Just a thought
No Comments »14th December, 2006; Category: Just a Thought
I’m not hard to get along with but sometimes the world just won’t cooperate.” Ashleigh Brilliant.
Don’t you just feel like that some days?
Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, think I’ll go and eat worms.
That’s what the positive thinking gurus forget. Yes, we have control over our own thoughts, responses, reactions and how we deal with the cards life deals us, but it seems that the whole world is reading a different script. It is like we are dancing to a different tune, marching out of step and swimming against the tide.
Just a thought: about writing and life
“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin
Lofty goals but certainly worthy aspirations nevertheless.
Those who aspire to be published writers need to be constantly striving to write what others will want to read. In an era when becoming a “published” writer is easier than ever before – I speak here of blogs in particular – the temptation to churn out absolute rubbish has become almost universal.
Despite its obvious shortcomings however, blogging is becoming one of the most powerful social movements of the modern era. And it’s only in its infancy; the long-term potential is staggering. If you don’t believe me, think about the ubiquitous mobile phone. As recent as twenty years ago they were bulky bricks one lugged around if you could afford it. Now look at them. Personal, instant communication is available and mostly affordable to all.
So as writers we owe it to our readers to strive to “write something worth reading.” And if we can’t do that, Benjamin Franklin tells us to “do something worth writing” about. Perhaps in today’s language we might say: “get a life.” But make sure it’s a very interesting life, a life others will want to read about.
Of course, those of us who are really clever might be able to do both.
Idiom #7: A little bird told me
No Comments »11th December, 2006; Category: Idioms
This week’s idiom:
“A little bird told me.”
Origins:
This idiom is thought to have come from the Old Testament in the Bible, namely Ecclesiastes 10:20.
“Do not revile the king even in your thoughts,
or curse the rich in your bedroom,
because a bird of the air may carry your words,
and a bird on the wing may report what you say.”
Meaning:
It is used by people to state a fact from a secret source.
Example:
“How did you know that I came first in the race, Grandma?” said Laura.
“A little bird told me,” replied Grandma.
See also my article “What is an idiom?”