The "L" With It!

When I could still write (as in penmanship,) I loved doing the letter L. Whether it was just writing in cursive or doing calligraphy, I loved the flow of that letter. I really must go through some old papers and find some samples of my writing. It tended toward the flowery, but I loved forming beautiful script. Now all my writing is done on the computer – I can barely sign my mother’s checks anymore.

Lame

I think that’s what I am now. That word appears in Scripture, in stories about animals, and in old novels. Kids use it to describe something that’s not up to par, “That’s so lame!” When I look in my thesaurus, I see that its synonyms are: feeble, maimed, disabled, crippled, deformed, hobbling, unconvincing, weak, poor, inadequate, halt, defective, and limping. I take mild offense at some, but I fit right in with others. I also wish I could be a part of the group that comprises the antonyms: vigorous, convincing, plausible, athletic, robust, agile, and sound. Although I’ve never heard anyone describe me as such, I think lame could be a good definition.

Languid

There’s another description of the now me. It was close to the lame entry, and I like the sound of it better. Different meanings, of course, but it still exemplifies how I behave at time (most times) and I wish, again that I fit into the antonyms: forceful, strong, and vigorous.

Luxury

Some of the magazines I still get (magazine fund raisers will keep me subscribed for years!) often include photos of luxuriant homes and lifestyles. I never lived in that world, but it’s fun to dream and imagine myself as Lady of the Manor. If I lived in the Golden Age in America, I’d probably have been a governess to wealthy families, though. They were a step up from the staff, and had better accommodations. I’d be responsible for the education and care of the children, but not a nanny. So, I’d be living in a well-appointed home in New York City, where I’d have a small suite of my own. In my sitting room, there would be a section for receiving visitors with a small settee and two wing chairs. Wine stands would be situated near the chairs and a coffee table would sit by the sofa. A Queen Anne secretary would be against one wall, with tall bookshelves on either side. I’d have a bright bedroom with fine furniture. Since, I wouldn’t be ‘the help,’ I’d have my own bathroom. No servants would be assigned to me, but I’d love taking care of my own little space. Of course, we’d summer in Newport, and I’d have a charming area, and less work. How’s that for an imagination?

Locket

As I mentioned earlier, I no longer wear much jewelry, but I always had an affinity for lockets. My aunt bequeathed one to me that’s solid gold, and in the shape of a four-leaf clover. It opens to have photos inserted, but I never did that. My mother had a small antique one, but I think it went the way of much of her belongings in the great storage disaster of 2001. I’m thinking of giving my daughter the one I own so she can put in pix of the little guys. The problem is that these quaint pieces don’t seem to be in vogue now. As with many trends, though, they may return, so I won’t sell mine.

There are quite a few L words upon which I could expound; however, time and space are short. So I’ll save them for the future.

Peace,

Muff