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BLOG #10

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Hope you enjoy my story. Because of the length and limit on slides I had to edit or shorten my story. BLOG 10!

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Blog #9

So my revision process is a little different since I seem to have misunderstood the assignment. I did not write about my project but rather rewrote my google map essay. So I am actually starting from scratch. :-) We will see how this goes, but i’m not TOO worried, since I have been told I am not a horrible writer haha. 

Semester is almost over....YASSSSSS!

Almost there....

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Blog #8

I have a had a hectic last few weeks. Nothing but essays and research for this Grad program I decided to dedicate MOST if not all my time into. Violin lessons, Taekwondo training, drum lessons, swim practice lol it seems never ending... I have also been planning the trunk-o-treat fro my kids Taekwondo studio. I had posted prior about time management and using a planner. My planner is my best friend! If it wasn't for it I would forget it all. I even remind my self to sleep haha.... While doing the research for my project I came across Clayton County community food resources. There is assistance out there for those in need as well as those trying to open temporary food establishments. Just a reminder to all we've come this far, LETS FINISH WHAT WE STARTED and reach our goals.

https://www.claytoncountypublichealth.org/environmental-health/food-service/

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Blog 7

So this was fun! I hope you enjoy my wild adventure. I had a hard time coming up with a story to write about but after hours of thinking I remembered this crazy adventure me and my best friends went on before I grew up ;-) . I have not told this story in a while so reminiscing was fun :-) As I stated on my previous blogs, I love traveling, always have, and have so many stories to tell.

Also, the topless friend wasn't 100% topless, she had a bra and a pool towel on. ENJOY!

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1Kf8X4B4L2UFUJtH9EVbQaXWxHbmakIQs&usp=sharing

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Blog post 6 collage

Hey everyone!!! So this was one of the less stressful and fun assignments! It didn't take me long to get these pictures of “self representation” on this collage. The only issue I came across was finding a program that would allow me to do it digitally. With minimal to no research I found turboCollageLite in the applestore on my Mac book, it’s free and simple to use. I wanted to do it the more hands on way and cut and paste but I couldn't get my hands on magazines or fliers. Then I was thinking of printing, cutting and pasting images but then I considered the expense of ink haha.... Anyway this was fun! Heres a little about me, my history and what I am about.

I am married and all about family. I love my children and love their accomplishments (I show them off whenever I can). I am a Disney fan, love camping and traveling. I am originally from New York City, Jamaica, Queens to be exact, Hence the pizza ;-) I am a student at Clayton State and also a student teacher. I am currently on leave to finish my Masters but I work for the greatest airline out there :-) think that ones pretty obvious haha.....

As far as my project goes, although I haven’t been able to start up my own project YET as I had wanted to, I have still donated and volunteered this week.

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Blog 5 Bump in the road (or wall of legos)

So I did plan to host the event yesterday for the “Sandwich Project” but that didn't happen. As a graduate student, student-teacher and mother, I once again ran into the issue of time. I fell so behind in reading assignments and many due dates crept up on me faster then I expected. I do plan on hosting this event but currently I need to focus on catching up and finishing up this semester. I will plan to host the event before Nov. but for now I am focused on school and my children (and their many extracurricular activities). 

Life is a beautiful thing. Everyday you wake up is a new chance to be great. Always remember you never know what anyone is going through especially if they walk around with a smile, or when they make it a point to show a side of them that seems as if everything is perfect. I had an interesting conversation with a peer earlier this week. Little did I know they were struggling with anxiety of everyday life stressors. He seemed to be near the point of a mental break down. Now, I am no psychologist or therapist but I seem to be a pretty good listener and advice giver (I wish I would take my own advice sometimes). I sat with him and we talked; A planner filled with sticky notes and 2 hours later he seemed to be at ease. Planned his next 3 weeks and all his “To Do’s” seemed to be penciled in. Everything is about orgnaization, organizing your life and time will make for a smoother day, week, month, life. It can start with organizing your desk, your closet or your bedroom just to make you feel as if you are in control. I don't know about anyone else but when I stress or think I have too much on my plate I stop and analyze the situation. I make a list of what has to be done, I may sometimes even schedule time to think about the things that have to get done. Seems like I schedule time to stress lol IF that makes sense. But it works! Having organization around me leaves me with little chaos and focus.  Anyway, I say all this to say. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We all want to do all these different things but can never seem to find the time or have enough time. Maybe if we look at our goals and prioritize what needs to get done before our wants we can live a less stressful life. Make time to think about what we want in the long run. Good luck on everyones projects! Ill try again soon!

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Blog 4 Research

While doing this research blog I came across some very interesting information. The “Sandwich Project” was actually started by members of a Catholic Church in Decatur. The original project is called the “Decatur Sandwich Project” anyone can register to volunteer at their own time. I will include the link at the end of this blog. The project was started to feed the homeless and less fortunate. Although this is not a large project such as Feed America, it is a community outreach program. Every little bit help!

It is said that larger programs such as “Feeding America” provides over 4.3 billion meals annually, helping 1 in 7 Americans facing hunger live more secure and stable lives. It is important to support programs such as these because so many families don't have enough food to support their families. it is stated on their website that 40 million people, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors get serviced bye these programs. Another benefit of this larger organization is the research that is done to end hunger and the support it gives smaller, community food banks.

Sandwich Project – Volunteer Opportunity! Looking for a service activity for your family? Decatur Sandwich Project is coordinated by one of our STM parishioners and is an easy way ohelp make a big impact feeding the homeless in our larger community. Any or every Wednesday, you can help by making sandwiches and or providing fruit / granola bars to be distributed to homeless shelters, low-income senior citizen homes, and foster children.  It is a great activity to do with kids. Learn more and sign up here. 

Cites:

https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/why-feeding-america?

https://www.stmgaparish.org/social-justice/

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Blog 3 progress/obstacles

So as far as progress goes, I have been coordinating with the original founder of the sandwich program to set up my first main event to introduce everyone to what the cause is. We have decided on Wed 9/22. I am excited and currently working on getting all our volunteers and funding. I have a local business willing to host our sandwich making as they have big enough space to host, make sandwiches and refrigerators to hold everything till Thursday when we drop them off at the local shelters and family emergency housing centers. 

As I stated before time is the only thing I run out of. I am working on my Student teaching internship and ESOL endorsement. I am loving this experience in the classroom. My first time teaching and I feel like I learn something new from these kids everyday. I am doing this, while taking this English class and other MAT requirements courses...Oh yea and raising two small humans lol all while growing another one haha...

   I am TIRED! but I am also excited to see how this even turns out and looking forward to all the people that we will be helping.

lol Just kidding I am loving my internship experience in the classroom. Children are funny! haha

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Blog 2 progress/obstacles

Hello again everyone! just realized in my first post I never really introduced myself. I went right in to telling you about me. Ok well my name is Janira. As I stated before I am in the MAT program for English. This class is actually my last requirement for English content. GRADUATION here I come!!

Ok well as far as progress goes; I have started volunteering with an organization that delivers sandwiches to the greater Atlanta area. They collect sandwiches on Wednesday and distribute on Thursday. I had originally reached out to some close friends asking for $3 each. I figured 10 friends $3 I would have about $30 plus my $10 dollar donation I was set to make at least 40 sandwiches (4-5) bags of bread. 

Anyway, I decided to try and see what results I would get if I reached out on other social platforms; facebook, instagram, snapchat etc.... And the outcome was AMAZING!! My children and I made about 3x what we had planned to make! And I still had some donation money left over (i’m not keeping it lol I started an envelope for future events). I had different people and even a local business reach out to me here in Clayton County (where I live) wanting to participate as a group. I am so excited to get this project started. I spoke to the lady in charge of the original organization who said she would assist me in getting this program started on my side of town. She said I wouldn't have much competition because there aren't many programs on the Clayton County/Henry County side.

As far as obstacles go I had to face reality and realize TIME was limited. Wed my children and I woke up to make the sandwiches 30min earlier than usual. THIS WASN’T ENOUGH TIME. 

My son missed the school bus (I had to drop him) and then I ended up making almost 100 sandwiches on my own after the kids left to school. Then I had to drive to Decatur to drop them off. Mind you I am 6 months pregnant and I was exhausted haha.... 

Since this project has already seemed to get bigger than expected, I will make sure to have more help/volunteers for the next project. I did enjoy it though! I have been trying to get something started for a while just wasn't sure where to begin. 

Hope everyone else has found a project or volunteer commitment! If not, I can use some help on a few Wednesdays coming up (don't have exact dates though). We will be meeting in Clayton County and Henry County. Feel free to email me for more information! Jcordova1@student.clayton.edu

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Blog 1 choosing a project

Hello all!! So I am an English major, finishing up my Masters. have had the experience of blogging on a weekly basis in one of my last semester courses. This time around It was somewhat more difficult to get started after taking a break; but once I got going my thoughts just started flowing out. As far as my project goes I am still thinking about it. In the past, I would volunteer my Sundays by going out and feeding the homeless with an organization. My two school aged children had recently asked me when we could go back out and do it again. Like many others, the pandemic has kept us indoors and away from other people. This semesters project will give me yet another reason to go out and help the less fortunate. 

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blog post 10

This was an interesting semester. I have to say one of toughest yet. Not just because of poetry but more so with everything else going on around me . I enjoyed writing poetry and learning about the different styles and techniques. For the first time I was able to express myself in writing. This form of writing was therapeutic and it helped me get through many my own thoughts. I realized that although here are different styles and technique I prefer free verse. I like to just put my thoughts down or tell a story in  narrative form. Although its free verse or just my expression in writing I learned to put detail in my writing to help the reader see hear and feel what I am saying. Using repetition and vivid language I am able to help the reader feel what I am saying. I enjoyed poetry and will continue to work on it. I will continue to walk with my note book and just write when I feel something is worth telling about. The feed back I have received through this course will go with me and I will keep it in mind when writing

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Blog post 9

Although I have had a tough semester I have to admit that Dr. Byrd’s class has helped to express some of the pent up emotions I been unable to share. I have some exciting news that I am unable to share because it is too early. Writing poetry has helped me get some of that “want” to talk about it out of my system.  I am currently finishing up my poetry portfolio assignment  and while reflecting on my work throughout the semester I realize that I enjoy writing poetry. I prefer to write free verse and just express myself. Some of the assignments were not easy but it has taught me to  write with style and using an outline or structure. I am still trying to figure out how to open a submittable account. I am hesitant to submit my work to a magazine. I don't believe I am ready for that, but lets see what happens. 

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Blog Post 8

When i thought about Sonnets, Shakespeare came to mind. This was not necessarily a positive thought. I would relate him to drama or depressing plays where both young lovers die at the end. I was able to write my Sonnet with emotion and feeling. Not so much depression but deep emotion. I see sonnets differently.  Haikus however hit me a little different. This brings me back to my elementary school days where my first memory of Haiku lays. I did believe I was going to have a tough time writing my Haiku, but I was wrong. I just wrote out my poem, cut and edited a few times to get my last result. I found it to be a good one! An expression or story of me. Easier then I anticipated it. It was actually enjoyable.

New Beginning (Sonnet)

 Standing, thoughts racing, what my life would be

Smell of fresh cut grass, view of autumn dew

Brisk air outside but warm feelings within

My mom fixing my hair as I got dressed

 Can it be heard? The pounding of my heart

Questioning, was this the right thing to do

In love and I knew no greater feeling

Scared but ready to walk that aisle to you

 White dress, Orange yellow flowers in hand

On my father’s arm, walked to my future

Nervous but hid it with a smile to fool

Anxious feeling, but calm and slow walking

 New beginning, my husband, my true love

Sweet October memories, new freedom.

 The walk (Haiku)

 Scared of the unknown

Read to walk down the aisle

New beginning, wife

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Blog 7

Faded memories Janira Ricketts

What did it take from me? You. Your love. Warm soft touch of your hand. Smell of your cologne when our bodies were wrapped together. Our walks through the park. Like two children, how we rolled around in the snow. Although faded; What remains? Image of Your smile. Memories we made. Image of us. Sound of your laugh. Hurt of not having you here. Lonely cold nights.

This poem was by far the easiest poem to write. I was very satisfied with my poem and the idea and meaning behind it. As I continue to write and do my poetry assignments I notice that I have many internal ideas and reservations I have not expressed. This is the first time I have to write poetry and use this form of expression not shared with anyone. I find that my true feelings and past ideas flow much easier than I would have thought. I am a  lover not a fighter lol and this is something I did not realize. I would be so reserved and keep so many feelings to myself that this form of expression is showing me a side of me I may have knew was there but did not allow out. This is an amazing feeling; to sit back and express these possibly suppressed memories. Or like the quote above, laying in bed thinking back to possibly forgotten memories. Thinking about all the things you may not have displayed to those around you. A list of the ideas from a faded memory.

My list poem is a list of emotions that came to me one nigh when I was just in bed. I was reminiscing about a past boyfriend. Although he passed away years after our relationship the faded memories seemed to resurface. I received news that he passed away suddenly in a car accident just recently. We were young and in love; all the feelings of having him with me and then the feelings when I lost him contributed to my poem.

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Persona Poem blog #6

I thought the persona poem would be difficult. I sat there and thought about it for hours before I came up with my character. I couldn’t make sense of writing poetry or anything as someone else. How I chose my character is actually funny; at least to me. I was sitting at my kitchen table and my 14yr old asked me what I was doing for homework. So I told her about the persona poem and how I needed to choose a character or mythical creature. This opened a conversation about how much she enjoys Greek mythology. She started telling me all these stories about the Gods and Goddess, and how and why. I found one particular story interesting and decided to take notes as she spoke. We talked for a while and when she went to bed I began to research my chosen character as well as the others in the story. Originally I was going to write from Cronus’ view but then decided it would be more interesting to tell the story from Titaness Rhea’s point of view. I decided this because the story is about him, even when my daughter was telling the story she spoke about him not about her. This was truly an interesting assignment. I would have never thought about this on my own because I was not very interested in Greek Mythology. In the beginning I did not understand or even believe that we needed to research to do this assignment but I was wrong. Research was very important so that You can add the necessary details to write as someone else. I mean, how can you pretend to be someone if you don't know anything or at least basic information about them.

Man Eater

Janira Ricketts

 At first, I let him get away with it

my babies, my children.

I could not bear another one,

not again.

 The prophecies. The reason

why he did not want his sons,

his daughters to outlive him.

 The possibility of being overthrown,

by his own children.

The way he did his own father.

 Giving life to this infant, with hope.

Hope of,

having a different outcome unlike his previous siblings

survival

seeing him again, in the near future.

 To save him from the man eater.

His father, his creator.

He should have brought no harm.

 With help I saved My baby.

The sky God and Earth Goddess,

helped avert his would be end.

 The man eater indulged in what would be Zeus.

Instead a swaddled boulder.

Not again.

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blog 5

“Poems are not songs and songs are not poems” (p90). Our text book says that there is a clear distinction with poems and music. Music is accompanied by instruments and voice. Poetry unless performed has just a voice. That is where rhythm comes in. Song lyrics can be poetic but page poetry is dependent on rhythm. Using different rhetorical devices can help the poem flow. I never thought about rhythm as a calming or comfort and stability. It help with predictability and how the poem sounds out loud. This is why it is good to read out loud more then once when revising. never knew there was so much that goes into writing page poetry.