Writer Anne Lamott Visits
Lamott is a world renowned author whose published work has been raved about for years. Lamott began by explaining the purpose of the event, which was to talk about writing.
Although, according to Lamott, talking about her writing meant talking about her life.
From drug and alcohol abuse, to exhausting days and restless nights with her son’s first years on earth, and finding a savor and hope in life, Lamott’s works of literature are more than just stories of her bygones, but are a gateway for readers to look for answers within her words or use her fun and charismatic writing style as an escape.
Lamott’s speech was hopeful and to the point. She did not have a guideline but it seemed as if she has been preaching for years.
It seemed as if she was looking at each person in the room and giving them strength to go forth and accomplish what they have neglected for years. Lamott said her hard times made her who she is and she said that this is the case for all of us.
Lamott said that if she had a thick skin it would be hard for her to let go so robustly. By leaving herself open to pain, loss, and love, she was able to take in all that was in her path and release it into literature.
She talked about her grandson, Jax, since parenthood was one of her main topics. She described her son’s dilemma with a young pregnancy and the struggles presented as a parent tending to a new born.
Lamott’s experience raising a baby by herself is described in her book “Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year.”
She said it is important to follow your heart. The feeling of never knowing occurs in our lives more than twice a day. Her goal was to reach out to the students and adults and say that life is too short.
We may walk this earth for a hundred years or we may suddenly leave. We must keep our childlike spirits alive and never leave the things we really want to do until later. That time may not come, and this point was emphasized by Lamott.
She was given a standing ovation after her speech.
Anne Lamott left the audience with the words, “Life is not precisely within the lines.”