In the Final Stretch

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

Tomorrow is the last day of the NaNoWriMo challenge. While some of us have achieved (and maybe even surpassed 50K words), others are in the final stretch, working hard to reach that final goal. Wherever you are on the NaNoWriMo journey, take some time to have a three-minute laughter vacation.


In Praise of Absurdity

Today is National Absurdity Day, a day created to celebrate ridiculous historical events, have fun, or let all the silliness out. Whatever you decide will be fine since you are celebrating a day devoted to absurdity.

But if you’re struggling with this concept or needing inspiration…

Here are 10 quotes extolling absurdity:

Some stories have to be written because no one would believe the absurdity of it all. Shannon L. Alder

Happiness and the absurd are two sons of the same earth. They are inseparable. Albert Camus

In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd.
Miguel de Cervantes

Be not afraid of absurdity; do not shrink from the fantastic. Within each dilemma, choose the most unheard-of, the most dangerous solution. Be brave, be brave.
Isak Dinesen

The world stands on absurdities, and without them perhaps nothing at all would happen. Fyodor Dostoevsky

If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it. Albert Einstein

My turn of mind is so given to taking things in the absurd point of view, that it breaks out in spite of me every now and then. Lord Byron

Never underestimate the healing power of silliness and absurdity. Steve Maraboli

A prophet or an achiever must never mind an occasional absurdity. It is an occupational risk. Oswald Morley

That which seems the height of absurdity in one generation often becomes the height of wisdom in another. Adlai E. Stevenson



Discovering Modern Dating Slang

I like to pride myself on keeping up with new terminology and expressions. So, I was disappointed to discover that I was unfamiliar with the new dating lexicon that seems to have suddenly popped up on social media. While reading Azzura Lalani’s article, Modern Dating is Learning to Speak a New Slang-uage, in yesterday’s Toronto Star, I encountered seven (out of ten) unfamiliar expressions.

How many terms do you recognize?

Breadcrumbing

Sending out flirty, but non-committal, text messages (breadcrumbs) hoping to lure a partner without making much of an effort.

Catfishing

Creating a fake persona on social media with the intention of duping someone into an online relationship.

Cuffing Season

During the fall and winter months, some singles may wish to be “cuffed” or tied down by a serious relationship.

Friends with Benefits

Two friends who have a sexual relationship without being emotionally involved.

Ghosting

Ending a relationship with a friend by cutting off all contact and not providing any explanations.

Hatfishing

Wearing a hat to cover up baldness, bad hair days, or other unfortunate hair situations. Goal: To trick people into thinking you’re more attractive.

R-Bombing

You r-bomb a friend when you leave a message as “read” but don’t reply.

Situationship

A relationship that is free of labels. It could be a friendship, partway between friendship and relationship, may include friends with benefits…It’s complicated!!!

Thirst Trap

Sharing a provocative picture on social media with the sole intention of getting attention. An ego-feeding exercise!

Zombie-ing

An old flame contacts you out of the blue.

Any others to add?