Blog Me
By Carrie • Jan 24th, 2009 • Category: NewsThis is my first entry in this—–the blogosphere. So you might say it’s a kind of trial run. I’d rather you say it than me. I don’t want to have to say stuff AND write too.
I started writing when I was in my early teens. I wrote little rhymes in long hand in leather bound date books and lined note pads. The first rhyme I wrote went something like this:
Backstage Berkeley Rep
You came from the darkness
Carefully dragging the light
They said you were ugly,
Boy were they right.
For all the right reasons cried all of my friends
What good are reasons with so many ends?
In my dress made out of lunatic grey
My mind will go dancing, prancing away!
With you my honey all sticky and sweet,
Lying in a puddle all around my feet……….
Do you feel closer to me now that I’ve shared that with you? No? Well, let me try to think of something else to tell you that might enable us to forge a new relationship…….
Well, what can I tell you? (Actually, there’s very little I CAN’T or WON’T tell you) What I think I might do here is explore just how far I’m willing to go. That’s one of the things anyway. The truth is, I’m not exactly sure WHAT I’m going to do here. Or anywhere, for that matter.
So here’s the plan. I write a little every day—–this is my intention, at any rate——-and we all know that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. So stroll with me to some distant hell, if you’ve a stomach for it. A stomach and a mind. The places where appetites lurk. It’s time then to trim some of the things I hunger for and replace them with some other things that I don’t.
The reason I am doing this blog is:
to entertain you
to refresh my stale memory
to practice writing another memoir-y type book.
One NOT based on any one woman show, so I don’t piss off The New York Times. See, I wrote my first memoir this year “Wishful Drinking” based on my one woman show, (a fact, according to the Times, that is QUITE obvious. And not the good kind of obvious either. (Whatever THAT means) And I think they said something else about there being too many one liners. It’s not a BAD review, nor is it a particularly good one. So, I’ll annoy the Times in ANOTHER way next time since I am hoping to call my next book, “The Empire Strikes Wishful Drinking” or “Beneath Wishful Drinking” or “Abbott & Costello Meet Wishful Drinking”.
You know, when my book came out I did a bunch of interviews both in print and on TV and I did them as an over weight person. Amusing, but overweight. I read this great quote from Oprah Winfrey last month, who also had the misfortune of gaining some of her lost weight back. Anyway, she’s quoted as saying something like, “After all I’ve accomplished and everything I’ve been lauded for, I inevitably end up talking about my weight.” And similarly, but with far less money, here I am talking about mine. But it isn’t only me talking about it, it was a bunch of folks online. They found me likable and amusing, but most of all, FAT. That’s it on the fat front. For now, at least.
Michael Jackson reads Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking
Oh, and also, on the gossip front………Michael Jackson is beyond not dying. He’s not even sick—-excepting in the usual ways. I was at his house on Xmas Eve———-don’t ask——–with him and his children and everyone was totally fine. Celebrity fine. Cheerful fine. Holiday fine. So don’t believe everything you read. Except this. This is the only thing you can count on as reliable in the entire world.
Or not.
CF
Carrie has so much to offer. I cant wait to see what she gives us on her blog. Can you believe the King of Pop and the Princess chill. That’s awesome.
I’ve been checking the site daily for the blog, and I’m entertained, so it’s working! I hope this gets you geared up for another memoir… I read ‘Wishful Drinking’ in one sitting, and I imagine that’s what Michael’s doing, as lord knows what else he has to do with himself. And screw the New York Times. They’re just upset no one gets any of their one liners. Someone needs to explain to them that “Spread of Malaria Strain is Feared” isn’t the comedy gold they intended it to be.
Glad to see your website getting a much needed make over and update. I can’t wait to read what you have to say.
“I was at his house on Xmas Eve———-don’t ask——–”
The mind reels…so many questions…
I am happy to see that you’ve got the blog started, Carrie.
I love the new book Carrie; I read it in 3 hours – just after getting out of the crazy ward myself (thanks to having BP and SAD- what a bitch).
I have this thing about achievement, and I work my a$$ off for it, but I get side tracked by the symptoms of my illness, or the symptoms of me thinking about the symptoms of my illness. Reading your work helps. I plan on pinning your author’s note in Wishful Drinking to my shirt until people- me included – start believing that being nuts is medical – in addition to occasionally being a product of Hollywood inbreeding.
Stephanie, Toronto, ON
I challenge all the assholes online who’ve declared your fatness as specific, to post full on pictures of themselves, right next to whatever their fat quotes are, with a response section allocated for their pics.
You’re beautiful Carrie, inside and out, Leia or not, then, now, and always.
Awww.
I mean it!
Jonathan
You’re brave. I think that is what everyone loves about you the most. I really enjoyed your book. It made me happy and sad. Happy because you’ve been able to tap into the positive and humorous of every negative, and sad because I wish you hadn’t gone through some of those things. But, we are who we are because of where we have been. God bless you and I look forward to more of your writing!
-Amber, Louisville, KY
Cool! I’ve read your books so I’m very excited to see you’re starting a blog… Seems kind of daunting at first – like looking at an blank page or screen – but I’m sure you’ll find a comfortable groove. Anyway, good luck and I’ll enjoy checking the blog out!
P.S. The Michael Jackson thing… Wow! LOL
I agree with Jonathan anybody willing to call others overweight or fat should offer themselves up to the lions we call media. See how well they take the same positive message and go on with life. Skinny or fat they’re still a bitch.
Hi Carrie,
I wanted to invite you to be interviewed on my radio show, Experience Talks, about your new book, WISHFUL DRINKING.
Experience Talks is a radio magazine that celebrates the lives and experience of Boomers and beyond, inviting notable and original guests from all walks of life who are re-visioning the world, reinventing their lives, giving back and leaving a legacy in new and creative ways.
Experience Talks is a live hour of entertaining and thought-provoking discussion, humor and documentaries – we broadcast on Tuesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Pacific from KPFK studios in North Hollywood with a listening audience of 250,000 in Southern California from Santa Barbara to Tijuana and on the web at http://www.kpfk.org.
Some of our former guests include: Arianna Huffington, Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Sherry Lansing, Studs Terkel, Ed Asner, George Segal, Senator Gary Hart, Carol Channing, Teri Garr, playwright John Patrick Shanley, musical group The Chambers Brothers and many more.
We can do the interview by phone.
Let me know what you think an d congrats on the book.
Tim Carpenter, Host/Producer, EXPERIENCE TALKS Radio
This from a happy El Pasoan—enjoyed the book (started it at the doctors office and finished it the same night–just couldn’t put it down) and glad that your blog is up and running.
Postcards is one of my favorite books (and movies), and I just read Wishful Drinking and loved it.
You’re hilarious and honest, and from one blogger to another, I can’t wait to see what you write.
I saw you perform “Wishful Drinking” at The Geffen and sat right next to Robert Osbourne. He and I had a lovely conversation about you and “Postcards” — both before and after your show. So as you can imagine, it was difficult to believe you and I were actually in the same room and not that I wasn’t merely watching Turner Classic Movies.
I could bathe in the notion of you doing this blog daily, bringing a regularly scheduled cackle to my life. But never at the expense of your inspired creativity. Inspiration as we all know, has a mind of its own, coming and going when it damned well pleases with it’s mind giving no mind to our curfews.
Remember what happened when they put Judy Garland on a weekly television series?
Write when you feel it. I’ll be waiting with baited breath, in case you were wondering what that foul stench was. (Oh God, don’t let me say “from the moment you were brought on board.”)
Sincerely,
Fellow L.A. Based Columnist and Blogger (of the Porno Kind)
Great first entry. I particularly hope that someone from the NY times reads this, gags on his/her coffee at your audacity to question thier review and drowns in less than 4 inches of coffee. I caught your show in Hartford, CT this past year and enjoyed it immensely. What I have enjoyed the most about your show, the book and your previous works is the insight into whom you are and what you think of. As a young person I was enamored with Princess Leia, and while my children and I still enjoy the empire that George Lucas forged, it is much more rewarding to see the person that is actually Carrie Fisher. Blog on Ms. Fisher, I’m looking forward to the ride.
Two of your novels found me at the right moment.
At the end of my college career (which wasn’t too long ago) I found myself in a position that you described in Wishful Drinking (which I have recently finished) I don’t have the book in front of me but you had said something along the lines of ‘not wanting to die but didn’t really feel like living’. Which is kind of disturbing considering I’m only in my early twenties.
So by the time I found Post Cards from the Edge I was literally on the edge and ready to jump off. Give in to my insanity I guess is a way of putting it. But instead I read Postcards and really connected with Suzanne Vale and then right after I read The Best Awful convinced that while I certainly don’t have the life style Suzanne did (or you for that matter) I certainly know how it feels to be in that depressive state. I actually thought about going to an institution or something to that level after reading Best Awful, but instead I went to Europe for two months in hopes of finding myself. I failed.
I’m sure I’ll succeed eventually through some other means.
I’m not sure if it was your intention to reach someone like that, but I just wanted to let you know that you did. And I am very grateful. Not only have you inspired me to take a different look at myself but I don’t drink as much as I used to.
I really hope your show comes to Baltimore or D.C.
P.S. I don’t even know if you read or respond to these comments but I felt if I didn’t say what I’ve been wanting to say to you this way I wouldn’t get to at all. I’m glad you’re leaving blogs now!
Hello Dear, I am glad to see you up and finally running with your Blog- a- thon.
I have been testing a new interface that will allow you to be directly coupled to the blog via brain electrodes and your cell phone, so everything you think and say will be directly printed out for all the world to see and experience live wile you are having the thought or experience. I for one am very excited to try this new technology so I can understand you better by constantly being connected to you, like when we were children and you were pushing me in the stroller. That was really the last time I really felt that we were experiencing the same thing the same way at the same time.
Hi Carrie,
I actually read Postcards BEFORE I saw Star Wars believe it or not! It was right before I entered 12 step and it was nice to read something that I could say “yeah, I get that!” Thanks for the honesty and authenticity in your writing. I look forward to keeping up with your blogging.
Any chance you are bringing your show to Dallas??
Blessings!
G
Dear Carrie,
I have been a fan of yours for so many years. Because of you,I tried my hand at acting. It didn’t work out ( for personal reasons, which i have explored in therapy) but it DID lead me into the real estate business which I love.I specialize in condos.
You are a true inspiration to everyone in real estate , and everyone is reading your book in my office. Please keep up the blog, and let me know if you are looking for a condo.I have many listings at the moment and most of them allow dogs.
Dana
~~~I’m reading your book now, Carrie, and of course it’s laugh out loud funny. But I was very fortunate to see your one woman show at the Huntington in Boston – hilarious and pure genius. Since I was on an end seat in the third row I got sprinkled with glitter during “Happy Days Are Here Again” and loved that momentary connection with you. I have long admired you as a survivor (dare I say that since you ‘loathe’ the word), talented actress, brilliant writer and most of all a very funny lady. Thank you for doing this blog. I look forward to reading your musings on a regular basis. Sending all good wishes your way for 2009 to be a year of dreams realized…
I’m so happy that your blog is up & running! I read your book in one sitting & the NYT can suck it. It was amazing on so many levels. In fact, I think I’ll write them a letter:
“Dear NYT, Carrie Fisher & her book are awesome. So suck it.”
OK, so I’m not very clever with the words. But I am looking forward to following your blog!
Btw… who do I have to sleep with to get Under the Rainbow released on DVD?
Yikes! Do you really want Michael Jackson promoting your book? Burn that pic, please!
God! I’m coming here from now on; screw HuffPo. (Michael Jackson looked so serene reading your book.)
Dear Carrie,
I bought your book and find your writing style very free and full of energy. You seem like a fine person who has persevered despite unique, yet common obstacles throughout the journey of your life. Although your life has had the added touch of celebrity, I suspect the essence of your chronic sadness is no different than most people. When basic needs are not met, for whatever reason, there is a gap in how we see the world. This has been my journey. And it was when God demanded I get a hold of myself or I was going to die, that I found life. I call it moment living. It’s beautiful. Life is good and I can now enjoy all the blessings off my life, especially my children and grandchildren. Enjoy the journey:)
Be kind to yourself,
Mary
OMG! Blog!
Wow. How eloquent of me.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your words with us, the masses, on what will hopefully be a somewhat routine basis.
And as for those that need to discuss your weight in a negative manner, to heck with em! (I’d use stronger language, but I don’t know who might stumble in here!) They can have Leia in a metal bikini. I prefer YOU – real, honest, funny, eloquent, and, excuse me for saying so, still extremely hot.
E
Thank you.
Can’t wait! I’ll be checking in everyday. I read “Wishful Drinking” over the holidays and i loved it.
I just picked up “The Best Awful” yesterday.
“…consoled her with his penis…” that ’bout made me fall of my chair
Love you CF
TG
In todays world your honesty is wonderful. I admire you by allowing others to know you. From another who shares our name, I thank you Carrie.
RJo
Carrie,
I love the bogginess…i keep trying to start one and continually fail. Which sucks way more than failing once and being done with it. Oh no, I keep coming back to fail again. Oy. Anywho, I am currently experiencing my own gravitational pull into fatness, in my opinion triggered by Bridesmaid dress shopping…I can’t think of too many other experiences that leave all who enter wandering out lost into a sea of taffeta colored hell. I wore a ten last week, i go shopping BOOM size 18 custom dress gets ordered. So what do I do? Run to the gym? Buy out the latest stock of diet pills? start a misguided attempt at eating healthy? NOPE, I ordered that dress and ran screaming into the bakery next door and ate a pizza bread and cookie….Then I got the diet pills….if only I could remember to take them….
Anyway, I’ve been looking forward to this blog as I have read everything I can get my hands on that you have written, and admire you to little tiny bits and pieces. Yay for blog!
Debbie D
Thank you! Thank you for taking the time out to communicate, reach out and speak to us, your cheerful readers. (Well, at least I’m cheerful, I don’t want to lump everyone else in my camp.)
But, dare I say this, your site will be my new literary pleasure. I hope you will ignore the naysayers and the folks who will try and poo-poo your work. They are always out there… I’ve read them bash even the coolest of sites! F’ em. To hell with them.
I can’t wait to wrap my eyes around your words everytime you decide to update your blog. Or can we call it the CLOG? (Carrie’s Blog)
Anyways, congrats and thanks!
Phillip
Los Angeles, CA
Oh, Carrie…
I have bipolar and alcoholism and I am impressed you are even ABLE to go on TV, let alone write Wishful Drinking and everything else you do, no matter what the Times says. Most of the time taking a shower is a big accomplishment for me…sad but true!!! ha ha
As for being fat?? It IS one of the sort of side effects of having a severe mental illness (not ALL are overweight, but we do tend not to take care of ourselves as well as “normies”), and you, my dear, have me beat in the weight department. When I read the book Christmas night (a gift) and you referred to yourself as fat, I was like, as if!!! I’d seen you on the circuit, so to speak, and honestly you look like a normal person. Only in Hollywood, baby, only there.
I was intrigued a few years ago to read that your daughter was born on July 17. If this is true, it is an amazing coincidence to me–my only child, a daughter, was stillborn on July 17, 2003. And we share bipolar and “addiction issues.” There may have been something else, but ever since getting “zapped,” as my physician sister affectionately refers to my experience with ECT, I’m like you…trying to sort out what used to be the details of my life. I freaking hated that, by the way. I was supposed to go on maintenance, too, but my sister and I decided I should “save the brain damage for when I really needed it!!” lol
Good luck with the internetosphere.
Sarah
Hi,
It’s not my intention to be glib. You’re quite a poet, quite a writer. I’m stammering. You must get some real weirdos commenting on your blog. What’s your strangest Star Wars geek out been? Do you listen to Heavy Metal music? What sorta music do you listen too?
Carrie your blog is great thank you for allowing your readers to see it!
Im Christina and im 16 your new book is absolutly my favorite book ever. I read it in like a day…
I hope your show will come to Michigan, probably not concidering it’s a total hell hole but hey why not? lol
the blog is great thank you!
Did you ever think Star Wars would be so huge? Just kidding. Your writing is awesome. I’ll be checking you out daily.
Cheer i oooooooooooo
Oh I am SO linking this blog to the front page of my site – there’s wisdom, perceived wisdom and Carrieisms and I know which one I’d rather put stock in!
Carrie has been my idol since I was a wee girl. My twin brother and I were Luke and Leia every year from Halloween for ten years or so. Miss F. is still my idol, and for much more substantial reasons now. This is my new favorite blog.
Thanks for blogging. The book was fabulous. Honest and funny. I kept laughing out loud on the bus.
You had me at “get lost”. Love you…
Loving your blog, Tweets, and hoping to see “Drinking” soon. All the best to you.
I love Carrie Fisher. She’s a survivor! I enjoyed what she wrote about Michael also. Keep going Carrie!