Mini Sagas

Write two fifty-word mini-sagas.The origins of the saga comes from Icelandic prose dating back to the 12th century when locals would recount their warrior battles. Today, a saga is referred to as a modern heroic narrative.Your mini-saga should have 50 words.No more, no less.The stories must have a beginning, middle and end.They must be interesting, and they may not be autobiographical. Engage the reader.

She was beautifully depressed. She stood before them all, watching and waiting. How much longer could she pretend to be happy? “I will fake it until I make it,” she whispered to herself. She took another step into the spotlight and she flashed a bright smile. “I can do this.” 

He was a creature of the night, but she wasn’t afraid. It had taken her this long to get used to the idea that werewolves actually exist and could love. As the full moon began to rise, she took his hand into hers and whispered the words, “I love you”.

Documentary Review: Andrew Jenks, Room 335

Andrew Jenks Room 335 
Released January 2008 by HBO Documentary Films 

The film Andrew Jenks,Room 335 follows the experience of a then 19 year old filmmaker Andrew Jenks, as he spends six weeks at an assisted living facility in Florida. What once started out as a kind of experiment, Jenks finds himself with a purpose, to help and create a strong bond with the residents, many without families and friends. The film starts out with Jenks moving in and getting to know his fellow residents and he quickly learns that they are more than a bunch of old people on the brink of death, but people who have so much to live for.

            You get to know many of the residents more personally such as the energetic 96 year old Tammy, short-tempered Libby and the boisterous Bill who has a different Hawaiian shirt every day of the week. Throughout the film Jenks and the residents discuss their thoughts on family, love, sex, race, death and the meaning of life. Filled with raw moments of truth and clarity, this film will leave you questioning what you’re living for. This film illustrates how fragile life really is.

Although this is an older documentary that was made in 2006, it tells a timeless story. It is a story about life and the inevitable death. This is a film for all audiences, young and old. It bridges the generation gap and proves that we’re all not so different, regardless of age.