My impression of the Alchemist, Part 2

This image connects to the Alchemist because Santiago travels through a desert. The desert, in some ways, actually represents a time in life when we might not be able to actually see our dream realized, but we know it is ahead of us somewhere. Since deserts are vast and dry with sparse vegetation, the fact that Santiago crosses one to find his treasure means that we might have to cross a "desert-like" space in order to realize our dreams. I think "deserts" might look differently to different people. For instance, a desert to me might be a time of loneliness where I don't feel that I have many supportive people around me. But a desert time to another might be where they don't have the finances necessary to support them or a tight budget.

Dear Neil Gaiman,

I am excited to start reading your book, Stardust. I have been waiting to read it for awhile, and now I have decided (with the help of a high school senior who inspired me by reminding me that I always have time to read) to start it. I was going to wait until summer, because often it just seems too much to actually find time to read during the school year. But that is an excuse. If it is a priority, then I need to make time to do it. I am excited about your book because, first of all, the movie was cool (though a little cheesy). I was intrigued by the purely fantastical story and the humor that you managed to weave throughout. So, I think your book is just what the doctor ordered. I need some light humor and darker fantasy in my life. Also, your book was given to me as a gift by someone else who is a terrific reader and who I often find shares the same opinion as me on books. So, that is a high recommendation indeed if she actually bought the book for me. I am excited to read...so excited that I will try to start it tonight...I will let you know what I think of it when I am further through it. In the meantime, Coraline, based on your graphic novel, is out in the theaters. I think my boyfriend and I are going to see it this weekend...I can't wait! Blessings, M. Crabtree

Paris blogging...

Hi everyone, If anyone's interested, I will be keeping a separate Paris blog for my trip. The address is parisinwinterdrizzles.blogspot.com. so if you want to find out what Ms. Crabtree did on her break, and how Paris in the winter REALLY is, check it out. Hope everyone else enjoyed their break as much as I did (however, I was in PARIS!!!) and that you relaxed and spent time with lots of cool people. Also, if you get to go anywhere fun, I definitely want to hear about it! You could even post comments about your break activities on my Paris blog.

Are dreams that we dream at night REALLY that important?

Carolyn, and other students, really seem to believe that dreams tell you something REALLY important. BUt I don't know. I don't know if I would really trust a dream. Like, if I was in a really tough situation and I dreamt about it, I don't know if I would really believe what happens in a dream. I think dreams might be a way our brains process information and give us rehearsal scenarios. But I would be skeptical of a dream that might tell the future or guide me in making a decision.

What Dreams Are Made Of?

I have had some crazy dreams...there was one about Willie Nelson and Val Kilmer...a recurring one that I was chased around my hometown church by a group of witches who wanted to curse me when I was a kid...a recent one where I jerked myself awake after dreaming that I was pushed off of the Grand Canyon...etc. So, I personally waver back and forth on what dreams might really mean, why we have them, and what I believe when it comes to their significance. But I am no different from most scientists, philosophers, psychologists, and psychics...very few of whom also have definitive answers. So, since none of us really can be certain, I am curious to know what you think...what are dreams really made of and what is their significance? Share your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs about dreams in a comment posted below. Check back to see what your classmates say as well...

Your new post assignment on Thursday, December 18

So, I have been re-reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. What have you been reading? It has started me thinking about situations we find ourselves in where we really can't see how they are going to work themselves out and how frightening that can be for most of us. In the 5th book of the Harry Potter series, Harry struggles with his lack of knowledge...he feels if he was "kept in the loop," he would be better able to handle what is going on around him. This could be true of many situations...sometimes, I feel that if I had more information further in advance, I would be able to better deal with and handle things when they become stressful. But then, I wonder if this is really true. Dumbledore protects Harry by keeping certain information from him, and maybe this was the best decision? It is difficult to know, but perhaps if we knew all the facts in advance, we would not really make better decisions. In a post on your blog, discuss something from your independent reading book that applies or connects to your life and explain how the experience of the character in your book connects to your own experience.

Comments for Thursday, December 18

Considering The Alchemist and what we've been reading in it, what do you think of it so far. What are your questions? What do you want to find out about Santiago and his quest? How does Santiago's quest compare to other quests we have discussed in class (Ophelia's in Pan's Labyrinth, Perseus and Theseus in Heroes, Gods, and Monsters)? What are some similarities and differences? Please post your comments on here.