Ask Anne Lamott - Thursday, December 12th! discussion

Hi Anne, Thank you for all of your books. You have helped me truly embrace myself for who I am and feel the grace of God in a new way I've been so desperate for.

One of my favorite things I've ever read by you is that Oprah article on self-acceptance. I cried as I read about your father's remark. I so relate and also I think the world of you so it broke my heart cause I've known similar pain.

My question is one of the healing journey... How did you find peace (or have you?) in letting go of who you think your parents should be?

Thanks for every word and all the hours you spent writing shitty first drafts to give us the beautiful work you've blessed us with! With Love, Megan

Hello Anne, thanks for helping me get down to the biz of writing with Bird by Bird...now I have my own Q&A here tomorrow for my book(although I don't know really what I'm doing). I'm wondering if I'll get any questions...hmmm. Best to you and I can't wait to be a Gramma (well, I can. My kids are teens).

Best, Linda Buzogany

Annie, You an inspiration. I think a friend of mine Dorothy Hughes, Marin MHI, knew you; and in her memory, I just want to say how special you, and your part of the world, are. I hope with all your commitments, you have plenty of time for places and memories with roots and flavor. You're the best. Please keep writing,
Paul, @ an outpost of progress only 80 miles from Marin.

Hi, Anne, thank you so much for doing this today. I read Traveling Mercies and loved it. I'm currently reading Grace (Eventually) and am enjoying it as well.

I was wondering if, aside from the books that he co-authored and wrote himself, Sam has collaborated with you on any books as he's gotten older. Also, has he ever read any of your anecdotes and said, "That's not the way I remember this!"?

On a different topic, do you have any special foods you like to eat when you're writing?

Anne, I love your writing and had the pleasure of hearing you speak at CPCC in Charlotte, NC, many years ago. I've just finished a memoir about my mother who had Alzheimer's for many years. I remember you writing about your mom and what a gift it was. Just wanted to say thank you!

Hi Anne,
I've been reading your work since I picked up Operating Instructions after my daughter was born. What a relief! When you talked about your stomach resting next to you like a puppy and fantasizing about throwing your child against a wall. I needed that.

I think I've read all of your books and push them into the hands of my friends like a meth dealer.

I attended the fundraiser for your church last month in SF, came down from Sacramento as a birthday present to myself. My two dear kids sat through it as did my Husband, who is Asian and has been to very few church services that haven't involved incense. They went for me and what a gift.

I love your nonfiction and lately your FB posts. Thanks. I know you're not sure what's next but I hope you'll write fiction again.

At your talk you mentioned a child at Newtown who died saving his classmates. My son, who is 9 and whose heart is open, asked if I think he is the kind of kid who would do that. Wow. Yes I do. Thank you for that conversation opener.

I guess I should ask a question...when will you write a FB post about the pope? My god is more of the Howard version but wow he's really something we need right now.

Thanks.

Joyce wrote: "Hello, Anne! I am a unapologetic, gushing fan of all of your books.
I just finished reading "Stitches". I live in CT about an hour away from Sandy Hook. I still cry every time they talk about it..."

I live in a town in Marin County, where the drug use among the young leads to a few deaths every year, s I said in the opening paragraph of Imperfect Birds. But what actually got me started was my horror at what the young teenage girls were doing for boys and men, sexually, in order to feel popular and powerful and included. So I started talking to some teenage girls I know, asking them about their relationships with drugs, alcohol and males. It was eye-opening, and so painful, and I started wondering whether Rosie would do the same things, this girl of super achievement , raised by staunch feminists...Ai yi yi.

Aimee wrote: "Hi Anne! Thanks so much for doing this! First--I want to see a picture of your front curtains! What a lovely metaphor for life and friends and hope and care. Second--I too find great comfort and jo..."

I am outside for parts of every day because that is where I see the glory of creation most powerfully (along with the faces of the people at my church, all ages and colors.). I shake my head EVERY time I step outside, and remember to look up. I try to hike in the hills most mornings. I wake up early, say my prayers, and go to the window to see my flowering pear tree, and the squirrels, and the deer, or whoever happens to be hanging out on the hillside. It helps me remember Whose I am, that I am somehow part of this magical mystical world.
Soul I love Holly Near, too, and Joan Baez, Simon and Garfinkel, Judy Collins, Leonard Cohen, John Prine, Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, Pete Seeger.

Susan wrote: "Hi there, Anne! I am currently reading your "Stitches" book--in the early part of the book. I have been fond of your writing, your transparency in sharing your life and thoughts, and the humor an..."

Yes, there was one experience that really changed me. I was remembering when my son Sam was seven, and split his eyebrow open on the corner of a glass coffee table. I very calmly got him to E.R, and he was whisked into a room with a nurse and a doctor, who were like the faces and hands and voices of God--just so gently and confidently took care of Sam, and me, taking him out of pin, and explaining to him each step of the way what they were doing, and showing him the needle and surgical thread, and sewing up one deep inside gash, and then the outside, so beautifully that he only had a small scar. Life is so miraculous, and the human body so wildly designed, that my wounded son healed right up. I could hardly believe my eyes.

Anne wrote: "Kami wrote: "I'm wondering if you encounter any naysayers or opposition to how openly and unapologetically you address spiritual topics. Do you think you'd be as well received if you were affiliate..."

Dear Anne-I don't exactly remember when i started reading your books and "stuff". I am not as liberal as you on many issues but found you to be quite amusing and at times profound. I thought it was so cool one year at the Women of Faith conference-which is pretty fundamental LOL-that Luci Swindoll endorsed you and talked about how much you make her laugh. So I keep on reading and enjoying because I think it's healthy to get input from various sources. I find your search for faith and a walk with God refreshing because it is uniquely yours. Mary