happy september first

Okay, I’m here now.

But not for long, not today. I’m going to Stratford to see another play. Tomorrow I’m getting ready to go on a writers’ retreat (really a girls’ night out- for two nights). When I’m there I hope I’ll have time for a quiet time with my blog. (I get up earlier than anyone.)

It’s quiet now, at 3:24 a.m. but I have to try to get back to sleep. Remind me to tell you about phasic sleeping (again).

Anon.

reply to yesterday's comment

“My problem with these word blogs is my own... I never remember the words after I read about them here.”

Well, neither do I, not all of them. I never remember the scientific ones. I love the word/language ones (like diaclitical). But I like ones that will stick with you, like scumble.

scumble verb [ with obj. modify (a painting or colour) by applying a very thin coat of opaque paint to give a softer or duller effect. the area surrounding the main figures will be scumbled. • modify (a drawing) with light shading in pencil or charcoal to give a softer effect. ORIGIN late 17th cent. (as a verb): perhaps a frequentative of the verb scum.

I like the sound of the word. I’m going to find a way to use it, even if the meaning is out of my field of reference. I like gurn, too:

gurn (also girn) verb [ no obj. ] 1 Brit.pull a grotesque face. 2 (usu. girn) chiefly Scottish & Irish: complain peevishly. It comes form grin and it sounds Sottish/Irish. I’m sure you’ll find a use for it.

Do you remember zarf? I looked it up last year and I haven’t forgotten it.

A zarf (plural: zarfs, zuruuf, zarves) is a holder, usually of ornamental metal, for a coffee cup without a handle (demitasse or fincan).

I tried to move a picture of it but you know I can’t do that. If you’ve been to Starbucks recently you know what it looks like.

Cheers.