Finding the Words

Editor’s Note:  To mark the first anniversary of the launch of AgeSpots, this post reflects on the thread and theme of words throughout my life.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with words. 

I recall learning the alphabet by listening to my parents say the names of nearby streets until I had memorized them. Family members believed I was really “reading“ street signs as I recited them in order west to east: Albion; Ash; Bellaire; Birch; Claremont; Cherry; Dexter; Dahlia; Eudora; Elm; Fairfax; Forest; Glencoe; Grape; Hudson; Holly; Ivanhoe; Ivy; Jersey; Jasmine (the street my house was on).

Later, when I actually began to read, one grandmother used to amaze her friends by opening the dictionary and having me read the entries on the randomly selected page aloud.  My other grandmother took me to a coffee shop and had me read the mounted menu.

It is no wonder that my life has been centered on words—writing, radio and publicity.

After several years in a words wasteland professionally when I was caring for my parents, I have rediscovered that passion with a writing renaissance.

I’ve picked up a new writing project, courtesy of a good friend who had the gig for 10 years and was creatively dry.  I find myself plunging in and picking up the thread of her fine efforts. 

Interestingly, I have noticed how unconscious the words/writing muse is.  I wake up in the middle of the night with a lede in my head and a story outline to follow—just like that.

My writing has become sharper, more concise and more compelling. 

Even on a daily level, I am tinkering with words.  An alfresco gathering of neighbor friends inspired this moniker—the Simpatios.  It doesn’t hurt that I’ve also always loved puns!

During this time of uncertainty and unease with the world around us, I’m delighted by the constant presence of words and the ability to use them well.