MADAME ANNABELLE, THE 700-POUND FREAK -Flash Fiction

It began that usual way, with his face plastered in makeup. Heavy foundation caked on his chin to cover his five-o-clock shadow. Madame Annabelle pirouetted in the center ring, twirling his umbrella above him. The crowd heckled the 700-pound man dressed as a lady. His skirt swirled above the dirt floor; his breath already labored. As he whirled, his head spun, and he stumbled from the dizziness. Madame Annabelle’s foot caught in a dirt rut carved by the previous clown show, and he tripped, landing his hand in the dung left by the elephant show.

“You are a freak!”

“Get out of the ring!”

The taunting happened during every show he did. That didn’t mean the words hurt less. Truth be told, the pain they caused him seemed to build like compounding interest. Each grotesque reaction from the crowd felt like ice picks shot into his heart, never to be removed, left to fester.

Madame Annabelle stood up, swaying from his spinning head. His hand in the poop wasn’t part of the act, and he wiped it on the side of his dress, knowing that laundry day was still four days away. The rich aroma added to his lightheadedness.

“I don’t want to do this anymore,” Madame Annabelle had said to the ringmaster a week ago.

“Burke, let’s be honest. You are a grotesque freak. Where you gonna go? Who would hire you? I am all you have.”

A tomato hit the side of Madame Annabelle’s face, splattering red pulp and seeds on his forehead. Then a squishy peach directly smashed into his right eye and cheekbone. The ringmaster conveniently left a box of rotten produce on each aisle, and the crowd always sent the entirety of the boxes at Madame Annabelle. That was the crux of his show. Tantor, the elephant, entered the ring and rammed it into Madame Annabelle. The crowd went wild.

Tantor’s massive head rammed into the freak’s side. For some reason, Madame Annabelle looked into the crowd, not what he usually did. But this time, his eyes caught the woman in the fourth row.

Emma Berger.

His high school sweetheart.

The emotion in her eyes collapsed Madame Annabelle’s knees, and he fell before her. It devastated him to have Emma see him. His fall wasn’t part of the show, and Tantor didn’t know how to respond. The massive elephant pounced its front legs into Madame Annabelle’s chest, and his rib cracked. The crowd roared in delight. The ringmaster ran in and pulled Tantor away before he did any more damage to Madame Annabelle. Madame Annabelle didn’t have the dignity to stand before Emma, so he crawled out of the tent, dragging behind the most humiliation he had ever felt.

As he slumped against a pole, Emma appeared. Tears ran out of her eyes. Her voice choked up.

“Burke. I wondered what happened to you. Don’t do this to yourself. Come back with me. I know dad will give you a job in security. You have more worth than this. “

Emma gently took Madame Annabelle’s hand, her softness a delight to feel.

She used the bottom of her dress to wipe the makeup off Madame Annabelle’s face. “Don’t let the world tell you otherwise. You are a beautiful man.”

The compilation of icepicks loosened in his heart. Madame Annabelle finally recognized his worth.

He allowed Emma to guide him away from his circus hell.

______________________________________________________________________

Madame Annabelle, the 700-Pound Freak

bu Stephanie Daich

 

Dungeon and Dragon's Call -Poetry

 

As the Dungeon Master keeps control,

As the players morph into their roll,

As a new world manifests,

Time to enter the fantasy quests.

The use of strategy is complex.

Using magic or a hex.

Answering Dungeon and Dragon's call.

Surrendering yourself to its all.

______________________________________________________________

Dungeon and Dragons Call

by Stephanie Daich

FORMING AN OPINION ON MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) -Literary Synthesis

How do you feel when you watch someone take a roundhouse to the head? Does it thrill you or disgust you? Do you support or protest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)? MMA is still reasonably new in the sporting world, now considered the best combat sport, as it combines strikes, takedowns, elbows, knees, grappling, and submissions. The sport lacks safety equipment such as headgear and gloves (Helms and Patterson, 2014).

Oebesta, et al. (2019) show how the history of man has used fighting to solve conflict, establish dominion, and take control. MMA has united demographics, and champions countries against each other (Flávio Py Mariante Neto, et al., 2019).

More people join the MMA movement every year by participating or watching it. As MMA grows in popularity, more children join the sport. There are mixed feelings about children in the art. Many practitioners believe that MMA gives youth the ability to defend themselves. Children are taught ways of manipulation and protection without throwing a single punch. Others see that MMA sets children up to be bullies. However, if done in the discipline of self-growth, development, and defense, MMA gives power back to those who practice it. It gives women and children the skills and confidence they need to defend themselves (Neyra, 2013).

Many women used to see fighting as brutal but now appreciate the intricate art behind it. You can have total control over your component with a shift in stance or a little twerk of the wrist. MMA has also brought freedom to its participants as they learn to defend themselves. As you contemplate MMA, what meaning does it have to you?

 

References:

·         Flávio Py Mariante Neto, Daniel Giordani Vasques, & Stigger, M. P. (2021). “If you lose and fight hard, you’ll fight again!” – MMA and the concept of sport. Movimento (Porto Alegre, Brazil), 27, e27030–. https://doi.org/10.22456/1982-8918.108259

·         Helms, W.S., & Patterson, K. D. W. (2014). Eliciting acceptance for “illicit” organizations: the positive implications of stigma for mma organizations. Academy of Management Journal, 57(5), 1453–1484. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2012.0088

·         Neyra, D. (2013). Fight Kids: The future of mixed martial arts or a detriment to America’s youth? A call to regulate children’s MMA. Family Court Review, 51(4), 727–741. https://doi.org/10.1111/fcre.12063

·         Oebesta, P., Toebicka1, Fialova , J., & Havla-Aek, J. (2019). Roar of a champion: Loudness and voice pitch predict perceived fighting ability but not success in MMA fighters. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 859–859. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00859

 

GET A DOG -Poetry

Get a dog- they begged.

                We need it.

Get a dog-they pleaded

                We’ll care for it.

Get a dog- they cried.

                We’ll walk it.

 

I got the dog

                He tore apart my furniture.

I got the dog.

                I stepped in a pile of poop.

I got the dog.

                I take him for his walks.

 

They don’t play with the dog.

                They are at school

They don’t notice the dog.

                They are at club.

They don’t care for the dog.

                They moved out.

 

It’s just me and the dog.

                I fell in love.

It’s just me and the dog.

                He’s my companion.

It’s just me and the dog.

                He’s all I have left.

________________________________________________________________________________

Get a Dog

by Stephanie Daich

IS IT TIME FOR YOU TO GET A DOG -LITERARY SYNTHESIS

 

IS IT TIME FOR YOU TO GET A DOG -LITERARY SYNTHESIS 

When was the last time you petted a dog? Not everyone is a dog person, yet dogs have proven their benefit to humans in numerous ways.

A dog can read humans better than any other animal. They understand words and gestures, moods, and mannerisms. Dogs will respond to human emotions, such as crying, as they will nuzzle into them to provide comfort (Custance and Mayer, 2012). Scientists have used magnetic resonance imaging to prove that dogs respond to human emotions (Berns et al., 2013).

Jalongo (2021) states that dogs have 300 million scent receptors compared to humans' six million scent receptors. This gives canines an advantage in smelling and understanding scent on a much higher level than we can. With the dog's eighteen muscles that control the human ear, they can hear four times better than the human six auditory muscles (Bradshaw, 2011). Dogs have been trained to smell cancer (InSitu Foundation, n.d.), glue on computers Jalongo (2021), and firearms and explosives (Global Dog, n.d.). Jones (n.d.) states that dogs have better night vision than humans and can see at 250 degrees compared to humans at 180 degrees of vision.

Jalongo (2021) demonstrates how dogs have become eyes for the blind and ears for the deaf. They assist the disabled in bringing them items they need and can detect a change in human hormones, which helps dogs aid humans with diabetes and fainting.

Kline et al. (2019) show how dogs can reduce anxiety and stress in people and enhance their social interactions and opportunities with others. Dogs give people confidence that they may not find without their canine companion. Serpell and Duffy (2014) highlight that dogs help in hunting, law enforcement, security, farms, and war. Jalongo (2021). state that dogs improve human mental and physical health. They, indeed, are man's best friend.

 

References:

·         Berns, G.S., Brooks, A., & Spivak, M. (2013). Replicability and heterogeneity of awake unrestrained canine FMRI responses. PloS One, 8(12), e81698–e81698. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0081698

·         Custance, D., & Mayer, J. (2012). Empathic-like responding by domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) to distress in humans: an exploratory study. Animal Cognition, 15(5), 851–859. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-012-0510-1

·         Global Dogs (n.d.) Dogs Detects Bombs K9. Www.global-Dogs.com. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://global-dogs.com/en/type-of-dogs/dogs-detects-bombs-k9/

·         InSitu Foundation (n.d.). Dogs detect cancer. InSitu. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://dogsdetectcancer.org/

·         Jalongo, M.R., (2021). The Canine-Campus Connection: Roles for Dogs in the Lives of College Students. Purdue University Press.

·         Jones, E (n.d.). Do dogs have night vision? Cavapop. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://ourcavapoo.com/do-dogs-have-night-vision/

·         Kline, J.A., Fisher, M. A., Pettit, K. L., Linville, C. T., & Beck, A. M. (2019). Controlled clinical trial of canine therapy versus usual care to reduce patient anxiety in the emergency department. PloS One, 14(1), e0209232–e0209232. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0209232

·         Serpell, James & Duffy, Deborah. (2014). Dog Breeds and Their Behavior. 10.1007/978-3-642-53994-7_2.

 

 

WHAT COULD AN ANIMAL OFFER YOU -Literary Synthesis

Is stress pounding at your door, demanding you let it in? We live in a world with increased demands socially, mentally, and spiritually. When life becomes too overwhelming, could Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) benefit you?

AAT is catching on in psychotherapy as more hospitals and therapy centers are adopting the AAT approach. Animals offer support and companionship to humans with a connection of nurturing and loyalty. Ownership of animals moves humans into a field of responsibilities and social groups that benefit humans and animals (Policay and Falconier, 2019).

AAT is a therapy that uses animals to improve a person's mental health. Animals have reduced human blood pressure, decreased pain, improved heart health, and decreased medication needs. Humans using ATT tend to be active as they care for their pet and take it on walks or other forms of physical engagement (Klimova et al., (2019).

AAT has increased in availability in universities. Students are under lots of stress financially, socially, and mentally. As they participate in ATT, they have shown a decrease in anxiety and an improvement in well-being.

If you find yourself socially or mentally stressed, what could AAT do for you? One does not have to own a therapy pet to reap its benefits. Check with your local pet therapy chapters and mental health clinics to start feeling the healing power of an animal connection.

References:

• Klimova, B., Toman, J., & Kuca, K. (2019). Effectiveness of the dog therapy for patients with dementia - a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry, 19(1), 276–276. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2245-x
• Policay, R., & Falconier, M. (2019). Therapy dogs in couple and family therapy: a therapist’s perspective. Contemporary Family Therapy, 41(1), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-018-9472-z
• Ward‐Griffin, E., Klaiber, P., Collins, H. K., Owens, R. L., Coren, S., & Chen, F. S. (2018). Petting away pre‐exam stress: The effect of therapy dog sessions on student well‐being. Stress and Health, 34(3), 468–473. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2804

LEFTOVER NIGHT -Poetry

It's leftover night. Tonight. Tonight.

Mix it all together.

-What a delight.

Shove it in. Wash it down.

Their stupid elation.

-A casserole of brown.

The meat dug out from the freezer deep.

Mashed together,

From the leftover sweep.

"Come eat," to the oblivious I call.

They shovel it in,

Consuming it all.

"Oh, I ate at work." That's what I say.

-A little white lie,

as they swallow something gray.

I will not touch the franken-dish

As I hide in the closet,

Eating my almond-crusted fish.

It's leftover night. Tonight. Tonight.

Mix it all together.

-What a delight.

____________________________________________________

Leftover Night

by Stephanie Daich

DID COVID LOCKDOWNS INCREASE OUR WAISTLINE-Literary Synthesis

Not only did COVID lockdowns alter people’s work, education, and lifestyle, but it also messed with their eating routines. During the lockdowns, many of the population experienced weight gain and an increase in BMI. Yet, many elderly’s weight shifted down as they showed signs of malnutrition. Meta analysis found the pediatric population increased their consumption of potato chips, sugary drinks, and junk food. At the same time, their physical activity declined (Chang, 2021).

 

Joob and Wiwanitkit (2020) said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 90% of the US population became isolated to their homes. A deviation in regular routines can increase weight gain relatively quickly. During the pandemic, people tended to buy more nutritionally empty food that brought comfort, such as ice cream, alcohol, chocolate, and take-out. With gyms and trails closed, people became more sedentary as they ate higher calories. Also, as grocery stores faced food shortages, Americans lost access to healthier food options (Bhutani and Cooper, 2020).

As we move forward out of the detrimental effects of lockdowns, we can assess our health routine and make the necessary changes to embrace a healthier lifestyle. We can bring in more nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables. We can make more of our meals at home as we abandon take-out and restaurant eating. We can exercise more, rather it be with an exercise App or at a gym. We might not have much control over pandemics and lockdowns, but we can take a good look at our health goals and make them our priority.

 

 

REFERENCES:

 

Bhutani, S., & Cooper, J. A. (2020). COVID‐19–related home confinement in adults: weight gain risks and opportunities. Obesity. Silver Spring, Md. 28(9), 1576–1577. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22904

Chang, T-H., Chen, Y.-C., Chen, W.-Y., Chen, C.-Y., Hsu, W.-Y., Chou, Y., & Chang, Y.-H. (2021). Weight gain associated with COVID-19 lockdown in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 13(10), 3668–. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103668

Joob, B., & Wiwanitkit, V. (2020). COVID‐19, school closings, and weight gain. Obesity. Silver Spring, Md., 28(6), 1006–1006. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22825

 

 

GROW, THRIVE, GROW -Poetry

Creation falls across the land

As the summer crop thrives.

The gardener waits in anticipation

For onions, tomatoes, and chives.

Grow, thrive, grow; harvest time at hand

Grow, thrive, pick; the harvest preserved and canned. 

.

So crisp, how sweet; A garden treat.

The hard work begins to pay

Enjoy it fresh, such a delight.

Save some for another day.

Grow, thrive, grow; harvest time at hand

Grow, thrive, pick; the harvest preserved and canned. 

 

Oh, what a delight, the baskets full,

With fruits and vegetables splendid.

Soon fall will come, and sadly

The growing season ended.

Grow, thrive, grow; harvest time at hand

Grow, thrive, pick; the harvest preserved and canned.

_____________________________________________________

Grow, Thrive, Grow

by Stephanie Daich

A HOLIDAY OF THANKSGIVING, OR IS IT - Literary Synthesis

    The Pilgrims and Columbus did not start the inhabitation of America as many people believe. Native Americans have existed on the American content for at least 12,000 years before the European discovery (MSN, n.d.).

The first Thanksgiving may or may not have included Native Americans. It was a celebration, but it felt more apprehensive and tense than the celebration we see it as today. We are guided by Pointer (2014) not to look into the past with our moral ideals but exam the era's compass of morality and learn from it. We need to assess the dead and let them speak to us, to find what they must teach and learn from their strengths and mistakes.

Bradford and Winslow (1865) share the thoughts of the Puritan Separatist, George Mourt, as one of the first settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the first half of 1600. In Bradford and Winslow (1865), Mourt recounts his abundance of crops, including corn, and the blessing of killing many fowl. He expressed gratitude in his heart and wanted to share his plenty. He talks about the cordial relationship he shared with the Native Americans.

Not everyone believes Thanksgiving was a peaceful celebration between the immigrants and Native Americans. History has failed to talk about the tens of thousands of Native Americans that succumbed to colonizers' disease and tyranny. History has wrongly taught the slant that the Europeans civilized a group of savage people who were dirt squalors, for the Native Americans were a dynamic group of people (MSN, n.d.).

As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, read to your family the histories of Thanksgiving, and understand the implications this great feast had on both sides. What can Thanksgiving mean to you in uniting family and friends and moving past conflict? Is Thanksgiving a holiday representing gratitude to you, or merely a fantastic feast? It is up to you what you want the Thanksgiving Holiday to represent in your heart.

What will it be?

REFERENCES:

• Pointer, R.W. (2014). Robert Tracy McKenzie. The first Thanksgiving: what the real story tells us about loving God and learning from history. Christian Scholar's Review, 43(4), 416
• Bradford, W., &., and Winslow, E. (1865). Mourt's Relation, or Journal of the Plantation at Plymouth. Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=rZvk2IzpygMC&oe=UTF-8
• MSN. (n.d.). The Real History of Thanksgiving. MSN. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/the-true-dark-history-of-thanksgiving/ar-AA1460pG

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DISCIPLINE -Poetry

Discipline

 

Take it to the next level.

DISCIPLINE

Work on despite the burn.

DISCIPLINE

Up before the sun.

DISCIPLINE

Chisel and shape.

DISCIPLINE

Repetition.

DISCIPLINE

Push even when sick.

DISCIPLINE

Sacrifices.

DISCIPLINE

Don’t stop.

DISCIPLINE

Pure pleasure.

DISCIPLINE

Progress.

DISCIPLINE

Study.

DISCIPLINE

Reform.

DISCIPLINE

Fire.

DISCIPLINE

Internal will.

DISCIPLINE