Whether it’s
what to write on a condolence card or a five letter word for ‘fracas’ to
complete a crossword puzzle, we all occasionally struggle to find the right
word. Stressful times impede the mental search for that illusive phrase that
would be a great response. Aging contributes
to that ‘now what was his name? I can picture his face…’ memory game. When we realize we are playing that game more
and more, we worry about what that might mean.
Our commercial,
fast paced, and electronic society shorthand us out of the connections made
through thoughtful wording. Often my illegible handwritten missives begin with ‘Just
a note to say…’ which automatically define them as brief. A reply feature makes
it easy in our emails and texts to share LOL and J or L feelings.
We peruse the greeting card aisle for just the right picture on the outside and
tone on the inside, and often pay a little more to not have to write anything
except our name because the card says it better than we could. We let others ‘speak’
for us and I fear we are losing the subtleties of well-crafted sentences.
I’m told
that my mother’s father was a great letter writer and his notes often included
poems appropriate to the recipient. I have only a few examples. But who’s got
the time these days when it is much easier to post something on Facebook, a
blog, or a tweet? Well, if the thoughts don’t flow, or a particular sentence doesn’t
come together, or the right words don’t come, it doesn’t matter what the method
of communication.
It amazes
me that each week something strikes me as an idea for a musing; it’s a rare
week when the concept just isn’t there. More common is the struggle to put one
sensible word after another and to find the proper spin that reflects what I
want to say. But as long as ideas come along I’ll keep encouraging my brain to
strain for that right word, except for the next month or so. Apologies to those
who have indicated they look forward to the Monday musing notice in their
inbox, but I’m taking a short break. I will resume musing in October and look
forward to hearing from you in the interim. And, should you face an instance
where the right word is on the tip of your tongue, remember the words of Mark
Twain who said, “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as
effective as a rightly timed pause.”
Marilyn
