AI became part of the digital world’s ‘furniture’ faster than any new tool that I can think of. How it will evolve, and be used , will be a reflection of who we are - or what we become. Uncertainties about AI’s potential makes me nervous.
So captivated by all the pocket vocabularies for different practices, places, etc. Endlessly intriguing. Also, obsessed with the Rodale thesaurus but wondering if I didn’t find my way to it through you?
OMG. I thought you meant Roget. But now I see that Rodale does have a synonym finder. No! I'm not the one who told you about it. Do I need to get myself a copy? Thank you!!!
Words are endlessly intriguing! One of my favorite things to do is check the etymology of words. I use this site: https://www.etymonline.com Many times, the original meaning/use of a word has changed, and learning the word's original meaning gives a person a whole new insight. A thesaurus is always close at hand, both an app and a real one. Thank you for the thesaurus link in your article. Also, I like how you keep a list of verbs handy; a great suggestion that I plan on putting into action. It is paradoxical how "bee" is used for "spelling bee", because, as you note, a spelling bee is anything but buzzing with conversation!
I attended a one room, small country school until I began high school. Our spelling bees were held in the county courtroom in town, 30 miles from home. Although I was a good speller, being in the courtroom and with strangers around (I was used to the ranch's isolation and the few kids at my school, as well as being shy) was intimidating and I usually stumbled over my spelling and was eliminated within the first several rounds. Good memories.
Thank you for sharing your spelling bee adventures, Janisse:)
Loved this! I too was a spelling bee champion up until about the 6th grade. Everything changed when I changed schools. But my Granny kept my love of words alive by playing Scrabble. I own a dictionary that is 6” thick. My son used it as a booster seat when he was a child. I always let Hubby use it when we play Scrabble…I call it his “book of knowledge”. Words aren’t his thing, tools & wood are.
Absolutely LOVED the bee metaphor as I’ve been entranced by mine this week. As usual, thank you for these little gifts you give to the world that speak directly to my heart. 💜
One more thing I forgot to mention. My brother LOVES ChatGPT & he’s always urging me to check it out. He has entire conversations with it while he’s traveling for work. Weirds me out!
Yes to the site specific nomenclature. Medical words come to mind as I've had the occasion, sadly, to be steeped in a whole lexicon of confusing new words and meanings. My father was a word person, and so I became one too. At summer camp, in my young teens, I earned the nickname Webster, I hope from affection and not derision, though I don't remember exactly. I just knew more words and used them.
First, I'm tickled that you are writing a book on writing, and I'll look forward to it whenever it appears. And second, I never participated in a spelling bee, but oh, my, did I love words as a child! They were whole worlds in themselves, like paintings in letters. I still love the sound of new words, and I always try out the mouth feel out loud. Third, thanks for the link to the thesaurus. Not a fancy interface, but definitely a powerful tool. Blessings!
AI became part of the digital world’s ‘furniture’ faster than any new tool that I can think of. How it will evolve, and be used , will be a reflection of who we are - or what we become. Uncertainties about AI’s potential makes me nervous.
Agreed, AI is scary!
So captivated by all the pocket vocabularies for different practices, places, etc. Endlessly intriguing. Also, obsessed with the Rodale thesaurus but wondering if I didn’t find my way to it through you?
OMG. I thought you meant Roget. But now I see that Rodale does have a synonym finder. No! I'm not the one who told you about it. Do I need to get myself a copy? Thank you!!!
It’s the best print one I’ve found so far 💚
Okay, that settles the matter. I'm ordering it. xoxo
Words are endlessly intriguing! One of my favorite things to do is check the etymology of words. I use this site: https://www.etymonline.com Many times, the original meaning/use of a word has changed, and learning the word's original meaning gives a person a whole new insight. A thesaurus is always close at hand, both an app and a real one. Thank you for the thesaurus link in your article. Also, I like how you keep a list of verbs handy; a great suggestion that I plan on putting into action. It is paradoxical how "bee" is used for "spelling bee", because, as you note, a spelling bee is anything but buzzing with conversation!
I attended a one room, small country school until I began high school. Our spelling bees were held in the county courtroom in town, 30 miles from home. Although I was a good speller, being in the courtroom and with strangers around (I was used to the ranch's isolation and the few kids at my school, as well as being shy) was intimidating and I usually stumbled over my spelling and was eliminated within the first several rounds. Good memories.
Thank you for sharing your spelling bee adventures, Janisse:)
There's something very powerful in these spelling bee experiences. I can see you there in your county courthouse, trying to concentrate.
Loved this! I too was a spelling bee champion up until about the 6th grade. Everything changed when I changed schools. But my Granny kept my love of words alive by playing Scrabble. I own a dictionary that is 6” thick. My son used it as a booster seat when he was a child. I always let Hubby use it when we play Scrabble…I call it his “book of knowledge”. Words aren’t his thing, tools & wood are.
Absolutely LOVED the bee metaphor as I’ve been entranced by mine this week. As usual, thank you for these little gifts you give to the world that speak directly to my heart. 💜
One more thing I forgot to mention. My brother LOVES ChatGPT & he’s always urging me to check it out. He has entire conversations with it while he’s traveling for work. Weirds me out!
Yes, a little weird.
You have real bees. All I have is bee metaphors.
Wonder what it says about me that I don’t think I have any particular affinity for words?
It says you are perfect for having an affinity for images.
Oooh, yes. And I do love to think about how words form images. Thank you, Janisse.
A recent list of river words:
Creeks, rivers, rivulets, headwaters, mid-reaches, lower reaches, river continuum, shredders, detritus, the shredder guild, collectors, predators, rocky, flowy, riffles, swift, shallow, steep, runs, pools, bends, glides, shoals, bedrock, grazers, flow, sloughs, oxbow lakes, swamps, freshet, delta, freshets.
The word that got me out at the state level spelling bee in 6th grade was "colonel." I spelled the other one in my haste.
Words, indeed!
Colonel! Makes me smile.
And look at that word "shredders." I've seen a couple of those.
Yes to the site specific nomenclature. Medical words come to mind as I've had the occasion, sadly, to be steeped in a whole lexicon of confusing new words and meanings. My father was a word person, and so I became one too. At summer camp, in my young teens, I earned the nickname Webster, I hope from affection and not derision, though I don't remember exactly. I just knew more words and used them.
This is perfect. Imagine a story character named Webster.
An annoying know-it-all. A wise advisor. A super smart sleuth.
Thank you for a new thesaurus tool!
Also, check out Kimberly's suggestion. Rodale has one!
Rodale?! Who knew?
First, I'm tickled that you are writing a book on writing, and I'll look forward to it whenever it appears. And second, I never participated in a spelling bee, but oh, my, did I love words as a child! They were whole worlds in themselves, like paintings in letters. I still love the sound of new words, and I always try out the mouth feel out loud. Third, thanks for the link to the thesaurus. Not a fancy interface, but definitely a powerful tool. Blessings!