Atavism – Wordplay Wednesday™ 12/23/2020

 REFLECT, REJOICE & Next Week REJUVENATE! 

Last week I suggested December 2020 may not hold the nostalgic reflection of past years. In reflection (😊), perhaps it is filled with even more nostalgia than recent Holiday Seasons, as we review the year’s devastating losses and debilitating illness that paradoxically, tore us apart, yet brought us together.

The old saying, “Hindsight is 2020,” couldn’t be more appropriate. Ruminating over the year, as every year, we see in hindsight what we may have done differently, more/less of, or simply better. Reflection is good for the soul and never more so than when we contemplate family … losses, gains, good or bad. Especially this year.

For many, family values are significantly more meaningful even as we are mostly apart. Whether by Zoom or in person this Holiday, look around you with joy and try to recognize how you might be reflected in your family by …

ATAVISM (atʹɘ vizʹɘm) n. – 1) appearance in an individual of some characteristic found in a remote ancestor but not in nearer ancestors; 2) a] such a characteristic, b] an individual with such a characteristic (also aʹa vist; adj. at’avis’tic, atavic (ɘ tavʹik); adv. atʹavisʹti cal ly). [WW #300]

 If you’re fortunate enough to have access to photographs of past family generations, this is a great time to take another look and see if you can spot the atavism most surely apparent. Ever wonder why you look like your Grandpa John on your mother’s side but not like her or your father?

As a youngster decades ago, when society was less tolerant of physical features, I often felt relieved that my hair flowed straighter, like my grandmother’s and less unruly than my mother’s frizzy Irish roots. Of course, my father’s Germanic straight hair likely helped, but other facial features are evident in past family photos, too. What do you see in your current family that echoes atavism of your ancestors?

Good or bad—keeping in mind that beauty is highly subjective—we are a reflection of our ancestors. Let your atavism be a source of pride while you Reflect on 2020 with acceptance, and Rejoice in its small victories that will carry you forward. Next week we’ll Rejuvenate for 2021!

Warm wishes for a joyful Christmas … Yours in Peace and Patience ~ LinDee 

Word Challenge: ATAVISM. It’s great when you love your family features, but if not, change what you can and accept what you cannot change, as you fit atavism into your week of familial writings and casual conversations.

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

Cheers to learning a new word today, and Merry Christmas!

@PenchantForPen
@Irishwriter

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.

[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 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

LR Notes: 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) a] Recent dictionary additions to definitions include a date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps indicate “see also.” 3) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.
          *And please note, I do not receive compensation from any company or person for commercial or commodity links I may include in my posts.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz