Writer’s Workshop: Freedom
by Jenners • 09/09/2010 • My Take On..., Writers Workshop • 28 Comments
This week, I’m choosing Prompt 5: Define “freedom.” (inspired by NaBloPoMo)
Freedom is….
- What I thought I’d be experiencing this week once the Little One started first grade and was in full-day school. Instead I’ve been tasked with the “lawn thatching” project, which is sucking the joy out of my life and the strength out of my (admittedly) weak body.
- Just another word for nothing left to lose. I’ll give you 5 points* if you can identify the song this came from without using anything other than your own brain.
- The title of the long-awaited new novel by Jonathan Franzen, which I’d really like to get a copy of for my birthday. This is a thinly veiled hint for one particular reader of my blog, whose initials are M.J. (Note: If your initials happen to be M.J. and you’re thinking “Why the hell does Jenners think I need to get her something for her birthday??!!” and feeling a little outraged, please know that I’m talking about Mr. Jenners, not you.)
Look! A convenient Amazon link to the book I want for my birthday.
How did that get here?
- Being able to stop a list after just four items because you’re so damned tired from the aforementioned “lawn thatching” project and you have a massive body ache and the inclination to go to bed at 8:00 p.m.
* The 5 points are worthless and have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for any prizes, MP3s, animals or food.
Thinking evil things about the thatching rake that is causing me endless pain,
This post made me laugh!! I've been avoiding it for 2 years. The thatching, not your blog. I saw some thatching sandals advertised in one of those sky mall magazines, and they came in the perfect size for my husband's big feet. He wasn't interested, though. Going to bite the bullet and hire a pro to do the job this year. (We'll keep using our 1998, 27" tv for another year and forget about getting the exercise bike…) Mr. Jenners owes you a lot more than a lousy book. How about a whole library?
Well, June F. Cleaver got here before I did. I'm a lifelong Janis fan!
…well I have a lawn..but never heard of lawn thatching…and I dont really ever want to again….that would not be freedom to me either…Im sorry your body aches…you really need that book now…to comfort yourself….and i cant think of the song..although I know its Janis Joplin…
I know its a Janis Joplin song, but don't know that name. It starts with freedoms just another word etc. So I'll take… 3 points?
I too need to thatch my lawn, can I borrow yours?
Hope you're enjoying your weekend.
I think we should be able to exchange our five points for an explanation of what lawn thatching is. Apparently that's the real brain teaser in this entry!
"Freedom's just another word for nothing left lose… nothing, I mean nothing honey if it ain't free. Yeah feeling good was easy Lord when he sang the blues – you know feeling good was good enough for me. Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee"
Sorry… now that song's stuck in my head! Do I get 10 points for singing? I bet I'd get zero if you actually had to hear that. Ha!
When you've recovered from your lawn thatching – would you come to FL and do ours? It's a freaking mess!! I'll give you all the "points" you want and even throw in a few meals. Such a deal!! Jenners, you are just too funny!
What next? Are you going to buy the book, wrap it, and put it in MJ's hands? If he's anything like my husband, it's probably not a bad idea.
thatching….hmmm? Makes me thankful to be slopping lunch.
I'm with Midwest Mom–what is lawn thatching????
I know I could just google it but I am lazy, what is "lawn thatching" ?
I need to give Mr. Jenners a good talking to. Lawn thatching is not a job for you.
Thatching the lawn? In England that's what you do to your roof, not your lawn
I feel kind of "dopey", but what is lawn thatching?? Hope your achy body feels better today.
5 points for me (and Bobby McGee)! I don't even know what thatching the lawn means? Is it better or worse than working at Target?
PS I want that book too but I'll have to wait my turn at the library.
5 points for me too . . . Me and Bobby McGee . . . classic! Does your hubs realize what a gem he has in you? Thatching the lawn?!? Seriously?!? I do not do lawn work. Even if it was for copious amounts of chocolate, I do not do lawn work.
Isn't it funny how your expectation of 'freedom' when your little one goes to full-day of school vs. half-day you end up filling up that 'freedom' with…not so much.
When is your birthday, and did MJ get the hint?
Call me ignorant but what in the world is "lawn thatching"? Is it a way of planting new grass?
I don't get the points since I have absolutely no clue what song that phrase came from. Even after I googled it and saw the name of the song, I still drew a blank. I suck at music quizzes.
My first thought when I saw the initials M.J. was "Michael Jackson" But then I remembered that he passed away already and can't possibly be reading your blog. Not to mention it would be really strange if he bought you a book…
Thatching? What in the world? Is this your way of exercising? That is how I exercise, go outside and do some ridiculous yard work.
When is your birthday?
Let me know if you get that book and how it is. I really enjoyed that other one he wrote, the title is escaping me.
No points for Cosmo. But that is a form of freedom too, isn't it?
What else is a blog for except a way to get your hubby to buy you the appropriate gift. Although, I think it loses its appeal when you have to tell them to read your post today for no particular reason.
I knew it was Me and Bobby McGee, too. But then I remember when it was a new song.
Thanks for clearing up the MJ thing. It's only 5:00 in the morning and it startled me into panicking about your birthday.
What IS lawn thatching? I always thatch was found on the roof of a house… I saw a copy of Freedom yesterday and was salivating all over it. Too expensive – and also, it was the only copy in the shop window… but soon, it will be mine!
I'm with Emmy – I don't know what lawn thatching is but it certainly doesn't sound fun. And Mr. Jenners, have you gotten the book yet?
What the heck is lawn thatching?
I didn't read the other comments, but I know it is Janis Joplin. Bobby McGee?
Do people give away animals on blogs??? Not that I need any more, mind you.
No points for me. I thought it was that Mat Kearney song Nothing Left to Lose. Listening to that now. Thanks.
5 points for me – Me and Bobby McGee.
Thatching the lawn? Don't they have actual paid lackeys for work like that?