Stories, Shyamalan, and Symbols

A friend of mine loves to read as long as she doesn’t have to look for symbols, themes, meanings.... Yet between this conversation earlier this week and another Shyamalan movie tonight (Devil), I begin to realize that my love of reading comes from just that – any aspect of a story that moves it from the literal to the abstract (hard to believe I decided to teach English).

And I am a great fan of all things Shyamalan (ok – The Happening really wasn’t “happening”). I adore his “stories”. I admire the imagination and courage to put “out there” something that many people are going to complain about because just maybe it takes to much thought (or the fact that the beast in The Village wasn’t a creepy, scary make-believe monster). I love any story that not only makes me think but often begs the necessity of a second (or third) read or watch (Inception would definitely rank high on that list). And Shyamalan does that for me most consistently (at least with movies).

His stories touch on universal questions and ideas. Reflect on human behavior, both good and evil. Leave us pondering more about ourselves and those around us. And most importantly, at least for me, with the realization that good can win out in the end, even if it may not be exactly the way we might wish.

I will always be thankful for the true story tellers, those who are willing to share their imaginations with us, taking us to places we may never have been aware of, or showing us that their ideas are not that far from our own. Even those who simply allow us to enjoy a wonderful story, escaping reality for a bit - “temporarily suspending our disbelief”.

And the truth is I believe all readers take something away from the stories they read, be it symbolism or not.

History and Scriptures

New Bible for my birthday!  Have been looking forward to this for several months, ever since I first found it on the shelves at Hastings.  Not only are the scriptures organized chronologically, but it includes extra historical information throughout the pages.  So very interesting to learn even more about the events and people recorded there.  Looking forward to this journey, hope to get lost within the pages.  Oh and thanks to my other gift (thanks mom and dad) - Garmin- I should be able to avoid getting lost on my actual journeys. :)

Reviving Ophelia

Having finished THE GIFT OF FEAR, I begin yet another book delving into the psychology of humans and humanity - this time examining the psyche of adolescent girls.  I once found this topic (psychology that is) quite fascinating, but life moves on with its twists and turns, and my interest found its way into a corner. 

Interestingly enough, it has been brought back to the forefront through my daughter.  Her interest has peaked mine once again.  As a high school teacher, I am hoping that it will make a difference in my understanding of others, especially those young minds that I come into contact with daily.

When to Read

Every time I assign this book, I have at least one student come back the next day and inform me that his/her mother/father "hated that book".  I will concede that it is a dark read, but also an educating read, eye-opening read, thought provoking read.  As I begin this novel for the umpteeth time, I am still awed by the diction, imagery, and symbolism of Golding.  The story unsettles my spirit each time I peruse it, but maybe our spirits are a little too settled, a little too often.

The Gift of Fear

I love reading books that alter how I live - ok, I love reading books - but especially when they can be life changing. THE GIFT of FEAR by Gavin deBecker is just one of those books!

One comment reads: "True fear is a gift. Unwarranted fear is a curse. Learn to tell the difference." And a difference there truly is. I find myself looking at the world, people, actions, and attitudes surrounding me in a much different light. A much more positive and educated light.

Bittersweet

Sitting behind a student last Friday, waiting for graduation to begin, I commented that next year it would be him down there.  His belief – it will be bittersweet. 

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this is the perfect word for a senior teacher as well.  As I watched my students walk toward their diplomas and new lives, I found myself both excited for them but a bit sad that memories will be all I have for the years to come.

As a teacher, I have always had to opportunity to see my previous students for a least another year as they move throughout high school.  This is the first time I will not have that luxury.  Now the end of the year is the end of high school for them. 

But I am thankful for the memories and the year of their lives shared.  As they move forward into a new arena, I hope that each finds the life dreamed and is willing to work diligently towards making it a reality, realizing both the positive and negative are a necessity toward adulthood – a bit bittersweet.

I'm From...

I'm from the sky and sea, soldier and seaman
a military family, courageous and strong.
From hard work, day shifts merging to night
my dad's broken back for his family's battle.
I'm from a family who's close – a split always mended;
at the end of the day they're needed, they're there.

I'm from open spaces, distance, and fun;
a sleeping bag beneath the stars,
worms on a hook, meat freshly butchered, nature adored.
I'm from mud on the ground, winding up in my hair
a victim of sneak attacks my dad has arranged.
I am waves finding land, toes sinking in sand
though the voyage be stormy, the port's worth the peril.

I am from the courts, the field, the track, and the course,
competition - my life.
I am Built Ford Tough and Wreck 'Em Tech.
From “It's how you handle the situation that defines who you are”.

I'm from love and laughter, peace and persistence.
I am dreams of education, money, a career.
I'm from the past, I am the present...the future beware.

Shelby Ollinger (c) 2010
Dumas High School
Published with permission