Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Wordplay Wednesday™ May 31, 2017 – Abaft


Summertimeand the livin’ is easy   *

Well, it seems that way when you’re out on the ocean. Whether a day cruise or a many-days cruise, life waxes idyllic when swaying with the waves. Not a care in the world … until someone asks you to bring them something from …

ABAFT (ɘ baftʹ) adv. – at or toward the stern or rear of a ship; aft. [WW #114]
 
Oh, of course. You knew that! Well, I do too, if it’s where the yummy fruity cocktails are! Just abaft the bridge—of course, then you need to know what/where the bridge is …

And don’t forget to take your fave Jimmy Buffett music along … can’t beat him for summer songs with attitude!

Word Challenge: ABAFT. Think summertime fun and a cruise—be it in a skiff, canoe, kayak, or yacht—and remember, abaft is always bringing up the rear! Cheers to your week, as you fit abaft into your warm summer writings.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 



                       

*Summertime” by Janis Joplin, 1969—the queen of the ‘60s counterculture.

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Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Wordplay Wednesday™ May 24, 2017 – Nacre



Pearls of Wisdom 

Some things in life simply must shine … no matter what.
 
We have long been fascinated by shiny baubles and many—especially in the jewelry and marine biology industries—will know this week’s word.

But this is a nod to those who love luster without knowing or caring why. It’s time you learn … it isn’t nice to ignore Mother Nature …

NACRE (nāʹkɘr) n. Mother-of-Pearl; NACREOUS (nāʹkrē ɘs) adj. of or like nacre; yielding nacre; iridescent; lustrous. [WW #113]

And you thought it meant adding “N” for nature to acre, right? Well, in many cases, nacre does describe the beauty and wonder of Mother Nature.

Nacre is for example, the layer of inner shell of some mollusks that through nature’s divine development, creates the outer layer of a pearl, and is widely exploited for its multiple uses.

A common jewelry element, Mother-of-Pearl carving is a Bethlehem tradition established by Franciscan friars of Italy, dating back to the 15th century.

Although also a great way to shorten a shimmering description for tight word-count uses, nacre does not bring to mind the instant recognition of luminous brilliance.

Nacre is nice, but Mother Nature’s phrase is much more eloquent. Somehow, I can’t see “nacres of wisdom” becoming as iconic as “pearls of wisdom,” can you?

Word Challenge: NACRE. What is nacreous in your life? It doesn’t have to be jewelry. Think about it as you fit nacre into a lustrous week of iridescent writing!

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

 
                       

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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Wordplay Wednesday™ May 17, 2017 – Vaticinate



I Foretell a Short-‘n’-Sweet Wordplay 

Is foretelling the future simply an innate ability to recognize the most probable outcome? Or, is my visceral vision that you’ll enjoy this week’s Wordplay, only wishful thinking?

VATICINATE (vɘ tisʹɘ nātʹ) vt., vi. – to prophesy; predict. [WW #112] Also on this dictionary page, is vatic: of or characteristic of a prophet.

Word Challenge: VATICINATE. Let’s gaze intently into the crystal ball and interpret its revelations to vaticinate a wonderful week of prophetic writing!


Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)  


                       


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