I took notes on the people around me, in my town, in my family, in my memory. I took notes on my own state of mind, my grandiosity, the low self-esteem. I wrote down the funny stuff I overheard. I learned to be like a ship's rat, veined ears trembling, and I learned to scribble it all down.
In her book "Bird by Bird," Anne Lamott reflects on the importance of observation and note-taking. She describes how she has documented her experiences with the people in her life, including her family and community, as well as her own emotions and thoughts. Through this process, she captures a range of human experiences, from feelings of grandiosity to bouts of low self-esteem.
Lamott emphasizes the value of humor and the little moments that make life interesting, encouraging readers to embrace their observations. She likens herself to a ship's rat, suggesting that she has become adept at noticing details and recording them. This practice not only enriches her writing but also helps her understand herself and the world around her.
