ENGLISH 1A – 5PM

10/6/20

5-5:10pm:  How are you?  What have you been writing?  How are you going to approach the rest of the semester?  And yes, it’s time to start thinking that way, already.

5:10-5:30pm:  Your life as Literature..  Your moments are manuscripts.  What does this mean to you?

5:30-5:50pm:  Do you see your life as Literary?  Why or why not?

5:50-6:10pm:  Ever catch yourself overthinking?  What do you do to change, if anything?

6:10-6:30pm:  How can we use overthinking, rather than fight it?  This is entirely a writing issue…..  And it can go several ways, directions, climbs, and flights.

6:30-6:40pm:  Close…..  What’s on tonight’s page?

ASSIGNMENT:  Continue working on Sedaris essay.  Type a one-page story from your day, and email it to me.  Keep writing in your journal…. Record your observations and react to them!  Buy Samantha Irby’s book, ‘We Are Never Meeting In Real Life’.

312 Comments Add yours

  1. adrianv7272's avatar adrianv7272 says:

    i’m feeling anxious with the rest of the semester. I’m not behind on any of my classes I just feel anxious about all of them not sure why, maybe because of the weird last few weeks and quarantine. Just alot of factors for stress, but I’m safe and have an apartment, and I eat so what do I really have to be anxious about you know. feel like my bodies trying to keep me on my toes

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      One day at a time, and always be ready to write.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

    The most interesting about manuscripts is that everything can be written. Even when you think it is not very interesting. You learn so much about yourself when you write. It also makes you pay more attention to details

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

        When I write a story about myself, for example, I automatically become a character. That really helps me get out of the situation and make me see things from a different perspective. When I think its not something really interesting I start to question whys. Example: This morning I woke up and before I made my coffee, I washed the dishes that my roommates left from last night. Why? Well, because I like to make my breakfast in a clear space. But why? Because I know that can influence on my mood during the day. Sometimes I feel like a 3 years old asking why for everything. It really makes me aware about so many things, but principally aware of myself

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        This is great!! Build on it!!

        Like

  3. Im ready to learn how to write different and see how my class mates write. Looking forward to the other book you assigned. Also try to write every single day in my journal!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Want to write “differently”? Write shorter sentences, and amplify your own voice!! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    can you make an observation a literary? Such as the life of a bug your are observing in the grass.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Yes…. Read “Death of a Moth” by Virginia Woolf.

      Like

  5. Gwen Phillips's avatar Gwen Phillips says:

    i’ve been writing down my dreams when i wake up in the morning a couple times this last week and i’ve actually noticed that it’s become easier to remember them without having to immediately put my memories on paper. but that’s a small way i’ve incorporated literature into life

    Liked by 4 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Type some of them up, share with the colleagues or me if you want..

      Like

    2. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

      I used to do that all the time. I hope to do that again. The other night I had a nightmare about Jeepers Creepers, that was a fun one to write about.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

      I have so many dreams too, but they’re so weird and random that they seem crazy. Then I forgot why one thing happened or why. But one of my favorite things to with dreams is connecting them to things in my life and figure why that thing was in my dream in the first place.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

        it’s hard to write things down when you’re still half asleep

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        That’s exactly when you should write… capture that weird perception and voice!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    When you’re not in the mood to do something, especially write, that’s when you should force yourself. What you create highlights a different side of your character and scene-set.

    Like

  7. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

    I think my life could be literary because I am always thinking and doing, so I have a constant flow. If I were to put it on paper, I would assemble my life in a series of short stories, including all the things that made me who I am. Plus you are always writing and reading in life, texting, taking notes, signs, menus, and so many other mundane activities. It has to be in your mentality though to think about it in your day to day.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    I can only see this all as literary. And not just ’cause I’m a “teacher”.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I will share my dreams too. I also note them down.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Sarah Harrison's avatar Sarah Harrison says:

    To me my life as literature/ a manuscript means that it’s not always perfect. It’s not always the picture perfect story that’s ready to be viewed by an audience. Just like manuscripts are submitted to an editor for revising and improving, sometimes moments in life are raw and it takes time to process them. It also means to me that I view things a particular way, but just as notes from an editor on a manuscript, my perspective can be changed (for better or worse) by other people/ perspectives in my life. By the people around me.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      What have you written? What causes you to write?

      Like

      1. Sarah Harrison's avatar Sarah Harrison says:

        I think what causes me to write is usually emotion. My journaling is mostly a manuscript at this point because it is that rough draft. That first recollection of my experiences before I’ve had the time to process.

        Like

    2. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

      I agree with you and like that thought process. Its like your conscience or inner voice are your editors

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Abie Prieto's avatar Abie Prieto says:

    well since movies are consider literature then yes I do because I think my life is interesting at least for me I try to do fun stuff. I try to live by the quote “here for a good time and not a long time”

    Liked by 3 people

  12. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Maybe “literary” and “literature” are the wrong words….. Do you acknowledge your own life? Maybe that’s a better way to put it..

    Liked by 2 people

    1. adrianv7272's avatar adrianv7272 says:

      Sometimes I feel as if I’m observing myself work on a task. Happens when I take long drives or write for awhile like my brain does the work but I’m kinda back seat driving as if my conscious is telling me what to do.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Daniel Bagley's avatar Daniel Bagley says:

    I like to view my life not as literary but as it is. I dont try to sugar coat it with cliches and nuanced ideas from films or books. I live my life and thats it. Theres no script or reading ahead to know what happens next and sadly there is no spark notes for the real world. I live in the present.

    Liked by 3 people

  14. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    so does this mean that everyone else has their own literary on the same topic, idea. ect…?

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I had a dream last night that my mustache grew. It was a stupid dream I doubt it meant anything.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Then make it mean something, if you want.

      Like

    2. adrianv7272's avatar adrianv7272 says:

      Maybe the love of your life loves mustaches bro

      Liked by 1 person

  16. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    What are some dominant ideas or themes you notice about your life?

    Like

    1. adrianv7272's avatar adrianv7272 says:

      I feel like I’m in a satirical comedy where life makes fun of me by throwing craziness towards me, but hey I’m all for it

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I think my demeanor is dominant

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Thats true. Never thought of that!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

      I notice facing a lot of obstacles, its as if there is not very much “down time” between one challenge and the next. My theme would be struggle because it’s like im always struggling with something

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

      That I will always take a chance because I don’t have anything to lose. And when things get hard I should learn how to rest and not give up.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Sarah Harrison's avatar Sarah Harrison says:

    I see some points in my life as literary. However there are quite a few moments that don’t feel particularly worth of literary note. I would consider them filler in a story. Not key or pivotal experiences. I suppose every story needs some filler though, some not-so-dramatic moments to offer an emotional reprieve.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

    I don’t acknowledge my life enough as I should. I kind of just get by day by day. I really wish to look at my life and myself from a different … more positive perspective

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Start by writing our singular moments.

      Like

      1. You should carry yourself with more pride. there is only one of you bro. You have a calling and your still here so your worth something.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Yes. And more important than pride is PURPOSE. You definitely have one. You can even more definitely and immediately decide one.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Sometimes it takes people at an old age to see why they are here. we all have plans on why we are here bro dont play yourself:)

        Liked by 2 people

      4. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Is this meant for me?

        Like

      5. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

        ahahaha

        Like

  19. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    sadness and happiness, and creating a balance of both.

    Like

    1. also for me too because I go through the same feeling so I have to remember to not down play myself.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    The manuscript can always be re-written, and re-written again…

    Like

  21. Dominic Costantino's avatar Dominic Costantino says:

    A common theme for me is sadness but I have been working it recently! Trying to stay positive is another one!

    Liked by 2 people

  22. angelmunoz56's avatar angelmunoz56 says:

    Hello everybody! Hope all is well! My life has been a sort of emotional roller coaster as of late but things have started to straighten for me as time goes on. I’ve come to notice a lack of composure/organization within myself through these past few eventful weeks, but I’ve also noticed my determination to adapt and overcome has increased. I feel this is due to my self awareness to pick myself up and keep going. I hope to use this momentum through the rest of the semester to finish out strong with everybody!

    Liked by 2 people

  23. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Re-writing is where the growth and REAL education occurs. But YOU have to do it, want to do it, and just move your pen and eyes..

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Giovanni Vaca's avatar Giovanni Vaca says:

    I definitely see my life as a comedy and an adventure that I take on day by day with whatever problem I have at the moment.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

    I do indeed see my life as literacy because, it is a goal of mine to learn something new everyday, to cherish every moment, and to not sweat the small things in life! Don’t get me wrong my life isn’t perfect by all means which is another reason why my life is literacy, somedays my day goes as planned and somedays it doesn’t.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      The variance itself is a story…

      Like

  26. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    JOURNAL MORE!!! Consider more of the moments you disregard or ignore.

    Like

  27. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

    Again, I see everyones life as a story. Everyone has a different one and it ends differently for many people. So many people have taken their life and further it into literature.
    At some points, I can’t even believe I’m real. There are so many people in this world and how can a 17 year old girl make a difference in this huge world. How can someones actions make a huge ripple in other peoples lives. It boggles my mine a little bit.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Giovanni Vaca's avatar Giovanni Vaca says:

      I do that same thing all the time! It blows my mind

      Like

  28. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

    I try my best to see my life as a literary. Like in a movie where I am the director and the main actress. It really set me free from all the expectations that I felt that society was putting on me. I want to life in a way that I will be satisfied in the end because of me, cliche I know, but it is real.

    Like

  29. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    what if you are meant to ignore them

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      You aren’t “meant” to do anything. You decide EVERYTHING.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Forget about literary!!! So you see yourself, your story? What do you see?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

      I don’t see a story because the present is the only way not to feel guilty of the past and anxious of the future. To analyze the past or future should be a rare occurance in order to keep emotional stability. just my opinion though

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        All good! Good to have opinions.

        Like

    2. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

      A 17 year old girl scared of becoming an adult and scared for the real responsibilities of growing up. But still doing every day grown up things without realizing it and knowing it everyone goes through it.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

      I see strength and a world with infinite possibilities. That is why I see myself as the director of this ”movie”, or the author of this ”book”. I am the only one in charge where

      Liked by 1 person

    4. adrianv7272's avatar adrianv7272 says:

      A kid stuck in a well with two options try an climb out or die…I’m not one to just keel over, always struggling my way out of the hole, won’t stay there. I can guarantee that

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Dominic Costantino's avatar Dominic Costantino says:

    I find it really frustrating whenever I don’t have my journal because I feel like there is always something interesting happening around me! I have written so much more recently than I have in years, and it is really fun to just sit down and enjoy writing elements of the day or creating stories from what I found. There is usually something interesting lurking around somewhere.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Always. And it’s not lurking. It’s right there. Several topics are.

      Like

  32. my life is literary I believe and I create something everyday whatever I put my time in opens a door up for me

    Liked by 3 people

  33. Abie Prieto's avatar Abie Prieto says:

    Yes, I overthink a lot but what I do to stop overthinking is to either stop overthinking and do whatever it is that I’m overthinking about or just go distract myself by playing basketball or just going for a drive. Once in a while I just go fishing.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Can be tough sometimes.

      Like

  34. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Overthinking…. I do it all the time. Not trying to come off as an authority on this one. Looking to learn.. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  35. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    I try telling myself not to think at all…. Only works some of the time.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. Daniel Bagley's avatar Daniel Bagley says:

    I do my best not to overthink and when i do overthink things I take a second to calm down and collect myself. thats worked for me my whole life.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

    I overthink EVERYTHING and it really has an impact on what I do and how I do things. It’s good to be cautious with certain things but don’t let the voice in your head stop you from living your life to the fullest

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

    When I find myself overthinking I usually just have to tell myself to relax. Usually when I overthink something it is at my grandparents ranch when I am working, my grandfather normally catches me doing this and tells me to stop overthinking that I am making it harder than it is.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. This is a great question! I overthink everything! sometimes it can be bad. I try to distract myself also with work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Work is a great distraction… it can also cause more thinking!

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Dominic Costantino's avatar Dominic Costantino says:

    I overthink so much and it sucks! Overthinking is an obstacle that I think everyone has to overcome at some point

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      It does suck.. wish there were a silver bullet.

      Like

  41. Giovanni29's avatar Giovanni29 says:

    I used to overthink a lot of things but recently I have been trying to work on it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Good! What have you found?

      Like

  42. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

    im constantly overthinking. I overthink about pretty much everything. When i catch myself doing it, I try to take a second to breathe, then instead of continuing to overthink, I try to focus on why. Focus on why I started to think down the wrong path and if its even necessary to worry. And it almost never is.

    Liked by 1 person

  43. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

    Thankfully as of recently, I’ve improved on my overthinking so I don’t let it overcome me in most situations. I just try my best to make sure it doesn’t come off as rude. Kinda like Sedaris ….

    Liked by 1 person

  44. wonder what are some healthy ways to get ourselves to stop overthinking?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      One I think is to detach from whatever you’re doing.. Again, I’m here to learn on this topic.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

      Usually i go skate, if not then I will do some deep breathing techniques

      Liked by 2 people

      1. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

        I like that. I’ve been learning how to roller-skate and I always listen to music to calm my nerves

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Music is great for overthinking..

        Like

    3. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

      it’s all about growing at the end of the day. Hopefully it is something that comes natural to us in the future

      Liked by 1 person

  45. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    I’m overthinking right now…

    Like

    1. one question. is it just me or do you guys think overthinking can lead to insanity?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. adrianv7272's avatar adrianv7272 says:

        Definitely, i feel like any person can become crazy it’s just trauma that may make them that way. And with overthinking I feel like i some cases to certain people their own thoughts tend to hinder there ablity to commuincate and express themselves which is somewhat crazy. But whose to say what crazy is, one persons crazy is anothers sanity.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. yes indeed I agree! we are I only human man! we are all sorta crazy but also intelligent!

        Like

  46. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    I always overthink too. Unfortunately I think it is inevitable. More for me a thing of how I respond after and how long it takes me because sometimes I feel myself going down the ‘rabbit hole’ while overthinking.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Yeah… the overthought leads to more thoughts, and you overthink those new thoughts.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

        sometimes that’s is how my best ideas and philosophies have came out of. So I don’t completely rid it of myself

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Whatever works!

        Liked by 1 person

  47. Dominic Costantino's avatar Dominic Costantino says:

    I overthink this class sometimes that’s for sure (and others)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      What would happen if you just didn’t think at all?

      Like

      1. Dominic Costantino's avatar Dominic Costantino says:

        Then I would be dead.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Or, you’d be truly alive if you just gave yourself the gift of total freedom..

        Like

      3. adrianv7272's avatar adrianv7272 says:

        I feel like the answer to that can be found in the way our country handled Covid.

        Liked by 1 person

  48. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

    I’m the queen of overthinking. I can’t help it. It just happens sometimes with me not even knowing I’m doing it which stresses me out. Then I realize I do it, then that stresses me out also. It’s a constant cycle for me. I can sometimes control it and calm myself but it never really goes away and everything is always at the back of my mind.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      A battle that breeds more battles.

      Like

  49. Giovanni Vaca's avatar Giovanni Vaca says:

    I feel like I do sometimes overthink but only when it has to do with something important rather a simple choice.

    Liked by 2 people

  50. Sarah Harrison's avatar Sarah Harrison says:

    I find myself overthinking quite a bit. It seems to go hand in hand with anxiety. I tend to overthink when I feel a lack of control over things. It feels almost like a coping mechanism, as if think about things repeatedly and in more depth than they need will suddenly sort things in to order for me. It usually doesn’t though, and I distract myself with things I do have control over. I try to ground myself in the present moment very literally and control my breathing, my movements and my overall disposition.

    Liked by 3 people

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