Readers and listeners agree: the tale of the weightlifting snowman story is tops.
Like the majestic phoenix arising from the ashes, this story was first written for the NY Times magazine (for John Hodgman, back when he edited the now-defunct True Life Tales page), where it was cruelly rejected and then re-born as a segment for This American Life.
Originally thought by me to be just a trifle — a funny little ditty from the front lines of modern life as a long term renter with an eccentric superintendent — this story has grown legs, and has even achieved a certain cult status, inspiring the winning design in last year’s This American Life t-shirt contest.
Along the way, the weightlifting snowman also found it’s way onto a series of Post-it Notes, thanks to Arthur Jones and Starlee Kine, creators of the Post-it Note reading series, a live show wherein stories are read alongside the genius and complimentary illustrations by Arthur. Recently Arthur started compiling the stories from the various readings over the years, and our number came up! Please enjoy.
