Webster defines rapport as a relationship “marked by harmony, conformity, accord, or affinity.” It seems an appropriate word to begin the New Year, a wish for peace and unity. Such qualities, though, don’t arise out of nowhere. They require effort, devoted attention, time, and humility. Unity and peace — harmony — only come through bending toward other people rather than demanding one’s own way.
Alphabet Adventure
Alphabet Adventure: Q is for Querulous
Querulous seems a fitting “q” word, mostly because the letter sees little use unless one serves a queen or plays Scrabble. Querulous, though, produces a small Scrabble score with all its vowels and “l” and “s.” A better option would be quiz or quagmire.
Alphabet Adventure: P is for Ponder
In Luke 2, the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth, the author reports the shepherds receive the news of Jesus’ arrival and hurry straight to Bethlehem. The shepherds then share the words spoken about the baby boy. They also disclose the messengers of those words: angels, a multitude of the heavenly host.
Alphabet Adventure: O is for Onerous
During the holidays, everything aims to be cheerful and bright. Some tasks, however, remain onerous. They are burdens that must be accomplished to reach the joy of “decking the halls.”
Seating arrangements seem like a good example. You can seat your mother-in-law by a certain aunt but not by your mother or odd uncle. Even buying presents can become onerous. Consider, for instance, when you seek to buy a gift for that impossible-to-buy-for person. The holiday season becomes dreary, a landscape more suited to Ebenezer Scrooge than to you.
Fortunately, the letter “o” begins some words less bleak than onerous. They might not align with the festive season precisely, but they are fun. If nothing else, they offer a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. [Read more…] about Alphabet Adventure: O is for Onerous
Alphabet Adventure: N is for Noteworthy
I read (a lot). The fact means I stumble across both good and bad literature. Some books, however, rise above those categories. (Neil Gaiman prefers “like” and “love,” and, I have to admit, I agree with him. Some books are okay, but some sink deep into my soul.)
Alphabet Adventure: M is for Malodorous
Malodorous serves as both a wonderful and offensive word. Wonderful because of how it sounds. The syllables issue forth like a summer river current. It moves slow but will arrive at a particular destination.