This prompt from Tyrean Martinson’s book – A Pocket-Sized Jumble of Writing of 500+ Prompts – immediately touched me in two ways. First of all, I was thinking of everybody switching off the screens at dinner time, automatically being followed by a moment of silence while the prompt is pondered and then being discussed. The […]
Across the Fence: Realpolitik
Oh my, a loaded term in politically loaded times! This was my first thought when I came across this Germanism in the English language, the other day. Realpolitik (pronounce: ray-‘ul-poli-’tic, meaning realistic politics) was a word I can’t even remember having been discussed in my politics classes in grades 12 and 13 at my German […]
Let’s Talk! – The Doors of the Sun Closed
Whoa, my friend Tyrean Martinson! This time your prompt in your book for writers, which I abuse for inviting readers to have conversations instead of staring at screens, got the better of me. I’m drawing a total blank. Indeed, I googled whether this was part of some poem or song lyrics. Failure. I finally came […]
Across the Fence: Anwesenheit
Today’s Germanism in the English language is the term Anwesenheit (pronounce ‘un-vah-zen-hite, meaning presence). I was thrilled to come up with some ideas, but even more surprised when I realized that the only field in which the Germanism is used over here is psychology! Here is a definition by Wikipedia: “Anwesenheit refers to the false […]
Let’s Talk! – Dear Angry Henchmen
Are your screens off, and are you ready to take off on a round of lively conversation? Or intense pondering? Well, I have to admit that today’s prompt had me flustered. I thought it might be lines in a poem – and maybe they are – but my Google search came up empty. And so, […]
Across the Fence: The Mattress of One’s Life
My latest experiences call for interrupting the steady flow of Germanisms in American English in this column and for replacing at least today’s attempt at exploring a term with exploring hotels. Specifically, mattresses. And trust me, I’m not trying to sell you a particular brand. I’d just like to share with you on what thoughts […]
Let’s Talk! – Winter’s Quiet
It’s a quiet day in spring as I ponder my friend Tyrean Martinson’s next prompt – and invite you to switch off your screens and ponder yourselves. “Winter’s Quiet” is maybe a bit unusual to think of this time of year. On the other hand – maybe it will make some sense, after all. When […]
Across the Fence: Ansatz
There is another Germanism in the English language that I didn’t know about. It is the term “Ansatz” (pronounce: ‘un-zuts), which means approach. It refers to very different processes, as a matter of fact, but always means that it is the beginning of a bigger picture. Basically, it’s the seed of an idea. The field […]
Let’s Talk! – A Paper Bag Lunch
What comes to YOUR mind when you are reading this week’s prompt and invitation to switch off your phones and screens to ponder? Here’s what comes to mine. First and foremost, I never had paper bag lunches until I came to live in the U.S. My mother packed me second breakfasts for kindergarten and school, […]