I love words, I started collecting them when I was little girl. Some girls collect dolls or stuffed animals. Not me. It was all about words.
As a kid, I had 2 notebooks with me at all times. In one notebook, I’d record new words that I heard or read. If I didn’t understand what the word meant, I’d look it up and write down the definition. Then, I’d try to use the new word casually, in conversation. My (mis)use of these oversized words was hilarious to the grown-ups in my life. In fact, we still laugh about a few of the golden nuggets I stiltedly pushed through my kid-mouth to form an awkward sentence. We call those comical phrases ‘quotable quotes.’
Still, I persevered. Words held power. I wanted to know words, to understand them, to use them properly.
In the second notebook, I collected quotes. I was (and still am) moved and amazed at the power of the right words strung together to express the perfect thought.
My love of words, quotes, song lyrics and poems comes naturally. My paternal grandmother was a published author and poet. Her first gift to me was a rhyming poem. I still have it, in her handwriting. What a treasure.
Now my 11-year old niece is keeping the tradition alive. She uses the funniest words sometimes, struggling to work them into a cohesive sentence. She has her own notebook full of favorite words. When she grows up, I hope we’ll laugh together about her ‘quotable quotes.’ I hope she’ll use the power of words in a positive way.
Even as a kid I knew that words have power. I wanted to understand the power, harness it and use it well.
I still want all that.
The pen is mightier than the sword. ~Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." ~Rudyard Kipling
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This post was written for The Writers' Post group on Facebook, and this week’s topic is The Power of Words. If you want to connect with other bloggers and join the fun, go to The Writers' Post Facebook page and request to join the group. Everyone is welcome.
