This week, I’m obsessing about, “Kakistocracy,” thanks to a suggestion from Amy Forsberg in early August. It’s not an easy word to twist in fun, or even to say just once (I had to practice), but considering the 2016 presidential race, it’s timely. What does it mean? Let’s see: – Government by the worst persons; a form of […]
This week, I’m obsessing about, “Moil,” thanks to a suggestion from Chris St. Clair. Here are some of the many definitions: – To work hard : drudge – To whirl or churn ceaselessly; twist; eddy. – Glassmaking. a superfluous piece of glass formed during blowing and removed in the finishing operation. – Origin 1350 – 1400 It’s actually a […]
This week, I’m thinking about, “Petrichor.” (#amwriting) – A pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather. – Find this definition at oxforddictionaries.com. – Coined in the 1960’s. Do you remember that wonderful smell of freshly cut grass from childhood? I do. Sunday mornings after Dad mowed the lawn. […]
Gotta love those interesting words. This week, I’m obsessing about, “Canting” (No, not catting). Here are 3 of the many definitions: – To bevel; form an oblique surface upon. – To put in an oblique position; tilt; tip. – To throw with a sudden jerk. – Origin 1560-1570 Find the full set of definitions for canting at […]
Do you believe tarragon, pickle relish and tuna salad can make a difference in someone’s life? They can, and they did for me. At my ninth grade commencement from Placerita Junior High, I gave a speech that began with, “Veni, Vedi, Vici.” I then co-opted the phrase to mean, “We came, we saw, we conquered.” I added […]
Are you hooked on the Candy Crush Saga? Have you been swimming in the Lemonade Lake? Recently, my friend Chris St. Clair completed her schooling to become a Nurse Practitioner (Congrats, Chris!). She also made a rare trip to Seattle before starting a new job. With an opportunity for free medical advice, I asked about an ache in my hands, which she suggested […]
I recently attended the @PNWA 2014 Summer Writers Conference, and as soon as it completed, I went to Buckley’s in Queen Anne for a quiet moment and a blackened salmon sandwich. But I pushed my plate to the side and moved my laptop to center stage. After four days submerged in the world of writing, I felt compelled […]
Bummer, it’s over. The 2013 PNWA Writers Conference finished this last Sunday and I’m excited to use what I’ve learned! I had a wonderful time and I’ve dedicated this posting to a trip report, from the perspective of both a writer and board trustee with PNWA. The Seattle conference, held July 25th – July 28th, covered a […]
Why do we yell and scream like maniacs, just to celebrate the new year? I live a block away from the Space Needle where there’s a spectacular fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. Last December, I decided to stay home and comfort my cat, Pandora. It was a loud night. Partiers grouped on the sidewalk […]
What enables someone to fling themselves into the Blogosphere, pushing past fear of failure in a very public way? I think it’s a combination of knowledge, chutzpa, and knowing they’re not alone. I salute these brave souls. I’ve talked about “launching a blog” for several months, studying books and websites which espouse the rules of […]