Solecism – Wordplay Wednesday™ 08/30/17

Silly but Not Stupid or Rude 

When time is of the essence

and no words come to you

Sit back, close your eyes

and …  

Think about all the other times words rolled off your tongue and you wish they hadn’t!

There is simply no rhyme or reason.

solecism (sälʹɘ sizʹɘm) n. 1) a violation of the conventional usage, grammar, etc., of a language, as in ungrammatical use of words (Ex.: “We done it” for “We did it”); 2) a violation of good manners, breach of etiquette; 3) a mistake or impropriety. [WW #127] 

Now that you’ve had a break, and maybe a chuckle, or feeling contrite recalling a faux pas, back to work and wake your muse up … the right words will come … unless of course, they’re on the left!

OK, I’m finished. I promise.

Word Challenge: solecism. Good manners seem to have fallen into disrepair in nearly every aspect of our lives—not just in grammar. Has your writing and perhaps even your demeanor, succumbed to “dumbing down”? Think about it as you fit solecism into your week of proper writings.

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

'Til next time ... enjoy a wonderful "wordful" week …

                        

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

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Atelier – Wordplay Wednesday™ 08/23/17

A Home for the Creative Mind 

Workshop, loft, chamber, studio … there are several terms to describe a place where a creative person might follow their muse—particularly an artist. But here’s one that arrives by way of those artistic French folks who have a grand reputation for the dramatic …

ATELIER (atʹ’l yā’) n. – a studio or workshop, esp. one used by an artist. [WW #126]  

The English dictionary, however, does not give a full credit definition. Atelier isn’t just a French translation of studio or workshop, it represents a master artist’s method of teaching others, effectively creating his or her legacy, along the way. An effectively communal system to learn and work.

Usually a small, private conservatory, an atelier offers a place to blend academic training with hands-on mentoring in the fine arts, utilizing a core of assistants, students, and apprentices, directed by the master. Works produced are often released under the master’s name.

One such, is The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Art in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an impressive history of teaching credentials that include the influence of French Impressionists. 

If the only impressionists’ names you know are Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Claude Monet (his Impression Sunrise, 1872, pictured), at least you know two of the best!

The French always have had such wonderful flair for making the common seem bodaciously exotic. Or erotic. Or quixotic. Take your pick, and explore your talents!

Word Challenge: ATELIER. Are you a master in your field? Do you want to be? It’s never too late; think about leading or joining an atelier as you fit it into your week of creative writings.

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

'Til next time ... enjoy a wonderful "wordful" week …

                        

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

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Ululate – Wordplay Wednesday™ 08/16/17

Shouting So Loud, Can’t Hear Yourself Think 

If only free speech was just for you, not everyone else, right? There is no right or wrong in violent rallies or riots. There is only loud stupidity.

How does destroying others’ property, causing harm to another because they have a different point of view, or throwing your lungs out through your throat, help your cause?

ULULATE (yōōlʹyoo lāt’) vi. 1) to howl or hoot; 2) to wail or lament loudly. [WW #125]

I applaud everyone’s right to ululate, but while you’re venting with violence, nothing is accomplished. What a waste of time and energy that could be spent effecting changes. Shouting never solved a problem.

How do I know this? Because I did much-too-much ululating as a young person (just ask my boys) and can’t recall one instance in which lamenting loudly made me feel better, or changed a situation to my ultimate liking.

Stop whining. Accept what you cannot change. Have courage to change what you can. Most importantly, cease ululation, so you can listen, understand, and learn enough to know the difference between the two.

I am a late subscriber to this philosophy. If I can help one other person see the wisdom in this, my day is a success.

Word Challenge: ULULATE. Excellent moment for another fractured adage: Don’t be part of the problem—offer a solution—as you fit ululate into your week of contemplative writings.

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

'Til next time ... enjoy a wonderful "wordful" week …

                        

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

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