English 1B, Monday 4/13/20

6-6:10pm:  Narration, greetings, update on how you’re doing.

6:10-6:25pm:  What was the point of that, Lawson’s book.  What was her intended lesson, and what she wants us to do now?

6:25-6:40pm:  Proposals … What are you going to write, and why?  And by “why” I mean what’s the idea behind your idea, YOUR intention in writing it.  Remember, this is an opinion paper!!  A supported opinion….

6:40-7pm: Ideas for developing your writing, your idea….  What will take you to page 5?

7:7:07pm:  BREAK

7:07-7:30pm:  Open mic…. Our writing.  Just excerpts if you want, but if you have something typed and want to post it below, feel free!

7:30-7-50pm:  Define quarantine… how you have used quarantine.  And if you’re working during all this, what’s that like.  But even still, what is this ‘shelter-in-place’ reality, in your words?

7:50-8pm:  Close up …. The night’s page. 

261 Comments Add yours

  1. Noah Unzelman's avatar Noah Unzelman says:

    I think the point of Lawsons writing is for her to express and chronicle things that have been impactful or important in her life. I don’t necessarily believe she intends her readers to take anything out of her writings as a lesson, because she isn’t writing for other people. Lawson is writing for herself and I think its very evident in the way that she describes things and how the book is almost journalistic. If anything, lawson just wants the reader to enjoy reading, and just enjoy life in general.

    This whole quarantine existence isnt much different from the daily life myself and many others probably experience. Many people are naturally introverted, and the whole idea of finding your own entertainment and drive isn’t very foreign. The biggest hurdle is the severe restriction necessary to combat the spread of the virus. While very necessary, its incredibly inconvenient to be restricted so heavily, and even more so when people are losing work.

    Like

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Love the thoughts. Punctuation, my man!!!! 🙂

      Like

  2. Rizzie Vermont's avatar Rizzie Vermont says:

    I’m doing pretty well today but I’m a bit nervous because I have my first psychology quiz tomorrow and I haven’t reviewed the material yet. I plan on doing it tonight and tomorrow during the morning, but I’m definitely a little on edge about it. Covid wise everything is going well. One of my best friends, Charlie is having a really hard time with the repercussions of covid. She can’t seem to make ends meet and I’m really worried about her. I feel very fortunate to have a roof over my head, food to eat, and a happy relationship. I wish there was more I could do to help others at this time.

    Like

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Hey Rizz… Good to hear from you. Stay positive… strength for EVERYBODY.

      Like

  3. Theresa Devine's avatar Theresa Devine says:

    Hi colleagues! I am doing ok this week so far. Getting the multi-tasking of working remotely and homeschooling my kid down a little easier every time. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Hey Theresa!!! Thanks for coming!!! Balance, everyone will speak. But what about other ingredients in this new reality, such as children, homeschooling, mental health, the self and its never too-set architecture…..?

      Like

      1. Theresa Devine's avatar Theresa Devine says:

        It’s definitely a learning experience. What a strange time it is to be a child! I mean it’s a strange time for everyone, but I feel like kids have had such a weird experience in the last few years. He’s holding it together pretty well, and I am working on my own mental health. Mental health in these times is definitely its own entity right now. My mom works in the field of mental health, and she’s had a tumultuous several weeks.

        Like

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        A challenge for everyone, yes…. sending vibes!!!

        Like

  4. Theresa Devine's avatar Theresa Devine says:

    I did manage to change out of my pj’s more this week. 🙂 My parents, son and I did a Zoom meeting with my brother in San Francisco and my aunt and uncle in Long Beach yesterday, which was nice, and felt familiar. I took the dog for a few walks and the fresh air felt nice after the feelings of confinement.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Jose F's avatar Jose F says:

    Hello everyone,
    These last couple days have been pretty good. I have been stretching in the mornings and have now coupled that with the occasional run. Also today we were given some hand made masks. Mine featured a coral reef and with various fish and turtles. The little things can sometimes bring great joy.

    I think the point of Lawson’s book was to get the reader to embrace the imperfections in their life that now make them who they are today. Going forward she wants the reader to embrace the weirdness that is life.

    My paper is going to cover my idea of what Sedaris and Lawson embody ‘telling your own truth.’ They have both written their books with little regard for what others believe seeing and interpreting life as they felt it. In their case it was candid and raw.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. countrygirl1001's avatar countrygirl1001 says:

    Hi everyone! Hope everyone is doing well during this time. I have been doing well during all of this. Get bored sometimes but trying to keep my self busy and in contact with people via phone. I have really changed my mind set around our current situation and now look at it as an opportunity to build a side gig, do career research and learn new skills. Learning new skills will depend on how long this will go on for to many many I get to research in depth during this time. I do go on a walk everyone and I find this helps me cope well getting some fresh air. I tend to struggle with isolation so being connected to others some how and going outside is a huge help for me. I find myself going through a bottle of wine a week… I never drink that much . opps My job has furloughed me but with the unemployment situation and stimulus money I still fortunately be able to cover all my basic needs. I am grateful. My manager said he wants me to come back which is a nice compliment and my job works well for school. However, I am still looking for a new job because I don’t want to be on unemployment.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Stay strong and with conviction and sight!!!

      Like

  7. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Today, the weather was something that reminded me that everything is not only going to progress but elevate…. that this is all an opportunity and not the perceived obstruction that so many speak.

    Like

  8. Andrew Mckamey's avatar Andrew Mckamey says:

    Hey everyone, I’m doing well. Most of my days have been filled with online school, bike riding, and running. It’s all been going well. I went for an awesome ride today up Los Alamos road which is a very rewarding ride and view, so I’m in a pretty good mood right now.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      What are you writing about, Mr. Andrew??

      Like

      1. Andrew Mckamey's avatar Andrew Mckamey says:

        Lately, I’ve been writing about my ideas for the upcoming paper. I explored many ideas about what Jenny Lawson represents and trying to form a solid opinion that I can support. I’ve also been writing about my days though there hasn’t been too much to write about as the last few days have been repetitive. I was thinking about writing something about my ride today as it was a beautiful day and Los Alamos road is one of my favorite roads in the county, so I think that’d be good to write about as it fits the writing about nature mold I enjoy doing. But overall this week I didn’t have much writing about my days since there wasn’t much, most of the writing this week was about ideas and preparations for the upcoming opinion piece.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        What form does writing about these ideas take?

        Like

      3. Andrew Mckamey's avatar Andrew Mckamey says:

        The form of writing the day to day stuff may be in a paragraph about the day in my journal, while my ideas for the upcoming paper are jots in my notebook and then I mainly put together the ideas together in my head when I come up with what my paper is going to be about. Then from my head, I put the idea into google docs for an essay proposal.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Yara Goldreyer's avatar Yara Goldreyer says:

    Hi friends,
    This week has been a bit interesting and stressful but I’m finally learning how to get into the flow of online biology lab. We still have a warm house and plenty of snacks.
    All is well overall.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. countrygirl1001's avatar countrygirl1001 says:

    Hey, i’m trying to change my name back show it shows as Stephanie Neeley again… i’m working on trying to figure out how to premently fix this

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      All good. I’m just being sassy….. Thanks Steph!!!

      Like

  11. chrisfilice's avatar chrisfilice says:

    Hey Colleagues,
    Like Jose F, I too have been stretching in the mornings. I don’t seem to be getting any more limber though. Perhaps I’m not meant to touch my toes. I’ve been doing pretty well. I keep thinking that I’m going to get sick and end up healthy so that’s good. I’ve been able squeeze a lot out of my time to the point where I have nothing to do and am learning to be content in relaxing rather than feel bored. The days keep passing by and sometimes I forget how weird it is that mostly EVERYBODY in the world is on some sort of lockdown. This will be an interesting time to reflect upon when we are old and telling stories to our grandkids.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Welcome, Chris…. Everything is a blend of confusion and whether to relax or stress..

      Like

  12. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    PLEASE LET US KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nicknames are great, but also annoying…. I can’t give you credit if I don’t know who you are. So if you’re ‘Fish Finder 82’, or ‘Oregon Trail Stop 77’, change your username. PLEASE!!! And yes I’m sassy AF, tonight….

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Alexander Tustin's avatar Alexander Tustin says:

    Hey everyone, it has been an ok day today, nothing special. I’ve just been doing homework last weekend, nothing much other than that. I’m thinking about trying longboarding.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Kyle Hirth's avatar Kyle Hirth says:

    Hey 1B folks,

    I hope everyone is coping with the virus. Personally, I’ve started reading more and staying fit. Yesterday, I saw my friends for the first time in a while (still social distancing) and caught up with them. I was talking with my dad recently about how people view the coronavirus and we concluded that people have drastically different outlooks of the coronavirus. Some say the trend is getting better while others say it is worsening and we both thought this reflected their outlook on life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. pashatoub's avatar pashatoub says:

      That’s definitely a good point I hadn’t considered before.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Gilbert's avatar Gilbert says:

    Hey everyone! I’ve been having a great week, or couple of weeks i should say. Things have taken a turn for the better, (in my head, at least) and i have been focusing on school work and exercise. Everyday i give myself a set of tasks i need to accomplish before i can relax, and so far, it has worked wonders.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      How are those lists working??

      Like

  16. Wiatte H's avatar Wiatte H says:

    Dearest classmates,
    I have been doing pretty well recently. I have fallen into a nice routine that involves going to bed later than one should, and waking up at concerning times that vary past noon. While some would claim that this isn’t an “ideal” sleep schedule, I would counter by saying I am quite content being awake for 6 hours of daylight. That is all that it new. Hope everyone’s quarantine is going well!

    Like

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      And I will counter by offering, what if you changed it? What would happen? You don’t know, so why not try? Just a thought, friend…

      Like

      1. Wiatte H's avatar Wiatte H says:

        Perhaps I’ll try maintaining a better sleep schedule. I may end up not being tired all the time…

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Just try something new!! You never know…

        Like

  17. pashatoub's avatar pashatoub says:

    Hey guys!
    Staying alive. Trying to work out. Staying informed. Writing about whatever the fuck is happening. Staying inside.
    Hope everyone’s doing ok 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Keep writing!!!!!

      Like

  18. Diana Mendez's avatar Diana Mendez says:

    Hi everyone! I’ve been doing a lot better, trying to stay busy (though there’s not to much to do) and making sure to take care of myself during these strange times. That means a lot of hanging out on the hammock in my backyard while listening to music and appreciating the things I still have despite everything going on. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      How’s the writing?

      Like

      1. Diana Mendez's avatar Diana Mendez says:

        it’s going so much better this week! I think I went through a really weird rough patch having my usual routine be so messed up because of the shelter in place, but I’m adjusting to it (finally!) and so everything else is falling into place as well – including my keeping up with the writing.

        Like

  19. Leon's avatar Leon says:

    The last week for myself has been just business. Doing projects and taking 4 tests haven’t been ideal especially at this time but, you gotta do what you gotta do. I’ve been in a fairly productive mood lately cleaning around the house and walking my dog once every day. I’ve also been allocating more time to learn new things related to my major.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Jessica's avatar Jessica says:

    Hello there! I’m doing quite well today. My Boyfriend and I went on a long bicycle ride with my dog in my bicycle basket. I’m currently sitting on my front porch enjoying the last of the sun today has to offer. Overall I’ve been doing well. Like everyone else I’m getting pretty tired of being at my house for so long but I’m very grateful that everyone in my family is healthy and I’m at a stable part of my life so I feel very lucky in that regard.

    Like

  21. Anna Zoia-Buescher's avatar Anna Zoia-Buescher says:

    Hi everyone! I’m doing well too. I was struggling to kind of make my own set schedule to be productive, get things done, and find this routine I can work with, but I am starting to figure it out and be able to hold myself accountable. But I am still happy, healthy, and safe, just as I hope the rest of you are.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Happiness is essential and demanded if one is to be healthy!!

      Like

  22. Ava Burk Powers's avatar Ava Burk Powers says:

    Hello everyone! I have been doing pretty good in quarantine. I have been painting almost daily, going on some walks, and reorganizing/cleaning a lot. Not only has it all been very therapeutic, but it has also helped time pass. I think quarantine has been somewhat peaceful aside from the horrible circumstances. While I do miss a lot of my friends and family members, I’m a natural introvert so I don’t feel as though it’s been overly difficult to stay away from everyone. The hardest part has been keeping busy. I can’t sit still long enough to binge tv shows. I enjoy reading for long periods of time though so that’s been handy right about now. I think it’s a great time for self reflection. Although it’s over the phone and not in person, I’ve recently found resolution with someone from a past relationship and I have found just that one positive interaction alone to be quite healing. I think it’s been really important for me to reach out to people. I’ve had several interactions, although not physical, that I’ve been thankful for and I’ve journaled a lot about them. People are kinder and more understanding than we credit them for. Due to this time of isolation I’ve been able to think a lot before acting. I am able to write out my thoughts to someone and tuck it away and sit on it. Eventually I sent it and I am glad. I’m glad to have a quiet place right now for a mental break. I think it’s been impacting a lot of people positively whether they believe it or not. Being with yourself is important and healthy:)
    As for Lawson- I think she has being with herself down to a science. She’s mastered the ultimate sense of being with yourself. She allows herself to write for her. She gets in her head and it spills out on paper for no one other than herself. Her intentions are clear: she wants to laugh, she wants to express her stories and life through words, and she wants to cope. She does it elegantly, with both sass and passion. She wants us to know it’s okay to not just understand yourself, but understand what made you who you are and embrace it, and heal from it. She truly wants to form her truest self through writing and laughter. Despite what’s not true occasionally;) She wants the audience to accept themselves, as she is learning to accept herself.

    Like

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Love the Lawson idea!!

      Like

    2. Kyle Hirth's avatar Kyle Hirth says:

      I agree! Reaching out to people is essential

      Like

    3. Rizzie Vermont's avatar Rizzie Vermont says:

      I couldn’t agree more about her wanting the audience to accept themselves. I feel like she is showing how, against all odds, she accepted herself and she wants to be a role model in a way for the audience. I think it is probably also cathartic for her to write since she writes in such a freeing stream of consciousness type way.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        What is a “role model”??

        Like

  23. Theresa Devine's avatar Theresa Devine says:

    In my opinion, Lawson wants us to embrace who we are. Regardless of upbringing, challenges faced, or mental illness. Although she is writing for herself, and if you like it cool, if you don’t then you don’t, she wants the reader to realize that your perception of life is simply that. YOUR perception. And that it can be changed at any time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. chrisfilice's avatar chrisfilice says:

      I too think that Lawson is trying to point out that, even if you’ve dealt with difficulties in life, how you perceive them is what’s important. She can find the humor in any situation simply by being herself.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Ava's avatar Ava says:

      I totally agree, Theresa!! She is content as she is with the stories she has and wants us to feel similarly. I feel a sense of connectedness and oneness from her that she wants us as readers to embrace.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Theresa Devine's avatar Theresa Devine says:

        I agree with you, Ava. 🙂 She wants us to feel comfortable, in a way that isn’t so different from Sedaris. She wants us to feel connected.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Alexander Tustin's avatar Alexander Tustin says:

      Exactly!

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Kyle Hirth's avatar Kyle Hirth says:

      Exactly! She shows us that someone with anxiety and a different childhood can still be human and fit in.

      Liked by 1 person

    5. Markus Ong's avatar Markus Ong says:

      I 100% agree. I would also like to add that she talks about how your reaction to the strange and awkward experiences that life throws at you defines who you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        IDENTITY. Crucial in narrative….

        Like

  24. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    So honestly, what WAS the point to her pages? What did she want us to learn, walk away with, see, understand about her and perhaps even ourselves?

    Like

    1. pashatoub's avatar pashatoub says:

      One of the biggest points to the book was to help the reader become more comfortable with themselves. Anyone really reading the book can tell you that because Lawson dumps her whole life onto the blank page, the reader is motivated to face their own lives in a similar manner, to accept every part of their story, and to understand how the darkest things will shape people the most.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Dumps, or sings…?

        Like

      2. pashatoub's avatar pashatoub says:

        Good word choice. She serenades readers with insanity, and it sounds beautiful.

        Like

  25. countrygirl1001's avatar countrygirl1001 says:

    As I read further along in the book I realized Lawson’e humor started to show more dominantly where there couldn’t be any negative perspectives from it. Lawson’s point of her book was to show how someone can be direct and have a sense of humor going through life. I found even her stories about things regarding when she struggled came across humorous to me. Even though I still don’t think anxiety or things around it are funny but in a book I thought those stories were a nice touch. I think Lawson wants us to learn how to use humor through out life even when life can get rocky or sometimes unstable.

    Stephanie Neeley

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Please tell me you’re writing on her, and using this angle and approach in the body and circulation of your argument….

      Like

    2. Ava Burk Powers's avatar Ava Burk Powers says:

      I agree. I think this is a great point. Her humor isn’t always self deprecating, but maybe being comfortable in her skin and embracing it. I like that you point out how forward and direct she is. I think that’s a perfect description.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    And, with this style of narration what do you want to maybe shift or change in your way of telling your own story?

    Like

  27. Alexander Tustin's avatar Alexander Tustin says:

    Lawson’s point of writing the story was to tell us that craziness is all about perspective. Normal and crazy are made up words that are meaningless. Lawson grew up with what we would call a “crazy family”, but to her it was “normal”. Much like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, we are shown that it is ok to be crazy. We should be ourselves despite judgement.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Interesting… colleagues?

      Like

    2. chrisfilice's avatar chrisfilice says:

      Yes she’s saying we should be ourselves. Perhaps we are stuck with ourselves so we better learn how to enjoy it.

      Like

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Learn how, yes… Be EAGER to, even more..

        Like

    3. Jose F's avatar Jose F says:

      I agree with your thoughts on Lawson. Normal is in the eye of the beholder. Our “normal” in Sonoma County could be different from the “normal” of a province in China… She had embraced what she considered her “normal” and the results of her growing up in that environment.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Kyle Hirth's avatar Kyle Hirth says:

    While I didn’t enjoy Lawson’s book as much as it talked to the reader a little too much for me, I believe she did have some good points. She seemed to write to come to terms with her experiences. She lessens her anxiety and increases her self-confidence when she reflects on her life. Now, she wants us to take action and share our own opinions.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Markus Ong's avatar Markus Ong says:

    Hello everyone,

    I’ve been doing pretty well but I find myself not getting out as much as I should. I’ve been trying to brainstorm and making lists. I was doing pretty well with staying active until all the tennis courts got shut down. I’ve also been trying to create a schedule to help me be more productive because now more than ever I don’t see myself doing much other than sit in front of the computer. Do you guys have any suggestions or things you guys have done to deal with a lack of activity

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ava Burk Powers's avatar Ava Burk Powers says:

      Keep in touch with those close to you and lists are fantastic!! I too have been feeling a bit lackadaisical during this time. It comes in waves. Turning on some good music and doing something productive that puts you in a clearer mind space has helped immensely!!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Jose F's avatar Jose F says:

      Try and restrict your non-essential computer use to the evenings. I was noticing that I was starting to play video games a little earlier in the day. I realized it one day and then got back to scheduling it during the same time I have set apart for watching a show on Netflix. I have always equated video games with watching a move, only you interact with video games of course, and have found it easy to move them to TV time.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    For tonight’s page…. Forget arguing. Stay in the way of communicating.

    Like

  31. countrygirl1001's avatar countrygirl1001 says:

    I see Lawson’s style as journalistic possibly also to be considered a creative writing piece. With telling my own story that I usually try not to discuss with others. After reading Lawson’s book it has got me to look at my story differently Lawson is so direct has has a strong sense of self that I will take with me in telling my own story.

    Stephanie Neeley

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Jessica M.'s avatar Jessica M. says:

    I think Lawson’s book was made really to accept the way her life turned out. She uses it to not only tell her story but to go back and appreciate everything she has gone through: the good, the bad and the crazy. I think the lesson of this book is to take what life has to give you and make the best you can out of it. If something bad has happened, there must surely be a bright side to look at. It could be that something is just so ironic and uncomfortable that it’s funny or maybe there was something to learn from it, but that most situations can have something redeemable to them.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      The “bright side” is brighter when acknowledged… Lawson teaches us this, quite aggressively.

      Like

    2. Ava Burk Powers's avatar Ava Burk Powers says:

      I think you hit the pin on the head! Love this explanation, Jessica!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ava's avatar Ava says:

        Pin? Needle? Nail… whoops haha

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Me as well!!

        Like

  33. Anna Zoia-Buescher's avatar Anna Zoia-Buescher says:

    As for Lawson, I believe her intention was to exhibit bravery and abrupt honesty in what she has been through and suffered, in hopes of giving people (of all types) the ability to relate, as well as a space or environment to feel comfortable, assured, and really just heard and understood, and then hopefully inspire others to share their experiences as well. But with sharing comes accepting. She isn’t just encouraging us to share, she is encouraging us to accept ourselves and our stories and embrace it all, even if you have to add a little humor and look at it in a different perspective in order to do so.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leon's avatar Leon says:

      Agree!! She wants us to be abruptly honest and brave regardless if whether we suffered during our upbringings. I agree especially with the fact that we should feel comfortable with ourselves regardless of all walks of life.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Leon's avatar Leon says:

    As for what lawson wants I think is to embrace ourselves for who we really are and be proud of it. Our upbringings shouldn’t be setbacks that dictate our future for the worst. Instead, they should be moments that made you who you are now. Also that understanding yourself can only come from accepting yourself as you are not from other people wanting you to be a certain way.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    As well for the night’s page…. When reading any author’s narrative, forget about expectation and hope, just be open and ready for Newness…

    Like

  36. Yara Goldreyer's avatar Yara Goldreyer says:

    I’m still struggling with Lawson’s intent, even after reading her book. I’m hoping to gain some perspective by listening to others here who have a better understanding. The main idea I took from her writing was that she wants to inspire us to write freely. To resist the urge to pause and search for fancier words or pick apart each sentence. That there is a therapeutic quality to sharing your thoughts before you overanalyze.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Define the therapy!!!

      Like

      1. Yara Goldreyer's avatar Yara Goldreyer says:

        In the case of Lawson, she can get out all of her thoughts onto the pages. She isn’t left to bury experiences that others could feel uncomfortable writing about. I tend to overanalyze my own thoughts but try to avoid this when writing in my journal. If I spend too much time focusing on how my words sound, I end up with writing that sounds better but isn’t serving the purpose of reflection. Many of the ideas I wanted to get out of my head are still there, just replaced by nice words on the page.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. chrisfilice's avatar chrisfilice says:

      I wrote about this with Sedaris as well. Their writings don’t go through multiple filters to try to appease a specific audience so they are more natural and relatable.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        And HUMAN!! Thesis suggestion… 🙂

        Like

    3. pashatoub's avatar pashatoub says:

      Therapy is my big idea (as of now), and I totally agree. Being free of action, even from issues like mental illness, is what she promotes, and it’s what she chases by writing stories that are so close to her heart for the wrong reasons. Her therapeutic qualities are the result of her success, which is enough to inspire readers.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. diana mendez's avatar diana mendez says:

    I think Lawson’s point of writing this book was to have people realize that it’s okay to be yourself, unapologetically. To be loud, boisterous.. to be okay with the way you deal with things even if they might be questionable to others (the lucky cat). Not only that, but to be able to poke fun at yourself sometimes. This book is filled with humor, and even the more serious topics are written in such a lighthearted manner, as if it’s telling us to not take life so seriously.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. countrygirl1001's avatar countrygirl1001 says:

    Makus Ong,
    I’ve found my self creating a new routine to find things to do. For me I have made a list of things I want to get done. Most of it takes place at my computer. I have found for me going to bed at the same time like I had work has been helpful. Waking up at the same time like I was going to work too. I would say try to find something your interested in and expand on it. If you enjoy working out maybe finding at home work outs if that’s something you interested in too.
    Stephanie Neeley

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    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      How has quarantine affected your readings and how you react… your composition of this next writing?

      Like

  39. Dasha Hall's avatar Dasha Hall says:

    It has gotten to that point. I have watched Tiger King. In the span of about two days, I now know more about tigers, Don Luis, and the magic that is Joe Exotic’s country music than I ever wanted to. That shit has been on a loop for days and it isn’t stopping until quarantine is over. A sort of anthem if you will. And not a very good one. Other than that I’ve been pretty good, which isn’t so apparent by my appearance as I’ve been wearing the same sweatshirt for about four days now. But everything is fine. Or that’s what I keep telling myself. I’ve also started to forget what I look like not in baggy clothes, looking like a 12 year old boy with my hair pulled up so tight it looks like I don’t have any. It’s rough. But at least I still have my friends Ben and Jerry, and by “them” I mean their wonderfully therapeutic Chunky Monkey ice cream. Does that name make me feel even worse for eating it? Yes. Am I going to put tape over it and eat it anyways? Right again.

    Segwaying (that can’t be a word) into the book we read, I think the point of Lawson’s writing is in a way therapeutic for her, yes, but also for the reader. It makes you examine yourself and your own experiences, trying to find the humor in your own tragedy, as Lawson does so well. As for the essay pitch, I couldn’t quite pick a favorite between Lawson and Sedaris so I just wrote about both. I found them to be quite similar in a lot of ways, and they both are uncomfortably transparent, so that’s what I went off of.

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    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Not about picking a favorite, or even picking, just writing where the writing takes you!!

      Like

      1. Dasha Hall's avatar Dasha Hall says:

        Picking us the wrong word, just fell in love with them both and there’s so much to be said about how their ideas/intentions intersect

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        But we all pick, DASHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA……

        Like

  40. Wiatte H's avatar Wiatte H says:

    Regarding Lawson, her primary intention within her writing seems to be to allow herself to laugh about all of the weird, random, and crazy things that happen within her own life. She most likely treats her writing this way because writing can be very therapeutic, and it gives the ability to reflect and look back on her own life.

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    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Most likely, or DOES?

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  41. Rizzie Vermont's avatar Rizzie Vermont says:

    I’m going to write about how both authors have very different upbringings but both brought them to the same end result of being true to oneself. I also am going to write about how this perspective and confidence comes out in their writing styles. I want to write about how they harness humor in their writing style to bring light to the even the most unfortunate situations. Essentially, I’m writing about how they have these really good perspectives on hard situations and how I plan on taking a page from their notebook in such trying times as covid.

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    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Harness humor, and weaponize it in a way, as well!!

      Like

  42. Gilbert's avatar Gilbert says:

    The message i got from Lawson is to never stop chasing the unexpected. Our reaction to the unknown is what makes us who we are. It is what makes children into adults, and if we no longer seek new experiences, then we cannot evolve any further. Once nothing surprises you, that is when you know you are who you were meant to be. I get the sense that is what Lawson is searching for as she writes, those key moments in her life that lead to who she is.

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    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Yes, as in the unexpected there are lessons. And in experiences you get what you search for!!

      Like

    2. Alexander Tustin's avatar Alexander Tustin says:

      Going against the status quo, yes that’s a good point!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Going against, yes… but challenging it, questioning it, demanding ANSWERS from it as well.

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  43. Kyle Hirth's avatar Kyle Hirth says:

    My proposal for an essay involves Sedaris’s compassion and belief in society. In each of his stories, he ends by reaching a lesson, teaching us to reexamine our perspectives and reaffirm our commitment to our loved ones. Yet, in other stories such as the passage of gay marriage and killing his family, he warns society of becoming too civilized, afraid that it will corrupt our humanism. Sedaris wants us to find a balance in our life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Love that idea!!

      Like

    2. Ava Burk Powers's avatar Ava Burk Powers says:

      I love this!! Sedaris reminds me of a good parent. He tells a great story with wit and humor, despite its seriousness. He applies his own stories to the real world and creates a light hearted lesson. His relationship with his dad not only taught him a lot about being a kind human being, but also teachers his readers a lot.

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      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        ME as well. Strong idea.

        Like

  44. Andrew Mckamey's avatar Andrew Mckamey says:

    The point of Lawson’s book is to make readers feel included and to pose as a beacon of optimism for a lot of people. She wants us to have an optimistic and happy outlook on life rather than letting a cloud cover the light of life. This leads into my proposal which is Jenny Lawson is not an author or a blogger, rather she is a beacon of optimism. I want to write about this because I saw so much of this optimism throughout the book even when the story she was telling would be considered by some a bad moment in their life. She finds a way to dig out the humor in crazy, bad, or weird situations rather than letting the cloud of the situation cover her view on life. I also want to write about this because I think there is a connection between her and I in this regard. We both enjoy finding an optimistic outlook on life and trying to show this side of life to others.

    Liked by 1 person

  45. countrygirl1001's avatar countrygirl1001 says:

    For me I don’t find quarantine effecting the reading for me. Not sure how it will effect how I write our next paper expect for more time to reflect on what I am writing.

    Stephanie Neeley

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    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Tell us more about what you’re going to write for the next submission…

      Like

  46. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    DUE NEXT CLASS… ROUGH DRAFT OF THE NEXT ESSAY.

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  47. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    GET ON THE 5TH PAGE. NO OUTSIDE SOURCES… JUST YOUR SUPPORTED OPINION. BE NARRATIVE, BE CONVINCING, BE YOU!!

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  48. Theresa Devine's avatar Theresa Devine says:

    I plan on writing about both Sedaris and Lawson, and how their writing styles are similar and different. I have found that I learn about myself as a writer, and a reader when I write about other authors. I think that makes sense. 🙂 I want to analyze or look at WHY they write the way they do, and what the intra- and inter-personal benefits are to writing that way.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Go as far as you can into the ‘WHY’…

      Like

  49. Alexander Tustin's avatar Alexander Tustin says:

    My proposal is that Lawson is neither defeatist nor an optimist, but a perspectivist. I find it interesting how far you can take it. From her writing to her outlook on her life, she includes hers and everyone’s perspectives within her decisions and interactions. She does not give herself up nor hope that her social interactions will get better. She accepts that she can’t hold back the inevitability of herself. She even gives the perspective that if given the chance, she would decide not to hang out with herself.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      So WHAT then, is she, exactly??

      Like

      1. Alexander Tustin's avatar Alexander Tustin says:

        She is someone who accepts the way she is and accepts that life is as she makes it. She knows this is her one chance of life so she tries to live it the best she can.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Kyle Hirth's avatar Kyle Hirth says:

      True. She does shift the perspective of the reader to victimize or pride herself in what she has done when she has “messed up” according to society and other people.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Yes, and that perspective follows everything she does!!

        Like

  50. chrisfilice's avatar chrisfilice says:

    My Essay proposal is revolved around Sedaris although a lot of my points would apply to Lawson as well. I’m going to right about Sedaris being a blunt realist. The way that he forms ideas and writes how things are rather than how people want them to be is courageous. For Sedaris to write his truth, he has to take the risk of offending others. I wanted to write about this because it is an attribute that I would like to see more in myself and in my writing.

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    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Truth… something important in any creation of narrative!!

      Liked by 1 person

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