearly four years until Kevin invited me to become apart of a new band that he was starting. He explained I have become a drummer that would be great for the type of band he wanted to start. I was grateful and joined with no hesitation. I have done many other activities but none of them can be as rewarding as being a drummer. The project I did was a reflection of how well my band represents me. Dan, Kevin, and I have work countless hours writing songs, perfecting them, and preparing for concerts. It has been almost a year now since Modern Chemists was born, and since then, I have done nothing but sacrifice time, money, and energy to this band. I believe that the journey is not going to be over for a long time, and Modern Chemists will only give me the one thing that I want to do: be who I want to be. There is one thing in life that I will not regret, and that is becoming the drummer of Modern Chemists.

Diamond Stingily's Project

The art that I am conveying in this piece is music. Music is universal and displays emotions when words are truly not enough. It can be beautiful and innocent as a child being borned, silly and clumsy when someone loses their teeth for the first time, and sad and somber when families are going through hard times. There is a soundtrack to everything in life including the simple things in life. The idea is for people to understand me as a person as while as artist. With these seventeen songs I have chosen to display my past life with the songs that I listen to today. Music is constantly evolving; it is the only thing that everyone loves considering all the different genres in the world. I made the soundtrack of my life to start off simple not with many words and if they had vocals, it involved gibberish (Portugal. The Man – Opal Magic), to more complex and complicated vocals/lyrics when a child reaches the age of interaction with others besides family. The idea is that music is expression without words and that when someone listens to what you listen to on a constant basis. They are getting a sense of you and all that you stand for as a person. Without music there would be no culture. It is a source of communication to all generations and walks of life.

John Smisek's Project

Artist Statement
I have created this music in order to develop a “self-self portrait.” In construction of this song, I did not purposely write with myself in mind. Instead, I cleared my head and simply began writing the first thing that came into my mind. I think this more accurately displays who I am as a person because it is a description of me in my normal state. I am not forcing a theme to happen or allowing myself to become influenced by some outside source. I enjoy music with quick rhythms and variety within the song itself, reflecting in my personal writings. Piano is the one instrument I would like to say I am somewhat good at, therefore I am writing this tune as a piano piece. Accompanying the music are various images. I am using a variety of photographs, paintings, and drawings I have created in order to further the portrayal of self through sound and sight. This slideshow represents images that inspire me, remind me of things I love, and overall represent my creative side.

I think the self is difficult to describe. There is a question raised in relating self to identity. What is the difference? Many different facets make each of us unique. This song, or a painting, or a journal entry, or any of a number of projects cannot fully define who I am as a person, but it can reveal small portions of who I am. It identifies me as a creative person. It shows how I am a deeply thoughtful person, and how my creativity influences who I am on a daily basis. These aspects of self all contribute to identity by describing me in pieces to create an overall self-image. Overall, this piece reflects me in a unique way. My identity is crafted through images and music that inspire and initially draw roots from my imagination.

Blog Post

In the comments, answer these two questions for each of your classmates' projects.

1. Please share what strikes you as most "successful"interesting, engaging, compelling, or provocative-about this artist's project.

2. Please share the most important question that this artist's project raises for you.
(Questions that might stimulate creative ideas about enhancing, amplifying, or even re-imagining the project will be especially helpful and welcome.)

I believe in fairies

(Yes, this picture is a 'hoax', but...) I believe in fairies.

I believe in what they believe in. Or rather...

What they mean.

innocence, youth, naivety, carelessness

Like Peter Pan, we lost all this with age and time. 

But the fairies preserve it.

I believe in fairies.

What they stand for. And, yes...

I believe in fairies...stealing shiny thing

hiding shiny things

building shiny things

making shiny nests out of shiny things.

...i like shiny things. 

and I believe in fairy magick. 

I believe in fairies...but I wish they would stop stealing my shiny things.

I believe in Bagel!!

I believe in Bagel.

I believe in Bagel because she believes in me.

Unconditional puppy love, 

her ears blowing in the wind along the shore, 

Her tail wagging when she is happy,

Her shirt that says "Bling Bling"

The way she makes people smile,

Taking her on a run,

Snuggle time,

Flea treatment,

Vet insurance, 

Pee stains on the carpet.

Most of all I believe in Bagel because she never talks back and she always listens.

I believe in...

walking.

I believe that walking will save the world. I think that walking is crucial in helping make America a greener place.

I believe that walking will make us healthier and happier. It is good for the heart. It detoxifies the body, mind, and soul. It strengthens us from inside and out. 

I believe in talking walks by yourself. Walking alone helps your to clear your thoughts. It helps you focus on your problems and helps you figure things out. During a walk alone you can discover yourself.

I believe in taking walks with someone special. Walking with someone else ensures a bond and special connection between two people.

Walking is comforting. Walking is beneficial. Walking is what I believe in. 

I believe in myself

We have all herd this line I believe in myself, always sounds cheesy. Well I have reason to believe that I can make a difference. When I was a little guy I wasn't the brightest kid in class but I still tried to be the best friend I could be. Unfortunately  I did not have much friends, from what someone told me, I wasn't interesting. That really struck me as, WTF does that mean haha, but I tried to more of whatever that was. The following day I can to school in the craziest looking cloths, my mom said that this would make me more interesting... she was being sarcastic, but being blinded by the simplest joke I went to school looking like Elton John. I did not find any new interests just laughs. You could say that I gave up too easy but I could not figure out what too do I guess being yourself sucks haha. Well I did not loose faith in myself, I just had a new idea to live by. Trust in yourself, if unsure, opportunities will always present themselves. I got this quote from my grandma when I asked her about what to do, she easily said this quote.

-Patrick Lewandowski

I Believe In a Thing Called Love

I believe in the art of music. Music addresses the everyday issues of society, such as love. A song that first came to mind when receiving this assignment, that I feel is symbolic to this project, is the Darkness’s song “I Believe In a Thing Called Love.” In this love ballad, the artist shares his idea on how important love is to him. To stress the significance of this artistic expression, here are the lyrics to this infamous song:

“I believe in a thing called love

Just listen to the rhythm of my heart

There's a chance we could make it now

We'll be rocking 'til the sun goes down

I believe in a thing called love.”

Love along with hope, liberty, and war are all important issues addressed in all types of music. Each genre has a different sound but the messages are all the same, connecting people together all over the world. That is why I believe in the art of music for not only making society more aware of a thing called love, but for a release of personal emotional expression.

I believe in sweatshirts.

I believe in sweatshirts.
There are probably dozens of serious, deep, and meaningful other things that I believe in that I could write about. However, I don't think any of them compare to the simple pleasure of a soft hoodie with just the right fit. I realize this is completely superficial and probably somewhat silly, but its something that I believe in. I think that after a long day of nice looking clothes, the feeling of coming home the throwing on a sweatshirt is one that can't be compared. I believe in sweatshirts with stories. One of my favorite hoodies (a sweatshirt with a hood, for those not familiar with sweatshirt jargon) was given to me by a guy friend in the 7th grade. It says "St. X" on the front, which was an all boys private school from my hometown, and became mine after I was sprayed by a water hose during a late summer night. Another sweatshirt came from a girl I knew in high school, we needed darker clothing to look less conspicuous while sneaking out one night. I suppose I believe in sweatshirts because they are the one vice I have that makes me feel completely comfortable. Sweatshirts are perfect for any occasion: running errands, writing blogs at 2:30am, or going to class at 9am the morning after a late study night...
I believe in sweatshirts.

Self fulfilling Prophecy

I am a true believer in self fulfilling prophecy. Some people may laugh and say it is nothing but a silly myth or belief. But I stand by my belief one hundred percent. I believe that if you think you are going to fail, you will fail. I believe that if you think you will succeed you will succeed. I believe that even if you pass the test when your doubtful you still failed. You doubted yourself, you didn't believe. Therefore, you didn't succeed. I also say, you must think you will succeed or accomplish your goal, but you need to believe. To actually believe in what you want, what you need, and what you aim for is what life is all about. I also tend to believe that if you truly deeply believe in yourself others will believe in you. Like the quote goes, "If you don't believe in yourself, who will believe in you?" Self fulfilling prophecy will get you far. I don't mean to say that if you close your eyes and say, "I'm going to be a millionaire, I'm going to be a millionaire!" it's going to come to. Self fulfilling prophecy is about the ambition, the drive, and the will you have to achieve your dream. It gives you the strength and the acknowledgment to realize and accomplish the things you yearn for.

Bitter Gourd

I believe in the bitter gourd (balsam pear). I just got this idea when I had dinner with the bitter gourd. I think there are not much people known what the bitter gourd is. It’s a vegetable planted a lot of Southeast Asia, South Asia, China and the island of Caribbean Sea. It’s green and taste is bitter. I remembered when I was first time to eat the bitter gourd, I vomited a piece of a bitter gourd as fast as lightning when I was bitten it. I said, “Oh mom, it’s too bitter!” My parents laughed at me and said when you grow up, you will like it. I waved my hand and said, “I never like it.”

I believe in the bitter gourd because it proved what my father had said. I start to try the bitter gourd. I don’t hate the bitter gourd like when I was a child. I grew up and tasted a little bit, but I still vomited it out. It’s different between the first one because this time is not completely bitter, it has little bit sweet. It’s not really sweet as sugar. I start to understand what my father meant. When a person grows up, he realizes things more then he was a child. If I compare the bitter of the bitter gourd to bitter of live, the bitter gourd’ bitter is nothing.
I believe in the bitter gourd. It’s good food for health. Many Chinese foods are with the bitter gourd. It has 55% vitamin C and 93.95g water over 100g a whole bitter gourd. It has a lot of different Vitamins in it.

I Believe In..

I Believe in Sports.

I believe in waking up on Saturdays and Sundays and watching all the pre-game show. I can watch any sport and love when it comes down to the playoffs, which separates the men from the boys. I love watching the big game and love cheering on the hometown team. The best experience is seeing the game in person. Another great feeling is seeing a record setting performance live on t.v or in the stadium. ESPN is the greatest channel ever and the best shows are Sportscenter and Baseball Tonight. Nothing is better than football on a Saturday Night, Monday night Football, March Madness, October for Baseball, NBA Playoffs and all the Major tournaments for the PGA.  Love sports and everything about them. 

signed sealed delivered

I believe in writing letters.

In today's world of technology, we are caught up in emails and instant messaging. Now, while these commodities are definitely convienient and useful, they tend to be used in place of good old fashioned mail. Personally, I love opening my mailbox to find an envelope from a friend. It gives a much more personal connection. The letter that you read was, at one point, in their hands. You know that they took the time out to write, sign, seal, and deliver that letter for you. And let me stress again, I am not suggesting that emails, facebook, or IMs are bad, just that they are simply not the same. Nothing can replace the thoughtful, sometimes painful experience of writing letters. The cramp that takes over after about half a page plays in even more to the effort required to write a letter.

Since I have been in Chicago (about a month), I have written at least one letter to almost all of my friends from New Hampshire. I talk to most of them online, but it just isn't the same. I like the excitment and anitcipation of opening the envelope, and wondering exactly what it is you are about to read. The pen and paper give you a perfect opportunity to let the contents of your mind flow out of, moreso than a computer. You know that whatever you put on the paper will be seen firsthand by the addressee. And while nothing can convey feeling as much as being in person, a letter may be the next best thing. You can write a word however you want, as opposed to just bold or italic, big or small. You can accompany it with a drawing, or just a simple "p.s."

There's just something about the process involved with a letter that you can't get anywhere else. Write it. Sign it. Seal it. Send it. If you haven't sent one in a while, try it out. Send it to your mom, dad, friend, or teacher. Heck, send one to me. Don't forget the stamp.

if you could strangle words it would look something like this entry

I believe in frustration. there's nothing that makes you feel more alive than working up a good rage. Frustration is like a stew; a mixture of  sweat, blood and tears spiced with some anxiety, panic, and anger. Its a universal treasure of humanity, for who has not felt like scratching their own eyes out at some point in time? 

you know what's frustrating? staring at a blank piece of paper for hours trying to get something down. This whole head-to-hand-to-paper shtick is a very inconvenient process. Why can't i just open my head and dump everything out? Why is it whenever i try to actually write something down i suddenly get writers block? Its not even so much of a writers block as it is more of a creative constipation. Its there is just won't come out. Or worse, when it does come out, it's nothing like the way you intended. Right now, I'd love to reflect on some inspirational concepts and some deep thoughts, but the only thing clear to me in this mind-haze is how uninspired I am.

Wow! That came off very whiny; my apologies for that cathartic nonsense.

Don't Forget

Post a picture of yourself on your profile and make one comment on someone's post!

All alone...

I believe in getting lost.

Several years ago, when I was seven or eight, I found myself in such a situation. Our family used to always travel in the summer to Arizona to visit our grandma on my mother's side. She lived in a large apartment building with two wings. Each wing must have been ten stories tall. She lived close to the top on the left wing. One day after grocery shopping, I ran ahead of my grandma in through the front doors. Apparently I didn't know her place quite like I imagined. I accidentally ventured into the right wing and went up the elevator on my own. Seeming to knwo where I was going, I went up to my "grandma's door" and knocked, knowing my mom was inside. When a complete stranger opened the door, I slowly came to the realization that this wasn't where I was supposed to be. Slowly beginning to panic, I walked up and down the hallway making sure I wasn't knocking at the wrong door. I knew I was on the right floor, but that was the end of my knowledge. Now scared, I began venturing up and down levels by way of the nearby stairwell. I noticed an elder couple who was also roaming the halls, possibly on a little walk. They obviously sensed my fear and asked if I was lost. I told them no. As time went by, I began to wonder whether or not I would ever find my way out. It was like a bad dream. But all of a sudden, as I rounded the corner on the stairs, I bumped right into my dad who was looking for me. It was such a relief. I'm sure I probably ended up crying a bit.

Today I don't have situations like these anymore. I definitely lose track of where I am, or stumble into a situation where I don't know the way out. But I definitely get lost, nonetheless. Coming to college, for example. Not knowing exactly what to do, how to fit in, what to bring. Essentially it is the same thing. I am venturing out into the unknown. Whether or not it is against my own will is a question, but I definitely face the same situations today.

It gives you time to think, to examine, to wander. I think getting lost is the best way to solve problems. It is like going on a walk. You are alone and all you are able to do is think. There are no outside distractions. All you are able to do is walk and think, walk and think. Essentially, getting lost is a way to escape from the rush of the normal life and enter into the rush of a new situation. Whether or not it is enjoyable is variable. You can sucumb to fear or you can explore and adapt. It is like life, really.

I believe in getting lost.

Lets Drive

I believe in long road trips. 

When I was younger I hated going on road trips with my parents. My brother and I were stuck in the back seats crammed between the food and all of the suit cases. We would drive to Wisconsin every summer and go to Lake Delton for some "family fun". I always disliked looking out the window and seeing nothing but hills, grass and the occasional cow.  I never knew what to do with myself for those three hours. Between my brother poking me throughout the trip and my dad snoring in the passenger seat while listening to the oldies; I was ready throw myself out of the car and walk the rest of the way. This was until I got older and was able to drive by myself..

When I was able to drive it made those long summer road trips so much better, and even inspiring. Sometimes my brother would come along with me and we would have fun just listening to the music we wanted, talking about stupid things and laughing at the weird people we would pass by. There was something so peaceful about looking out the window and seeing nothing but wide open spaces and the sun shining down on the rolling hills. Driving was inspiring to me and I would write pages upon pages in my journal about everything that I had experienced on those rides. Now that we are older I look back on those traveling memories and cherish them.  My brother and I are closer because of those hours stuck in the car together. I believe in long road trips. 

I Believe in A Mother's Love

I thought I was ready for college and to some sense I was. I thought I was fine without my family because since sixth grade I had long to get rid of them. Watch them from a distance. I could even visualize myself as the aunt that showed up every once in awhile. I wanted to live my own life and I didn't want input from any of my family members especially my mother. I wouldn't goes as to say my mother was terrible because she wasn't. If anything she was so protective/tough loving that it was almost unbearable and I seemed to be the only one of her children that notice. I have always had issues with my parents techniques on how to parent but when I started college and I no longer had to check in, call, or come home at a certain time I thought I was set. I was basically calling my mother to say goodnight until problems with my roommates started to occur only three weeks into school. I tried to handle the situation on my own but I couldn't. I needed someone to talk to and guess who I called? My mother or as I like to call her ma. I started to realize I still needed my mother more than she needed me.
My mother has been though a lot in her life. I won't be specific but I started to realize she was still taking care of me even though I am miles away. She was the one that gave me the best advice on how to handle the situation and I cannot thank her enough. She was loving, stern, and willing to let me explain everything without being judgmental.
I believe in a mother's love because without it I would still be sad and miserable about my situation.

I believe in Fair Trade

I believe very strongly in fair trade. I believe everyone should get payed for their labor and for the amount of the product they are buying. It seems in society that people are always in it for the money, and they are stealing money from workers who actually need money to live day to day. If someone is going to make something and sell it, they deserve to sell it for the amount it is worth and for labor. America seems to rip people off, we buy products such as coffee for really cheap from farmers, and sell it for more than it is worth, and they keep the profit.

Buying fair trade helps over 800,000 farmers. When you buy fair trade you are helping farmers provide basic needs for their families and they can invest in communities. A lot of farmers sell to both fair trade and non fair trade companies because there are not enough fair trade buyers for farmers to make a living on.

Everyone can do their part in helping out the people who help make our lives easier. We as country seem to take for granted other countries who are making things we use everyday. It is only fair that we pay the amount a product actually is. Just because a country has more money than another country does not make it right to basically steal from them. We would not have half the items and products we do if these people did not do manual labor to create these products.

Fair Trade not only gives farmers what they deserve for their products, but it creates a safe and clean working environment for the workers. Everything that is fair trade has a logo on it and says fair trade. I believe we should all be aware of what is going on in our world and what we are buying. You may be buying clothes that children are making in horrible working conditions and getting payed $1.00 a day. Most clothes made in any Latin American country is not fair trade and the working conditions are terrible. I believe we should be more aware of human rights and create a country where everyone is created equal both in it and outside of it.

Blog Post #3: This I Believe

For our next blog post I want you to write a This I Believe essay. Here are some examples. Here are some tips for writing. There is no word requirement. Due before class Monday.

Please comment on at least one post. And remember to add a recognizable photo to your profile.

And here is my take on the assignment.


I believe in coyote.

I was raised outside of Wichita, Kansas. Coyotes were just another part of the landscape in my childhood. At dawn, from my front porch, I could hear the yips and yaps of coyotes calling to each other. Throughout my life coyotes have been there and I believe have helped guide me.

When I got to high school I started withdrawing to the small elm and cottonwood lot behind our house. School was a social animal that I would never tame, but the animals outside my door were much easier to understand. I spent hours learning the birds and lizards and snakes I encountered. I would see coyotes off in the milo stubble often, but they were weary unlike the birds I could get close to with my binoculars. One morning a storm had brought a large amount of migrating birds into our back lot. I had gotten up for school and heard the chips and zeets of warblers outside my window. I ran out to the trees to see what I could find. It was still raining lightly, but there were birds everywhere. I found a place to sit and watch. I was completely still with my binoculars at my eyes. They were coming so close I didn’t want to move. I had sat for so long my leg had started cramping. I started to shift when I noticed, not 10 feet away, a coyote. We looked directly into each other’s eyes. My heart was off the charts. What to do? I just sat there completely confused, but in awe.

When I’m driving and see a coyote, I pull over, get out, and belt out a few yips and yaps. I’m not sure why I do this. They usually take off in that lazy loping way, but sometimes they just stare, probably thinking, “what is that crazy fleshy pink thing up to?” I suppose that morning I encountered the coyote I bewildered him as well. I think about that morning often.

Now that I’m in Chicago I still see coyotes. Once along the lakefront while I was out birding I saw one on the ice. I also have a friend who ran into a family, pups and all, in a cemetery on the north side. I saw one cross the road late at night.
Coyotes still have bounties on them in some western states. They’ve been persecuted by the government and livestock men as long as there have been those kinds of things. And still they persist.

I believe that their survival means our survival, that trying to learn what that mystery between us is, will help us live and I believe that I am following in coyote’s footsteps, that we are brethren, and will continue to learn and live together. And that if I could I would follow them completely, but I can’t and that is sad to me, that they are “the other” and I am “the other.” But that morning, when I was cold and wet and immersed in birds, I felt something that can’t be quantified, that can’t be caught, and that is what I believe in.

Diamond Antoinette

My parents were indecisive about my name for the longest time. My mother was going to name me China but my father said that too many porn stars and strippers were named China. Then my parents were going to name me Annie Bell but my mother thought it was too country sounding. They decided on Diamond together because it is a precise stone and they thought that I was a precise baby. As corny as that sounds...it's true. Diamond is the hardest natural material known and it can only be scratched by other diamonds. My parents wanted me to have a backbone too and not be like everyone else. My name is one of a kind. I don't know too many girls or boys with my name and with that I'm happy about my name. Antoinette is to my mother just a longer version of Annie Bell. Since we both start off with Ann. I like both of my names. They fit well with each other and have a ring to them especially with my last name.

Elizabeth Anne, Elizabeth Anne, do you know the muffin man?

My parents always used to sing to me when I was a kid and one thing they would always sing was, "Elizabeth Anne, Elizabeth Anne, do you know the muffin man?" To this day they stil don't know why they sang that but this is what they did tell me.......

The girl's name Elizabeth \e-lizabe-th, el(i)-za-beth\ is pronounced ee-LIZ-a-beth. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "God's promise". Biblical: the mother of John the Baptist. Since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Elizabeth has been one of the most frequently used names, with variants and short forms being created today. (http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Elizabeth)

My parents named me with the intent of using a biblical name.  They were very conservative christians at the time that I was born.  Looking back into the family history you see one version of the name Elizabeth used. My great-great grandmothers’ name was Eliza.  

Last week I spoke to my parents about how I got the name Elizabeth and asked them why they didn’t name me something more original.  ( Elizabeth has been one of the number one baby names in history  according to the 1990 US Census. ) My parents said that they named m Elizabeth in leu of naming me Eliza. My great grandmother wanted me to be named Eliza after her mother, but my mom thought that would be hard for a kid in school. At the time she was right; it would have been hard.  However, today I think of names a little differently.  You never know, maybe I will become and Eliza after all someday.

Product of the 80s

At one point in everyone’s childhood, the time comes to addressed ones parents on the important topic of changing their name. Whether the idea steams from the teacher’s constant mispronunciation or just the fact that it doesn’t fit your power ranger persona, we’ve all decided we needed a new name. This day came for me in second grade when I was told for the hundredth time my name (Jordan) was a boy name. Once I got home, I attempted to renegotiate the name thing with my mother, until she told me that she actually got my name from a famous actress in the 80s. One day my mother was on bed rest and she had just finished a movie, Adventures in Babysitting, and looking at the credits, she noticed the actress that portrayed the babysitter named Jordan. Not being a common name for a girl at the time, my mother quickly decided it was going to be mine. Intrigued by not only the famous origin of my name but the fact it came from a girl I decided it was a more acceptable name and I could deal with the constant questioning of whether I was a boy or a girl for the rest of my life.

Sarah: "Princess"

I have to say that the meaning behind my first name is much more accurate and interesting than my last. Although my last name has significant history, it’s rather dull. The surname Luckett is anglo-saxton, and was given to my ancestors by the English Christian church. Immigrants moving to American colonies brought the last name to America. My last name is from the Dad’s side of the family, but as far as my ancestry, I relate more to my Mom’s Irish and Native American roots.
As much as I don’t relate to my last name, I definitely relate to my first. Sarah is Hebrew for “princess”. Ever since I was a little girl my grandmother called me the princess of the family, and even though I’m naturally a laid back person, I definitely have my southern belle princess moments. The name Sarah also was the name of the wife of Abraham in the Old Testament, who had a child at the age of 90. Since I’m not a particularly religious person, this aspect of my name freaks me out a bit. I’ve always found the Hebrew translation of my name to be very interesting and slightly comical, since it occasionally reflects my personality.

name

My name doesn’t have any family history, but my name have some meanings. I didn’t go to research for my name because I had asked my mom where my name comes from and she said my grandfather gave it to me. My grandfather said he found it in dictionary and “Bowen” means a lot of knowledge. My family would like me to become a knowledgeable person, because my grandfather knew if a person has knowledge he will have more choices than someone else. Although the name is good, I think I don’t match the meaning of my name, because I am too lazy to study. Sometime my family feels disappointed. I knew they are so care about me, but I feel sorry to let you feel bad. I still love my name, it’s mine. Thank you, my family.

hands down

Well, from what I have gotten from the dictionary my name translates to "Christian-Grace of god-bears". Hmm, yeah thats interesting but i guess i need to get to the minimum so i suppose i can relate the story of my last name. Byrnes is  a shortened version of O'Byrnes, because when my ancestors arrived in America many-a generation ago during the potato famine nobody in the immigration department could be bothered with an extra syllable so the "O-apostrophe" just got cut off. Not that I'm complaining, there really isn't a point to it, just imagine if you were doing a roll call for example and you hit the O portion of the list, but i digress...

If you look up my family crest you see a shield with three hands on it, there's a very unique story behind it; supposedly there at some point was a family with twin sons. When the father died, there was  slight dilemma as to whom the land would go to; both sons were the same age and had equal rights to it, however, instead of being sensible and splitting the land they decided to have a competition to see who would have it. Sounds like the manly solution, right?

Rowing match! the rules were to row out to sea for a mile, come back and the first to touch land got the property. They set out however on the return one of the brothers starts to lose so what does he do? well, he just has to touch the land right? He cuts off his hand and throws it on shore. Now that some machismo... though if that did happen, i'd assume he probably bleed to death, which is probably why we don't know his name or what happened to him after but... Hardcore, right?

My Sweet Name

I found out some cool things about my name that I never would have found out about if it wasn't for this blog.  I found out that my name in biblical term has a possible meaning of "God has hearkened" , which was a prayer said by a mother or son. Also comes from the hebrew word 'ul me'el meaning "asked of God." During the 11th century BC Samuel was a judge and prophet of great historical importance. He established the Hebrew monarchy. The name was popular during the 17th century in England and America. It's always been common in the Jewish community. Some of the famous Samuel's are American inventor Samuel Morse, Irish writer Samuel Beckett and the most famous is Samuel Clemens a.k.a Mark Twain.

After doing this project I love my name even more because there have been some famous people with the name and I was glad to see and irishmen with my name because I am irish. Also i never knew my name very a very religious name and also common in the jewish community. I liked doing this project/blog and hope we can do more similar to this.

Clueless name

Um... my middle name has some what a history around it, my whole name is Abraham Wongy Ban and the name Wongy has some meaning. Wongy means Preaching place and i thought to my self wtf what does that have to do with anything? I asked my mom about how she got the name and she told me that my grandfather named it for me. "He always loved that name" what my mom said "he had 3 boys and if he had one more, it would be that name." I asked why "preaching place" she said "He knew that you was the only one to be born in your family line, and that name means in other words 'won' meaning preach but by only one person and 'gy' place of one." I still don't know the whole meaning its to much for me.

Hello, my name is...

Leizl Basilio. My full name is Leizl Cantianella Torres Esperanza Badilla Basilio. Each name has a specific origin and importance. For example I am named Leizl after Leisl Von Trapp the oldest daughter of the Von Trapp family in the movie The Sound of Music (my parents favorite movie). Cantianella is my confirmation name, it is included in my whole name because it is the one name that I got to choose myself, unlike the others which were chosen for me or I was born into. Torres is my mother's maiden name, Esperanza is my middle name, Badilla is my father's mother's maiden name, and Basilio is obviously my last name.

I came to learn this after going to the Philippines and learning more about my culture. My family is from a municipality called Baao in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. There I learned it is customary for your whole name of be comprised of your: first name, confirmation name, mother's maiden name, middle name, father's mother's maiden name, last name, and if you get married and are female you hypenate your last name with your husbands last name. 

When I researched my name online I hardly found information on my name both first and last, except for that my last name derives from Italy, Spain, or Portugal. Nevertheless, not knowing a lot about the origin about my name doesn't bother me because I know enough about how my name, its origin,  and my family inform me of who I am today.

Bill Ross post #2

The history of my name is not very exciting. First, I found out the reason "Bill" comes from "William". The change from W to B was due to an early Irish pronouniation of William. Now, the first name William is derived from the German name Wilhelm. This name is a combination of the words wil, meaning "will or desire", and helm, meaning "helmet or protection". The name William became popular in England after William the Conqueror became the king of England. It is most famously borne by Scottish and English men.

I found the history of my last name to be even more disappointing. "Ross" was the name of a shire in Scotland. So basically, I am an Irish guy whose name has German and Scottish roots. I am not entirely sure of why I have the name William. My dad and grandfather are both named William Ross, but my middle name is different, so I do not have the "third" suffix.

Madeline: "A high tower"

In researching my name, I found some really interesting information on where my name came from. I chose to look in to the origins of my full name, which is Madeline Elizabeth Kettlewell. Everyone’s first assumption when hearing my name is that it sounds quite British, which is in fact true. My family name, Kettlewell, is actually the name of a small village in England near Yorkshire, and my family’s lineage can be traced back to that small village.  Additionally, there is a brief family history surrounding my first name, Madeline.  I have had two different ancestors/relatives who shared my name, neither of which was I able to meet in my lifetime. My middle name, however, has no family history that I am familiar with.

            When researching the origins of my name, I looked on a few baby name websites and found that the name Madeline actually originated from the name Magdala or Magdelene. When looking in to the meaning of it, I found that its originating names meant “woman from Magdala, one who is elevated, a high tower (babyfit.sparkpeople.com)”. I couldn’t find much on my middle name, Elizabeth, aside from the fact that is a very common name with Victorian origins.

John - an old Biblical name

(by John Smisek)

I never really looked to omuch into my first name. Upon doing some research, I discovered my name is originally a Latin form of a Greek name derived from a HEBREW name. *whew* The name translates as "God is gracious." This name get its more popular origins in the New Testament of the Bible - John the Baptist and John the Apostle (alleged author of the 4th gospel and Revelation). The name was EXTREMELY popular during the later Middle Ages in England, where 1/5th of all boys were given the name.
Overall I am not disappointed with my name - neither am I thrilled with it. No offense to my parents but I think the name is somewhat plain and unoriginal. Not that I hate it - I just wish I could have something more unique to my personality.

Request

Hi all! Could you please post a photo of yourself on your profile? I'll be asking you to comment on each others blogs for next week and I'd like us all to match the comments with a face. Thanks!

And be sure to title your blog posts!!!!

Patrick is latin!!!!!

I went to many different website to figure out what my name meant but unfortunately I got the most ridiculous  answers, like means love, or you will have eternal sunshine, what does that mean! I did come across a pretty legit website that said my name originated from latin and means noblemen, I think it's pretty cool. My family name Lewandowski is pretty cool, it dates back to the 1800's, wow. My dad says that it is a tradition to take the father's first name and put it as the first sons middle name, this has been going on for about four generations. Well this is how my family keeps the family tradition.

the name

The history of my name is from the vietnamese culture. In our culture my name is common but here in the US it is rare to have a name like mine. I am really not sure about what the meaning behind my name is all I know is in America it means something totally different not close to being a name. Many people pronounce in all different ways. There was never a wrong or right way in pronouncing my name everyone would say it however they like and it wouldnt matter to me because I was so used to people saying it wrong everytime but most of the time I correct in the way how I wanted to be called. The spelling of my name was also a problem too. Alot of people have problems within the lettering of my name the E and the I is commonly switched around alot. My last name however is a common name to have all around the world whether if its here in America or somewhere else. My friends would always say they love to have my name because it is so short and easy to say once they knew how to pronounce it the right way. I am glad to have a name like mine its different and uinique in its own way.
-Lien Le

Worthy of Love

I always hated my name when I was younger. I would always get teased in fifth grade because of my name. Everyone would say, "Hey A-Man-Da!!" Or they would sing the Amanda show song to me during lunch. I would go home to my parents and wanted to change my name so badly. 

As I grew up I realized that my name was of importance to who I am. Although my name does not have any family history there is a story that goes along with my name. My parents love country music, especially my dad, so when they first got married my dad told my mom that if they had a little girl he wanted her to be named Amanda after one of Waylen Jennings songs. 

The meaning of my name comes from Latin origin which means she must be loved. Also Amanda's are considered active and bright. It became even more popular in the 17th century with poems and playwrights. 

I like my name and think it fits my personality well. I would consider myself to be a very loving person. I am really social and always try to look at the positive things in life. Overall I like my name and its meaning. It gives me a better understanding or is another example of who I am. 

My name Morgan has no family history and there is no particular reason or explanation for my name. I think my mom and dad just loved the name and decided on it. It comes from a Welsh background, which i am not. Mor comes from the word sea and Gan comes from the word born. This is definitely something I did not know. I thought when i researched my name I was going to find something interesting and fun about my name, but other than the fact that it was mostly a males name before the 1980's, kind of bummed me out. I feel my name fits who I am, I could not imagine myself as anyone else. :)

It was be awesome to say that I have an awesome family history with the name (my name) Baylee. As soon as I read what our blog is suppose to be about I called my mother to ask her about the choice of my name. She laughed and said that our family has no history with the name Baylee. But the original spelling was Bailey. The origin is English. Bailey was referred to a bailiff. A keeper who protected the ground around a kingdom or house. I find this all very boring. I asked my mother why she picked the spelling she did. She thought for a minuted and said she thought it would be something unique and special. Bailey or Baylee was not a common name at the time and she wanted something different. Well thanks mom for my name :)

Blog Post #2 What's In A Name?

For this post I want you to do a little research on your name. Where does your name come from? Do you have a family history surrounding your name? What are the origins of your family name? How does your name inform who you are?

Try these resources: Oxford English Dictionary, Ancestor Search, Behind The Name, and also Google it!

Spend 200 or more words discussing the origin of your name and the significance those origins have for you in your present life.

Be sure to title your blogs well! Titles are an integral part of any written work. Make it work for you and your writing!

These are due before class on Monday (9/15)

Amanda Doering Blog 1

I grew up in an Italian home. Since I was a little girl whenever we had family gatherings the men would go downstairs to play cards and the women would stay and cook in the kitchen. Whenever I look through my family pictures almost ever single snapshot is of everyone either around the kitchen or the table eating. Eating nothing but pasta and lots of desserts. Of course the food was amazing but it is the talks I had in particular with my grandma that I will always cherish.

 She always smelled like an amaretto cookie and wore this bright pink lipstick. She would hold my little hands in her cold hands and give them a gentle squeeze. Her eyes dark blue with a glimmer. Somehow no matter what I was going through at the time she could tell what was bothering me. She would just sit there and listen to me talk and talk about my problems and feel them like they were her own. Her compassion, concern and dreams for me I will never forget. She gave the best advice and always had a loving touch that I will carry with me forever. I talk about my grandma like she no longer exists because at the moment she has Alzheimer's and doesn't even remember me... I have always wanted to tell her how much I truly admire her but that is hard when the person I looked up to, the one I spent all of my time with no longer remembers me.

Who I Admire

My grandmother, Carleen Kelley, grew up on her family’s farm in Oklahoma. Her childhood was like the classic tragic story filled with death, abuse and poverty, yet those experiences motivated her to strive towards a better life. One of my grandmother’s characteristics that I admire is her personal drive and work ethic. At the age of seventeen, Carleen moved out and got married and pregnant with her first child. After a week of living the picturesque family life, her husband picked up and left her alone pregnant. Not having more than a high school diploma, Carleen got two jobs as a secretary to support her child. Although she had two jobs she still managed to obtain her supermom title. Carleen was involved with all my mother’s activities and was head of PTO at school. My grandmother used her children as motivation and worked enough to pay for all three of her children’s college education. Another reason I look up to my grandmother is her positive outlook on life and passion for people. My grandmother is one of those people that lights up a room whenever she walks in. Even when we go out to dinner, by the time we leave she knows the entire staff by name. Carleen is an amazing listener whose interest in others has a way of making them feel important. Embracing everyone around her, my grandmother is the first to forgive and forget. The capacity for empathy is rooted within another quality that I admirer about her, she possesses the deepest devotion to God. It is not only evident in her ability to forgive, but I’ve watched her make the lord evident to a room full of unbelievers. Although my grandmother Carleen has experienced numerous hardships she continues to maintain a positive outlook on life. In addition to keeping herself positive, she teaches others and myself to appreciate and embrace all aspects of life.

My Mom

My mother is the most admirable person I know. She has gone through so much in her life and has become a better and stronger person because of it. She grew up to a very low income family in the Philippines. She lived with her mother, father, grandaunt, and six other brothers and sisters in a three bedroom house. At a very young age to help her family she was forced to work on a nearby farm. Fast forward ten years and she going to college at the University of Ill, at Chicago. She later got married and had three daughters who she can thoroughly provide for. I hope to one day be as accomplished as she is. She may not have saved the world or made millions of dollars but she is a wonderful person that I am so lucky to have in my life.

Father

My father is the most important person in my life. I treat him with respect. He doesn't care about himself, but he cares about my feelings and thoughts. He gave up his dream to make a better future for me.
Our family immigrated U.S.A four years ago. My father does not understand English. He was a manager of a restaurant in China. He went around in the restaurant and did what ever he wanted. My father would like to sell tea and have conversations with his customers, but he wanted me to have a better future. Right now, he is an employee, and needs to spend every single minute working. Father was exhausted when he comes home. I know father cares for me more than himself when I grew up. I understand father did every thing to give me a start on a better future. If you love some one, you will sacrifice something important so that they will have a better future or life.

Who I Admire.

Who do I admire? I've thought about this simple question for a few days. Though it should not of taken me as long as it has I have come to a conclusion that there is no one like my mother. Her drive, and genuine sincerity for not only her own life but her children's lives is almost overwhelming. My mother has not had an easy life. To see such a beautiful person rise above all odds and defeat the negative is inspiring. She always has the best advice and supports me in all that I do. She has tried her hardest to give me as much space as I need since I've been in college. But the truth is, I don't need her to give me space. I adore my mother. She is the strongest person I know. I can't imagine who I would be today with out her. 

Maddy k's blog

The person that has influenced me/that I respect most would have to be my mother. At 23, my mom broke her neck diving in to lake Michigan and is now a paraplegic (meaning she is permanently paralyzed from the waist down).  At the time, she was in school in Chicago studying to be a nurse, but the changes in her life and the obstacles around her moved her interests away from nursing and towards disability civil rights. Today, she is the president and CEO of an non-for-profit disability organization in Chicago called Access Living and has taken part in many of the efforts towards making Chicago a more universally accessible city.

            Through her work, my mother has shown me that when inspired and motivated,  one can do whatever it is they hope to do.  She has also shown me that even the most devastating things(like her accident) can open doors in ones life that would have never been opened otherwise.

K. Byrnes blog #1

Back home there’s a girl named Heather who I have known for years. She’s been my friend for almost ten years, meaning I have known her for over half of my life. Her personality dances back and forth from laid back to eccentric. A social chameleon who can get along with anyone, she has an impressively large following. Yet with such a wide circle of friends, she and i have managed to remain very close o one another. Whenever there has been trouble in my life, i have always found sanctuary in her company. She would always know the right time to listen and the right time to tell you to get over yourself. That perhaps the thing i love most about her; She helped me look at life and filter out the stupid nonsense and find that there wasn’t much in my life to get upset over. Hate, she said, was just a perverse type of affection and wasn’t worth the time and energy. How very guru of her. She has always been my symbol of personal logic and sensibility.

I Admire My Admirer

I've never been very good at picking favorites, so choosing someone out of the many that have helped me out was a difficult task. I suppose, naturally, I picked my girlfriend.

We've been together for a long time now, even though the majority of it was in a long-distance relationship, with a state separating us. Even so, we've grown more and more supportive of one another. School-wise, she is a year ahead of me, and has always done well in preparing me for what could come next. On the cosmetic side, she taught me how to dress well and hone my creative skills within areas I never thought of. On the educational side, she was the driving force behind my choosing Columbia as my primary art school. We help each other with our own strengths and weaknesses, and by knowing her, I've definitely become a better, more knowledgeable person.

Bill Ross post #1

One person that I respect is my friend JJ. He and I have known eachother since fifth grade. We live on the same street, so it has been very easy for us to maintain our friendship for these 7 years. Towards the end of this past year at high school, he found out that he was going to fail a course required for graduation. At first he took this news very badly and pretty much refused to talk to anybody. However, he eventually accepted the fact that he would not be graduating with our class. Now, JJ isn't necessarily the biggest "school person", but the actions he took over this summer showed me a lot about his character. He talked to his guidance counselor and worked out a plan that would have him receive his diploma by the end of this semester. Once that happens, he plans to enroll in a community college for the second semester, and proceed to transfer to a four-year college at the start of next year. The reason that I respect this so much is that it would have been very easy to simply accept not graduating. There are plenty of people who took that path. But instead of taking the easy way out, he decided to go back to school and do what he needs to do in order to get his diploma and continue on to college.

Someone I look up to.

One of the people I look up to are my mom and dad. No matter what the situation was my parents always had our backs. They always provided for us even though we aren't the richest family. Every Christmas we always got what we wanted and some other extra stuff. They have always given us what we want because they love my brothers and sisters and they want us to succeed. Another person I look up to is actually my brother and two sisters. My brother didn't graduate from college but he stayed himself and has succeed and is making a living or himself. We always fought but no matter what happened he was always there for me. My sisters are both going to graduate from schools her in Chicago. I am glad to have them here because they will always have my back and i look to them because they are going through what I am and they are successful at work. 

Who do I admire?

In my lifetime I have been fortunate to meet many people that I look up to, but the woman I admire the most out of anyone is my grandmother.  She is a selfless woman always thinking of herself last and she is also my mentor. When I was five years old she put a paint brush in my hand for the first time.  

My grandmother teaches classes with Bob Ross’ company. Now most of you think of Bob Ross as this older man with an afro that likes painting “happy trees”. In fact, he was much more than that for my grandmother. 

My grandfather and her were married right before the Korean War.  Women during that day in age were required to take care of the house and kids.  My grandmother, on the other hand, was unable to have children.  In 1957, she adopted my father and for that I will forever be grateful; because of her I am alive today.   

As I mentioned before, my grandmother aka crazy Elly has a selfless and amazing heart of gold.  My dad’s sister, not blood related of course, got into trouble with the law, had two kids, a husband, and a load of bills. My grandmother knows the meaning of unconditional love though because even through all that she made sure that they were always taken care of. My aunt mind you never treated her mother that great; she even stooped to stealing for her at one point, but my grandmothers love never failed. Remembering back you might think that that is why we called her crazy Elly but that’s not the case at all.  We called her that because she was a barrel of laughs always ready for another adventure. Just a couple years ago she went to ride the camels in Egypt. 

All this back story was just to bring to light what my grandmother is like today.  She is a woman full of laughter and love which I admire. She spent this past year in Colorado taking care of my aunt who unfortunately had a rapid progression of ALS, but everyday, despite the past actions of my aunt, my grandmother took care of her day and night feeding and changing her like she did when she was just a baby. My aunt is with the angels now and my grandmother buried her daughter.  I look up to her because she is still going strong loving life and taking each adventure as it come without ever giving up.

Sarah Luckett Blog #1

I'm lucky to have two people in my life who I greatly respect. My younger sisters, Ashley (14) and Mary Grace (7), never fail to inspire me daily. They have had a definite impact on who I am today, and who I will be for the rest of my life. They have taught me to be careful with my actions, because someone is always in the shadows looking up to you. Through my parents' divorce they looked to me to be strong and maternal, and without them there as a constant reminder I know I would have fallen apart. Even though we are so close (with such a great age gap), we are all completely different. Ashley is silent and strong, keeping to herself until prompted. Although she's four years younger than me, she has been my rock on countless occasions and I honestly don't know where I'd be without her. She constantly reminds me that I'm her role model, and inspires me to be the best person I can be because of that. Mary Grace sometimes feels more like a daughter to me than a sister. She taught me at a young age to grow up and deal with things, because sometimes someone else needs more taking care of than you do. She listens to me, and never fails to put a smile on my face in any situation. I cherish my relationship with my sisters more than any other relationship in my life, and hope that it only gets stronger as we all grow up. 

John Smisek Blog #1

I think the person that inspires me the most is my mother. Aside from caring for 4 children (I am the second oldest), her commitment to her entire family and her faith is astounding. She is the person who can always make me smile, and she always knows exactly what to say in a difficult situation. Aside from her wonderful parenting skills, my mom is AMAZING at playing the piano. I myself have ALWAYS wanted to learn to play the piano better, and seeing her play inspires me to keep at my dreams and continue practicing. Not only is she graced with musical skills, she also has an immense talent in drawing and the arts. Likewise I am also heavily devoted to the arts, mainly painting, and seeing all the talent my mom has gives me inspiration to put my best into what I love to do. She always puts her family first - and doesn't think about herself until everyone else has been cared for. I only hope that when I grow up and start a family, I could have the same amount of devotion to those I love that my mom does.

The one person that has influenced me the most in my life would be my grandpa. I have the most respect for this man because he has the most courage I have seen. Almost a year ago my grandpa had his mid-section of his fore-arm and down to his hand, hacked off by a boat purpler. This was a very hard time for my family and I but my grandpa seemed to have worries about it. As he healed, which took about a 4 months, he finally started to work how he did before the incident. He continued to work and he job which did require two hands, but he still pushed hard to get the job done. His courage and and life values have guided me through life when things got tough, and has given me courage to go to school and become the person I was meant to be.

-Patrick Lewandowski

Lien Le blog #1

The person I am influenced by most is my grandpa, although he wasnt around much his impact on everyone is amazing. He never looked down upon himself or anyothers his positive force and optimistic lifestyle led me to be who I am today a successful student who is now in college. He loved like no other he always gave a helping hand to the unwealthy by donations. He does not judge people by their skin color, or the way they look he always saw the good in everyone. He always contributed to help many causes with everything that he had, he is always there for his children ,grandchildren,brother,sister,wife whenever they needed him most and never let any of us down. My respectful for him is indescribable. I admire his love for life he lives everyday like its his last and try his best to be involved in the lives of his family.

Morgan Blog #1

The person I look up to the most and who I took advice from was my Grandpa. His name is Louie and he was the most amazing man i have ever met. Yes, everyone says that about people they are related to or look up to, but my grandpa accepted everyone, was always willing to help people and I have not seen him mad or upset at anyone of us grand kids. He recently passed away, he was 77 years old and I have never seen that many people come to a funeral. My grandpa touched so many lives and it was awesome to see.
He would help others even when it meant he had to go out of his way or cancel some of his plans. I would always call him from school and ask him to pick me up when I was "sick" or just did not want to be there anymore. There were always people are families did not like, and my grandpa was always the one talking to them, going out of his way to make them feel at home in his home, he was very good at that. I strive everyday to accept others and make them feel comfortable and follow in my grandpas footsteps.

"star spelled backwards in rats"

Diamond Stingily Blog Post #1

I honestly do not inspire to be anyone in particular but I do admire my great-great aunt , Idella Oliver. She is 105 years old and appreciates all the simple things in life. I believe that happiness is one of the most hardest emotion to have and to keep. She does a good job of not letting the little things get to her in order to keep her happiness. I have,rarely, seen her upset. She ,usually, has a smile on her face when talking about her day.I wish I could be more non self aware of my everyday action and not dwell on the past because it is done and over with. She has been through a lot of hardship coming from a rural segregated Mississippi town and moving to Chicago at a young age by herself. I can only hope that I live my life to the fullest of much as it seems she has. It is honestly the little things in life that count and sometimes I can forget that. She does a fine job of reminding me.

Blog Post #1

In our first unit we take a look at our selves and our influences. For this post I am going to ask you about someone you respect. This can be someone famous, a friend, a family member, whoever you respect and have learned from and been shaped by. In 150 or more words, tell everyone about the person you chose and why you chose them. This is due before class on Monday.

My person would probably be Gary Snyder. He is a Pulitzer Prize winning poet, but I think I respect him more for the way he lives his life. I know a little of how he lives because he writes a lot of essays and those are my favorites. He is a Zen Buddhist and lives a life of simplicity and contemplation. He tries to live in balance with his community and the land. I strive for a similar kind of life. Snyder works at building communities. He is a strong believer in sustainability, not taking any more energy than you give. I know I do not always live up to this, but I hope to, and strive to. Often who we are is who we have been taught to be. We learn from our family, friends, and a myriad of others. Snyder is someone I would like to emulate both in his writing and his life. Here is a poem by him that I particularly enjoy.

Riprap

Lay down these words
Before your mind like rocks.
placed solid, by hands
In choice of place, set
Before the body of the mind
in space and time:
Solidity of bark, leaf, or wall
riprap of things:
Cobble of milky way.
straying planets,
These poems, people,
lost ponies with
Dragging saddles --
and rocky sure-foot trails.
The worlds like an endless
four-dimensional
Game of Go.
ants and pebbles
In the thin loam, each rock a word
a creek-washed stone
Granite: ingrained
with torment of fire and weight
Crystal and sediment linked hot
all change, in thoughts,
As well as things.