-If you want to know your last essay grade, let me know. But, honestly, we’re starting this whole thing over. Starting NOW.
-First off, how is everyone doing? What are you writing, how are you dealing with all this? What’s on your mind?
-Let’s PRODUCE. Story, thought, let’s just MOVE…
-Let’s just move forward…. But first, thoughts on Sedaris. What you learned, what you saw, how he connected with you and what his intentions were through his PRODUCTION.
-What about his writing do you want to incorporate into yours. Or, what about Sedaris influences your outlook on the world and by extension your writing?
-Jenny Lawson…. All I have to say is, well, WOW. Why would I say that? Why would any reader say that? What notes have you taken?
-What are some characteristics, or qualities of her writing? How would you describe her humor?
-Any passages you want to share, that stood out to you for a particular reason?
-Her and Sedaris… different, similar, what?
-Jenny Lawson’s book connects would be great for someone who……………?
*Needs to laugh.
*Is looking for new perspective.
*WHAT??????
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Your journal… what are you writing for you?
Thinking about your story and where you are in it, aside from everything that’s going on… What makes you want to tell a story?
*How are you using a journal? That is, when do you connect with it and what makes you connect with it?
Homework due before next online meeting: 3-page typed reaction email to me, on your reaction to Lawson’s writing and how she writes… NO SUMMARY, just a reader’s reaction. And finish her book by 4/13/20!!!!!!
Also…. Email me pictures of your journal’s pages, whichever pages you wish!
Lastly….. write more in your journal, about what’s happening with quarantine and all the covid effects, but more importantly you and how you are maintaining character composition during all this….. USE. YOUR. JOURNAL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#professormikey 
Oh man. The struggle to not gain 100 pounds and become a solid alcoholic is so real. Between working from home, homeschooling my preschool kids 3-4 hours a day, and keeping my house clean and going I am a busy bee. My husband is currently the only on call detective in his unit since others have tested positive and sadly yesterday one of his partners lost her life. I am just trying to be the glue right now since emotions are high and schedules are full. Something that has helped me immensely is journaling at the beginning of each day to set the tone or schedule for how I want the day to go. I am trying to stay off social media because of all the complaining. I just feel like we have it so good in so many respects. We have internet, the ability to see people we love via screen, unlimited movies and TV, spring weather and so much more. I am absolutely not negating the real struggle a lot of people are facing financially, job security, and housing wise (among other things). The “complainy” memes and posts I am referring to are how people are going crazy being stuck with their healthy kids or loving partner. Ugh. Just be quiet! Perspective is so important to me during times like this. When I start feeling negative myself I usually think about what I have and it changes my mindset a ton. I hope everyone else in our class is doing well. I miss our in class discussions.
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Sending you virtual hugs. Being a mother is the most difficult thing I personally have ever done. I feel you on all of this girl. So sorry to you and your hubby for the loss of MaryLou. I only met her once and she was very sweet. ❤
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Thanks. I hope you are doing well. Thank you for the condolences. I will pass them along.
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I’m on the same boat as you momma. I’m going stir crazy trying to find fun activities for my kids yet keep sane and understand that this too shall pass. Let hope soon tho.
Be safe (:
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Ashlyn,
First of all, I completely can relate to the struggle of not gaining 100 pounds. Being trapped inside is a curse at times. It is mostly boredom and boredom often leads to eating. As for alcohol, I am sixteen so yeah…I am so sorry for the loss of your husband’s partner at work, that is a nightmare. My cousin in England is a nurse and she just tested positive and our family is very worried. It is a scary time, but I appreciate you saying that it is a time to reflect on how lucky we are. Like you, I have tried to stay off of social media as I noticed a heavy decline in my mental health and just my overall feelings. I have been reading books and have read about 3 already. I love to think about perspective and I notice how many people do not have perspective. This is something that just breaks my heart. How can people with houses, supplies, and food be complaining so much about the inconvenience of being stuck inside? Everyone is in the same boat and everyone is struggling with the loss of income. I just really appreciate reading your post because it is exactly how I feel. So, thank you for that!
(I am sorry if this comment posted twice)
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What was your assessment of Sedaris when you finished the book? Have you started on Lawson??
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Yes! Almost done with Lawson. I wrote a response below. I commented in around 3pm and realized maybe you wanted me to wait until class. Just getting the hang of all this. 🙂
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All good. Please email me the 3-page response before next meeting!!! :})
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Hey Ashlyn and Maddie!
Something that I do to stay positive is to think about the things that I am grateful for, just like you! I make a list on my phone and anytime I am feeling stressed or sad I look at it and remember all the wonderful things in my life I have to be grateful for! I know it can be tough to see a lot of negativity in media so staying away from it can be helpful. I find that if there is something in my feed that I don’t like I scroll past or unfollow it so I don’t have to see it anymore. Also many people are feeling stressed right now so you could try sharing a positive message to your followers. I know when I see a picture of someones cute kids or a funny dog video or a positive encouraging message it helps to lighten up my day!!! (And it might encourage them to post something more positive and less complainy lol)
Thank you both for sharing your perspectives!
Stay safe
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Hey everyone! I am doing pretty good during this crazy situation! I have an incredible amount of free time which I am using to re-read the Harry Potter series and take this time as a break from my normal schedule. I realize I am lucky to be in high school so I don’t have to be as worried about income and bills as most adults do right now. I have been writing in my journal almost every day, especially since I officially started my new quarantine routine. I have been writing mostly about the current state of our world and how I am processing it. I have been taking specific times to just write for ten minutes without thinking, because it is very calming and almost healing for me to write about my feelings and what I have been doing throughout these weeks. My mind has been plagued with school and studying for my AP exams and wondering if I will ever get to take the SAT!
As for the books: I really enjoyed Sedaris, especially the bluntness and realness of his stories. I’ve been thinking about how you said Sedaris wants to get us writing, and I agree with that. He writes about what I would think to be boring events, but he makes them funny by being so honest and real. For the easiest example he starts with a story about how much he enjoys his dentist, which is just humorous because the dentist is so mundane but his focus on it is funny. I learned that it’s ok to write honestly, because human experiences are relatable and can be funny in their boringness. It has really helped me with my journaling because now I am writing freely for myself and I don’t care if it would be boring for others because they’re my stories. I feel the of the opposite about Lawson so far. I am only 60 ish pages in, but nothing about her book has been even remotely mundane or normal! She writes that she found out when she was older that most people’s childhood’s don’t have as much blood as hers did, and boy she was right! I’ve only read about her childhood so far, but I am very confident that her adult life is going to be just as action packed as her childhood!
I have some thoughts about Lawson as a writer. She is much more of a performer than Sedaris. I would say that Sedaris is more of a writer, and Lawson is more of a storyteller. I also think she is a try hard, though I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I am a theater kid myself, and her writing reminds me of myself when telling a story. I love telling people about random crazy things that have happened in my life, and I am always very theatrical about how I tell my stories. I often slightly exaggerate to make myself more appealing, which I feel when I’m reading Lawson’s book. I get a sense of superiority from her also, as if she’s challenging someone to tell her they had a crazier childhood. For example, right at the beginning of the book with her “Eleven things people have never experienced list”! I do love the book so far though, I think it is wild and I am excited to keep reading. I think Lawson is very funny and I was laughing out loud when I read the first 8 chapters!
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I love how he writes without a lot of judgement and hate, even if situations he is in are confusing, unfamiliar, and unpleasant. He has a sort of optimistic view of people in general, and combined with his dark-ish humor, it creates a surprising successful style of writing and expressing his humor, life, and personality.
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What do you mean by “dark-ish”?
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hey yall, its been a crazy few weeks so far, though work has been keeping me plenty busy in these times, its been very stressful. keeping up with all my classes and writing plus work and trying to keep safe its been interesting juggling everything but still trying my best. Though when I do have some time to sit down and write in a peaceful place, yeah its really hard for me to just write anywhere I need a specific type of setting or something to be able to write. I know I’m weird. Though I do have one place that I go to on my days off to write its a little garden near my house with a bridge next to it that since quarantine no one has been around. there is this nice log to sit on and you can hear the little creek the bridge goes over and the birds chirping its quite beautiful in the early morning. There my journal entries tend to be about what I see or what’s on my mind. sometimes on occasion ill write a little short story but they always tend to be about nature or different animals and stuff so nothing really too interesting. This is just my update on how I am and where I am in my writing a little a bit….though onto more important matters like Mister Sedaris.
So truth be told I love Sedaris and even though this paragraph is meant for him I will admit now that Lawson has taken the cake for me I really enjoyed Sedaris and his writing style but what I have read so far from our new book. I am absolutely in love with it. I learned a lot though from Sedaris’s writing and how fluently in sounds. also, that’s why Sedaris and Lawson are familiar to me they write like how they sound and talk and both of them are fluent still but they both have completely different personalities and ways of writing in there own right. though Sedaris did help me learn to write how I want to and who cares what others think like he said at some point in the first chapter it was along the lines of “we do not choose what our minds and what we choose to focus on they choose you.” which that could be wrong but it was something close to that and it really made me feel better about all the writing I’ve done so far and it keeps me moving forward with my writing. that it is ok to focus on different things that are not on topic and should not have to feel bad about it. that’s just a little that I’m gonna incorporate from Sedaris into my own writing and I really appreciate his style as well.
even though I have only read five or so chapters into Lawson’s book I do know I am in love with her writing already. also the word WOW is a great description of just how good her writing is. Her footnotes and little jokes with the editor, in the beginning, brought in such an interesting hooking dynamic write off the bat and it just leaves you like for example “Wow”. also how she embraces uniquienity like how in the third chapter used a word she questioned if it was a word or not and just pretty much just said screw it and used it anyway and just went with it. also, one more reason I love it is because it gives me hope and wanting to keep writing espically when she said in her words “My God, this is going to be a terrible book.”. though this may confuse you why this makes me want to write more is because someone, as recognized as her, admits to their book not being good but still doing it anyway because writing is for you and your own self not everyone else and being self-critical is not always a bad thing but she uses it in a way to improve her writing not hinder her. she knows life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows but knows the cruel truth of reality. though with lawson she uses that to improve her writing and make it connect with the true nature of people cause its how we all really sound not all formal like how we learn in elementary to high school. her humor may be darker than others but it is more realistic and how she uses her own words for things like poop rope and stuff adds to the humor cause of that it can be taken as vulgar but that’s to each their own. for my own taste, this humor is mellow and hilarious and I very much enjoy it. lawson’s book is great for people like me but also everyone maybe not someone who gets offended or grossed out easily though. for people like me who are introverts I would gravitate to people like lawson in real life as well because they are real and tell you what they are exactly thinking and won’t be sorry for it. also, people who also did not have the perfect childhood could also find comfort in her writing I feel like as well.
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in my journal, I am writing for me to keep sane in these crazy times and see what new short stories I can come up with. what makes me want to tell a story is the urge to make a story that will make someone else smile, laugh, cry or even learn something or get a point across that I can not any other way than through a story that is what makes me want to tell one. with my journal I have been using it to just narrate my day or for my morning garden rants and whatnot but also the occasional shorty story I try to come up with and bring to life is also another thing I use my journal to practice making better stories and better my handwriting all in the process. also, all the short stories I write I feel a little connected too as well and what keeps making me want to create more.
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Hey Skyler! That garden with a bridge does sound like it would be a great place to write! I agree with you about Sedaris and Lawson being different because of their personalities and writing styles, even though they are both writing about their lives. I do also enjoy Lawson’s writing more because it is so wild and real and filled with dark humor! I enjoyed reading your post!
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Hey there. I’m doing well, and I hope everyone else is too! I personally loved Sedaris’ writing. I noticed that he’ll usually indirectly state his opinions (whether it be on politics, or how to raise a child), by ironically flattering the opposing side. I’ve always felt like that technique that he has, of being sarcastic, is especially effective in bringing people around, more so than traditional argument in some cases. This is just my opinion on his writing style though. The little rants he gets into, some of them where he’s not even writing as himself (The “I Break For Traditional Marriage” chapter), can oftentimes get a bit dark, by design obviously, and to me that just makes it all the more successful. For example, he “advocates” at one point for murdering his hypothetical wife and daughter, after gay marriage hypothetically was legalized. He makes the point that if all of this sudden gay marriage were to be accepted in society, why not first-degree murder too, or marrying a five year old, or a pizza? He’s obviously speaking from his own polar-opposite perspective, and almost caricaturing it in a way. He definitely wants us to learn something from each chapter, or at least take it into consideration, or be more aware of our own beliefs, and how that may affect others. He’s just not going to hold your hand as he explains it to you. Also the jumping around thing didn’t really bother me at all. It was like a comedy show, in that the structure was kind of more-or-less nonexistent to a certain extent. That sort of informality is great for this kind of novel, so again, I thought it was great. It makes me want to make fun of the coronavirus. No just kidding, not in a way to hurt other people, in a way to hurt the coronavirus. I want to hurt the coronavirus’ feelings.
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That was probably my favorite story from the Sedaris reading. He just oozes irony and I love it!
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Any other stories or entries where Sedaris “oozes” the same qualities?
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“If my own little mind was nailed shut, why wouldn’t theirs be”. (165)
He points out the irony or even flaws? in the ways other people think? I really liked this quote because it is so damn true. Like I think this way, why doesn’t everyone think the same. Cause we are all different, duh.
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Indeed!!!
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Hello class,
I hope that you are all well and are managing to survive during this crazy time. Being stuck inside is hard and no fun, but at least this class gives us something to do. I miss going outside and seeing my friends, and I never thought I would say this but I miss school. Ugh, I used to not want to go to school but now I yearn to be back in class. What a weird time. My days have consisted of waking up, eating, doing homework, eating, running, eating and then going to sleep. How exciting!
David Sedaris, what a unique man and what a unique writing style. I am not sure if I really liked the essay format. I like a more cohesive story as opposed to many short stories. I like the feeling of investing in characters and their growth. That being said, I enjoyed the Sedaris book. I really liked his sense of self. He was never ashamed to be himself. He traveled quite often and his stories while traveling were perhaps my favorite. I really liked his story about the bird at the restaurant. I definitely got the message from him to keep a diary and to write daily. It was inspiring so I decided to pull out a blank notebook and start a daily journal.
As for Jenny Lawson, I love her and her book. I finished this book under a day and was wanting more. Her humor and relatability kept me flipping the pages. I loved how her writing style flowed and how it was all unique to her personality. Her book structure and overall vibes were reflective of Lawson’s personality. Her humor is real and raw. She does not hold back and tell it as it is. She knows how to interact with her readers and it brings a sense of a personal connection with her.
If I was to compare Lawson with Sedaris I would point out that they both love to be shamelessly themselves. They put everything out for others to read and judge, but they seem to not care. They both had very different childhoods and it shows in their writing and what they write about.
Jenny Lawson’s book is for anyone who loves to relate. This book is so good at relating to everyone in some way.
As for my journal, I am using it to keep myself in perspective. I write down how I am feeling and what I am doing, I also create a daily agenda every morning. I map out what I am eating that day and what I need to get done for the day. I need structure to survive. Having a schedule is what keeps me motivated and on track. I am so excited to continue this class and to keep on developing my passion for English!
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Hey There-
I agree. I really enjoy the way Jenny Lawson tells it how it is. She has a way of becoming a voice in your head while you’re reading the book, versus being words on paper. Not many authors can achieve that.
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Becoming a voice in your head. Hmmmmm……
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Is that weird? It is so readable it’s sometimes like shes reading to me (because of her humor and tone) and I am not just reading her words. I did a little research on her so when I started reading I could picture her voice, her looks and her actual tone when speaking. I think this is why reading her book helped me really transport into her head. I also speak, write and think pretty similar so that helped a lot too.
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hey Maddie,
I totally agree with you on missing class and to be honest, I also miss the ordinary days of regular routine though with all this new stuff that is happening that is getting hard, also my journal has been a good source for me as well to help me get through the days. also, the way you describe lawson and how she writes is why I’m so in love with her too it feels like she is sitting across from me reading it to me and it makes it all the more fun to read. it flows so fluently if I had the time I would have read in one sitting as well. I enjoyed your response and hope you stay safe!
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She provides a very comfortable read and journey for readers. Yes.
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ashlyn, I agree lawson flows so well it really does feel like she is there and it really amazes me too how someone was able to achieve that her writing makes me happy too in a weird way with all her great stories about her life and just sucks you in without knowing it.
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Totally!
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Hi Maddie. Funny enough I miss real classes too, the online thing sucks all the motivation out of me. But that’s ok. As for Sedaris, I’d make the argument that the character himself, the character of “David Sedaris”, probably did “grow” in a sense throughout the story, it’s just the story is told out of chronological order. Other than that I agree on most all the other fronts. I unfortunately have not read a whole lot of Lawson yet, not enough to be comfortable in making any assumptions, so I’ll just have to take every one else’s words for what they are for now. It sounds too me like she, in a lot of peoples opinions, can write a better, more fluid story in general. Also too everyone’s saying she is more “raw” than Sedaris, which sounds like everyone just kind of doesn’t like the masquerade-type of sarcastic writing that Sedaris uses in order to get his point across. I’ll have to see though, thanks for sharing. Oh and also I’m pretty much solely motivated because my of journal as well. haha!
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Talk to me more about this “masquerade”….
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Ashlyn, I absolutely agree with you, I actually just talked about that if you scroll a bit down. I felt like I was having a conversation with her because of how candid and human she seems to be.
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Thanks for this response, Harmony…
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I think it’s clear that he is using the fallacies of “slipping down a slippery slope”, “hard-cruel-world”, as well as a number of others, throughout his many stories, but he is doing it all on purpose. He is putting on the pretense, or rather putting himself in the role of a character that exacerbates issues, whatever they may be, with the ultimate intention of showing the reader, who may possibly disagree, what a radical version of themselves would sound like. I thought it was great that he attacked everyone in this way too, not discriminating at all. He even made fun of his own family members, and if I can recall right, his boyfriend a few times as well. Oh and the people in France who fully agreed with him on Obama. He made fun of them for acting superior, and all-knowing. I feel that what he was trying to say was that the end of the day, the only person who is “correct” is the person who can explain themselves the most thoroughly. Sedaris explained himself to the best of his ability, and that’s all that matters.
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Agreed. Character says a lot, even if the character doesn’t actually say that much.
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Hey there. I’m doing well, and I hope everyone else is too! I personally loved Sedaris’ writing. I noticed that he’ll usually indirectly state his opinions (whether it be on politics, or how to raise a child), by ironically flattering the opposing side. I’ve always felt like that technique that he has, of being sarcastic, is especially effective in bringing people around, more so than traditional argument in some cases. This is just my opinion on his writing style though. The little rants he gets into, some of them where he’s not even writing as himself (The “I Break For Traditional Marriage” chapter), can oftentimes get a bit dark, by design obviously, and to me that just makes it all the more successful. For example, he “advocates” at one point for murdering his hypothetical wife and daughter, after gay marriage hypothetically was legalized. He makes the point that if all of this sudden gay marriage were to be accepted in society, why not first-degree murder too, or marrying a five year old, or a pizza? He’s obviously speaking from his own polar-opposite perspective, and almost caricaturing it in a way. He definitely wants us to learn something from each chapter, or at least take it into consideration, or be more aware of our own beliefs, and how that may affect others. He’s just not going to hold your hand as he explains it to you. Also the jumping around thing didn’t really bother me at all. It was like a comedy show, in that the structure was kind of more-or-less nonexistent to a certain point. That sort of informality is great for this kind of novel, so again, I thought it was great. It makes me want to make fun of the coronavirus. No just kidding, not in a way to hurt other people, in a way to hurt the coronavirus. I want to hurt the coronavirus’ feelings. Also this may have gone through twice, sorry
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Great response here, Skyler. Who shows more interest in their audience, Sedaris or Lawson?
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Lawson shows more interest in her audience, for example she has an intro to address the readers directly and footnotes. Sedaris feels more like he is writing to and for himself, and is not intending to please anyone, but to be real and honest. Lawson also shows more interest by being intentionally very funny and over the top, because she is trying to appeal to her readers!
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Great thoughts here, Olivia. Something to expand upon in the near future, maybe… hint, hint…. 🙂
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Being real Mike I would hands down say lawson, even though I very much enjoyed Sedaris he defiantly writes more for and to himself pretty much like Olivia said. though its not like he does mot care about his audience he writes the way he does so they feel like they lived that part of his life with him and see how he views the world through his mindset. With lawson like how a lot of people on here tonight have said they feel like lawson is reading to them and incorporating them into the story with her not through her eyes but more like hand and hand. Like with the footnotes she does or how she plays around with the editor like for example at the end of chapter three. though since it feels more like lawson wants to connect with the audience more and get them hooked on a more personal level then Sedaris. also, she likes to include everyone like how in the beginning of chapter three so includes the three groups of explanations of what “cleaning a deer” means but she knows everyone is gonna read all three sections and that’s why it is funny it gets everyone so no one is mad and everyone just kind of laughs instead of getting offended. I don’t know if any of this really made sense but I truly do believe It does feel like Lawson shows more interest in the audience than Sedaris.
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Interesting dimensions to her writing, for sure!!! Are you going to write about her over Sedaris, when the time comes?
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Yeah, when the time comes I will defiantly write about Lawson over Seadaris even though I haven’t finished the book yet I defiantly feel a deeper connection to her writing than to Sedaris’s writing.
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Holy shit. Is really all I can think. These last few weeks have been rough. I am stressed, I am worried and I am depressed. Can we talk about mental health? Cause that shit is important. I feel like mine has just tanked and for the last few years, I really had my depression and anxiety under control. I know it could be worse and I am doing my best to feel like I have my shit together. My depression takes over when I don’t feel like I am in control. I. Am. Not. In. Control. Right. Now. I do count my blessings. I know my family is safe right now, my fiancé and I are both still employed, we have a roof over our heads and food in the fridge. I am remembering to just breathe. And stay positive.
Hope everyone else is faring OK! We’ll get through this!
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I can definitely relate to your feelings of having no control. Luckily it should not be a permanent feeling, but the long term feeling of no control and constant unease really takes a toll on me personally. It is really great that you are maintaining positivity!
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Write through and out of it, just like Sedaris and Lawson!!!
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I relate a little too much to this… no control and routine feels like living hell to me, so as someone who can relate a bit, I’m sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed and anxious. However, I hope you continue to find joy and positivity in little things, that typically helps for me! Take care love:)
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Thanks for these positive vibes, Harmony. RESPECT.
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You take care too!!
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For me is Lawson because she speaks directly to the reader.
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Examples?
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Everyone, please tell me about your final thoughts on Sedaris. Then, let’s talk about Lawson, however far you’ve read!!! Remember, that activity on this blog, and to the prompts every meeting WILL determine your standing in the class. Me, I love Lawson. To be honest, she overshadows Sedaris a bit in terms of stylistics, intensity, and genuine connection. What do you all think?
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I completely agree, Lawson is more active and involved with her audience. She knows how to connect and make jokes. Sedaris is more serious and bit reserved on letting loose. Sedaris had a great writing structure and had a great book but honestly failed to connect deeply with me. I was not eager to read Sedaris the way I was to read Lawson. But both books were great, I would just recommend Lawson’s book to everyone, in fact, I have recommended it to all of my friends and my mom.
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WHERE in the book do you experience this??
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I do agree also, Sedaris used a lot of irony and sarcastic dark humor. I really enjoyed the first few chapters of the book and thought that he connected well with me. Then towards the middle and end it started to fade away. I enjoyed Sedaris’ book and his style of writing for sure but after reading some of Lawsons book, I realized that I connect and relate with her more.
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I really enjoyed Sedaris (thank you for introducing me to him). I totally agree though. I think Lawson totally outshines him with her story telling abilities and sharing of her inner thoughts.
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Oh my I wholeheartedly agree! Lawson keeps leaving my with my jaw dropped, literally, because of her sheer ability to be so honest and vulnerable. I know that I wouldn’t personally have the courage to share my childhood stories, so the fact that she is able to with HUMOR, astonishes me.
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I wonder if her humor is intentional, or just the way she is….
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Seriously!! She is resilient!!! If she has trauma, I really can’t tell
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Strength in her more exposed instances, yes!!
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I did enjoy Sedaris and he had a very unique way of writing and I’m glad I was introduced to him through this book but lawson stole my heart with her writing compared to Sedaris. With Lawson, I feel such a stronger connection to the reader and writer with her that we are together on this journey through the book. even though I’m not that far into the book I’m already attached and can not wait to start writing about Lawson and learning from her writing as well.
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I agree. After I read the first chapter of Lawson I already favored her over Sedaris. She just cracks me up. Her crazy stories are like no other and she is truly a unique person. I find myself relating a lot to her childhood with crazy activities. I used to live on a big property farther away from others and was always finding some fun activities to do in the backyard and my other friends at school just played dolls or something. I think growing up where you had to find some creative way to entertain yourself makes a person think of things differently.
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And the character composition of Lawson, and her correlation with experience is what gives her the impact that she has!!
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I am so grateful we are able to talk about Sedaris as a class finally. During his book I kept the thought of “What is he trying to tell me?” in my head. I think most of all he is trying to teach his readers to TELL THEIR STORY. No matter the time, place or importance, just write it down and share your experiences on paper. I found Sedaris to be quite inspiring in the sense that he really just doesn’t care what others think. He stays true to the fact that the stories he’s telling are his and his to tell. Also, I still find it fascinating that the things he writes about aren’t particularly riveting events (well, some are) and he makes a point of making every single one as if you just can’t put the book down until you know what happens.Honestly, I think Sedaris’s writing is a form of therapy for himself. This made me really want to open up via pen and paper, which may be really good for my mental health.
Jenny Lawson, OH Jenny Lawson! I apologize for my language but HOLY SHIT! Her stories are absolutely insane and her writing style is so incredibly relatable. I honestly don’t know how she does it, but she has this ability to be telling you about her dead animal puppeting father and make you feel like she is telling you about something everyone goes through. I especially love her way of relaying those inner thoughts throughout her story telling. She and Sedaris have a lot in common in the sense that they both make you feel as though they are talking to you. Lawson may just be a little more in your face and “I don’t give a flying fart” than Sedaris is. When she puts little footnotes saying that her editor recommended she do this or that, I think it adds so much humor to the book, but also the publishing process as well. Some thing I really respect about Jenny Lawson is that she is able to make the best and make fun of some pretty horrific or dreary situations. I am also someone that solves things with humor. I love her attitude. Honestly, she turns a lot of things most of us would think are worst case scenario into a positive. That’s pretty cool. Her book would be great for someone who really needs to buck up and look on the bright side. Maybe even now, in our current time of what everyone is going through. She tends to give a little “suck it up buttercup” to her readers.
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You’re not the only one with that reaction!! Some examples from the book that struck you in a unique way, a memorable way??
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The way she explained the numerous things about her childhood that likely didn’t occur in others stuck with me. The reason I am bringing up such an early chapter is because, it’s not that the stories themselves were so horrifying (and yes they absolutely were). Her way of writing is very performance enhanced but with a positive twist. She is never down in the dumps or woe is me. This makes me want to listen (or read) what she has to say. I think of another writer wrote her stories but with darker tone it could be a completely different book. Honestly, it’s not as much the content, but her abilities of telling her stories that really keep me engaged and wanting more.
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Well said.
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Hi all, hope everyone is doing well while quarantined. I never thought I would see our county go through yet again another disaster. I am happy to say that I am blessed enough to be working , although a very small amount of hours at least I am out of my house for a bit. I have had a very difficult time not ranting in my journal about how I have been somewhat losing my freaking mind. Anyone else with me on this one. I feel myself at times becoming more insanely cynical like Sedaris. Seeing that human beings are only motivated by self interest and our distrustful of human sincerity or integrity. People treat each other like the freaking plague in public. Yes, I know we are supposed to be 6 feet apart from others, but can’t we all still be nice to one another.
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Good to hear from you. What did you learn from Sedaris?? What could a reader learn? Have you started Lawson??
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I completely agree! Journaling and music has been my best friend. glad you are good.
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I just really love Sedaris’s humor. When I’m reading it I almost feel angry at myself for not thinking in such a clever and hilarious way. Especially when he writes in his childhood perspective, he taps into the influences and connection of his entire life while still maintaining the core of who he is despite his age. Lawson’s writing has such a raw, realistic way of writing (which also makes me a little jealous in a way.)
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How would you describe that humor, using a singular word?
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I would say clever.
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Yes!!
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Sedaris taught me to love my flaws and this crazy thing we call life. I thought I was the only one who made fun of what I deem as misfortune lol. I really enjoyed his humor about topics that others may choose to take serious, I mean life is already to serious anyway, right? Why not laugh about it a little. As for Lawson I love her wit and her hysterically skewed outlook on life, I feel like she has me questioning my own sanity half the time with her crazy stories about classifying Jesus as a zombie or things like accidentally forgetting she mailed herself a cobra. Who does that? I relate a lot to her and her childhood, I mean don’t we all just wanna be able to fit in. I thought I was the only one to think some of the things that she bravely says out loud and I love it.
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If you love your flaws, are they even “flaws”? And, if you enjoy his humor so much, what are its strongest characteristics?
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Hi, I have been doing good so far. Im going to be honest, in the beginning I was feeling unmotivated and found myself laying on the couch and relaxing a little too much. I would have to really motivate myself to do my daily workouts and get my work done. But now, this week I got a boost of motivation, for some reason, to do my school work, workout, learn and work on a new hobby that Ive been wanting to experiment(song writing and singing). Ive been dealing with this whole situation pretty decently and I’ve decided to use my time wisely and take this opportunity of having a lot of extra time on my hands to better myself.
My thoughts on Sedaris are that he is pretty enjoyable to read. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and have enjoyed his humor for the most part all throughout the book. The way he covers up a depressing story with a joke is actually quite interesting because you know that he has all of the real emotions that everyone feels but what makes him different is that he flips it around and adds humor to it and makes the situation less painful. Like we have discussed before, it makes the story easier to read and gives you a chance to really reflect on the way that you look at certain situations.
What I noticed about his writing is that similes seem to be his favorite thing. He is constantly comparing his situation to something thats funny to help you see what he sees. He taught me to look on the other side of situations, especially the ones that make you want to drown in self pity. His writing made me incorporate the humorous side to my stories and include the “voice in my head” within my writing. This gives me a chance and other writers to show your attitude and personality and it makes you stand out when you write with your personality compared to something structured.
Now for Jenny Lawson!
Just by the title and cover page, I can have an idea of her personality and I got a sense that she was someone whose comedic, positive even on the bad situations. Her opening line ” Call me Ishmael. I won’t answer to it because its not my name, but its much more agreeable than most the things I’ve been called” makes her humor shine right through, immediately. After reading a few lines I am already laughing and she actually reminds me of a family friend based off her personality and the way she writes.
Her writing definitely deserves a WOW because she is so happy, positive, and funny while she is fighting something as serious as leukemia. She finds/creates the comedy for herself and her readers to better the bad situations.
Lawson and Sedaris are pretty similar with their writing styles. But, I enjoyed Lawsons a bit more just because her writing seems more light and relatable and Sedaris has more dark humor writing. Lawson’s book is great for someone who needs a laugh and who needs to see the good and or humor within a situation.
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Love this response!! Feel free to elaborate with specific portions of the books, and what it made you think of…. Why would Lawson write the way she does… and Sedaris, the same!! Talk to us about this family friend of yours, he he…
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Thank you! I think they both write this way to stand out and connect with their readers more. Most importantly to let people know that its okay to have those “real” feelings towards bad situations but they try and successfully get me to look on the other side of situations and really seek the positive.
This family friend Ive known for around 6 years and anytime we hangout its just constant laughter. I call her my therapist because she is able to help me with any problems but also laugh and joke around with me. She just has a carefree and positive attitude which I look up to and anytime we are out in public she is great at embarrassing me! And to get into a story, if theres a boy that she thinks I would like, she will make a huge scene and find a way to talk to him for me, which NEVER goes well. Lets just say when we get to spend time together theres a lot of laughter!
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Good to know someone like that!!!
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Wow that is hard to decide which of the 2 I liked better if we are comparing.
I love Sedaris. I love his sense of humor. He’s ironic and funny.
Lawson brings so much anxiety to her writing. I would compare her more to Thompson. Her writing is anxious and scattered? Not sure if that’s the word i’m really looking for right now. Not that I do not like her because I think she is hilarious. She is just really all over the place (purposefully). It really agitates my anxiety. Almost like just finish a thought?
I think I like Sedaris’s writings more because his stories are a lot shorter and to the point. I have kind of struggled keeping my attention to this book.
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Interesting. Would love to see an exploration of this anxiety….
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Maybe because I can feel her anxiety it makes it a little more difficult to read? I think she is hilarious. I have enjoyed the book so far. I can feel here anxiety at the dinner parties she attends. Maybe it’s discomfort I’m feeling cause I’ve been there? I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 18 so it’s a real bitch when I understand her desire to hide under a table.
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Your narrative and writing, Samone, sometimes reminds me of hers!!
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A classmate said I reminded them of Sedaris!! Lol. That is a compliment and I appreciate it very much!
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It’s true!!!
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Samone, when you read in class you remind me of her. I miss your narratives!
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ME. TOO.
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I’m totally thinking about starting a blog! I love your writings too! I so appreciate the feedback and little nudge to get back in to writing for reals! ❤
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I appreciate you. Thank you.
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You should. If you do I would like to read it!
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Me, too!!
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Yes Samone! Your stories were always hilarious and your wording and real feelings that you put into your writing just shows your personality. Your writing is very much like these authors. Glad you’re doing okay
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Hey Samone!
You are totally right comparing her to Thompson. They both just WRITE. The put the pen to the paper and write outtheir true thoughts making them super authentic. I love that about her style of writing.
Glad to hear your (online) voice again!!
And ps TOTALLY start a blog. 😉
-Kiely
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Throughout Sedaris’s book, I felt a disconnect. Maybe it is because I don’t struggle with his family issues or maybe I just wasn’t giving his book my all. I felt almost bored with some of his excerpts while completely in love with others. With a book of essays, you can expect to love some and hate some. I felt that Sedaris was almost too detail-oriented and seemed to take quite some time to get to the point. Lawson had jokes with her editor and had bits where she spoke directly to the reader which made the book personal. Her talking to herself and the footnoted reminded me of the little voice in my head that I have when reading and writing. She just forced connections with the reader by addressing their presence.
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Agreed!!! Lawson strikes me as well as a better teacher than Sedaris!!! Maybe something to write about.
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I loved when she spoke directly to me (the reader). It just feels so much more connective and transported me into her writing and her setting. And I definitely understand how certain authors styles and experiences they put into their writing are hard to relate to depending on your life experiences and personhood.
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Yes!! Personhood… very instrumental.
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I’m grateful that I’m still working, but this situation is making working so much more difficult. My boss will bite our heads off if we do anything wrong, and I try to be as positive and maintain a sense of normalcy as much as I can, but the the pressure of being careful gets too much. I work in a old folks home/ nursing home, and the pressure to, for lack of better words, cause the sickness and deaths of residents if one thing goes specifically wrong with the spread of the virus in our community, is very stressful. I can barely even imagine how health care workers in affected areas hospitals are suffering. My mom showed me a video of clips of Wuhan doctors and nurses pleading and lamenting about the death and corruption around them, the lack of sleep, the overworking, and it was heartbreaking. I have a really hard time coping with all the heartbreak and stress I learn about and hope you guys are dealing with it as best you can, especially those who are out of work, or being overworked, lacking proper safety supplies and essentials, etc.
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Very true. These times are life and world-changing… How are you doing on the readings?
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Hey gang! These past few days (feels more like weeks) have definitely been tough, and full of different emotions. I am still working because where I work is considered essential and I am very grateful to be able to still work. It has been tough seeing people around you that you care about losing their jobs and be financially worried so it stresses me out. i’ve been trying to keep myself and my mind busy by taking walks, listening to music, watching Netflix and reading. And as my other colleagues have mentioned, trying to stay healthy and not gain a bunch of weight! I have not been writing as much as I would like to, it is hard to write when everyone is at home and not have some quiet time or place to actually sit down and just write. Since weather has been nice, I should really find a spot outside to relax and write.
Mr. Sedaris was fun to read and definitely the first book I have read in this type of style, I will admit, I was unsure what type of story or plot this book was about so was confused in the first few pages but then realized he was telling us the reader stories of his life. To read a book of his, feels like he is right next to you telling you this story, I really enjoyed that. His writing and some if his childhood memories/stories felt relatable and often found myself smiling or laughing. I do have to say that his writing “flow” was sort of choppy and a lot of back and forth with his childhood past stories and the present. But in general, I really enjoyed Sedaris and will be checking out his other works.
Jenny Lawson is funny and genuine, I liked how right off the bat she was already making you laugh and smile, her stories and writing also felt relatable just like Sedaris. She does not hold back and says thing how she means it. I have not read much so far but I am looking forward to finishing it and forming more of an opinion about her.
I will be using my journal to help me write out my emotions and help with coping with everything going around us. I believe writing will be a great way for everyone to release their emotions and just let their mind go free.
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Curious to know where in the books these authors made you feel this way!! Lawson and Sedaris are both their own worlds and eco-system of ideas.. What in their styles makes you further recognize their styles?
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One example from Sedaris was his memory of singing the Kookaburra song with his sister and how his father kept telling him to go to sleep and he just wouldn’t, just related to my childhood when I used to stay up late with my sister and my dad would get so mad! I feel more invested and interested in reading more about Sedaris. Their “style” of writing is more like they write how they want to and there is no such protocol on how to write, I like that both of them are able to be funny and just be able to tell stories freely.
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Love that!!
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Going further into the practice of telling one’s story, what does narrative do for the writer writing about their own life… their memories. There’s more to narrative I argue than just telling your story. What do you all think that is?
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Narrative, I agree is more important than just telling your story. Lawson had a more structured narrative and told the reader everything they really needed to know to get to know her. Sedaris left something to be desired and told bits and pieces of his story. Lawson’s book in general, is a memoir, is expected to have more narrative.
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I agree that there is more than just telling your story. For example Lawson packs her life stories with humor to win over her audience, especially because her life has been pretty gruesome compared to the average person. She also exaggerates to some degree, by being very theatrical with her writing, like when she writes about the dead squirrel puppet, making it sound much more exciting and wild then it probably was in the moment. She has to make it sound funny though, or people would think she’s disturbed!
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I think telling your story is important and the narrative that goes along with it. I feel like you need to be an interesting person if you are going to write about yourself. As shitty as that sounds. (Epiphany-Maybe that’s why I’m self-conscious about my writing. I don’t think anyone wants to hear my story or what I have to say?) Someone relatable. I don’t really wanna read about a millionaire and their issues because we won’t see the same problems. For Sedaris I relate to him because how he grew up and I think he grew up in a very unloving home. For Lawson I relate because she makes a good story out of her trauma? And for me humor got me through some of my darkest times when I was growing up.
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Humor can do that!!
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I personally think its the ability to be able to fluently write out your inner voice and be able to connect with the audience and so it feels like narrative and it is narrative but not all of it is necessarily about the story at hand she goes off on other tangents that technically do not need to be there but who cares? it what makes it so much better with these little footnotes and side ramblings she pulls it off so well that we do not lose track or get bored by incorporating us with her like how she makes us feel more connected is why it flows so well and the use of being able to write in her own natural voice also helps it move along elegantly.
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Yes!!
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What comedy would each author find in our COVID situation?
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I was thinking about this, and I think that Sedaris would write a short narrative about going to his local Costco and not being able to find toilet paper!! Haha I think he would write about something mundane like shopping, but find the humor in the situation of stores being empty!
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Of course!! What else would he say?
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Oh my gosh! Totally see that! ” Oh look they left the medical supplies, but took the ass wipe”.
I think Lawson would find humor in being holed up with her hubby. I really like their relationship she shares with us in her book.
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Im not sure exactly what they would say but Im sure they would come up with a million jokes and humorous comments to lighten the mood!!
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YES!!! And that is precisely their intention, or one of them, in the way they write!!
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They would definitely find jokes about the everyone hoarding items(TP, Sanitizer, etc.)
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I’m interested to hear quotes from Lawson that connected with you…..
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I really loved Lawson’s relationship and overall connection with Victor and every chapter that they had any dialogue together I ate it up. They are just so cute. I loved it when Victor said, ” I happen to like Dairy Queen spoons.” This quote is from the chapter “No One Ever Taught Me Couch Etiquette.” The quote is not deep or anything special, but since I love Victor and how Jenny interacts with Victor, any of their dialogue would easily be my favorite.
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Me, too!!!
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“High school is life’s way of giving you a record low to judge the rest of your life by”. (64)– This is super funny.
And probably my favorite so far (2/3 of the book done) was when she was speaking about her anxiety “Except that the one thing I can’t escape from is the very thing I want to run away from. . . me”. (172)
I felt all of that. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies and we can self-sabotage ourselves.
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Haha those are great, especially the second
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Some quotes from Lawson…
“Did you notice how, like, half of this introduction was a rambling parenthetical? That shit is going to happen all the time. I apologize in advance for that, and also for offending you, because you’re going to get halfway through this book and giggle at non sequiturs about Hitler and abortions and poverty, and you’ll feel superior to all the uptight, easily offended people who need to learn how to take a fucking joke, but then somewhere in here you’ll read one random thing that you’re sensitive about, and everyone else will think it’s hysterical, but you’ll think, “Oh, that is way over the line.” I apologize for that one thing. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking”( Lawson 1).
This was in the very beginning and I found it funny how she is calling people out about how sensitive people become about every topic because its true and most people don’t like being around people who can’t take a joke and laugh once in a while.
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Perfect!!
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It truly feels like our emotions are sinking along with the Titanic, and it is difficult to be normal when we have this invisible repellent. Please stay strong we can do it, one day at time.
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Hey everyone! Times are awfully weird right now, clearly, and I’m trying to find balance in my life currently. Some days I wake up with more motivation than I have after drinking 200 mg of caffeine and other days feel as though I’m paralyzed with numbness as I watch hours of The Handmaids Tale, which by the way is very good. I think, though, that I am developing a sort of routine which has helped me stay more positive about everything. Everyday I try and do something that I know will bring me joy, like baking or painting or journaling. I have always been someone who needs and more alone time than most, however considering that my mom won’t allow me to go anywhere and that parks are closed, it’s becoming more challenging to find moments where I can just breathe. I know that this may sound morbid, but I keep thinking about the very real possibility of myself not surviving covid19 if I were to have it (considering I have an autoimmune disease and suppressed immune system). However, as strange as it may sound, this has been motivating me to do things I love regularly along with open up more around my family which has been a pleasant change.
Sedaris continued to surprise me with every new page I flipped through. I continuously caught myself having a mental dialogue with him because of the way his sentences and stories were structured. And by structured, I mean the very fact that they were not truly structured but rather a stream of thoughts. With this in mind, it made reading this book incredibly effortless and fluid. I never seemed to want to put it down, which is strange to me considering that I often don’t enjoy reading when it is assigned. The complete honesty and openness which Sedaris writes, not only is completely laugh out loud funny, but also makes his work much more personal. The entirety of his work was captivating and overall completely and utterly inspiring.
Similarly to Sedaris, Lawson’s work is absolutely hilarious and frank. Though I’m only five chapters in, the, for lack of better words, carelessness which she develops her work reminds me of my inner monologue I have with myself. More specifically, the continuous rambling of random shit and bizarre childhood stories which are blatantly overlooked by Lawson herself since she doesn’t believe them to be too abnormal is incredibly human which honestly made me develop respect for her. All of this is the same for Sedaris, as their candidness and humor remind me of each other entirely.
My journal has always been a whirlpool of word vomit, but lately I’ve been trying to write with more purpose. I’m not exactly sure how to explain with this means, but I’ve attempted to write more about myself and inner monologue (seems to be my theme tonight), along with poetry and stories. If I’m being frank, there is a lot of complaining that used to go on in my journal, but lately my pages are covered in things that bring me joy and a better sense of appreciation.
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Great post here, Harmony!! Talk to us more about Lawson’s beliefs, and the reasoning behind her writing style…
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I honestly believe that Lawson has no care in the world what opinions people might have about her life but she is rather sharing her perspective, considering the frankness about dead animal carcass puppets and raccoon pets. With that said though, I keep finding myself in agreement that what she endured as a child is “normal” when it very clearly is not. Somehow she makes every absurd story she shares to be something you’d share by the campfire on a family vacation. And if you’re sharing dead animal carcass puppets at a campfire, I’d be a bit concerned.
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I think they would write about the whole running out of toilet paper situation!
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Oh, totally!!!
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Let’s get into not so much comparing the two authors, but the collective character they both form. That is, how do they both define a new definition and direction with this mode of narrative prose??
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Can you expand on this question a little?
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Sure…. together, they form a character.. for me, it’s a voice balanced by sarcasm, wit, and chance. The character that Lawson and Sedaris form together is what?
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They form a character that takes plain old life and makes it interesting. Instead of disregarding even the most basic experiences in their lives they make them a part of who they are. If you were at a party, they’d be the eccentric friend with a drink in hand who always has the floor and is making you laugh.
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Yes!!
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They are so much more unorthodox. They write more FREELY about whatever the hell they want. I do love Lawson’s footnotes about her editor and such. Also about how certain words aren’t really words, but now they are because she put them in her book. They both have some deficiency?
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Like what?
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I guess by a lot more cussing, writing about more real, relate able things? I don’t read about wolves and vampires. I have great respect for people that are able to put their own struggles and flaws out there for others to see and judge.
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Ohh yes completely agree!
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Things have been just a tad bit crazy at my house. My mom loves to get into some good old heated discussions about her thoughts and feelings about this current situation within this world. It’s been recently announced that all schools are not continuing for the rest of the school year and she’s been talking non-stop today about how much she thinks that it’s complete bullshit. This is because my sister is a senior in high school and now she’s unable to go to prom, participate in her last year of varsity track and especially walk in her graduation. I, on the other hand couldn’t care less if I was in her shoes because my experiences in those events were far from fun. On the topic of the coronavirus, my mom uses my brother and I, as walking forms of information, as if we’re experts on Covid-19. I love my mom but the last thing I want to talk about while eating my dinner is how the whole world is going to shit and how I should stock up on toilet paper while it lasts.
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Tough times for sure, but times that educate us as well!!!
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Who surprises you more, Sedaris or Lawson? And if you haven’t read that much Lawson, does Sedaris have the quality of shock or “surprise” in his pages?
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Honestly, Sedaris did not have a shock value in his stories. They were pretty low key and nothing out the blue. He seemed to think that a super modern mother or “Karen” (in today’s society) is something that is a daily occurrence. On the other hand, Lawson had parts where she had her shoved up a cows vagina. I mean, how many writers have written about that? That alone was a big surprise or shock, and honestly, Lawson’s book is filled with shock. When the vultures are in her back yard, (i don’t want to spoil anything) but that part was sad yet surprising yet a part that had me laughing out loud at the absurdity of the situation.
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Sedaris surprises me more with his blunt honesty and realness, and how he is writing for himself, and is not conforming to traditional writing of a story that has a begining, middle, and end. Although Lawsons stories are indeed shocking themselves, with all the blood and dead animals.
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Lawson surprised me more with her ability of just being “real” and saying what she wants. Her humour is awesome!
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It is! And with an awesome power that instills true AWE!!!
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That is super difficult. I think Sedaris surprises me more, personally speaking. I think maybe I empathize with his struggles of not growing up in the best family? They didn’t seem supportive from his essays and that really feels familiar to me.
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Could be something to write about…
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To be honest, I’ve completely indulged myself into the newly assigned book from Jenny Lawson. I originally thought that David Sedaris was the most entertaining book that I’ve ever read and oh boy was I wrong. Jenny Lawon has completely stolen the show with her hilarious memoir and use of swear words to perfectly describe how she is feeling. I’m especially fond of her use of profanity! In my previous post, one can see that I too prefer using subtle profanity to my advantage in creating a more relatable piece, one that grabs the reader’s attention. I’m actually listening to the audible addition of the book and it’s been life changing! Jenny herself is reading the book aloud and the reader is able to even further comprehend her personality, especially when she says those swear words. I love her writing style and can’t wait to hear more!
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Hey y’all,
I really enjoyed Sedaris’ book. I was (and still am) fascinated by how he views others in his writing. My favorite chapter was “Obama!!!!!” I think I was drawn to this chapter because I was reminded of myself and because of this quote, “I’ll bet you that half of America could elect a black president.” I used to live in Oklahoma and when Obama was elected in 2008 my more democratic parents voted for him. I went to school and shared that with my friends who all decided that I was weird because my parents didn’t vote for Romney like theirs did. I really appreciate the snark that Sedaris had when he was proving his point and the hope he had for America when he showed that he believed there could be a black president. It made me grateful that I grew up with a family that allowed me to think in a similar way. I was so excited to vote this year and do my part for the country and I only hope that I was as passionate as Sedaris and as confident in my choice as I could be. I also really like how blunt Sedaris can be in his writing. He says exactly what he wants to in a confident way and it seems as though he doesn’t care what others will think.
In other news, I’ve been sleeping till about noon everyday and allowing myself to be a little bit lazy during this time because there really isn’t anything else for me to do. I have been reading more and I finally decided to finish a scarf that I started knitting about two years ago. I haven’t left my neighborhood in two weeks and I’m going a little crazy because I am the only one in my house who is out of work for the time being. I’ve never been much of a writer but I have started to keep a notebook on my desk and i’ve been getting more comfortable with writing down my thoughts throughout the day. English 1B is the only class I am taking because I graduated high school in February, and let me tell you, I could not have picked a better time to be done with school. I’m grateful for my easy schedule and animal crossing. I’m doing my best to stay healthy and I hope that you all are too!
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Thanks for this post! There’s always an opportunity to shape our story however we want. Sedaris shows us that several times…
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I’ve been playing animal crossing and Skyrim QUITE ALOT!
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those are both INCREDIBLE games, hope your “coronacartion” is going well!
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My journal!
I was always off and on with journaling but since joining this class I have found that it helps a ton! I love to go back and read how I was feeling in certain situations and to remind myself of what things happened when. Right now is an extremely weird time, being a senior with prom and graduation up in the air and my track season cancelled. Writing and music has definitely been my best friend! I like to write to see how my attitude changes and sometimes I look back and am extremely thankful that I wrote certain situations down or that that situation has passed.I really do learn lessons from my own writing and how I react to situations.
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Great to hear!! Writing and music are in many ways the same thing!!
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Hi class! I think I am doing well considering everything going on. I have just been keeping in mind that things could be much worse for my family and myself, and I try to stay grateful. In fact this whole period has made me extremely appreciative of everything and everyone in my life. I spend hours going through my camera roll reminiscing summer, football games, late nights, parties, and more. So while I wish I could return to all of this, I really am just glad had it in the first place. I encourage anyone reading this to remember, when we aren’t in an international crisis, life is good! I promise.
In regards to Sedaris, wow! What a guy. My initial thoughts were that he isn’t funny. I still don’t think he is, but I was really expecting him to be. However, this certainly did not stop me from enjoying his writing. His writing had not an innocent, but more a quirky wholesome tone that I found peace in. He made really big/controversial things sound really small, and almost more human. That trait is definitely what I would want to incorporate into my writing. Just his his ability to discuss big topics in small, quirky, human ways. I think it normalizes issues that need to be normalized, and puts readers at ease. Just the tone that is so casual and relaxed, no matter the what subject. He is talented!
In regards to Lawson wow! In contrast to Sedaris, this book has me laughing out loud. Her childhood was truly something else, and I love every second of it. Her taste in humor is mellow and hilarious and very much in my taste. I learned to enjoy Sedaris, but this book took my heart. However Sedaris and Lawson do have one big thing in common, and that is their vulnerability. They both share kind of haunting things with such honesty and lightheartedness. As a reader I really appreciate that, and as a writer I really appreciate that. It takes resilience to even decide to write about it, but it takes courage to write about it in such an honest and playful way. Mad respect to both of them!
In my journal, I have been writing on quarantine a little bit, so I can remember what it’s like 20 years from now, but I mostly am trying to write what I always write about because life goes on! I rant about my boy problems, draw pretty things that make me happy, write poetry, write music, and paste in a few recent photos if I have the motivation. I have always been big on keeping a journal, and I hope that never changes!
Hope all of your are doing okay, and finding peace somewhere in this awfully weird time!
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Mellow and hilarious… your next essay title??
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Hi Avery-
Glad you’re doing well. Are you a senior? If so, the news of no more school this year is likely very devastating.
I like the way you said both authors have their vulnerability in common. I never thought of them that way, but you’re right. They are vulnerable because they share so much of their upbrining and how it relates to who they are now. I wonder what writing about our own experiences would sound like to other readers. It really inspires you to tell your own story. I think it’s cool you’re journaling about this experience. This doesn’t happen in everyone’s lifetime. So it is worth writing about. Good call.
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No quiet, y’all!!!! Whose writing makes you think about your own life and your own decisions which have brought you to where you are, more? Sedaris, or Lawson?
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Sedaris, hands down. I went through a rough childhood and turned to drugs/alcohol for comfort. There was always something lacking and when i was intoxicated, I never had to face reality. I relate to Sedaris because I used humor in situations that made me uncomfortable. Humor deflected my discomfort. Kind of like how he doesn’t like having his picture taken and he was so relieved at the book signing that didn’t allow pictures. He was like see, no photography, sorry and is able to kind of brush stuff off, but still make them humorous. Lawson is great. She’s a woman with anxiety and I can relate. That’s about it for me to be honest. I do like her as an author.
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I’d say Lawson. Her stories are more relatable to me and talks about all different kinds of topics. She is always asking herself questions and answering them which I can really relate to haha! Her humor is more similar to mine rather than Sedaris.
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thank you!! I am actually a junior, and have a lot of senior friends who are very bummed out. I am super grateful I get another year! (hopefully, we never know!)
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Thanks for mentioning the vulnerability aspect on both Sedaris and Lawson Avery. I agree 100% and it is one of the hardest things for me that I personally hope to work on, I am beginning to believe that the writing process may be a good tool for me to use in overcoming my issues with learning how to not be a robot and actually be vulnerable with others.
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These past few weeks have been totally life changing for me. I’m usually a social butterfly, always with friends, outdoors, working, or being active. I’m rarely home unless it’s to get a change of clothes, to eat, or to have dinner. I am now unemployed, as I’m sure a majority of my colleagues are as well. I have three younger siblings, who are all now home, so the house is packed and is never quiet, but that’s usual. My dad has been working from home in our kitchen, which is right around the corner from my room, so the level of my noise must be minimal. I’ve been a little bit of a rule bender, and hopping the fence to train at a soccer field and run laps. I’m supposed to be leaving to Maine in July, to continue playing soccer during my college years. They are a division one program, so although this is terrifying, I am still expected to be in great shape when I arrive.
The transition to online schooling is different to say the least. I chose to take in person classes, because I like to learn that way, I’m more of a visual learner, and love the social aspect of school. Since I have started attending the Junior College, there are a handful of classes and professors that I have loved to meet and learn from. I assume that it is much harder for the professors of the institution, so I want to say thank you! Education is such an important aspect in life, to obtain the knowledge, and to love it so much to want to share with others. Teachers and Professors deserve so much more than what they are given. I salute them all for being flexible and still finding a way to inspire others in these tough times. To convert all your lessons from in person to online, is probably much more difficult than I may ever understand.
As far as Sedaris, I love his style of writing, I thought we were writing an essay on him as well, and i had imagined writing about him being “free”. He gives no care when it comes to his writing style. He just writes as he goes I feel, but is articulate, he thinks of everything he writes before jotting it down, and every word, every sentence is there for a reason! David reveals a lot about his personal life in his book, and his relationship with his father. I was planning to write most of my essay on one chapter, called “Laugh Kookabura”, page 87. The whole chapter is nonsense lol, he starts with him and his dad having dinner at his cousin’s house when he completely veers off and starts to talk about something completely off topic, BUT IT’S SO INTERESTING. I loved him, and his book. Do you recommend any others from him?
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Me Talk Pretty One Day. Great collection of writings.
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Ryan I completely relate! I am also a social butterfly and I can’t remember a day when I have been home for more than 24 hours until now! I struggle with online classes and that’s why I take in-person classes, so this switch is definitely going to be a challenge!!
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It’s only a challenge if you categorize it as such. I see such as opportunity, and invitation.
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About journaling, I am a part of my high school’s newspaper staff as an editor. We are working on weekly issues of updates and things to do while stuck at home. I am basically journaling everything for that class. It is crazy and putting together a newsletter in place of a newspaper is very different. But a positive side of writing weekly stories for the school to read is getting your voice out and heard and what you are going through. It also allows me to read my classmate’s experiences.
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Awesome!
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This week has been absolutely chaotic! Getting mentally and physically prepared for online classes is a big struggle for someone who is not very tech savvy. Getting back on track will take some time and effort but I feel mentally prepared to get back on that learning horse!! I have been organizing my house and my life and just trying to make things better for myself and my family. I’m terribly worried but being at home and relaxing is definitely helping my whole family. Seeing other kids my age not take covid seriously is infuriating but interesting to watch them argue about why they refuse to take the appropriate precautions. Now my two cents on sedaris compared to Lawson! Sedaris has a family issues and situations that are far easier to relate to, in my case. I find his work This week has been absolutely chaotic! Getting mentally and physically prepared for online classes is a big struggle for someone who is not very tech savvy. Getting back on track will take some time and effort but I feel mentally prepared to get back on that learning horse!! I have been organizing my house and my life and just trying to make things better for myself and my family. I’m terribly worried but being at home and relaxing is definitely helping my whole family. Seeing other kids my age not take covid seriously is infuriating but interesting to watch them argue about why they refuse to take the appropriate precautions. Now my two cents on sedaris compared to Lawson! Sedaris has a family issues and situations that are far easier to relate to, in my case. I find his work and multiple stories that seem to share a theme far more intricate and seductive. Lawson uses humor as well to lose some of the severity in her life. That’s what unites these two authors. Humor and situational dismissal.
I have been extremely consistent with my journal. I had to go buy a new one! All my thoughts since spring break have been written down relentlessly and I do not plan on stoping! EMBRACE THE WHIM!!!
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Is this Nancy? Please have your full name displayed.
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I do hope everyone is well and resting.
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Journaling is such a therapeutic thing. Even when I write about the dumbest things or confusing nonsensical stuff, it still feels right. It’s a comfort to carry around your words with me in a clear concrete way, or even if my handwriting is scribbles and my words barely make any sense, I’m still carrying out and around my thoughts and expressions with me. I am journaling a lot and making little plans, stories, and drawings.
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I write about dumb stuff too, that’s why I like that journaling is just for me!
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Who says it’s dumb??
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More than therapeutic, it becomes natural, and soon by you expected.
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Anyone else trying to find more humor in shit as a result of reading these authors?
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Me for sure! After reading both of these, I realize that shit happens and you might as well try to laugh it off and make a joke out of it, especially if it is not something in my own control!
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Well put, Ms. Olivia. Cheers.
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absolutely, i have so much respect for people who effortlessly make me laugh
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Finding humor this time is hard. But after reading Lawson’s book I find myself seeing the humor in the shininess. It feels like some ironic big joke from the world. Nature is laughing at us telling us to get everything together. Maybe it’s more dark humor, but it honestly feels like a sick joke that is just so messed up.
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Yes! Right now its about pushing back this horrible situation thats out of our control a little bit and still laugh with friends on the phone or family you live with. Just trying to find the fun and make the best out of situations!
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You can always find fun!! And, something to write about!!
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Abso-freakin-lutely! I just gotta roll with it.
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I’m thinking of so many times in my life where if I had just considered it comedically then the understanding would have been different, and advantageously shifted.
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I was raised this way, especially by my Dad. This makes me relate to Lawson so much. Though I can’t relate to her actual stories much, I can absolutely relate to her take on life.
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As far as journaling goes, I have recently traded my writing for me time to writing my plan of action time for my kids homeschooling, work plans, food plans, ect. Now that I have our schedule down and we are adjusted and grooving, I can start writing a lot more about my day my life and tell the stories and need and want to tell. Mikey- I would still love feedback on my story elaboration about my mother in law. Pretty please!
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Will do!!! Did you email that to me…..? OR do I have it here in my home office?
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I emailed it to you after our last meeting together.
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Got it. Let’s set up a call for tomorrow. Please text me tomorrow morning.
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sounds good! Thank you.
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It is a reminder that even though we are facing tough times, we need to find humour around us 🙂
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Alright y’all…. PLEASE take a 5-7 minute siesta, and we’ll get back to it in a bit….. 🙂
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Before everything got out of hand with this virus, I had a trip planned for spring break already and I went to Cancun the whole week. By the end, maybe like Thursday/Friday a bunch of my co-workers were worried I was going to get stuck in Mexico because of everything going on. Meanwhile, I told them I was not worried about it and I definitely wouldn’t mind being stuck in Cancun. I was fully enjoying myself and even got the chance to use my sick time from work to stay 3 days longer. I was in paradise everyday going to beautiful islands, ziplining, enjoying the night life, and beautiful parks. As my trip ended on Monday the 16th, I caught my flight to Tijuana and then crossed the border through San Diego. Everything was fine and I had no difficulties crossing in. At the airport in San Diego I then caught a flight to San Francisco. Everything was so empty, I checked in, in about 10 minutes. The front desk people looked so bored and TSA even was joking around with each other, a site we don’t see often. My flight was completely empty I was literally in first class just because I could, and the flight attendant was cool about it. I officially started working from home on Thursday the 19th and I was so exhausted from my trip that this came as good news to me. I was sun burnt and my shoulders had started to peel, I was out in the sun for most days, so being home relaxing felt amazing. My job also told me to self-quarantine for two weeks because I had gone out of the country. This meant having no contact with any of my co- workers or going out to work at food distributions, like some of them were. So far, I am loving working from home. I had not realized how stressed out I was with work, school, gym, and social life. I felt like I was always trying to catch up with everything and finally I had this breather. Of course, this is not a good situation, but I am trying to look at all the positives I have. I get to spend more time with my dog and my mom, who is also working from home. Before this, I rarely got to see her. I can also start doing things I have been putting off like re organizing my room and deep cleaning. But the most important thing for me right now is that I am healthy.
On the other hand, I finished up reading Sedaris’s book right when I got back from vacation. What I liked about his writing was how blunt he was with his stories and the choice of words he used. He was not sugar coating anything and somehow could still make it humorous. I outlined the parts where I literally laughed out loud as I was reading. I also found some parts in the book so extreme that it made it funny, he goes 0-100 real quick. For example, when he tells his dad he has cancer. Not just anyone could say that to their elderly dad but somehow, I still found it humorous but mest up. Overall, I think the only parts in the book that I felt I could go without reading were the ones where he talks about animals. I feel like his bluntness affects the way he writes about animals and I don’t like it. But that is just because I am and have always been sensitive to animals since I was little. I would be the type to not care if someone died in a movie, but if an animal got hurt, that was it I would cry. Every time he would mention any type of animal I would cringe. Other than that, I found his short stories entertaining and fun. I would want to take away from his writing how straight forward he is about situations and about life.
I have not gotten the chance to read Jenny Lawsons book, but I will get into it this week and keep in mind these questions to further analyze her writing style.
Now that I will not be writing in my journal in class I want to write about my experience at work and how sometimes I find it difficult to focus at home. This is not because it is not a good environment but because I am not used to it, most of the time I distract myself. I want to write in the mornings because that is when I have the most energy and can really reflect on my previous day.
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You’ll love Lawson. Very connective and rich with experience and situational enlightenment.
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When back from break, let’s talk about our own writing. What we’ve been writing for ourselves!! Being stuck in your house, shelter-in-place, should provide a heaping wave of story!!! What have you put to page?
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I was a total dick to my future hubby so I wrote him an I’m sorry poem. lol
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Ha ha ha!!!!! That’s awesome…
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haha I don’t have a husband but I’ve been writing my boyfriend letters and throwing them onto his front porch because I hate texting!
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That’s awesome!! Cheers!!
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But it’s been hard to concentrate on school so I am starting over 🙂
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I have been writing in my journal almost every day, especially since I officially started my new quarantine routine. I have been writing mostly about the current state of our world and how I am processing it. I have been taking specific times to just write for ten minutes without thinking, because it is very calming and almost healing for me to write about my feelings and what I have been doing throughout these weeks. I write about my feelings the most, it is easiest for me to write when I am overwhelmed with emotions, like when I am missing my friends or just my routine in general. When I am sad, I am thinking about how I am sad, so it is easy for me to write because I am not worried about how my writing sounds, I just let my emotions take over my words! I am sure I will be glad that I have my own documentation on this whole crazy time!
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Any excerpts you want to share???
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Most of my writing is recounting what happened during my day. I just wrote while on that break. I was recalling a time someone told me that they simply do not like/listen to music. I was writing about how they must be a psychopath to not listen to music. Music is like the one thing in my life that is consistent and something I can turn to that will always be there for me. I love music and in fact, I am jamming out to a really great 2000’s Spotify playlist that is just so so good.
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Who doesn’t like music?
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That’d be a character to write about!!
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Ive been listening to music like crazy, trying a hobby I’ve been wanting to get better at and also continue with my portrait drawings. Ive also been working out and staying fit for when I get to run a track meet and also just writing about the whole college situations/senior year of high school. Ive just been reflecting on all of those things I just mentioned and how they are affecting me right now. Also, writing about this whole situation so that I can look back when things start to get back to normal which will remind me to be thankful and not take my “normal” routine for granted.
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A new normal isn’t entirely a bad or odd normal. It’s not even a NEW normal, necessarily.
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Even though the circumstances aren’t fun right now. I appreciate this down time, gives me a chance to better myself and focus on my goals which I definitely needed
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Healthy outlook.
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I wrote about a story of standing on the rooftop garden of my grandparent’s house in Taiwan, watching the sky during typhoon season. It isn’t something that has exactly happened, but it is inspired by those very ideas in separate situations that actually happened put together. Writing it was like I was creating my own little cell of nolstalgia I could tap into. It makes me feel a little sad because I miss that place and that situation, but channeling it into a story really made me feel better, especially thinking about it while stuck in my house or at work.
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Feel free to share!!
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Before the entire world went to shit, I journaled everyday anyways, so I’ve just kept up with that routine and have journaled at least once everyday. At the beginning of spring break, my pages were full of complaints about missing so many things currently. Though, with a sudden change of perspective, I’m not sure where it came from, I realized that everyone is missing everything, at the same time, which helped get me out of my funk. Recently though, I’ve been writing about things and people I adore to remind myself of how wonderful my life is outside of a world wide pandemic and within. I’ve begun to find small pull offs on roads to park my car at and sit in my trunk while I read or write, and it’s helped spark some inspiration for poetry, which I have never really liked before. So, concluding this word scramble, my pages have developed from narrating my day to describing and understanding my perspective and little joys in life.
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Tough situation, indeed. But, still an opportunity.
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A good deal of my personal writing is writing “I don’t know what to write” over and over. Natalie Goldberg taught me that that was acceptable, so I do it. On the other hand though, I was jotting down notes for a Sedaris paper, but seeing as were not doing that anymore, those too have become personal I guess, and, if I do so say myself, their some of my more enlightening journals. Time to start taking notes for the Lawson paper!
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Yes!! You can write a paper on Lawson if you like. OR, Sedaris. OR, you can write on both!! Stay tuned!!!
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I haven’t put much to page lately besides lesson planning for my kids. I have always had mad respect for teachers, but holy shit now… they’re getting way better Christmas presents in the future. I have gotten a handle on how we are going to spend our days. Just because so many things have stopped for us, there is still so much life to be lived! I haven’t said this out loud yet, but honestly, this pandemic has made me a better mom. I am super grateful for that. I am watching my almost five year old daughter learn to read right in front of me! My son (3) who couldn’t trace a letter or color in the lines for shit 2 weeks ago, is now writing his own letters and doing color by numbers. Their rooms are clean, they are playing with all the toys they just HAD TO HAVE. I feel more present, more organized, and healthier than I have been in a long time. So yeah, I guess I am saying it. This pandemic has made me a better parent. I hope to continue what I have learned about myself as a Mom and a person after this is over.
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Cheers, Ashlyn… 🙂
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One idea for tonight’s page… Humor is INSTRUMENTAL.
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So very accurate
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agreed!!
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Oh my gosh, So true! It is so important to laugh at yourself. Humor is so instrumental at a time like this especially. I have seen a million memes about corona virus and honestly they make me smile. This virus is horrible, what it’s doing to our world is horrible. I personally have experienced death from this. Without jokes, laughter and a hint of sarcasm it makes “Going on with life” really hard. I so agree. Hmor is instrumental.
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Sorry for your loss.
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Absolutely! the authors who know how to play it makes the piece so much better.
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Completely agree!!
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I haven’t had the chance to write a lot, mostly my fault, mostly working almost 12 hour shifts and coming home late discourages me and often do not have the energy to write or do anything. I would and will write more about my daily routine, how work is going and how everthing changes day by day. I will also write more about my emotions and just let everything come out.
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Take care of yourself! ❤
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Thank you! 🙂
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If you want to write, you write. Give yourself a chance. And, test yourself.
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I’ve been focusing on writing about my surroundings, the moods my family members are in and how the atmosphere has changed in my household. There’s fear and anxiety surrounding my mother 24/7 and my father is as emotionless as ever. Everyone is restless and awaiting for good news. I write short stories to help ease my mind. I splatter my feelings on the pages. My emotions and thoughts have no filter. There’s a lot of sadness and hopelessness right now. The inability to control my surroundings and my life is something that has consumed me in the past. I do everything in my power to stop that from happening again. I write to sort myself. Ground myself to my surrounding and my day to day life.
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How about the readings? How did you do with Sedaris? How are you doing with Lawson?
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It started off rocky but now I’m back on track. I read before bed and write my thoughts about each page. It’s going well!
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Reading both Sedaris and Lawson is very fun and very immersive, you get lost in their thoughts and humor
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Examples??
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my journal entries are all over the place word vomit. Same as always. When I do talk about quarantine I mostly am just giving updates on status of the outbreak, and status of my outlooks. Trying to be positive, but also trying to be real.
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Being real IS positive.
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TRUE
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ok facts
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For tonight’s page… Our stories and thoughts are given the truest of values when WRITTEN.
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Yes agreed! Its fresh off your memory and you are living in that moment when you are writing it which makes it all the more real. If I were to write about this a month from now I would miss all the main details. I will thank myself later for these writings
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Yes you will.
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I do agree with that but I get this weird block where when I write something I question if it is how I really feel about that particular thing. I say to myself ” is that how I truly feel, well yes I’m thinking that’s what I believe in but do I?” then It feels like either one can be true and it gets frustrating to write when you hear the constant bickering of the two.
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Embrace the block. Use it.
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I’ll try that Mike thanks! next time I’m at the garden ill try to see what I can do with the block instead and see what interesting pieces come out of that.
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