Apperception ~ WordWayzzz™ December 2023

Reflecting on Time      

With January and the New Year hot on the heels of December’s whirlwind merriment, it’s no wonder we want to take a break and spend a little me-time. Don’t feel guilty, unless you want to call it a guilty pleasure … rejoice, rejuvenate, and reflect …

APPERCEPTION (,a-pǝr-'sep-shǝn; 1753) n. – 1) introspective self-consciousness; 2) mental perception, esp : the process of understanding something perceived in terms of previous experience (adj. apperceptive) [WW #336/final] 

Whether it’s for your journal, just a breather, or defining the character in your fictional writings, apperception goes a long way toward helping you and your readers understand the feeling behind the text.

We’ve all had those moments of clarity that come from a memory or even a dé jà vu event. This month, as you slip apperception into your works of writing art, pause for a moment to truly understand its reflective influence. It’s a subtle word with a vibrant meaning. Focus on it … enjoy it.

December’s Song of Note ♪ 
A song to transcend time, space and life. Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle” is much more than a love song. Posthumously released*, when it hit the music charts in December 1973, it suspended time as we all processed its apperception, first to his shortened life, and then to our own mortality.

Give it a listen as we end a tumultuous year and slide into the beginning of a new unknown … ♪ … But there never seems to be enough time | To do the things you want to do | Once you find them … ♪ ... see more tuneful tidbits to manifest your memories or enjoy the ambience of 1973 and keep the Rock Rockin’ from 50 Years Ago this Month!
(*Jim Croce died in a plane crash September 20, 1973.)

Speaking of Time … though Penchant for Penning (est. 1986) will always be the parent to support Blast from Your Past and 39 and Holding Club, with the advent of A.I. and the difficulty of making waves in the oceans of writers on the market, it’s time to say goodbye to the PFP WordWayzzz blog (sharing writing tips and tenets since 2007).

This site may offer new and fun periodic writings in the future, but nothing on a monthly basis. Reflecting on Time (and last month’s “time change”), I wrote this recently for one of my other blogs and it bears repeating as I leave you to your writing and bring a poignant end to an enjoyable era of sharing words with you …

♣~~~~~~~~♣~~~~~~~~♣
I’ve said for decades that Timing is everything. Unlike us, Time is ageless. Yet, Time itself is elusive and ethereal. We regulate our lives by Time—Time of day, Time of month, Time of year, and whether or not you’re having the Time of your life.

Time is of the essence, we say. That’s an understatement. We are powerless against Time. We cannot harness it, see it, or make it bend to our will. We can’t make it slow down, speed up, or stop. And when we say Time is on our side, is it really? The only thing we can do is fiddle with our clocks according to its intangible structure … and here we are, at yet another semi-annual Time-change. Which is a misnomer. We changed, Time did not. ~ L. Rochelle (© November 2023)
♣~~~~~~~~♣~~~~~~~~♣

Word Challenge: APPERCEPTION. Give yourself Time to reflect on the joys, milestones, and memories of life, as you fit apperception into your month of reflective fiction and nonfiction writings, and casual conversations. Warm wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and good fortune in the New Year.

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

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Readers and Writers!   

Cheers to learning or creating a new word today!
@PenchantForPen
@Irishwriter

*WordWayzzz^TM is currently created for your literary pleasure every first Wednesday of each month. Thank you for stopping by! However, December 2023’s post will be the final monthly WordWayzzz article. There may be occasional posts after, when I’m in the mood or to promote Blast from Your Past and 39 and Holding Club, and the site will remain as a viable educational tool.

Always remember, learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t harmful to your health! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and WordWayzzz comments.

[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 (eventually) … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

LR Notes: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary – Eleventh Edition, unless otherwise noted. 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-Dzzz   

 

Apple-knocker ~ WordWayzzz™ November 2023

Knock-knock … why Thank You!  

Perhaps to make up for Christmas squeezing Thanksgiving out into the chilly fall air, it seems more people are giving the whole month of November to their gratitude attitude.

Gratitude doesn’t need to be an extravagant show of effusive warmth or a pile of money (although the latter always helps!). A few simple words and your kind gesture of appreciation or offer of assistance, works wonders to build, mend, and attract the same from others, toward you.

The good in gratitude far outweighs those who still sink to duplicity … especially at this time of year. Through the centuries, Thanksgiving has represented the best of us, from Colonial America to the 21^st century. With that in mind, enjoy the spirit of Thanksgiving emanating from a traditional word that carries its warmth …    

apple-knocker (-,nä-kǝr; 1919) n. – rustic. [WW #335] 

Yep, that’s it. The whole definition, according to the Eleventh Edition of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. A simple, one-word definition belies this old-fashioned word’s historic meaning , especially when you define “rustic.”

Even that word, though a little more expansive, doesn’t pick up the character of apple-knocker that inextricably transports you back to colonial America. Rustic’s dictionary reference: “… of, relating to, or suitable for the country (rural; 15c).” But it still doesn’t offer a why in its allusion to “apple” or “knocker.”  

Does it suggest the rural home of an Early American settler who knocked apples from trees at harvest time? Some references seem to think so. Today, apple-knocker is just as likely to denote something found on a trip with the American Pickers, scavenging in rural barns and attics. 

It reminds me of “apple-bobbing.” Most Boomers, especially those rurally raised, remember bobbing for apples as a favorite party pastime and feast festivity—like at Halloween and Thanksgiving.

For writers, the word is a gift of nostalgia and November is a perfect month for apple-knocker to re-enter or garnish your vocabulary, with Thanksgiving the ultimate personification of Early American style.

Some say, like Columbus Day, we should abandon celebrating “Americans” (European Colonists) who settled North America and displaced Indigenous peoples. But invasions and colonization is how countries—including America—became countries, since the beginning of so-called civilization.

Any one of many other nations could have become “America,” but the people who settled here chose to establish a whole new country. Better, worse, or indifferent, it’s still OUR country to enjoy words like apple-knocker … and freedom.

Rather than tearing it apart, as so many think should be done today, why aren’t we working together as the “United States of America” to make it better—not more violent or divided. During this month of Thanksgiving, we should be THANKING our forefathers for even trying to establish a civil country—amidst all social and governmental flaws that plague humankind.

Monthly Song of Note ♪ 
On a lighter note, the American South has no exclusive claim on apple-knockers. Our November Song of Note leads us from Washington State to New Mexico in Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way.”  

As the largest mountain system in North America, it’s no stretch to consider the mighty Rocky Mountains’ historical part played in our country. Rustic and apple-knockers abound.

For Walsh and his songwriting band, Barnstorm, at the time, “Rocky Mountain Way” was as much a state of mind as a place. According to the song’s origins, it’s evidence that inspiration can come from a happenstance glance upward. ♪ … Rocky Mountain Way | it's better than the way we had … ♪      

Walsh landed at #30 November 3^rd on WCFL/Chicago’s music chart. It was starting down the ladder after a short run up to #22 in October ♪ ... see more tuneful tidbits to manifest your memories or enjoy the ambience of 1973 and keep the Rock Rockin’ from 50 Years Ago this Month! 

Word Challenge: APPLE-KNOCKER. Although it works for any genre, apple-knocker simply evokes rustic memorabilia or creates a vintage scene in fiction, as you focus on your nostalgic month of writings, and casual conversations, to start the Holidays.

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

Happy Thanksgiving Readers and Writers!

Cheers to learning or creating a new word today! 
@PenchantForPen 
@Irishwriter

*WordWayzzz^TM is currently created for your literary pleasure every first Wednesday of each month. Thank you for stopping by! However, December 2023’s post will be the final monthly WordWayzzz article. There may be occasional posts after and the site will remain as a viable educational tool. Always remember, learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t harmful to your health! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and WordWayzzz comments.

[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 Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary – Eleventh Edition, unless otherwise noted. 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-Dzzz   

 

Banshee & Apotropaic ~ WordWayzzz™ October 2023 Boo!

Once You Get Past the Midnight Hour … 

We’re all about Halloween! We love the spookiness, ghosts and goblins that come with All Hallows Eve that somehow mixes faith, beliefs, reverence for the dearly departed, and a lot of fun tinged with evil, to part the veil for a spectacularly scary holiday.

The trick is to get past the midnight hour intact. If you see this gal, however, legend says, chances are slim … meet the …

BANSHEE ['ban-(,)shē; 1771] n. – a female spirit in Gaelic folklore whose appearance or wailing warns a family that one of them will soon die. [WW #334-A]  All banshee public domain image descriptions appear at bottom of article.  

Well yes, banshee is rather pedestrian compared to many words I’ve featured here. Sooooo, howz-about a rare 2-fer to whet your Halloween appetite! If you’ve witnessed a banshee, you might turn to an apotropaic talisman for help. Spoooooky …

Decidedly unnerving when experienced, I chose this cry of the banshee, for my final October/Halloween word*, because I have dubbed a real person, Banshee on the 13^th Floor.^TM

Based in reality, I believe my banshee likely appears when she has suspended her medications, so my reason for calling this tortured soul, banshee, is based on her behavior when she acts out. Truly, I have great sympathy for her, even while I utter expletives as she wails loudly at 3:00a.m.; for she is the ghost of way too many people in our society these days. (Yes, it may one day become a fictionalized, published story.) 

Though most of us are familiar with the word banshee (especially the Irish), you may not have ever wondered how it came to be or researched its history and full meaning. You might be surprised to note that Lady Wilde—mother of Oscar and Willie Wilde and a prolific writer in her own right—is credited for the banshee’s earliest known origins. October is a great month to peruse the ghostly beginnings of banshee or Irish, Ban-Sidhe …

        A branch of the ancient race of the O’Gradys had settled in Canada, far removed, apparently, from all the associations, traditions, and mysterious influences of the old land of their forefathers.

But one night a strange and mournful lamentation was heard outside the house. No word was uttered, only a bitter cry, as of one in deepest agony and sorrow, floated through the air.

Inquiry was made, but no one had been seen near the house at the time, though several persons distinctly heard the weird, unearthly cry, and a terror fell upon the household, as if some supernatural influence had overshadowed them.

Next day it so happened that the gentleman and his eldest son went out boating. As they did not return, however, at the usual time for dinner, some alarm was excited, and messengers were sent down to the shore to look for them. But no tidings came until, precisely at the exact hour of the night when the spirit-cry had been heard the previous evening, a crowd of men were seen approaching the house, bearing with them the dead bodies of the father and the son, who had both been drowned by the accidental upsetting of the boat, within sight of land, but not near enough for any help to reach them in time.

Thus the Ban-Sidhe had fulfilled her mission of doom, after which she disappeared, and the cry of the spirit of death was heard no more. 

Which, for those who suffer from the mournful cry of a banshee, brings us to October word #2 …

APOTROPAIC (,a-pe-tro-‘pa-ik; 1883) adj. – designed to avert evil <an ~ ritual>; apotropaically. [WW #334-B]  

The dictionary suggests an apotropaic ritual, but talismans, amulets and even nutcrackers are used around the world to ward off evil in many forms. A common amulet is the nazar known simply as the “evil eye”—although that is what it is protecting you from. Like one protecting cute little “Tatters” the mummy in the picture. 😊 Too bad he didn’t wear it before becoming a mummy …

Its definition may be short, but an apotropaic item can hold much depth and volumes of meaning. Whether a ritual, amulet, or gemstone, it takes faith and belief to make the magic happen; and the results may be enigmatic at best. So, based on my prosaic instincts, I’ve enlisted my mummy to help me keep the banshee at bay. What’s your Halloween ritual?

October’s Song of Note ♪ 
Of course we need a spooky tune for October / Halloween! The best we could do on the charts this month 50 Years Ago, however, is a cover of “In the Midnight Hour” by Cross Country. It made a big splash and did quite well, even though its premise belies the title and is all about looooove (which kinda deflates the creepy factor). Ah well. It’s a great title!

A popular tune for years after Wilson Pickett’s original 1965 release, Midnight Hour enjoyed longevity from cover editions by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and the Grateful Dead, among others.

Cross Country managed to squeeze out another good run of it, though, in a ballad version, to make it their own. It’s gaining ground at #12 in October 1973 at KROY/Sacramento, California. Do you remember ♪ … You're the only girl I know | That really loves me so | In the midnight | In the midnight hour … ♪ See more tuneful tidbits to manifest your memories or enjoy the ambience of 1973 and keep the Rock Rockin’ from 50 Years Ago this Month! 

Word Challenge: BANSHEE & APOTROPAIC. If you write in spooky genres or simply love to read and watch horror stories, don’t forget to work in banshees and apotropaic rituals, as you focus on your eerie month of fiction and nonfiction writings, and casual conversations.

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

aka Wicked Witch of the West 
Cheers to learning or creating a new word today!
@PenchantForPen
@Irishwriter

*WordWayzzz^TM is currently created for your literary pleasure every first Wednesday of each month. Thank you for stopping by! However, December 2023’s post will be the final monthly WordWayzzz article. There may be occasional posts after and the site will remain as a viable educational tool. Always remember, learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t harmful to your health! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and WordWayzzz comments.

[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 Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary – Eleventh Edition, unless otherwise noted. 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-Dzzz   

Banshee image descriptions:

1. English: Bunworth Banshee, Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland by Thomas Crofton Croker, 1825

2. The Banshee Appears by R. Prowse 1862