2013-06-14 Literature!

Tonight was our last second class in this semester and we were so lucky that Abbie brought one of her favorite children's books and read it to us. We were sitting on the chairs in a big circle as kids who were eager to know the new story and tonight, Abbie was the best librarian who volunteered to read it to all of us! It's an interesting book and I believe that our imagination creates lively pictures and the words guide us to the possible directions where the writers would like us to explore. It was fun to listen to a story like that!

Luckily, four of us prepared something to share with us. Julie was the first to share a story about Joseph who was his father's favorite son. She thoughtfully read the story to us and showed two videos about this story. One is an animation and the other one is performed in traditional Chinese drama way. That was quite interesting!

Marian then took out a reader that she's kept for a long time. It was "Pride and Prejudice." Her book not only is written in English but also provides the Chinese translation. It's one of Marian's favorite books! Then she showed a special Arches' ranger vest to us that she bought at the souvenir shop in Arches National Park when she visited there. It's the vest for junior rangers and the size doesn't really fit any adults. However, the vest carries lots of good memories of Marian's trip to the USA.

Barrett was the third to step on the stage and shared some collections of his books. He brought a medium-sized paper bag full of English books, novels and readers. He introduced each of his books and each of them contains some of Barrett's memories. He also told us why he chose Barrett as his English name. He also mentioned that he kind of struggled to understand some of his books but he pointed out that one of the tips of improving English is to think and write in English rather than in Chinese. He definitely has quite many books to read and no doubt, he has already finished most of them and his English is getting better and better!

I, Jonas, was the last to give the presentation. I used some quotes from the famous movies to remind myself that we all need to slow down and think what really matters in our lives! It is always a privilege to share something with the class and we are our own main characters in our own movies. We have the power to live our lives the way we want and create some unforgettable stories! Just like the quote from the book "The last lecture," We cannot change the card we are dealt, just how we play the hand." We're lucky and blessed to be in this great class. Thanks to those who help and join this big family and special thanks to our lovely teacher, Abbie, who has always been the most passionate to inspire us!

Last but not the least, Abbie led us to read two of her favorite poems. They are touching and it's true that words are so powerful that we get influenced and then take action to change ourselves.

There is no Frigate like a Book

BY EMILY DICKINSON

There is no Frigate like a Book

To take us Lands away

Nor any Coursers like a Page

Of prancing Poetry –

This Traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of Toll –

How frugal is the Chariot

That bears the Human Soul –

The Peace of Wild Things

BY WENDELL BERRY

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.