DDA9 TO USE A PHOTO TWICE!

This rock is significant because God is important to me! I can't pinpoint the exact age or year I decorated this rock with certainty, but I held on to it. For some reason, I just couldn't let it go.

Inspired by the Gospel Song God is my Everything, and Anna Bella's dda9 

BALLOON

For the most part, I enjoyed the activity for our blog post this week! Although I posted the 4elements blog towards the end, I actually started preparing since Saturday! I purchased my balloons Saturday, but my mind did not start expanding until Sunday. I took most of my photos Sunday, and I have one that I really like but did not use. Furthermore, I also wrote a draft of dda10 Sunday. When I got home Monday, I worked on it, stared, and read it so much. I even read it to my parents to see how they felt about it. What I ended up creating is not a long story, but I love it! I think it is interesting that my dad mentioned Rudolph too. I think it is even more interesting that my dad was not feeling my story when I told him about it verbally, but he was after I read what was written. In conclusion, I loved the feedback I received from my parents and Mr. Kevin. Sometimes, people help you to see your own work from different lenses. 

4EVER

 

 To be completely honest, I feel like I had a harder time putting the images in this blog than I did actually thinking about what I wanted the images to be. Or maybe, I just had more fun doing one over the other.

As always, I changed my mind a few times and it took a long time, but I am happy with the results. All the images were taken at home except for the second photo. I also purchased the balloons (the third photo) once I reflected upon what I wanted to use as representations of air. I was really trying to think of things other people would not think of. And I feel like I was creative with some elements, in both photos. Hopefully, you will be able to understand them.

The rock with the cross painted on it is actually something I am considering using in a dda as well. I just could not help but use it in this activity too. The rock says everything it needs to about my faith and the earth.

Of course all my pictures were inspired by one of our Professor's Alan Levine/ his photos. And, I also looked at On Becoming Better Photographers. I honestly felt like I do some of these tips all the time, but certain ones were really helpful the night I took most of the photos. Although it was nothing new for me, I really had to "Look to the Light." I also tried to embrace "Change my Perspective by Changing Yours" which is slightly different than what I am used to because I usually take photos of myself.

 

CREATIVE

DDA10 WHO IS YOUR LADDER?

Max was the deer nobody wanted to be. He was so lost, he was so alone, and it just seemed like he could never be happy. He had nobody he could turn to, he had no home, and he was hungry. But, he was determined to keep going. 

People would look at him and stare, but he became immune and kept going as if a whirlwind was coming. He was a walking ladder. Defined as someone who could help others and be steady.

Max could never understand his own strength. He got up day after day, but he felt so weak. But then one day Max realized, maybe the ladder he seen wasn't a ladder at all.

Inspired by: Rudolph, Son of God (2014) 

ALCHEMY / AL KILLED ME!!!

            Reflecting upon what Dr. Zamora said about alchemy, I imagine this class digital storytelling allowing a “transformation” to occur within me. To be completely honest, I am very comfortable with old ways of sharing knowledge, stories, etc. So in a way, I need to undergo a process that may be uncomfortable but worthwhile. I need to fulfill, get out, and share what is within me. According to Wikipedia alchemy is associated with “purifying,” so as an alchemist I will use these tools to “purify” what is inside me and try and tap into the unique storyteller. I want to create what Dr. Zamora said is “magical.” And I believe you can get to that place, by sharing experiences. 

             When it comes to my weekend performance, I am very satisfied with my blog, my first blog post, and the fact I am exposing the real person behind these blog posts/creations. This week is just about doing what is required, but I  am learning. Overall, I am excited about learning even though alchemy might turn into Al killing me (LOL)! :) 

AM I TELLING A STORY OR DID THEY TELL US THIS HOMEWORK WAS DUE WEDNESDAY???

When I hear storytelling, several things come to my mind. I think of someone telling a lie. Then, I think of someone telling the truth with a twist/exaggeration. I think of my grandparents, and then I think of myself.

I do not think storytelling is restricted to a certain age, but I do think it is a talent. When some people tell their stories, you are automatically glued and it seems as if interest dominates time, other obligations, etc. But then there are people who take forever to finish their story and to call it anything other than boring, would be a story.

The crazy part is different thoughts come to my mind when I think about the word story. When I first thought about the word, I thought about my childhood. In this case, I thought about my mother. I do not remember her reading me stories, but she told me she did. I imagine the stories my mother reading to me being a source of encouragement. I imagine her using storytelling as a bonding moment. I imagine this class pulling out stories from within us that other people can relate to.

I have questioned how I could forget the moments my mother read me stories. But, I have learned that some stories/memories just need to be written. As much as we want to remember, a part of telling/sharing a story is so it will not be forgotten.

To me, digital storytelling is about doing what Dr. Zamora loves “being open.” The reason why people choose to engage in digital storytelling is the real question. I would like to think people love the fact it can encourage others, other people help you to proclaim I have a story, and other people help you to label yourself as a UNIQUE STORYTELLER!