Dialetic Journals June 2009** The Blue Girl by Charles de Lint

1. "'You look just like the imaginary friend I had when I was a kid. Only older, you know?' That was the first thing I ever said to Maxine."(Page 3) Imogene, one of the main character in this story has just moved from where she have lived; in another city. She was trying to stay out of everything that involves gangs, drugs, etc. So she moved to a new city (and to a new school) with her mom and older brother. This quote is important because after Imogene becomes really good friends with Maxine, they share a lot of things together in this story. So, basically, they become best friends, and have each other. Since majority of the students in school think they're weird. What I think will happen next is that Imogene will change a little bit as her friendship goes on with Maxine.

2. "'What if it's the dead kid?' she finally says. (Page 47) As school goes on, Imogene and Maxine gets to know each other more, etc., and they both deal with "bullies" in their school; how they have to deal with them every now and then. Nothing big with the bullies...yet. Imogene is a person who can fight, but is trying to leave behind her "violent" in her old city. So, this quote is important because recently, Imogene has been noticing "someone" has been stalking her in a way. She never actually gets to catch him, and see his face or anything. One time she tried chasing him down, but as she entered the door she saw him entered, he wasn't there. This quote shows how Maxine said "...dead kid?". If it's the "dead kid", then it must mean that the person who has been following Imogene is a ghost. What I think will happen next is that Imogene will try to talk to him somehow, and ask why he keeps following her.

3. "He didn't look like a ghost-not like I had any great familiarity with them other than his stalking me." (Page 86) Normal school days has gone by, Maxine and Imogene get to know each other more, etc. It's summer vacation and Imogene ended up showing up in school on a random day during the vacation. This quote is important because now Imogene is actually talking to the ghost in campus, with no one around (since it IS summer vacation). So, now Imogene knows that an ghost has been stalking her because he liked her. That explains it. They ended up talking more, some at other days, etc. What I think will happen next is that Imogene would be put in danger.

4. "And I guess, to be fair, at the first time I hadn't exactly believed in fairies either, not even when I had one standing right in front of me." (Page 99) Imogene and the ghost, Adrian has been talking more and more and Imogene learns how Adrian died, how the "fairies" tricked him and caused his accident. Imogene didn't believed the story he told her and Adrian was upset. He wanted to prove Imogene that fairies truly exist. So the fairies told Adrian that they can do something to make her see them, and to believe that they truly are there. Adrian said okay, and let them do whatever they intend to do, but Adrian didn't know there methods of what they're trying to do, and it may cause a lot of trouble for Imogene. So, with that said, what I think will happen next is that Imogene will find herself in some kind of trouble that is caused from the fairies.

5. "It's funny. Tonight's the first time in a long while that I'm not nervous about going to bed. I'm actually looking forward to that weird music and seeing Pelly. No, I'm counting on seeing him." (Page 203) The fairies has caused Imogene to have these really strange dreams, and the same ones that keep reoccurring every night. Recently, she realized that some of the dreams aren't really dreams, they're real. Pelly, is her imaginary friend from when she was little, and he is "real" now, he can move, talk, etc. Pelly is hear to help Imogene fight off the fairies, because the fairies are doing more than just trying to make her believe in them, they seem to be having her life in danger. I think this quote is important because now, Imogene skin has turned completely blue to back out the fairies or anamithim from getting her. It acts much like a barrier. Imogene has her friend, Maxine to help her out, to solve this whole case. Imogene didn't like the idea, of needing other people, but, it's okay now. What I think will happen next is that there will be something really risky that's going to go on.

6. "She might not be fazed, but I feel like I'm in shock, and I wasn't even there." (page 295) Maxine, Imogene, and Pelly has been doing all this research about defending themselves from the fairies and the one who takes "souls". So, now they're actually going to do some action against them. While Imogene was heading to meet with Maxine, she had to go through the school and saw Brent, (Valerie's boyfriend, who also picks on Imogene and Maxine in school) and saw him beating up Valerie. He also beat up another guy that Imogene saw him injured. She was about to get beat up because he was upset about a football game, how he loss, he goes insane. She used self defense and used a knife on him. Imogene told Maxine about this and she was shocked. Maxine knew about her a lot, but it shocked her knowing about this. Imogene wanted to leave behind her violent ways, but...I guess she couldn't, even for that moment. So, that's why I think this quote is important. Showing how shocked Maxine was. Could it ruin the friendship? Or leave fear? What I think will happen next is that instead of thinking about all that, they're going to concentrate on the fairies and the one who takes souls.

7. "The football field's lit up and there are kids everywhere when I get back to the school. So much for my plans to sneak into the homes ec rooms." (Page 297) It is Halloween, and Adrian just learned about how if you go to the place where you died at this certain time, you will be able to "be alive", anyone can see you, feel you, etc. He decides to get Imogene out of this mess that he has cause by the fairies. I think this is important, because it shows how he is alive, a normal human. He hasn't told Imogene or Maxine anything about him becoming real, and I think it might be a shock. What I think will happen next is that he will do something that was cause the fairies and the soul eaters to leave them alone.

8. "'If you kill them, that makes us no better than they are.'". (Page 321) After everything, they're at last going to be getting rid of the problems they've been having to deal with. Right when Imogene is going to kill them (since they can be hurt, and they can die) Maxine stops her. I think this is important, because Imogene DID wanted to git rid of her violent actions, her past in her old city. Imogene ended up listening to her best friend Maxine. Which is one way to change from your old ways. So, this is important, it shows how strong the friendship is in them. What I think will happen next is that they will have to find another way to deal with the anamithium that eat souls.

9. "He just gives me a look, and then they're gone. When I turn to Maxine, she grabs hold of me and hugs me like she's never going to let go. I can feel her shaking and realize then just how scared she was. In my book, that makes her way braver than me. I was too pissed off to be scared." (Page 326) They got rid of all the animithiums and fairies. Everything is gone now, it's all over with. I think this is important, because through all this, Imogene and Maxine understands each other a little more. What I think will happen next is that Imogene will deal with Adrian.

10. "But that's not it. I'm not sad that he's really dead now, or that I'll miss him, even though I've got this empty feeling inside. I'm not sad at all, really, or if I am, it's a bittersweet kind of sadness. It's thinking of him living by himself for all those years, a lonely ghost in a school he hated, with no companions except for the mean-spirited fairies who were responsible for his death in the first place. He went through all of that, when he could have had this." (Page 365) Adrian has decided, after all these years, to finally be able to go on as a ghost. Finally free. This is important because now, she knows it's all over. No more fairies, ghosts, etc. Just a normal high school...even though she's always going to have a little blue on her skin still. It has fade a bit though. What I think will happen next is Maxine and Imogene bonds will grow stronger as friends, and deal with more and more things together as the best of friends.

Romeo and Juliet

I think this photo of a garden at night shows what happened during Romeo and Juliet, because when they were talking, the scenery (as I imagined it) looked this way. It was during the evening, after the dinner, and in a garden. In a garden, the nature can represent the blooming of something new, and in Romeo and Juliet's case, their love is blooming.

Reading Reflection

Reading went smooth. I understand what it's trying to say, or tell. I think when I read I tend to read too quickly and miss some details, which sometimes can make you not understand that clearly. I need to read in a certain pace where I can understand everything. I read "I Am The Cheese". I've only read a few pages. It didn't really catch my attention at all...it was quite boring. It made me not want to read any further. I think it's my 5th time trying to read that book but never went past...page 8? I think the story didn't have a catchy beginning, or I just don't have enough patient to read any further. I'm currently am reading another book at home which is pretty good, but I forgot to bring it today =[.

Well, the story that I read is about (I think) a boy, riding a bicycle going for something.

My reading life is great. I'm began to the library more often. The school library and the ones' outside of school. At first I started to read only manga~ ^__^.. but currently I'm reading a book with only text ~ It's about 700 pages or so ... I just began recently. It's getting pretty interesting. Sometimes when I read I don't understand it completely...so I guess I'm going to improve the way I analyze the things I read. The vocabulary words also! Some books have challenging words. Reading can always be interesting, as long as you have a book that catches your attention.

My book talk yesterday, well, two days ago...was pretty good. I went down the list, and I think I didn't end up talking for a long time about the summary of the book. I understand the book I read clearly. The only challenging thing I have about book talks is .. talking, HAHAHA. I get nervous a lot...I think that's what I have to improve about the book talks. AHHH~ Next book talk in front of everyone...scary!! *__*
But other than the talking, everything seems pretty easy, as long as you read the book that is.

Romeo and Juliet First Impression

Well, my first impression on the book isn't really that great. The language was written in a different way, of course. It makes it sort of hard to understand unless you reread it a few times. I don't really enjoy it much, but...maybe as time goes, I'll grow to love it, HAHAH, I doubt it though. Only read the beginning pages. Not that into it yet...

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Write about how the movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou? connects to a book we have read this year...how does it compare to The Alchemist or what we learned about mythology? What are some similarities and differences between Everett and Santiago? What about comparisons of other characters? What about similarities or differences between themes? You should write at least 100 words on this, on your blog. You could also include an image, quote, or song lyric that you think goes along with what you are talking about...it could be an image from the movie or the book, but it needs to display or demonstrate the connections you are describing.

In O Brother, Where Art Thou? and in The Alchemist, they both were looking for some kind of treasure, but they don't know what exactly the treasure is. This is interesting because they both know that it is a treasure but not the real worth, or what it "really" is. But knowing that it is a treasure, it must be something rare or good that you'd go on a journey for it. Also, in O Brother, Where Art Thou? how the sirens capture the men with there death songs is something related to mythology. How the people were on the ship, covered their ears, etc. Had some mythology related-ness in the movie.

The differences between the movie and The Alchemist is that of course, there will be different kinds of obstacles. I think in the Alchemist it had more to do with emotional obstacles, when he has to think about which decisions he choose that will lead him the way, and in the movie it had more to do with Physical.. I think. How it was dangerous, they could have gotten killed, etc.

Symbols

Omens *
Omen seen, heard or even visualized at the initiation of an activity, are said to foretell the outcome of the activity. There is "good" and "bad" omens. Foreseeing something that hasn't happened yet.

Possible meaning of an omen *
Omens can have multiple meanings from different perspectives in things. In astrology the solar and lunar eclipses have been often considered as omens of notable births, deaths, or other significant events throughout history in many societies.

Omens can be considered either good or bad depending on someone's interpretation. Omens differ from place to place, country to country & religion to religion.


In the United States, a black cat is consider a sign of a bad omen.

In the Alchemist, omens appeared a lot throughout the whole story. It must be really important to the story.

Second thing, now that we have finished the Alchemist, find an image at one of the websites listed below and explain how that connects to your viewpoint on finding one's personal legend. What symbol or image personifies the quest to fulfill one's dreams?


Okay, I think the "heart" explains how it connects to finding one's personal legend; to fulfill one's dream. In order to follow your personal legend, you have to have trust in your heart, belive in your heart, experience everything with your heart. Your heart will long for many things that can lead to your personal legend. The heart will always be with you forever, until the day of death, something you can never get rid of. The heart feels pain, happiness, etc. Just like Santiago, how he had to trust his heart to pursue is Personal Legened...

Reflection on presentations

First thing, write a reflection on the presentations we witnessed. List 4-5 things you learned or thought were interesting from the groups who presented and explain how your point of view on themes, ideas, purpose, and symbols changed. Please try to be specific (you may use your notes).


Hmm...Well, I think the presentations was quite interesting. Hearing other people's thoughts in dept. Especially the one discussion about the gyspy and old man with the false hopes. How one can show false hopes. You have to watch out for the things people say to you, look from different perspectives. That's one thing I had stuck in my mind for a while~ Another thing I thought was interesting was the talk about the beginners luck. How you shouldn't always except something like that to keep happening if it just happens once. There will always be obstacles you'll have to face and go through. Beginners luck is just enough to keep you going. You can't expect an easy road... that was a really important because it happens to many people in real life, expecting an easy way... From my own questions I had to answer, facing the real world. How sometimes people would use you to get themselves ahead. Of course, not EVERYONE would use you, XD. You should think about the other meanings there can be in anything, so there won't be an misunderdtanding. Hmm...another is probably the discussion about the conversations with the nautrual world, nature, etc. How almost everyday, we're surrounded by "The Natural World", which doesn't have to be only the desert. The sun, trees, etc.

Independent Book

a. What connections are there between the book and your life? Explain by providing details about the book (and your personal experiences).


The connection I see between the book I am currently reading (Down a Dark Hall by Lois Duncan) and I, is that the book has several meanings, like a theme. The one theme I see that connects to my life is that Kit, the main character in the story, is being pressured, in a way, and she decides whether she gives in or not. At first, you gives in to attending the private boarding school, because her parents are going away to a trip to Europe, leaving her there, even thought she fought against it, at the end, she decided to give in and accept it. During the story she figures out that there are strange things happening and she finally relizes what the school is actually using the students for. Some of the students give in accepting it, there is nothing they can do, etc. But Kit is fighting against it, which means she is not giving in. It connects to my life, and probably many others, because there will always be a time where you woulld be pressured, and have to decide on your own, whatever choices open for you.

importance of utilizing your time

Write a journal entry explaining the importance of utilizing your time wisely, especially when it comes to working in an honors class. Please highlight what your strengths and your weaknesses are in planning your time. What are your goals to improve how you use your time? Please be specific. This assignment is worth 20 points (two homework assignments and will be graded on how specifically you asses yourself and design your goals). Also, you are required to go onto at least 2 other blogs, read what others have written, and add your thoughts as a comment to their post.

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Time is really important, and I agree with how you say we should plan, or use our time wisely. My strenghts when is comes to working/planning my time is really good, at least I think so. I can always work quietly and quickly. I'm always motivated to finish all my work before doing anything else, especially when I'm in class, and I rarely forget the work I have to complete. My weakness in working/planning my time is that at times, I get distracted, but rarely in class. At home, I can get distracted, but most of the time I end up finishing my work anyways. I plan to improve how I use my time by seeing what I have to get completed everyday, and how many free time I have, seeing what I must do, etc. I can organize myself by listing which has more of a larger importance in my life, and putting the things that I just "want" to do for later.

The Alchemist - 100 Words

In The Alchemist, I have noticed a lot of changes in Santiago. He gave up a lot of things, took many risks, fell in love with Fatima, etc. He understands the Soul Of the World more clearly, understands his heart, etc. He also learned "how to turn himself into the wind". In the beginning of the book he didn't understand much of the things around him, wasn't "aware". He discovered that you should always listen to your heart, because it is a part of you, and if you don't listen to it, you'll always be hurting somewhere since the heart if forever with you.

Independent Reading Book - 200 Pages

Dear Lois Duncan,

I have been reading "Stranger With My Face", and I'm really enjoying the book. It was really something different from other books I have been reading. I've read many other books from you, and they were all really interesting. Always so thrilling, it makes me really want me to finish reading it already, only about 10 pages left! This book wants me to hurry and finish reading it already~ *-* I hope to read more books from you in the future, haha. I’ve read many of your books, and I’m starting to wonder if your life is something like the books I’ve been reading. Have you experience any kind of mysterious things in your life? I’ve read a biography about you, and it says that your daughter was kidnapped, and that is pretty depressing… In many of your stories, what inspires you to write them? Do you write them because you know some people who have gone through such a thing? Or is it something else entirely? I’m also wondering if you would ever try writing a romantic story, because I've been curious since you have been writing mysterious ones. Just a thought.


Sincerly, Vicky

The Alchemist

b) you can write on any quote or specific idea from the book that you find interesting. Explain why it has sparked your thinking or touched you.


In The Alchemist, there was a part in the story where the Alchemist was explaining to Santiago if he decides not to fulfill his personal legend, in the next years that come, things will begin to happen. First year he will be happy with what he has, second year he would think about his personal legend, and keep wondering, and eventually when he stops to listen to his personal legend, it'll stop calling for him and he would never know what the treasure was. The omens that call for him would be buried. In Santiago's shoes, he was in doubt of himself. To either leave what he has now, which was the one he love, sheep, money... or should he leave and pursuit his personal legend. I found this quite interesting, because in one's life, it happens often right? When I think about situations I've been through I recall a time where I had been in doubt, where I was stuck and had to make a decision. In television shows, etc. Sometimes people regret not choosing a certain path, and sometimes they don't. It was interesting because this is something that happens to almost everyone and they can relate to.

personal blog.

http://eternallyforever.blogspot.com/

personal blog.

Reading Life...etc...

My reading life? Hmm... well, I don't really have time reading my independent reading book. >__< I finished reading The Alchemist though~ *___*'. I didn't really pay that much attention while I was finishing it though...but I understand what happens~ I think I'll have to reread it and pay attention to the little details, and look for "hidden meaning" or anything important.

I guess I don't really have a choice but to talk about The Alchemist...since I haven't really have time to read my book of my choice -----

I pick option :

b. Mini theme analysis (discuss what you think one of your themes might be and why you find it interesting/important)

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In The Alchemist I think one of the theme of this book is to tell us, the readers, that when we have a goal/dream/ or anything relating to achieve, we should do so. We should do what we want to achieve. To go through the obstacles, and to fight for what you want to accomplish. Just like anyone who has things to accomplish, or goals they want to reach. People would try, and keep trying to reach this certain goal or dream. The book tells us not to stay down when we fall, and keep getting up each time we fall, because after every defeat, you become stronger. For example, Santiago, he had to go through a lot of obstacles on his way for his Personal Legend.

I find this quite interesting/important because I think it's true, that people should follow their dreams or goals, even if they have to give up some important things, or ever if they know it'll take a long time. If your heart is longing or wanting something, you should go reach for it...