1A – 5PM

(Tonight’s meeting will be from 5-6:15pm. We will address the below prompts at our own pace. Have fun! Don’t think too much!)

1 -Intro….  How are you?  What are you thinking as the year comes to its close?  What do you see for yourself for 2021?  Any stories of happiness or humor….?

2 -Freewriting…. Okay, but free from what?  OURSELVES.

3 -Thinking is often the obstruction, the block that so many talk about.  “I have writer’s block.” Bullshit, you have YOU.  Go outside you, even if writing about your life.

4 -This pandemic and all the isolation, all the sequestering and quarantining, I would hope would show you that not much is needed to write.  And if not, look again.

5 -Writing is a choice for some, and not for others.  For some, it’s just what needs to be done.

6 -Have you ever tried something and have it turn into something else, something amazing that you didn’t expect?

7 – Your stories.  You have stories.  Don’t try to tell us you don’t.  Additionally, don’t say your life or your stories are boring.  That’s for readers to decide, not you.

8 – Tom Foreman, ‘Running Dangerously’….  What do you expect?  Should you expect anything?  What have you heard?

9 – Do you run?  Do you exercise?  How do you manager your time?  This book is about running, but only partially.  Much of it is about life and what we choose to do with our time here.

10 – Close.  What’s on tonight’s page….  What are you going to do over the next 48 hours, till our next session?

ASSIGNMENT:  Get Mr. Foreman’s book please, if you haven’t already.

ASSIGNMENT:  Write about you, something from your life, and prepare an excerpt to share next class.

ASSIGNMENT:  Email me a letter, no set length, on what you’re going to do to get the grade you want in this course.

ENJOY YOUR WRITING.

178 Comments Add yours

  1. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

    Happy raining day everyone!! I’m having a good day, I am feeling a bit tired today but I think it has to do with the weather. I am just wondering where the year has gone! Thursday is already one week until Thanksgiving….where did the time go? In the new year my brother will be getting his Drivers License which is so exciting. How is everyone today?

    Liked by 3 people

    1. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

      Hi shantel, Time really flies!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

        yes it does!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

        How are you?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        I’m doing well!! Busy and building business… lots happening. Found out I’m at 104% of quota but I want MORE. Sorry… I’m on FIRE today.. lol

        Like

  2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    #professormikey’s here y’all…. BRING IT!!!! So good to see you. Can’t wait for your words….

    Liked by 1 person

  3. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

    Im okay. The last few days have been boring but not bad. The rain today made me want to watch movies not go to classes and do hw. A little while ago i found my old spongebob joystick game. I’ve been playing for the last 10 minutes and its really fun. Reminds me of good memories. Finding this game makes me really happy because my brother, grandma, and I used to spend hours taking turns playing and trying to beat each others scores. As this year comes to a close I have been thinking a lot about politics and how things are going to change. With a new supreme court justice and new congress people, I am a little worried for womens and LGBTQ rights. I am also hoping that there will be a light in the tunnel soon because this pandemic is not fun. In 2021 I see myself hopefully getting to travel like I was supposed to this year, and to go off to hawaii for college. I want to continue trying to be the best version of myself.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Good to be aware of the present!! Good for you… You are in control of your versions, ALWAYS.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    For tonight’s page….. Build you ideas from curiosity and whim, not from structure or obligation. Pattern is pollution..

    Liked by 1 person

  5. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

    Hey everyone. Today is trash lol. I have to do a 12 hour shift and the big scary boss that fires everyone is here in my building. How are y’all doing ?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

      that sounds terrible. where do you work?

      Like

      1. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

        At some company in Sunnyvale. Working the front desk greeting people all day

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Sup Jake! Just be confident in your work everything will be smooth!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

    Good evening everyone!! How everyones staying dry and warm! I’m having a pretty chill day. I got to have a lazy day today without work. This year has gone by so fast! I don’t understand how it’s already holiday season, it’s crazy. I’m just hoping in the new year some things will go back to normal and the world won’t be so hectic.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Nina!!!!!!! Good to see you!!!! Yes, time moves far too quick..

      Liked by 1 person

    2. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

      I agree, I’m hoping for less chaos to come

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

    !!

    Like

  8. adrianv7272's avatar adrianv7272 says:

    Hope everyone is having a good day. I’m feeling anxious and excited for the years end. I’m excited to start my new job in 2021 and schools been a fun experience this year. I’m hopeful next year we may have in person classes but if not online learning has sufficed and exceeded my expectations.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Welcome Adrian!!

      Like

  9. Ivan Villena's avatar Ivan Villena says:

    hey guys. finally seeing falling leaves. definitely the most beautiful season of the year 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

      Yeah the leaves are breathtaking. I have been taking lots of drives and doing what me and my friends call getting lost, we just take random turns. We found some really cool areas that we’ve never been to over the weekend. I found a town not very far from me from the 1800’s i didn’t know was there. Drives like that never disappoint. Always something beautiful to see

      Liked by 3 people

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Getting lost. Love that!! That’s how you find stories!!!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

        I have so many stories from our drives. Growing up in a small town thats how you make the best memories

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

        I love doing that! Sometimes I do with my bike! What is the name of the city you went this weekend? I’d love to check it out 🙂

        Like

  10. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Wandering is what brings composition to completion. Not accepted structure. Irby and Sedaris are more than proof of such.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Giovanni Vaca's avatar Giovanni Vaca says:

    Hey everyone! The past few days have been good. I’ve been in Mexico with my family on vacation and I’m have a good time. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Nice!! Good to recharge and recollect Self…

      Like

      1. Giovanni Vaca's avatar Giovanni Vaca says:

        Which part did you go to?

        Like

    2. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

      Omg lucky! I loved Mexico when I went

      Liked by 1 person

  12. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Freewriting is freedom from everything… not that you need to be, it’s simply integral in the anatomy. Free from time, free from constriction, even freedom from composition. Just spin and swim in YOUR language…

    Liked by 1 person

  13. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    Hello everyone, been having a rough weekend due to a number of things, though other than stress I have been trying to spend more time with my brothers and family. I think that if I were to say what I have planned for the rest of the year is to just make it through the rest of this semester. Past that into 2021 I would say that I really have no idea what I am going to be doing other than school. I would love to see myself going to school and working part time next year. That is the plan…

    Liked by 1 person

  14. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    What is freewriting to YOU??

    Like

  15. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

    Hello! Today was a mellow day for me. Had an asynchronous class this morning and spent the rest of the day between my BAD1 exercises and chatting with my roommates. This year passed unbelievably fast. Besides all this craziness I am really grateful for this year. Thankful for all the things I learn, principally what I learn about myself, my limits and my strength. For the relationship my roommates and I built together and for finding a place to call home with which of them. For 2021 I will move back with my host family who I lived for almost 3 years since I got here and I am really looking forward for it. I also promised myself that in 2021 at least once a month I will do something out of the ordinary. I am still thinking of the things I can add on this list, but maybe start training for my plan to do the PCT, learn how to surf.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Hi Debora!!! Welcome!!! Life teaches us not matter what we do, where we are..

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

    Freewritting is my favorite writing, it is a way for me to express what I want to say. It in my way to rewind at the end of the day. I consider it my journal writing. It is healthy for people to do, it gives people to let out there emotions without worrying about being judged.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Hello! Im having a productive day. Its raining and I like the thought of everything being washed away. I also like the smell when it rains I dont know if its the wet cement or what but its cool.

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

    Free writing to me when I can just spill all of my thoughts into the writing and just have an easy flow of my writing.

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Giovanni Vaca's avatar Giovanni Vaca says:

    To me free writing is putting your thoughts, emotions, and ideas flow on to the paper without overthinking.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      No thinking at all, perhaps. We are often most incarcerated by our own meditation and deliberation.

      Like

  20. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Freewriting…. freedom and understanding of the truest tune of you…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

      LOVE IT!!!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

    Free writing to me is the freedom to put my thoughts to the page in whatever way I want. It is writing for myself in the rawest way.It allows me to process my thoughts and words more thoughtfully. I think we are free from all constraints, even self. Just write and it will flow eventually

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

      I totally agree, the page doesn’t care what you write on it. The page doesn’t judge.

      Liked by 2 people

  22. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    freewriting is all about sharing ideas that others might oppose or attack, it is the expression of style that someone makes themselves to fit whatever they are saying the best. free writing can be anything you think of.

    Like

  23. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

    Free writing for me is freedom from life itself. We are constantly being told no and what not to do. With free writing we are given the opportunity to write whatever we want or feel. We get the freedom we don’t get in our day to day lives

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Being told what NOT to do with writing is f/cked up. Rather, you should be encouraged to build from what you already encourage yourself to put to page.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

      I would hate having someone tell me what to write. Do you think that freewriting is something that needs to be regularly implemented into english classes or any other writing projects someone might do?

      Like

  24. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

    Freewriting is a the act of silencing all the exterior and just listen to my inner self. With no expectation or rules.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

      and I always surprise myself. A few days ago I started reading some essays I did in the beginning of this year and I was wow did I write this?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

        The past is a wonderful teacher for the future, it is good that you are able to read your old writing I can’t bare it the majority of the time.

        Liked by 4 people

    2. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

      is the act***

      Liked by 1 person

    3. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Rules no. Organization and ARCHITECTURE, not f/cking orthodox “structure”, YES.

      Like

  25. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Whatup y’all…. Know I put a lot on the post.. just jump around as you want, and have fun!!!! Thank you all for being here!!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Giovanni Vaca's avatar Giovanni Vaca says:

      Thank you for having us!

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Free writing is the best I believe its your true thoughts with no judgment just what comes to you naturally.

    Liked by 3 people

  27. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

    I feel like a lot of time writers block is just someone looking for an excuse to not write. A convenient way to get out of it. If you feel blocked you just need to look elsewhere because there is always more than meets the eye

    Liked by 4 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      OMG… yes yes yes YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

      totally agree, no excuses especially when it comes to free-writing

      Liked by 2 people

  28. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    WE have so much more control over what we do and write it’s comical, truly.. Stop with your convenient calculations and procrastinations… ESTABLISH YOUR BEAT. Create that music y’all… in EVERYTHING you do.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

      Amen!

      Like

  29. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Writer’s block….. Please.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Ivan Villena's avatar Ivan Villena says:

    freewriting is a from to express ourselves not worrying about being meticulous and making it perfect because we’re not seeking for someone’s approval. and that’s what makes free writing the best way of composition.

    Like

  31. Harmanpreet Singh Sabharwal's avatar Harmanpreet Singh Sabharwal says:

    Writer block is when someone looks too much inside of himself or too much outside in the world and when there is balance between two Great writing happen.

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Evelyn Molina's avatar Evelyn Molina says:

    Happy Tuesday everyone , hope everyone’s is having a good day and enjoy the raining days with a hot cocoa and Netflix . I smell Christmas already. 2020 has been rough but we have survived , even with the extra hour that had been added . Hope 2021 brings better things into each an everyone’s life . And like Mike says enjoy and laugh because w wonky live once .

    Liked by 2 people

  33. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    I’m not saying writing is easy, even when you’re freewriting. But even that, if you’re “blocked”, is something you could write about, and OUT OF.

    Liked by 2 people

  34. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

    I wouldn’t call it writers block. I just say you’re not in your moment. We are always going to be in a writing mood and that’s ok. When this happens I like to take some time to myself and free my mind. Not stress on when the writing is due or what it’s about.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

      Aren’t *

      Like

  35. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

    I feel that writer’s block is the not realization that writing is the description of everything and honestly, everyone has the capacity of doing so. But I personally used to see a writer’s block more like a misinterpretation of writing is or mean

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

      I mean, that may sound nonsense because writing for some people in some concepts is just WRITING, but it can also be related to how this person was taught and this person reading/writing habits

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

    Writers block I think can be a creative issue, maybe not being to get out what you are trying to say in the way you would like to say it. If that makes any sense….

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      It does, but you can always move..

      Like

      1. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

        Yes I totally agree. I’m just saying less words might come out, but there are definitely ways around it.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Understood. Well said.

        Like

  37. I agree writer’s block is an excuse to not write

    Liked by 1 person

  38. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    5:25pm…. I realize that essay length is trivial, number-addiction. Not saying an essay shouldn’t be fully formed and with completed body and placement. But the number-obsession needs to be evaluated… just saying…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

      I thought you were supposed to put a number of the page that you took the quote from. That’s so you can fact check it easily and so that readers can read over the passages you highlighted again possibly. Or is that overkill?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        No that’s right! I’m just saying that rather than obsess about how many pages to write, one should see what their writing and lend attention to voice and conviction.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

        oh, copy that i was misunderstood.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        All good Finn!! Any offering here is beneficial.

        Liked by 1 person

  39. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

    This pandemic has taught me so much from not even going outside. I’ve learned a lot about myself that I dont think I would have if it wasn’t for it and for that I’m grateful. Even If i’m not doing anything I know I can still write about anything. I don’t need to be doing something “interesting” to write. Just need my brain and a pen

    Liked by 3 people

  40. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    Sometimes though that “block” can also be a breeding ground for new ideas that you might not have invented if you just passed on by that obstacle. Bad has to be just as important as good.

    Liked by 2 people

  41. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    The pandemic has reiterated the idea of using what you have, what’s right in front of you… magic of the meta.

    Liked by 3 people

  42. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

    isolation has further shown me how anything can be fuel for writing, it all about how you do it and what you want to say. from objects to memories, I have realized there is so much more to write about than what I have been told before or what is conventionally interesting. Just because its different than before does not make it bad. Even the feelings from isolation can be something to write about. ANYTHING you want

    Liked by 4 people

  43. Writer block differ from person to person that is for some, it happen because they want to make their writing more accessible for general public but for some it happens because they want to make more self impression in it.

    Like

  44. Shantel Shaw's avatar Shantel Shaw says:

    I think the pandemic has helped my realize to appreciate how my life was before the pandemic and to live life for what its worth. I appreciate being able to go to the grocery store and gas station ever since the pandemic started. Family is really important to me and it was very difficult in the beginning of the pandemic not being able to see family.

    Liked by 2 people

  45. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Have you ever tried something, and it changed your life?

    Like

    1. Giovanni Vaca's avatar Giovanni Vaca says:

      Yes! Sushi.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

        sushi is my favorite

        Like

    2. jakesilva753's avatar jakesilva753 says:

      Yes, I tried chick fil a and it changed my life !

      Liked by 1 person

    3. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

      I have adopted the idea of taking everything one thing at a time. Often times I can’t help but be thinking about 20 steps ahead though i have been thinking about how much that overthinking might be controlling my present and with the help of this attitude I have been able to enjoy and focus a lot more on what is going on in front of me. seeing all the happiness and creativity in the things I never used to remember…

      Liked by 2 people

    4. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

      I’ve always been a go with the flow kind of person, to the point of even doing things I don’t want to just keep the peace. But eventually I tried sticking up for my opinions and feelings and everything is so much better. I still go with the flow but I am so much happier now that I have given myself more of a voice because I had to figure out I was just as valid as everyone else.

      Like

  46. finn ransome's avatar finn ransome says:

    I have seriously learned to write about everything at this point. I think just. astory about making some ramen noodles would be entertaining at the moment.

    Liked by 3 people

  47. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

    The isolation put us in a place where there isn’t a lot to “distracting” ourselves and somehow forced us to spend more time “with us”. And like our colleague Gianina said, for writing I just need my thoughts and something to write with.

    Liked by 4 people

  48. I like the isolation it gives us a opportunity to be with ourselves and work on ourselves. It gave me the time to reflect on me. Now I eat cleaner and I work out more. In a way its like a challenge sometimes my head tells me OK so lets see what you can make happen if your left with your room and weights. doesn’t mean I dont go out ever but I literally only leave the house for essentials and work.

    Liked by 4 people

  49. niannavalle's avatar niannavalle says:

    I think writing is a calling for people just as much as music, cooking, acting, or really anything. Some people just need to share. They want to reach others, to captivate people. Anyone can write just like anyone can cook, but if you enjoy it thats where the magic happens

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

      Totally agree with you Nianna! I also think that writing is one of the strongest way to connect with people

      Liked by 1 person

  50. Abie Prieto's avatar Abie Prieto says:

    1. Hi everyone Im doing good, As the year comes to it close I hope everything gets better since Covid took most of our year I hope we can come back from that. 2021 I see big things, real big things. Stories of happiness, well today I got hot chocolate and drove around with some music and that made me happy.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Not everyone can sing though. Ive tried.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Débora Vitaliano's avatar Débora Vitaliano says:

        well you have a voice so you can sing right? lol

        Liked by 1 person

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