Monthly Archives: November 2020

You Can Use a Metaphor and a Simile to Create an Analogy. That One Sentence Makes My Head Hurt

In last week’s post, I touched on comparisons i.e. metaphors, similes, and analogies. You can delve so deep into these categories, such as: metaphors are like similes as you can use a metaphor and a simile to create an analogy. That one sentence makes my head hurt, so I’ll back off. When I started this post, I wanted to say how some tree leaves in the fall can be similar to writing, as when a leaf clings to its host so tenaciously it refuses to release until the following spring.

As an author I tend to cling to ideas, releasing only when I foresee a specific notion becoming a detriment; it’s then, I run away screaming.

Writing can be a tricky mistress. One moment it’s your friend, fawning over you, enticing your being to know you rank among the greats and the next forcing you into the realization that your words would not be worthy of a bubblegum wrapper.

In short, I write because I love to write, as I’m sure, if you are an author, you do as well. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Christian Fiction, along with each genre I write are a good fit and meld with the way my mind works. I will have to admit though from time to time, I wonder about my cranial function.

In short, I find it best if I hang to the creative side of writing and allow extensive grammar and items such as metaphors, similes, and analogies to reside in the hands of others.

Have a great week, may God bless and don’t take yourself too seriously, because no one else does!

Leave a comment

Filed under On writing

Now and Again, Things I Would Term, “Idiosyncrasies” Pop Into My Brain as I Write

Now and again, things I would term, “idiosyncrasies,” pop into my brain as I write. It came to me this week that I would combine a number of them into my post and see if you had the same insights into my perceived conundrums. I guess, in words we both can understand, I should restate these items are as out of place or so strange as to warrant further investigation.

My first offering is Latin. I frequently read that Latin is a dead language and no longer spoken. Now, I can get behind this, for I never hear someone in everyday life speaking this dialogue that no longer exists . . . or do I? An argument can easily be made to the contrary, that in America we speak English, a language that an overwhelming amount of root words are derived from Latin. It seems to me the language we call dead, is anything but.

My next fuel for fodder begins with metaphors and similes. Two words that are so similar one can be used to define the other. Throw in analogies along with euphemisms, and you have four words that in one way or the other are tied in with the word similar. Go figure, only in American English,

I would like to conclude with a few examples of spelling words in such a way as to make one think mind altering drugs were used when these words were developed. How about “kernel? Makes sense right? Then, why do we have to clutter things up with “colonel”? Why does “minute” reflect time and “minute” reflect size? You or I can “core” an apple, but if we join the Marines we’re in the “Corps”. Did you know that the dictionary’s definition of “suttle” is a frequent misspelling of “subtle?” If a doe is a deer then why is “dough” “needed” or “kneaded” to make bread?

If you figure this post out, please let me “know,” in “no” uncertain terms because the lack of knowledge can be a “tuff” and in some cases a very “tough” pill to swallow.

Leave a comment

Filed under On writing

Just When You Think It’s Over, Here We Go Again

Just when you think it’s over, here we go again, at least for those who live in the great state of Georgia. There is going to be a runoff for two Senate seats around the fifth of January. On the news, it was mentioned that the state would be inundated with political commercials until then. If you read my last two posts, you are aware of my distaste for political ads and total disdain for politics in general. I wanted to make sure that I finished what I started, hence the beginning of this post.

I will now attempt to segue from politics into something that makes more sense–leaf removal. I have not a clue how the world revolves in your neighborhood, but in mine, we are overwhelmed with noise pollution from leaf blowers. Saturday mornings and most weekday evenings, (when dry) remind me of an outdoor chainsaw convention.

I’m not trying to direct all the blame throughout the neighborhood without absorbing my part, for my leaves have to be removed, also. I guess the futile part of this plan is on average within 24 to 48 hours of said removal my yard is covered once again in leaves. Now, if you are comparing pros and cons, the con would be a yard full of leaves; on the other hand one distinct pro might be a yard of totally different leaves.

Think of the fun with a new carpet of color adorning your front and back lawns.

Good times!

Leave a comment

Filed under On writing

Political Adventure, A Foreboding Of Things To Come

This is the week of political adventure, a foreboding of things to come.

It just never ends. As I mentioned last week, I despise politics, so around mid-day on Super Tuesday, I noticed my first epiphany, political ads had come to an end. Oh joy, oh bliss, oh rapture, thought I.

Then, much to my chagrin, came Wednesday morn–no Prez. Even amidst this turmoil, to my delight, no political commercials throughout the day and into the night. Then, sunrise Thursday morning came, sporting no commercials of the political persuasion, but still no Prez.

Friday morning dawned much the same, only, now, we are told there is the possibility of shenanigans. Oh my, don’t tell me there is corruption within the hallowed halls of our political system, for that would be unheard of. Did I mention I really, really don’t care for politics?

Then, Saturday comes and whaddaya know? We finally have a Prez. I can’t understand why anyone would want the job, but I do wish him the best. 

Now, it looks as though my greatest predicament will be deciding the pecking order of the lowest vocation to which one can sink. Right now, politicians are nudging out the ambulance-chasing lawyers for the first to be last.

However, on a serious note, I love this country and pray that God will continue to shine upon her.

Oh, and just in case I didn’t bring it to your attention . . . I loathe politics.

Leave a comment

Filed under On writing

In the Throes of Super Tuesday

Every four years, we find ourselves in the throes of Super Tuesday; meaning, we are electing our Commander-and-Chief for the next four years. I realize politics is not the best subject to discuss; however, I choose to trod into this danger zone regardless of the backlash.

We must begin by looking at each candidate. On the one hand, there is candidate number one. While on the other hand, is candidate number two.

I believe our Constitutional Republic is the best this world has to offer. I also feel fortunate to live in the United States of America and will proudly state my position at any time.

I must preface any further discussion by stating, “I despise politics.” I can’t think of many things I despise more than politics. (In the past, I have noted that I live about two hours from downtown D.C. When I travel north on 95, I feel my I.Q. dropping the closer I get to Washington. I rate politicians among the dregs of society right along with ambulance chasing lawyers and motivational speakers.) Even though the political process is abhorrent to me, due to the scandals, kickbacks, money grubbing liars, and all around nasty people we put into office, I encourage you to vote on Tuesday.

I know, I know . . . I need to get off the fence and let my true stance be known.

Have a great week and just think, no more political ads after Tuesday! And after all of this political commotion, “May God bless us, everyone!” (to coin a phrase from Tiny Tim.)

Leave a comment

Filed under On writing