Again this April I’ll be joining others in the annual Blogging from A-to-Z Challenge that invites bloggers to write their way through the alphabet. Given my penchant for abecedariums, I find it impossible to resist. This will be my be my eighth year playing. I confess, I thought long and hard about whether I’d participate this year or not – my life is so different than it was eight years ago, and these days time and energy feel much more fleeting. I’m being far more mindful of what I give my attention to, but in the end, I’ve decided to give it a whirl and see if I can make it through the alphabet.
Underlying this year’s challenge for all of us playing is the remembrance of Jeremy Hawkins, who died earlier this year. He had been the official graphics guy for the challenge for ever-so-many years, and his loss is felt in the hearts of many.
Today we’ve been encouraged to “reveal” our theme – what we’ll be spending the month of April writing about.
I started the year inordinately delighted to discover a word for an image I’ve long been a fan of. The word is manicule and it’s defined as “a symbol in the shape of a pointing hand, used in printing and graphics to draw attention to or indicate something”. It’s from the Latin manicula, the diminutive of manus, meaning little hand.
I often say I like to keep my feet on the joy trail, and I’ll be using the pointing-fingered hand to direct your attention to various things on my trail that are delighting me. Of course, since I’m a self-confessed word nerd, all of the things I’ll be writing about will somehow be related to an obscure, obsolete, or simply charming-to-me word. I’m thinking of this series as “Pointed Ponderings” or perhaps “Manicule Musings” or even “Handy Revelations.”
While I’m meandering through the alphabet rambling about this or that thing that has captured my fancy, perhaps you’ll find an enchanting word or two that you’ll want to claim as well.
I hope you’ll consider playing in the challenge too. I always look forward to reading my way through the alphabet on an endless variety of topics via a myriad of bloggers. There’s still time to join, and you know I’d love to read your abecedarium.
I very much enjoyed reading your challenge posts last year and look forward to another April full of delightful words. 🙂
Thanks, Mrs. Fever – I’m looking forward to being wordy in April.
What a great theme, Deborah! Glad that you will be on the journey again this year. I’ll be posting my theme review shortly.
Thanks Janet – I’m definitely happy to be playing along again. And I look forward to your reveal. It’s always fun to start anticipating what April will bring.
I like your theme. It’ll be interesting to read what you share with us as you point it out.
[My comments don’t seem to go through but I’m trying again.]
I’m not sure what to say about the commenting Ally – obviously, it came through but I’m sorry if you had to try more than once. Sigh. In any case, thanks for your encouragement. I’m looking forward to a little gentle pressure of the challenge to return me to regular blogging.
Yay, looking forward to learning some new words and ideas.
Beth
https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
I’m glad to see you’re playing along as well Beth. April is always a lot of fun.
That is a wonderful word and very fitting for you. I love learning new words and being enlightened and encouraged by your posts. As long as it doesn’t feel like an overwhelming burden to you. Self-care is #1!
I’m looking forward to playing in the challenge, but I totally agree with you Margaret that self-care is top priority.
Hi Deborah – I’ll enjoy seeing your posts … the typographic mark ‘manicule’ is interesting … so, a great choice of A- Z theme … cheers Hilary
Thanks Hilary!
Hi Deborah – great to hear you are going again – and we all need a Word Nerd! Food for me – food you can eat on its own but used as an ingredient…
Can’t wait!
Glad you’ll be playing again as well Andrew. Fun topic!
What a unique theme! I’ll be sure to visit you in April!
Thank you. I’ve enjoyed your past challenge posts, and if you’re playing again this year I’ll certainly come by.
Sounds interesting. I’ll have to check out your posts.
Thanks Jamie. I’ll be checking yours out as well.
I was just looking at the list wondering if you’d join again this year 🙂 Welcome back! I always get so much delight from your posts 🙂
The Multicolored Diary
Thank you for your kind words! I’m really looking forward to April and playing again. And I can’t wait to follow along with your series – sounds like a treasure. 🙂
Just popping in to say that I’m looking forward to your manicule musings! =)
Thanks Anne. I’m certainly looking forward to your posts as well.
I”m looking forward to checking in on you… it’s my 7th year and will be time traveling through past posts on my blog at https://everyonehasafamilystorytotell.wordpress.com/
jeanne
I look forward to visiting you, too, Jeanne. Happy A-to-Z-ing!