Welcome to last section of this six-part session where we’re writing six related micro-memoirs.
Post the sixth segment of your micro-memoir collage in the comments section below.
Once you’ve done that, read some of your fellow members’ stories and leave them a note of encouragement.
Read Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang, pages 125-149, “Off Balance” through “Foreign Language Translation” Then, look through the questions in the reader’s guide on pages 151-153 and see if anything simulates any thoughts.
Read through these pages a couple of times, if possible, and prepare to actively discuss this week’s topic.
Book discussion question for September 10, 2024:
We have been introduced to many different writing devices in reading Jennifer Lang’s Places We Left Behind. What devices do you plan to incorporate into your writing? How do you intend to use this device? Point to one specific example of this device in the text and explain why you think it works well. Also, if there’s time, you can point out anything of interest from pages 125-149.
This is my Week Six story. I’m playing with two formats, dialogue and the idea of using a “shell” of some sort as scaffolding. I was intrigued by the idea of using a quiz.
The two Structures work well, Terry, Awesome work. Very creative and funny. Your love of all things Shakespeare is real. Even in sleep you defend his legacy. Can hardly get better than this.
Oh you made me smile…I believed all through the story, that this was a true memoir as I believe you are that intelligent and I know that you love Shakespeare. You funny girl..loved this story and the quiz format worked so well. hey, wait…it was a real story, right?
So, I’m reading this story thinking the following:
I did give the dream theory a quick thought, but the overall picture was–
If she was good enough to win on Jeopardy, what the hell is she doing hanging around with us?
Had me hanging Terry.
This is Darlene Lamb’s week six-story. She isn’t feeling well and couldn’t post it herself.
A very touching story, Dar. Shows the resilience of the human spirit. Sometimes one has to let go of what is, and unfulfilled promises, to uncover a new world waiting, one in which you find beauty, creativity, the gift of perception, and love. Fitting ending.
Dar–WOW!
Darlene, I am sending you a text, with an interesting video my youngest son just sent me. I think you might need and like it. Please let me know if you receive it. We have similar stories, I stayed in it cuz I had five children sticking with me and on a teacher’s salary could not survive. God, sort of, literally picked me up, with conditions, moved us back to where we met and then to deserts of South Texas to finalize things.
Here is Part Six of my story. I, like Patricia, will use the next six weeks to continue with this story.
An interesting, confusing-for-you ?adventure…but at least you tried not to follow the crowd and managed quite well. I wonder if you changed your mind the second day? We’ll see
No fair, leaving us hanging like that. I knew you were a traveler–but not a tease.
BTW, you may not have taken a hit on the bong. But you had to get the munchies from taking in the secondhand smoke. I wanna know what you ate.
Anxious to see what happens next, Julie
Now I have to wait for the next installment! this is worse than a two-part TV episode! Great job of building suspense.
Chapter 6, My Journey brings my life closer to the present. I will use September’s story to do that. Enjoy
Thank you for sharing this personal, vulnerable story. You’ve led a full life.
Thanks David, it just began. This next phase, Norman and I become somewhat Vagabonds, empty nesters, flitting from one living environment to another and loving it.
Thanks for unpacking much of your life story, Jackie. The summary and bold adjectives show your strong faith and deep emotions as you navigated the vicissitudes in your life. You emerge stronger. I am rooting for you and look forward to reading more.
Lorna, love your word vicissitudes of life, can I use it in my Chapter 7 Finaly? As we move back to Atlanta, where it all started, empty nesters, all kids are in college or in business and we are free to become the vagabonds I was meant to be.
Jackie, I like that word also. I used it in Part Five of this series. I first heard it in Shakespeare’s Richard 111. Go right ahead. Its in the dictionary.
Here’s my sixth story. I intended it to be this story’s final segment, but I want to write more. I plan to use some or all of the next six weeks to continue with this story.
So glad you are writing this story. It was such a traumatic event and it sometimes takes years(speaking from experience) to be able to look easily and dissolve all of its parts. I enjoy reading your story and I can see there is more that you want to write. Probably much more.Looking forward to however many words it takes.
I felt the Sebring-like gurney action as you whooped around the hospital.
Patricia, thank goodness we know it ends well or you and we would not be having the wonderful group assembled here. Continue it, as I am, in the September Memoir due next Sunday, I think, with more words.
I’m getting addicted to this Bullet Point Memoir type and find it difficult to swing up and outward.
I hope you write more. This can’t be the end of this episode of your life.
In the story you’ve described that special moment when your brain decides you’re going to be okay and shares the news with you. Its hard to have a quiet moment in a hospital. There is noise and movement everywhere and even the nurses disturb rest taking their readings.
Thanks for writing this. I had forgotten about that important moment.
Exciting. We know it turns out great, because you are here with us, but love the dynamics you create with words.
I’m glad you’re continuing the story. I know I want to find out how all this plays out. That silent moment was a much-needed blessing.
Here is my sixth story. I enjoyed writing them as I probed my memory
for stories to illustrate my theme. 300 words, excluding my title
Lorna,
Enjoyed the suspense.
I do have a question. I was a first responder for many years. Back in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, firefighting foam had a really nasty stench. Since I haven’t been at a major emergency in quite a while, I’m assuming that you experienced a foam that did not smell that bad. You would have written about that for sure.
And granted–foam is a tough cleanup.
There was no stench, John I would remember. My first attempt to clean up was with a hand held snow scraper and windshield fluid, Several drive through car washes and finally a hand wash completed the clean-up.
Divine intervention for sure, Lorna.
Thanks for your comments, Judy.
Wow! I imagine you told your friends about the mystery of the foam-covered Jetta. Then the answer appeared in the form of a woman. It had to be divine intervention.
I surely did, David. It was like a nightmare.Thanks for your comments.
Lorna, what a beautiful story. I got heavenly chills and shed some tears. Another of your stories that I so love. May God bless and always guide you. Jackie
Thanks for such your emotional reaction to my story, Jackie. You never fail to commend and encourage me on in my writing journey. I must tell you how much I appreciate you,and your unstinting comments. LOL, LOL, LOL.
Here is part six of Animals in My Life. The picture is not perfect, but you can see the character of this dog.
this pet was an unforgettable character. You told the story about him well. My only comment would be that Bambi needs a name change….perhaps Bam-Bam. hee hee
Bam Bam would be perfect.
I don’t know how many times a day I tell my dog, Little Man, “You’re worse than a child.”
Good story.
I know the feeling. I still have a little one at home with me. She is an old lady and does not do much mischief anymore, but her constant whining drives me nuts.
what a funny story. Bambi is such an innocent name for such a naughty dog. We put up with more from our dogs than we allow from our kids.
Etya, he looks like my father. Neat coincident.
Very interesting story, Etya. I wonder what a dog psychologist would say about Bambi’s personality?”
Larger than life, from my novice corner.. I understand how his singing made you miss him.
Etya, no wonder we bond. I need to write about my array of animals, mostly dogs. That picture of a child and Bambi, even looks like me in my younger years. MJ
That child is my husband. He is twenty-five in this picture.
Loved your story, Etya. Sometimes we have to part company with our pets, but still miss them after they’re gone.
Exactly.
Loved your Bambi story. He was a little stinker, cute though.
He certainly was.
Here’s my sixth micro-memoir from my continuing story,Where I’ve Laid My Head. 300 words.
Barb,
I’m gonna have to go back and read your earlier stories. The ending threw me for a loop.
Barbara, such a sad but sweet story. Very well written.
Wow, Barb. That ending is quite a hook leaving me wanting more info.
Well told story. I’m sorry you had to experience abuse.
I saw maybe missing words in this sentence:
“They got convertible and drove away.”
Yes. I missed two words. Thanks for noticing. It probably sends me back to the drawing board to correct and find two words to subtract from the 300 word story. 🙂 Ha! Ha!
Barb, loved your reply. Maybe you can find them in the title, or in the air.
Better yet, cheat and dare people to catch you at it.
I have enjoyed each of your stories. I have been behind because of our motorcycle rides and family visits so I could not comment on your stories. Micro memoir gives us the freedom to jump around our life, using a theme, or writing what we want. Linda’s stories about her early marriage and young children on the farm David’s motorcycle adventures John’s challenges with the military Norma’s life stories Judy’s adventures with creatures she encounters Kit’s philosophical stories Theirry’s thoughts and stories on suicide Patricia’s relationships and stories about her accident with a horse Barbara Rawl’s stories of her family… Read more »
Another Story about hockey
Nancy, you already have my answer on this one. But I’m still howling at the hockey mom breastfeeding before putting on the skates. What an image.
You know I met Mario Lemieux’ mother the night his number was retired. I wish I had read your story before that night. I could have envisioned her breastfeeding # 66 rink side.
Our hockey world has such a cast of characters.
This is a wonderful short story to read. But it wasn’t about hockey. It was about you the hockey player.
You are a trouper, Nancy. I can’t imagine doing that. Good for you.
My sixth story about hockey
Can never say enough for cheering a hockey team and jumping up and down to aid the birth of a baby. Yah!! Go team go…multitasking all the way…
Another one just jumped into my mind. It’s amazing what alcohol and late night can stir up:
BOOMBOOM.
Hopefully, the storm in my head has passed and I can get some sleep now.
You know Nancy, the more I think about it, you did a disservice in naming Matt. He should have been named Gump, Gordie, Maurice (The Rocket) or Henri (The Pocket Rocket), Jean, Jacques, Newsy, or King–just to name a few who come to mind…and you call yourself a hockey mom. Just one more…under the circumstances, maybe Boomer would have been in order.
J
I never think to name my children after someone in the sports world or famous people. My first husband, Jim, named our son, Aaron James after Hank Aaron and AJ Foyt. I wanted to name him Ryan.
What a great story to tell about the birth of your son.
Wow! That was special! Thanks for sharing.
Here’s my sixth.
Linda, you reminded me of weaning time and how it felt to have the baby calves suck my thumb as I directed their mouths down into the pail full of milk. It never took them long to learn. Baby calves and baby boys. Busy, busy time for you.
Linda, another great story about your life. Although we share, you Highway 65 and I Highway 75, our lives could not have been different. You a farm life, I a big city, you are caring for and birthing cattle, I their final resting place, the slaughterhouses. I long to live on a farm and here I am experiencing what I longed for through you in Life Writers. I love it. Thank you.
Linda, you would’ve made a great pioneer woman. Strong, capable and determined.
Your description of caring for and birthing a calf was a great introduction to the birth of your son. I liked the last line, “This was only the end of January”
I appreciate, the level of details about farming in your stories,especially dairying. It seems you put your shoulder to the wheel, never shirking away from any task. Congratulations. Sorry about Gorden’s injury and hope he recovered. Did your son mark sharing birthday, well almost, with the calf? Thanks for another great story of life on your farm.
You were such a busy wife and mother. I admire your fortitude. Thanks for sharing.
Number six is in the books. Yea! Now on to other writing adventures
John, you had me worrying about where you would land. Thanks for the mystery.
I’m bummed out. It hasn’t even been twenty minutes and I’m ready to post the bonus story. Do me a favour (I put the U in there for Patricia’s benefit [ she hates my Uz]). Read the previous post first. It will put it all into perspective.
I think I know this guy. I like him.
You certainly found your share of a……holes.
What better time than 0312 in the AM to post my week six story.
BTW, I’m working on an Asshole bonus…which just might follow this one in an hour or so. I hope my plan works out. If not, the Japanese have a saying–and I hope I translate it well.
Gomen nasai.
Bob was one lazy, stupid, taker. Everything for himself with no compassion for others. There are quite a few people like this in the world and I trust karma will get them in the end.
Was Bob power drunk? Power hungry? Clueless? All that and more. Title earned and most deserving. Credit to you,you survived it all and now write stories. Well told story, John.
We all know Bob-holes, I now have one in my family. Now I will hate even more paying the Government taxes I have to pay.
Bob was a jerk!
Yes, there are lots of Bobs in the government. People whose motto is Self before service.
I just found out about awards for the ANTI-Bobs. Nicknamed “the sammies”, it is the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Award, given to unsung heroes in government service. You never hear about the award. Even some of the recipients didn’t know they’d won.
Bob more than qualifies for the “Asshole” hall of fame. Unfortunately there are Bob’s in more places than the government. Good series, John.
Attached is my part six story titled “My Spiritual Journey.” Structure is hermit crab. I have exceeded our 300 word count…not by much. Spank me with a wet noodle. In order to present what I have become spiritually, I felt it necessary. Hope you enjoy the story anyway. Thanks.
Norma, as usual, well written and informative. A wonderful way to live. Thank you.
You’ve taught me something new, Norma. It sounds like a very noble organization. I’m glad it helped you along the path of life.
If I were to summarize your style, I’d say your writing is elegant and proper. This is another well-written essay from you.
My part six is “Slither”, posted below.
We didn’t have snakes in WPA…just skunks and wild turkeys. If it was a black snake, just count your blessings.
Judy, well written. I remember reading your first story in your first Buddy Group session with John and I. Your writing has improved 1000-fold. I so miss my Orlando home with its screened-in pool overlooking the same view you described. My heart saddened.
It doesn;t help to know black snakes are our friends; we still don’t want to share our homes with them. I enjoyed your cute story. Well told.
I enjoyed this funny story. Joe the snake herder. You could have made the snake into a pet!
Not in a million years Dave.
You could name him Fang. He would curl up in the corner. A great conversation piece.
How about I name him Fang and drop him off at your house.
Part six of micro memoir style trials, avoiding “I” and keep present tense, took a few rounds of editing.
U packed it in girl…Iz excepted.
Interesting read.
Here is Kit’s story. She asked me to post it for her.
Good job, Kit. You turned an everyday occurrence into poetry.
Where’s the story?
I’ll try to email it to you, would you post it for me? Using phone does not seem to work. I’m out of town with no computer.
Part six
EPILOGUE/SUICIDE 300 WORDS
Your story is a publishable piece that expresses this subject so well. It also was a piece that needed the years between then and now to put into the words with the understanding of exactly what it all felt like and now here is your story…a beautifully written piece, covered entirely with the love for that little boy that suffered and survived. thank you
Eloquently put Thierry.
You’ve examined suicide philosophically and thoroughly through the six week assignment, understanding reached through process. Well done.
Wow Thierry! What an ending. Very descriptive. I was hurting for you during your explanations. Keep up the excellent writing.
Thank you David. The first sentence should read THREATHS and not treats.
an excellent end to your suicide series. In the first sentence did you mean treats or threats?
Thank you David for noticing. I noted the error in a reply to the text. And thank you once again for your feedback.
I accidentally sent in my part six story in the Part Five section. This is actually my part six story.