Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Machree – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/12/2020


The Nature of First Love 

 
As children, often our first Valentine is given with adoration for good ol’ Mom. If you’ve neglected her of late, maybe this is the perfect opportunity … and Wordplay Wednesday word … to remind her she’ll always be first in your heart …

MACHREE (mɘ krēʹ, mɘ khrēʹ) n. – literally, my heart: Anglo-Irish term of endearment (Mother machree) [WW #255*]

I’ve always wondered what “Mother Machree” meant. Have heard the term throughout my life, but never questioned its origin. Now I know … so here it is for you …

"’Machree’ is an Anglicization of the Irish ‘mo chroí,’ an exclamation meaning ‘my heart,’” says Wiki. As a term of endearment, Mother Machree means “my mother, my heart.”

The phrase became popular vernacular with the production of “Mother Machree, a 1928 silent film directed by John Ford … The Story of Mother Machree by Rida Johnson Young about a poor Irish immigrant in America.” [Sound was limited to a Fox Movietone musical score and sound-effects track.]

Its title song lyrics spell out the high regard mothers enjoyed at the turn of the twentieth century:
I kiss the dear fingers so toil worn for me. Oh God bless you and keep you Mother Machree. (By Rida Johnson Young and singer Chauncy Olcott, c. 1910.)

There are many of us who can no longer hug our Moms—they’re either across many miles, or across the spiritual divide—but there are numerous ways to hold your Mother Machree in your heart, if not your arms.

Many devices in today’s world help you connect with your Mom, and Valentine’s Day is perfect to send your Mother Machree a favorite Valentine memory of the two of you. Create a new special moment for her to hold close.
 
Whether in spirit or in person, if your Mother Machree has a spirited sense of humor, consider an adorable plush hugger like one of those at a San Diego (national) grocery chain store. On the left is what looks like a fuzzy warm sloth, on the right is a sweet perfumed skunk telling her she’s “Stinkin’ Cute.”

But the guy in the middle is an enigma that may just tickle your Mother Machree’s funny bone. Nothing says “I love you, Mom” like a purple sequin donut hole! (Ok, maybe that’s just my interpretation, but it’s the first thought I had when I spotted it!)

Word Challenge: MACHREE. Remember, love comes in many forms, but none more endearing or enduring than yours for Mom, as you fit Machree into your week of love-inspired writings.

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) 


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

*Note: 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) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.
Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz  

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