Words, Words, Words

Nothing but black smudges on paper….or a garble of sounds on the ear. But what power these smudges and garbles have.

My sister thinks in pictures. Sometimes she can’t get the words out because all her mind sees is the picture. I think in words. I see the words. If we both heard the word “desk” she would see a piece of furniture in her mind’s eye. I would see the letters D-E-S-K.

Words are magical. Masterfully wound together they can suspend one reality while simultaneously creating another. And this can happen in less than the blink of an eye, without us even being aware.

I love words. I love their power, their sensuality, their strength and their vulnerability. They caress, tease, and overcome your senses. They create……..and they destroy.

Sunday night I was in a group where the words of the leader shook me up more than a little. The intent, when the words were given wing, was to be helpful and supportive. The actuality was the genesis of sadness and alarm. Very different outcomes, no?

Put words to music and, in Emeril’s words, we take it up a notch! Oh there is nothing more powerful. Andrea Boccelli is pure sex on a CD. I dare you to listen and not agree.

John Denver has a short song that often runs through my mind:

Music makes pictures and often tells stories
All of it magic and all of it true
And all of the pictures and all of the stories
And all of the magic, the music is you

Pictures, stories, music, magic…….and you….whoever “you” are – to listen to the words, giving them life and weight.

 What else is there of any import at all?

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March 22, 2005

In answer to your question..nothing. Nothing at all. This is beautifully written. We are addicted to magic, aren’t we? 🙂

Mns
March 22, 2005

when i hear the word “desk” i picture in my mind’s eye how i can barely see the top of mine. lol. or is it the bottom? whatever. words are tantalizing, and powerful. remember that old childhood saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”? wrong, definitely wrong. words have the power to lift up and encourage, or cut down and destroy. nice entry, SW~

March 22, 2005

Marvellous words about words! Thank you. I think they lift us above all other life forms, these magical things that transmit thoughts from one human to the next.Your comments had me trying to work out whether I think in words or pictures – and I came to the conclusion that though both arrive together, in English the picture is clearer but in Indonesian it’s the word! Odd!!

March 23, 2005

Words are fantastic. Truth and illusion, one and the same. How many times do we use words to say one thing and mean something utterly different?

March 23, 2005

Wonderful entry….words are everything to me. Lately I’ve had problems with remembering common words. For example, if I want to ask, “Where is my purse?”, I may have trouble remembering the word. I will have to actually PICTURE a purse in my head, and then struggle to think what that object is, going so far as to say, “….you know, that thing I carry all my stuff in….my PURSE.” Some of my

March 23, 2005

friends call me the Wordmaster, and I can’t tell you how frustrating (and even frightening) this was to me. I started taking Gingko Biloba, and over time, it’s gotten better. This entry was very thought-provoking, thank you for expressing this today. ryn: I told Tae that at the rate I seem receive tart burners for gifts, I could easily send her one! 🙂 I love to use one in the kitchen also.

March 23, 2005

If it weren’t for words, I would have nothing to say and then, who would I be? Hubby might say, ‘the perfect wife,’ but I’ve got a few words for him! ha! lol

March 23, 2005

I see my poems, before I write them, as a combination of words and pictures. I think language that is visual is language that sings.

March 23, 2005

I love this essay on words. But now I can’t decide if I think in pictures like your sister or in words as you do. Interesting how the words spoken to give comfort actually caused alarm. Body language might play a part, and one’s own mood.

March 23, 2005

love this entry, us readers & writers do cherish words… and how I agree with you about Andre, will also say the same about Josh Groban too ;o)

March 23, 2005

Damn good. For the second time today shivers run up and down inside. Words are meanings. Words are consciousness code conveyed. In The Beginning was consciousness. The way you speak about words here maxed up through heart makes the meaning of their use poignant indeed. The highest intent and the deepest felt, the beauty of thought and heart you express so well. ox

March 23, 2005

Oh, I just love this entry! Beautifully written.Thank you so much for the sweet and funny bithday wishes!

Wow, you’ve put into words what I’ve always thought. John Denver was my first favourite. I loved the words to his songs. They spoke to my soul. Andre has the voice of an angel. Don’t have his CD but loved anything I’ve heard him sing. Funny thing is I don’t like opera tho. He’s doing a concert here in a few weeks. Josh Grobhan is another one with an amazing voice. Trying to decide whether I ….

March 23, 2005

…think in words or pictures. Mostly it’s in words but have to confess I do ‘see’ pictures too sometimes. ;D When I was about 11 or 12 the thought occurred to me that a writer creates art with their words — making people ‘see’ things they may have never imagined. *with warmest hugs*

March 23, 2005

I love words. 🙂

BBe
March 24, 2005

I agree. I’ve wondered before how a person can listen to a song, and not listen to the WORDS. I like instrumentals, but I love songs, especially when there is a message. Great entry!

March 24, 2005

Bit profound for this time of day! LOL Hugz

March 24, 2005

I think I’m a cross between you and your sister: I see items, but I use words to describe them as best I can in an effort to get the pictures from my head into yours. With a warm smile…

March 24, 2005

You are a beautiful writer! I’m not sure how I think…but when I read books I see a movie playing in my head..so maybe that is thinking in pictures..I guess?LOL

March 24, 2005

Excellent entry ! ! Sending wishes for a Blessed and Happy Easter to your and yours. Hugs and Smiles,

March 24, 2005

Words are greatWords are coolIf one don’t get itHe’s being a fool! *grin*

March 24, 2005

“Music makes pictures and often tells stories All of it magic and all of it true And all of the pictures and all of the stories And all of the magic, the music is you” I love the images words can weave, they way they have often touched my heart, and the many wonderful moments they’ve given to me. Language is art…in one of the best senses. What a wonderful entry. I love you, (((TOO)))

March 24, 2005
March 24, 2005

The throat chakra is a powerful tool of creation. We create our reality with the words we say, just as surely as we do with our thoughts.

March 24, 2005

I must be an odd ball. Visualization is so faint it’s almost useless. My mental prcess uses thoughs, ideas and concepts. I can be captivated with music.

March 25, 2005

Dropping in. With a warm smile…

March 25, 2005

*ryn* So hurry up with another entry for me to read! You are not leaving me in the class alone!!!!!

March 25, 2005

Oh, and RYN: I think I need to go somewhere warm and take at least one friend with me. 🙂 If I sell my books and make big $$, I’ll swing past Florida on my way to the south Pacific. With a smile…

March 25, 2005

Cool.

March 25, 2005

You know, if you write a faves only entry and then put it on private, you make us all think you’ve taken us off your faves list. Just fyi (and teasing you a bit). ryn: Thanks. I think I was channeling a general “women around my age” sort of thing. Been thinking about you and Chickie a lot lately — and thanking the Universe that I have my low-drama Kidlet. I’ve missed so much worriment b/c of it.