A Literary Cornucopia
By Luisa Morales-Molina
A Literary CornucopiaJan 02, 2021
Episode 102: Christina Rossetti: A Woman of her Time
Much has been said about this poet. I can only add that after re-reading her poetry, I realize how unique she was not only as a poet but as a woman of strength in many ways. The Victorian Period produced two notable poets: Elizabeth Barrette Browning and Christina Georgina Rossetti. Each had her own style but of the two, Christina has left an indelible mark in my soul. ~~LMM
Episode 101: April-National Poetry Month
In keeping with April as National Poetry month, I revisited Episode 3 to listen to my poem inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "A Dream Within Dream." Poe both as a writer and as a poet is definitely in a category by himself. I've always been attracted to his narratives but his poems hold a special place in my heart. After nearly two centuries, why does his body of work appeal to so many? Is it due to the mystery that surrounds his personna?
You can check his poetry out at https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/edgar-allan-poe
Episode 100: The Twin's Night Out
Celebrating the 100th episode with flash fiction, a very short and sweet story. Loosely based on a true event from a long time ago. Care to share your own? You may send yours to aliterarycornucopiapodcast@gmail.com. ~~LMM
Episode 99: The Sub
If you had your choice, would you rather deal with 5-year old kids or teenagers? Pick your poison because of the two groups, it might not be easy. This story deals with a young woman who might not be able handle either group.
Episode 98: Love and Hate on the Playground
The month of February brings back childhood memories. Can a child have romantic feelings towards another? The answer may not be so simple. How can a child handle an emotion that he (or she) doesn't fully understand?
Episode 97: Adriana and Mia: Heavenly Thoughts
This episode includes the conversation between Adriana and Mia and their observations during the first days back in the English class. The group started off with discussions on heaven and in particular the main character’s encounter with five people in his heaven. All in all it was an emotional beginning of the new semester.
Episode 96: Another New Year (Resolutions)
Resolutions: How good are you at keeping them? Only time will tell. Will 2024 be different?
Episode 95: The Ghosts of New Year's Eve
I'm ending the year 2023 and Season #4 with a mystery story. Coming up with a plot for a mystery is a challenge but the process can be fun. I hope to add more for the new year 2024 and Season 5.
If you have any comments, please email me at aliterarycornucopiapodcast@gmail.com
Episode 94: Revisiting We Have Always Lived in the Castle
Sometimes when we read a novel for the second (or maybe a third) time, we see things in a different light. Events looked at through a different lens become more clear or we as the reader might not mind the mystery behind them. It's always about perspective with Shirley Jackson's novel.
Episode 93: Classroom Chronicles Advanced on Gothic Literature
A Literary Cornucopia podcast shares from the Classroom Chronicles Advanced podcast part one of the unit on Gothic literature. The CCA is a podcast project dealing with topics discussed in the 11th grade advanced level course in English. Gothic literature is a topic not often dealt with in a Christian school but is one that should be included for the benefit of all English language learners. This episode should be a treat for all Gothic lovers.
Episode 92: "The Judge's House" Radio Drama: Reactions
Three students from the 11th grade English class react to the ghost story after they listened to it. Judging by what they said, the story left a mark.
Episode 91: Bram Stoker's "The Judge's House" - A Radio Drama
If you want to sleep well at night, this ghost story must be read during the daytime. Bram Stoker has a way of drawing the reader or listener into a world few are familiar with. This radio drama uses all the techniques to make the listener feel he is right there! You will feel the Judge staring right at you, just as the protagonist did.
Source: https://archive.org/details/bram-stoker-the-judges-house
Episode 90: Scary Toys
Ever have a toy you weren’t fond of? Maybe it was a doll that you didn’t want to cuddle. As children we sometimes react to toys that mystify our parents. Our actions defy logic, don’t you think? Listen to these accounts and decide.
Episode 89: A Taste of Gothic
Gothic Literature is a genre to be enjoyed, especially at this time of year. Check out this brief summary of one of my favorite genres. ~~LMM
Episode 88: Pride and Prejudice: Jane Austen’s Universal Truths
Episode 87: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry - Reviewing a Dystopian Novel
(Bonus) Episode 86: Students' Endings to "An Old-Fashioned Knight and a Damsel in Distress" (12-Nil)
These students listened to Episode 72 and had to come up with their own unique ending to this tale. I enjoyed listening and was impressed with their creative imaginations.
Episode 85: Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief: A Review
Mythology in the modern world, three youngsters out to save the world, what's not to like? With its twists and turns, it's a roller coaster of an adventure.
Episode 84: The Chronicles of Narnia: A Review
The first installment was a delight to read; a very straightforward tale. Adults and children alike will enjoy the journey into the land of Narnia. I've seen the movies but nothing compares to the C. S. Lewis' narrative. His vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling immerse readers in the world of Narnia, making it feel as real as any other fantastical realm.
Episode 83: The Scent of Orange
Memories of food can pop up anytime you're hungry. It's human nature. Oftentimes a scent can trigger the memory of a favorite meal or dessert. Mine was of an original orange cake my mom often baked. The scent of orange coming from an oven will always remind me of her.
Episode 82: Upon Closing the School Year 2022-2023
How can one close what has been such a difficult school year? This past year came with a set of circumstances that almost knocked me over! The two songs alluded to in the episode describe it perfectly: Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure" and Elton John's "I'm Still Standing"! I worked constantly under pressure but remained standing. My sincerest gratitude to those students who kept me going!
Episode 81: Tuesdays with Morrie: On the topic of money
So many topics were discussed in this novel. One of the most interesting conversations Mitch Albom had with Morrie was on this very universal topic of money. No matter how old a person is, it's always an issue. No matter the amount, it's usually not enough. It's all a matter of perception.
Possessing many material things or a great deal of money won't mean much if one doesn't know what to do with it. If a person only takes and doesn't give back to society, of what use is having so many material goods?
Episode 80: The Empty Chair
I had nightmares for many weeks after the event. Slowly they began to subside but every time graduation time rolls around I think back and still wonder why it happened. Why some humans do what they do is a mystery. The human mind is a mystery in itself, a universe into its own.
Episode 79: The Twins
Tales about twins abound in literature. Usually they entail an element of mystery. Why do you suppose that is? Probably just humans being human. When something is difficult to understand we speculate about its origin. With this story, what theory could we come up with?
Episode 78: The People in Our Lives (a reflective essay)
Why are some people in our lives? There is always some reason but more often than not we just cannot understand their presence until later in life or when it's too late. But maybe it's just as well. This episode is a reflection on this aspect of life inspired by the novel The Five People You Meet in Heaven. If you care to leave a message (audio or written), you may email it to aliterarypodcast@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Episode 77: The Time Keeper Game Show (Group 3)
As a requirement for the 12th-grade English course, students were required to select a certain portion of Mitch Albom's The Time Keeper to present to their classmates. This particular group chose to present their work as a game show. They decided on a podcast theme to discuss sections 25 through 36 of the novel.
Enjoy!
Episode 76: The Twelfth Hour
A new year brings a new set of challenges. For the young couple in the story, it will be doubly challenging.
Episode 75: Upon Closing Season 3
Season 3 was an eventful one. I shared a number of stories with the students which I thoroughly enjoyed producing. I'm looking forward to creating and sharing many more. I expect Season 4 to be just as eventful in a good way!
Episode 74: A Matter of Time
Time: How do we place a value on it? It depends on the society we live in. Some make the best use of it; others woefully waste it. How do we know in which group we fall? Only TIME can tell.
If you have any comments or concerns, please send your message (written or audio) to aliterarycornucopiapodcast@gmail.com
Episode 54: Living 'la vida' with Tech (essay)
I thought it fitting that I end season 2 and the year 2021 with a topic that has impacted our lives in so many ways: technology.
Ricky Martin's song "Living la Vida Loca" inspired this piece. I referenced it to the topic. This past year 2021 has been no picnic and if it weren't for the advances we've made in technology, we might not have made it to December. Technology has its advantages but it also has its drawbacks. Let's just hope that in 2022 we will be in a much better place in many respects despite Covid-19.
Episode 73: Ghosts in the Attic
Episode 72: An Old-Fashioned Knight and a Damsel in Distress
Medieval legends abound in literature. All a person needs is a bit of imagination and some time on his hands to weave one. Could this turn into a legend? You decide.
Episode 71: The Sands of Time in Mitch Albom's The Timekeeper
Who doesn't want to stop the hands of time? Even if it's just for a little bit. If you stop them too often, you may miss out on other moments. Life has to be lived fully in order to enjoy it. Both the good times and the not-so-good must be lived.
Episode 70: Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice: Views on Jews
Shakespeare has always covered a wide variety of themes. This play introduces a new one. It's a theme that makes a person wonder about the playwright's views on Jews.
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Episode 69: Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle: A Review
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" and her novel We Have Always Lived in the Castle have several elements in common. The hostility men can show towards others is just one. Fear is another. Both result in tragedy. The Blackwood family are subjected to both.
The actions of all involved give us insight into the mind of some very disturbed people.
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Episode 68: What should a Viking Warrior be able to do?
I did an impromptu survey to find out what some family members and students thought about a Viking warrior.
Episode 67: Upon Writing a Viking Tale
Writing a tale of adventure is no easy task. When it involves something historical, even more so. I looked up names to use in my tale, such as Arne (the young Viking), Sif and Birger (the parents), and Astrid and Frode (the grandparents). It was interesting to research the names and discover the meanings attached to each. I discovered that the girl's name Astrid means "divinely beautiful." The Norse origin name can also mean "impulsive." Can some girls with the name have a little of both? I know a few who do.
I'm still trying to work out details for a battle scene. That's going to be a real challenge! How will the tale end? We shall see.
Comments or recommendations will be most welcome. Mail them to aliterarycornucopiapodcast@gmail.com.
Episode 66: Wrapping Up Another School Year with Speeches
How do you wrap up an unusual school year? With speeches, of course. Not your cup of tea? Well, for many, it usually isn't. Delivering a speech can be intimidating but with the right tools and a strong sense of purpose, it can be done effectively. It's just a matter of controlling one's nerves. Easier said than done. Right?
Episode 65: Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven - The Fifth Person
Both our time and place on this planet are chosen. What we do with each is on our shoulders.
Episode 64: Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven - The Fourth Person
Love has many shapes and forms. What is love for one person may be something else for another. Some people may not be able to recognize it and let it pass by, thus losing the opportunity to experience it.
Episode 63: Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven - The Third person
We say and do so many things out of anger. We let it consume us because we don't want to let it go. As human beings it's difficult. A strong person makes it look easy.
Episode 62: Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven - The Second Person
We can sacrifice so many things...time, money, precious heirlooms. The value of each varies from person to person.
Episode 61: Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven - The First Person
As children we are totally unaware of what we do that might affect another person. Later on in life we might realize that our acts can be a life-changing event for another.
Episode 60: Treasured Times
Remembering those people who were a significant part of your past is a bittersweet moment. You would like to go back and talk to them but know that it's no longer a possibility. I guess just the memory will be enough for the time being.
Episode 59: I'm only dreaming
Dreaming has long fascinated the human mind or at least that's what I've read. There must have been a time when Man must have questioned how our minds work during sleep cycles. Here is my take on the matter. What's yours?
Episode 58: Reflections on the Topic of Resolutions Part Two
Another group of students who reflected on resolutions for the new year. Is there hope for this generation? Let's listen to find out.
Episode 57: Reflections on the Topic of Resolutions Part One
There was a diversity of thoughts on resolutions for the new year 2022. Listen in on what these students had to say on the topic.
Episode 56: Resolutions: A Fruitless Effort? (opinion)
Well, it's that time of the year again. A time when we can make a fresh start. Who doesn't want that? To be able to do something different for a new year and turn into a nicer version of the old self. Some will make it through hard work, others will try but give up the struggle. Oftentimes it better to leave well enough alone. Do you agree?
Episode 55: Broken English (memoir)
Sometimes you look back and have to readjust your view of the significant people in your life. Amy Tan's essay on "Mother Tongue" did just that for me.
Episode 53: Lovebirds in the Rain (memoir)
Ah, love! The heart flutters when affected by a sensation that's difficult to describe. Can a person dodge Cupid's arrow? How does one know when love is real? It's an age-old question that can only be answered by an all-powerful being. It's most definitely beyond the scope of the human mind.