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   

 

Paradisiacal ~ WordWayzzz™ September 2023

Come With Me … I Know a Special Place … It’s Free!     

As writers are well aware, many words of the English language have several diverse meanings, some of which differ widely in use. The context, inflection, and purpose, of a word’s use today, is often an obscure derivative of its ancient origin.

Such, is September’s connection to “paradise”; since its twelfth century religious roots from Eden or Heaven, as a “place or state where the souls of the righteous await resurrection,” we have added to it so you can enjoy paradise today no waiting necessary …

PARADISIACAL (,per-ǝ-dǝ-′sī-ǝ-kǝl;1649) adj. – of, relating to, or resembling paradise. [WW #333] 

If you think about it, we create our pseudo-paradisiacal life nearly every day, in the home or office décor we choose from one-room preferences to whole-house themes.        

Some vacations can represent your version of paradisiacal … from the proverbial “island paradise” to an exciting rural getaway or even just quiet time at home. What’s fun about paradisiacal is it’s subjective and malleable! What you believe is paradise today, could morph into something completely different tomorrow. 

If you’d rather, the image of a perfect paradisiacal moment or place, could remain your daydream, always available in need or desire … and it’s free! Just close your eyes and let your mind flow …

September’s Song of Note ♪ 

For many, music can transport them anytime to their paradisiacal place. This month’s Song of Note can take you there, and perhaps you will hear it calling you to help others … 50 Years Ago this Month, “Sunshine Ship” told the story of islanders helping anyone who came their way. It quickly hit the top of K-POI/Honolulu’s chart. Now, they are in need. Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, struggles to recover from the early August wildfires that destroyed nearly 80% of their paradisiacal historical town. As the song says,

♪ … I know a special place 
       where the sun is always shinin’ 
People helping each other out
       and … they’re never mindin’ …  ♪ 

You can help save a true paradise that is home and paradisiacal to many … iHeartMedia Honolulu offers a link for monetary donations through the Hawai’i Red Cross at KokuaForMaui.com. Learn more ♪ ... 50 Years Ago this Month   

Word Challenge: PARADISIACAL. Whether imaginary or real, enjoy your idyllic thoughts, as you fit paradisiacal into your peaceful month of fiction and nonfiction writings, and casual conversations.

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

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   

 

Obvugate ~ WordWayzzz™ August 2023

 Higher Ground is Worth the Writing    

If you would not be forgotten
as soon as you are dead and rotten
either write things worth reading
or do things worth the writing …

And … If all printers [writers] were determined not to print [write] anything ‘til they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed [written] … Benjamin Franklin  *

Speaking of worth the writing, I recently wrote in my journal that it’s time to free up some time so I can write something worth reading. Unfortunately, I had to think long and hard about the three blogs I currently own—this one, Blast from Your Past, and 39 & Holding Club—and determined at least one of them has to go … yep, you guess it … it will be this one.

Not quite yet, though. I still have some work to do here. However, with A.I. generated text AND word definitions, this article space is fast becoming officially “outdated.” With that in mind, Penchant for Penning’s WordWayzzz blog will soon go the way of antiquated words, and fade into the tapestry of life, with its December 2023 post.

Penchant for Penning will remain sporadically active and I may post notes from time-to-time, but the monthly Wordwayzz will dissipate. More importantly, Penchant for Penning is and will always, remain the “parent company” for Blast from Your Past as its book publisher, and the 39 and Holding Club.

To start its lengthy five-month sendoff, August’s article is appropriately looooonnngg, with a special wordy project. So take a break on a leisurely summer day, grab a libation, relax and read on …

Wordsmiths may know the dictionary inside-out, and adding culture-popular new words is necessary. But creating words specifically for innovative thought rarely happens. Let’s give it a try with …

OBVUGATE: (äb-vū-gāt; 2023; origin-L. Rochelle) n. – 1) portal of the mind that leads to astronomical change; 2) portal in science fiction or example in religious faith  [WW #332] 

 It isn’t just a window in a ship or a hole in layers of the universe. It’s a portal with a purpose! Whether you awaken to it, step through it, or dream of it, you’ll know it when you see it.

I conjured up an example for you: “Having read extensively about natural and supernatural phenomena, Peter immediately recognized the obvugate when he saw it and eagerly stepped through to his future.” This could be meant metaphorically, literally, or as the definition suggests, cerebrally.

So, why did I choose to create this word? You’ll need to ask my dream counselor. Well, I don’t really have one of those, it just sounds cool. However, I did “dream it up.”

One night several weeks back, I woke in the middle of the night with this word—and its specific spelling—twirling around in my little pea brain. I vaguely remembered its appearance in a dream a month or so before.

This dream was more specific, if quite boring. It simply kept repeating, spelling obvugate over and over—ob-vu-gate—o-b-v-u-g-a-t-e—determined to be evident when I truly awoke, unlike many dream details that fade with the dawn.

However, the dream didn’t give me an inkling to what obvugate means. I figured it was already a word, simply one I’d

heard or read somewhere that I need to look up for reference, who knows why … I dutifully wrote it down on waking and went about my day. I thought no more of it until the next morning when I remembered to check the dictionary. Nope, nothing like it. Obvugate is completely made up—you won’t find it there—yet.

I couldn’t get obvugate out of my mind. I began thumbing through the dictionary to dissect ob-vu-gate. The OB prefix is inverse or contrary to its subject. Okay. Since there is no VU reference, I added the G to get an actual word, VUG, which is an unfilled cavity in rock. I could have taken ATE separately, but I thought it made more sense to use the G again, for GATE. We all know that one—an opening in a wall or fence (basically). Now, I had a basis for my own definition.   

But what did it mean? Again, my dream didn’t stipulate, however, with more research and in weighing my options, I related back to my dream for the “feeling” surrounding the word. I added another defining element: portal.

“VUG” being the central subject and trading heavily on “GATE”(way), I likened obvugate to a large, filled portal—when you go through an opening, you find something on the other side, right? Well, my “other side” seemed to be ethereal … the opening leads to … well, wouldn’t that be subjective?

I weighed the different types of portals I’ve experienced, added the “feeling” from my dream, and decided that when we step through an obvugate, it will take us to … whatever we want! … but know that astronomical, life-changing transformation is its purpose. Which brings us to …

AUGUST’s Song of Note ♪ 
I knew it wouldn’t be simple to match a vintage tune with a made-up word. On rare occasions we emulate our Big Bro site Blast from Your Past’s Song of Note—this month provided an opportunity I couldn’t miss. In my interpretation of obvugate, this is the perfect example …

Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” moved quickly up the charts. By June 29, 1973, it had worked its way up to #16 for WFIL/Philadelphia listeners. It could be the song’s rise came from Stevie’s fans who rallied ‘round earlier in the month, as he lay in a hospital bed recovering from an August 6^th auto accident. The near-fatal event left him in a 4-day coma.

The fast-paced, upbeat tune is about reincarnation and life-altering changes through faith. ♪ … I'm so darn glad he let me try it again | Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin …  ♪ He wrote “Higher Ground” in an impossibly short, three-hour creative spell, three months before his accident.       

The New York Times quoted him after recovering from the accident, “I would like to believe in reincarnation. I would like to believe that there is another life. I think that sometimes your consciousness can happen on this earth a second time around.” For Stevie, it was a sign. For me, his experience defines an obvugate. Rock On ♪  ... 50 Years Ago this Month … 

Word Challenge: OBVUGATE. This month’s challenge is not only to be clever in finding ways to use a “new” word, but try creating your own—it’s fun! We need inspirational diversions and mental exercise—this is the perfect project. Teachers—wake up your summer school students and get them in on the fun. Create thinkers and doers … that’s how we produce extraordinary people. And of course, add obvugate to your vocabulary, as you fit it into your creative month of fiction and nonfiction writings, and casual conversations.

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

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

* In the Ben Franklin quote above, the bracketed text is obviously my addition. But as it’s said about undisputed truths (though also too often, subjective and misguided rhetoric), truer words were never spoken.

WordWayzzz^TM is currently created for your literary pleasure every first Wednesday of each month. Thank you for stopping by! 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   

Squiffed ~ WordWayzzz™ July 2023

If You can Hold On through the Night …

Some summer nights are fun and daring, while others are steaming hot. At least when you’re young. Are you a 39er? Those who have weathered more than a few scorching summers since turning 39 and Holding, simply hold on to get through ‘til morning.

That doesn’t mean we don’t love summers. The cold, breezy drinks are great! Which brings us to …

SQUIFFED – (′skwift; ca. 1855; origin unknown) adj. – intoxicated, drunk. [WW #331]   

Oh my, yet another word for Holiday celebrations … something tells me, squiffed can be used often in your writings this month, writers. The dictionary says its origin is “unknown,” but doesn’t it sound like a British word? Jus’ sayin’. 

July’s Song of Note ♪ 
Granted, I’m stretching on this tune, to connect it to our monthly word; but you must admit, at least its title bears some relevance! You may have felt great the night before when you were squiffed, but you will still deal with “The Morning After” by the talented Maureen McGovern.

The sentimental love song was written for “The Poseidon Adventure” movie and won Best Original Song at the 45^th Academy Awards (March 1973). By July, it made its way up the charts, grabbing onto #6 at KUDE/Oceanside, California. From love to squiffed, the words are disparately meaningful … ♪ … If we can hold on through the night | We have a chance to find the sunshine … ♪ ... 50 Years Ago this Month  

Word Challenge: SQUIFFED. This word gives a certain sophistication to “plowed,” “sloshed,” or just plain drunk, as you fit squiffed into your month of fiction and nonfiction writings and casual conversations. Enjoy your summer frolicking responsibly!

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

Cheers to learning 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! 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