Not in the Dictionary

I love words. Most of you know that. Hence these communications suit me well. So, today I'm thinking about words we use to say something that doesn't have words. For example, in a book, the heroine says if she ever married the fellow, it would be to listen to him talk "piffle." Lovely word. And the British word (used in Harry Potter) for kissing and groping, "snogging" is rather picturesque. What about some of the onomatopoetic words that describe sounds, like "whoosh," or "pocketa, pocketa" (from the short story, "Walter Mitty"). I often make up such words, with joy, as did Lewis Caroll ("frabjous" "caloo" "callay"). So what words make you "Ca-ching!" ? Aren't words just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?

When Grandma Goes Shopping

I've been shopping with my mother. She doesn't shop like other people. Most people go into the store, look at the choices, make a decision and come home happy. They use their purchase as it was intended and move on. Not Grandma. She analyzes the situation from 6 angles before she ever leaves home. This narrows her choices down, and is meant to save time. It doesn't. When she get to the store, the preconceived decision can't stand because the solution she visualized does not exist. So, she is forced to examine all the alternatives. She may find something that she likes. Having only seen it for an hour or two while at the store, however, she can't be sure that it will fit in the groove she plans. But, ever hopeful, she buys it and takes it home. Next comes the final analysis, which takes 2-3 days, minimum. It doesn't fit/look right/have the correct texture/cost more than she really wanted to spend/answer the need, after all. But by now she's exhausted with the whole project and all the effort of analysis. She's too stressed and worn out to return it. She just gives it to DI or to an unsuspecting grandchild and starts over. From scratch.

Halloween lists

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! These are my favorite costumes (the ones I love most to wear): princess, fairy, fairy princess, medieval maiden, storybook character--such as a princess....yup, Emily and I are a bit alike.

These are the things that scare me (the things that still get into nightmares now and then): bugs, snakes, mice, devils, crocodiles, and other biting creatures...such as soldier ants, lions and bears--although I have an equal number of happy dreams about lions and bears in which they are my friends. And all this time you thought I was unflappable in my war against mice and bugs. And I don't scream at snakes, either. I'm just amazingly brave, is all. And some things scare me subconsciously that don't bother me when I'm awake, for some reason.

What are your favorites and chief scarriests?

Rules

Recently I played "office" with Taylor and Jordyn. Jordyn made a speech about office rules. I jotted them down as she said them. This is her list (it might be good for your work, too):
1. Be nice so everybody will want to stay at OUR office.
2. No talking until lunch. Then you can talk as loud as you want.
3. No drinking, 'cause you might spill on your computer.
4. Stay busy.
5. If you talk to someone while you're pushing buttons you'll get the answer wrong.
6. If you write something while you're talking you'll get the answer wrong and get sent to the big office.
7. Remember to stay healthy and strong. If you pick junk food you'll be fat.
8. You better look nice at work.
9. Don't bring any kids at work that will bother you. Put them at a table to color.
10. Don't bring any aliens or pets or toys to work.

Grandbaby Thoughts

This post is in honor of our newest baby, Andrew. I'm going to ponder "aloud" some of the wonder that comes with a new baby.

Somehow, when a baby comes into the world, all your miseries and stresses take a back seat for awhile. The little miracle is so awesome, it changes our perspective of how to see everything else.
A new baby is the ultimate motivation. He forces us to "gird up the loins" and "fresh courage take" because he is depending on our care and tutelage. He deserves the best world we can give him, and the tools to cope with the bad parts.
A baby is the supreme expression of hope. The world can't come to a grisly end just yet. God must expect us to hang in there a while longer. We consider that maybe this child will do wonderful things that will change that world for the better.
A baby tests your endurance and stretches your talents in a way that nothing else can do. One is forced to develop new strengths and skills to be adequate in meeting the child's needs. We become wiser, more patient, unselfish and resourceful because the baby requires it.
And, they are just so darn cute!
Hooray for babies! Welcome home, Andrew!

3 Cheers and an Invitation

Steve just won another race. Jacob, Ami and Dad ran together this last weekend. Jeff was witness. So, after 36 years of marriage, I discover that my husband is a secret athlete. At least it answers the mystery of where Jacob gets his proclivities. I'm not complaining. I'm grateful. I just wish it hadn't been a secret for so long. Perhaps then the other children would have formed stronger habits of fitness. (Nobody seemed interested in my lifelong example of healthy eating and exercise--perhaps because it didn't win me any medals.) Now the man is winning 5K races, I hope the family (yes, you) is paying attention to the dad's current example.

Redneck changes color

My preconceptions have just taken a dive. I signed up to compete with the Plein Air Provo event. This means you paint outside on site with no studio work. I went up to Rock Canyon because it's lovely up there and there's lots of hikers etc. and a restroom, which makes Dad feel I am safe. Well, there was also a construction crew up there building a bridge over the river. I have never considered construction workers as art lovers. Except maybe Elvis paintings on velvet, or wolves and eagles. Anyhow, the contractor was really interested in my stuff. He hovered off and on while I painted. The guy bought a preliminary piece I'd done last year as a practice run, on canvas board. I sold it cheap ($40) because it wasn't on regular canvas or masonite. Well, now he wants the finished piece I did for the competition! I'm delighted, but also astonished. I'll have to re-write my social personality list. Construction worker likes fine art well enough to pay for it. He never even suggested putting in a wolf.