I was just writing a response on a message board, and found myself typing, “In theory, the publisher can…” Not a shocking phrase, really, except that I used “in theory.” This is a verbal tic that I’m told I use a lot. I think the reason is that it’s a…
Spinning Words 3–The Spinning
Fiber Preparation So … you’ve got your fleece, and you’ve carefully cleaned it (so as not to turn it into felt) … now what? You need to get it ready to spin, which comes with its own set of fun words.. Cards: You know those dog brushes that are mostly…
Spinning Words 2–The Fiber
Last time, we explored words connected with the equipment used for spinning yarn. Today we’re going to look at some of the words involved with the fiber. And, trust me, they’re unique! The Plant Fibers The plant fibers like linen have a long, convoluted process just to get the fiber…
Spinning Words
Brad and Joanna have been showing off their specialized, obscure vocabulary lately, so I thought I would share some of the more obscure, specialized words that I know. Brad has focused on Scottish dialect, and, I wanted to share words that only a select group of people know. Spinners. Not…
Anticipation
In honor of the fourth annual Bloggers’ (Silent) Poetry Reading (which I participated in last year, as well as in 2006, 2007, 2008 over at my knitting blog), this year you get a Very Special Treat. A poem that I wrote. This is a rare, rare thing. I like poetry…
Moral Lesson Part 2
Remember a couple weeks ago, when I told you about a duplicate order I had received in the mail? And used it as a springboard to discuss manners and the benefits of doing the Right Thing? Remember how I emailed them to let them know, and was irritated that they…
Let the Yeast Do the Work
Writing is like bread baking. No, really! Let me explain. You start with the basics. Yeast: The initial idea. The spark that’s going to make your writing grow into a loaf of bread. (Well, you know what I mean.) Flour: This is the substance, the main argument. Really, without the…
Loot and Plunder
Do you burn your bridges? James over at Men with Pens asked an interesting question today. He described a situation where he was exchanging emails with a potential client, discussing possible permutations of what they needed, how much work was involved, the amount of time it would take. All the…
Pulse Warmers
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the most difference. I was thinking about this the other day when I was sitting in my office, shivering in the draft coming from the door. I was wearing warm pants, wool socks, and a handknit sweater (made by yours truly) … but…
Curse-Breaking
You also know, of course, that as of tomorrow, we’ve got a new President here in the U.S. of A. (You may have heard?) I’m planning on taking an early, long lunch tomorrow so that I can actually watch the swearing in at noon … and see the Inaugural Address…