BLOG 302–English Words and Wording

Just“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 302–English Words and Wording
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY AND BETTER!

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two different trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma — Yikes!
*** What do you want to accomplish before you die?
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** What are you passionate about?
*** Only YOU know what is best for you.
*** Live for now! You will have had a great life when all your nows add up!
*** You cannot change the past. Thhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFC5vLPDWRo future will come. All you have is now—always.
*** Have you seen >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFC5vLPDWRsvo

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I hope I help guide you. I want to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to make your journey toward value. I am not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me each time—I love it! In other words, I hope to continually add to your life and bring you to a higher level. Your life should always be starting again–a better life each time!
     
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual demise?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life — at any age.
Of course, that leads to helping others to have a better life.
We all need to help each other to reach a higher level.
Start today, and know that you can build the life you desire.
     
MY EXPERIENCES
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide you with additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember — only you know what is best for you.
And — you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
         

YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE?
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ABOUT THIS CURRENT BLOG–

The key to good writing is the editorial process. Read your words again and again until they are perfect. Do not use extra words; write what is necessary to get the message out, and do nothing more. Fewer words are better.
   
The average native English speaker only knows about 6% of English words. There are so many ways to use the words, and it’s incredible. I have worked on using a new word daily. That is something you might do; it will open many new paths for you to go down,
   
Reading the right English words will help you find purpose and meaning in life. It is often considered necessary for several reasons:
   
Mental Well-Being: A sense of purpose can enhance mental health, contributing to lower levels of anxiety and depression. It provides a framework for individuals to navigate challenges and setbacks.
   
Motivation and Goals: Purpose directs individuals to set and pursue goals. It can lead to more remarkable persistence and resilience when facing difficulties.
   
Fulfillment and Satisfaction: Engaging in activities aligned with one’s values and interests can lead to a more profound sense of fulfillment
     
The English language is enormous—so vast that the average native speaker knows only about 6% of all English words, which equates to roughly 35,000 of the 600,000 words in the Oxford English Dictionary. That percentage may seem small, but the fact that most of us get by just fine daily suggests that the other 94% of words are relatively obscure or redundant.
 
English has one of the most extensive vocabulary words of any language due to its history of freely incorporating words from other languages, particularly French (the origin of at least 30% of English words).
   
Most adults learn an average of one new word per day until middle age when vocabulary growth tends to slow or even stop — all the more reason to keep the mind sharp with crossword puzzles and word games.
   
Of course, different studies have shown slightly different stats. While one estimates the average English-speaking adult’s vocabulary to be between 20,000 and 35,000 words, another forecasts it to be closer to 42,000.
 
The latter study featured 70 actual words alongside 30 made-up words and asked subjects to identify which was which; however, they weren’t required to define the words. This could account for the higher estimate of known words, as participants may have recognized some words without knowing their meanings.
     
The English language has a diverse origin, with words coming from many different languages and cultures:
   
Germanic
The core vocabulary of English comes from the West Germanic language of the old Anglo-Saxons, who settled in Britain in the 5th century.
   
Latin and Greek
English has borrowed many words from other languages, often through other European languages. Latin is the source of many scientific, medical, and legal terms.
   
French
An estimated 29% of English words come from French.
     
Other languages
English has borrowed words from more than 300 languages worldwide, including Old Norse, Middle High German, Japanese, Aboriginal languages, Dutch, Scots, and Portuguese.
 
Technology and products
Sometimes, a person’s name becomes associated with something they invent or introduce, and the name lives on in the English language. For example, “mesmerize” comes from F.A. Mesmer, an Austrian doctor and hypnotist.
   
The study of the origins of words is called etymology.

     
Over a few generations, some words have long and complicated histories, sometimes forking into new words and acquiring new meanings. Unraveling this mess is the job of the etymologist, who must take on the role of both a historian and a linguist to decipher and find the contrived paths of particular words through recorded history.
   
We already know that English is full of similar words that seem unrelated. However, the opposite is also true: many common words mean entirely different things, which might sound distinct enough but share the exact etymological origin. These words are called etymological doublets (or even triplets!).
   
Both words come from the Latin root ‘specie,’ meaning ‘appearance’ or ‘form.’ While the word ‘spice,’ with its modern meaning, was imported to English from Old French, ‘species’ was only later borrowed directly from Latin.
 
An exciting pair that, at first glance, might not seem related at all. However, these two words share a Latin root in the word ‘nativus’, which means natural or innate. ‘Native’ retained the part of the Latin meaning that relates to an innate origin, while ‘naïve’ kept the sense of innocent, unspoiled nature.
   
These two are similar, only diverging by one letter. But in modern usage, they mean very different things. While ‘convey’ means to transport or deliver something (information or materials), a convoy refers to a group of vehicles traveling together, usually for protection.
     
These two pieces of clothing could be clear today. Surprisingly, both were derived from the Old English word ‘score,’ a long dress-like shirt peasants wore in 14th-century England. I guess that when this multipurpose fabric was cut in two, the original word was split accordingly into a shirt and skirt.
   
Some of these doublets carry their metaphors and ironies. In this case, one can’t help but smile at the thought of two seemingly opposed ideas having etymological roots that bring them together. Both come from the Latin ‘tradere’, meaning handing over or handing down.
   
And if you haven’t guessed already, this is an etymological triplet, also spawning the modern English word ‘trade.’ Another fun one! Could grammar be glamorous? Probably not, but at least the words are related, according to etymologists. The kinship can be traced back to its Latin and Greek forms, where the word generally referred to the study of literature.
   
Since the high class tended to dedicate their time to studying classical literature as much as alchemy, magic, or astrology, the word ‘glamour’ – originally just a mispronunciation – evolved to encompass the fancy quality of these last err… unorthodox studies.
   
However, the Persian word ‘dulband’ meant ‘turban,’ and the flower only gets its name from the resemblance of its overlapping petals to the folds of a turban. However, At some point, meanings diverged, and this sense came into French, already changing into ‘turbans’.
     
Did any of these doublets surprise you? I’m still shocked by the kinship between treason, trade, and tradition. If you love to read about language, long-lost etymologies, and other related topics, stay around! We will keep uploading interesting content to assuage all your language trivia cravings.
   
The discovery of the Rosetta Stone—an artifact featuring an inscription written in three ancient scripts—allowed Egyptologists to translate previously unintelligible hieroglyphics into fascinating historical facts.
 
However, Egypt is a rare case when understanding ancient cultures through language. Experts still can’t decipher dozens of ancient languages, including the script of the Rapa Nui on Easter Island, texts from the Olmec and Zapotec cultures in Mesoamerica, and the tongues of some of the oldest civilizations in history.
   
One such civilization is the Kingdom of Kush, which flourished in Nubia (modern-day Sudan and southern Egypt) from around 1070 BCE to 350 CE. The kingdom rivaled ancient Egypt in splendor, but scholars can’t crack its language, named Meroitic for the capital city of Meroë.
   
Another incredible example takes us eastward to the Minoan civilization that lived on the island of Crete, a culture that predated and inspired the ancient Greeks. Linguists have yet to fully decipher the texts, written in Linear A, that survive from this once-great Mediterranean power.
   
However, the most significant missing linguistic link is the Indus Valley language, spoken by the people who lived along the Indus River in modern-day Pakistan as far back as 7000 BCE.
 
Although it rivaled other great civilizations, such as ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, little is known about this early society, as its language has yet to be deciphered. Linguists hope that one day, some ancient tablet, likely buried beneath the sands of Iraq or along the coast of Arabia, will contain a Rosetta Stone-like translation that finally brings to light this influential civilization whose voice has been lost to time.

LIVE FOR THE MOMENT — EVERY MOMENT!

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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU!
Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
     
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. Have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
     
“YOU”
Your quality of thinking and how you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determine everything in your life. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
   
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES
Motivational quotes affect our brain, behavior, and lives because they make us feel like we are in control of our success and have self-efficacy. Quotes make us believe that we have the confidence to complete a task successfully, which is different from having the motivation to succeed.  
   
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
     
WORDS WILL CHANGE YOU!
The correct motivational quote can change you and things—helping you ditch the excuses, escape your comfort zone, and take action. Read these words with an open mind and learn to improve your life.
     
THESE QUOTES
When you read these quotes, you’ll also realize that many other people worldwide are experiencing these feelings. These feelings make you think you’re the only person who could feel this bad. But you’re not. Lots and lots of other people feel bad, too. This is the irony of it. You don’t want other people to feel crappy, but it does make you feel better or at least comforted to know that other people feel just as bad as you.
     
READ CAREFULLY
These quotes can be used when you wake up or prepare for work.
You can write your favorite quotes somewhere where you can see them first thing in the morning.
These quotes are motivating, inspiring, and encouraging.
They will help you see your potential, stay motivated, and see the beauty in every morning.
Use them to your advantage! 

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I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
 
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes
   
“All our dreams can come true if we dare to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
   
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
     
“Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and don’t give up.” – Rachel Corrie
     
“Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller
   
“Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams reality.” – Jonas Salk
 
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
   
“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” – Brad Henry
   
“Courage is the commitment to begin without any guarantee of success.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
     
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings
   
“Everyone has talent. What’s rare is the courage to follow it to the dark places where it leads.” – Erica Jong
   
“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” – Earl Nightingale

       
YOU MUST HAVE PURPOSE!
Not only is it essential, it’s imperative.
A life of no purpose is a life of aimless wander with misery in sight.
     
Most need help with their proper purpose or need clarification about it. Just because someone says they have a purpose doesn’t mean it’s true.
Does everyone have a purpose?
I question this myself a lot.
How about abusive people?
Do they have a purpose?
   
To answer the question, finding purpose in life is imperative because purpose is why you and I exist today. The purpose is our why, or it answers why a person is alive and living.
 
Now, I know that many people do not see their purpose,
However, not knowing does not make the purpose of life or each one any less important.
   
Is it that important to find your life purpose?
The answer, of course, is YES!
           
Why You Need a Purpose
“A central purpose serves to integrate all the other concerns of a person’s life. It establishes the hierarchy, the relative importance, of his values; it saves him from pointless inner conflicts; it permits him to enjoy life on a wide scale and to carry that enjoyment into any area open to his mind, whereas a person without a purpose is lost in chaos.”—Ayn Rand
     
These inspiring words inspire you to realize your full potential.
You deserve to hear all the positive and encouraging words out there! 

YOU MUST IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE!

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
12/14–I’ve moved into a motel, sort of. April and Jasmine set this up for me to stay at. There are no bed coverings; I use my sleeping bag. They don’t come and clean your room daily, either. Just a room and bed where you can sleep. There is a bathroom with a shower; I took one yesterday (it had been four days without, so it was time.) There is also a counter that serves as a kitchen. That is where I boil water for tea and make things to eat.
         
There is a microwave, and I brought my stove to make my morning tea and cook other things. There is a TV, but I have yet to turn it on; YouTube serves the purpose. There is also a fridge and freezer.

12/15–Having a bed and the heat on, I slept well for a change.
 
My daughter, April, sent these words yesterday >>
Tomorrow won’t work—sorry. Our weeks were already planned before you got here. Since you’ll be in PA long-term, we know we’ll see you more over the coming months and years than we have for a while. That said, we won’t be able to see you as often or spontaneously as you’d like. We’ll let you know when we can see you some time next week. I hope you enjoy the apartment!
     
It’s nice to see April’s words, but I thought I would see them more often.
You will read how things are in future blogs.
I’m sorry I won’t see my daughters as much, though.
     
I went to Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart, all near each other and about seven miles away. On the way, I passed by an Amish horse and buggy. Although there are many Amish in the area, they still stand out. Costco has a horse barn where horses can stay while the Amish shop.
               
12/16–The traffic in most major cities is incredible. Most cities have construction happening all around. That is what I found in this area, too. The work never gets finished. When I was living in numerous cities, the work just went on and on,
 
12/17–They are pretty close, so I went again to Walmart, Best Buy, and Costco. I needed to buy things at each store, as I did.

12/18–Waiting for April to arrive today; it should be about 10 am. It’s strange to have April drive me around. Of course, when she and Jasmine were young, I drove them everywhere.
   
When April was 16, I thought it was time. I drove her in my van to a big, open parking lot. We got out of the van, and I tossed her the key. With a surprised look, she said, “Me—drive?” I told her it would be like driving a go-cart, something she had done before. So off we went, and I loved seeing the smile on her face.
   
April’s church paid for a month of staying where I am currently.
What a kind thing this church did for me; thank them so much >> https://www.wheatlandpca.org/
     
Clothes time–April knows of a used clothing store that sells fantastic things at very low prices.
Take a look >> https://www.fashioncentsconsignment.com/
             
April drove me to get groceries, which she also needed.
This store has fantastic prices, it was fabulous.
See >> https://ebenezergroceries.com/
   
12/19–My van would not start today! I had a service come and jump the van to be running. Later, on my own, I saw that I had left the running lights on, which drained the battery. I was ready to go to Costco to purchase a new battery, but this one still works well. I have to remember to make sure the lights are off.
     
12/20–Right now, snow is falling outside.
Not sticking on the ground, but coming down. 

DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY!
THEN, KEEP DOING NEW FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

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THE GARDEN THIS WEEK

I keep this section about gardening in.
I do like the skill and hope you do, too.

Winter now, but there are still things you can grow.
And, remember about indoor gardening.
     
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.   
You must look into it.
   
Because I am back on the road, there will be no more words about the garden.
I do hope Beth keeps it up.
We did a lot of work establishing our vegetable garden.
   
When I drove the van seven years ago,
I grew stuff under the sunroof windows on the top.
I may start that up in my van garden again.
You will find out, of course.

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE!

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ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
This week, learn and use a new word each day.
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NEXT BLOG >>
Remember to Breathe!
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AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?