Random title, I know, but this is a bit of a random post.
First, Unplugged: Last month (and last year–ha ha!), there was a sort-of challenge for bloggers to take time and unplug. I’m going to be away from good internet access for the next four days while I volunteer with some high school students here in Minnesota. So until Monday, this blog and most blog-related activities are unplugged.
I was hoping to have a book review to post before I left, but since it’s vacation I’ve been lazy and just didn’t do it. My thoughts on Gang Leader for a Day will just have to wait for next week.
Second, Memoirs: In case you can’t wait for me to get back, I’ve got a couple suggestions. The first is a great Newsweek article about the phenomenon of the second memoir. Once someone writes a great debut memoir, what’s next? Can someone really have material for multiple memoirs back-to-back? I just started reading Memoir: A History by Ben Yagoda, who is quoted in the article talking about Frank McCourt and expectations of follow-up memoirs.
Third, Awesome: I also want to point to one blog I recently discovered — 1000 Awesome Things. Everyday the author posts about something random in everyday life that’s either unexpectedly awesome or just overlooked. I’ve firmly believe in appreciating the small things, which this blog constantly reminds me of. Sample bits of awesome include when the DJ plays your request, perfect parallel parking on the first try, and rubbing someone’s newly shaved head. The blog author is currently working on a book, which I’m so excited about!
I think taking some time away should also be added to the list of awesome. Have a great weekend!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
YOU are awesome – I can’t wait til you get back! hee hee, have fun and we’ll see you later.
Have fun on your time away! I love the 1000 Awesome Things blog – it’s so great to take time to think about the good things in your life.
Jenny: Exactly. Every morning it makes me smile because I’m reminded about how good little things can be. Plus, it makes me laugh!
The “awesome” website sounds like a great place to visit, which I will do momentarily!
Enjoy time with the teens – and we will look forward to your return to cyberspace.
Thanks for sharing about the Awesome blog, very neat!
Enjoy your time away with the high school kids!
I inadvertently unplug from my blog all the time – sometimes life just gets in the way, or the blog becomes overwhelming, and I always find some time away is the best cure. I hope you come back refreshed and inspired!
Steph: It’s nice to take some time away. Not having to worry about the blog while I was gone was nice. I haven’t been that inspired since I got back, but I’m hoping I’ll be back with a vengeance next week!
Very interesting point about the memoirs. I hadn’t really thought of it myself, though many authors seem to have made hefty careers out of their numerous memoirs. Looking forward to reading the article.
Andi: I hadn’t thought about it much either, but it’s such a good point. David Sedaris gets away with it because he’s more a humorist, I’d argue, but there are some people when more than one memoir seems like too much. I haven’t read Gilbert’s first or second memoirs, but I’m sort of intrigued now.