Monday, December 22, 2008

Session Five: 12/22/08 - 12/28/08

It's the big bad holiday week, full of Chrismahanukwanzakah cheer, but you won't be forced to wax nostalgic about It's a Wonderful Life or your most meaningful menorah moment.

The holidays, one hopes, are about something bigger than religious ceremony and the ritual of commercial give and take. This is the time of year when, more than ever, we are asked to think about others, the people we care about, the people who care about us, and what we mean to one another, what we're willing to give up for one another, monetarily or otherwise. Little things become meaningful, not just from ourselves and our loved ones, but from perfect strangers as well. Some of the most meaningful conversations I carry with me, the talks that remind me why my loved ones mean so much to me, are snippets I've gleaned from the people around me at coffee shops, on the subway, in stores, on the street.

Eavesdrop. Pay attention to what people are saying all around you, people you know, people you don't know, maybe a little bit of both. Once you've found a snippet that appeals to you, incorporate it into your piece for the week. Try to keep it verbatim, but if you want to make a few minor changes, feel free to do so. (Let's avoid paraphrase; you're not making up this conversation, you're utilizing it.) The conversation can be of any length; this isn't about length, it's about content.

Have some fun, and may all your holidays be happy!!! Love your loves, tip your servers, and if you give anything at all, give a damn! :-)

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