2024: Gratitude

As the end of 2024 approaches, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with lessons, connections, and unforgettable moments. It was a year of growth — a journey of both joy and sorrow, each step teaching me something new about life, love, and resilience.  

This year, I experienced the heart-wrenching loss of my dear friend, whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void. I called him my brother even though we weren't related. This year also brought unexpected opportunities to reconnect with people from my past. Initially, these reunions felt like opening the pages of a forgotten book — familiar yet distant. However, as conversations unfolded, I realized each encounter was an invitation to revisit old lessons and uncover new ones. Some connections rekindled joy, while others challenged me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Each brought clarity, teaching me to value authenticity and embrace the impermanence of relationships. Life also surprised me with a gift I didn’t know I needed. A stray cat appeared at just the right time, weaving her way into my home and heart. She has brought a new kind of comfort and curiosity to my days, reminding me that life has a way of offering unexpected light.

As I look ahead to a new year, I carry with me the profound realization that every twist and turn has shaped who I am. Thank you, 2024, for the lessons learned, the connections cherished, and the moments that will forever be etched in my heart.  

Here’s to the new year — a canvas waiting to be filled with stories, lessons, and love.  

Book Review

Fiction

Fiction is a playground for the mind — a space where imagination dances with reality. Fiction asks questions that real life sometimes avoids: What if? Why not? How far? Whether it’s a single line that cuts to the core or an intricate world that feels lived in, fiction reminds us that stories aren’t bound by fact; they’re driven by meaning.

Writing Goals

As I've mentioned before, I finished the first draft of my first fiction novel several weeks ago... and put it aside. I plan to edit it in 2025. If all goes well, I hope to also publish it in 2025. That is my writing goal/aspiration for the upcoming year.

Reading

Zero Plural

A zero plural is when a noun doesn’t change form between singular and plural. For example, words like sheep, deer, and fish stay the same whether we're talking about one or many. This happens in English with some animals, collective terms (like aircraft or series), and borrowed words from languages where plural forms don’t change, (like the Japanese kanji, samurai). Instead of adding an "s," context clues tell us if it’s singular or plural, making things simpler and often preserving the word’s original form.

Linguistic Christmas

Yesterday, I posted Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, "wassail"... so today, Christmas Day, I decided to share some more delightful words so that readers and writers can sprinkle them into their holiday conversations and writing.

Yule (n.)

An old term for Christmas or the winter solstice, originating from Norse traditions.

Wassail (v. or n.)

To toast someone’s health during festive celebrations or the spiced drink traditionally served.

Frumenty (n.)

A thick porridge-like dish made with grains and often enjoyed at medieval Christmas feasts.

Tidings (n.)

News or information, often used in the phrase “glad tidings.”

Mistletoe (n.)

A parasitic plant with symbolic use in Christmas traditions, representing love and kisses.

Noel (n.)

Another term for Christmas, derived from the Latin natalis, meaning “birth.”

Tinsel (n.)

Glittering decorative strips used to adorn Christmas trees. Originally made of real silver!

Holly (n.)

A spiky evergreen plant with red berries, synonymous with Christmas decor.

Ember Days (n.)

Specific days for fasting and prayer in preparation for seasonal festivals, including Christmas.

Christingle (n.)

A symbolic object used in Christmas church services, often a decorated orange with a candle.

Icicle (n.)

A spike of ice formed by dripping water that freezes. Its delicate nature evokes winter magic.

Wassail

Merriam-Webster's word of the day is 

wassail

pronounced WAH-sul

a verb

meaning to sing carols from house to house at Christmas

1 of 2 - noun

was·​sail ˈwä-səl  also wä-ˈsāl 

1: an early English toast to someone's health

2: a hot drink that is made with wine, beer, or cider, spices, sugar, and usually baked apples and is traditionally served in a large bowl especially at Christmastime

3: riotous drinking : revelry

2 of 2 - verb

wassailed; wassailing; wassails

intransitive verb

1: to indulge in wassail : carouse

2 (dialectal, England): to sing carols from house to house at Christmas

transitive verb

: to drink to the health or thriving of

This season, one might hear (or sing) the Christmas carol that begins, "Here we come a-wassailing / among the leaves so green." In fact, wassailing is an old custom that goes back to the 1300s. The verb wassail comes from the noun wassail, which dates to the 1200s and was first used to refer to an Old English custom of hospitality. In medieval England, a courteous host would offer a cup to a guest and toast them with the salutation wæs hæil, or "be in good health." The guest would accept the cup and respond with drinc hæil, "drink in good health." Soon, wassail was also being applied to the party at which the wassail was offered, as well as the actual drink passed around. By the 1400s, it was used to refer specifically to a drink served at Christmastime. As the drink became associated with yuletide, wassailing itself changed. The meaning of the verb wassail as it shows up in the carol refers to going around, caroling, and wishing those you visit good health and holiday cheer.

(taken from Merriam-Webster)

To see it in context or listen to the pronunciation, check the link: https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day (December 24, 2024). 

P-P P - Copyright Page

Pishi's Book

Dive into the playful world of language with Pun-Pulsing Purr! This book is a treasure trove of puns and linguistic surprises designed to delight readers of all ages. Whether you're a word nerd or simply someone who enjoys a good laugh, this collection will tickle your funny bone and stretch your imagination.

Perfect for fans of humor, language enthusiasts, and anyone who loves to play with words, Pun-Pulsing Purr, written by a cat and edited by her human, is more than a book — it's a celebration of the art and joy of language itself.

"From a quiet garden and a rock, through whiskers, paws, and a well-timed meow, I found my way into the home of an editor who could help me spread my insights and brilliance, one clever tale and thoughtful word at a time. Somehow, the editor understood my every meow, and I found my family."

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQJLZ38Z

PUN-PULSING PURR

PUN-PULSING PURR
by Pishi Pooch
is now available on Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQJKLWR2

A Unique Perception

Every reader crafts their own version of a book, shaped by unique experiences and emotions. What captivates one may slip past another, unnoticed. One reader treasures a poignant line, another delights in a witty phrase. Favorite parts diverge — a thrilling twist, a quiet reflection. A book isn’t just one story; it’s a kaleidoscope of interpretations, making each reading as distinct as the reader.

Book Review

Hump Day

Many people greet each other with happy hump day on Wednesdays. It feels a little strange to me because it seems to contrast with the spirit of  carpe diem, or seize the day, which encourages embracing every moment and making the most of each day, rather than counting down to the end of the week.

Unfortunately, many people view the workweek as a hurdle to be overcome, and hump day reflects the reality that. For these people, the focus is often on the upcoming weekend, so Wednesday becomes a milestone and marks being halfway through the week. On the other hand, the seize the day philosophy encourages us to embrace the present moment, regardless of the day.... and making the most of each day, including Wednesdays.

So... may I suggest a fun twist that could connect these two philosophies? 

Since many people enjoy getting over the hump and it's important to seize the day and make the most of every moment every single day, why not use this midweek moment to make Wednesdays memorable? Why not take advantage of the energy that comes with getting over the hump and use it well? Why wait for Friday or Saturday to live it up?  Why not make it happen on a Wednesday?

Pooch, Pishi Pooch

Life

Power Through

It's Sunday, a day to rest deeply and fuel wisely to power through the week ahead with purpose.

Strategy

Are you staring at a blank page or stuck in the middle of writing a scene? Reading something entirely out of your comfort zone might spark an idea. For example, if you're a fiction lover, try a scientific article. 

Friday, December 13

Clumsy Strokes

 

Charles Dickens

“What greater gift than the love of a cat?”
Charles Dickens

Cats

Cats hold cultural and symbolic importance in many parts of the world. Their mystique, elegance, and utility have secured their revered place in human societies. The worship or reverence of cats varies across cultures and time periods, but some countries and civilizations are particularly known for their deep appreciation of cats, often connecting them to spirituality, protection, or good fortune. In Ancient Egypt, they were sacred to the goddess Bastet. In Japan, the maneki-neko brings good fortune. Thai royalty cherished Siamese cats. Islamic tradition values cats for their cleanliness. Chinese folklore sees them as crop protectors. Indian mythology links them to the goddess Shashthi. Celtic and Irish folklore associate cats with the mystical. These diverse cultural connections highlight humanity's enduring fascination with cats as symbols of luck, protection, and mystery.

New Resolution

Out here in the woods, where I have no direct contact with others and parties aren’t exactly happening every weekend, I’ve started my own little tradition — let's call it a new resolution, but I'm not waiting for 2025, because why wait for joy? Whenever someone I love has a reason to celebrate, whether it's a birthday, a wedding, or an achievement, I throw a party. It’s just me and my furry crew, but we go all out. I whip up a fabulous meal, crank up some music, and dance with the pets. The dogs know me well enough, but the cat's still figuring me out — me and my personal brand of crazy. I send good vibes to the person we’re celebrating and wrap it all up with gratitude... because life is worth celebrating!

Pishi P. M. Miao

Book Review

Language

Andre Gide

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”
Andre Gide

Observe!

Observation is one of the richest sources of inspiration for writers. Whether it's during a trip to a distant land or simply local surroundings, the act of noticing can transform everyday moments into powerful stories.

When writers travel, they immerse themselves in unfamiliar cultures and landscapes that can spark ideas for settings or evoke a mood for their writing. Beyond the physical details, travel exposes them to new perspectives and ways of thinking that can deepen their storytelling.

By staying curious and present, writers can uncover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Writing inspired by travel and observation not only enriches their work but also connects readers to the beauty and diversity of the world around them.

Meow

Spitting Image

my newest discovery: the possible origin stories of "spitting image":
https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/spitting-image-origin-meaning

December 2024