Let’s
Get Back to Nature …
It’s
generally agreed that at ease with yourself is foremost before you will find
comfort with others. Some take that to the extreme and rarely feel the need for
communal contact, like a …
SYLVAN (silʹvɘn) n. – one
who lives in the woods; adj. – 1) of or characteristic of the woods or
forest; 2) living or found in the woods or forest; 3) wooded. [WW #251*] Let me guess … you’re thinking of a sylvan fairy sprite or wood nymph (dryad) or some such creature … let me stretch your imagination to reality … think of forest rangers!
I happen to know one very well, and yes, she
spent periodic months and years as a sylvan to fulfill part of
her early training. It takes dedication and faith in self, to staff a solitary forestry
lookout.
Though no longer a sylvan, after
a career moving up through the ranks of the U.S. Forest Service, this pioneering
female firefighter now consults for the talking heads in Washington D.C.
In a world struggling to control wildfires, her rugged
firefighting experience and insights as a sylvan, are useful to
lawmakers. She provides perceptive guidance in forest preservation and assistance
to understand the benefits of implementing advanced firefighting
techniques, well before an emergency arises.
Sylvans can be
firefighting heroes, or beings simply at peace in their environment to enjoy
the benefits of living in Mother
Nature’s woodland.** It is better to try to work with, rather than
against, Mother Nature. (Unknown)
According to the dictionary, sylvans
are recognized in France as a forest deity; and in Germany, it translates
simply to xylong—wood.
Word Challenge: SYLVAN. Do you have a sylvan in your life? Do you
want to be one? Consider their fascination with nature, as you fit sylvan into your week of woodland writings.
**Literary note of warning: I have a penchant for not overusing a word
in any given page of writing. While composing, I often utilize Microsoft Word’s
“Synonyms” feature—many of you likely do, as well. However, out of curiosity, I
looked up two of the words that MS provided as a synonym for “woodland” when I
wanted to use something else. MS provided COPPICE and COPSE. Meaning the same
thing, copse is the preferred word in the dictionary for “a thicket of
small trees or shrubs”—hardly a true synonym for woodland, “land covered
with woods or trees; forest.” Word of caution when writing in Word … if MS
offers a word you’re not familiar with as a synonym, look it up. It may
not have the connotation you truly mean to convey.
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 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!]
*Note: 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.”
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
