Penchant for Penning

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Horologe – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/13/2019

Timing is Everything

“Timing is everything” is a phrase I turned into a mantra many years ago. I don’t believe in “chance” or “coincidence” except as another mystery of life that we mere humans are incapable of unraveling.

Have you ever been lookin’ for love in all the wrong places? Maybe it was the right place, but the wrong time. How is it that we unexpectedly meet someone who becomes a lifelong partner or friend, in a place or time we didn’t even know we’d be?

We can plan our lives to the nth degree, but the outcome is based on timing … every time …

HOROLOGE (hôrʹɘ lōjʹ; -läjʹ) n. – a timepiece, clock, hourglass, sundial, etc. [WW #203]

From the beginning of time … oh, exactly when was that? Well, as with much of our ancient history, we can’t say for sure, but apparently horologes began showing up in earnest around 1380s. Obviously, there were ways of calculating days and time for navigation even earlier, but horologes for convenience took their time.

Oldest working clock Salisbury

The Salisbury Cathedral “faceless” clock in England is generally considered the oldest clock still “ticking,” built in 1386 or earlier. When did we adorn our wrists with horologes? “The earliest known wristwatch was given to Queen Elisabeth I of England already in 1571.” (WhichWatch.org) But … it took until the late 1800s for wristwatches to catch on with the masses.

Prague Astronomical clock c.1389

While we have evidence of measuring time since shadow clocks in 1500 BC (giving way to popular sundials), understanding time is still an elusive secret of the Universe. So we’ve thrown our intellect into creating horologes of infinitely more accurate time measurement, as time marches on. Some are purely functional, while others are infinitely striking in their beauty and intricate craftsmanship.

♪ If I could turn back time ♪* … how many times have you uttered that lament? The best we can do is appreciate its importance in our lives and accept that Timing is Everything … and it doesn’t always go our way. When it doesn’t, remember, This Too Shall Pass. (*Cher 1989)

Will you meet the love of your life this heart-filled Valentine’s week? If you do, be sure to check your horologe the moment it happens. Only time will tell if it will last …

Word Challenge: HOROLOGE. Explore the fascinating field of horology, as you fit horologe into your week of timely writing.

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)

Cheers to learning a new word on Wordplay Wednesday!

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

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 about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. The true behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday 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!

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Hortatory – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/06/2019

Advice to the Lovelorn ~ Love Yourself First

With St. Valentine’s Day coming up next week, smitten society is scrambling for the perfect declaration of lovvvvvvvve.

Although some religions (mainly Christian) try to attribute the loverly day to a venerable saint or other religious rite, historical accounts are ambiguous at best and multiple stories abound. Just one: Marriage was once illegal!

So we’ll stick with the modern love angle. If you’re currently living alone, but not lonely, show your love for life in general. This week, be especially …

HORTATORY (hôrʹtɘ tôrʹē) adj. – 1) serving to encourage or urge to good deeds; 2) exhorting, giving advice [also hortative]. [WW #202]

Good deeds and gentle encouragement are certainly expressions of love. Giving advice on love, however, is tricky at best and disastrous when gone awry. Late comedian, Lou Costello (of famed duo, Abbott & Costello), receives hardhearted hortatory guidance in a grea told movie clip from Wife Wanted. Appropriately, a Valentine’s month offering, February 1954. Agnes … do you think you could ever fall in love? he implores. Alas, he is chasing cupid for all the wrong reasons.

Love comes in many forms and declaring your undying affection to your heart’s desire can be tricky. But hope springs eternal! Thinking of adopting a pet? Do it on St. Valentine’s Day! Your hortatory gesture will certainly earn the unconditional love of an adorable canine, feline, or iguana, if you feel the love.

Grandkids, nieces, nephews and extended family of all ages may be in need of your particular style of hortatory attention that takes on special meaning when coupled with a Valentine. A visit, card in the mail, or phone call could warm hearts—theirs and yours.

Be creative … most of all … share your love. It’s worth it and often comes back to you tenfold.

Word Challenge: HORTATORY. St. Valentine’s Day isn’t all diamond rings and chocolates. Make it special for yourself too, as you fit hortatory into your week of sentimental writing.