Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Cozen – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/28/18



Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave 

As we March into the end of the first quarter, it’s time to take stock of how the year is shaping up. Personally, I’m doing okay on my goals and aspirations. How about you?

Unfortunately, we can’t give high marks to our country and its elected politicians. ‘Tis a shame that while we suffer through massive violence, we must also bear the burden of those who have forgotten and neglected their civic duties.

The core of our country should be above reproach. Sigh. We voted them in … now it is time to vote those out, who act to …  

COZEN (kuzʹɘn) vt., vi. – 1) to cheat, defraud; 2) to deceive. [WW #153]  

Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practise to deceive!

In love, as it is in the heart of the country. Thank you, Sir Walter Scott, for the perfect phrase for cozen politics. (“Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field”)

Are there politicians and policymakers who do not practice cozen regularly, on their own behalf?

We must bear responsibility for rooting out rampant corruption by the only non-violent means at our disposal. VOTE.

This November’s mid-term elections should prove most interesting. Look for your opportunity to review cozen acts and effect much-needed change in our country, with your ballot.

Per Wiki, there will be ample options: “All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate will be contested. 39 state and territorial governorships and numerous other state and local elections will also be contested.”

Word Challenge: COZEN. It is poetic in Scott’s prose, but disconcerting in our politics. Let's continue our march toward change. It’s time to again take action. Study your local politicians and strive for change this November, as you fit cozen into your week of honest writings.

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

                       

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon, … The Psychedelic Seventies!

E-N-D 

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Pileous – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/21/18



Quick and Quirky Wordplay 

In a hurry? It seems I always am … so for those of us who desire to learn, but eagerly rushing toward “five o’clock somewhere,” enjoy your quirky word of the week!

PILEOUS (pīʹlē ɘs,) adj. – hairy or furry. [WW #152]

A fine word for a cute little animal. But describing a person in conversation or descriptive writings ... when hairy or furry is a little indelicate and unpleasant … pileous is so much more subtle and likeable. Choose your words wisely!

Word Challenge: PILEOUS. Sometimes it’s worth the extra time to root out a word that describes, without naked bluntness. Think kindly as you fit pileous into your week of humane writings.

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

                       


E-N-D

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Caldarium – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/14/18



Love: Never Allow It to Be Banal or Boring 

Ah yes, Valentine’s Day … love, amour, romance … all those banal words for an emotion that is far from boring.

Since the 14th century, St. Valentine’s Day has embodied the intricacies of romantic love. With the commercialism of every holiday, though, many of us have become cynical and unfeeling. Most especially for Valentine’s Day.

I listen to the comments of longtime couples and married folks—so often hearing, “Oh, we don’t do Valentine’s Day.” It’s a good bet they did, once upon a romantic time in their relationship. At least a cursory acknowledgment with token chocolates.
 While most of us agree, spending lavishly on Valentine’s Day—a day that for most has lost its religious meaning—is waste of good dollars. It no longer holds the fun and mystique of hidden presents and spontaneous declarations of love.

‘Tis true—IF—you strive throughout the year to show your loved one(s) how much they’re appreciated. But if you need a reminder, or simply like to give an extra twinkle to the eye of your beloved, without breaking the bank, here’s a fun, very affordable suggestion: create a Roman Bath for the two of you …
 
CALDARIUM (kal derʹē ɘm) n. – in ancient Roman baths, a room for taking hot baths. [WW #151]

So what does a hot bath have to do with Valentine’s Day? Although a true caldarium is more like a sweat-box with super-hot water, we can re-invent it to accommodate a hot, steamy Valentine’s Day bath, a modified caldarium, complete with scented oils for your bodies and aromatic candles for ambiance. Um, oh, don’t forget the deep red wine, or sparkling cider. Scrub-a-dub-dub to your heart’s content!

However, some time ago it became clear to me that I loved the romance of love … but I was terrible at the reality of it. That makes caldarium the perfect Valentine’s Day action word for us singles. Remember, you need to love yourself before you can love others. So …

Take your champagne to the new-and-improved caldarium, close your eyes, and enjoy the day’s quixotic aura. A “romantic” bath with candles and a book, or simply your thoughts … is a great start to the rest of your life.

Your future begins now. Does it include love? Never say never.

A little wistful imagination can convert the most boring bath into a dreamy form of caldarium. What are you waiting for?

Word Challenge: CALDARIUM. Declare your love to all of the special people in your life, including yourself, as you fit caldarium into your week of love-kissed writings.

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

                       


E-N-D