Writing Quotations

Write what you know. That should leave you with a lot of free time. -- Howard Nemerov

#WordWednesday

The English language has many, many words for green, though according to The Guardian, only eight languages in the world even have a distinct word for this colour.

All languages are shaped by geography, time and many other factors. In turn, languages shape the people who speak them and the customs and worldviews of those people. 

It's interesting to muse about why English speakers have so many words for green. Is it the influence of the vibrant, verdant climate that is found in England? I've been there, and I was amazed and, frankly, sometimes awed by the rich green-ness of the place! So beautiful.

What does the large "green vocabulary" say about English speakers? Anything in particular? Nothing in particular?

I don't know why the vocabulary of green is abundant, but I'm glad it is. So take a look around you as spring rolls into your neighbourhood. Which greens will you notice this spring: apple, aqua, avocado, cedar, chartreuse, electric, emerald, forest, grass, hunter, jade, Kelly, khaki, lime, moss, olive, pea, sage, sea, smaragdine, turquoise.

Do you know any other words for green?

Writing Quotations

Be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of another writer. -- David Morrell

#WordWednesday Answer

Yesterday's word was "bumfuzzle." Although the mind reels at the various possibilities, it actually just means to confuse or fluster.

It's possible that bumfuzzle comes from a mashing up of "bamboozle."

Wherever it comes from, it is a fun word!

#WordWednesday

bumfuzzle

Here's another great word I stumbled across. Without looking it up, what do you think it means?

I'll post the answer tomorrow.

Writing Quotation

Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences. 

-- Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath

Answer for #WordWednesday

A puggle is the baby of an echidna, an Australian cousin to the platypus. It is sometimes called a spiny anteater. Puggles are incubated for about 11 days in the egg they start out in, then hatch and finish growing in Mama's pouch.

The top photo is of a puggle, and the one to the right is of an adult echidna. Cute, eh?

#WordWednesday

Do you know what a puggle is?

I don't mean the pug-beagle cross. It's a wonderful little word for something real. Take a guess, but no dictionary allowed.

I'll post the answer tomorrow. If you know for sure, please just post your definition without giving away that you know the answer. C'mon, be a sport....

Writing Quotation

I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn. -- Anne Frank

#WordWednesday

The term "women's rights" is from 1840, with one example in 1630s. Sadly, "woman-hater" dates from the 1600s. I guess we have to continue to Be Bold for Change.

Check out the website for International Women's Day:  https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme

Writing Quotation

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. -- Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss, the pen name for Theodor Seuss Geisel, was a wonderful storyteller. His simple, lighthearted verse encouraged both fun and social consciousness. He was born on March 2, 1904 and died September 4, 1991. In the United States, schoolchildren kick off National Reading Month in celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday. In Canada, this is Freedom to Read Week. www.freedomtoread.ca

If you have ever enjoyed a Dr. Seuss book (with or without a child to read to), if you have ever picked up a book, magazine or newspaper, or have clicked onto the internet, you might want to take a moment to appreciate the great gift of reading...as well as the freedom and opportunities to use that gift.  

#WordWednesday

Lorax, Yertle, Grinch, Horton, Truffula, Thneed...Celebrate the wonders of Dr. Seuss!

The way he played with words and rhythm has always impressed me, and I've loved reading his stories to kids (and to myself). What a word master he was.

Dr. Seuss's birthday would be tomorrow, March 2, and although he died more than twenty years ago, his words, fun and environmental messages live on.