Alyson Serena Stone's Blog, page 11

New Medium Article: Sneak Peek: Principles of Emotions by Sara Read

Happy Friday everyone! Today I am teaming up with Graydon House to bring you a sneak peek of Principles of Emotion by Sara Read, which comes out on January 9, 2024!

What’s It About?
A brilliant mind needs a strong heart.

Mathematical genius Dr. Meg Brightwood has just completed her life’s work—a proof of a problem so impenetrable it’s nicknamed the Impossible Theorem.

Reclusive and burdened by anxiety, Meg has long since been dismissed by academia. Now everyone wants to get their hands on what she alone possesses—especially her own mathematician father.

Having grown up a prodigy in a field plagued by sexism and plagiarism, Meg opts for a public presentation so there will be no doubt of her authorship. But a panic attack obliterates her plans. In defeat, she goes home and locks away the one and only manuscript of her proof.

Then chance sends her the unlikeliest of Isaac Wells—carpenter, high school dropout, in trouble with the law. And the one love of Meg’s life. Fifteen years ago, they did little more than hold hands. Now, they find a tenuous space where they can love and be loved for who they are—not who the world expects them to be.

But when Meg goes to retrieve the Impossible Theorem, she finds it missing. Her fight for the achievement of the century will test the limits of her brilliance and the endurance of two vulnerable hearts.

If you are interested in reading the full article, it is on both my Medium page and my blog.

Links: https://serenastone.livejournal.com/3...
https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

Serena

New Youtube Video: Vlog: Come the Ride the Sistersville Ferry With Me

New Youtube Video: Vlog: Come the Ride the Sistersville Ferry With Me
It may be a few hours before this pops up. My internet is really lagging right now.
Link: https://youtu.be/lUU-K-uxlyw


Description:
Today I am taking you to ride the Sistersville Ferry!
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, The Sistersville Ferry crosses the Ohio River between Sistersville, West Virginia and the unincorporated community of Fly, Ohio.[1] Known as the oldest ferry in West Virginia, it has been in continuous operation since 1817.[2] It is one of five ferries left on the Ohio River, and the only one along the 277 mi (446 km) stretch of the river on the West Virginia border; the others, located at Augusta, Anderson, Rising Sun and Cave-in-Rock, are all downstream, on the Kentucky portion of the river.”



Subject: Vlog, History, Ferries, Ohio River, Travel, Science
Topic: Vlog, History, Ferries, Ohio River, Travel, Science
Grades: PreK-12
Links:
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...

New Medium Article: Azula's Descent Into Madess

Happy New Year everyone! I just posted a new article on my Medium page. I decided to do an Avatar: The Last Airbender one this time-since it has been awhile since I have done one. The link to the full article is below, as well as a sneak peek.


Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...


Sneak Peek:
Azula’s Descent into Madness: Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Most Heartbreaking Character Arc

Spoiler Warning: This article focuses solely on the Avatar: The Last Airbender TV series and does not contain any spoilers for the graphic novels or The Legend of Korra. This article contains spoilers for Avatar: The Last Airbender TV series only.

Princess Azula…. Fire Princess…Firebending prodigy…. Zuko’s younger sister…No matter what you call her, there is no denying that Azula’s character arc is one of the most compelling stories in Avatar: The Last Airbender. The fourteen-year-old princess has been given the task of picking up her brother’s pieces. Her father has given her the job of tracking down Zuko and the Avatar. He puts his complete trust in her. She has everything that going for her. She has the love of the Fire Nation, two best friends, and her father’s love. Her father goes as far as to entrust her with the Fire Nation and wants to make her the next Fire Lord. What more could she want? Why does she lose it all? What causes her emotional breakdown? Were there signs of this breakdown throughout the series? In this article, I will attempt to answer those questions.

Azula is primarily raised in an environment without her mother. When she did have a mother, she believed that her mother loved Zuko more than her. It is this belief that starts her descent into madness. The idea as a young child of being unloved and having to prove yourself to be loved has left a deep impact on her. She believes that to be loved, one must prove that they are worthy of being loved. Having Fire Lord Ozai as a father does not help matters either. In the flashbacks from the show, we can see that Ozai does favour Azula. However, this is not enough for her. She sees the close and loving relationship that Zuko and Ursa have and she wants it. She does anything and everything that she can think of to get her mother’s attention. Instead of getting the relationship that she longs for, it only leads to fights. For example, when she burns a flower that didn’t grow right (according to her), she is punished for disrespecting the garden. Based on what we see in Avatar: The Last Airbender, we don’t know if Ursa ever reached out to Azula-at least early on. We don’t know if she made any attempt to get to know her daughter. Everything we know about the relationship comes from Zuko’s point of view.

Azula is very confident in her abilities as a firebender and a human being. As a result, she has become very narcissistic. She drives to be perfect and anything less than that is not good enough. In one episode, we see her practising and her lesson seems to be going great. At the end of the practice session, there is one piece of hair that is out of place. As a result, she did not do good enough. She needs perfection and will not settle for anything less. Perfection is a sign of strength, which shows off your power and domination. This she why she does not help others and only does so when she has something to gain from it. All this stems from her having instilled into her mind that she has been chosen for her role as the Fire Princess and eventual Fire Lord. This means that anyone whom Azula views as being beneath her is shown no mercy. To mess up goes against the idea of not being perfect and, therefore, is a sign of treason and inferiority. She wants complete control of everything and everyone. This is shown very clearly in her personality as she can keep her calm and react in almost every situation.

Azula does not understand the feelings of others. We see this time and time again. Whenever someone does something better than her, she lashes out at that person. This comes from her desire to be anything but perfect. How she treats Ty Lee is a perfect example of this. Ty Lee is one of Azula’s closest friends. However, Ty Lee is better at gymnastics than she is. Azula responds by pushing her to the ground and calling her a “circus freak.” This goes on for years. It may make it appear that Azula does not care for her friends, but we will see how much they impact her life later. This idea of fear and bullying is what drives much of her friendships. This is not the only time Azula bullies Ty Lee. Whenever Azula starts to put together her team to hunt down Aang, she wants Ty Lee and visits her at the circus. Ty Lee doesn’t want to come. She is happy with her life choices. Azula’s drive pushes her. Azula stays to supposedly watch her friend but ends up putting her in grave danger. She has the circus master set the net below Ty Lee on fire. This makes her afraid and, as a result, she helps Azula, which is what Azula wants.

Azula is not afraid to assert herself and show her authority. She does this by humiliating others. She looks down on those who are not up to her standard. This does, once again, allow her to get what she wants. By making people less than her, it means that they bow down to her. She pushes them to the side and keeps climbing. This is how she takes down Long Feng, gains control of Dai Li, and conquers Bai Sing Se. She does this because she needs to be admired by everyone. Now, she may want it from everyone around her, but there is one person whom she wants it most from her father. Whenever she believes that Fire Lore Ozai does not notice her or acknowledge what she has accomplished, she reacts with rage and despair. This comes from the lack of love and compassion that she has never been shown. Remember that Zuko has Iroh to teach him these things, while Azula has no one.


Have a great day!
Serena

New Youtube Video: Vlog: The 2022 Coshocton Sunflower Festival!

New Youtube Video: Vlog: The 2022 Coshocton Sunflower Festival!
It may be a few hours before this pops up. My internet is really lagging right now.
Link: https://youtu.be/xmFiRSkvpE8


Description:
Today I am taking you to the Coshocton Sunflower Festival!
From https://www.coshoctonsunflowerfestiva..., “Experience the Joy of Living Sunshine!
The Coshocton Sunflower Festival is all about experiencing the joy of spending time with your friends, family and loved ones in a 4-acre field of the happiest flowers - the sunflowers! For our 6th year, we have over 50 varieties of sunflowers in the field!”


Subject: Vlog, Sunflowers, Travel, Science
Topic: Vlog, Sunflowers, Travel, Science
Grades: PreK-12
Links:
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...

New Medium Article and Free Story: Tis the Season

Hello everyone! I just posted a new holiday short story on my Medium page. The link is below, as well as the full short story, as well as a sneak peek. Enjoy!

Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

Serena


Sneak Peek:

Rain pelted down as we poured in front of the empty cabin. It was dark and unwelcoming as it had been sitting empty for the better part of two years.
James switched the car off as the downpour increased. “Here we are.”
I shivered. “Here we are.”
He peered through the sheets of rain. “So much for a white Christmas. I thought it snowed every Christmas.”
I shook my head. “No, it rarely happens. The Christmas movies lie.”
“I can see that.”
As I gazed out at the dreary landscape, I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. The once vibrant yard had transformed into a swamp, with muddy patches and stagnant water scattered all around. The bare branches of the trees reached out like skeletal fingers, devoid of any signs of life. December's chill seemed to permeate everything, clinging to the air, and making it difficult to stay warm.
James had always dreamt of experiencing a white Christmas. He had often spoken about the magic and beauty that snow brings to the holiday season. But this year, it seemed like his dream would go unfulfilled. The little bits of snow that remained under the trees had lost their lustre, taking on a grey, dirty appearance that was far from the picturesque image of a winter wonderland.
I knew James was disappointed. The absence of snow seemed to cast a shadow over his holiday spirit, dampening the joy that Christmas usually brought. It was disheartening to see him let down, knowing that his dream of a white Christmas was slipping away.
To make matters worse, the weather forecasters were predicting an impending ice storm. The temperature was dropping, and the frigid air held the promise of freezing rain and treacherous conditions. It was a harsh reality check, a cruel reminder that nature had its own plans, often indifferent to our desires.
Amid this gloom, we found ourselves grateful for one stroke of luck. Our plane had managed to land just in time before the weather took a turn for the worse. Had it been delayed, we would have been stranded at the airport, spending Christmas in a place devoid of the warmth and familiarity of home.
“Maybe we should have stayed in Egypt again,” I said.
James smiled and clasped my leg. “We’re going to make the best of it.” He paused. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell your family you’re back?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Okay.”
That was what I liked about James. Once I told him no, he mostly let the matter drop. My family didn’t know that I was back in the country, let alone only two hours from them. It was going to stay that way. I have been working as an archaeologist in Egypt for the past two years. I spent my days combing through the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. James worked with me as an expert in the Egyptian New Kingdom. I oversaw the dig and he helped with the artefacts. My family didn’t understand what I did. They believed that I just played in the dirt and did see the importance of my work.
James reached for the car door. “We probably should go.”
The rain let up a little as we rushed around to the back of the car to get our suitcases. It took us six trips, but we made it. The ground slopped beneath our feet as we ran toward the front door. I could deal with sand storms, extreme heat, and dangerous working conditions. I believed had no issues crawling through crevices so small that my shoulders barely fit. I had faced the possibility of tombs collapsing and leaving my crew and myself to die. I would gladly face all of that over a cold December rain. No matter what you did, it clung to you.
I unlocked the door. The cabin was musty but clean. I had always made sure to give it a deep clean before I left for the season. I hadn’t expected to be gone for two years. Even though we were not allowed to dig year-round, I could not make myself leave Egypt. James and I had been lucky to find research work. Our decent relationship with the Egyptian authorities allowed us to stay in the country even if we weren’t always working in the tombs. It didn’t matter. I was working in Egypt and living the dream.
James flipped on the light and headed with the box of food to the kitchen. I set the final bag down on the soaking wet floor. The cabin was lonely and unused. While there was furniture and belongings here, it had the sense of no one living there. It was a place where people came to visit, not stay.
I took in the small, cramped living room. Despite building this cabin almost ten years ago, many things were still in boxes. All the journals and books that James and I had written though were on display on the cramped box shelves. Every book that we could get our hands on about Ancient Egypt lined the shelves. We had met during our freshmen year of university, sharing the same obsession for all things Ancient Egypt. We had been inseparable since then.
“Kylie!” James called from the kitchen. “We have a spider problem!”
I turned away from the shelves and followed his voice. James thought nothing of entering a three-thousand-year-old tomb, but when it came to spiders, he lost all his marbles.
I went into the kitchen. James stood as far away from the counter as he could. I rolled my eyes and went to the counter in question. A small spider was building a web. I picked up an empty paper towel roll and whacked
“Thank you,” James breathed as he went back to unloading the boxes.

New Youtube Video: Pup and Bear Read Aloud

New Youtube Video: Pup and Bear Read Aloud
It may be a few hours before this pops up. My internet is really lagging right now.
Link: https://youtu.be/CtOrSMVm8nI


Description:
Today I am doing a read aloud of Pup and Bear by Kate Banks!

Summary:
This deeply emotional read-aloud about a lost wolf pup who is raised by a loving polar bear is sure to resonate with families – particularly non-traditional ones.

You are not my mother, said the wolf pup.
I am not your mother, said the polar bear, but I can cuddle you and keep you safe.

Here is a picture book that celebrates differences and promotes kindness , sure to resonate with the many fans of the beloved classic, Mama Do You Love Me? During the ice melt that follows an Arctic winter, a wolf cub finds himself spinning out to sea on a sheet of ice. He awakes lost and alone to an unfamiliar smell: a polar bear. And while the polar bear is not the wolf's mother, she takes him on her back to her den, where she feeds him, keeps him warm, and does everything a mother would do. Time passes, the cub grows into a wolf, and soon it's time for him to venture out into the wide world alone. Years later, the now grown wolf comes upon a tiny lost polar bear cub--and the cycle begins again. With poetic prose this beautiful picture book about the love and kindness of a stranger is sure to touch a deep chord, particularly with parents and children who have found each other in unexpected ways.
Subject: Read Aloud, Children’s Literature, Reading
Topic: Read Aloud, Children’s Literature, Reading
Grades: PreK-4
Links:
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...

New Medium Article: The Impact of History on A Song of Ice and Fire

Happy Saturday everyone! I just posted a new Medium article on my Medium page. It's on the impact of history on A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. It is a bit shorter than normal.

Link to the full story is below, as well as a sneak peek.

Serena

Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...


Sneak Peek:
Author’s Note: This article contains spoilers for “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin.

“A Song of Ice and Fire,” the epic fantasy series written by George R.R. Martin, has captivated readers and viewers alike with its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and richly detailed world. While the series is undeniably a work of fiction, it is deeply rooted in historical events and themes, drawing inspiration from real-world history to shape its narrative and world-building. This essay explores the profound impact of history on “A Song of Ice and Fire,” examining how historical events have shaped the series and drawing parallels between the fictional world and our own.

Historical Influences on Westeros and Essos

Martin’s fictional continents, Westeros and Essos, are teeming with political intrigues, wars, and power struggles. These elements are not mere coincidences but are deeply reminiscent of historical events that have shaped our own world. For instance, the War of the Five Kings in the series bears striking similarities to the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in 15th-century England between the rival Houses of Lancaster and York.

In the books, House Stark and House Lannister can be seen as loosely inspired by the Lancasters and Yorks, respectively. The Starks’ northern location, emblematic of the Lancasters’ northern power base, is analogous to the Yorkist stronghold in the north of England. The feud between the two families mirrors the bitter rivalry between the Lancasters and Yorks, culminating in the infamous Battle of Bosworth Field, which parallels the epic Battle of the Trident in “A Song of Ice and Fire.”

Real Historical Events Shaping Key Plotlines

1. The Red Wedding and the Black Dinner: One of the most shocking events in the series is the Red Wedding, where House Frey brutally murders House Stark and their allies under the pretence of hospitality. This event bears a resemblance to the Black Dinner of 1440, where the young Earl of Douglas and his brother were lured to Edinburgh Castle under the promise of safety, only to be executed. Both events highlight the ruthlessness of power struggles and the breach of trust during times of conflict.

2. The Wall and Hadrian’s Wall: The towering Wall that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the dangerous lands beyond is reminiscent of Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans to protect their territory from the northern tribes of what is now modern-day England. Both walls signify the border between civilization and the unknown, serving as bulwarks against external threats.

New Youtube: Because I Had Teacher

New Youtube Video: Because I Had A Teacher Read Aloud
It may be a few hours before this pops up. My internet is really lagging right now.
Link: https://youtu.be/Dr3VtSmyxaw


Description:
Today I am doing a read aloud of Because I Had A Teacher by Kobi Yamada!

Summary:
We all remember our favorite teacher.
Where would we be without them those special people who inspire us, support us, and encourage us? Whether they're an educator, a coach, or a mentor, this book is for them. To celebrate the worlds they open up for us and to thank them for the difference they make.
This heartwarming book is a thank you gift for great teachers everywhere. Perfect for National Teacher Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, the end of the school year, or just because.
Book Excerpt:
Because I had a teacher, I have whole new worlds to explore.
I discovered that what I can imagine, I can make real.
And now I feel like I can do anything.
Because I had you, I learned to believe in me
Praise for Because I Had a Teacher:
• A sweet, soft conversation starter and a charming gift. Kirkus Reviews
New York Times Best Seller.

Subject: Read Aloud, Children’s Literature, Reading
Topic: Read Aloud, Children’s Literature, Reading
Grades: PreK-4
Links:
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...

Free Story: The Curious Path of the Clock

Hello everyone! I have just posted a new, free short story on my Medium, Livejournal, and FIctionpress page. Links are down below, as well as a sneak peek.

Serena

Links:
Fictionpress Link: https://www.fictionpress.com/s/336944...

Medium Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

Livejournal Link: https://serenastone.livejournal.com/3...


Sneak Peek:
Tick…Tick…Boom…Tick…Tick…Boom…

The clock chimes. I have no idea if it is real or in my head. So much is that way now. I can’t pick out what is real and what isn’t. I close my eyes. I have to learn to differentiate between the two. It’s hard when your mind is pulling you one way, but your thoughts are going another.

Tick…Tick…Boom…Tick…Tick…Boom…

Ah, there it is again. I open my eyes. Darkness gathers in like an old friend. It’s the only place I feel safe. While some people see it as being uninviting and cold, it reminds me of the first warm days of spring. There are things within it that we can’t see. It calls out to us, inviting us to see what it has to offer. If you look close enough, you can see the bits of life and the hope it offers to those of us who have embraced its welcoming hug.

I slowly make myself stand up. Everything starts to spin. I cling to the wall. It’s the only thing that is keeping me from plummeting to the ground. My eyes swam inside my head, while my brain buzzes. I gasp, but for what I am gasping for is a mystery to me. I lick my lips, tasting a bit of metal in my mouth. This is not good. I am about to slip away.

I fall to the ground, crying out as I bang my knee against the wall. The walls are coming toward me. I have to get out of here! I try to get to my feet, but my body isn’t listening to me. Why can’t I do the most basic of things?

The walls rush toward me like four tombstones of death. I don’t want it to end like this…It’s not supposed to be like this…I scramble up again, but the walls are moving from behind me. The room is getting smaller and smaller. I am being forced into a box.

Tick…Tick…Boom…Tick…Tick…Boom…

I know what this is. This is a trap. It’s trying to get me to break. I am in complete control of the situation and I choose not to let it break me.

I spread my hands out against the approaching walls. The smoothness of them tries to knock me down, but I dig my feet in. “NO!” I scream.

The walls stop moving. They aren’t leaving me though. They want to see my break. They want to feel my pain. I take a deep breath. Okay, I need them to get back. I barely have any room to move and I am not okay with that.

“Go away,” I hiss. Just like that the walls push back. Good…I am getting the hang of this.

I collapse to the ground, my entire body shaking. I am growing weaker. Life is sucking everything away from me. I am falling deeper into myself and I am not sure that I am going to be able to come out of this. Death is coming for me. It’s not like I don’t know this. It comes for all of us. It is my turn now.

No, that’s not true. Even though life is pulling me away from it and closer into the sweet arms of death, I am not ready to go. Life does offer pain. Death takes away that pain. Life lets you feel, while death doesn’t.

I hold my hands out in front of me. Though I cannot see them, I know they are there. I dig my nails into my palm, hard enough that I break the skin. Blood rushes down my palm. I welcome the sticky feeling and the pain. It means that I am still here.

I stand up again. This time I am successful. My legs wobble beneath me, but they do not fail me. I slowly make my way down what appears to be a never-ending hallway. No, that’s not true. Everything has to have an ending.

It is silent. I can’t even hear the sounds of my heart beating and my breathing. I dig my nails back into my wound. Pain shoots through my hand. As long as I am feeling the pain, it means that I am still alive.

I have to keep reminding myself that I am in charge of this whole situation. Light appears out of the corner of my eye. I stop. Like a moth drawn to a flame, I cannot look away. I hold my head to the side, considering it. The flame flickers in and out, like a candle fighting to hold onto its final light. All it takes is one little puff of air and it’s over.

I glide over to the light. Don’t ask me why I do this. I lift my face to it, allowing its warmth to bathe me. I smile. This is good…This is so good…I don’t want to go away from it. I step forward, allowing its warmth to overtake me.

Something is wrong though. The closer I get to the light, the less I feel. My body becomes numb and is telling me to sleep. The fight is over. Just allow the light to overtake you and everything will be okay. It seems like the right thing to do. In one little moment, all of my pain and suffering could be over. It’s not like anyone would miss me if I decide to follow the light. Aren’t we supposed to follow what makes us happy, after all?

Something whispers to me. I can’t make out what it is saying, but it’s calling out to me. I listen, but my senses are too shut down for me to hear it. I glance back at the light. There are so many choices that I must make and none of them are easy. All of them seem right.

What I am supposed to do?

New Medium Article: I Reread Percy Jackson as an Adult and I Have Thoughts

Hello all! I just posted a new article on my Medium page. It's called "I Reread Percy Jackson and the Olympians as an Adult and I Have Thoughts." The like is below, as well as a sneak peek.

Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

Sneak Peek:

Author’s Notes: The article contains spoilers for the first five books of the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series by Rick Riordan.

Every summer I pick a book series to reread and this summer’s pick is “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” by Rick Riordan. I read “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” way back in high school. While I do remember enjoying the series, I don’t remember all that much about it. Rereading them for the second time was almost like reading the series for the first time. I will admit that I was rather nervous to reread the series. Is it as good as I remember? Has it aged well? These thoughts all ran through my head as I began my reread.

Before I get into my thoughts on the books, please allow me a minute to give you a series summary. If you are like me, it has been a while since you last read these books. The Percy Jackson series, titled “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” is a captivating and popular young adult fantasy adventure written by Rick Riordan. The series consists of five books and follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a teenage boy who discovers that he is a demigod — a half-human, half-Greek god — and the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea. Throughout the series, Percy Jackson grows as a character, forging strong friendships with other demigods like Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood. Together, they face formidable enemies, unravel ancient mysteries, and confront their struggles. Rick Riordan’s blending of modern-day settings with Greek mythology creates a thrilling and engaging narrative that captivates readers of all ages. The series has been widely praised for its relatable characters, witty humour, and exploration of friendship, loyalty, and heroism. The success of the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series has led to several spin-off series and adaptations, cementing its place as one of the most beloved and enduring works in contemporary young adult literature.

In this article, I will list my thoughts on each of the books. I have tried to keep these reviews as spoiler-free as possible.

Serena