Monday, April 21, 2008

The Dreamgirls movie My thoughts

I liked this movie a lot,but it was a little longer than I cared for.The plot was the ups and downs of a musical group in the 60's. There was some deceit, a pregnancy,and a lead singer left behind because she didn't have the right look. I think that a lot of what happened in the movie does happen in the music business. It is about the money most of the time.If the right sound and or image is not right the music will not sell. The one thing that I think was not realistic in the movie was the way it ended.There are no groups that I know of, that individuals would later see that someone has been treated unfair and join ranks with them again. The singing was good and the presentation was very good.The song that Effie was singing before she walked out "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" was done with so much emotion .The critics said it went on to long because you could tell see was lip-syncing.I did not see that at all. I thought her part was well done. My favorite character in the film though was James ''Thunder''Early played by Eddie Murphy. He was such a success in his performing career,until people wanted something new and he was not willing to change his ways in order to please the audience or producers. In the end he lost his love and his life. I think this part was very real to life.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Lineman -Richard Bangle

A lineman life is a hell of alot,First he's cold and then he's hot.Next he's up,then he's down,Digs a hole deep and round.Sets the pole, hangs the guys, Never says quit, he always tries. Belt and hook both strapped on, grabs the handline, he's up and gone.Take up on the hoist, slack off on the guy, Sun so hot he like to die.This goes on, day after day, He sometimes thinks there's a better way.But he's a man true to his trade,The weak have quit, the strong have stayed. By mid afternoon, he's dirty and tired,The thought of a cold one is his greatest desire.Quitin time comes, it finally arrives, Just in time to spare our lives.Dirt scrubbed off, and a few cold Stein's, He's ready to build another mile of line.

This is a poem written by a man in my church.He wrote it many years ago. He was a Lineman in the Centerville area.Richard is now in his 70's. He has a lot of health problems, yet he does as much as he can for people and the church. He told me that he liked to write poems and maybe I would like to see them sometime. I told him that I would love too."He brought me a notebook with thousands of poems! Richard is no artist buy any means, he is not famous because of them, but he has a love for writing, and I did enjoy reading many of them. They were all about work, wars , life and loves. I am glad he shared them with me.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Why They Were Great, 1st draft paper 4

Why They Were Great
The sound and feel of Motown music is woven into the cultural fabric of American culture. Its unique sound and influence can be heard in the songs of artists like the Temptations, the Miracles, the Four Tops, and the Jackson Five. Under the leadership of its founder Berry Gordy, Motown flourished in the sixties and seventies as Hitsville turned out one chart topping record after another.
There was one group however, that seemed to transcend them all; the all girl trio known as the Supremes. With their dynamic lead singer Diana Ross, the Supremes became musical superstars. Their hits are among the greatest recordings in music history. From Stop in the Name of Love to Someday We’ll be Together the Supremes had what seemed like unstoppable success. Then in 1970 Diana Ross left the group to begin her own successful solo career.
The Supremes were so influential that they inspired a Tony winning play know as Dreamgirls. That same play was later turned into a highly successful Oscar winning movie. Dreamgirls is loosely based on the Supremes and life at Motown. In researching the "Dreamgirls" movie and comparing what happened in the group relationships of "the Supremes" a question arises; was the tension in the "Supremes'' group because of greed, fight for the lead part ,the fame, or was it the producers fault? The Dreamgirls movie plot was slightly different than what happened in the "Supremes'', but the group suffered with tensions for years. This paper will make some comparisons between the Supremes and the fictional Dreamgirls. However the main focus will be on what made them great.
Diana Ross was compared to Deena Jones played by Byonce Knowles in the movie. Florence Ballard was compared to Effie White played by Jennifer Hudson and Mary Wilson was compared to Lorrell Robinson played by Anika Noni Rose.
The part of Berry Gordy was compared to Curtis Taylor Jr. Played by Jamie Foxx. The movie has a romance that occurs between Deena and Curtis. However, there was no such real life entanglement between Berry Gordy and Diana Ross.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Movie paper topic- The workings within a musical group

I am researching the "Dreamgirls" movie and comparing what happened in the group relationships of "the Supremes". Was the tension in the "Supremes''group because of greed, fight for the lead part ,the fame, or was it the producers fault. The Dreamgirls movie plot was slightly different than what happened in the "Supremes'',but the group suffered with tensions for years.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Beverly Lewis Novels

Beverly Lewis , born in Amish country Pennsylvania,an accomplished pianist and award -winning author.I love reading her books as a chill- out read, when I have just a little time to myself. She writes about the Amish. I have read them all.I always wanted to know more about the Amish way of life.The places that I have been and seen the Amish I wanted to just go up to them and ask them questions. I didn't think that was appropriate. The Beverly Lewis books give you a good look at their community. It takes you to a simpler way of life, and gives you some sense of the struggles in a Amish community. I have learned of how they cook, sew, garden and socialize. I especially like the descriptions of the farm lands, gardens , and landscapes .The way they garden is all natuaral ,the same way I like to garden. Like putting roses and tomatos next to each other; they balence the soil out for each other.They also use animal furtilizer instead of a chemical one. I also bought the Amish cookbook that goes with the series .I have tried several of the recipies which are wonderful.The author does alot of research while writing her novels.They are very authentic. She was the daugther of the Plain family heritage which is part of her inspiration. If you like an easy read , her books are very interesting.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Celebrities Life-style

After reading this article several celebrities came to mind.The first was the still very alive Brittany Spears who started out so grand,but has fallen considerably in the last few years.I'm am sure will will hear of her for some time in the future.The second that comes to mind is John Lennon who was killed when I was in college in the 80's. I love the Beatles; and I remember crying when I heard about it .He was a Free spirit if you will,but never forgotten.The last one that came to mind was Elvis Presley.I was 15 when I heard of his death.I didn't believe my younger brother when he told me. When I was 8 years old and still living with my parents in Atlanta, Elvis performed at the Omni. I remember the news saying the day after, that 400 bras with names and addresses in them were found in front of the stage.Funny the things you remember.

Kingwells 10 steps

After reading this article, three celebreties came to mind .The first is Brittany Spears who is not at the end of her life; yet seems to have done alot of living in a short time .I think we will be hearing about her for a long time to come.The second is Marilyn Monroe with her "out there"pressence. She will be seen far into the decades as an Icon of beauty, mistery and speculation. She can still be purchased on a poster right along side the latest celebs. The third that I thought of is Elvis Presley. I was 15 when I heard of his death. I didn't believe my younger brother when he told me. Once when I was 8 years old, still living in Atlanta, he had a concert at the Omni which is now torn down.After the concert I heard on the news that 400 bras with names and addresses were found in front of the stage.

Monday, March 31, 2008

The Alex Cross Novels

Prolific author James Patterson is a popular novelist whose books regularly appear on bestseller lists. He has written books for children and romance stories. However, his best genre is his tough and gritty crime novels. Patterson’s two most popular series are The Women’s Murder Club and The Alex Cross novels.

My personal favorite is the series about Detective Alex Cross. Patterson writes these novels from a first person perspective. You get to see the story unfold through Cross’ eyes.

Patterson describes Cross as an African-American man who “is six foot three, weighs 200 pounds, and is athletic. He still lives on Fifth Street in D.C., with Nana Mama, Damon and Jannie, and Rosie the cat. He drives a Mercedes Benz R 350. Alex Cross is forty-two years old”. Cross has a “PH.D. in psychology from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Special concentration in the field of abnormal psychology and forensic psychology”. He is a homicide detective with the Washington, D.C., Police Department. He specializes in cases involving serial killers and this has earned him the nickname, “The Dragon Slayer”.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

The Death by Caitlyn DeWitt

As we ride in the car the whole family is silent,
The depression is hard to speak of,
I never seen a dead person before and I am not looking forward to it,
But I know when I see you laying there my face will light up one last time,
Even though you are gone forever,
When we finally get there the cold air is stiff on my neck,
When I step inside I can hear an eerie nothing in the air,
The I finally see you lying still in your little box,
I try to move but my legs don't move,
But suddenly I feel a strong push from behind,
They know I want to see you,
When I touch you I try to feel your warmth,
But all I feel is your cold,hard skin,
They tried to make you look pretty again,
I recognize the Revlon lipstick on your stale lips,
Your also dressed up in your best Sunday dress,
The velvet pillow you lay on makes me think of the Christmas dress you made for me when I was five,
Although I've outgrown the dress it still hangs in my closet,
So alone,so forgotten,
I try to cry but nothing falls from my eyes,
And then I secretly wish I was with you,
But I feel,without you I am gone too.

This was written by my Daugther Caitlyn when she was 14.It was an assignment for her English class;but it did coincide with the deaths of her grandmother and an uncle.My daugther Caitlyn has done a few other writings ,she enjoys putting them in a journal .She is a very sensitive person and puts her feelings on paper.She doesn't always want to share them though. Caitlyn won an award for this writing. I am very proud of her and think she did a wonderful job.

Thinking Critically exercise

1.a.That Merle Haggard wasn't the first outsider to rebuke Nashville prissiness in the sixties.
b.That Merle Hag was the most down to earth soul that Music City had seen for some time.
c.Haggard's sixties and early sevsenties work has been represented chiefly on compilations.
d.There is know tennessee gothic or flashy texas ego to this outsider.
e.Haggard was more about subtlety and west coast calm.
2.Emotional:a. The soft calm expression on Haggards face in the photo.b.The statement-The alblums that kept Nashville in the 60's and 70's.
3.Ethical appealA.Hag was the most down to earth soul that Musis City had seen for some time.b.Hagggard sounds like country's coolest customer.c.he was such a sublime recording artist.
4.Logical appeal:a.For years each CD showcases Haggards awsome gifts and inextricable orneriness.b.These reissues underscore how Haggards music far exceeds"Okie from Muskogee."

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Heath Ledger By David Lipsky, Rolling Stone Magazine

When I read this article in Rolling Stone, it was at first more out of curiosity.The first time I remember seeing this young man was in the movie ' Patriot'.At the time I remember saying to my husband," that handsome face will go places."I thought we would be seeing him in a lot of future movies. When I heard of his death ,I felt very sad. Like most I wondered what could have happened to such a seemingly healthy young man. I also thought,'Here we go again', the press will drag his name through the mud like 'Anna Nicole' and' Brittany Spears'. Like I said, at first I read this article out of curiosity.I was surprised to find that 'David Lipsky' talked of 'Heath Ledger' in a compassionate manner.He spoke of him as a human being who was a talented, hard working person that sometimes judged himself to harshly.He was a person of simple origin who struggled with ups and downs like everyone else.The article stated that his best movies told a unified story, in chapters, about someone learning how to be. In the movie ' I'm Not There ' he played a man who had- like himself-for reasons he could not explain and couldn't correct, lost his lover, family and home. Even though Heath Ledger had problems ,it was nice to read an article that did not stomp on another human being for being human.

The Book Lady by Dave Hoekstra ,'The Rotarian'

I read this article in 'The Rotarian'. It was about the Book program Imagination Library that was started by Dolly Parton.It is a reading program for children birth to school age . It adresses illiteracy in areas that poverty keeps children from learning to read;it is for all children though. She states that even some who aren't poor can not read.This article is very informative. This program which works through the Rotary club handed out 4.5 million books to preschoolers in 43 states and provinces.The Imagination Library provides one free book per month to every child from birth to age five. One parent in the article says that her children get very excited when they get a new book in the mail with their names on it.She also said that when there are books in the house that she has read to them much more oftend. It was a really good article ;it flowed well, it was informative, and it appealed to me as a parent even though my kids are older now.Dolly Parton's inspiration for this program was because much of her own family did not know how to read including her father,Robert Lee Parton,who struggled to farm tobacco on dirt -poor land. The first book that is recieved in the program is 'The Little Engine That Could'.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

1-4 steps for american dream paper

1. Is it made in America?
2 .We are considered to be a very prosperous nation.We take pride in that.Some think that we should keep America strong by only buying American products.Could everyone do this?Or would it be impossible?
3. America has always been seen as a strong nation.We have worked hard to get where we are;but lately there has been a lot of infiltration of foreign companies and products coming into the U.S. Will this become a problem in the future?Many think that we will eventually be taken over and that we will be too weak to gain back our power.This paper will explore the opinions of Americans on this subject.
4. My audience is 18 and over.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Death in Slow Motion by Andree Chedid

This story was taken from an anthology called 'Women on War'. Andree's themes involve war and violence that show the devastation of love brought on by those horrors. The moving story was about a young women who is called M. in the midst of a war.She is injured by a stray bullet two differrent times on your intended journey.She is trying to reach an old love who she is to meet at a bridge.It takes her awhile because of the pain of her injurys.She does not make it to him in the end;but a note is deliverd by a kindly couple before she dies.I liked the way the story was written because I could feel alot of differrent emotions as I traveled through the story.I could see the scene playing out.She did not care of her injurys, she only wished to get to her love and to see his face.It talked of the way her body felt,the things that where going through her mind, and the devastation of the buildings around her.I saw this book in the S.W.I.C library and thought it would be interesting .I have really liked the readings in this book.Some would say that it is a little morbid, but I think it helps us to understand what others have deal with in life. I tink that I will try to find her book'A House Without Roots' for further reading.She also has a collection of poems 'Modes Miroir Magies'.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

My View of the American Dream

It seems to me that the American dream is ever-changing yet still the same in many ways. We work hard, we look at the world around us to find the norm, or sometimes we seek out our own unique way such as a home in the desert far away from everyone.
What is it that we really want? Do we really want a huge mansion and a BMW parked in the drive? Some would say, “Sure, why not”? On the other hand, there are who have a totally different idea about the American Dream. Someone who comes here from an under developed country would most likely have a different view about it.
We who were born in America are some what used to having more. Even the lower income has a lot more than some people in third world countries. A color TV would be a luxury, even one’s own space would be a treat.
The American Dream started with the first American settlers if you count out the American Indians who lost their American Dream when the white folks showed up. That’s another story. The settlers were looking for what I think is the first of four main ideals behind the American Dream. They were looking for freedom.
Freedom is the first ideal that Americans seek out. Freedom is something that we want in everything concerning our lives. We want the right to speak out about our causes; this includes politics, religious choices, sexual orientation, and even the songs we choose to sing. We want the freedom to be individuals.
The second ideal is the right to claim our own space. In seeking out our home, our refuge, or nest of sorts it may range from a penthouse apartment to a small cabin in the mountains. We all have a picture in our minds of the perfect home and how it should be furnished down to the smallest detail. However, there are some Americans whose home is a box in an alley.
The third ideal is that we have a purpose, a reason for being. We want to be prosperous in life and to seek out something to work toward that we enjoy doing as well as provide us with monetary things. There are also those who don’t seem to mind living on government funds in order to have more freedom of time to spend as they wish. I’m not speaking of people who have no choice because of their circumstances. What about Mr. Wendel who was spoken of in the song lyrics by Arrested Development? Why does he live the way he does? Is he just happy to be free and alive as he chooses? Or is he also the victim of circumstance? If he does choose to live that way then it is his idea of the American Dream. What about the many immigrants who smiled when they first laid eyes on the Statue of Liberty? They came to America for many reasons, poverty, oppression, persecution, and even enslavement in some cases. Working in a factory or field all day and living a small but warm home is an American Dream if you have your freedom.
The last but not least part of the American Dream in my opinion is the need for someone special to share it all with. Americans spend a lot of time and money finding the right mate. There are services through the internet, TV and newspaper to help you find you one and only. If you choose not go that direction and go on your own you can meet someone at a church, the local bar, at school or even on the job. Whatever way we find our mate we have usually tried out several ways beforehand and kissed a few toads along the way. For those who choose not to have a mate in the romantic sense, they may often have a close friend, sibling or parent in which they trust and can share their lives with. I think we all need to be loved and understood by another human being.
There is a lot of discussion and debate on what the definition of the American Dream is but when it is said out loud the first thing that comes to my mind is the symbol of the American Flag, the Statue of Liberty, a baseball game on a warm summer day and apple pie. Sound a little corny? Maybe, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

the lyrics

Naomi DeWitt
English 101
Nicole Hancock
The Lyrics
The lyrics to all of these songs seem to have a theme or an idea to share. Richard Cory by Simon and Garfunkel has a two fold meaning. The main part of the song talks about all that Richard Cory has. He is envied. The song says that money and success does not necessarily bring happiness because of the way the song ends. Richard Cory takes his own life.
The next song Fortunate Son by Credence Clearwater Revival says that they are not conformed to the ideas of politics or the supporters of war or the very rich. The writer suggests that he is just a common man with his own ideas and a nonconformist.
Mr. Wendel by Arrested Development is I think asking, what is the meaning of dignity? What do we have to do in life to be seen as a person? Mr. Wendel is a bum but he has his freedom. He is still a flesh and blood human being and he should be able to stand tall.
In Paint Me a Birmingham, by Tracy Lawrence, he is yearning for a lost love. He wants to be back in Birmingham in an ideal dream of what could have been. But, it is out of reach.
In another Simon and Garfunkel song, America, is also about a yearning of sorts. It is a yearning to find oneself. The man is feeling empty and alone. He is traveling from place to place looking for America. Maybe in seeing new places and people he will find his niche and belong.
In Mercedes Benz, by Janis Joplin, she is asking God or praying if you will for the nicer things that life has to offer. She wants to have what (the Jones) her friends have. The song does seem to be done in a playful manner.
I enjoyed listening to all the songs. My favorites were Mr. Wendel and Mercedes Benz. Mr. Wendel because it made me think what might my opinions and how I might react to him. I connected with Mercedes Benz because most people pray or hope for their lives to get better. Why do people play the lottery? I think it is because it give them a little hope to keep going sometimes. Even though we all know that we only get farther by working toward a goal.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

identity paper final draft

Naomi DeWitt
Identity Paper
Nicole Hancock
English 101
The Identity of Me, Myself and I
I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and I am the fifth daughter and seventh child of a second generation minister. My heritage is Scots-Irish. I am 45 years old and still won’t allow gray hairs to show. I am a wife. My husband and I will celebrate our 22nd anniversary in May. I am the mother of three daughters, Elizabeth 20, Jennifer 19, Caitlyn 16. But this is not all that I am. My life is more than the details of my ancestry, my age, my parents and hometown, or even my family. I am the thoughts, choices and ideas of Naomi DeWitt.
Like most, I had an idea of what I thought I wanted to be while growing up, even though I did change it many times. At first I wanted to travel with National Geographic and take pictures. I also wanted to be a veterinarian, but I was not good in chemistry and so on.
During my early college years, I met my husband and began raising a family. After several years and various jobs, I eventually became a dog groomer while my husband went through college and seminary.
My life is taking another direction as of late. My girls are moving on with their own lives and I have decided to let go and start back to school. I am beginning a degree in fine arts. I would like to teach art, because I have held a pencil in my hands since I was a child. I love to draw wildlife. I am earning a degree, I am also carrying on several other identities. These identities are not always the me I want to be.
When I am at work at All Feeds Grooming, I am a schmoozer, a friend, a good listener and a happy employee. In case you don’t know what a schmoozer is the definition is someone who can sweet talk you into believing that your baby dog is the sweetest and best dog in the shop. Even though it brings blood to your fingers each time “Precious” is groomed. But they keep coming back with their $40.00 and they take their tail wagging baby home with a bow in it’s perfect hair-do. Don’t get me wrong I love grooming and I love all the dogs that come in. Eventually they all grow to love us with time and patience.
Every day I put on my smock and old t-shirt and greet everyone with a smile. I am a friend and confidant to many of the people who bring their dogs in for grooming. I am the person they can share anything with.
I have Mrs. Riddle who is ninety-five and lives alone who has only the frail little dachshund, who is also old, to fill the void in her life. We tell her that he will get the gentlest of care (and he will). Then she tells about the son who lives in California who never comes to visit her. Some people we have known for years and when we hear of their passing or their dog’s we mourn.
I am a good and faithful employee along with several other groomers whom Roger our boss sees as family. There are days at the shop when my shoulders ache and I can’t wait to get home. I know that I will truly miss it when I no longer work there.
A second identity of myself is that I am the wife of Reverend Thomas DeWitt. He pastors a small but energetic church in Belleville, Illinois. They are down home folks who greet you with big smiles and handshakes. They tell you lots of stories about past get-togethers, children long raised and how many kids their children have. Also let’s not forget the many war stories fought and won.
And who am I? I am the person who backs up the pastor’s ideas and helps to set up the baby shower for our soon-to-be young mother, the relay for life day, and the new theme for vacation bible school. Am I the cookie person this year or the crafts person?
I put on my best every Sunday and I sit two pews from the front and make sure I take note of my faithful husband’s well thought out sermons. After the service I greet every person before leaving the church building and ask them how they are and their raisin pie at the last potluck dinner was the best I ever tasted.
I take down a list of the sick and tell then they are in my thoughts and prayers (and they are). I am always polite and sincere. There are times that I wish someone else was taking my place at vacation bible school. But then I would miss the hugs and smiles of the neighborhood children who I won’t see until next summer. Do I want to sleep in on Sundays? Sometimes. Would I miss it? Of course.
The third identity I hold is the true me. It is the one who wants to be a good mom but sometimes isn’t. But she is still always there for her children through thick and thin, good boyfriend or not, prom dresses that cost too much, their first driver’s license, and the statement, “Mom, I am eighteen I can do what I want”.
I am the person who loves gardening with a passion and has thumbed through many a seed catalog before February has even started. I plan out my garden every spring. It is never the same from one year to the next. I like to try new and interesting things, like a red-striped tomato that is sure to taste great or the sweet mama squash that makes the best soup for the fall. While it is still cold outside I start my seeds in small containers for planting. I love watching them emerge from the soil.
I am also a person who is an artist in many areas, paint, pencil, thread and bead. I have drawn since I was a small child. My favorite things to sketch are wild life and nature. I use charcoal and pencil to produce the shading that makes it come alive. I create brightly colored trout with cross stitch or acrylic paint. Also I love to create colorful and unusual art works and beaded jewelry. Some people have even asked me to design jewelry for them to wear and I love to.
I am the person who likes to travel, go camping and hiking in the woods, treasure hunt for special glass pieces at antique shops, and who wants to spend as much time as possible with a wonderful husband. I am also a person whose faith is very real. This is who I really am. I don’t get to spend as much time with the real me. But, it is one special part of my identity.
.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

identity paper 2nd draft

Naomi DeWitt
Identity Paper
Nicole Hancock
English 101
The Identity of Me, Myself and I
I was born in Atlanta Georgia. I am the fifth daughter and seventh child of a second generation minister. My heritage is Scots-Irish. I am 45 years old and still won’t allow gray hairs to show. I am a wife. My husband and I will celebrate our 22nd anniversary in May. I am the mother of three daughters, Elizabeth 20, Jennifer 19, Caitlyn 16. But this is not all that I am. I am the thoughts, choices and ideas of Naomi DeWitt.
Like most, I had an idea of what I thought I wanted to be while growing up, even though I did change it many times. At first I wanted to travel with National Geographic and take pictures, I also wanted to be a veterinarian but I was not good in chemistry etc.
During my early college years I met my husband and began raising a family. After several years and various jobs I eventually became a dog groomer while my husband went through college and seminary.
My life is taking another direction as of late. My girls are moving on with their own lives and I have decided to let go and start back to school. I am beginning a degree in fine arts. I would like to teach art. I have held a pencil in my hands since I was a child. I love to draw wildlife.
While, I am earning a degree I am also carrying on several other identities. These identities are not always the me I want to be.
When I am at work at All Feeds Grooming I am a schmoozer, a friend, a good listener and a happy employee. In case you don’t know what a schmoozer is the definition is someone who can sweet talk you into believing that you’re baby dog is the sweetest and best dog in the shop. Even though it brings blood to your fingers each time “Precious” is groomed. But they keep coming back with their $40.00 and they take their tail wagging baby home with a bow in it’s perfect hair-do. Don’t get me wrong I love grooming and I love all the dogs that come in. Eventually they all grow to love us with time and patience.
Every day I put on my smock and old t-shirt and greet everyone with a smile. I am a friend and confidant to many of the people who bring their dogs in for grooming. I am the person they can share anything with.
I have Mrs. Riddle who is ninety-five and lives alone who has only the frail little dachshund who also old to fill the void in her life. We tell her that he will get the gentlest of care (and he will). Then she tells about the son who lives in California who never comes to visit her. Some people we have known for years and when we hear of their passing or their dog’s we mourn.
I am a good and faithful employee along with several other groomers whom Roger our boss sees as family. There are days at the shop when my shoulders ache and I can’t wait to get home. I know that I will truly miss it when I no longer work there.
A second identity of myself is that I am the wife of Reverend Thomas DeWitt. He pastors a small but energetic church in Belleville, Illinois. They are down home folks who greet you with big smiles and handshakes. They tell you lots of stories about passed get-togethers, children long raised and how many kids their children have. Also let’s not forget the many war stories fought and won.
And who am I? I am the person who backs up the pastor’s ideas and helps to set up the baby shower for our soon-to-be young mother, the relay for life day, and the new theme for vacation bible school. Am I the cookie person this year or the crafts person?
I put on my best every Sunday and I sit two pews from the front and make sure I take note of my faithful husband’s well thought out sermons. After the service I greet every person before leaving the church building and ask them how they are and their raisin pie at the last potluck dinner was the best I ever tasted.
I take down a list of the sick and tell then they are in my thoughts and prayers (and they are). I am always polite and sincere. There are times that I wish someone else was taking my place at vacation bible school. But then I would miss the hugs and smiles of the neighborhood children who I won’t see until next summer. Do I want to sleep in on Sundays? Sometimes. Would I miss it? Of course.
The third identity I hold is the true me. It is the one who wants to be a good mom but sometimes isn’t. But is still always there for her children through thick and thin, good boyfriend or not, prom dresses that cost too much, their first driver’s license, and the statement, “mom, I am eighteen I can do what I want”.
I am the person who loves gardening with a passion and has thumbed through many a seed catalog before February has even started. I plan out my garden every spring. It is never the same from one year to the next. I like to try new and interesting things, like a red-striped tomato that is sure to taste great or the sweet mama squash that makes the best soup for the fall. While it is still cold outside I start my seeds in small containers for planting. I love watching them emerge from the soil.
I am also a person who is an artist in many areas, paint, pencil, thread and bead. I have drawn since I was a small child. My favorite things to sketch are wild life and nature. I use charcoal and pencil to make produce the shading that makes it come alive. I create brightly colored trout with cross stitch or acrylic paint. Also I love to create colorful and unusual art works and beaded jewelry. Some people have even asked me to design jewelry for them to wear and I love to.
I am the person who likes to travel, go camping and hiking in the woods, treasure hunting for special glass pieces at antique shops, who wants to spend as much time as possible with a wonderful husband. And whose faith is very real.
This is who I really am. I don’t get to spend as much time with the real me. But, it is the best part of my identity.
.

Friday, February 22, 2008

On becoming a writer Russell Baker

I really like the way Baker writes.Of all the articles we have read; his is the most enjoyable to me.He writes in a way that I think anyone could understand.My favorite type of book has always been one that I can picture in my head while I read it.I think this is how Russell Baker writes.The book The Yearling is written like that; you can feel every emotion, and see in your minds eye the beautiful trees in the meadow blossoming.It was one of my favorite reads as a teenager. I also like the way Baker suggest we use our own language in our writing. I think that I do identify with the idea of becoming a writer sometimes; I used to write short stories when I was in college in the 80's. It was usually a romantic story of a lonely girl who meets up with the man of her dreams!ooo,aaaaah. But of course I was looking for my own lost love at the time. After I was married and had little ones, I wrote a few children's stories that my kids enjoyed.I have toyed with the idea of writing.Yes, I have. I don't think it takes a particular breed though; I think you just have to enjoy putting your thoughts down on paper. There is creativity in all of us.

How to Write with Style Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

I think to write with style means to make it interesting to read.If it is in your own language what ever that may be, weather it is a German accent, or a southern drawl,or the dialect of your environment like types of slang. It all adds something to your writing style. I was born in Atlanta Ga. and there are some ways of saying things that people from the north might not understand. Would they know what I was asking if I said" Could you please put my Coke in a poke? It would mean" Could you put whatever type of soda I purchased in a paper sack."When I was growing up no matter what you were drinking from the machine ,you just said I am going to get a coke; and it always got put in a poke.I think that who you are makes it interesting unless you are a total bore; but all of the articles that we have read have an interesting fraction in them.Even the parts we aren't sure of gives us food for thought.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Idenity paper thesis statement

I am writting on the idenity of myself.I was born in Atlanta Ga.I am a wife and a mother of three; but that is not who I am.I am the thoughts,ideas and chioces of Naomi DeWitt.In my paper I will be writting on three different idenities that I portray in my life. All of which are played out within a week.Every week.

Monday, February 18, 2008

peer review

The over all fell I get from your paper is that I would have liked to hear more of what you think.It would be interesting if after a persons quoteyou put your imput on what they are saying.I would also not have as many quotes but more of what you think.The parts that are you talking are much more intresting than the quotes. I really like your first paragragh.I think you should touch on those questions in your paper.On page 3 2nd to last para. I would'nt put many,many.On page 4 the sentence however , I am gladto know that will always be my chioce.I like this sentence.I would combine the last paragragh on page 4 with the paragragh before.A make a new closing. I would give you advise for that but I suck at closings.
Naomi DeWitt

Nicole Hancock

English 101

Song Identity Mini Paper

In doing the research for these songs it is easy to get pulled into the scenes. My emotions helped me to identify some with the lyrics. Though I did not understand all that was said,
I felt that I could understand the main idea of each song.
In the song Lithium by Nirvana, I think it is about him self and an on going struggle with an illness in which he has to take medicine to balance out the things in his head. It is a mixture of reality and what he sometimes thinks is reality. It is his inward struggle.
I can relate to him when it comes to maybe having the need to except who we are and realize that everyone has something wrong with them in some way. We all have to deal with our demons so to speak.
In the next song that I choose, Piano Man by Billy Joel was a song I think most of us are familiar with. He is playing in a bar that he has been in many times, because he seems to know the people. He sees their struggle. His playing and his song seem to be what they need to hear. They are not where they would like to be in life, and he realizes his part in it all is for their comfort. Though I don’t frequent bars often; I do no that many people go to bars because of the people that reach out to you there. They carry on conversations, and talk out the latest problem in their lives, a listening ear. People need affirmation .I relate to this song because for many years I have wanted to get more into the art work that I have always loved since childhood. At forty five I am starting an art degree.
In the song Why Georgia by John Mayer I get the sense that he is leaving something behind; a situation that he has chosen to leave, but had some doubt in his decision and maybe even second guessing his life choices. We have all done this. I have asked myself this many times in my life. Should I have had my kids so close together? Should I have waited to go back to school? Sometimes we just have to go by our gut and hope for the best.
I think that sometimes a good song can help us through a tough spot in life. It can

inspire us. It can help us to empathize with others. And most of all I think it can give us

joy.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Music is for everyone (final draft)

Naomi DeWitt

Nicole Hancock

ENGL 101.10

08 Feb. 2008

Music is for Everyone

Music is a part of all our lives. We are surrounded by music from the time of our births until we pass in death. Can we avoid it? Is there a way that we could choose not to listen? Not to tap our toes to a passing tune? Is music just something that humankind invented? If so, why and how far back in time did it start?
Even the ocean’s tide seems to have a rhythm. It is said to be controlled by the pull of the moon. Maybe there is an invisible force that causes us to yearn for that rhythm or beat in the music of our choice. We have a steady beat going on inside of our chests causing a kind of “cha-cha-cha” as it pushes the blood through all of our veins and organs.
So, where does music come from? Investigating this question for a new radio program, Ivan Hewitt found evidence that singing and dancing are a key part of being human.[1] In his searching he heard of Maria Maline who is the leader of a team of archeologists working in a cave in Swabian Jura of south-western Germany, In the bottom layers were remains left by Neanderthals. They had made ornaments and instruments. Such as a delicately worked flute, made from a swan's bone. When played, it makes a clear sound, which sounds absolutely "musical", as if it had been made yesterday.[2] Others who have spent years with a tribe in the Congo basin say that their music and song came from listening to the sounds of the jungle around them, and sang a musical forest into being.[3]
When I was carrying my children in-utero, I would play different types of music near my ever-growing tummy with the idea that maybe my children would love the study of music or play beautifully at a symphony someday. Or maybe they would like some of my music. Well, that did not work. My children could not have been any more different in their musical tastes. They certainly do not like my music. They all have their own individual style of music that may never be played on a stage with a piano in front of them. It is uniquely their own.
It is sometimes suggested that the music we like to listen to comes from our parents, our surroundings or the culture we are familiar with. To a point I think it is somewhat true. So what happened to my daughters? Not only do they not like my style of music, they do not like their sisters’ music either.
In chapter one of How Music Really Works! written by Wayne Chase. He says:
You owe your ability to appreciate and create music to the genes you inherited from your parents and their ancestors, going back many thousands of generations. But the specifics of your musical tastes and musical creativity come primarily from the cultural preferences of your peer group—not from your parents. This applies to your non-musical cultural preferences as well.[4]

Chase uses the example of a Korean-born boy who immigrated to the United States with his parents at a young age. He spoke fluent Korean like his parents and practiced their Buddhist religion. However, when the boy reached his late teens he started pulling away from his family traditions and began identifying with his peer group. According to Chase:
In short, you inhabit a personal environment of your own, an environment that overlaps with the personal environments of your peer group. It shows. You still have the genetic inheritance of your parents, of course, but the specific cultural information you have acquired has come mainly from your peer group. And that includes not just your language, but also your musical tastes.[5]

Noam Chomsky, an American linguist said “the ability to acquire language is a species specific human activity”.[6] He believes that we are born with a module or system of modules in our brain that give us the ability to store words and to decipher the meaning.[7] This of course would apply to music as well.
Human beings have the innate ability to decide for themselves the kind of music they like. We are not blank slates waiting to be written on by others. We choose for ourselves.
When I was a college student in the eighties my friends and I enjoyed the popular music of the day. However, as I have grown older I have learned to like different types of music. Now I enjoy listening to classical, jazz, gospel and country.
There are many, many more studies and ideas of where music came from and why we like it. That list includes the well educated who spend years on the subject to fifth graders who think they have the corner on the best music choices.
In learning more about music lately, I feel that it has opened up a new world to me. Researching new music has been very enjoyable. I feel like I have added on several new types of music to my play list. Sometimes, I just listen to whatever fits my mood at the time. However, I am glad to know that it will always be my choice.
Anytime that you would like to share your favorite choices I will be open minded and happy to check it out.






[1] Ivan Hewitt. Music Healing the Rift. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/12/08/bmmusic108.xml
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Wayne Chase. How Music Really Works! http://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/Pages_Chapter_1/1_3.html#1.3.25
[5] Chase. http://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/Pages_Chapter_1/1_3.html#1.3.25
[6] Noam Chomsky. http://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/Pages_Chapter_1/1_3.html#1.3.13
[7] Ibid.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Naomi DeWitt

Nicole Hancock

ENGL 101.10

08 Feb. 2008

Music is for Everyone

Music is a part of all our lives. We are surrounded by music from the time of our births until we pass in death. Can we avoid it? Is there a way that we could choose not to listen? Not to tap our toes to a passing tune? Is music just something that humankind invented? If so, why and how far back in time did it start?
Even the ocean’s tide seems to have a rhythm. It is said to be controlled by the pull of the moon. Maybe there is an invisible force that causes us to yearn for that rhythm or beat in the music of our choice. We have a steady beat going on inside of our chests causing a kind of “cha-cha-cha” as it pushes the blood through all of our veins and organs.
So, where does music come from? Investigating this question for a new radio program, Ivan Hewitt found evidence that singing and dancing are a key part of being human.[1] In his searching he heard of Maria Maline who is the leader of a team of archeologists working in a cave in Swabian Jura of south-western Germany, In the bottom layers were remains left by Neanderthals. They had made ornaments and instruments. Such as a delicately worked flute, made from a swan's bone. When played, it makes a clear sound, which sounds absolutely "musical", as if it had been made yesterday.[2] Others who have spent years with a tribe in the Congo basin say that their music and song came from listening to the sounds of the jungle around them, and sang a musical forest into being.[3]
When I was carrying my children in-utero, I would play different types of music near my ever-growing tummy with the idea that maybe my children would love the study of music or play beautifully at a symphony someday. Or maybe they would like some of my music. Well, that did not work. My children could not have been any more different in their musical tastes. They certainly do not like my music. They all have their own individual style of music that may never be played on a stage with a piano in front of them. It is uniquely their own.
It is sometimes suggested that the music we like to listen to comes from our parents, our surroundings or the culture we are familiar with. To a point I think it is somewhat true. So what happened to my daughters? Not only do they not like my style of music, they do not like their sisters’ music either.
Noam Chomsky, an American linguist said “the ability to acquire language is a species specific human activity”.[4] He believes that we are born with a module or system of modules in our brain that give us the ability to store words and to decipher the meaning.[5] This of course would apply to music as well.
Human beings have the innate ability to decide for themselves the kind of music they like. We are not blank slates waiting to be written on by others. We choose for ourselves.
There are many, many more studies and ideas of where music came from and why we like it. That list includes the well educated who spend years on the subject to fifth graders who think they have the corner on the best music choices.
In learning more about music lately, I feel that it has opened up a new world to me. Researching new music has been very enjoyable. I feel like I have added on several new types of music to my play list. I am not sure why I like the various kinds of music that I listen to. However, I am glad to know that it will always be my choice.
Anytime that you would like to share your favorite choices I will be open minded and happy to check it out.






[1] Ivan Hewitt. Music Healing the Rift. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/12/08/bmmusic108.xml
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Noam Chomsky. http://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/Pages_Chapter_1/1_3.html#1.3.13
[5] Ibid.

Monday, February 4, 2008

About me

Just wanted to say how much I am enjoying this class.Interacting with the younger group has definitly been a possitive experience for me.I really like the younger perspective.It's a breath of fresh air.And I just wanted to share alittle about myself.I am married to Tom a third generation pastor in his family.He is a chaplain on staff at S.L.U. And is working on his doctrite in clinical counsiling.We also pastor a church in Belleville Ill.We have pastored for 20 years all together.I have three beautiful girls Beth 20,Jennifer 19, and Caitlyn 16. I have been a professional Dog groomer of the smaller breeds for 15 years now.I am an Fine Arts major here at S.W.I.C. I have drawn nature , flowers, and animals since I can remember. I love all the arts! And I hope to teach it someday.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Exercise 2.1 Researching a paper

1. Choose a topic. Research topic. Choose sources to include in paper.
2. Life situations, areas of interest. Assignments.
3. Alone in a quiet area.
4. Books, Articles, Internet. These things are helpful in completing the assignment as long as I do not become overwhelmed with the amount of data. Careful editing of my resources is important.
5. Professor and classmates. It helps me not to make assumptions about my audience.
6. Internet search. Library Catalog search.
7. Work in sections.
8. Proofread several times. Ask someone else to proofread. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation.
9. Walk away form the paper. Do something else for awhile then come back and start again.
10. My ability to use descriptive language and the use of my imagination.
11. Sentence structure. Taking this class is very helpful.
12. The creative process and the end result.

Friday, January 18, 2008

What is Quality Music?

I think quality music is a song with a meaning when you need it to be, like hymns while sitting in a candle lit church. I think quality music is a tired old love song from high school that consoles you after a romance has ended. It is quality when you appreciate the instruments defined in Tchaikovsky's 5th symphony. It is quality when it brings you back to a wonderful time in your life like your high school marching song during those cold football games. The song that played in the background of your very first date, the song you chose for your wedding day, the lullaby music box that you played for your baby to sleep by etc.The list could go on and on! And I think that the quality keeps changing for all of us. When I was in high school I gladly "Did The Hustle", and swayed along with the "Dancing Queen''. And in college ''Boy George" and "Micheal Jackson"were among some of my Weird Haired favorites, and even though I enjoy hearing some of those old favorites from time to time I don't have a steady diet of it now.I settle into my Jazz guitar, classical and oldies (late 60's,early 70's). So I think that music is quality when...it is quality to us as an individual.

My Top 10 List of Favorite Songs

1.Amazing Grace-John Newton; I like this song because it is a reflection of my faith.And one that I have heard since my childhood.
2.Let it Be-Beatles;I am a 60's and 70's girl.I like this song because it givesa sense of peace and harmony.Which this world really needs!
3.Take it Easy-Eagles;This one appeals to my carefree side and a good toe tapper!
4.Rocky Mountain High- John Denver
5.Country Road-Both of these make me think of my chidhood home in Georgia,and I also love the great outdoors.
6.Moonriver -Henry Mancini;This one gives me a since of flight ;it takes me away.Dreamy.
7.When I Fall In Love-Nat King Cole;I love thi s song because it's the way love should be!
8.Somewhere in the Night -Frank Sinatra;I love Frankies voice!This one is so romantic!
9.I Want to Know What Love Is-Foriegner;This one brings back my early collage days.Looking for that ONE guy.I kissed alot of TOADS!
10.Crimpson and Clover-Tommy James and the Shodells;Again, I am a 60's,70's child.It was just a cool song,which sometimes made me feel sad; and sometimes just mellow.

There are many,many more that I like of course as most people,but this is a hodgepodge of me.I also like Jazz,Motown,Classical and 80's.