Today the A-to-Z blogging challenge has us wandering through the world of W. I’m creating a manifesto of things I believe and delight me, based on unusual words. Let me introduce you to windlass.
Although it is also known as a type of winch, an apparatus for moving heavy weights, the definition I’m most interested in is archaic, from Shakespeare’s time:
windlass – circuitous movement; indirect action.
I love this word. For me it conjures up both being blown about by the wind, and traveling a windy, bendy, twisty road. Both are things I delight in. I am most definitely a meanderer and a falling-down-rabbit-holes explorer.
Born under the sign of the Crab, I’ve often thought I carry that particular energy a crab expresses of sidling up to things, rather than moving in a straightforward way. I suspect I adopted this approach as a young child who was so painfully shy a direct approach to anything felt almost overwhelming. But an oblique path always felt much safer and far more comfortable.
And then again there’s the issue of being directionally dyslexic. It’s pretty well assured left to my own devices I WILL manage to get lost. Almost all routes taken by me end up being the longer, more scenic ones. I create my own twisty, windy roads.
But more than simply natural inclinations, I prefer the roundabout path because it offers so many more opportunities to find treasures, to make connections, to discover interesting things. I mean this not only literally with physical routes, but even more so with paths of thinking and actions taken.
As a rule I favor the windlass – traveling the circuitous path affords many possibilities and potentials that moving in a more straightforward path excludes.
What about you? Are you more of a meanderer or a direct unwavering-focus kind of person? Where are you currently headed? We all need good songs when we travel – have a favorite to share? Do tell – you know I love hear.
LOL the thought of you sidling up to things like a crab made me laugh. Once again I have had a most enjoyable time learning some great new words from you! Thanks!
I’m laughing too Janet. And I’m so glad you’ve been stopping by – thanks!
I love this post, Deborah! I love how you describe this word, and how it appears in your life and in who you are. I am a total meander-er, unless I have a task I have to complete in a timely fashion. I love to wander, and love to explore down the rabbit hole!
I am not headed anywhere at the moment. Just wandering deeper into Nature and deeper into my own Heart. I mean, I have things to do, tasks to complete, people to see, but in the big picture, I am happy to walk the twisty, windy road. I saw a funny little graphic somewhere. There were two lines in a right angle – like a graph. There were 2 of those. One had a diagonal line from bottom left to top right. The caption said, “My plan for life.” The other graph had a very squiggly line sort of going up and to the right, but lots of twists and turns and loops – a windlass way, a circuitous route. The caption under it said, “How it ended up.” Something like that – you have probably seen it. I always resonated with the second graph.
I’m so sad this challenge is almost over. I have so enjoyed these words and getting to know you a little better!
Peace
Mary
LOL – I love those graph images AND knowing our paths are captured on one of them. Here’s to much merry meandering Mary and plenty of rabbit hole adventures!
What a great word Deborah! Windlass conjures up images of walking in the wind, my umbrella being blown inside out, leaves skittering across the sidewalk, snow blowing across the street, and the wind whistling outside my window. I also like to meander and I love discovering new places. This last piece you included really sums it up for me, “As a rule I favor the windlass – traveling the circuitous path affords many possibilities and potentials that moving in a more straightforward path excludes.” Thanks for the great post Deborah!
Windlass really is one of those words that conjures up images isn’t it? And I certainly love yours. Keep wandering and keep enjoying!
Hi Deborah – Windlass is certainly a great word … and one that describes a crab with its sidling motions so accurately … what fun … and I forever weave my way through life …
Cheers Hilary
Here’s to lots of joy-filled weaving Hilary!
Your words are so interesting! I believe I would consider myself a ‘wanderer’ as I tend to go with the flow. For some reason, when you brought up ‘crab’ I saw you as total opposite of how I would think of crabs. Guess it’s because the ‘crabs in the bucket’ story comes to mind and you are nothing like that. You are so supportive and loving to all. Hmmm…interesting.
Go-with-the-flow wanderer is a lovely thing to be Elda – especially if the flow is going in the direction that delights you. 🙂
I had to look up the crabs in a bucket analogy as I’d not heard that before. But between that and labeling people crabby when they’re cranky and irritable, it’s clear crabs don’t have the best reputation do they? So in that case I’m glad you don’t see me as one, and I thank you for your kind words and vision of me.