Words...That's it ... Just Words

We have some of the best conversations at our lunch table.  One teacher walked by and said, "It's always so enjoyable to walk past your table and just get the snippets of what you guys might be talking about.  Always entertaining!"  That it is!

So this week, we talked about words. How there are just some words that drive you crazy.  Some words that you can just do without hearing for the rest of your life.  Some that just inspire, or make you feel giggly. Some words that are just plain fun.

Like spelunking. Doesn't that sound like fun?  "Hey boss, can I have a day off to go spelunking?"  Sounds like a great day off. Or how about doppleganger? 

But then there are words you cringe every time you hear them. One of my lunch buddies doesn't like the word phlegm.  Right?  Even the way it's spelled. Kinda makes you feel phelgmy just spelling it.  Or how about mucus? Ewwwww!  Another says she doesn't like the word bulbous.  I guess I can see that. Kinda makes you think of a big ol' nose, Karl Malden style.

Photo courtesy CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

Here's one...cutlet  Not sure how that one made the "don't like" list, cuz I just think it's a cute word. Kinda petite-ish. But one of the girls doesn't like it.

A few years ago, I wrote another post about words.  These were not words that necessarily create pictures in your mind, but will definitely elicit some sort of feelings as you read the words.

All of this sure makes you think about the power of words, doesn't it?  About the times we say things that might be meant one way but are taken another?  About how you may say to a kid, "quit your crying" but all they hear is, "I don't want to hear what you have to say."  Or how there can be a national debate on whether certain lives matter or whether all lives matter.  Yep, words are powerful...and fun...and gross.  But definitely powerful.

Hope I gave you some powerful thought today.  Go out and make someone's day with a kind word!

I'm Still Here!!

It's been nearly a week since I've posted!  I'm so sorry!!  It's state testing week in Illinois, so it seems all my energy goes to ramping up for it!!  Haven't worked on photography, haven't worked on scrapbooking or cards, haven't posted anything on my blog! 
BUT, I have had time to read some other blogs, as I fall asleep at my computer at 6 p.m.!!   There are some incredibly talented bloggers out there!  Check out some of my links on the right.  And there's more that I've found that I'll need to add!!
My son-in-law posted this picture on Facebook, so I felt compelled to grab it and share it with you. 

No doubt Cormick is telling Ava that he loves her!  This is an everyday occurrence with this little guy.  He just adores his little sister and is just so kind and gentle with her.  And it looks like she's enjoying the attention.  She's starting to really smile at things!  Y'know... I get goosebumps when I look at my grandkids!!  I'm just embraced in serenity when I look at them!!
I've got a long list of photos I need to take for my Picture Spring class at BPS.  Good thing I'm not being marked down for having late homework!!  I'll have to take advantage of what looks like will be a beautiful day to take some pictures after work, in order to catch up with my homework.  I'll be sure to post some of the nicer ones here!!  Have a great Tuesday! 

A Reunion, of Sorts

Today, I ran into a former high school classmate.  (We graduated many, many years ago, so CLEARLY we have changed). Actually, it wasn't even "running into" her.  Linda is a friend of my coworker and she stopped in to see my coworker.   But the minute I saw her, I flashed back to gym class.  I could see us both in class in those stupid blue one piece uniforms. 

It wasn't until after she left the office, that I came to this realization.  You see, I wasn't popular in high school. I wasn't part of the "in" crowd.  But Linda was able to be friends with both the popular crowd and the unpopular crowd.  The reason I remembered Linda as soon as I saw her was because, way back then, she was kind to me even though I wasn't in the popular crowd.

It made me think of one of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou:  "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  Thank you, Linda, for making me feel a little better about myself way back when!!

Added:  Do you like words?  And do you like stamps??  Check out the giveaway at The English Geek.  She's giving away a Close to the Heart stamp set to celebrate her new BPS class "Textuality" that starts next week.