Final Class Evaluation Blog

1. The blog definitely was the most helpful in the development of my skill as a writer. Although I didn’t complete all of the posts, it helped me to free write rather than writing over periods of time. I was able to sit down and write until my time was up or until I hit 500 words. I never knew I could write 500 words in 25 minutes! I’ve definitely learned how to be more fluent and how to take criticism (the comments on my blog posts) and really utilize it to strengthen my work. Blogging was a great way to improve my writing weekly.
2. I suppose I could be a weirdo and continue to blog by answering the supplemental prompts… (no offense to anyone who plans on doing this). No, I think I will just free write more. Write whatever is on my mind and share it with anyone who will read and critique it. Maybe I could write my own prompts and then write to my own guidelines?
3. The reading in this course helped me to learn different writing styles and also that it’s okay to be a part of your writing. I was always told I needed to keep myself out of my writing and so the reading in this course taught me that it really is acceptable to engage myself in my writing. I loved “Roosterfish” by VanAuken, “The Knife” by Selzer, and “Black” by Alexander Theroux. I loved these pieces because the authors were all really passionate about their subjects. I love how much research VanAuken and Theroux did to include in their work and the information was interesting and the authors made it more engaging. Selzer’s writing captivated me because it reminded me of Edgar Allan Poe, who is my favorite poet because of how dark his writing is. I love writing that has true emotion in it, but more specifically sadness, anger, depression, frustration, etc. In my opinion, writing that has those kinds of emotions behind it is some of the best work that can ever be done because I think those emotions bring out our true selves. These pieces taught me that I should be passionate about what I’m writing and willing to take the time to doctor it and really let it grow. I should do research and incorporate it in an interesting and engaging way, rather than just through quotes and facts at my readers.
4. The writing process I found most beneficial was simply sitting down and writing everything on my mind about the topic. I can’t write over periods of time I have to write start to finish, which is probably a major flaw, but I think it gets the job done when I’m writing a short essay. I think I could improve by using an actual writing process, such as doing a pre-write, brainstorm, first draft, second draft, etc. I don’t edit my essays nearly as much as I should.
5. The blog has been beneficial to me because I’ve been able to open up more in my writing and show that I can write, though I may need help at times or need to be guided to the right path. It’s showed me that I can write on the spot, I don’t have to think about what I’m going to write beforehand and that I really should just start writing rather than putting it off or overanalyzing. It’s hard to explain how it’s done this for me, but I’ve just learned to be more carefree about my writing rather than sticking to the stupid high school rules and having fun with my writing; exploring my mind’s true potential.
6. My favorite assignment of the semester was the essay we wrote on a quotidian topic. I really enjoyed writing about the connection I have with books and how books have freed my formerly tortured mind and soul. I was able to open up more and it was like a release for me, really.
7. My favorite parts of the class were the times we did workshops. I liked discussing my classmate’s writing with them and I truly loved editing their work. I may not always be the best writer but I do know that I can edit almost anything and be content with what I’ve done and I think that workshopping helped me to realize my editing potential.
8.The final portfolio will be beneficial to me because I’m actually going to have to sit down and edit my work even more (which I dread). It will help improve my essays/blogs and it will also help me to learn that revision can be good. I think differently about my work because of the final portfolio because I realize that I have to re-vamp all of my work; everything must be improved and possibly extended. It’s caused me to reflect on what I’ve written also and ask myself whether or not I need to go back and look at every comment anyone has ever given me on that piece; mainly thoughts on what needs to be done and how much work I have ahead of me.
9. Submitting my work to a public audience is beneficial because I can receive feedback on that work and also share my thoughts with others. Getting feedback will only help me to improve my writing (unless the feedback sucks… then it won’t help at all).
10. If I were to take this class again, I would do my homework. That’s all I’d change.
11. I have learned that it is okay to be personal and that there should not always be rules to writing (as far as format and creativity go). This will help me if I decide to keep on writing, but it will also help me in daily conversation. It’s taught me to let my guard down sometimes and let people have a glimpse of my thoughts.
12. Here’s what I wrote for class today:
· Engaging/relatable
· Flows well
· Good topic – one that hasn’t been done before
· Not cliché
· Not always a happy ending – CREATIVE
· Invent new things
· Voice is apparent
The elements that I wrote that make up good writing are characteristics I look for in a book I’m going to read. If the subject is lame or just something that has been done over and over again, I won’t read it. I like books that are engaging, but I don’t like reading books that are always happy. Who wants to read a book about how perfect someone’s life is or how wonderful and amazing the main character is? A series that comes to mind is the Series of Unfortunate Events books. I love those books because everything always goes wrong! They’re creative and unique rather than a cut out of the perfect life and the author has a voice! The author is in the book the whole time, as the narrator. I love it! It’s exactly how I wish I could write and maybe I could someday write that way. I’d like my writing to have these kinds of characteristics because I think that it will make the things I write more memorable. There are so many princess stories that it’s hard to keep track of them all. I want to write inspiring things, things that make the reader think, things that make them cry or angry; I think my list of skills can accomplish this. I think I really struggle with showing that I have a voice and that I’m a part of whatever it is that I’m writing. If I can work on that, I think I will be much better off and I think I can practice this by just starting out writing strictly about myself and then moving outward more to broader things.
13. I love rush writes, sometimes. The end.

Kara Lohberg
1,306 words (in case anyone was wondering...)

13 questions

What was most helpful to your development as a writer, reader, and thinker? Why?

The most helpful thing for my development as a writer, reader, and thinker was the workshops probably.  It helped me because it helped me to see other points of view.  Workshops also helped me by people telling me what needed to be explained more when I already knew what I was talking about but some couldn't follow my train of though or knew what I meant.  Lastly, I think workshops helped me become more open to people criticizing my work.  I have always been somewhat defensive and offended when someone told me I needed to change something but I have become more open-minded and accepting of constructive criticism.

What can you do to continue/improve this development?

I think I will continue the idea of workshopping by having other people read my papers before I turn them in.  This will help me understand what I have missed and what needs to be explained more.  It will also help me see my mistakes and help me learn about what/what not to do in my writing.

What did you learn from the reading in this course? Which essay(s) did you enjoy the most? Why? What did it teach you about good writing?

I learned from the reading in this course that you can pretty much write about anything if you have much to say about it plus some personal experiences to throw in.  None of the essays were my favorite because there were so many good ones to read.  I loved the ones with sarcasm and humor though, they were the most entertaining for me.  

Describe the writing process that you find most beneficial for you. Why does it work? How can it be improved?

The most beneficial writing process for me is to sit down and just put out a rough draft so I have most everything on the paper that I want.  Then I go through and reread what I have done and fix minor errors and sentences that I think are awkward.  The next best thing for me is to have it edited by someone else so I can get more insight as to what needs to be fixed.  I make all the changes that people suggest, then go through it again and make sure the whole thing flows for me.  I make changes here and there to what I like and then I'm done.  It works because I get to edit it as well as someone else so it becomes better.  It could be improved with a lot more revising sessions thrown in.

How has the blog been beneficial to you as a writer and as a person? How? Why?

The blog has been beneficial to me as a writer because it has taught me to just write.  It taught me the true meaning of essaying, just put all your thoughts on a page.  As a person, well I am more rounded now.  Before I was just good at writing five paragraph essays right and left because that is how I had been trained since junior high school.  But this taught me more about actual writing and I enjoyed learning something new.

What was your favorite assignment of the semester? Why?

My favorite assignment of the semester was the first essay we wrote, the personal essay.  I loved this because it was fun for me and I got to write about something that I loved.  It was easier than the other essays because I knew what I was talking about and it didn't have to be 10 pages long.

What was your favorite part of class? Why?

My favorite part of the class was being able to get to know people.  In my other classes all we do is take notes during the lecture and then we leave.  There is no time to learn about other people or talk about funny things.  I really liked being able to get to know people.  By getting to know people better I understood their writing styles better and it just made the class a lot more fun.

How is the final portfolio beneficial to you? How do you think differently about your writing because of it?

The portfolio... I am not exactly sure how it is beneficial to me.  I know that I will never really look at it because I just don't go back and read my old writings.  Perhaps someday my kids will find it in the bottom of a box somewhere and laugh at the things I chose to write about.  Or maybe they will be impressed with my writing skills--all depends on the literacy level of America in those days.  But I see no benefit for me to have a book of things I have written.  I think I will try to make all the pieces that are going in as good as I can possibly get them in the amount of time I have.

Why is submitting your work to a public audience (on the blog and to journals, etc.) beneficial?

I guess submitting my work to a public audience is beneficial because who knows?  Maybe I will have to do that sort of stuff one day.  Probably not, but it was good to learn how to do that sort of thing if I ever want or need to.  It also was beneficial because I had to really think about what I was writing and think, "Would someone really want to read this?  What can I do to make it readable?"

If you were to take this class again, what would you want to change and what would you want to keep?

The only thing I would change about the class is the reading.  Sometimes we had two essays to read that took a half hour each and the reading just wasn't enjoyable anymore.  I liked reading the essays but sometimes they were just so lengthy it was really boring.  I think that the reading should be cut down to one essay per class period so that students enjoy it more.  Everything else I liked!

What did you learn in this class that you will apply to other situations? How?

The thing that will help me most in other situations is my writing process.  I really should always use someone else to edit my paper because it can only get better.  It will help me make sure that my papers are clear and understandable while still sounding educated.

What makes good writing? Why? Give examples. How can you contribute to that sphere of good writing?

Good writing: visual imagery, feels like the author is not speaking in a superior manner, humor, easy to read (not like you're trudging through mud), and I can't think of anything else at the moment.  Examples of good writing were essays like Rooster Fish that kept me entertained and were fun to read instead of a chore.  I can contribute to that sphere of good writing by figuring out how to write and make the whole piece flow and keep the reader entertained.

Anything else you need to get out about the class.

I have had a love/hate relationship with this class.  At times I loved everything and I loved learning how to write in new styles and feeling like I could create something great.  Other times I was in the depths of despair because I would look at my work (which I though was good) with markings all over the page and comments saying that I needed to add a ton of information for the reader to understand.  But overall I have enjoyed the class because I learned a lot about writing and how to actually do it.

Questions

1. What was most helpful to your development as a writer, reader, and thinker? Why? There were a few things I found most helpful during this semester. First the rush writes, they got my mind moving and helped me think of some ideas a probably wouldn’t think about if I were to just write. I think the blog helped a lot too because I was able to write then read what other people wrote on the same prompt. Their response was usually different then mine and I found it entertaining. I could read and respond which also helps improve my reading skills. The blog was probably the most helpful thing we did this semester. 
2. What can you do to continue/improve this development? I think the best way I can continue the things I have learned is to keep writing. Even if its only a couple times a week writing creatively helps to give me new ideas about boring things I may have to write about. I can also keep reading things from my peers and from other essayists to find things I can do better and find things I like. 
3. What did you learn from the reading in this course? Which essay(s) did you enjoy the most? Why? What did it teach you about good writing? I learned that the essay is much more complex without the structure they teach you in High school. There is deeper thinking involved but it is still organized. I also learned that essays can and should be fun. I enjoyed “To all those who say write what you know’ and“Rooster Fish” those are the two that stand out in my mind. The first I enjoyed because it was poetry in essay form and it was the first essay I read like this. The second helped me realize that research papers don’t have to be boring. They can be personal yet informational and fun. From both essays I learned that putting yourself in the writing can help enhance the papers you write. I also learned that imagery and imagination are key to a good essay. 
4. Describe the writing process that you find most beneficial for you. Why does it work? How can it be improved? I think after my paper is edited and I am able to see what I have done wrong and fix it thats what helps me most. I usually come up with deeper ways to describe what I am trying to say. It helps me see what is confusing to the reader and I can think of better ways to describe my feelings. It works when people give me comments that are beneficial and not vague or nice. It could be improved by more helpful comments and I should have set more time aside to fix it more fully and look into them with more detail. 
5. How has the blog been beneficial to you as a writer and as a person? How? Why? As I said before the blog was the most beneficial thing to me as a writer. I was able to write small things and have immediate feed back from my peers. I was also able to see the amazing writings of my class mates. I read pretty much everyone’s every time even though I didn’t comment. It is cool to see everyone’s different styles and different insights. Even though some of the blog prompts were kind of boring I enjoyed doing them because they made me think differently about a paper I was writing or a topic I hadn’t thought of. 
6. What was your favorite assignment of the semester? Why? My favorite assignment was the ruminative essay. I feel like I have improved so much this semester and I think that essay is proof of how awesome the writing process is. At first this assignment was over-whelming but as I broke it apart slowly I was able to think of new ideas and new insights. I enjoyed writing it though sometimes I felt over stressed. 
7. What was your favorite part of class? Why? I think my favorite part about this class was it was a small class. I think by the end we all felt comfortable enough with each other that we didn’t feel as embarrassed about our writing and felt more comfortable to share. I also really loved rush writes! They helped me many days just get rid of the tension I was feeling and have fun writing. 
8. How is the final portfolio beneficial to you? How do you think differently about your writing because of it? The final portfolio helps me realize that I have potential to write better essays every time I start writing. It helps me see that I have improved this semester. It helps me think differently about the things I have written because I see that everything I have written this semester is connected. I might have written something really random but it’s not going in my portfolio. I haven’t done a ton with my portfolio yet but so far it is helping me. 
9. Why is submitting your work to a public audience (on the blog and to journals, etc.) beneficial? I think its easier to realize your audience when you submit a paper to them. I write better because I know someone else is going to read it. 
10. If you were to take this class again, what would you want to change and what would you want to keep? If I retook this class I wouldn’t want to write the analysis essay. I really felt out of place writing it and like I couldn’t do it. I feel like I got lost somewhere. I don’t think I would get rid of it though because it was a cool assignment I just didn’t write a good essay. I would keep the blog! 
11. What did you learn in this class that you will apply to other situations? How? I learned what makes good writing. If I write a very crappy essay for one of my other classes I won’t feel as good as when I write a good essay with the skills I have learned from this class. I’m getting an English major so the things I am learning in this class will help me through out my English career. I will also know that I can always do better than my first draft. 
12. What makes good writing? Why? Give examples. How can you contribute to that sphere of good writing? A list of things that make good writing in my opinion is, imagery, humor, irony, symbols, archetypes, themes, new insights on common problems, new approaches at old things, new opinions, and many many more things. Some an example of great writing is “Their Eyes were Watching God.” This book is full of everything I have listed, and the writing is full of the most beautiful and poetic language I have ever read. If you haven’t read this book I suggest that you did. I can contribute to the sphere of good writing by writing well. Instead of just throwing ideas out there I can think of new ways to have people read my ideas. I don’t have to be the same boring dead voice you hear over and over again but I can still have the same opinions as those people, it will just be better. 
13. Anything else you need to get out about the class. I really loved this class as many of you know. It helped open my eyes to a new style of writing and I think I have improved as a writer thanks to the many activities we have done this semester. 

Final Class Evaluation Blog (But not the final blog)

As part of your final portfolio grade (and as a blog post), thoroughly and thoughtfully answer each question. You can number your answers or respond in paragraphs, do what works best for you as long as you answer everything.

1. What was most helpful to your development as a writer, reader, and thinker? Why?
2. What can you do to continue/improve this development?
3. What did you learn from the reading in this course? Which essay(s) did you enjoy the most? Why? What did it teach you about good writing?
4. Describe the writing process that you find most beneficial for you. Why does it work? How can it be improved?
5. How has the blog been beneficial to you as a writer and as a person? How? Why?
6. What was your favorite assignment of the semester? Why?
7. What was your favorite part of class? Why?
8. How is the final portfolio beneficial to you? How do you think differently about your writing because of it?
9. Why is submitting your work to a public audience (on the blog and to journals, etc.) beneficial?
10. If you were to take this class again, what would you want to change and what would you want to keep?
11. What did you learn in this class that you will apply to other situations? How?
12. What makes good writing? Why? Give examples. How can you contribute to that sphere of good writing?
13. Anything else you need to get out about the class.

week 12

10 cups of powered awkward (about one per month)

20 gallons of liquid awesome (two gallons per month)

6 cups of powdered awesome

6 formerly geographically distinct dudes

6 interesting and diverse young women

1 bag of Camaraderie

2-80 pound bags of crazy

3 beef-flavored bouillon cubes

This recipe is for commercial use and therefore has ingredients measured in large quantities. The list of ingredients can reduced for smaller batches but the ratio must remain the same. Combine the 6 cups of powdered awesome, 6 formerly geographically distinct dudes, 6 interesting and diverse young women, 1 bag of Camaraderie, 2-80 pound bags of crazy, and 3 beef-flavored bouillon cubes into a large mixing bowl shaped like a college campus. This is important because if it’s in any other container it won’t come out the same. If placed in another environment the outcome will be different and the final product will not have had the benefit of blending with the other ingredients. Stir mixture both vigorously and gently, alternating between the two as needed or when the personal urge arises, until smooth or at least until there are no chunks larger than 4’8”. Once this is complete place the blended ingredients on a large baking sheet. Initial placement is key, place them far enough apart that they do not touch in the beginning but once in the oven they will melt and form one large cake of awesome. This placement is about 1” apart on all sides. Take this mixture and place it on the middle rack of a large oven for two semesters on low heat with occasional weekly bursts on high heat. Frequently bast the cake with liquid awesome about 9 to 10 times a day. While this baking time may seem long it is necessary for the ingredients to blend and properly meld together. The cups of awkward will need to be sprinkled on a weekly basis as the need arises. The powdered awkward may have a somewhat bitter and awkward taste at the time consumption, but as the consumer looks back and reminisces about their experience while consuming the cake the bitter awkwardness will be one of intense personal enjoyment and hilarity. Take care while removing the cake from the oven, it is often quite heavy as the byproducts of the baking process are copious amounts of memories and a sense of personal attachment. The makers of this recipe would suggest the use of a lifting partner, a hand truck, and, of course, oven mittens. Carefully place cake a level flat surface to cool. Once the cake has cooled cut the cake into equal slices and serve on plates made of pure gold and unicorn. Consumers of the cake may add various condiments to their cake such as: chocolate syrup, strawberries, rainbow dew, cotton candy, and sunflower seeds. Condiments that have been deemed unacceptable to be added to said cake is anything of French origin, except if it’s delicious or persons of approved authority confirm its goodness. Serves 8.

502 words/ 1hour 59min

Prompt C

Recipe For My Best Friend

3 cups of understanding
2 cups of similarities
½ cup of humor
One eight oz tub of fun
4 cups of laughter
6 cups of love
2 tablespoons of work

Start with understanding. It is the most important ingredient. Without it, the recipe doesn’t work. Mix in the similarities to create a better base. The similarities will help the friendship grow. Wisk in the humor and fun. They help make special memories with my best friend and build unbreakable connections. There is a pretty good mixture at this point of friendship. It is a basic friendship, but gets better once the laughter is added in. Add in the laughter. Pour into a large bowl and slowly add in the love. Love is very delicate and needs to be added slowly. Only add as much love as you want in your friendship. I added all 6 cups and married my best friend. Once the love is added, put into a friendship pan. Cover with the work. The friendship is fine without the work, but it may break apart after cooking. Bake for 2 hours at 350. It is a long time, but it is worth it when it comes out perfectly.
My best friend is my husband, Scott. He is the most important person in my life. Our friendship started when I was 18 and working at Subway. Scott worked next door to me at a golf store. He would come in on a regular basis to get drinks and slowly we became friends. When I opened Subway on Saturday mornings, I would count down the minutes until he would come in and open the golf shop. We would usually chat on those mornings for quite a while everything was slow. We told each other about what we did the night before and would tease each other about the people we were dating. We had a good time together, but it was nothing more than a good friendship.
I left for school at BYU-Idaho after we had know each other for a couple of years. When I came home for a visit over Christmas break, a friend of mine told me Scott wanted to hang out. I was a little surprised but we decided to plan it. While we were bowling that night, I realized I had more feelings than mere friendship feelings for Scott. I didn’t even realize it while I was gone. That is where it all started. We had a long distance relationship on and off for the next 2 ½ years. Just before I finished my associates degree and moved home, we got engaged. After a 19 month engagement we were married.
I was so blessed to marry my best friend. There is nothing better than having a husband who is so similar to me in so many ways. We can sometimes finish each other’s sentences and know what the other is thinking in social situations with merely a look. I have more fun with him than anyone else. He keeps me laughing and laughs at my stupid jokes. The love we have started out the love of a friendship and has grown to the love of a marriage. Yet our friendship grows just as much as our marriage relationship does. The last ingredient is one of the most important pieces. Work. Work is what keeps any relationship going. Without the work it falls apart and can’t come back together.

Week 12 Prompt A

The perfect pet calls for:
100% concentrate of dog
A pinch of fur
A half cup of black lab
6 ounces of loyalty
2 liters of love
Nick: brand name dog stock

Gather your 100% concentrate of dog and de-thaw in sink for 7 hours. After de-thaw, place concentrate in mixing bowl. Slowly add and stir the pinch of fur into the mixing bowl. Throw half cup of black lab into the oven at 550 degrees Fahrenheit until blackened dark. Place black lab chars into the blender and, while running, add in the 6 ounces of loyalty. Place the new compound inside the mixing bowl (with the concentrate and fur). Now, slowly mix in the 2 liters of love and place it into the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for twelve months. After this, take out of the oven and place the name of Nick. Enjoy for maximum of 12 years which is when the dog will then expire.

The best pet is my old dog, Nick. He was my first pet and I loved him a lot. There is something about young boys and dogs; they seem to just bond. As I mentioned, the best pet is full of love and loyalty. Love because the pet needs to be playful and caring, not mean or harsh. Pets can absolutely not bite. My dog turned sour and expired after he got hit by a car. He was following me to my friends house and ran across the road while a car was cruising down the highway. He got hit and the jerks who were driving didn’t even stop, they just kept on trucking. I yelled so loud that my neighbor heard me from inside his house and thought that I had gotten hit instead. After this, my dog turned nasty and became a grouch. We ended up having to put him down after a year because he turned dangerous. Which brings me to loyal. Pets should always obey commands and listen to its master. If Nick would have been loyal and listened, he may still be alive today. This is also why I think the best pet would be a reincarnation of my old dog, Nick. I got cheated out of my pet by some jerk who didn’t even bother stopping. Before the accident, Nick was the nicest dog in the entire world. We would put a Christmas hat on him during winter and chase him around the yard calling him Saint Nick. I was little enough that I could even ride him, which was always great. Maybe my memories are distorted but I really do think Nick was the best dog and pet I could have ever had, before the accident of course. He was an outdoor dog, which is a must. Indoor dogs just are all over the place and get in places that you want to remain dog free. Outdoor dogs don’t have to be potty trained, the entire outside is their bathroom. Big dogs keep you safe from burglars and thieves, which is always good. That’s why Nick was the best dog ever.

Week 12: Prompt A Recipe for my friend Jordan

The serving size is around 10+. Jordan has a big heart. He is willing to share his time, advice, services, and love to help anyone in need. On average, he helps 10 or more people each day either by helping them move furniture, tracting with the missionaries, driving inactives to church, or cleaning his parent's house. I know he fills the hollow and disheartened soul. This is a complicated recipe that requires about 2 hours of your time or more. Once you start hanging out with Jordan you will want to spend every moment with him because he brightens every day. The least amount of time I have spent with him in a day was 2 hours.

-½ cup edible sparkles/sprinkles. Everything about him shines: his smile, his eyes, his spirit. If you catch him at the right time his smile, eyes, and spirit all shine at once.

-1 spoonful of sugar. He loves the classic movies such as Mary Poppins. I find it entertaining that he knows the words to all the Disney movies.

-3 teaspoons lemon juice. You know how when you suck on a lemon your face scrunches up? This is to account for the wide range of facial expressions he has. His heart is always on his sleeve because all one needs to do is look at his face to understand how he is feeling. Honestly, I can’t choose my favorite of his expression. Sometimes it is the goofy grin he gets on his face when he plays my favorite song on his ipod. Other times it is the deceitfully innocent face he puts on when he is about to use the hose sink faucet as a squirt gun. Then again, I do love the serious face he has when he is trying hard not to laugh as I tickle him.

-1 can of diet coke with lime. Caffeine is part of his daily balanced diet, well I think so because I don’t understand why else he would have so much energy. One of the first days we hung out, he and I stayed up until six in the morning and he was able to properly function throughout the day. He is the one that has enough energy to spike the volleyball over the net when our singles ward volleyball team is down by 10 and exhausted.

-1/4 cup protein powder. I first noticed him because of his immense size. He has the muscular physique of a football player. One of my favorite activities includes running up to him and jumping upwards just before I make contact with him. He in turn quickly grabs me and lifts me into a bear hug. He squeezes until I start tapping his shoulder as a cue to stop (I would say “ouch” if he didn’t squeeze all the air out of me every time).

-1/2 cup melted milk chocolate. I think he and I get along well because we have one thing in common we love to do: eat. We especially have a sweet tooth for things like pie, ice cream, and brownies.

If all these ingredients are combined in a bowl, placed in the oven to slightly brown, and then cooled it will produce Jordan Winmill­-my best friend.

540 words

Week 12 Prompt C --Recipe for a Friend

The recipe for my best friend starts with kindness.  She has never been rude to me about anything, ever.  This girl has been there for me whenever I’ve needed her.  Many times when I have felt lonely she would just come over and we would sit down and watch a movie together.  She wouldn’t even have to say anything, just her being there made me feel better. 

Another ingredient for my friend is happiness.  Rarely have I seen her sad or upset about something.  Her bubbly character is always so delightful to be around.  When she is having a hard time she tries not to let it show because she loves making other people happy as well.  My junior year of high school our cheer squad didn’t make it past preliminaries at Nationals even though we had gotten 3^rd place the year before.  We all had a good cry, but after that Lynsie was as optimistic as ever and made the rest of our vacation a blast.  She said, “At least we don’t have to compete tomorrow!  We have all day to play!”  Disneyworld is a great place to overcome disappointment, especially with one’s best friends. 

Humor belongs in the recipe as well.  She is so funny.  Quoting movie lines at the most opportune moments is one of her specialties.  Lines from The Office, Tommy Boy, and Elf are some of her favorites.  She is also really good at teasing; she is not harsh at all but knows right where to get you so that you laugh just as hard as she does.  One day I was having a really hard time speaking for no good reason.  She could not stop laughing.  After she mimicked me I realized just how stupid I probably sounded and just laughed right along with her.

This friend is also extremely creative.  She has made many many blankets including rag quilts (which are very difficult and time consuming).  When we were younger we would make collages out of pictures from magazines.  Somehow she would end up with the best pages from the magazines and create the best collages out of all of ours.  At school last year (in her dorm room at Utah State) she made a wall-size calendar every month out of cardstock.  I honestly don’t understand how she made something so creative and cute out of plain paper.  She never ceases to amaze me when it come to creativity.

First, mix kindness and happiness.  Stir for five minutes.  Slowly add in humor.  Once humor is completely blended add a dash of creativity.  Mix well and voi la!  Best friend.

Now someone like a best friend can’t be described in just a few simple words.  Best friends are much more than that.  There is an X factor connection that you just don’t feel with anyone else, no one that you want to be with more than that person.  I am grateful to have such a good friend to care about and who cares about me.

502 words

Prompt A: Letter to the person I admire the most (1997)

Jessica,

I don't know how long it's been since we've actually spoken. Probably since Kraven's funeral. I'm sorry I haven't written. I know how much you love getting letters, especially from your favorite niece. I've just let too many things get in the way of being good to you--of showing my love for you. Maybe I haven't kept in contact with you because I feel too far apart; maybe it's because I purposely distract myself. I'm sure it's both. You moving out was so hard for me, at such a pivotal point in my life. I'm sure I blamed you for it at the time. Maybe I still do. Though I know it was right--for both of us. It's my fault, really, for not keeping up. You've gone through so much that I haven't been there for.

I don't know if you realize, but you taught me to be who I am. In fact, you shaped who I am. I look up to you. You're a perfect mother, a wonderful wife, a caring person, and a beautiful, intelligent woman. I hope to live half the life you have already led. When I found out you had cancer, my world shook. I haven't even talked to you in years though I thought so many times to pick up the phone and call, or get anything down on paper and send it off to you. I felt like it was my punishment for loving you so much and not doing anything about it. I cried selfishly thinking about all our time lost and the fading hope of time left. I cried deeper thinking about your children, my beautiful cousins, possibly growing up without a mother; no, without you for a mother. And while you suffered through radiation, you were the one to show everyone else compassion, joking that you were radioactive, making light of your body's war on itself. Your only compliant uttered was that Asher, Hila, Gabe, and little Hannah couldn't be near you when you went through the treatments. Cancer didn't faze you outwardly, though I know you well enough to gather that it tore you up inside. Physically and more important, emotionally. More so than you made known. You were more angry that you couldn't exercise your need to give, not because you may be erased from this world. I shutter still when I think about losing you. It is still a great fear of mine.

I miss our conversations. The ones where we could go on for eons, with you being so patient with my little knowledge of the world; my maturity was so obsolete to yours, but I didn't think that then. You gave and I took. I took so much from you over those years. I was soaking up all that you had to offer, taking advantage of such a loving soul. You never complained. You just quietly taught me and made up for the mothering I lacked, what I didn't think I needed. But I did. You knew better, as you do now. Jessica, I want to thank you. You gave me, and continue to give me, a better life. I have changed my perception time and again to emulate your own. And though you were the only one to give me permission, no, validation to be myself, I have always wanted to be like you. I don't think I communicate that sufficiently. You know I love you and I know you love me, unconditionally. I could never ask for more from you. I promise to try, to shallowly attempt to give back to you a fraction of what you have done for me. I guess it starts with this very public, very cheesy letter. I can't wait to see you and your family again. Christmas will have more than enough to celebrate this year.

With love eternally,
Miki

Week 12 Prompt C: Friends

Recipe for a favorite friend.

Ingredients

1 Similar Person
1 Meeting in Childhood
5-6 Common Interests
20 Summer Sleep-overs
2 Shows of Loyalty
5 Times in trouble doing stupid things
1 Same School
1 determination to stay connected over long periods of time
2-3 Fights (forget what they were about later)
1 series of escalating pranks
1 seemingly insurmountable goal completed together
2 sad times
As many reminiscences as needed.

Directions

Introduce yourself in a silly and childish manner to the Similar Person to establish the Meeting in Childhood. It is most effective to do so bluntly and with out tact or self awareness. Just run over to the spot where he is playing kickball and kinda start playing too. This will establish your friendship and give it time to build a storied history.
After the Meeting in Childhood it is best to appeal to the common interests and do things together all the time. Snowboarding, running around outside making up your own games (see calvin ball for great example) play paintball in the woods, climb mountains. This is the best time to apply summer sleepovers. Sleepovers are a great chance to insert getting caught doing stupid things. Using swear words is a good one. Lighting things on fire another. In fact this can be combined into “Swearing at things you light on fire.” Inevitably you will get caught doing said stupid things and weathering trouble together will only strengthen the friendship, and add to the stories for later.
Shows of loyalty are important. You are the person that comes to the lonely 16th birthday party that 50 people were invited to. You make that otherwise unbearable time a fun memory. The same school also is critical at some point because classrooms are great places for times in trouble together, pranks, fights and goals completed together.
Fights are necessary because they give a relationship room to grow and provide a much needed release of tension. For males especially it is very easy to bash each other to pieces and then return to business as usual in the course of one day. These fights insure the friendships longevity because they let you see what you have, and miss the other person in the interim.
Sadly someone will have to move or go to a different school or get called to a mission in Paraguay. It is critical that communication is kept up because it will allow a friendship to burst out of dormancy like trees in the spring.
The sad times are when friends are needed most. Grandpa Dale will pass away, and a friend will be at the funeral to understand. A girl will break your heart, and a friend will be there to tell you that you are a good person and a cool guy and not to lose hope.
The reminiscences are the icing on the cake of friendship. Someone there to attest to your memories. You can almost relive them with a good friend. Laugh like you did when you were a kid. Feel like you are there again, carefree and happy.

Big Brother is Watching

The prompt for 1984 was What if the post didn’t exist. I found this ironic for two reasons, the first reason being that now since we have the internet we get less mail and because of the book 1984. Therefore the combination of the two creates this letter. 

Dear Blake,

It has come to my attention that you have tried to write a letter. That is simply not acceptable in the world today. The postal system has been closed now for three years. There will be no more mail sent unless it is a package. You are allowed to send email or communicate to your friend via telephone but there will be no more tolerance of the written word. For letters are now obsolete. Words are something you will just have to do without. For words generate thinking and thinking is just something we cannot tolerate. We have been monitoring your letters for years Blake and we have found interesting things. You have committed thoughts of sedition. There is no other leader greater than Big Brother.

You are now reading this in the white walls of a padded cell. You are deteriorating here Blake. Why won’t you just give into us? What are you fighting for? There is no such thing as language and there is no such emotion as love or passion. The only thing you are allowed to feel are emptiness and respect for Big Brother. By the time you get this into your head it will be to late for all of this. Don’t you see it, you have lost. There is no revolution to throw over big brother. We are the revolution. We are saving your life by allowing you to suffer as little pain as possible. For without free thinking you are able to experience so much more freedom. You will be happy living a life without thought or worry. Yes, this is all true, the less you have to think about the happier you will be.

This is the life that you have to choose. We have taken away all the power of words. We are slowly taking meaning out of them. Soon new speech will be the only thing the new generation will know and the power of words and thought will be lost to the sands of time. No longer will people feel like rebellion is an option. There minds already belong to Big Brother. They turn in their parents, they turn in their friends. Their minds no nothing but fear. Yes, this is what I have always wanted. A generation devoted to nothing but me!

We are releasing you today back into the world. You are to be given enough money to be comfortable and a new identity. Enjoy your life.

With Regards,

Big Brother

45 minutes

Prompt B: In Conclusion

New:
Writing can't just be a hobby or a half-pursuit. I now realize that I must write with everything in my arsenal each time I scrawl my dribbling thoughts. I should give all of myself and hold nothing back. Inspiration is nothing. It is only through diligence and letting go that great work finds it way out of my pen. It isn't anything greater for my writing than breaking downs the walls I've built to protect myself, recognizing my shortcomings and strengths simultaneously, and creating poetry from this personal space. Fear is now something I embrace because my writing is better for it. I have found within me a greater love and appreciation for my voice and surprise myself with what comes out. It is so much more satisfying to throw out all the rules of writing and find what works for me. I write me. I'm not afraid of that anymore.

Old:
I seek to reveal truth and to communicate how I perceive and am no longer afraid of what I write. I write from a place that is more my own than ever before. I drive to preserve the breath of fresh air I have been given and taken upon myself to exhale in words. I have come to the conclusion that inspiration is not spurred by the divine but through the seeking of it. When I am confronted with blank pages, I don't hesitate the way I used to, nor do I give heed to the critic in my head. My inhibitions have diminished tremendously because I have begun to trust in my influence. In me, there is greatness and a potential and I believe that having me recognize my voice is responsible for getting me to free it.

Morphed together:
Writing can't just be a hobby or a half-pursuit. I now realize that I must write with everything in my arsenal each time I scrawl my dribbling thoughts. I write from a place that is more my own than ever before. I give all of myself and hold nothing back. Inspiration is nothing. It is only through diligence and letting go that great work finds it way out of my pen. It isn't anything greater for my writing than breaking downs the walls I've built to protect myself. I don't hesitate the way I used to. I recognize my shortcomings and strengths simultaneously and create poetry from this personal space. Fear is now something I embrace because my writing is better for it. I have found within me a greater love and appreciation for my voice and surprise myself with what comes out. It is so much more satisfying to throw out all the rules of writing and find what works for me. I write me. I'm not afraid of that anymore.

Week 12 Prompts

A. Go to http://www.upu.int/letter_writing/en/index.shtml and read two prize letters of the Universal Postal Services. Then look at the themes given since 1972. Choose one and write your own response.

B. “Of Thumbs” Dice Response: Skim the writing in Fourth Genre. Reread “Of Thumbs.” Roll two dice and follow the instructions of Dinty Moore to write your own.

C. Write a recipe to describe a favorite pet, a friend, or yourself. What makes you you? Why? This must be 500 words; allow yourself to be detailed and expansive.

Week 11 Prompt B

In conclusion the mountain bike is a very interesting piece of equipment that has many practical purposes as well as many recreational purposes. The way that it is assembled as well as the improvements to technology through the years have made the mountain bike a an incredibly popular past time, and even an Olympic sport. The incredible thrills and joyous moments that have inspired its very creation have also inspired its continued success. H.G. Wells once said that, "When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race." So it is with this spirit of unbridled enthusiasm for mountain biking that I implore you to try the awesome sport that is mountain biking. 40 min

Week 10 prompt

A Woods Hen

"A woods hen" was the permutation that I chose from the search I entered for "Shane Wood". A woods hen is the combination I chose because it was the one that made the most sense. I personally do not feel that this phrase has very many connections to me other than the fact that it involves all the letter of my name, not including my middle name. The meaning of this phrase could be be a hen that spends large amounts of its time in the woods or in wooded areas. The linguistic connections that make art always have an interesting relationship. They're always ironic, satirical, humorous, moronic, or any number of other ways that words are connected. However, due to the deeply personal nature of what is considered "art" it is difficult for me to discuss the linguistic connections that create art. As far as I can figure the connections that create word art are that the words in question are considered by the author or some other third party as being "art". I am uncertain of any further connections that are desired for me to make to the phrase that I chose and my name. 1 hour

Supplemental Post B: Peeves

I have a lot of pet peeves. My biggest pet peeve is one that contributes to many others, inconsideration. I feel like there are way too many self-important inconsiderate people in this world. There are too many people going around thinking their lives are the only important thing in the world, and acting as if other people's live's don't matters. I realize that all people are by nature selfish, but I think there are a lot of us that consider that there are other people in this world and without them, we wouldn't be able to live our lives. I am not by any means saying I am perfect, because well if you know me, it is obvious I am not, but I really do try to be considerate of the people around me.
Take bad driving for example, that is a result of being inconsiderate. Someone decides that getting to their destination as quickly as possible is more important than anyone else getting to their destination. They have too much going on in their lives to realize there are other people on the road trying to get to their destinations as well. They get into the lane they know is ending in order to get ahead of the polite drivers waiting patiently in their own lanes. They pull out in front of other drivers when there isn't enough time. It is all based on being inconsiderate. If everyone thought of the people who are driving the other vehicles rather than just the vehicle itself, I think people might be more considerate.
Another example of inconsideration is the wonderful boys that live in the last townhouse in my complex. From what I understand they are renting from a couple that bought the townhouse. They are one of the homes in my area that aren't occupied by families, and they make it well known. All summer long they sat outside without shirts (don't even get me started on guys thinking everyone wants to see them without shirts), drank beer and barbecued. They have wild drunken parties until late at night, and altogether disrupt our would be quiet family neighborhood. One of their lovely parties involved someone driving across all of our front lawns and ruining the grass in a beautiful tire mark all the way down the block. They don't worry about anyone else in the neighborhood. Only their fun matters.
The last example is of snotty people in general, I really don't know what contributes to these people, or why they do act the way they do, but frankly it is embarrassing. These people are rude to waiters or people working behind the counter at fast food. Last fourth of July, my husband and I were at Goldofo's right in the middle of all the festivities. It was extremely busy and the three guys working there were doing the best they could. The place was packed and a lot of people were standing. Some people that came after us swooped in and took the seats we were standing politely next to waiting to be vacated. The group started sitting down before the people leaving had even gathered their stuff yet. There was another group who were somehow blind to how crowded the place was and kept going back up to the counter and asking when their sandwiches would be done. New flash, bothering the guys making the sandwiches won't get yours made any faster.
None of this sounds as bad as it actually is in the moment. I just know that for the most part, I try to be aware of the circumstances surrounding me and how other people might be feeling. Not that I am a saint by any means, I just try to practice common courtesy. I think common courtesy is just not as common as it once was, and it is becoming more lost with every generation.

42 minutes