The Six Word Memoir

February 26, 2008 on 12:25 am | In Chat | 42 Comments

At my January book group meeting (speaking of which, this month we read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Loved. It. Ahem.) one of the girls started talking about six word memoirs. She’s a high school English teacher and she said she’d given her students an assignment to write a six word memoir. She said, for example, Hemingway once wrote his 6 word memoir — “For Sale: baby shoes, never used.” Wow. Think about that. What a story those six little words could tell. We had a very lively discussion about six word memoirs and I made a note that this would be a fun blog topic. And then I promptly forgot about it.

So, imagine my surprise when KBG tagged me to write a six word memoir. (She wrote a great one, by the way.) So, I started thinking about it again. What would my six word memoir be? I thought of several, depending on my mood and couldn’t choose just one.

Bow Tie

Here’s one, for those days I’m sick of working:

Wasted Life. Stuck behind a desk.

Or, how ’bout my activities:

Work. Sew. Read. Cook. Knit. Repeat.

Or maybe the real me:

Loves to sew. Adores her family.

Then this afternoon, I got to thinking about it. I googled six word memoirs. A ton of links came up and among all that reading, it appears that a new book containing six word memoirs entitled Not Quite What I Was Planning is about to be published. Very interesting!

So, how ’bout you? Can you write YOUR six word memoir? Give it a shot. And after you’ve tried it, check out this link that contains some fun ones (don’t peek or you’ll be influenced!) Among my favorites (’cause a few sneaky peeks won’t hurt you LOL):

An embroidered sampler, with some unpicking.

Hasn’t been a Jane Austen Romance.

Laughed out loud, cried in silence.

Monkey Swap
(This picture is for Jewels. Proving that, Yes, I Can
screw up a monkey sock and have to rip back 8 rows because
I tried to knit while talking. Or talk while knitting.)

Now, the rules for the six word memoir meme say that I need to tag someone. That’s always been the HARD part about memes and awards. I have so many of you out there that I’m attached to and I can’t ever pick. I hate that part — it just feels too much like picking someone for the grade school dodge ball team and I was always the one who didn’t get picked. And if I can’t tag others, then I don’t feel it’s fair for me to accept tags. Junie Moon just posted on this topic this afternoon and I’ve decided to join her in her “Please, No Tag Awards” movement. I hope you won’t misunderstand me — I enjoy doing memes — if I see one out there that I like (like this one, for example) I’ll probably just horn in and do it. I love reading others memes — they’re often a good way to get to know each other. I’m just not crazy about the tagging part of it. So…’nuff said, I hope that all made sense and that I didn’t step on any toes.

Cookbooks

Just a few more items…

You knitters out there should check out this cool little sweater that Cami has made. I saw this in progress in January — it has the coolest little twisted stitch all along the button band!

I feel it my duty to issue a blogland warning. Danger Will Robinson! SOMEone who lives in a yellow farmhouse is trying to kill us. As evidence, I refer you to this smore’s dessert (ok, I know I asked for it, but I didn’t know it would be that good.) And now, she’s posted these cookies. I made them over the weekend and Holeeee Cow, are they ever fabulous. But don’t click on my links. I mean it. Don’t do it. I don’t want to be responsible — just because my diet (what diet?) is down the drain, doesn’t mean yours must be.

Now, scurry along and work on your six word memoirs. I’d love to see what you come up with!

XOXO,
Anna

P.S. Anyone else having trouble with bloglines? I’m getting notified about a day late about posts. It’s driving me nuts!

42 Comments

  1. Uh I need more than six words please??? LOL!! Six just wont do it for me.
    And I’m afraid of that Yellow Farmhouse lady and her desserts. I’m not going over there, no I’m not!
    Love Junie Moons bag.

    Comment by sharon — February 26, 2008 #

  2. Don’t worry about stepping on my toes – I’m the same way about it all. Notice I broke the rules when I didn’t tag enough people… I’m with you on this one! I am ususally rude and just don’t play along if it isn’t one I like or if I don’t have time. Probably not the most mature thing!

    Comment by KBG — February 26, 2008 #

  3. I don’t tag any more but I do like to do the memes if they please me, you seem to choose good ones! I might just have a go at this one too….

    Comment by Marianne — February 26, 2008 #

  4. You don’t step on my toes because I intend to post about exactly the same thing. I have a question though. Being a Dutch girl (eh.. woman) I wonder, the tag awards are all awards? Because you always have to pass an award on to some other bloggers. Or do you mean the awards that go with a meme.. (sorry for me being a bit confused..)

    Comment by nicolette — February 26, 2008 #

  5. I agree about the tagging thing. I love reading other peoples but cringe about sending them out!!!

    Six word memoir eh?

    Takes times to smell the daisies.

    or:

    Kick the dog you’ll feel better.

    xxx

    Comment by Lesley — February 26, 2008 #

  6. 6 word memoir:
    Blessed with husband,children,family,friends.

    HAVE to try the cookie recipe as soon as I can summon the courage to venture out to the grocery. Probably won’t be today! Yipee – a snow day! Stay warm!
    Hugs!

    Comment by Gurney — February 26, 2008 #

  7. I’ve had that book on my nightstand for months and have yet to start it. DH read it and I loaned it to a girl at work. I know it will be great, just can’t seem to start it. 6 words – hmm, that will take a lot of thought! Yes, I’ve been having the same trouble with Bloglines.

    Comment by Caryn — February 26, 2008 #

  8. I have looked for A Thousand Splendid Suns at the library for weeks and it remains out! I am definitely going to keep checking because I loved the Kiterunner.

    Comment by Randi — February 26, 2008 #

  9. OK now that’s a hard thing to do. To describe things in six words – well I talk to much for that – but I am intrigued by this and I think I’m going to put on the old thinking cap and see what I come up. I am sooooo with you on the tag thing. I’ve never done those meme’s because of that thing. Never thought about not doing the meme and then not tagging someone. Light bulb moment here, LOL.

    Beware there’s a chocolate frosting recipe coming your way via the blog tomorrow. I make the brownies just so I can have the frosting ROTFLMAO.

    Sweet hugs to you – Karen

    Comment by Karen — February 26, 2008 #

  10. You have given me two great ideas for posts – this one and also where I am from. I will be trying to harvest as many ideas as I can for my on month of blogging every day. Thanks for all your help!!!

    Comment by Vallen Queen — February 26, 2008 #

  11. Great post, my friend! And I think you handled the tagging subject quite well.

    I love the six word memoir idea. Here’s mine (so true for me right now): So many ideas, not enough time.

    Comment by June — February 26, 2008 #

  12. Doubt – To think without a mirror.

    Comment by tysdaddy — February 26, 2008 #

  13. How I spend my days:
    Lying in bed, nursing my baby.

    Thanks, Anna! Lots of fun.

    XO

    Comment by Jill — February 26, 2008 #

  14. My Six Word Memoir:

    Woman who dreams, loves, and laughs.

    Comment by Sarah — February 26, 2008 #

  15. Don’t think I can do it – summarise myself in just six words that is! Unless it is – off the top of my tired little head – “I think, therefore worry, therefore sew” or “Untidy Mummy merrily makes more mess”

    Comment by Lucy Locket-Pocket — February 26, 2008 #

  16. Hi Anna, great post. Speaking of book clubs, I had mine last night- we did ‘The History of Love’ fantastic!!! I just love ‘A thousand splendid suns’

    Anyway, let me see about a 6 word memoir -

    Content and Happy, beautiful, wonderful family.

    Not really sure, if that is what you mean.

    AS for the tagging, I am with you on that one. I dread the tagging part. Nicely said!!!

    Comment by Cathy — February 26, 2008 #

  17. Great post… got me thinking about my six words… I’m sure they’ll crop up in a post sometime! :)

    Comment by denice — February 26, 2008 #

  18. Oh I SO love this idea. I am going to start working on mine…

    Comment by Camille — February 27, 2008 #

  19. I like memes, but I’m not too crash-hot on tagging other people, too. Well said!

    Okay how about this?

    Likes memes, but hates the tagging part
    or
    Think before crafting to avoid disaster
    or
    After the baby, discovered lifelong hobby
    or
    Can’t stay away from the blogging
    .
    .
    .
    I could go on….LOL!

    Comment by Jade — February 27, 2008 #

  20. This is so great – the “less is more” approach to self evaluation. For years I’ve had the words (from magnetic refrigerator poetry) “Fixing To Shine Soon” staring at me on the fridge. My husband came up with it and I’ve always loved it. I’m always feeling like I want to shine, but just never quite get around to it. So, to add a couple more words for the six word memoir…

    Fixing to shine and sparkle soon.

    Comment by Dawn — February 27, 2008 #

  21. Hi,
    I keep trying to reply to your email, but for some reason on yours I get the POP3 error and it won’t send. Thank you for your post on my blog and yes, my Felicia sits right there by that thing-a-ma-jig that goes up and down on the sewing machine and refuses to move. She can be a real pest at times. Always enjoy your blog…I will post my 6 word memoir tomorrow – I think I know what it will be.

    Comment by Teresa — February 28, 2008 #

  22. I did click on the cookies … I began to giggle when I saw the Craisins. We had an advertising campaign over here in Aussie for Craisins, & Ocean Spray. It featured the 2 male OFs & I could see them talking away with their raisin like faces!

    Don’t get me wrong,I love Cranberry Juice, & they advertised that too.

    Comment by meggie — February 28, 2008 #

  23. The six words…
    Life, For Sale..or To Let?

    Comment by meggie — February 28, 2008 #

  24. Laughed out loud, cried in silence…wow amazing…this really hit a cord!!!

    Comment by Suzie Sews — February 28, 2008 #

  25. Here’s the quilt wrap link. It’s gorgeous, and the yarn could *not* be any softer. I also have the bunny patts to mail you. Perhaps melly can figure out today how to make them e-mailable to you. anyhow, here’s the wrap…
    http://www.knittingdaily.com/freepatterns/wraps/Modern_Quilt_Wrap207-1.html

    Comment by Camilla — February 28, 2008 #

  26. Fitting it all in isn’t easy.
    Kimx

    Comment by kim — February 28, 2008 #

  27. I’m so glad people are speaking up about tagging! Love what you and June both said. It’s a love-hate thing for me. it KILLS me to have to pick people to tag. Sometimes I’ve not tagged and have done a general tag… and sometimes I’ve tagged. Last meme I did I tried to do it by “theme”, but even then I felt I left out everyone else out. I cringe, I cringe, I cringe and makes me feel really bad. After my last meme, I’ve decided NOT TO TAG EVER AGAIN!

    I’ve been having trouble with bloglines for a while. Mine seem to be a day late as well. Flickr is on the fritz for me too… not sending me emails when contacts upload. Discovering how much I actually rely on these services scares me!

    Comment by happy zombie — February 28, 2008 #

  28. Wow, so many great topics in one post. I agree about the tagging in memes/awards. I don’t do it anymore either thanks to June. I have been wanting to read A Thousand Splendid Suns for ages and still haven’t! … but I will. I also love the idea of a 6 word memoir. Might just try it out!

    Diane

    Comment by Diane — February 28, 2008 #

  29. I was glad to see June bring up the tagging thing – I don’t mind doing a meme in the least, but I can never bring myself to pick just a few people to tag. So I don’t!! (you’re right, it so conjures up bad memories from gym class)

    The 6 word thing is fun! It would be pretty hard to pick just one 6 word memoir though!
    Here’s one I came up with:
    Tender of family and the flock

    Oh and that Yellow Farmhouse lady — she’s at it again! Beware!

    Comment by rohanknitter — February 28, 2008 #

  30. My six? It was fun while it lasted.
    (Ugh, sounds like something you’d see on a tombstone.)
    I like Kimz!

    Comment by Mary Ann — February 28, 2008 #

  31. It has been exhausting but interesting

    Or

    Next life I’m going to make quilts

    Comment by Isabelle — February 28, 2008 #

  32. Knitter of very cool patterned socks.

    It looks like you made it around the heel nicely.

    Comment by cheryl — February 29, 2008 #

  33. Enjoyed reading all your memoirs, thanks so much for playing along:)

    Comment by bookbabie — February 29, 2008 #

  34. Wow! Love it….Don’t like tagging people either[exception---Where I'm From because you all needed to be prodded!] but will try this for sure…Loved “Laughed out loud, wept in silence.” That speaks volumes, but is more powerful for being so pithy…

    Awesome yarn and OMG—that recipe!

    Comment by molly — February 29, 2008 #

  35. A six word memoir is such an intriguing idea!

    My off the top of my head one would be:

    “Lived one place, loved whole world.”

    I’ve lived in Brooklyn, NY all my life, but I love to travel, so I think that can sum up that part of my life!

    Happy Leap Day!

    Comment by Pat — February 29, 2008 #

  36. Your 6 word memoir has totally intrigued me – I’ll have to think about it, and I’ll get back to you. I also agree with the meme tagging – when I’m not chosen (which is most of the time), I always feel like I’m in a club that doesn’t want me for a member! I know I shouldn’t take it personally, but I’m sure it stems from my childhood, when I was always the last to be chosen for anything. I then realized that it didn’t matter, because when I did a meme, I was at a loss for what to say – in other words, to make my life interesting for the general public. I agree with the “no tag awards” signage you have put up on your blog. It’s a good idea, I think! It shows you have a great heart, Anna, and you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
    I did go to the yellow farmhouse, and was delighted to see she has a red doxie! I am going off to visit there now……….thanks for the link, Anna!

    Comment by Nan — March 1, 2008 #

  37. sister tries to ruin happy event!

    Comment by Marianne — March 1, 2008 #

  38. Hey, I came across your site through Blueberry Lane and just had to say what an amazing quilt! Your Mum (MeMum) is so talented, and must have so much patience to hand quilt it! It is so beautiful.

    Comment by Vanessa — March 6, 2008 #

  39. rents horrible movies! they won awards

    Comment by calamity kim — March 7, 2008 #

  40. or maybe: coffee rings stain quilts, tea dyed

    Comment by calamity kim — March 7, 2008 #

  41. I still haven’t done my 6 word memoir, but I haven’t forgotten either — I’m so preoccupied by the new contract I’m doing and the LONG hours. Today is my only day off so I’m trying to visit a few online folks. I’ll get my 6 word-er done soon; maybe this week.

    Diane

    Comment by Diane — March 9, 2008 #

  42. I’m late to the party, but what else is new? Here’s mine:

    So different, and better, than expected.

    I just love looking at all of the beautiful things you’ve made, and have shared here. Thanks so much for commenting over at my blog and leading me here! I think it might be time to get the sewing machine & serger back out . . . ;o)

    Comment by Annalea — April 4, 2008 #

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