Suzan McDowell suggested that I blog on the word cacophony. — For the last five months prior to my posting this article, I’ve worked with my 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes of elementary Theatre students as well as students in music and dance to mount Alice@Wonderland, a 21st century retelling of the classic Lewis…
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This wordblog is for Sher Lynn, who asked for me to blog on morale. — Morale can be a complex idea for any group of people working together. By definition, morale is “the degree of confidence and cheerfulness in the face of opposition; the spirit of optimism.” Are the people hopeful? Any leader worth his salt worries…
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Real. A wordblog requested by Melissa Dunn — They say at some point, you’ve got to call a thing a thing. The origin of the word “real” is Old Latin re- which meant thing, and alis, meaning like, similar to. Things that are real are like a “thing.” So let’s go a bit deeper. What’s…
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For David I Muir, photographer extraordinaire, who asked for a word on connection. — The word connection is derived from an Old Latin word meaning “link” or “tie.” In fact, con means “with” in Spanish, and nexus is a word that is related linguistically to it. Connection has, of course, another meaning. Internet! Yes! the…
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Syzygy: inspiration courtesy Yudelka Tavera. It means an alignment of two or more celestial bodies; poetic union of verses. — An interplanetary alignment is uncommon, but it happens when there is a full or new moon. Tides shift accordingly. The moment your purpose, your talent and your dream for the world lines up, don’t hesitate.…
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Yes! – Rev. Sheree Thompson asked me to blog on this word. Of course, I said yes. — It’s a small word. But it’s a powerhouse. It’s origin is interesting. It’s a combination of both Middle English words “yea” and “si”, which mean “here” and “being” respectively. It’s defined first as an adverb, which is…
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Forgiveness, huh, James Barbour? — The root of the word forgive comes from the practice of cancelling a debt. It actually has an ancient etymology, and only (relatively) recently has been translated into an emotional connotation. Because only recently did we begin believing that people owe us on an spiritual and emotional level. Intangible debts…
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James “New Papa” Barbour said he wanted me to blog on TACOS. He didn’t realize the gift he was giving me. — Tacos are the best food. You can’t argue with me on that. They are universally accepted as awesome pretty much everywhere. They have juicy meat, cool vegetables, a little spice, and some tangy…
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This blog was requested by Rev. Gaylon McDowell, based on the word: Beatitude. — Are you pursuing freedom? Love? Peace? Doing all you can to be happy? The word Beatitude comes from the Latin term meaning happiness. It is a state of joy. The term was made famous through the Bible editor’s description of Jesus’…
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