As our life begins we learn to take baby steps

Soon we walk, and then begin to run

We learn to ride a bike

And then to drive a car

Life is always driving forward



It’s been said “Life is a Highway”

It certainly is

Sometimes we travel by foot

Others we may drive or fly

Life is always driving forward



The road maybe lonely and narrow

Or busy and wide

We may travel alone or share our journey

Our role may be passenger or driver

Life is always driving forward



Our path may be clear and well paved

Or difficult and bumpy

But no matter what

We are determined to reach our destination

Life is always driving forward



Is life really driving us forward?

What influences our choices?

Is it knowing what is waiting for us at the end of the road?

Or some driving force within our soul urging us on?

Will our destination meet our expectations?

 

As in driving, we make life choices

We choose a path we believe will bring us happiness

Roads we believe to be safe

Determined to reach our final destiny…where ever it may be

Faith is driving us forward.

        Gloria Anzaldua uses multimodal writing in “How To Tame A Wild Tongue.” She uses poetry, lists, and narratives. This method of writing accentuated her points and made the reading more interesting to me.

        Anzaldua discusses the difficulties in speaking a foreign language. She also explains how there are so many dialects to a given language. Anzaldula makes a very compelling point when she states that people define you by the language you speak. Anzaldua states, “I am my language.” She describes times in her life where she was judged based on her language. Judgments were made from other nationalities as well as from her own. Being judged affects self-esteem, and Anzaldula describes how her self esteem has been affected from language discrimination.

        Anzaldua also tells of the times when she was told to “hold her tongue” either due to her gender or dialect. She describes all the different dialects of Spanish and how depending on her audience had to select the appropriate dialect. I have never had to experience this type of issue so the reading made me aware of the yet another challenge faced by other cultures.

       A compelling statement Anzaldua made affected me deeply. She stated, “I have so internalized the borderland conflict that sometimes I feel like one cancels out the other and we are zero, nothing, no one.” This line made me recall, once again, the horrible influence discrimination inflicts on peoples’ hearts and minds.

        In today’s society, everyone is quick to make judgments. It is not solely based on language, race, or gender any more. Unfortunately, we judge on ever minute aspect of a person, diminishing their self worth. We are all guilty of judging others, as well as of being judged. As I read Anzaldua’s story I felt shame. I don’t know how we became so righteous or how we can begin to resolve this issue.

       One word that comes to mind after my reading is “Adaptation.” We must all learn to adapt to our environment. In order to adapt, acceptance and awareness are required. We must all learn to keep an open mind no matter how hard it may be sometimes. Life is one big challenge. It is how we face and embrace this challenge that defines who we are; it certainly is not the language we speak.

            I enjoyed reading James Joyce’s two chapters from his book titled Dubliners. His style of writing is different than the previous readings I read  for this course. Joyce writes his stories using a poetic style. In Joyce’s chapter titled “An Encounter,” he describes the setting using very descriptive words. I also found it unique that he does not use quotations when writing dialogue. Another techniques that I  interesting was when main character was alone, he was aware of his surroundings and describes them with great details. It made me think about the times I am alone, with nothing to do but take in my surrounds. Although these opportunities are few and far between, they always help me realize the importance of appreciating my surroundings.

          I found James Joyce’s chapter titled “Araby” the most interesting. I liked the way he poetically described the people and the streets of the neighborhood. For example, he uses alliteration when he writes, “…to the back doors of the dark dripping gardens where odours arose from the ashpits…” His word choice was descriptive making the scene come alive.

         Additionally, I loved the way he expressed the thoughts and feelings of his characters using words that “showed” their feelings rather than “telling” them. For example, Joyce writes, “Her brother always teased her before he obeyed and I stood by the railing looking at her. Her dress swung as she moved her body and the soft rope of her tossed from side to side.”  These few lines show how the main character feels about Mangan’s sister. Joyce could have written something like “I had a huge crush on Mangan’s sister.” However using poetic words and expression, you can feel his desire for the girl.

        Another aspect of the story I liked was how he alluded to certain revelations in the story. For example, he alludes to the fact that his uncle was drunk when he came home late on the night of the bizarre. Through Joyce’s description of the characters and the short dialogue, the idea of the uncle condition became clear. Once again, Joyce described the scene by showing rather than telling.

         Joyce effectively tells his stories and his writing style intrigued me.

         I enjoyed reading Wendell Berry's The Art of the Common-Place. As I was reading, Berry's chapter titled A Narrative Hill, he discussed many thought provoking topics. Berry was very effective in using nature to describe varying aspects of his life and history. I never really gave much thought to the impact our daily live has on the legacy we leave behind in the areas we live in and how the past and future all have a story to tell based on a persons location.
         Berry's connection to his childhood residence was very compelling. He explains, "I had made a significant change in my relation to the place; before, it had been mine by coincidence or accident; now it is mine by choice." Berry notes that he had great memories of his childhood residence, but now, as an adult, he views it from a different perspective. He started to view the hill with a greater perception and awareness of his surrounds. I can relate to this thought process. I can certainly remember many details about my neighborhood in South Philly. When I return to visit my parents, I see my neighborhood with different eyes. I can still see my mom and grandmother sitting on their beach chairs outside, where neighbors would come and join them to chit chat and enjoy the night air. But at the same time, I see the place as so small. So different than what I had remembered. I am sure it is because I no longer live in the city.
        As I was reading, I thought of how I could write a story of my childhood memories from my neighborhood, and compare them to what I see today. The history of my neighborhood when I was a child is so different than what it is now. I am also reminded that I am a part of my neighborhoods past history. The events that occurred when I live there are what have helped to make it the place it is today. I realized that the "mob" shootings that occurred on my street corner, or the bombing of a mob members house not too far from where I lived are all stories of the past still told today. As I was living through those times, I never looked at them as history in the making. Berry's words brought some ideas to life for me. His position on becoming one with our surroundings and taking in all the sounds, smells, and views is very captivating.
           The most intriguing part of his story was the description Berry gave of lying on the ground in the woods. At first he tells of how exciting and interesting it was to view the world from a different vantage point. He then went on to describe how he quickly began to feel as though he was one with the earth. Berry depicts the seen of how it would feel to perish there on the ground, slowly fading into the soil. His word usage and clarity of the scene description gave me chills. 
           I enjoyed his narrative. I felt he did an amazing job describing nature, as well as using nature to describe varying aspects of life.

       Of the four readings we had this past week, Gian S. Pagnucci's Living the Narrative Life: Telling Your Story was my favorite. I felt very connected to Pagnucci's thoughts and ideas. He stated, "...my hope is that as this story is read, it will jog other people's memories." I must say as a reader, his goal was achieved. As I read about Pagnucci's childhood stories, I began to recall the many memories, both good and bad, from my own childhood. Ironically, he had a few segments of his childhood that were parallel to my own. As I was reading the chapter, I began to recall a memory I had of being the hospital when I was 5years old. I had to get my tonsils out, and had to stay in the hospital for a few days. During my stay, there was a girl in my room who had been severely burned. Every morning when the nurses came in to treat her, she would cry out in pain. The thin curtain that was drawn between us did little to separate my ears, my heart, and my feelings from what was going on next to me. I cried for her and with her. Later we would go to the play room where she tried to be normal for a little while, only to go back to our room and the painful process of treatment started all over. After I had recalled this personal memory, Pagnucci discussed his hospital stay and his story was so similar I was overwhelmed with a flood of emotions.
        Pagnucci also believes, "The stories of our childhood shape us forever." I could not agree more. Pagnucci described events in his life that made him the person he is today. I know that the childrearing and experience of my past are what makes me the faith-filled, family oriented, fun-loving person I am today. Many of my childhood memories revolve around my Italian family traditions, my schooling, and my friends. Each facet of my life helped me build my own thoughts, values, and expectations. As a mother, I try to make lasting memories with my children through the lifestyle we lead. I also tell them my childhood stories. They love to hear about me and my siblings, and at the same time, I get the opportunity to recollect the good life I had, as well as  some of the trying experiences of my life.
        The Living the Narrative Life: Telling Your Own Story helped me decide how I would like to pursue my Twitterive. Through my recent Twitter experiences, I have many childhood memories and places brought to mind. I feel as though I can write an great story about my childhood memories, tying then into the person I have become. Pagnucci quotes Donald Murray as saying, " I do not think we should limit reflective narrative to a single genre." I concur. I feel as though I could write my Twitterive using lists, poetry, and art, as well as writing a few narrative memoirs of my childhood. I plan to give this writing option some deep thought and I hope to be successful in telling my story with a true writers expertise.

     Do I mind if my original posts were private and are now viewable to the public? I can honestly answer no. I original wrote my thoughts on my experiences both in writing and as a CPCE student with my audience in mind. Although I knew when I originally wrote my paper only Professor Mangini would be reading it, I wrote with an academic thought process. Since this is a writing course, I wrote in a professional manner. I wanted my thoughts to be expressed honestly, and at the same time be grammatically correct. I usually write with the belief that anyone at any time may read my work, and thus I usually don't have an exclusive feeling about my writing. Often times I have a friend peer edit my work, affirming my idea that my writing is never really private. I am not stating that I never have reason to write for a private purpose, just that during my coursework, I most often write with a public audience in mind.  

            Overall, I am enjoying my experiences as a Rowan University student. I have made many friends and have had some wonderful professors. I have grown as a person and a student through my Rowan education.

            I earned my Computer Programming degree through Peirce Junior College. The “Junior” part of the college name always made me feel as though my degree was not so impressive. The College has since changed its name to Peirce College and offers Bachelor Degree programs. I assume the college, which started out as a business school, realized the “Junior” part of the name made the school less desirable to attend. The reason I mention this point is that I feel proud to say I am a Rowan Student. I know the Rowan is an excellent college and by being a part of its excellence, I feel accomplished.

            I am older than most of my cohorts in the Elementary Education/Writing Arts Program, however, their youth has helped me stay young mentally. Physically, well that is another story. My fellow classmates have varying personalities and lifestyles, but our educational goals are the same. Therefore, we generally work well together, helping and guiding each other when necessary. Since we are all in the same classes together, and have been for the past year and a half, a sense of community has been formed. Being part of a community makes my learning experience at Rowan a pleasure.

            I am looking forward to your class. I love your story telling. I smiled through your whole class. I know my grandfather would have loved to meet you, you remind me of him. I firmly believe that a good story teller is the best writer, and your experiences in writing prove my theory to be true. I hope you never lose your drive to bring joy to others through your stories and ultimately your writing. I know you are going to teach our class new and exciting ways to perfect our writing. I welcome your insight and knowledge.

   

Writing:

            I thoroughly enjoy writing; however, I prefer narrative writing as opposed to writing a research paper. As a mom of seven children, I enjoy writing about my everyday experiences. Being Italian, I like to tell stories and focus on the details; I believe every Italian has this quality. Therefore, when I write about personal stories, I am more detail oriented and I am able to express my true self through my writing. My mother has always encouraged me to write a book about my life. If only time would allow me that opportunity. In the meantime, I tell my stories to my students. I call them, “Mrs. Murphy’s Chit Chat of the Day.” The stories are true experiences I incur on a daily basis. The stories are usually comical to my students, yet they are not always so entertaining to me since this is ‘my crazy life’ being discussed. Yet I love to laugh and hear others laugh, so it is all in good fun and serves as a form of therapy for me.

Research:

            I also like to write about hot topics that interest me. I find it much easier to write about my thoughts and feelings on a given subject, than writing about another author’s viewpoint. I believe that the best way to research a topic is to observe and listen to other people’s thoughts and ideas. The knowledge acquired, helps me to take a stance in my writing realizing the varying perspectives on the topic. I recently had the opportunity to do my own field observation and interviews for a research paper in my American Grammar class. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I know it helped me grow as a writer.

            Since I am pursuing a degree in the Education field, I like to research information and to talk to people about education. Any insight gained in this area will help me in my career. I love to learn. Through reading, writing, research and first-hand experience, I believe true knowledge is gained. To me, knowledge is the key to successful writing. If I am educated on a topic, I am able to write to my fullest potential. Therefore, if this course afforded me the opportunity to do a research paper on Education, I feel I would be able to enhance my knowledge as a future educator, as well as satisfy the writing requirements for this course.

Technology:

            According to my fellow co-workers, I am computer savvy. I also believe I am computer literate. Since technology is always being enhanced, I try to keep up to date with the increasing technological advancements. I do have a Facebook, Twitter, as well as a Blog page. Although I have had a Facebook for quite a while, Twitter and blogging are fairly new to me.

            Dr. Teston was an amazing professor who taught me a great deal about utilizing the computer to enhance my writing. Blogging has afforded me the opportunity to publish my “Mrs. Murphy’s Chit Chat of the Day” for my friends and family to enjoy. At the same time I get to experience my passion to write a narrative.

            I would love to learn how to build a website. It has always been of interest to me and I always enjoy learning new things. I would be remiss not to state that I have an associate’s degree in Computer Program, but at the same time I am ashamed to admit this attribute. My degree was earned at a time when computer programming involved punch cards and data entry. Yet through all the computer advancements, I have always kept my enthusiasm for learning about computers. I enjoy working with the hardware as well as the software, something that impresses my family and friends. To me, no feat is too hard to accomplish if you have a strong desire to achieve your goal. 

Although this is not my first experience with blogging, it is my first experience with using blogging through a personal website. I look forward to posting many insightful experiences on this blog post.