to get off the computer for a little bit! Go for a walk, go do a load of laundry, go volunteer at a nursing home, go call your sister, go read your scriptures, go plan your week. And the list goes on, and on.
Seriously folks, we are TOO ONLINE these days! I very much appreciate that you read my blog, but the OUTERnet can be even better than the INTERnet.
Yes they do! These boys are the REAL DEAL. Ain’t no sell-outs wearing cowboy hats singing with some ugly fake twang (I ain’t naming names, but ya’ll know who I’m talkin’ ’bout) . Expect to hear more about ZBB on this blog. The night I saw them in concert with Renae was one that has influenced me to this day. Don’t know where to start musically because it’s ALL amazing, but here’s an all-time favorite:
(best part is 3:00-3:30)
Seriously, that voice gives me chills, and it’s even BETTER in person.
Great memories 🙂 Of the concert, and also of my hair looking that beautiful.
For those who may not quite understand, I was exploiting the stereotype that Mormon girls often get married and pregnant very young. Here is another self-satire.
I am not livid at this video. I do think it’s clever, well-made, and also like that it illustrates that men and women often speak different languages. It tactfully delves into the realm of female/male relationships without desperately resorting to sexuality for cheap attention. Oh, and I love Stevie Wonder, and also wouldn’t mind asking that woman how she styles her bangs…
However, it is problematic as well: The man in the video is reasonable, and the woman, though not completely crazy, is stereotyped as a little annoying and of course very silly and ignorant. Again, there have been way more offensive portrayals of this stereotype, but may I just add that as you enjoy this video, don’t forget about some of the subtle, deeper messages portrayed in it as well.
And no, no picture this time. Temple recommend/employer-friendly/grandmothers reading, that kind of thing. Plus I don’t have any and do NOT want to google that, know what I mean?
When it comes to our world and its issues, there is a lot to say!
… And a lot to criticize
There are absolutely times when it’s important to speak plainly and even harshly. To reprove with sharpness (Doctrine and Covenants 121:43) , and to not beat around the bush (From what I understand, my grandfather Ernest Wilkinson often preferred this approach.).
So I occasionally will speak harshly (but still intelligently!) about subjects, but my passion does not overrule my logic (and vice versa).
And there are certain topics that Katherine simply will not explore in a comedic way (humor is great, but out of bounds can be dangerous, obscene, and grossly offensive).
You will never see any joke on my blog about racism, abuse, pornography, or violence.
And it is NOT that I am afraid of alienating readers (although I do seek to maintain them!). It is that those jokes are not a part of my life AT ALL, and therefore most certainly will not be part of my blog.
However, when it comes to less serious (but still important!) issues like modesty, time spent on Facebook, and dating, things that are relevant to many people but are especially present in my psyche as a Mormon living in Provo, I like to (try to) be funny! I often think deeply about the issue (let it cook in the crock-pot of my mind for a while), but usually say very little. It’s that whole “economy of words” things again.
Sure I know how to write 15 page papers, but in this case, I think that often the less said, the better. Brevity IS the soul of wit, ya’ll!As long as what you are saying is funny, uplifting, entertaining, honest, but still speaks an important truth and sparks discussion and thought, I believe that often the point gets across most clearly and perfectly. The idea of “truth in jest” shows up in almost all of my posts, and it is the core of my approach to satire.
(2 Shakespeare references in 1 paragraph-not bad!)
Two of my greatest influences in this respect are Ellen DeGeneres and Brad Paisley. Both are brilliant comedians and satirists (Brad is also extremely good looking and could shred a guitar to pieces), but are NOT preachy or unkind. They respect the intelligence of their audience. And I believe this is what makes them so good. Check out these two examples:
Well done, you two. Well done. Thanks so much for your inspiration.
And now back to the woman of the hour…
My satire may not be perfect, but it is funny, witty, occasionally sexy, intelligent, clean, refreshing, and overall pretty darn awesome, if Ido say so myself.
If I had a nickel for every time I heard this phrase (or something along those lines), I wouldn’t even care about the fortune I plan on making from this blog 🙂 No but seriously, I’ve given this idea some real thought. And here’s what I’ve come up with: I do not mean to be a walking song. I can see how my near constant lyrical references could come off as being trite or cliche, not to mention potentially annoying. It’s just that if someone has already found the words that perfectly express what you are feeling, why would you try to find new ones? Economy of thought, people! Plus you can still be creative and original by borrowing art. Moulin Rouge, anyone?
is a theme that good artists often explore. As I see myself becoming a famous writer in the future (truth in jest), I imagine I will have to give this idea some thought. Haha, but whether or not I ever get a single hit again, I find this a fascinating topic. So for now, let’s just hear what Miss Natasha has to say about it. And it’s hard for lyrics to stand out when they’re all good, but here are some notable ones:
“thirsty in a desert with a bag full of gold,
what I thought was precious was just a pile of stones”
And countless, countless others. These people are often UNBELIEVABLY GIFTED, but when they get brought up in conversation, unfortunately that all often just gets forgotten because of mistakes they’ve made.
Just one more reason to keep my clothes modest. That and I haven’t hit the gym in a while.
but even if I never earn a cent from this blog, it’s still totally worth it. Just sayin’. And oh by the way, I was still in the parking lot! Now gotta go research ways to scam the American public with a ponzi scheme to make my wallet nice and fat…
#not usually this bad, just wanted to exaggerate for artistic purposes (it was moving day a few years ago)
*Famous (and weirdo) American writer Thomas Pynchon has a relatively renowned short story called “Entropy” dealing with slightly related themes, but in a less funny and more disillusioning way. Like, we close ourselves off from the world cuz it’s so bad. Sad. Will write about that piece eventually…
#hey boys, if we fall in love I promise I will remedy this bedroom situation STAT and be your perfect cookie-cutter Mormon housewife! I’ll sweep the floor if you sweep this girl off her feet.
about people with pictures (particularly FB profile pictures) of themselves with children that are not directly their own (like a niece or nephew). We want people to think we love them (which we do!), but really we just think we look super hot and want others to see and think we are good with kids and stuff. Ain’t pointing any fingers. I do it too! Now I love my little twin nieces. But come on now, you know who this picture is really about 🙂
to get off the computer for a little bit! Go for a walk, go do a load of laundry, go volunteer at a nursing home, go call your sister, go read your scriptures, go plan your week. And the list goes on, and on.
