The power of a word.

Current mood: peaceful

Suicide.

Taxes.

Terrorist.

Slavery.

Bomb.

Here are a few words that have been given a bit more weight than is typical. You may have even winced a bit after reading one or two of them. A single word can be so entrenched with history or circumstance

that it can, by itself, create powerful and meaningful emotions and reactions in those receiving them. The words I chose at the beginning of this thought almost always have a negative, even somewhat grating,

feeling to the thought of them. Given the right circumstances they could even have an adverse affect on the entire feeling of a day... for multiple people at once, even. And I don't mean the actual interaction with any of the concepts portrayed by the word... just speaking or reading of the word.

Here are a few nice words.

Bunnies.

Hug.

Laughter.

Sunshine.

Window.

And I am sure you all have different reactions than I do to the same words. You might have an adverse reaction to the word 'bunnies' if you have any recollection of Watership Down. You might also have an

adverse reaction to the word 'sunshine' if your pet ant 'Juniper' was once melted under a magnifying glass by a psychotic neighbor kid from down the street... whose name happened to be Sunshine. Likely, for most of you, this is not the case.

Words can sometimes be the auditory form of what you look like to others... as well as to yourself. Words you think about yourself shape your self-image and influence the way you behave. They are also one of

the only ways for a person to gain insight as to the true nature of YOU - the obscure, inherently complex emotions and feelings meagerly channeled into form and stability available for review. YOU are not a

collection of words, however, as they are merely an aspect of your will.

Disambiguation.

Apogee.

Exoteric.

Juxtapose.

Magniloquence.

These are a few of the words I enjoy which are a bit on the far side of the typical vocabulary range. They are generally confusing without useful context or any prior exposure. Not particularly useful words, as

their uncommon nature in a manner dictates, but they do have their place. I don't speak another verbal or written language (at least not in any proficient degree) but the other manifestations of my communication do have meaning nonetheless. It is the same as any and every other person living. We all have a voice (audible or not). All of us have the power of words at our disposal. What are we doing with them? What are we doing with the responsibility we accept by our opportunities to express? Are we careful, thoughtful, and good-willing, or do we spend the strength of our amazing, irreplaceable minds expelling garbage and nonsense? It is a choice.

So... it's time to climb back down.</o:p>

         Peace

                   Love

                              Warmth

                                        Family

                                                  Life

I have been reminded of the passing of my good friend Evelyn over the last week or so. It must be because of this particular time of year since I have not been particularly aware of the actual date very much lately. I have thought of her with fond memories. She was a master of sharing the good-willing, uplifting parts of her with others… a debt which I can never repay her, but for which I am eternally grateful. If I can share but a small piece of that with any of my friends I can only hope to have reflected her example in some part.

Happy holidays to you all! Take the time to notice and I am sure you won't regret it.