Word of the Day
chrestomathy, n. 1. A collection of selected literary passages.
There are words for things in English that make me realize just how dense and weird and full of forgotten things languages can be. From the Greek, translates “useful to learn.”
Daughter at 4 Years
Of all the classmates Daughter had for three years in preschool, there is one that she clove to like soft on a bunny, and ever since she graduated there hasn’t been a month she hasn’t mentioned, at least once, that she missed her friend L. So, L’s mother and I got together and wrangled schedules until we found one day that worked for her, and I brought Child to the water park, all unknowing… and waiting by his mother was L, and the two of them tore across the parking lot right for each other, only to stop short and shyly hold hands.
“Did she know?” L’s mom asked me as they skipped along in front of us.
“No,” I said. “I thought I’d surprise her. Did L know?”
“Oh yes,” she said, shaking her head. “And all week he’s been asking, ‘Is today the day? How many more sleeps until I see her?’”
I laughed. “I have it on good authority, from your mom who told my mom, that he’s decided to marry her.”
“Oh yes,” L’s mom said, nodding. “Before we left today, he went into the bathroom and used some of his father’s cologne, then came out and asked me if he smelled good, because he wanted to smell extra special nice for his girl.”
“You’re kidding!” I said, laughing.
“Not at all,” she said, grinning.
“Well,” I said, watching as they tore off for the slides, “It’s nice of them to have worked all that out in advance. It’ll save them a lot of trouble, knowing right off who they’re going to marry.”
“Tell me about it!” she said.
So the kids went off to play in the water, and L’s mom and I sat under an umbrella and watched, and I reflected that while I’d known that I was going to have to keep an eye on the boy situation at some point, I had no idea it would be quite so soon…!
Creative News/Plans
I am trying to take it easy this week, since I anticipate the end of Black Blossom being overwhelming. Finishing a book always makes me feel drained; putting up the last post of a serial makes me feel drained; doing both at the same time wipes me out, to be honest. So Monday and Tuesday we have that, and then I have some pre-written content for the rest of the week, a story launch and a Three Micahs essay.
Otherwise I will try to take it easy.
Elsewhere (The Touchable Art Edition)
• Curly Strips of Watercolor Paper Form Beautiful 3d Painting. Doesn’t it look touchable?
• Astonishing Murals Made of Buttons, Beads and Pins. And this one too, jewel-like.
Quote of the Day
The ultimate reason for setting goals is to entice you to become the person it takes to achieve them. – Jim Rohn
