Dying of Curiosity

The week in review. Plus, questions about biographies, life after Late Night, and some things I'm enjoying.

Hi readers,

I hope you've all had a wonderful week. If you like, hit reply and let me know how the past seven days have gone for you, or what you've been up to, or thinking about lately.

This week, one of my oldest and dearest friends received an award for her amazing work in the arts and I got to be there to see it. So I was excited, and proud of her, and very much in my feelings. Plus, I got to see her son, who I hadn't seen in a while, and one of my mentors, who received an award too. The mentor's daughter was also there; she moved into the very first (little teensy) house I ever bought, and, like me, had to move out once children came into the picture. So it was a reminder of what a small world it is, and what a big one too, because there were all these accomplished, creative women in it talking about all the really interesting things they're doing. Like drumming in bands. Or writing children's books. Or dancing. Or sculpting. Or doing kind of unreal things with gold. I'm just scratching the surface here, but it was definitely an interesting crowd. While there, I came up with a book idea for my friend, and if she's reading this, I'm sorry, but I'll explain it to you more when I see you next. So, pretty please don't avoid me.

Also: I interviewed someone this week who was so helpful with a larger project I've been trying to finish. And I interviewed a really interesting woman who is part of Tallahassee's civil rights history.

All of these things are very good for the heart and mind.

Somewhere in there, I got a drawing lesson from my kid. I used to draw a lot when I was younger, but you know how life takes these twists and turns and things fall by the wayside. So I started drawing again, in part because the subject of this large project I've taken forever with was said to do good line work. One day, I grabbed a pencil, and sketched a dogwood blossom I took a picture of a couple of months ago. I texted it to my youngster, who said "This looks good! I think the main issue is that you're not confident in your lines. I like the character that your drawings have though."

So I got some coaching and worked on it. And apparently if I went to SCAD, I'd get a C for my effort so far. That's fine. As I've said here before, I'm a Capricorn, so I'm going to get that A sooner or later. Mark my words.

Until next week, friends.

Paige

Writing prompt: Write about a time you were determined to get that A and did.

The most mature human beings are also childlike. That is not as contradictory as it sounds. The most mature people are the ones who can have the most fun. They are able to regress at will; they can become childish and play with children and be close to them. It is no accident, I think, that children generally tend to like them and get along with them. Involuntary regression is of course a very dangerous thing; but voluntary regression seems to be characteristic of very healthy people.

-- Abraham Maslow

Endnotes

Some Questions for You About Biography

As someone who writes biographies, I'd like to know more about the specific things that draw you to them? What are the things that make you avoid them, if you do? Would you avoid picking up a biography of someone that could be perceived as unlikable in some way, even if there are other things that could be fascinating or instructive or whatever about that person's life? If so, why? And do you believe that readers in general might be more inclined to pick up a biography about a somewhat unlikable man over an unlikable woman for whatever reason? If so, why do you think that is? Do you think it's possible to enjoy a biography about a person that might have some unlikable tendencies or hints of insufferableness? I'm just chewing on something here, and I really do hope you'll help me with this feedback. Thank you in advance for any thoughts you might be willing or able to share with me.

Life After Late Night

By now, most of us know that May 21 will be the last episode of Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" on CBS, and that Colbert's next act involves co-writing a script for another "Lord of the Rings" movie. But what's going to happen to the 200-some-odd other people who work on the show? The New Yorker recently sat down with Jon "Lamps" Lampley, trumpeter for Colbert's in-house band to talk about his favorite "Late Show" memories and hear about what's next for him. For more on that, click here for the story. One fun fact about Lampley: as a senior sousaphone player in Ohio State University's marching band, he once dotted the "i" in the ensemble's on-field cursive formation of "Ohio." I swear I'd keep something like that on my resume for the rest of my life. I mean, wouldn't you?

Things I'm Enjoying Lately

A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough now on Netflix. Running into people I haven't seen in a while. Drawing.

Next Week!

By the time this lands in your inbox, I'll have seen the blockbuster Amy Sherald exhibit that debuts here in Atlanta today. I'm looking forward to telling you all about it next week. Boy, am I glad I scored my tickets early...