Lesson 2

6/25/13
"[Poetry is] a momentary stay against confusion." - Robert Frost

"Don't plan," we are told. The characters should be allowed to grow organically on the page, without our say; don't plan. Let them do as they please. "No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader. No tears for the writer, no tears for the reader."

Prepare for a lot of tears.

Anyways, this afternoon for Activities I was introduced to a fascinating aspect of Stanford culture: fountain hopping. There are several fountains around campus, and I went with a small group to each of the big ones. We kicked off our shoes (I was wearing my flip flops) and dipped our feet in; a couple girls sat down in there and got completely soaked, and one guy stripped off his shirt and just dove in. I assume those shorts were in fact swimming trunks. About halfway through our adventure a group who looked like Stanford students came running, equipped with swimsuits and sneakers, and inadvertently provided us with a convenient showcase of all the ways one can fountain hop: i.e. at the one shaped like a cup, sit inside it spa-style; at the one that shoots water, spray each other with the water pressure, plug all but one shooter, and parody Old Faithful; at the jagged sculpture one, climb.
The weather is getting hotter; at last the clouds have passed, and the sun is beginning to grace us with its glorious rays.
By the end of each day I'm always so worn out. The Scav Hunt left me completely sore today. Every step is half torture.
Tomorrow my writing group for class has to turn in up to three pages of writing, which the instructor will give feedback for. I already finished (which is why I'm on here) - one hour of intense writing, and no revision. I wonder what he'll say.