Topics

Sep

Voilà! The Poetry of Untranslatable Words

by Meredith Mullins on September 28, 2020

Linguistic trivia says that the Inuits have 50 words for snow. But how, in languages,
do you find the one perfect word to describe something—le mot juste?
© Meredith Mullins

Wordplay with Meaning

We live in challenging times. We have had to become super-adaptable beings, asking ourselves every day how to cope with the multitude of new normals.

What changes emerge?

Have you, like most of the world, savored hyggelig and gezelligheid?

Have you searched for moments of beauty in komorebi, mångata, and psithurism?

Have you had the urge to commit to jijivisha and to integrate firgun and merak into life rhythms? Read more...

Meredith Mullins 8 Comments

Language & Culture/Wordplay/Worldwide Sites

Sep

WFH? Employ Proverbs from Around the World!

by Joyce McGreevy on September 21, 2020

A mom trying to work from home prompts a WFH writer to find new wisdom about work in old proverbs from around the world. (Image by © doble-d/ iStock)

It’s “Take Your Kids to Work Day”! Every . . . single . . . day.
© doble-d/ iStock

Old Sayings for New Work Habits

Coined in 2000, it’s trending again—WFH, “working from home.” For years, Big Business has replaced leisurely language with speed-talking code. As in “FYI, the CEO wants the YTD P&L ASAP!” Now, as many offices remain closed, the busyness of business-speak has followed us home.

Soon we’ll be talking about doing WTMW (way too much work) from our HSHO (home, sweet home office). We’ll care for BFMs & APs (beloved family members and adorable pets) while managing the NEHC (never-ending household chores). But before we get to the PONR (point of no return), let’s consider a different kind of WFH—Wisdom From History. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 2 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Proverbs & Sayings/Worldwide Sites

Sep

The Paris Pigeon Man

by Meredith Mullins on September 14, 2020

Adding Layers to Traveling Stories

Every city has its celebrity characters, from the naked cowboy in New York’s Times Square to the ragged beggar in Bucharest, who spends his day asking for money and then gives it all to the local church.

Finding these characters, by chance or by design, adds adventure to one’s traveling stories. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 7 Comments

Art of Travel/France (Paris)/Life Lessons

World Views: