Week 2 Story: Curse of the Praying Mantis

The Curse of the Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis (Open Photo)

Note: An updated version of this story can be found at my portfolio website

https://sites.google.com/site/monasstorycollection/home

One of nature’s viscous creatures is the praying mantis.  Although the insect is a sleek and elegant creature, few people know how it came to be.  The following account is a tale that has been lost over time, but recently was rediscovered in an ancient temple near Amritsar.  For fans of folk lore please enjoy the Curse of the Praying Mantis.

On the island of Lanka, a tribe of female goblins know as, rakshasis, controlled it and the surrounding waters.  By casting a glamour these demon females hunted their favorite delicacy, man flesh.  Not only did they enjoy the taste of flesh, but they also craved a man’s companionship.  The goblin tribe thought that the more a man trusted his companion, the sweeter his flesh tasted.  Therefore, the hunt happened in four stages.  First, the female goblins caused shipwrecks at the narrow straight near Lanka island.  Second, as the sailors washed ashore the female demons would attend to all the sailors needs.  Third, the goblins would bide their time until the sailors claimed them as wives.  Fourth, was the great feast, in which the men realized to late that they were nothing but a demon’s meal.

Overtime, the rakshasis’ appetites became insatiable.  Soon not one trade ship survived the narrow straight.  Which became a major concern to the capital city on the main land.  Food, textiles, and other supplies never arrived. The result was an epidemic of famine, crime, sickness, and death.  As the capital city citizens cried for relief from their pain and suffering, Saraswati answered the call.

Saraswati in her infinite wisdom descended upon goblin city.  Her mission involved justice for the lost lives, and punishment for to the rakshasis.  Her course of action was swift, final, and absolute.  Saraswati proclaimed that the female demons’ glamour abilities were to be stripped.  The goblin queen declared that they only acted according to their nature and should not be condemned.  Saraswati, not one to be outwitted stated that the demon tribe will be transformed. Much to the rakshasis’ displeasure, they were forever locked in their true form, but on a smaller scale.  So, the entire tribe became praying mantises.

Authors Note
For this story I focused on plot changes.  For example, instead of a fairy I chose Saraswati the goddess of wisdom.  I also through in a plot twist that explained the origin of the praying mantis.  Similar to old myths that tried to explain things before the scientific method was the standard.  

Goblin City from The Giant Crab, and Other Tales from Old India, by W. H. D. Rouse
https://sites.google.com/view/jatakas/goblins

Reading Notes: Jatakas, Goblin City

Buddha as Mendicant by Abanindro Nath Tagore (Indian Epics: Images)

Notes on Goblin City from The Giant Crab, and Other Tales from Old India, by W. H. D. Rouse

         https://sites.google.com/view/jatakas/goblins

About Goblins:

1. rakshasas are males
2. rakshasis are female
3. Goblin City is based on female goblins
4. powers include shape shifting
5. goal is to lead men astray
6. they are carnivorous
7. two-faced, show kindness, but they are not

About Sailors:

1. they are the goblins victims
2. they are lucky
1. captain woke up and discovered the goblins plan
2. like all good fairy tales, the fairy godmother saves the day
3. winged horse saved the captains followers, not the doubters

Reading Options

Ganga (India Epics Images)

The image I selected for this post is Ganga.  I like it because she seems friendly.  I am looking forward to reading Ramayana.  More than likely I will read the PDE version, since it has images. I am a firm believer in the saying a picture says a thousand words.  Also, I will probably read several of the Amar Chita Katha Comics.  The comic about Indra and Shachi sounds exciting.  Finally, I would not mind reading about the goddess of destruction Kali.  I stumbled onto an image of her, and she struck my curiosity.  Kali's image can be found on the Indian Epics: Images and PDE Epics blog.

Time Strategies

Time getting away (Flickr)

I read two interesting articles about time management and procrastination.  The first article I read was How to Beat Procrastination written by Caroline Webb.  I chose this one because I have a tendency to procrastinate.  I think I will try to tie accomplishing work and assignments with a reward.  Also, I will try to break up a large task into smaller ones.  The second article I read was 3 Steps to Recapture Time written by Joynicole Martinez.  I like the first 15 minutes idea.  It seems like a good way to the day by thinking about what must be done that day.  Also, I like the idea that is alright to say no when things are busy.

Learning Technology

Getting better with computers (Cartoon Computer)

Honestly, I am looking forward to learning more about the different types of software we will use in this class.  It will help make things interesting.  Personally, I think it will be good for me to get more familiar and comfortable working with computers. 

Assignment, End of Week 1

Based on what I have learned so far about this class, it seems like it will be fun.  I like the fact that there are activities, and not just 16 weeks of reading comprehension.  I'm looking forward to the creative writing portion of the class.  It is a pleasant change from all the STEM classes that my degree requires.  I might try some tech tips extra credit.  I'm not that technologically hip.  So I want to apply my growth mindset, and learn more about web based technology.

Enjoy the cat meme.  Because honestly, who doesn't like memes?

Growth Mindset and Feedback Cats Blog (Cat Index)

Growth Mindset, Challenge Accepted

I have never heard of Carol Dweck or her growth mindset concept until I watched the three assigned videos and visited the Growth Mindset and Feedback Cats blog.  Overall, I think its a neat idea.  It encourages people to never be complacent.  Personally, I think I have more of a growth mindset, than a fixed mindset.  If I felt that my intelligence was fixed I would not be in school majoring in engineering.  I would remain an airplane mechanic until I reach retirement age.

Growth mindset seems like it is a good way to face any challenge while at school.  It helps the student know that it is alright if you do not understand a concept right away.  This is good for me because I learn through repetition.  It will help me increase my patience for difficult subjects like control systems and flight mechanics.

Growth Mindset Cat (Mindset Blog Cat Index)

On a side note I chose the above cat meme because it reminds me of one my favorite quotes from Dune, by Frank Herbert.  "I must not fear.  Fear is the mind-killer."

Introduction to a Busy Lady

Greetings to all my fellow classmates!  Honestly, I’m not sure where to start this introduction blog.  I guess I can start with the standard basics.  First, my name is Ramona Manzanares.  Second, my current occupation is being an aircraft mechanic.  Third, I am a junior majoring in aerospace engineering.  The following are random facts about myself.  My sun sign is Virgo.  At the age of 36, I have never known a world without MTV.  Although, I must confess, I am not very technologically hip.  This is the first time I have ever taken an online course or blogged.  So far it has been quite a learning experience.

Now I will try to make this next bit interesting, because I must elaborate on my love of airplanes.  For the last 14 years I have been employed as an airplane mechanic.  Personally, I think airplanes are one of mankind’s greatest accomplishments.  The reason being is that a land bound animal gained the ability to fly simply by understanding and applying the laws of physics.  Most of the aircraft I have worked on are passenger and cargo jets.  Below is a picture of the first aircraft I ever worked on, the Bombardier CRJ-200.

CRJ 200, the first jet I ever worked on (Wikimedia Commons)

As much I enjoy being a mechanic I cannot do it until retirement.  It is physically demanding and as I grow older my body is wearing out.  So, I am attending OU part time while working part time.  Aerospace engineering is a logical choice because I have no wish to leave the aviation industry.  If all goes well I should graduate in spring 2022.

In the little spare time I have between work and school, I like to pursue my favorite hobby.  So, my favorite hobby is collecting hobbies.  The following is a brief list of hobbies I have collected over the years.  Jewelry making, cake decorating, crochet, embroidery, needle point, painting, sewing, yoga, car repair, and dog training.  I guess I try to be well rounded.  In the future I plan to take a furniture making class at the Moore Norman Vocational School.  That way I can learn how to use my grandfather’s shop smith.

Well that pretty much sums up my current comings and goings.  Hopefully I did not make this blog to boring for you guys.  I will see you in the next post!

My Three Favorite Storybooks From Past Students

My favorite storybook is Rakshasa Stone Magazine, written by Sana Masood.  The first thing that caught my attention about it is the graphic on the homepage.  It kind of reminds me of The Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover.  Rakshasa Stone Magazine cover is shown below.

Storybook cover art (Rakshasa Stone Magazine)

It is festive without being overwhelming.  Also, I got a chuckle out of the Rolling Stone magazine tribute.  It offers a quick idea of what the storybook is about.  The monthly editor’s note, or introduction, gives more detailed information that is briefly covered on the magazine cover.  It also gives an entertain and detailed introduction to the stories.  Plus, the fact that the storybook follows the traditional structure of magazines makes it very user friendly.

My second favorite storybook is Korean Tales, Kindle of the Kinfolk, by Bryan Muse.  I really liked the introduction.  It thoroughly established the two main view points as characters.  Also, it was interesting to have the brothers as the sun and the moon, with opposite characteristics.  The storybook has a very simple background, which is good.  The art work has a subtle color scheme, so the background does not overpower it.  Finally, I really like how the author included the Korean language in the titles.

My third favorite storybook is Fairy Godmother: Dairy Thief, by Kaytie Markfort.  The thing that first caught my attention was the artwork.  Shrek is one of my favorite animated films, so I had to investigate further.  I really liked the introduction, because it was written in the first person by a character who is always secondary.  The diary concept allows a fresh perspective on characters that have been well known to me since childhood.  This storybook is a breath of fresh air.  Also, I really like the simple background and art work.  It reminds me the fairy tale storybooks from my childhood.

Storybook links:

Rakshasa Stone Magazine

Korean Tales, Kindle of the Kinfolk

Fairy Godmother: Dairy Thief

My Home Away from Home, Santa Fe, My Favorite Place

Santa Fe, New Mexico is where the majority of my family lives.  I always return once a year to visit, usually in the summer.  Although the city does not change much it never gets old.  A typical visit always includes lots of eating, visiting, and enjoying all Santa Fe has to offer.  Since my family loves to eat we have massive family dinners.  The menu includes chili, beans, lamb, and flan.  Then we sit outside watch the sunset, while being surrounded by the Sangre de Christo Mountains.  Every Saturday morning the family gets up early to go to the farmers market.  At least once I go to the plaza, and visit the Governor's Palace.  Also, I enjoy going on hikes in the mountains.  It is so pretty and peaceful.  

Santa Fe, New Mexico (Wikimedia Commons)

blog posting test

This is the first time I have ever tried to blog.  Hopefully it will work out.