We’ve zigzagged our way through the alphabet and today finds us at the end, celebrating the letter Z.
I’m musing about two things. First zest. I often do hot water and a slice of lemon first thing in the morning, particularly when it’s cooler out. When it’s warmer, I save my lemon fix for iced tea. But I always love taking a little strip of zest. Even peeling an orange is an opportunity to revel in those potent citrus oils. There’s something so clearing and clarifying about that scent – it’s like a universally understood call to wake up and be present.
The other meaning, enthusiasm, is better defined as adding piquancy to, which can be done with a zest. I’ve been musing about this as well, wondering if I’ve ever used this word in relationship to myself. Do you ever do that – wonder if certain words “fit” you or not? I certainly have great enthusiasm for a number of things, but I’m not entirely sure anyone would say I had zest. There’s some level of perkiness about zest that seems so uncharacteristic of me I’m not sure we could be used in the same sentence. Pursuing that further I began wondering about when it is we’re being honest with ourselves and when we’re being harsh. I think that lines jumps quite a bit. All the more reason to keep our eyes open so we don’t trip, would you agree?
Keeping my eyes open though, when I look at “Z” I see something curious and true. I see a symbol for transition. Just think about it – we’re traveling along the top line of the Z, and the suddenly we’re not really moving forward anymore, we’re some place else – that center diagonal of the Z. And then after a bit, we continue on. Different, changed, not quite the same.
I pay a lot of attention to transitions – they feel like sacred ground to me. The point of closing out something old and preparing the way for something new. That’s a transition. And when you think about it, there are lots of transitions in our lives – some huge and some micro. Some we pass over so quickly it’s a blink of the eye, but others truly feel like liminal experiences worthy of our attention.
I’m feeling a bit of that now. I feel myself shifting my energy in preparation for change ahead. While it still feels too early, the truth is I am feeling the distant breath of autumn making its way here. The quality of light has begun to change, my body is craving a bit more sleep, my loose summer routines are wanting some tightening up, some structure. September promises to be shower us with some interesting energies – we’ve got a couple eclipses and the equinox, as well as some other planetary energetics to add to the mix. And I’m thinking more and more about that always wonderful question: Who am I becoming?
What about you? Where’s your zest for life? What transitions are you experiencing? Are you on a straight-and-narrow path or are you zigzagging and taking a more circuitous path? What exactly are you musing about? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
I looked up zest in the dictionary Deborah and here’s what I found. Relish, gusto, piquancy, keen enjoyment. Not sure if I would use this word to describe myself either. I am certainly passionate and enthusiastic about a number of things and even perky sometimes. When I hear the word zest, I think of zest for life. What comes to mind is someone who is literally vibrating with joy and enthusiasm. Not sure if that fits me totally. Some of the time, yes, all of the time, no. Great word to ponder! Thanks for another thought provoking post:)
I always think it’s interesting to reflect on who we are. Imagining we’re a recipe, wondering what ingredients we contain.
I’m with you on transitions being sacred ground.
Not quite ready for autumn yet, I have to admit.
Very interesting looking at a Z like that. I think I’m somewhere on that slanted line somewhere at the moment.
Congratulations on the completion of another alphabet!
I’ve been thinking a lot Mary about being ready/not ready, and how it’s probably a good thing there are things on a timeline different than our preferred one. I think it helps us practice surrender. And how that can be a very magical place to be.
Another great abecedarium my friend! I love the “Z” analogy of being in transition, although when I thought about coming to the edge of the top of the z, I thought more of a fall than a gentle glide down and that kind of scared me. It reminded me of the time I had been working for a company for 18 years and then was suddenly fired. I think maybe I’ll go the other way, start at the bottom, get to the point where I can’t go any farther and then work my way to the top, after all, moving forward and changing courses usually takes some effort, no? I’ll be giving the Blogtember Challenge a go again this year. Hope you’ll stop by once in a while and say hi.
What a fabulous way to traverse the Z Janet – I love it!
I’ll certainly stop by and see what you’re up to with the Blogtember challenge, and I may even play with a few of the prompts. Here’s to a fabulous month ahead for all of us.
Hi Deborah – congratulations on getting to Z … with some wonderful takes on life as we pass along its course … I think Janet’s idea is a good one … the Z could flap around throwing us off in different directions … where a steady base with a good climb – time allowing us to think as we move ahead. Cheers – Hilary
Thanks Hilary – I do love abecedariums! And I think you and Janet have nailed the Z thing brilliantly.
Great for getting through the alphabet – I love the way you organize it all! Zest for life, what a wonderful ending. Yes, I think September is going to be great – I remembered rabbit rabbit today!
Thanks Vickie. Here’s to a wonderful September for us all – although clearly you’re to be congratulated for starting off on an auspicious note. 🙂
I adore this line, “truth is I am feeling the distant breath of autumn making its way here”. Your writing inspires me. As far as being in between, I just ended my blog so you Just ending at ‘Z’ feels laden with the excitement of new things to come. Let us begin anew my dear…
I love that feeling of excitement as one considers possibilities and leans into something new. I look forward to hearing what you’re up to next.
I always add a bit of zest to my baking. Muffins and pies especially perk up when you grate in a little bit of orange or lemon zest. And no matter how you pronounce it – Zed or Zee – Z is indeed a symbol for transition. As is September. I think it was “meant” for you to finish this version of your abecedarium series in August.
Baking with zest really does brighten things doesn’t it? Of course just to confirm what I already know, I do believe I’ll be forced to bake some muffins today. Luckily we’ve cooled off enough that turning on the oven doesn’t seem quite the crime it did just a few days ago.
Needed to see this word–ZEST. Needed to read your perspective. Huge reminder of what I’m trying to get back. As for fall, I love fall. It’s my favorite season. That helps a lot with the long road back to Zest! Thanks for the inspiration!!!!!!!!!!
It’s always wonderful when we find those little reminders that inspire us isn’t it? So glad zest did that for you. Wishing you a wonderful September and fabulous autumn.
I really enjoyed glimpsing your thought process this morning, Deborah. You’ve encouraged me to take a gentle peek into the seasonal transition, which until now, I’ve been fighting. I’m mourning the loss of summer. When I see that change in the light it makes me kind of sad. Today, when talking with my husband, I used the word ‘apocalyptic,’ and he assured me I was being melodramatic. 🙂 I may not be able to find the zest in the change, yet, but I can look for the beauty and a comfortable place to rest in autumn’s arms. Thank you for the nudge and the reframe.
What a lovely intention for autumn Michelle! And I hope all manner of beauty and blessings light the way for you.
I love the deep thought you gave to Z. Brought up things I hadn’t considered but now I see!
Thanks for stopping by Carol – I appreciate it.