Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Flibbertigibbet – Wordplay Wednesday™ 01/29/2020


Taking Flight when not a Butterfly 

As anyone over the age of twelve knows, society is full of all types of people. The kind who are eternally immature and capricious are often the most exasperating.
Fun! PouringMyArtOut

Conforming isn’t their norm, and some can become needy to their closest companions, for lack of responsible behavior. We either ignore them or want to “fix” them.
Do you know a …

FLIBBERTIGIBBET (flibʹɘr tē jibʹit) n. – an irresponsible, flighty person. [WW #253*]

Yep, flibbertigibbet is a real dictionary word and it isn’t listed as archaic or a colloquialism. It sure is fun to say!

Our society tends to shun flibbertigibbets, as not worthy of our time or attention. But who is qualified to judge another’s innate personality?

I’ve found myself (in my “old age”), more tolerant of others who never stay in one place long, like a butterfly floating from flower to flower. There is a difference, however, between flibbertigibbets who purposely shun society’s trappings to stay one tenuous step ahead of reality, and one who functions within, but never quite adapts to its restrictions … the former close their mind and heart … the latter wear their heart on their sleeve.

For you writers, the word itself is so silly sounding that it’s likely best for fiction in a lighthearted context. That isn’t to say it wouldn’t lend itself to a creative description in nonfiction; just don’t set yourself up for libel without substantiating evidence that your subject is truly a flibbertigibbet, as strictly defined.

As Writer’s Digest reported by intellectual property attorney Amy Cook, “Quirky people in your life—people who are different and unusual—are probably the ones you want to write about. Those may be the very people who don’t want notoriety.” Know your parameters.

Word Challenge: FLIBBERTIGIBBET. Say it a few times just for fun, as you think about its incongruous connotation, and fit flibbertigibbet into your week of jocular writings.

Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.

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 in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts 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!]

*Note: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.
Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz  

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Mouthfeel – Wordplay Wednesday™ 01/22/2020


Recipe for a Textured Memorable Experience 

I found this week’s Wordplay Wednesday a few weeks before the passing of a dear friend, not knowing when I would use it. Now is the perfect time … and timing is everything.

Best friend, mentor, and author, John F. Harnish was a sensory person long before he became my “older brother from another mother.” We spoke daily for probably half of the fifteen years I knew him, about everything under the sun. His irreverent and sardonic wit and wisdom, coupled with loyalty and warmth, made me a better person.

The past few years, however, he battled a second round of cancer that he could not conquer and passed Earth’s threshold on Monday, January 13, 2020. In recent months, he reminded me of the personal pleasures in life we likely don’t think about every day.
 
Dedicated to a friend who learned the hard way how to enjoy his food with …

MOUTHFEEL (mouthʹfēlʹ’) n. – the way a particular food or beverage feels in the mouth as it is eaten or drunk (the velvety mouthfeel of ice cream). [WW #252*]

A side effect of John’s treatment was loss of taste and mouthfeel. Yep, those tiny tasty buds on our tongues are not impervious to the ravages of modern medicine. He lamented not being able to taste or feel the texture of chocolate or food in general. Eating became a meaningless chore.

When he related the tales of his less-than-tasty hospital food, I occasionally asked if he could taste it yet, always hoping for a resounding yes. Eventually to his delight, the mouthfeel of foods returned, however, “No, I still can’t taste it, but I can feel it and remember the taste.” He always looked for a silver lining.

So, is it your birthday today or this week? Don’t forget the cake and ice cream! Even if spending your day alone, a cupcake (with candle, or course) and a pint of the cold creamy stuff is a must. Rather than scarfing it down like prior years, take a few extra moments and delight in the mouthfeel of every bite. Envision tidbits of birthdays past, as you unwrap the gift of taste and memories.

We all know foods that give us a smile just thinking about our next indulgence. If your birthday is another time of year, today, treat yourself anyway. You deserve it. Make a favorite dish for your next meal, invite a special friend, and together, savor the mouthfeel while making a new memory of tasteful joy.

Great chefs … and John … would agree, it isn’t just the flavor of a certain food that tingles your senses; it’s combined with the texture and sensory experience of its mouthfeel. Happy Birthday or bon appétit!

Word Challenge: MOUTHFEEL. Truly think about your food as you take a bite, and fit mouthfeel into your week of tasty writings.

Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.

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 in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts 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!]

*Note: Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.”
Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz