Bill W

"Thrum" has two distinct origins: an older noun referring to textile remnants (Old English) and a later verb/noun related to sound (16th century imitative). Derived from Middle English thrum(m)e, from Old English þrum (found in tungeþrum "ligament of the tongue"). Related to Old Norse thrǫmr ("edge, brim, verge") and Old High German drum ("end-piece"). According to theOxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the verb thrum (meaning to play idly on an instrument) in Middle English. The word is of imitative or expressive formation, often referring to a monotonous sound, according to Sesquiotica. Another form of the verb (thrum, v.2) appears later, to repeat something monotonously, appeared in the early 1500s. Earliest use as a verb was around 1275 in Laȝamon's Brut. Earliest use as a noun was during the Old English period (pre-1150), referring to the fringe of a garment or woven cloth.

It was a fun day for them, Lee, but the young are resilient. It's getting old that makes it a drag. 🤪

Thanks, VB. I'm glad you're enjoying their adventure.

Thanks, Chris. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I also appreciate your patience.

Thank you, drs. I appreciated your patience!

Chapter 41 – Glenwood Springs After we returned to our rooms following the full day rafting trip, we dried off and changed, and then went out for supper. Our parents took us to a different restaurant tonight, and since there weren’t any booths, the staff pushed three tables together so we could all sit together. After we ordered, Dad spoke to all of us. “Tomorrow we’re going to do the mini-max rafting adventure and it will take place on the Roaring Fork River. I checked with our g

In the context of writing stories—specifically action, thriller, or historical fiction involving weaponry—the tang is a critical component of a knife or sword, referring to the part of the blade that extends into the handle. Understanding the tang is crucial for authenticity, as it directly impacts the weapon's durability, which is often a key element in stories requiring high-stakes, realistic, or "hard-use" action scenarios. Importance of Tang in Writing Stories: Weapon Authenticity and Realism: A "full tang" (where the metal extends to the end of the handle) is essential for fixed-blade weapons that will be subjected to intense action. A "partial" or "rat-tail" tang can make a weapon flimsy, allowing for a realistic "fail" in a violent encounter where a knife breaks. Character Development and Credibility: A character's weapon can be a signature piece of their ensemble or "brand". Using the correct terminology (e.g., specifying a "full-tang" survival knife) lends authenticity to scenes involving survival, wilderness exploration, or specialized tactical operations. Plot Device: A weapon's reliability (or lack thereof) can determine the outcome of a conflict. A broken weapon can lead to a character’s peril, while a sturdy, high-quality weapon can be a critical tool for survival or success in a fight. Enhancing Action Scenes: Writers who describe the specific type of weapon, such as a "full-tang" fixed blade, enhance the reader's immersion into scenes requiring rigorous use of tools. Types of Tang to Consider for Stories: Full Tang: The most durable; the best choice for characters needing a reliable, "hard-use" blade. Partial/Rat-tail Tang: Less durable; suitable for showing a weapon that can fail or one that is strictly meant for light, ornamental, or non-combat use. Note: In the context of literature, "Tang" can also refer to the Tang Dynasty, a Golden Age of Chinese poetry. While "tang" (lowercase) is a structural component of a knife, "Tang" (uppercase) refers to a period famous for its rich literary, poetic, and cultural legacy.

"Tang" (sharp taste/prong) and the "sharp" nature of the prong/sting, is akin to "piquant" or "pungent", and it's similar to twang, which represents a sharp, resonant sound. The noun/verb tang stems from Middle English tange, originating from Old Norse tangi ("pointed end", "sting") and related to Proto-Germanic tang-, rooted in Proto-Indo-European *denk- ("to bite"). It is likely influenced by tongue and potentially related to Middle Dutch tanger ("sharp, tart, pinching"). It originally referred to a sharp metallic prong or sting, later evolving to mean a pungent taste (15c.). According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the word tang (in the sense of a sting or sharp point) is from the Middle English period (1150-1500),with evidence dating to before 1350 in St. Matthew, referencing serpents biting with "þaire tanges" (their tangs). The verb form tang (meaning to sting or pierce) is recorded slightly later, with earliest evidence from around 1400–50 in Alexander. The noun use of tang to mean the projecting pointed part of a tool or blade is recorded later, with evidence in the 1680s, though it is linked to the earlier Scandinavian borrowing of tange (point/sting). The figurative sense of tang as a "sharp taste or pungency" is recorded from the mid-15th century (c. 1440). Tang was also the trade name of a orange powder that you could mix with water to make an orange tasting beverage. It was formulated by General Foods Corporation food scientist William A. Mitchell and chemist William Bruce James in 1957 and first marketed to the public in 1959. . Tang became famous when NASA used it on John Glenn's 1962 Mercury mission, leading to popular "space-age" marketing campaigns.

Silken, both as a literal material and a metaphorical concept, holds significant importance in storytelling by acting as a sensory anchor, a symbol of luxury or resilience, and a narrative device that connects characters, cultures, and themes. It is frequently used to evoke elegance, wealth, or hidden strength, particularly in historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, where it can represent the "soft" or "hidden" aspects of life that contrast with harsh realities. Key Aspects of Silken in Writing: Symbolism of Status and Identity: Silk frequently denotes wealth, power, and elegance, often used to highlight a character's social standing or their aspirations. Conversely, it can represent the "hidden" or "inner" life, as seen in The Girl Who Wrote in Silk, where it represents a character's personal identity and resilience. Sensory and Lyrical Description: The word "silken" or "silky" is a powerful descriptive tool, creating a vivid, tactile sensation for the reader, describing everything from skin and hair to the texture of a character's voice. Cultural and Historical Connection: Stories often use silk to ground narratives in Asian-Pacific, particularly Chinese, history and aesthetics. It represents a "bridge" in stories that weave together different times, cultures, and traditions. Metaphorical "Thread": "Silken" is used to describe an invisible, delicate connection or bond between people, communities, or even between God and humanity, as in the book A Silken Thread. Symbol of Resistance and Expression: In some narratives, silk embroidery acts as a secret language or a method of communication and resistance against oppressive, rigid structures. Examples in Literature: The Girl Who Wrote in Silk: Uses silk to symbolize a forgotten history and a woman’s power of expression. A Silken Thread (Sawyer): Uses the material to symbolize the tender, delicate, and often hidden connections of faith and love. The Silken-Swift (Sturgeon): Uses the concept as an allegorical device. Silkpunk (Ken Liu): Uses silk and other natural materials to create a specific, culture-driven aesthetic in speculative fiction. Ultimately, the importance of "silken" lies in its versatility—it can be both a luxurious fabric worn by characters and a delicate, strong thread that weaves the theme, setting, and emotions of a story together.

Silken is an adjective derived from Old English seolcen ("made of silk), combining seolc (silk) with the Germanic suffix -en used to denote "made of" (similar to wooden or golden). Its roots trace back to Latin sēricum and Greek sērikós ("silken"), likely originating from an Asian source representing the origin of silk. The word was historically used to describe garments or textures that were smooth, luxurious, and derived from the ancient Silk Road trade. It shifted from meaning solely "made of silk" to, by the 1510s, describing things "silk-like, soft, and glossy". According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the adjective silken was first used in English during the Old English period (pre-1150). The OED notes that the verb silken (to make soft or smooth) appears much later, with the first evidence dating to 1757.

Coarseness—defined in storytelling as the inclusion of raw, gritty, or unflinching details, including strong language or harsh realism—is crucial for fostering authenticity, increasing reader immersion, and creating relatable, deeply flawed characters. While clarity and structure are necessary to keep a story moving, adding "coarse" or gritty elements ensures the narrative avoids being sanitized, boring, or artificial. Key aspects of the importance of coarseness in storytelling include: Authenticity and Realism: Using raw language or addressing uncomfortable topics helps make a story feel authentic and alive. It serves to ground the narrative in a tangible, believable reality rather than an idealized, sterile world. Developing Flawed Characters: Characters that are "riddled with human... flaws" are more engaging than perfect ones, as they nurture conflict and foster reader empathy. A "coarse" or flawed character—one with rough edges—often drives the plot more effectively than a perfect one. High-Stakes Tension: Rougher, grittier scenes help build necessary tension. If a story has no "trouble," the stakes feel low and readers may lose interest. Subverting Expectations: Introducing unexpected, intense, or strange elements can shake up a story that feels "stuck in a rut," adding depth and preventing a "sugar-coated" or predictable tone. Reader Immersion: A well-placed, gritty detail can act as a "punch in the nose," forcing the reader to engage immediately with the scene's emotional truth rather than remaining a distant observer. Balance is Key: While necessary, an excessive reliance on coarse language or gratuitous gritty details can backfire, making the writing appear as though it is "trying too hard," causing a loss of credibility. The goal is to use these elements with purpose to enhance the story's emotional impact, not just to shock.

"Coarse" (early 15c., cors) originated as an adjective derived from the noun course ("a running, journey, or regular procedure"), likely meaning "ordinary" or "common". It originally described rough, common cloth used for everyday wear, with the meaning shifting by the 16th century it was used to describe someone lacking refinement (crude, uncultured, unsophisticated), including using vulgar or obscene speech/manners. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the adjective coarse is in the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the earliest evidence dating back to 1424. The noun coarseness was first used in 1540, and the adverb coarsely was first recorded in 1548.

I have never work on anything quite that large, but have worked on some smaller upgrades and know what a pain in the backside they can be. My condolences. As far as having a green thumb or a garden, the answer is no on both. If something happened and I had to grow my own food, I would have to treat it like a forced diet or a death watch, because I doubt I could grow enough food to survive. That's pitiful, I know, but I only harvested the garden when I was growing up and never participated in the planning. That was taken care of by the women, because at the time of year we were busy with the livestock and making sure the fences didn't need mending or replacing, and we had a considerable amount of fencing to keep them segregated.

In writing, a "glimmer" refers to small, sensory, and often subtle moments of resonance, joy, or beauty that a writer collects and embeds into their narrative to create emotional depth. Coined in a writing context by authors like Pam Houston, these moments act as the opposite of "triggers"—they are quiet, authentic details that provides readers with a sense of safety, connection, and hope amidst the darkness or conflict of a story. The importance of using glimmers when writing stories lies in their ability to make a story feel truer to life, which is often a mix of struggle and small moments of peace. Building Emotional Resilience and Hope: Contrasting Darkness: While stories need conflict, "glimmers" ensure that darkness is not the final destination. They provide a "sense of wonder" that keeps a story from becoming cynical. Balanced Narrative: Glimmers help characters (and readers) hold both difficulty and moments of safety simultaneously, making the story more nuanced and less focused on "toxic positivity". The Promise of a Good Future: A glimmer of hope allows the reader to believe that the struggle is worth finishing. Enhancing Sensory Detail and Realism: Noticing the Unseen: Writers are advised to be "a person on whom nothing is lost". Glimmers are the specific, sensory objects—a scent, a sound, a particular light—that make a scene vividly real. Resonance Over Plot: Glimmers are often not plot-driven but resonance-driven; they are the moments a character would say, "Hey, look at that!". Developing Character Depth and Connection: Creating 'Okayness': Glimmers are micro-moments that signal to a character’s nervous system that they are safe, even for a few seconds. This helps to show a character's ability to heal or endure, rather than just suffering. Connecting with the Audience: Small, human moments—a shared laugh, the smell of rain—are universal and foster a deeper connection between the reader and the story. Making Stories 'Stick': Micro-moments vs. Grand Gesture: The moments that sustain people—and make stories feel real—are rarely grand; they are small and gentle. The "Glimmer" Effect: By collecting these moments, a writer can create a "mosaic" of light that lingers with the reader, making the story memorable. Examples of Glimmers in Writing: A hand resting on a friend's hand. The scent of rain in an unexpected place. A bird singing amidst a dark, quiet scene. A character remembering a moment of kindness. Glimmers are the "writing-worthy objects and events" that, when carefully selected and applied, transform a story from a simple plot into an enduring human experience.

"Glimmer" originated in the Middle English period (circa 1400–1500), deriving from German roots related to light and faint, unsteady movement. It is formed from the verb glim ("to shine") combined with a frequentative suffix (-er), indicating repeated, small actions, similar to its cognates glimmern (German) and glimre (Danish). It shares the Proto-Germanic base *glim-, which is also the source of the Old English word glæm ("brightness"), leading to the modern word "gleam". The word evolved from Middle English glimeren or glemeren, which was used to describe shining or flickering faintly. Glimmer is a frequentative form of glim and is closely related to glimpse. It is also connected to a wider Proto-Indo-European root, *gel-, which means "to shine" and is the ancestor of words like glass, glitter, glow, and yellow. While modern usage refers to a faint light, early usage in the 15th century could sometimes indicate a brighter, albeit shaky, shining before settling into the meaning of a dim, wavering light. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of glimmer as a noun is in the mid-16th century, specifically cited to 1567 in the writings of Thomas Harman, a known recorder of vagabond cant. Earliest evidence of the verb glimmer is from the Middle English period, circa 1400, in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The verb glimmering appears even earlier, as an adjective before 1375. The term glimmers was coined by Deb Dana in 2018, this term refers to small, positive moments that promote calm and joy, functioning as the opposite of a "trigger".

Spring is here, and with the season comes invasive spiders that experts say have spread to a handful of states over the past decade. The spider, called the Joro spider, is native to East Asia and was first seen in northeast Georgia in 2014. Since then, the Joro has spread to North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and more U.S. states. Female Joro spiders are known for their vibrant yellow coloring and blue-black markings, per University of Georgia experts. They are “impressive in their own right” when it comes to size, the experts said, noting that they measure around 0.7 to 1.2 inches. Males appear smaller and less vibrant, often featuring brown and tan coloring. While eggs hatch in April and May and Joro spiders are typically out and about from August to October, they may pop up months before their season begins, according to the monitoring program Joro Watch. A Joro spider in north Georgia. Last fall, officials from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, asked community members to help them track Joro spiders in the Smokies, noting that the spiders were “steadily spreading north.” “These large orb-weaving spiders are striking to see, but they pose a challenge,” the national park wrote Aug. 28 on Facebook. “As they move into new areas, populations of native orb weavers have been shown to quickly decline due to competition.” The officials asked the public to submit photos of any Joros they spotted to an app called iNaturalist, which would help a University of Tennessee researcher studying the spiders’ spread.

Using smells in storytelling is a powerful technique that moves beyond visual description to create immediate immersion, as the olfactory bulb has direct, unmediated connections to the brain's areas for memory and emotion. Because scent is often neglected in writing—with most authors focusing on sight and sound— incorporating odor is an effective tool to make scenes memorable, authentic, and evocative. Here is the importance of using smell in stories: Evokes Strong, Immediate Memories: Scent triggers memories faster than any other sense. A "whiff of Coppertone" or "freshly baked bread" can instantly transport a reader (or character) to a specific time, place, or emotional state. Creates Deep Immersion: Odor acts like a "time machine," pulling the reader into the story's world more fully than visual description alone. It makes a scene feel three-dimensional, allowing the reader to feel they are in the room, rather than just reading about it. Reveals Character & Backstory: Smells are excellent for characterization, signaling a character’s occupation, diet, or hygiene without overt explanation. A specific scent (like a particular perfume) can connect to a character’s history, while their reaction to a scent can show their personality, revealing their preferences and fears. Establishes Atmosphere & Setting: A single odor can instantly define a setting—whether it's the "antiseptic and fear-sweat" of a hospital or the "lavender and old furniture polish" of a grandmother’s house. It can create a sense of menace (e.g., rotting smells) or comfort, anchoring the reader in the environment. Drives Plot and Tension: Conflicting smells can build tension—such as the odor of decay mixed with a lover's perfume. It can also signal danger, such as a character smelling smoke or the "metallic tang" of blood. Adds Texture Through Layers: Rather than using a single smell, writers can layer multiple odors (e.g., sweat, mildew, gasoline, and wet leaves) to make a place feel more complex and real. Tips for Effective Olfactory Writing: Be Specific: Instead of saying a room smelled "good," name the ingredients (e.g., "browning butter and yeast"). Name the Source: Directly stating what causes the smell is more effective than vague adjectives. Avoid "Perfume Ads": Avoid "notes of," "intoxicating aroma," or "heavenly scent," which sound unnatural. Show Reactions: Describe how a character’s body reacts (e.g., nausea, holding their breath, or relaxing) to the smell.

"Fragrant" originated in the mid-15th century, derives fro the Latin fragrans/fragrantem (sweet-smelling), the present participle of fragrare ("to smell" or "emit scent). It roots back to the Proto-Indo-European bhrag-, referring to smelling or scenting. It commonly denotes a pleasant odor, often associated with flowers or strong scents. While usually referring to pleasant odors, it can be used ironically to describe strong unpleasant smells. Related terms are fragrance (noun) and fragrantly (adverb). According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the adjective fragrant is in the mid-1500s, specifically around 1530. The OED cites the writing of Alexander Barclay, a poet and clergyman, as the earliest evidence for the word's usage in English. The noun fragrance appeared later, with the earliest evidence in the 1667, while the noun fragrancy is dated to 1578, the adverb fragrantly to around 1530, and noun fragrantness to 1600.

Luminous writing refers to prose or poetry that is exceptionally clear, brilliant, radiant, and enlightening. Metaphorically, it means writing that "shines" due to its beauty, intellectual clarity, or profound insight. It often describes literature that is vivid, easily understood, and intellectually stimulating. Key Characteristics of Luminous Writing: Clarity and Insight: Luminous prose is lucid, easily understood, and sheds light on a subject, making it seem "enlightened". z Brilliance and Beauty: It implies high-quality, elegant writing that captivates the reader, often seen as "shining" or "radiant". z Intellectual Depth: It can describe concepts or prose that are intellectually brilliant or "enlightening". Imagery: It is often used in descriptive writing to evoke vivid, bright scenes.

"Luminous" (early 15th century) originates from the Latin lūmen (genitive lūminis), meaning light, with the suffix -ōsus (-ous), meaning "full of" or "abounding in". It entered English via Old/Anglo-French lumineux or directly from Latin, ultimately rooting in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root leuk- ("light, brightness"). It originally meant "Full of light, shiny, or brilliant", but by the late 15th century, it was also used to describe clarity or understanding, similar to "lucid". It shares roots with words like lumen, luminary, and illuminate. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest known use of "luminous" in English dates to approximately 1450. The word appears as lumynouse in the context of describing a "virgine fulle of splendour" in the Mirour Saluacioun, a Middle English translation of the Speculum Humanae Salvationis. Luminous was frequently used to describe a shining or brilliant appearance before later adopting figurative meanings relating to clarity of intellect or writing.

Dialogue that commands attention is a critical element in storytelling, acting as a powerful tool to immerse readers, drive the plot forward, and reveal character depth. Unlike passive narration, compelling dialogue forces the reader to engage directly with the scene, making it feel "live" rather than described. This is why dialogue that commands attention is vital in writing stories: It Drives the Plot Forward: Effective dialogue is not merely filler; it serves a purpose in advancing the story. It introduces new information, reveals crucial plot points, and moves the characters from one point to another in their journey. It often acts as a catalyst for action, with one character's words creating a necessary reaction in another. It Reveals Character Depth and Subtext: Powerful dialogue shows a character's personality, fears, motivations, and insecurities, rather than telling the reader directly. Characters often reveal their true nature through the subtext—what they say versus what they actually mean. It allows for unique voices, distinguishing characters through their vocabulary, syntax, and tone. It Controls Pacing and Tension: Dialogue that commands attention creates tension and keeps the story moving quickly. Short, snappy exchanges can build urgency and increase the speed of a scene. Conversely, the strategic use of silence or a pause can be just as powerful as words, creating suspense. It also helps balance the pace, providing a necessary break from long, descriptive narrative passages. It Boosts Reader Immersion and "Visuals": Strong dialogue functions as a "show, don't tell" technique, placing the reader directly in the scene, similar to watching a film. It adds "white space" to the page, making the reading experience visually less demanding and faster, which gives the impression of intense, immediate action. It Develops Relationships: How characters speak to one another illustrates the dynamics of their relationships—who holds power, who is submissive, and where the conflict lies. It can display tension between characters, such as in arguments or high-stakes negotiations. How to Make Dialogue Command Attention: Keep it Tight: Cut the small talk (greetings, pleasantries) unless it serves a specific purpose, such as showing nervousness. Show, Don't Tell: Use action beats (e.g., “I don't know,” she said, twisting the ring on her finger.) to add emotion without using adverbs. Use "Said": Use "said" or "asked" as tags, as they are largely invisible to the reader, whereas flowery alternatives ("he exclaimed") distract from the dialogue. Unique Voices: Ensure characters speak differently based on their background, personality, and emotional state. Read Aloud: This is the most critical step to ensure the dialogue has a natural rhythm and doesn't sound stiff.

"Sonorous" (circa 1610s) derives from the Latin adjective sonōrus ("sounding, noisy, resonant"), which stems from sonor (sound, noise) and the verb sonāre ("to make a noise," "to sound," or "to resonate"). It ultimately originates from the Proto-Indo-European root * swen -- ("to sound"), describing a deep, resonant, and full-bodied sound. While earlier forms appeared around 1400–1500 (such as sonourse or sonouse), the modern spelling "sonorous" became established in the early 1600s, often used to describe impressive, high-sounding language or deep voices. In short, "sonorous" implies something that is "full of sound," highlighting a rich, resonant quality rather than just sheer volume. The term is related to sonorousness and is closely associated with musical and sound-based terms derived from the same root, including sonar, sonata, consonant, and dissonant. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the adjective sonorous in English is from 1611. It appeared in the writings of lexicographer Randle Cotgrave. The word is partially derived from the French sonoreux and partially from the Latin sonōrus.

Damn, adult female spiders eyes are twice the size of the male's eyes. Must be so they can keep track of what the males are doing before they kill them. Yikes!

The word "briny" is important in stories for creating vivid sensory experiences, immediately evoking the wet, salty, and often atmospheric scent and taste of the sea or preserved foods. It acts as a nostalgic or adventurous descriptor, connecting characters to the natural world, maritime life, or harsh, evocative environments. Key Aspects of "Briny" in Storytelling: Sensory Atmosphere: It describes the smell or taste of salt water, sea air, or, in culinary contexts, ingredients like oysters or olives, adding depth to descriptions. Maritime Setting: Used to describe the sea itself ("the briny deep" or simply "the briny"), it establishes a nautical, rustic, or adventurous tone. Emotional/Thematic Resonance: It can evoke feelings of longing, freedom, or the harsh realities of sea life, often used in literature to create a "wild, joyful" sense of longing for the ocean. Historical/Poetic Feel: As an adjective (often with "-y" suffixes), it has a slightly archaic or poetic feel, fitting for folklore or seafaring tales. "Briny" brings a tangible, tactile element to scenes, enhancing the reader’s immersion through scent and flavor.

"Briny" (adjective, meaning salty or relating to the sea) originated around 1600 from the noun brine (from the Old English bryne or the Middle English brine, meaning water saturated with salt) combined with the adjective-forming suffix -y (from Old English -ig, meaning "full of, covered with, or characterized by"). It often refers to ocean water or anything containing high salt content. Historically, it was used to describe tears, and is commonly used as a colloquial noun phrase, "the briny," to refer to the ocean or the sea. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of briny as an adjective is in the early 1600s, with evidence dating to 1608 in the writing of T. Davison. As a noun meaning "the sea," the OED notes its earliest evidence is from the 1830s, specifically 1831 in the work of John Banim.