Last week I suggested December 2020 may not hold the nostalgic reflection of past years. In reflection (馃槉), perhaps it is filled with even more nostalgia than recent Holiday Seasons, as we review the year’s devastating losses and debilitating illness that paradoxically, tore us apart, yet brought us together.
The old saying, “Hindsight is 2020,” couldn’t be more appropriate. Ruminating over the year, as every year, we see in hindsight what we may have done differently, more/less of, or simply better. Reflection is good for the soul and never more so than when we contemplate family … losses, gains, good or bad. Especially this year.
For many, family values are significantly more meaningful even as we are mostly apart. Whether by Zoom or in person this Holiday, look around you with joy and try to recognize how you might be reflected in your family by …
If you’re fortunate enough to have access to photographs of past family generations, this is a great time to take another look and see if you can spot the atavism most surely apparent. Ever wonder why you look like your Grandpa John on your mother’s side but not like her or your father?
As a youngster decades ago, when society was less tolerant
of physical features, I often felt relieved that my hair flowed straighter,
like my grandmother’s and less unruly than my mother’s frizzy Irish roots. Of course,
my father’s Germanic straight hair likely helped, but other facial features are
evident in past family photos, too. What do you see in your current family that
echoes atavism of your ancestors?
Warm wishes for a joyful Christmas … Yours in Peace and Patience ~ LinDee
Word Challenge: ATAVISM. It’s great when you love your family features, but if not, change what you can and accept what you cannot change, as you fit atavism into your week of familial writings and casual conversations.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
Cheers to learning a new word today, and Merry Christmas!
@Irishwriter
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.
[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 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) 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-Dzzzzzzzz
