Journal 21

Some Like It Hot and The Great Gatsby both focused on the culture of prosperity. The underlying theme of the works is money and indulgence. Both have character that drink, smoke, and are fun-loving. Characters are also having affairs, getting married, and divorcing multiple times in Some Like It Hot and The Great Gatsby. In Some Like It Hot, girls are shallow gold diggers. Sugar fell in love with Joe because she thought he was a wealthy oil industrialist. In Gatsby, Daisy fell for Tom because of his wealth as well. Both works also bring up conflict with the law during prohibition. Gatsby was selling alcohol in his drug store with gangsters going around selling it illegally as well. Both works include woman that are drinkers and flappers. Gatsby has lavish parties and Joe and Jerry are musicians in speak easies. The characters are shallow and only after the monetary things in life. The characters are also struggling to find love in both of the works. Both works basically imply that the American life is shallow with very few deep thinkers. The people just want a good time and easy money. 

Journal 20

Nick uses the imagery of Gatsby’s parties and talks about how they will never again fill his house. The party is over for Gatsby and no one has stayed around to help clean up. Nick headed into a new world with the shore left behind him. The green light was a visual symbol of hope for Gatsby and is to him what the green land was to the Dutch sailors when they first came across. In the end, the beacon’s green light was as elusive as Gatsby's dream to live with Daisy for the rest of his life. The green light was as bright and enchanting as Long Island was when the Dutch sailors found it so very long ago. The continent captivated the Dutch explorers and was filled with their hearts with hopes and dreams just like the green light captured Gatsby. Gatsby reached as far for the stars as he possibly could, but like the sailors, his dream of living with Daisy escaped him and left him with bullets in his back. We should all strive to be like Gatsby and go as far as we possibly can to reach our goals, but stop when we know they are too out of reach to even fathom achieving. 

Journal 19

Nick Carraway        Adjective _______introverted____________

Small and skinny, not very intimidating

Didn’t say much, just listened a lot

He was a good friend to Gatsby and asked for nothing in return

Tom Buchanan        Adjective ___________juxtaposed____________

Big and intimidating, but just really forceful

Talked way too much to be a good character

He was always trying to put himself higher above everyone else.

Daisy Buchanan     Adjective _____________ditsy_____________

Tiny and confused

Very talkative, liked to joke around and be

She was always unsure on what to do, especially when it came to following her heart

Jordan Baker           Adjective __________reserved__________

Mysteriously attractive and illusive

Wasn’t very talkative, but knew almost everything about the people she met up with

Jay Gatsby               Adjective ________smart___________

Attractive and kind hearted

He was always making other people happy. 

Journal 18

1. What is the significance of the story’s title?

The story actually takes place in another country. The story is set in Milan, Italy.

The group of men were all injured and this created a bond between the few men, and made them different from everyone else.

2. Which character do you think best represents the “Hemingway hero”? Why?

Signore Maggiore is the best representation of the “Hemingway hero”. He suffers with grace and dignity, and works at it every day. He also suffers on an emotional level too. Losing one’s spouse must be the hardest thing for one to go to. However, he also lost his ability to fence completely because of his hand being messed up. He fights and works at what he has to do throughout everything.

3. What can you infer about the photographs the doctor hangs up? What is the significance of the major’s reaction?

I would think that most of the photographs are just up for advertisement and fake. However, there must have been at least a few that benefited from the physical therapy, so those who had a great outcome have their final products up on the wall as well.

Journal 17

1. What is the significance of the poem’s epigraph? How does it relate to Prufrock?

Because he is filled with anxiety, and is self conscious, he thinks that no one will ever hear his story and so he is comfortable with it. The epigraph is about a person who is saying that he is a background person who is too self conscious to talk about themselves, but will agree to saying it because he doesn’t think that anyone will ever read/hear of it.

2. Make a list of questions that Prufrock asks. Do you see a pattern/theme to these questions or are they random?

Do I dare?
Shall I?

How should I presume?

How should I begin?

All of his questions are about what he should do or his life. He is uncertain about everything he is. The little mundane things about life and himself he questions. There is no decisiveness in even the smallest of things.

3. What do you think is Prufrock’s main flaw/problem?

Prufrock’s main problem was being too self conscious, too filled with anxiety, undecisive, and he’s afraid to take action.

4. Why do you think this is called a love song? In what way is it a love song?

Because it is ironic. It is not a love song, it was more about pity for not having a loving life. It is ironic because it is all about him being alone with no one to love. Instead of it being about love and happiness, it is about his quiet desperation and loveless life.

Journal 15

1. Write a sentence that summarizes the story’s overall message, and provide three direct quotes from the story that best illustrate this message.

The message is that trying to live in an optimal world instead of reality is a really bad thing, especially for Editha.

“It isn’t this war alone; though this seems peculiarly wanton and needless; but it’s every war –so stupid; it makes me sick. Why shouldn’t this thing have been settled reasonably?”

“He told me he had asked you to come if he got killed. You didn’t expect that, I suppose, when you sent him.”

2. What tactics does Editha use to make George believe as she does about the war?

Editha tries to reason with George by telling him he has to, just like every other man out there. She says that it needs to happen because that's what life is about, fighting in a war and coming home with a victory. She also threatened that if he didn't go, she wouldn't get married to him. That was the reason he actually went.

3. Is there ever a time in which Editha truly understands what she has done? Does she ever experience an epiphany?

Editha has a slight understanding of what she was done after she finds out that George has died. She mourns his loss and visits George’s mother like he asked. George's mom yells at Editha and blames her for his death, which she has the right to do. Editha doesn’t truly understand her actions though. She has an epiphany at the end that brings her back into her ideal world when the lady Editha was telling her story to, agreed that Mrs. Gearson was vulgar for saying those things. Editha rose out of self-pity and began to live in the ideal again.

Journal 14

Journal #14 - E. A. Robinson Poems

Realism – The theory or practice in art and literature of fidelity to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization of the most typical views, details, and surroundings of the subject.

Read the following poems and write a detailed description for each of the title characters and explain how each is an example of the “real” instead of the “ideal.”

“Richard Cory“ (497)

It is about a man who everyone thinks has it all. He was looked at by everyone when he went in to town. He had the “ideal” life. He appreaed to have the “perfect life”. But really on the inside, he had all kinds of problems. Then, he ironically killed himself. A theme would be “don’t judge a book by its cover”. What’s on the surface isn’t always a reflection of what’s beneath the surface.

“Miniver Cheevy” (497)

He wishes he was born in a different time. Cheevy wanted to be born in medieval times. He likes romance stories with knights in shining armour and pretty ladies. He wishes to have been able to see the Medici clan. Because he couldn’t have a life like in the stories, he drank to be able to fantasize about it. He confused what was real with what was fiction. Minimal Acchiever.

“Mr. Flood’s Party” (498)

Eben is an alcoholic and drunk throughout the whole monologue. He was a pathetic mess off alone by himself. Eben was talking to himself like there was another there. He’s an old man and all of his friends have either died or left him. So now he drinks to think there are others there to keep him company. Most of his used to be friends, they are now considered strangers to him. Because of how he acts, he lost all of his frineds.

Journal 13

Journal #13 – Edgar Lee Masters Epitaphs (p. 502)

Read “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” and answer the following questions.

1. What object symbolizes George Gray’s life? How is this object representative of him?

The object that symbolizes him is the furled sail. It symbolizes him because he is the kind of person that shys away from others and doesn’t adventure towards love. He is a furled sail because he is closed and reserved, and he isn’t open to the world.

2. How was Lucinda Matlock’s life different than George Gray’s? How do you interepret the last line of the poem?

Lucinda’s life was different because she went out and did things with others. She didn’t stay on the sidelines in the shadows. Instead, she played games, danced, and got married, as well as raised 12 children. She did and became what every woman at that time strived to be.

3. How are “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” examples of realism?

They’re standard in many ways. They may not be very similar, but they are average lives. Some may live to be old with a big family, while others may live out their lives without anyone to love.

Journal 12

1. “Young Goodman Brown” is an allegory (symbolic narrative). What do the following represent?

Young Goodman Brown – symbolizes the fall of man. He is a good young man, but he is an average person who can fall under temptation just like anyone else.

Faith – she represents faith in others, and in society.

The Elderly Traveller/Fellow-Traveller – the devil, temptation, evil, man’s true nature

Goody Cloyse – hypocrisy, projecting an image, and being different on the inside

The Ceremony – acceptance of your internal flaws

The Pink Ribbon – purity, faith, good in the world, and when the ribbon dropped you realize that that is just a delusion.

Young Goodman Brown’s Journey – the journey of life, going from inexperienced and naïve, to the better understanding of everything.

2. Identify the following for “Young Goodman Brown”:

Theme Message of Theme Element Used to Establish

Faith and Sin You start out faithful, symbols

but then you realize that

the world has become

a much darker place as

you've gotten older

In addition, provide three direct quotes from the story that address your theme.

But, irreverently consorting with these grave, reputable, and pious people, these elders of the church, these chaste dames and dewy virgins, there were men of dissolute lives and women of spotted fame, wretches given over to all mean and filthy vice, and suspected even of horrid crimes. It was strange to see that the good shrank not from the wicked, nor were the sinners abashed by the saints. (Hawthorne)

By the sympathy of your human hearts for sin ye shall scent out all the places—whether in church, bedchamber, street, field, or forest—where crime has been committed, and shall exult to behold the whole earth one stain of guilt, one mighty blood spot. (Hawthorne)

Come, devil: for to thee is this world given. (Hawthorne)

Journal 11

Journal 11 - Selections from Walden

Write a summary of the following selections and identify a direct quote that you feel best expresses its main idea.

“Where I Lived and What I Lived For” (232)

You think that technology results in connection, when it actually results in disconnection. You lose who you really are and stop thinking about what’s really essential. Writes about his time in the forest and what he sees. “To front only the essential facts of life.”

Quote: “We do not ride on the railroad, the railroad rides on us”

“Sounds” (234)

This passage is about the unique way of nature and how everyday is full of different sounds and images. The narrator is stating that as he watches each day pass from morning to night, he realizes that he is not wasting his time because he is admiring the way nature can chance in just moments. He is living in the present as he experiences the sounds of nature. He notices that live is beautiful and it is important that you should not miss it.

Quote: “I had this advantage, at least, in my mode of life, over those who were obliged to look abroad for amusement, to society and the theatre, that my life itself was become my amusement and ceased to be a novel.”

“Brute Neighbors” (235)

People fight over petty things. The black and red ants are meant to satirize war and fighting over unimportant things in life. He talks about the brutality of war and he thinks it’s funny that he can sit back and watch the ants fight. But then he begins to realize how similar they are to humans with the way they fight.

Quote: “And the results of this battle will be as important and memorable to those whom it comcerns as those of the battle of Bunker Hill”

“The Pond in Winter” (237)

Nature in which creatures live and flourish, there is no question, it just shows how beautiful it is. A pond in winter shows its own new beauty, but underneath that the original beauty is still there. Nature looks at rest, but life is thriving beneath the surface.

Quote: “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our head”

“Spring” (238)

Spring is when everything really flourishes. You are beginning to become overwhelmed with all the sights, sounds, and smells that come from plants beginning to blossom. The renewal of spring represents his own renewal coming out from the woods and being ready to take on the world again.

Quote: “The coming in of sring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.”

Journal 10

Othello’s Insight

Write a one paragraph response to the following question:

Often at the end of a play, Shakespeare’s tragic heroes often have a moment of insight. What is Othello’s insight? Look closely at Othello’s last speech before answering this question.

Othello realizes many things when he makes his last speech. His major realization is that he had everything he wanted threw it away by believing the wrong person. He hated himself for what he had done to the ones he loved. He also really regretted not trusting his wife who loved him more than anything, but instead trusting a “friend” who only wanted what would benefit himself only. Othello was full of remorse for what he had done to his wife and his friend, Cassio, but he wanted to still be recognized as a respected soldier and leader like he was before he had fallen under Iago’s tricks and deception.

Journal 9

9Free Will - The power of making free choices that are unconstrained by external circumstances or by an agency such as fate or divine will.

Iago: “'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our
gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners” (1.3 361-3).

Determinism - The philosophical doctrine that every event, act, and decision is the inevitable consequence of antecedents, such as genetic and environmental influences, that are independent of the human will.

Othello: “Yet ‘tis the plague of great ones … ‘tis destiny unshunnable, like
death” (3.3 313-16).

Using the above definitions, write a paragraph that argues in support of each of the terms. In your paragraphs, use specific examples from Othello to support your ideas.

The free will statement is true. Free will means that one can make decisions on their own. It is not destined by fate or divine will, and it is not forced by outside sources. Othello chose to believe Iago and listen to what he had to say about both Desdemona, the woman he loved, as well as Cassio, his right hand man. He was not forced to do so, he believed on his own accord. However, this all was considered to be predetermined, even Othello says his life is, along with the surrounding influences. This predetermined act is not based on what he has done or thought, though.

Journal 8

Journal 8 - Emerson’s Aphorisms

Write a one paragraph personal response based on three of the following aphorisms. Your responses should address the point Emerson is making as well as your thoughts/feelings about what he is saying.

4. We boil at different degrees.

9. What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered.

13. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

We all boil at different degrees. Emerson is saying that every person is different, so their breaking point is too. Instead of thinking like everyone is exactly like you and will get angry at the same time you do, realize that everyone thinks differently, so things will affect them differently too. Some people will get angry at the smallest things, and some take a long time to get angry. I agree with what he is saying. It makes sense and it is true. No two people are exactly the same, so no two people get angry at the exact same time over the exact same thing.

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered. It is like a new kid at school. You don’t know who they are or what they are like. They are outsiders to the whole school. Eventually they will find their way and make a little niche for themselves and fit in somewhere. However, it takes time to make this happen. This also makes sense. Everyone has to find their own place, it just takes time. It takes time for people to see who you really are and get to know you as well.

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. Live life to the fullest. You can’t hold back anything, because eventually you will look back on your life and wish that you had done some things that you didn’t. And never regret doing anything, because you learn from those mistakes and experiences. I think this is a great quote. We all do have to get out there and live our lives to the absolute fullest. I know I want to, because when I get old and look back on my life, I want to know that I did everything(or almost everything) that I wanted to, and be happy with that.

Journal 7

William Cullen Bryant’s “To a Waterfowl” (p.151) and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” (p.181)

Read the selections and write a detailed response to the following:

1. Compare/contrast the different views of nature that are being presented in the poems. Refer to the list of classical and romantic characteristics and provide specific examples from the poems to support your analysis.
   
   In “To a Waterfowl”, the view of nature is more serene and harmonious. The narrator is a viewer, but not actually connected to the story. It is not an emotional point of view, it is an orderly materialistic portrayal of the scene. There is a message, but it is not emotional or imaginative. The poem is more plain than ornate. The poem takes place at sunset when it’s calm and peaceful. The speaker is happy and optimistic.
   “The Raven” is gloomy and dark. There is a much more personal and emotional tone. Nature is indifferent or torturous which brings out the man’s emotions. This also brings out paranoia in the man because he feels like nature is hurting him. The poem itself is ornate and difficult to find an answer to. There is no resolution or knowing at the end. It takes place on a dark dreary night in December. There is more of a depressing feeling and the speaker is crazy.
   Of course both poems are about birds and a man interacting with the bird. The poems have good rhyming and structure.

Journal 6

From Ben Franklin’s The Autobiography (p. 80 – 83)

Write a well-developed paragraph in response to the following questions.

1. Explain what was involved in Franklin’s plan for self-perfection? What conclusion did Franklin come to regarding the effectiveness of this plan?

Franklin involved thirteen virtues to try and perfect himself. These virtues were temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. At first, Franklin thought this was a great plan that would help him greatly in the long run. In the beginning, he was right, and then he realized that being completely perfect is not the way to go. To have friends instead of frenemies one has to have some imperfections about themselves that they are happy with, like the axe making blacksmith that liked the speckled look in the axe.

2. Do you feel that a plan such as Franklin’s would improve you as a person? Why or why not? What would be your top five virtues?

I think that yes, it would help, but one has to be happy with their imperfections at the moment. But I think that we should do little bits of each virtue everyday instead of practicing one a week. Chastity, eloquence, defiance, forbearance, and tact.

Journal 5

1. Identify the specific argument that Paine is making in each paragraph. For each of the arguments, identify whether Paine is making an emotional, ethical, or logical appeal and suggest an effective counterargument.

#1 is saying that we need to stay up against Britain, and if they are successful, it will be the best victory. “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” The argument is an emotional appeal. It is also a sentimental appeal because, logically, it is not going to be an easy fight, and might get killed in trying to win, but the thought of winning is a great feeling. Do not focus on the fact we are out-numbered, focus the fact that we are going to win and how great it is going to feel. Focus on emotions and not think with their minds. “Well, you are not free country; you are subject of the king so the king can tax you back” (ethical). Logically, the Americans have very few advantages and might not win. Paine was assuming triumph is going to occur. A fallacy was that it is non sequel. He compares taxation to slavery which is not related.

#2 The argument is a secret opinion that God will not let the military fail. That is an ethical or moral saying that they are right, so God will help them win. God is on their side not Great Britain’s.

Counter argument- British feel that God is on their side. The king was chosen by God so why would God go with the Americans? Therefore, what the Americans are doing going against God. Logically, how do you know if God is on your side? God might not choose sides in the first place. This is dogmatic because it is about an opinion or faith in God. You cannot prove it. Fallacy: he makes these invidious names for the kings. He is attacking the king as a person. He is begging the question (argument in the paragraph)

#3 America would not be happy unless they separated from Britain. It is an emotional and logical appeal. Fight today and be held captive tomorrow. There is a strong yearning in America to be independent, so why not do it right away? He is calling America dominion which is illogical. Do it now so the children would not suffer. It is coming eventually so why not do it today? It is ethical because it’s about the future.

Counter argument: Why not fight tomorrow instead of today? Raise your children to be strong and independent men and women so that they can take what they know to win the battle. Be better prepared for the matters at hand.

#4) The argument is that you should not go to war offensively, but defensively. You should not go and attack someone for no reason and start a war but if they attack you first, it is a good reason for war. That is the difference between a just and unjust war. It is an argument by analogy. Paine is comparing a king to a thief to break into one’s house, so it is okay to defend yourself. This is logical because why would you not fight back if someone was going to hurt you or your family? It is ethical because self-defense is a good thing.

#5 Paine makes an ethical and emotional appeal. He says that he would rather be physically and spiritually destroyed than bend to will of the king. He goes into details about what he would endure then describes the king’s punishment. One logical fallacy used is ad hominem when he personally insults the king. He also used a hybrid of a red herring argument and argument from authority. He uses himself as an example, a form of authority, and leads the reader away from the topic and uses a strong description that was meant to inspire the reader. I don’t have a effective counter argument because this paragraph is more of a summery and doesn’t really argue any specific point.

2. Can you identify any of the logical fallacies that we discussed in Paine’s arguments? If so, which ones? Overall, what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of Paine’s arguments?

There are several logical fallacies such as false analogy, sentimental appeal, hyperbole, ad hominem, and false dichotomy arguments. I feel the strengths of Paine’s arguments are the vividness, its importance to the colonists’ troubles and common-sense. The arguments create a good image of the British wrong doings and the affected colonists and the effects of remaining peaceful. The weakness is that his essay, on several issues, does not provide enough information and goes to the extreme with descriptions, as well as give enough details to the British view of the taxes on the colonists and why they were founded.

Journal 4

Descriptive Writing Assignment

Using Ann Hodgman’s essay as a model, write a detailed description of a recent meal that you ate. Your focus should be on describing as many aspects of your food as you can.

Important Elements: Concrete/Abstract Images

Multi-Sensory Images Simile, Metaphor, Analogy

Dominant Impression

Chicken Marsala:

Sitting in Basta Pasta, I can’t wait for my dinner to come out. The waitress came out with the hot, steaming plate of chicken marsala. My absolute favorite! The specific aroma of the chicken marsala cannot be confused with any other chicken dish. It just can’t be beat!

At first, the slimy mushrooms and the brown marsala wine are a complete turn off, but once you sink your teeth into the juicy, bursting with flavor chicken, all doubts dissipate. If you mix the chicken in with the wine and leave it there for a few seconds, delicious is simply not good enough of a description. The salty, spicy smell enters your nose and the scent is left in the memory forever. The flavorful, salty, sweet, and hearty taste leaves the taste buds yearning for more. The chicken melts in your mouth almost instantly. Chicken marsala is like the meal of a god.

Journal 3

“No Wonder They Call Me a Bitch” – Ann Hodgman

(The Norton Sampler p.77)

Read the selection and write a one paragraph response to the following questions.

1. Cite three specific examples of Hodgman’s descriptive imagery that you find to be particularly effective.

“While my dachshund, Shortie, watched in agonies or yearning, I gagged my way through can after can of stinky, white-flecked mush and bag after bag of stinky fat drenched nuggets. And now I understand why Shortie’s breath is so bad.”

“The “cheese” chews like fresh Play-Doh, whereas the “meat” chews like Play-Doh that’s been sitting out on a rug for a couple of hours.”

“Cycle-1, for puppies, is wet and soyish. Cycle-2, for adults, glistens nastily with fat, but it passably edible-a lot like canned Swedish meatballs I once got in a care package at college.”

2. What do you think Hodgman’s purpose was in writing this essay? What overall message/meaning do you take from the essay?

I think her purpose and message for writing this essay was to show that advertising can be deceitful. The true description of the dog foods does not make one want to go out and buy dog food. It makes you want to give your dog the food off your plate because it tastes so much better than what the dog food descriptions tell you. Advertising is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to things people do not eat or use, because people won’t try the product, they will just get the one with the most appetizing description, even if it really doesn’t taste as good as the package says.

Journal 2

Journal 2 - Annie Dillard – “The Death of a Moth,” from Holy the

Firm

1. How are the moths in the essay’s opening different from the moth at the campsite? What do the different moths represent?

The moths in the beginning of the essay serve as food for the spider. Before, when they were alive, the moths dumbly fell into the trap of the spider’s web. Now, they are just hollow shells of what used to be a winged creature. The moths at the campsite go to the flame because they like the brightness. The light is a curiosity to them and they go towards it because it is attractive to them.

2. What lesson does the moth provide that Dillard takes back to her students?

3. How many references are there to fire in the essay? What’s the larger significance of fire in the essay?

There are multiple references to fire in the essay. One example would be when the big moth caught on fire in Dillard’s candle. Another would be the book she was reading, A Day On Fire. Dillard lit a candle at home and just left it burning. Her cat was burned by the little fire as well.
The larger significance is that Dillard wants to ignite a fire within herself and her students. Both fires would burn for knowledge and motivation to learn or do something important. She has the goal to become a writer and for her students to

4. Address how each of the following quotes connect to Dillard’s overall point.

a. “I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.”

-Jack London

b. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

-William Butler Yeats

c. “A book should serve as the ax for the frozen sea within us.”

-Franz Kafka

The first quote goes along with what Dillard wants to prove. She wants to have a significant impact on her students and their lives instead of just being another teacher that they will hear lectures from about school work. The second also goes along with this point. Dillard wants to educate the children and set them up for learning even more and craving to learn. Learning shouldn’t be boring like filling a pail with water. It should be enlightening and an ignition of their minds. The third quote can be used to describe when she was trying to read the book and wouldn’t stop until she got something out of it. She wanted to become motivated, or use the book as an “axe” against her mind, “the frozen sea within us”, and she wants for her students to read and pursue their passions and open up their minds to see in different perspectives, to think differently and to think more.

Journal 1

New Orlean’s Finest

Yep, that’s me. Montoine Howard. My daddy left my mama when I was just a little thing and Mama died when I was 3. So Granny had to raise me ‘til I was finally old enough to understand what happened to my parents. After that, I was headed down south to New Orleans.

I was about 8 when I started smokin’ like you saw in my picture. Had to raise myself and grow up real fast, so I guess I felt the need to start doin’ adult stuff. I’ve even got a job in this jazz band. They all real nice and gave me a place to stay. I got to shake an’ rattle a tambourine and sing my little ol’ heart out whenever we got to play. One time, Granny almost found me. I had to run off real quick and hide behind the giant speakers we have to carry around to all our gigs. I don’t think she saw me, but who knows?

Every once an’ a while, I get to dress up real pretty and go out to this things called a beauty pageant, where all these other pretty girls dress up too. Everybody always calls me “real pretty”, or “the belle of the ball” with my “sky blue eyes” and “southern brown curls”. And they all like to pinch my cheeks and talk about my “baby doll smile” like I’m not even there. This one time at the pageant thing, I got into real big trouble. One of those big dumb blonde street rats named Gwen started talkin’ ‘bout my mama and I got hot. Like hot as that pepper stuff they put on the crawfish down at Bubba’s Fish Shack. I’m guessin’ y’all want to know how it went, so here’s my story: