
Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ll be using manicules (those pointing finger symbols) to direct your attention to something I’m pondering that delights or interests me. Each entry is somehow related to an unusual, obscure, or simply charming to me word.
T is for…
Truepenny – a trustworthy, honest, or reliable person (likened to a coin of pure, not alloyed metal)
I delight, probably inordinately, in this mid-16th century word. It feels packed with all kinds of goodness; It makes me smile; I value the qualities it describes; and it also slips me into deeper consideration – all good things in my book.
First the smile…
The other day I was searching through some journals, which always promises a trip down rabbit holes. I am a prolific journaler, both written and visual, and have really found no way to organize things that suits me. I explore what intrigues me, make what likely seem random connections between things, so finding exactly where something is often involves guesswork and luck. But I never rue that, as the searching process always, always, always leads me to something else that re-delights me in the moment. Bonus unexpected treasure. And in this case, it was this…
The background paper on this page is a bit of Italian wrapping paper from a gift I received. What’s not to love about Pinocchio paper? I attached to the page an iteration of paper-cut-out people I was working with at the time, and as true of all my “people” and actually most of the add-ins in my journals, there is something written on the back. There are always hidden messages and secrets to discover. What I found I had written on the back of this person was a quote from Don Miguel Ruiz:
“Be Impeccable with Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”
It amused me at the time to stick her amongst a crowd of long-nosed Pinocchio’s, and it amused me to find her there the other day. Bonus points because I had the quote written in copper ink, and the person’s face outlined in a circle of copper. I couldn’t help but laugh and think I know a truepenny when I see one.
I like the word secondly because I think being trustworthy, honest, and reliable are admirable traits, and I’m delighted my world is filled with people I consider to be Truepennies.
When I think about honesty, the plant Lunaria, often comes to mind. It’s commonly know as the Money Plant because of its silvery coin-like discs. It’s third common name though is Honesty, and this name seems to be have been applied to the plant in the 16th century, the same era of Truepenny’s origin. The name has everything to do with how transparent it is. You can see to the inner core of the dried seed pods. I can’t help but hope we’re headed in the direction of more transparency on a collective level. Clearly there’s a whole lot of shadow stuff to clean up first, lies still to uncover, coverups to unravel, and all that, but still I want to believe we’ll get there.

That sense of transparency is really the third thing that Truepenny has me thinking about. The idea of being pure unadulterated metal, calls to mind for me what I believe our core work here is – to let drop everything that is not purely, clearly, truly your essential self, so you can shine your unique divine energy signature clearly, brilliantly, without distortion or dissonance. When I look at Lunaria/Honesty I feel like I understand this in a very tangible way. It kind of delights me to think that state of pure I AM-ness might be the even more accurate definition of Truepenny.
I love this quote attributed to S. Holland, although I’ve never been able to discover who S. Holland is (or was). But it is an admonishment I take to heart on my path as a Truepenny:
“No one else but you can make your marks. Listen to your bones. Speak with your spirit. Edit with your head. Live with your heart.”
What about you? Does the word Truepenny delight you? Familiar with the Lunaria/Honesy plant? Know who S. Holland is so I can do a better job with the attribution? Do tell – you know I like to hear.
I like this word — truepenny — it is like the antidote to a bad penny.
And I delight in wrapping paper. That Pinnochio design is wonderful!
“Truepenny, the antidote to bad penny” – what a fabulous slogan! I knew you were a wrapping paper aficionado – your llama paper gave you away. 🙂
The word is truly delightful. Honesty and transparency being the core elements of that word, however do you think being really transparent is possible in todays world? The lunaria plant is so amusing….some people are like that …u can see through them but some r good at masking..you provided lot of food for thought through your post. Loved it!
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean – my policy…at times helpful , at times i gather dislike due to that 🙂
Good day
Dropping by from a to z “The Pensive”
It IS a delightful word isn’t it?! I think you bring up a good point Afshan – we’ll always get different reponses/reactions from people. But the only thing we really have control over is ourselves. Integrity and clarity sound like useful expressions to hold. Wisihng you a good day as well Afshan.
Love the truepenny concept. I always tell the truth and have instilled that in my kids as best I could. I’ve seen that houseplant but didn’t know it was the honesty plant. I love your journal page! You inspire me.
Janet Miles truepenny – that has a lovely ring to it doesn’t it?! I’m not sure you can grow lunaria as a houseplant. I’ve always found it a bit tricky in the garden. But I certainly like harvesting it, and have several bunches in vases around my house.
There aren’t enough truepennies in this world but I can focus on the ones I know of. I like the idea of transparency which I try to practice in my own life.
Indeed, the more truepennies the better – but its certainly great to have a collection in your life. For some reason your comment planted a song in my mind – instead of “sing a song of sixpence” I’ve got a “sing a song of truepennies” planted in my mind. LOL
I have not heard of the lunaria … it looks so beautiful… truepenny….lovely word…. and the quote listen to your bones, was one of a kind ! What a fun wrapping paper with so many pinocchios….
Lunaria really is pretty. And when they seeds dry, the rattle a little bit with is lovely.
Truepenny is now added to my vocabulary and I look forward to using it regularly. The money plant grows regularly around here as a wild flower. I have always liked its seed pods.
I’m delighted to have you as a co-conspirator in bringing truepenny back into usage. 🙂
Truepenny is a fun word!
Money Plant, on the other hand, is called Judas Coins in Hungarian…
The Multicolored Diary
Oh how interesting about the Judas coins name!
My grandmothers always had dried money plants in vases… I found seeds and tried to grow them but unsuccessful so far…
Beth
https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
I’ve found them challenging to grow as well.