I got a lot out of this class, but I think the most important thing focused on the art side of things. The day we spent in class painting was the best part of the course. I went home and started painting and sketching. I have started doing this almost every other day in the past few weeks. Mostly trees. lol. When I was a senior in high school and taking 4 art classes every project I did had trees. There is something about them that I find fun and intriguing to portray. There are so many different kinds, ways to portray them, and emotions that can be communicated. The diversity of them is what keeps me on that subject and not moving to something else.
Practically speaking, I am much more aware of my role in conservation, and well for that matter pollution. They walk and in hand as far as my role I suppose. I was never really aware of the biblical side of ecology and conservation, that as a Christian, I am responsible for spiritually.
One of thing I really appreciated that I am not sure I would have otherwise ever been aware, is the locally specific details. The fact that Lake Washington is a super unique source of freshwater that supplies Brevard county water was very interesting. As well as finding out my location-specific details about where my power comes from, where my waste goes, etc.
About Me
- Sydney-Alyse
- I am a South Carolinian who was raised classic, conservative, Christian, and proud. These are my exploits as I attempt to bring Greek Life and Southern Charm to Southeastern University. I love Autumn, Lilly Pulitzer, Sweet Tea, French cooking, Monograms, Gardenias, Pearls, Sailing, and Turquoise.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Week 11: Post- Post
The sun was dipping lower and lower in the sky as Hadley and Dane approached the summit of Roan Mountian. This was Hadley's favorite part of the Appalachian trail and it was right down the road from her childhood home in Tennessee. A late spring day like this one made the hike even better. Known for it's Rhododendron gardens that were in full bloom this time of year, she and Dane had started their hike at Carver's Gap and had been hiking for several hours along the wild flower covered trails. It was a surprisingly empty trail for that time of year, but Hadley never felt as alive as when she hiked these trails and so she never minded when they belonged to her alone for the day.
She had thought it odd when Dane had surprised her with a trip up the mountain so late in the day; they usually left early in the morning and had hiked up to the summit in time for a picnic lunch. But today, he had asked her to hike up the summit for a sunset dinner picnic. She was a little fearful of hiking back down in the dark, but both she and Dane had grown up here and knew the trails as if they were their own backyards, because, well, they sort of were. She hadn't wanted to disappoint him, because he had seem so excited so, ignoring her misgivings, she consented to a late hike.
They were reaching the top of the summit where it seemed to plateau off a bit, and her breath caught in her throat. No matter how many times she reached the Roan Mountain summit, she was always swept away by the beauty of the valley below her. This was her land, she had always lived in that valley and never wanted to leave.
"Hadley," She heard Dane's voice behind her. She turned to face him, and was surprised when she found him down on one knee... What was he doing? No, he couldn't be....
"Hadley Grace Johnson," he paused, " I have loved you ever since third grade, and I cannot imaging spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
She stared at him, trying to grasp what was happening. "But my Daddy..." she started, her accent that faded when she was at college in Boston was making a full-fledged appearance.
"I have already asked your father's permission."
Hadley felt the tears start falling down her cheeks as she held out her hand and Dane slipped his grandmother's wedding ring one, the one Hadley had only dreamed would be on her hand one day.
"Is that a yes?' Dane said with a nervous laugh.
Hadley grabbed his hand and pulled him up into an embrace and through her tears of joy, she said, "Of course! You have always known it would be a yes."
The two of them turned and looked out over the valley. The valley where they had grown up and where, now, their kids would grow up.
She had thought it odd when Dane had surprised her with a trip up the mountain so late in the day; they usually left early in the morning and had hiked up to the summit in time for a picnic lunch. But today, he had asked her to hike up the summit for a sunset dinner picnic. She was a little fearful of hiking back down in the dark, but both she and Dane had grown up here and knew the trails as if they were their own backyards, because, well, they sort of were. She hadn't wanted to disappoint him, because he had seem so excited so, ignoring her misgivings, she consented to a late hike.
They were reaching the top of the summit where it seemed to plateau off a bit, and her breath caught in her throat. No matter how many times she reached the Roan Mountain summit, she was always swept away by the beauty of the valley below her. This was her land, she had always lived in that valley and never wanted to leave.
"Hadley," She heard Dane's voice behind her. She turned to face him, and was surprised when she found him down on one knee... What was he doing? No, he couldn't be....
"Hadley Grace Johnson," he paused, " I have loved you ever since third grade, and I cannot imaging spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
She stared at him, trying to grasp what was happening. "But my Daddy..." she started, her accent that faded when she was at college in Boston was making a full-fledged appearance.
"I have already asked your father's permission."
Hadley felt the tears start falling down her cheeks as she held out her hand and Dane slipped his grandmother's wedding ring one, the one Hadley had only dreamed would be on her hand one day.
"Is that a yes?' Dane said with a nervous laugh.
Hadley grabbed his hand and pulled him up into an embrace and through her tears of joy, she said, "Of course! You have always known it would be a yes."
The two of them turned and looked out over the valley. The valley where they had grown up and where, now, their kids would grow up.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Week 13: Post- Post
A Creative Idea to Help the Environment.
Hmm.... Something effective, but plausible.... Hmmm.....
Ending the excessive watering of the SEU campus. It has been brought to my attention that this doesn't help the entire environment, but as we often discuss in class, every step counts because it adds up over time.
So, here's the thing, the campus watering system is complex and over a huge area, however, it rains, and then we decided to allow the program to run and don't do anything about the fact that we are wasting fresh water. In a state where we will reach a problem with this faster than many other states.
What can we do about this? We need to change our computerized program, or replace ours with one that will, allow an override whenever it has recently rained and the ground will subsequently be overwatered. Again this seems small, but thousands upon thousands of gallons of water would be saved annually, not to mention the reduced water bill for the school which would very much pay off in the long run if we did need to replace our system.
Obviously, certain facilites workers woud need to be given access to the override and make sure that whoever works the weekends was one of these people, but this could be a very effective and simple change if it was made a priority.
Hmm.... Something effective, but plausible.... Hmmm.....
Ending the excessive watering of the SEU campus. It has been brought to my attention that this doesn't help the entire environment, but as we often discuss in class, every step counts because it adds up over time.
So, here's the thing, the campus watering system is complex and over a huge area, however, it rains, and then we decided to allow the program to run and don't do anything about the fact that we are wasting fresh water. In a state where we will reach a problem with this faster than many other states.
What can we do about this? We need to change our computerized program, or replace ours with one that will, allow an override whenever it has recently rained and the ground will subsequently be overwatered. Again this seems small, but thousands upon thousands of gallons of water would be saved annually, not to mention the reduced water bill for the school which would very much pay off in the long run if we did need to replace our system.
Obviously, certain facilites workers woud need to be given access to the override and make sure that whoever works the weekends was one of these people, but this could be a very effective and simple change if it was made a priority.
Week 12: Pre-Post
So, in the resolution of this book, I am frustrated. As adequately described by Prof. Corrigan in class, "I am addicted to 'happy endings.'" Too many Disney Princess movies, and now I do not know what to do with a novel that doesn't end the way I would like it to.
Things to note in this half of the book: 1- Friendship. LeGuin is all about it. One critique I read about this suggested that this was in direct opposition to the "Red Scare" going on at the time, a la the "Creechie Scare." She bonds Lyubov and Selver which changes the way we are viewing Creechies overall and their threat, although it should be noted, retaliation or otherwise, they still invaded the camp. Which calls into question just how right Americans are in their pride over their heritage because we invaded the Native American's land and then punished them brutally for a long time for retaliating. And gave them blankets poisoned with small pox. But now we give them land, casinos, no laws or taxes and a ruined society, so it must be ok right?
On page 96, Selver warns Lyubov, who completely misses the warning and fails to put it in his report. Very Pearl Harbor, No? Again, a parallel to America's arrogance and pride that misses so many stumbling blocks and preventable atrocities.
Things to note in this half of the book: 1- Friendship. LeGuin is all about it. One critique I read about this suggested that this was in direct opposition to the "Red Scare" going on at the time, a la the "Creechie Scare." She bonds Lyubov and Selver which changes the way we are viewing Creechies overall and their threat, although it should be noted, retaliation or otherwise, they still invaded the camp. Which calls into question just how right Americans are in their pride over their heritage because we invaded the Native American's land and then punished them brutally for a long time for retaliating. And gave them blankets poisoned with small pox. But now we give them land, casinos, no laws or taxes and a ruined society, so it must be ok right?
On page 96, Selver warns Lyubov, who completely misses the warning and fails to put it in his report. Very Pearl Harbor, No? Again, a parallel to America's arrogance and pride that misses so many stumbling blocks and preventable atrocities.
Week 10: Post- Post
So I took all the tests, and below are the results of each test:
Carbon Footprint: 19 tons of CO2/year which is below the nation average (but 75% more than the global average, Hello America.)
Water Use: An average of 69 gallons/day and 483 gallons/month for me and my roommate
EcoConsumer Waste: this test applied very much less simply because I use every few of those products. Everything is digital these days and I have a reusable Camelbak water bottle; the only one I really use is paper towels.
What I find is that I am rather below average for most things, but that doesn't excuse me from doing my part in conserving even more. And when I say "below average" that is compared to the average Americans and we are probably the worst in the world in every category.
Carbon Footprint: 19 tons of CO2/year which is below the nation average (but 75% more than the global average, Hello America.)
Water Use: An average of 69 gallons/day and 483 gallons/month for me and my roommate
EcoConsumer Waste: this test applied very much less simply because I use every few of those products. Everything is digital these days and I have a reusable Camelbak water bottle; the only one I really use is paper towels.
What I find is that I am rather below average for most things, but that doesn't excuse me from doing my part in conserving even more. And when I say "below average" that is compared to the average Americans and we are probably the worst in the world in every category.
Week 11: Pre-Post
So I went into this reading rather enthusiastic and excited. I love novels. I devour several a week.
My perspective has changed since my initial reading (obviously, I am writing this after the class discussion). I was initially frustrated with the different styles of writing displayed but when giving it a chance and allowing that it is for the varying thought processes of each character and trying to use it as a map into each characters mind, it is instead a tool, not a hinderance.
LeGuin's goal to make Davidson hated is quickly accomplished with his arrogance and his overall lack of concern for anything or anyone. She achieves this quickly with her female audience when he calls women "prime human stock," as they arrive on a ship for population purposes. He is quickly disliked by his male audience as well though, for he fills every chauvinistic male stereotype a female has offered up in a fight of the sexes. In the beginning it is also important to note that Davidson wants to cut down the forest.
Selver is another matter, we sympathize with his plight and crusade, even if the methods seem a bit barbaric. But, we excuse them, because subconsciously we stil see them as something akin to "Ewoks" in StarWars than humans that are simply living the same intelligent lives we are, just on another planet.
I am still struck by several similarities of this piece and the technology and political environment that permeate the plot of this story (mind you written in 1972) and Ender's Game, by Orsen Scott Card (1977). In WWF, we hear of "the ansible" which is also mentioned in Ender's Game after the LeGuin's "Ansible", and it plays a pivotal role in both works. Ender's Game also has a political machine/structure lead by the Hegemon and International Fleet (IF) which is very similar to WWF's "The League."
My perspective has changed since my initial reading (obviously, I am writing this after the class discussion). I was initially frustrated with the different styles of writing displayed but when giving it a chance and allowing that it is for the varying thought processes of each character and trying to use it as a map into each characters mind, it is instead a tool, not a hinderance.
LeGuin's goal to make Davidson hated is quickly accomplished with his arrogance and his overall lack of concern for anything or anyone. She achieves this quickly with her female audience when he calls women "prime human stock," as they arrive on a ship for population purposes. He is quickly disliked by his male audience as well though, for he fills every chauvinistic male stereotype a female has offered up in a fight of the sexes. In the beginning it is also important to note that Davidson wants to cut down the forest.
Selver is another matter, we sympathize with his plight and crusade, even if the methods seem a bit barbaric. But, we excuse them, because subconsciously we stil see them as something akin to "Ewoks" in StarWars than humans that are simply living the same intelligent lives we are, just on another planet.
I am still struck by several similarities of this piece and the technology and political environment that permeate the plot of this story (mind you written in 1972) and Ender's Game, by Orsen Scott Card (1977). In WWF, we hear of "the ansible" which is also mentioned in Ender's Game after the LeGuin's "Ansible", and it plays a pivotal role in both works. Ender's Game also has a political machine/structure lead by the Hegemon and International Fleet (IF) which is very similar to WWF's "The League."
Week 5: Pre-Post
The "Birds in the City: A Field Sketchbook" intrigued me in the first place because when I began looking at it, I realize that I had assumed a "field sketch" implied that it was sketched in a field. That sounds silly, but you know how you have a preconceived idea about something no matter how silly it may really be. Anyways, So as I look through the field book, I wish that I could sketch with a pen and have such fabulous results. Now, I know the point of the piece is to just sketch. Start somewhere and observe and reflect through the tip of your pen, but I wish I had the same skill as the author clearly does. For instance, on page 84 (I'll mention this again later), the easy skill she demonstrates with perception and dimension are great.
The sketch on page 82, which shows many birds taking flight, or perhaps landing in a row of trees, is one sketch that captures the mind and lets it fly (pun intended). it is simple enough to let the mind fill in colors and ideas; is it winter and the trees are bare? Perhaps its summer and they are full of leaves. The birds, where are they going? Are they flying south? Maybe this is their year-round home.
Page 84 is a sketch of a peregrine on a rooftop and is the sketch that I mention demonstrates great skill and an easy hand at depth and perspective. She also portrays an almost quizzical expression on the peregrine. Which again, leaves the imagination open to so many paths. What is the peregrine's story? What is it doing on a rooftop in this urban setting? What does it think of all of the hustle you see on the streets below?
Her final sketch on page 86 with only the words "Birds and Their Urban Roosts," is an interesting way to end the piece. Like putting an introduction after the whole piece, but it fits. I love the simplicity, it really does seem to sum up the piece.
The sketch on page 82, which shows many birds taking flight, or perhaps landing in a row of trees, is one sketch that captures the mind and lets it fly (pun intended). it is simple enough to let the mind fill in colors and ideas; is it winter and the trees are bare? Perhaps its summer and they are full of leaves. The birds, where are they going? Are they flying south? Maybe this is their year-round home.
Page 84 is a sketch of a peregrine on a rooftop and is the sketch that I mention demonstrates great skill and an easy hand at depth and perspective. She also portrays an almost quizzical expression on the peregrine. Which again, leaves the imagination open to so many paths. What is the peregrine's story? What is it doing on a rooftop in this urban setting? What does it think of all of the hustle you see on the streets below?
Her final sketch on page 86 with only the words "Birds and Their Urban Roosts," is an interesting way to end the piece. Like putting an introduction after the whole piece, but it fits. I love the simplicity, it really does seem to sum up the piece.
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