Recently, while discussing poetry with a bunch of 5th graders, I discovered a word that’s pretty much left our daily vernacular: loafe.
Whitman used it in SONG OF MYSELF…
I loafe and invite my soul
I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass
…but not a single student knew what the word meant. There were jokes about loaves of bread, and one girl thought she had it, but it turns out she’d gotten it mixed up with loathe. Which, you’ll agree, is another thing entirely.
Once I defined the word for them, they loved it. I said, “Pretty great, right? To be given permission–even encouragement–to loafe about?!” and everybody laughed with relief. (Except for one boy who said, “I try to loafe about a LOT, but my mom won’t let me.” 🙂 )
So I stepped away from the session with kind of a two-part reminder to myself, and since it’s fresh on my mind, I’ll remind you, too:
- Loafe about. Seriously. Creativity can’t be rushed. You need to absorb before you can express. You need to walk and garden and bathe and dream and breathe. These things are the stuff that art is made of, the places ideas come from, the source of a sustained head and heart. Really, loafing about isn’t just important when making picture books–it’s important when living life. Professor Omid Safi asked, in a recent column called The Disease of Being Busy, “When did we forget that we are human beings, not human doings?” We know this, right? Right. This is just a reminder.
. - And here’s the other one. Let’s not let really great words like loafe go by the by. Let’s use them. I snuck the word kin into my book ALL THE WORLD, and strut into NOODLE & LOU. I used crimp in THE GOOD-PIE PARTY and hue in THINK BIG. These words are evocative and specific and rich and onomatopoeic–they’re too good to let go! And, as writers, it’s our duty to make sure that we’re not just left with a bunch of OMGs and LOLs on judgment day.
How about you make a list of words you used to hear and use, but never do anymore? What if you wrote down all the phrases your granddad used to say? And what if one of them gave you an idea? Picture books aren’t designed to dumb down; they’re meant to open up and out. They’re meant to expand the words and the world that a child has at hand. Lucky us to be a part of all that.
So go ahead, make that list.
And then, what the heck, loafe about for a bit.
Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of the highly-acclaimed Caldecott-honored children’s book All the World, illustrated by Marla Frazee, as well as this year’s The Good-Pie Party, illustrated by Kady McDonald Denton. Other books include Happy Birthday, Bunny; Think Big, A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes, and more. Her next picture book (called In The Canyon) and her first novel for young readers, The Great Good Summer, are both due in 2015. Ms. Scanlon is also a poet, teacher and a frequent and popular presenter at schools, libraries and conferences. To learn more, visit her web site at LizGartonScanlon.com.
Liz is giving away two copies of her latest picture book, THE GOOD-PIE PARTY! (YUMMY!)
These prizes will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for these prizes if:
- You have registered for PiBoIdMo.
- You have commented ONCE ONLY on today’s post.
- You have completed the PiBoIdMo challenge. (You will have to sign the PiBoIdMo Pledge at the end of the event.)
Good luck, everyone!
407 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 25, 2014 at 8:16 am
Dee Knabb
Stirred up bushels of creative thought…looking backwards. Loved this.
November 25, 2014 at 8:19 am
deborahholtwilliams
Thanks for the reminder that kids enjoy expanding their vocabulary! I learned this when I asked my granddaughter if we could count the legs on her octopus. She was a few days from turning three, and she said “Actually, they’re tentacles.”
November 25, 2014 at 8:19 am
Heather Steffens
This post is as – Good as Pie
November 25, 2014 at 8:20 am
Kim Chaffee
Such great advice and so true! I can sit and try to force an idea to appear or I can iron, yes iron, and two ideas just pop right out without even trying! I much prefer loafing to ironing though!
November 25, 2014 at 8:21 am
jhayslett
Since pie — just about any kind of pie — is my favorite dessert (what’s with all that cake business anyway?) — “The Good-Pie Party” is a must on my reading list. Who knows, maybe it’ll spark a great PB idea!
November 25, 2014 at 8:22 am
Margaret Flint Suter
I especially enjoy this post because I collect words, I love definitions and dialect usage and regional usage and so on! I used the word “holler – a dialect variation of “hollow” as in valley in a short story and was asked by a city dweller, “WHAT?” She had not heard it used evidently…I collect fun words like a miser collects pennies, but unlike the miser, I use them, share them, put them on display and light them up!
November 25, 2014 at 8:25 am
Nina Haines
Wonderful words of wisdom.
November 25, 2014 at 8:28 am
thestoryladyva
Lately I’ve been thinking that I have forgotten how to slow down… how to loafe. Thanks for the reminder and perhaps it will lead to some great ideas.
November 25, 2014 at 8:29 am
Laura Purdie Salas
My greatest wish–time to loafe! Great reminder that I have to find/make the time. Thanks, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 8:30 am
Tina Cho
Thank you for permission to loafe today! Oh goodness, my computer isn’t even recognizing it as a word! Congratulations on all your books!
November 25, 2014 at 8:31 am
Michele Prestininzi
I love to loafe! Thanks for the reminder to loafe even more.
November 25, 2014 at 8:33 am
wfedan
Thank you for the post! And I will definitely be working on my list. I used to say “For crying out loud!” all the time. Friends used to pick on my lightly for it because it’s such an old fashioned saying (I’m not one who curses out loud, so I have to be creative).
November 25, 2014 at 8:34 am
Jay Polowski
Great idea, I can think of a lot of phrases that are only heard from our family. I do need to write them down …and use them … That will be my entry for today..Thanks
November 25, 2014 at 8:34 am
ManjuBeth
I recently snuck the word “scrumptious” into one of my PB mss.
November 25, 2014 at 8:36 am
Lynnette Sandbloom
This post was a favorite of mine. Many wonderful tidbits I will hold onto.
November 25, 2014 at 8:38 am
Joyce Tucker
Great post…and idea. Thanks Liz for your words and awesome books!
November 25, 2014 at 8:39 am
lindamartinandersen
Liz,
Thanks for the reminder to keep words alive from generation to generation. Writing down expressions our grandparents used to say is a good way to do that. Picture book ideas could pop up too. A real bonus!
November 25, 2014 at 8:43 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks. I’ll loafe a bit then schlep off to the grocery store today!
November 25, 2014 at 8:46 am
iamccmonroe
Thanks for rekindling my love of new and interesting words! I’ve gone back to my ideas list and inserted possible word choices for a few of them! My mother has all kinds of interesting turns of phrase that I could use!
November 25, 2014 at 8:46 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
I love to loafe…but I find myself not doing it! I have a tendency to let life rush me and push me. And it’s really not life doing it, but myself. When I actually do loafe and find some quiet, my mind slows enough to have wonderful ideas and maybe that “just right” revision I’d been digging for. Thanks for the reminder, Liz 🙂 *waving*
November 25, 2014 at 8:47 am
Cindy C.
Thanks Liz, for reminding us to enjoy loafing and collect rarely used words/phrases. I told someone at work the other day, “Don’t take any wooden nickels!” (came right out of my grandmother’s mouth) and my young co-worker thought it was hilarious!
November 25, 2014 at 8:47 am
Lori McElrath-Eslick
Did loafe too, and had a nice time while not doing so. Best of being…today, to all my creative friends.
http://www.EslickART.com
November 25, 2014 at 8:49 am
Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
What’s funny is that my children don’t say L-O-L, they say “lol” (pronounced loll)… which is a bit like loafing too, don’t you think?
November 25, 2014 at 8:51 am
pathaap
Wonderful advice on both points!
November 25, 2014 at 8:54 am
Laurie Theurer
You make an excellent point. My kids constantly surprise me when they don’t understand long-unused words that slip automatically from my lips from time to time. We live in Switzerland and only speak English at home, so there are a LOT of surprise words for them! I try to make sure that I expose them to the rich, buttery ones as much as possible!
November 25, 2014 at 8:57 am
Sheri Dillard
Fun post! Thanks, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 9:00 am
Kimberly Cowger
I try to tell my husband this all the time! Relaxation is allowed sometimes!
November 25, 2014 at 9:03 am
gayleckrause
Stories come when you least expect them and loafing time helps foster that creativity. Thanks for your post. 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 9:04 am
Doris Fisher
I’m ready to loafe about wearing loafers while nibbling a slice from a loaf!
November 25, 2014 at 9:04 am
rgstones
I could definitely use some more loafing…right after I make my list of words, of course.
November 25, 2014 at 9:06 am
Rebecca Colby
It took me a long time to realize that loafing really is good for one’s writing. I never feel guilty anymore about loafing! Thanks for the reminder and for a super post!
November 25, 2014 at 9:06 am
imartypoet
Liz told me to loafe. That’s my mantra and I’m sticking to it. Thanks for adoring words. A single word can be a catalyst. Dumbing down does nothing for he young child’s enchantment of words. The classroom banter you shared is full of energy over a single word. Pretty captivating to me. I’m guessing the fifth graders own that word now. Some words are just fun to say. My mother’s word that we all still ascribe to her is ‘persnickety’. It’s just the best word in the world. Mom would say, ‘Don’t get persnickety with me!’ Any siblings within earshot were glad it wasn’t them. That was how mom kept her seven offspring in line. Thanks for reminding me of the power of words. I LOVE All the World. It’s such a gift you and Marla Frazee have given to all of us.
November 25, 2014 at 9:09 am
DaNeil
Love, love, love this post! Now I’m off to start my word list. Thank you!
November 25, 2014 at 9:11 am
marcimcadam
Off to bandy some words about–love the invitation to loafe, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 9:14 am
thislittlebirdie
Fabulous idea(s)! Thanks so much Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 9:19 am
Red said what?
So true. Thank you!
November 25, 2014 at 9:19 am
artsfusionmethod
Liz…you made me realize that I did not even know how to spell the word LOAFE ! haha….Thanks for giving me permission to do such a random act of kindness for myself! ….Great Blog!
November 25, 2014 at 9:20 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Inspiration for the day!
Pairing Liz’s thoughts with the brilliant book: The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet.
November 25, 2014 at 9:20 am
lmconnors
Lisa Connors
What an excellent, succinct post! I get most of my ideas while walking or gardening and I agree that words are special — my next walk will be a chance to loaf with old, favorite words. Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 9:23 am
Celeste
“Picture books aren’t designed to dumb down; they’re meant to open up and out.” This is the best description of picture books I’ve come across in a long while. Thanks for the reminders!
November 25, 2014 at 9:26 am
Janine Johns
Thank you for a great post! I’ll start my word list after I loafe.
November 25, 2014 at 9:31 am
Sandy Jones
What a wonderful post. I can’t wait to read your latest book.
November 25, 2014 at 9:32 am
donnacangelosi
Thank you for this great post, Liz! I agree that some of the best ideas come when we allow ourselves to loafe about and just be in the moment. I also really love your word list idea!
November 25, 2014 at 9:35 am
Jan Milusich
How about lollygag or vamoose, habidashery, skedaddle, scrimp? Words are amazing tools.
November 25, 2014 at 9:39 am
Sue Heavenrich
Great post. Great advice. I’ll write more after I loafe about…
November 25, 2014 at 9:39 am
eliseparsley
Thanks for this great reminder to keep learning, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 9:40 am
hmmmmm
“…a bunch of OMGs and LOLs on judgment day”. Nice. Thanks for the post. The first phrase that popped into (or out of) my head was a cousin of loafe: “fritter away”.
November 25, 2014 at 9:41 am
Michelle Church
I’m ready for a good loafe! Thank you!
November 25, 2014 at 9:43 am
Annie Cronin Romano
Great post! I’m going to start a word list! And loved your book All the World!
November 25, 2014 at 9:43 am
Lisa Robinson
Today I shall loafe around. . .
November 25, 2014 at 9:45 am
momslifeponderings
Liz, I plan to loafe a lot on Thursday. The loafing should commence around 2:30.
Great post!
Happy Thanksgiving, all!
Dana Edwards
November 25, 2014 at 9:51 am
Erin O'Brien
Starting a word list now! Thanks for the inspiration!
November 25, 2014 at 9:52 am
Carrie Finison
I definitely need a little more loafing in my life! Thanks for the reminder, Liz.
November 25, 2014 at 9:52 am
kevanjatt
My folks used to use the word loafe all the time. Usually in conjunction with our tendency as kids to spend saturday morning in front of the TV…
Great post! Great reminder, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 9:55 am
Alison Goldberg
Thanks for the great post!
November 25, 2014 at 9:56 am
Doris Stone
Thank you, Liz, for a dilly off a post!
November 25, 2014 at 9:56 am
Vicki Wilke
Sometimes I doth loafe too much! Ideas proliferate, but then if I am still loafing … I forget my ideas! Will get going on that list! I do love fun words!
November 25, 2014 at 9:58 am
kjfoote
I love rich words, both as a writer and while reading picture books to my kids. Thanks for the post (and the reminder to enjoy the little moments in life!)
November 25, 2014 at 10:01 am
Louann Brown
My muse loves to loafe, take baths and walk in the woods. I let her.
She does not like deadlines and fights with my inner critic all the time. Sibs, what can you do?
November 25, 2014 at 10:04 am
Jim Chaize
I am often guilty of being a human doing, instead of a human being, but I do fit in some loafing too. Lots of good advice here. Thanks.
November 25, 2014 at 10:09 am
Amy Houts
Poetry is an important type of writing to share with children. Your pie book is very timely. I mixed up two pie crusts this morning for Thanksgiving. Tomorrow I will roll them out, fill, and bake them.
November 25, 2014 at 10:10 am
Juliana Lee
Loafe is actually a word my kids heard a lot since I used it almost daily when they were teens. But I had never seen it in print, I always thought it was spelled ‘loaf’ like a loaf of bread. I seriously equated it with the time a loaf of homemade bread was left alone to rise before you baked it!
November 25, 2014 at 10:11 am
Wrenaissance Art
My belief is that you can sneak in a lot of unusual words. Children are new to language, so they’re more likely to accept a new and odd-sounding word in the middle of more familiar words, unlike adults, who get all hung up on the exact meaning and pronunciation.
How about rambunctious and bamboozle? 😄
November 25, 2014 at 10:12 am
dsi1nyu
such a good post! thank you
November 25, 2014 at 10:12 am
dorothia
Thanks Liz. As an illustrator, I usually start with images, and use that as the starting point for the story. I like your idea to make a list of unusual words too.
November 25, 2014 at 10:13 am
jdewdropsofink
Great idea. There are some fantastic words hiding out there.
November 25, 2014 at 10:14 am
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks for the loafing advice – can’t wait to read “The Good-Pie Party”!
November 25, 2014 at 10:17 am
jason
I’m loafing right now! I agree completely with using words that a kid might have to go look up. Builds character. Thanks for the post.
November 25, 2014 at 10:18 am
Stacy S. Jensen
Really love the word list idea.
November 25, 2014 at 10:22 am
Susan Cabael
Ah, the beauty of language certainly begs to be taught and appreciated more these days, doesn’t it?
November 25, 2014 at 10:22 am
Christine Michaela Sharpe
That book looks yummy
November 25, 2014 at 10:22 am
Beth Barrett
I am starting my word list today! This is such a great idea! Thanks for the inspiration.
November 25, 2014 at 10:23 am
Deirdre Sheridan Englehart
Actually, my sister and I started a list of the quirky phrases my parents and family used to say to us.. I love the unique and wonderful words!
November 25, 2014 at 10:24 am
Susan Halko
Thanks for this assignment! Great post.
November 25, 2014 at 10:25 am
Meghan Daniels
Loafe is a great word! I’m a firm believer in sneaking in words that might be above a kids’ level, but can be explained by an adult. Once I used the word hearth and my friend didn’t know what it meant. After I explained it he said that must be a Northern thing because people don’t use fireplaces as much in Texas. My response, “no, it’s because you don’t read!” We never actually called it a hearth but I know what it means.
November 25, 2014 at 10:27 am
Erin Nowak
I love “old” or unfamiliar words! I get a kick out of kid’s reactions to old lingo and phrases too. I told my 8 year old to “pop a squat” the other day when I needed her to take a seat…and the look on her face was priceless, as was the insane giggling that followed.
November 25, 2014 at 10:27 am
beckylevine
One of my favorite (and sometimes most challenging) things about writing picture books is picking the right and fun words. Great post! Thanks.
November 25, 2014 at 10:30 am
StephWJ
Love this post! I agree, we need to slow down and *think* for the ideas to come. Also love the idea of making a list of words.
November 25, 2014 at 10:30 am
kristivaliant
Oooo… time for a day of loafing about.
November 25, 2014 at 10:32 am
Susie
Liz, loved the post. You have such a melodic way with words with such great gems of wisdom! Thanks.
November 25, 2014 at 10:32 am
rowenarae
When my first daughter was born, a New Zealand friend sent us a Hairy Maclary picture book by Lynley Dodd containing the word “cacophony.” We all loved the story, and my now-school-age daughters use the word cacophony in context. Hooray for not shying away from interesting words!
November 25, 2014 at 10:34 am
Celeste Elbert
I agree. Kids love to learn new wonderful words when it is couched in a great story. Too many big words can seem too educational and overwhelming. Thank you.
November 25, 2014 at 10:36 am
Debra Daugherty
You’re so right about the great words that are not used anymore and are disappearing from children’s vocabularies. I loathe the very idea! Now I think I will loafe awhile and see what wonderful ideas pop into my head.
November 25, 2014 at 10:36 am
Dawn Young
Thanks Liz. Great advice!
November 25, 2014 at 10:42 am
Debbie Wagenbach
Amen to rich language! Thank you for an inspiring post, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 10:42 am
Amy Smith
Thanks Liz. I just love #2
November 25, 2014 at 10:44 am
lindaschueler
Yea, I love loafing. Now I can really justify it. Thanks for the post!
November 25, 2014 at 10:45 am
klmcmorranmaus
I love the idea of sneaking an uncommon word into a story to keep it alive. Thank you for sharing.
November 25, 2014 at 10:50 am
Sharon Nix Jones
Thanks for the reminder about those forgotten words. Now I just need to find the time to loafe!
November 25, 2014 at 10:54 am
Pat Miller
I’m beholden to you, Liz! That’s a word from my past–love the quote about human beings. I’m off to scavenge my memories. It’s good to esteem our rich vernacular every now and then.
November 25, 2014 at 11:00 am
Jennifer Sommer
Love this post. I try to add fun sounding words and odd words, as well as colloquialisms. I like “chortle”.
November 25, 2014 at 11:02 am
Ann K
I like the idea of collecting “old” words. Very inspiring! Thank you!
November 25, 2014 at 11:02 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Oooh, I love words. New words, old words, short words, long words. Fun post. My dad used to say, “How’s your copperosity juvenating?” Don’t know how to spell that first word. But, it does bring back memories. (I just looked it up–physical vigor; apple-cheeked good health.) Ya learn something every day.
November 25, 2014 at 11:04 am
kathalsey
OH, yes, what a grew idea to find fun rather archaic words to share with kids. And I am happy to have permission to loafe…just like that 5th grader, my mom wouldn’t let me loafe an dI feel guilty when I do it now.
November 25, 2014 at 11:09 am
Cindy Jolley
I’m inspired to breathe new life into some old words that have gone by the wayside! Thanks for your post. Happy loafing!
November 25, 2014 at 11:09 am
Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle)
Wow. Permission to loafe?! You just made my day!
November 25, 2014 at 11:10 am
Amy Harding
Thanks for giving us permission to loaf about…my children don’t seem to have a problem with that concept, so why should I?!
November 25, 2014 at 11:11 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
I have to remember to think while I loafe. Thanks for the reminder.
November 25, 2014 at 11:16 am
Stephanie Shaw
We recently sifted through boxes of letters from a relative written to family when he was a young soldier in World War II. Often he would write to his younger brothers on the farm in Iowa, “Don’t be loafin'” 🙂 Grandparents are a wealth of wonderful terminology: lolly gagging, high falooting, persnickety…
Thanks for the reminders of words (and people) gone by that may inspire.
November 25, 2014 at 11:19 am
Sandy Perlic
I love words, and love finding just the right word, even if it’s a bit of a “stretch” for kids. Thanks for the fun post.
November 25, 2014 at 11:19 am
Stephen S. Martin
Time to Loafe around with a loaf of bread and peanut butter, dream of ” The Land of Goshen (Atlantic Ocean to my sister) while riding Dobbin. Whoa Dobbin, Dobbin whoa’d (Dobbin Road, again, to my sister)
November 25, 2014 at 11:20 am
Debbie Austin
Thanks, Liz. I love the idea of bringing some of those old, rich words back to life.
November 25, 2014 at 11:26 am
Lori Dubbin
Thanks for the reminder to loafe, contemplate, and dilly dally. Your post is full of great words, ideas, and wisdom. I loved this: “You need to absorb before you can express.”
November 25, 2014 at 11:27 am
kmshelley
Thanks for the great post, Liz! I had this idea in the back of my mind, but you gave it form.
November 25, 2014 at 11:30 am
Hélène Sabourin
This list idea is definitely going on my list!
November 25, 2014 at 11:31 am
Kelly Ramsdell Fineman
To open the page this morning and see a good friend smiling at me, offering words of inspiration and kindness . . . what could be better? I use the word “loafe” in conversation still, but didn’t realize it had an E on the end of it until now, so the post taught me something new about spelling, in addition to providing me with a couple of lovely quotes for my commonplace book.
November 25, 2014 at 11:34 am
Laurie J. Edwards
Thanks for the great ideas. We’re always so busy that we often forget that to loafe is also productive. I especially liked your thoughts on not dumbing down picture books. Kids know so much more than we give them credit for, and they’re eager to learn. It’s wonderful to give them new words and ideas that expand their minds.
November 25, 2014 at 11:35 am
Elizabeth Brown
Thank you for the wonderful post and the great ideas!
November 25, 2014 at 11:36 am
Nini Engel
My kids make fun of me for some of the outdated words I use. Hmmm, could it actually be a strength or a story idea?
November 25, 2014 at 11:37 am
Jacqueline
I’m feeling burned out this morning, so it’s the perfect day to be told to loafe around. The PiBoIdMo guest bloggers always seem to offer just what I need.
November 25, 2014 at 11:39 am
Genevieve Petrillo
OMG. LOL. And thanks. Don’t mind if I do. Extreme loafing is a sport at which I excel. Excel – a word I love. Pineapple – another word I love. Not as much of an eye-opener, but pineapple – it’s just fun to say. Plus delicious.
November 25, 2014 at 11:42 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks for the tip, Liz. You write such beautiful picture books!
November 25, 2014 at 11:47 am
Shirley Timberlake Fadden
I want to be a don’t-er!
November 25, 2014 at 11:48 am
angelapadron
Love to see words like this in kids books. Thanks for the post!
November 25, 2014 at 11:49 am
orthodoxmom3
I wish picture books had MORE WORDS like this…I miss the books of my youth that seemed to be full of delicious words…my favorite books still (and my son’s) are those books…Winnie the Pooh – the classic stories- for one example. They are sooooo….well, better than pie!
November 25, 2014 at 11:51 am
Naana Kyereboah
Thanks for the reminder, Liz. Sometimes I think some words are beyond children so I try not to use them or find synonyms for them.
November 25, 2014 at 11:53 am
Elizabeth Metz
Of course I love the call to action…er, inaction, but it’s mostly your thoughts about keeping lovely words alive and not dumbing down stories in pictures books that resonates. Makes me feel good about using words like “whatsoever” and “flair” and “surefire” and “grapple” in my stories. Also, I recently wrote a pie-themed story and therefore very much want to read yours (plus, I loved All the World so so so so much). Thanks, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 11:55 am
Sandy Powell
Great advice. Thank you for the post.
November 25, 2014 at 11:57 am
Carol Nelson
Thanks for the encouragement to loafe! As a former teacher, I totally agree with adding words that seem to be disappearing from daily speech to books and our conversations. I distinctly remember the times I had to define words commonly used by my parents to my high school students. Let’s help keep language varied and interesting. Thanks for a thought provoking post.
November 25, 2014 at 11:59 am
danielledufayet
I agree loafing is crucial to creativity. And hail to wonderful words!
November 25, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Natasha
How awesome that you got Kady M. Denton as your illustrator. Her art complements your text wonderfully. Congratulations to you both.
November 25, 2014 at 12:04 pm
Ashley Bohmer
Two great reminders.–Thanks! 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Susan Latta
It’s always fun to try out new words. Planning to loafe over the long weekend. Great post, thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 12:08 pm
Jodi Moore
Love the quote about human beings…as opposed to human doings. Love the nod to Walt Whitman. Your post reminds us to slow down, observe, experience and create. As the holiday season kicks up, you’ve reminded us to slow down. Thank you for the inspiration, the encouragement…the permission to BE. ❤
November 25, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Rita Allmon
Thanks Liz for this shoo-in of a post! I am so happy that it is okay for me to be a loafer. This is a great fit my style. Taking time to play with words is awesome. And fun words fit all sizes. What bliss when a unique word fits.
November 25, 2014 at 12:09 pm
The Styling Librarian
Hooray for celebrating and using quality words! I’ll loafe a little bit too… 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Laura Rackham
Can’t wait to loafe about and write my list of words worth remembering:)
November 25, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Karen A
Great assignment for the day 🙂 Great reminder to slow down during a busy, busy, busy holiday season!
November 25, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Julene Kinser
I loved today’s post. Thanks, Liz, for the reminder to keep interesting words in circulation. It’s not high fallutin’, it’s using your noodle. 😉
November 25, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Julie
Kids love to use different words, trying them out, rolling them off the tongue. Thanks for the post.
November 25, 2014 at 12:27 pm
Therese Nagi
Loafing does have it’s benefits! Thanks for sharing on mulling the idea that creativity springs from it. Thanks Liz for sharing a great post.
November 25, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Theresa Love
Smelling the roses right now 🙂 words and relaxation – what a great combination -Thanks for the post!
November 25, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Heidi Yates
I love the encouragement to use amazing words! Children learn vocabulary by what they hear, and I agree it shouldn’t be limited. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post Liz! 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 12:30 pm
mbeaversillustration
Love this! Some words are just so special and amazing—it’s good to keep them in circulation. 😉 Thanks for sharing.
November 25, 2014 at 12:31 pm
barbswright
Calamity comes to mind in a hyperbolic way ( probably because my computer has had recurrent blue screens of death)
November 25, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Sydney O'Neill
There is such a difference in the vocabularies of children who are avid readers and those who rarely read. Here’s to bringing back the words that say things well.
November 25, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Sharon L. Barry
Now this is one suggestion I think I can guarantee I’ll follow up on. I am never loathe to loafe. Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 12:34 pm
pattywaymedic
Tis a poverty to loathe loafing! Thanks for the reminder. I plead guilty!
November 25, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Hayley B
The brevity of picture books challenges us to find the best word, the only word, every single time. I love that. Thanks for a great post, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 12:35 pm
LovableLobo
Thanks for your luscious words, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 12:39 pm
vijikc
Great idea to make a list! Thank you!
November 25, 2014 at 12:40 pm
MaryAnne Locher
When growing up, “loafe” had a negative connotation. Thanks for giving me permission to put a positive spin on the word! 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Joanne Toft
PB are meant to open up and out! so well said! I love the thought of old words and loafe is perfect! Loafe or to idle away time!
November 25, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Sandi Lawson
I grew up with that term. It’s what the old men did at the country store across the road! You brought back memories for me. What other words are hiding in my brain?
November 25, 2014 at 12:52 pm
Janny J Johnson
I love it when a book has a word that I get to introduce to kids! Right now before Thanksgiving, I”m having trouble finding my loafing time. I’ll have to do make up time, afterwards. Thanks, Liz
November 25, 2014 at 12:53 pm
Traci Sorell
Working on a list right now! Thanks for the post.
November 25, 2014 at 12:56 pm
Shawna JC Tenney
I love this. So often we get caught up in working hard, we forget to dream and loafe! Thanks for the reminder.
November 25, 2014 at 12:57 pm
Shirley Menendez
Thanks for the advice. Good ideas can surface when we are just taking it easy.
November 25, 2014 at 1:03 pm
megmillerwrites
I love this! Thanks for the great advice Liz. 🙂 I’m going to try to get some loafing in over Thanksgiving.
November 25, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
Awesome advice, Liz! I have to stop being a human doing all the time and learn to loafe.
November 25, 2014 at 1:10 pm
Kristen Yakubisin
For some reason, I have a penchant for s- words. Hmmm, that doesn’t sound very good, does it? Let me be more specific – spigot, stroll, spatula, strum, sip. Thanks for reminding me to ponder – and use – all those great words I love!
November 25, 2014 at 1:12 pm
storyfairy
Hmm, let’s see, which words did I used to use…? -Lily Stejskal
November 25, 2014 at 1:28 pm
kathyh1121
Just thinking about what my Grandfather used to say was a wonderful way to remember the good things during Thanksgiving time. Thank you!
November 25, 2014 at 1:31 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Nice post. A stroke of inspiration. Maybe I’ll loaf about, and see what ideas my mind comes upon, and think some more.
November 25, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Zainab
I pray that all the time I loafe (for I loafe all day and night) ends in something productive! Thanks for the great “loafe” reminder. I love Whitman!
November 25, 2014 at 1:38 pm
laura516
We are in the business of words and what they invoke. I love your idea of a word list as a starting point for idea inspiration!
November 25, 2014 at 1:43 pm
Pam Miller
Thanks for your post today and, especially, for your book Happy Birthday Bunny. Our grandson and I read many times after the May conference. In June I began to dream of a different story, while someone else drove. It came out in rhyming couplets.
November 25, 2014 at 1:44 pm
loriannlevyholm
I feel this way almost everyday as a teacher. Many of my students need vocabulary boosters. Grave is a word we talked about yesterday and not the depository for dead bodies 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 1:50 pm
daynesislendesign
I love great words. I collect them. Thanks for the reminder to use them more often.
November 25, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Leslie Raith
Fabulous reminder that creativity takes unfettered time.
November 25, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Barbara Cairns
Thank you for your most appropriate post today… a day when I was loafing about,… cooking and getting packages ready… instead of writing. i was feeling a little guilty but felt a lot better after reading your lovely post.
November 25, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Pj McIlvaine
I love me some good pie. Fabulous!
November 25, 2014 at 1:57 pm
Maria Oka
Oh! What a much needed post today! I’ve been working on one PB idea, and I thought, “what I really need to do to move this story along is to just sit under a big tree with nothing to do.” Now I just need to get rid of my three kids and find a big tree (oh the joys of LA apartment living) so I can loafe about. Thank you!!
November 25, 2014 at 2:04 pm
kirsticall
Thanks for the great post! I’m going to have to schedule some loafing time in!
November 25, 2014 at 2:05 pm
Anne Bromley
Thank you for your beautiful picture books and for this poignant (I love this word) reminder to just BE once in a while. In the long run, “being” will pay off in writing a much better story, because it has had time to “stew.” Now, for some good pie for dessert!
November 25, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Carol Jones
Another reason why I love to write at the PB level: I would hate to dumb down my vocabulary. I always picture my books (if I ever get anything published) being read to a child by an adult.
Recently (in another context) I used the phrase, “scarcer than hen’s teeth” and the person I was communicating with had never heard it. Here’s to keeping old words and expressions alive!
November 25, 2014 at 2:32 pm
kelliejeanne
Lovely post. Thank you.
November 25, 2014 at 2:35 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Liz. You have caused me to remember all kinds of old sayings that my grandmothers used to use. What fun!
November 25, 2014 at 2:35 pm
Tom Barrett
I thought my daughter’s fifth grade word lists were unusual until this moment. I thought they were too “big” and would not be of great benefit to her at her age. They are not old words, but how great for her to be learning these unique words at an early age. Perhaps I need to study her word lists to see what inspires!
On the thought of old words, commode is one you never hear, unless speaking with someone up in age. Davenport is another, though not sure how you would fit that into a picture book. 🙂 Will have to sit with my grandfather (93) and see what words he remembers!
November 25, 2014 at 2:40 pm
teresarobeson
That’s funny! I say the word “loafe” at least a few times a year, but I have never, ever written it (until now). 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement to loafe and to insert some nearly obsolete words into our writing, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 2:41 pm
Lindsay Bonilla
Yes, I want more time to “loafe!” My 8 month old doesn’t think I should have it though! 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 2:43 pm
tpierce
This is a great idea for an ongoing word list, Liz. And who knows, maybe one will spark an idea!
November 25, 2014 at 2:52 pm
rmcg14
What a fun exercise! I’ll get on it after I loafe around a bit.
November 25, 2014 at 2:53 pm
CJ Lucas
Thank you for the great advise and fun words as well as stories.
November 25, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Anita Banks
Thank you so much, what a great idea!
November 25, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Marla
This is an interesting idea. I don’t use big words often, but I do tend to mix words up and accidentally come up with new ones.
November 25, 2014 at 3:09 pm
Robyn Campbell
Fantastic idea. I just wrote a chapter in a writing book for kids that I’m doing where I used this idea. My words were ballyhoo and cockamamie. Haha. Thanks for sharing.
November 25, 2014 at 3:09 pm
cat jones
Thanks for the good advice and reminder that we are human ‘beings’
November 25, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Cat
Loafing is an integral part of my creative process, I’m so happy that another writer also appreciates its value 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Tracey M. Cox
Love the idea of bringing older vocab back into style. Will have to put my thinking cap on and see what I can remember.
November 25, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Christine M. Irvin
I think it’s time to loafe around a spell!
November 25, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Laurie L Young
I don’t need permission to loafe around, I’m pretty much expert at it. But thank you for the reminder, (also: didn’t know there was an ‘e’ at the end of the word!) And thanks—I don’t want to have a bunch of OMGs or LOLs on my conscience, either!
November 25, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Mary Warth
I’ve been a human doing lately and I appreciate the reminder that it’s ok to be a human being. Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Dana Murphy
Great idea, to start with words. I, personally, love the word loafe. That’s a good one. I’m going to go do just that right now.
November 25, 2014 at 3:23 pm
Janet Halfmann
I constantly need to remind myself to loafe around. I’ll definitely try to do more of it! Thanks for the reminder. Also fun to think of words from times past.
November 25, 2014 at 3:26 pm
Priya
Going on a word hunt right now.
November 25, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Audrey Hackett
Whippersnapper. LOL!
November 25, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Christy Mihaly
Thanks — after reading this I’m feeling better about my loafe-a-thon plans for the holidays!
November 25, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Anne Lei-Yeung So
“Creativity can’t be rushed.”
November 25, 2014 at 3:33 pm
Shel LeDrew
How certainly serendipitous.
November 25, 2014 at 3:35 pm
K.A.Steed
So enjoyed point 1. Loafe about! Thank you for this post.
November 25, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Teresa Daffern
I have been reading about the slow movement lately – who would have thought life could accelerate to the point it has? For what? Thanks for reminding us about the rich words our children need to hear.
November 25, 2014 at 3:37 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth
Love this idea of word hunting for seldom used words and that we can be loafing while looking for them 🙂
Thanks for a fun post!
November 25, 2014 at 3:45 pm
Patricia Toht
“Quit loafing about!” is a phrase I remember from my childhood. Glad to think of it in a positive light. Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Charlotte
Thanks for the reminder that it’s the words that make the PB world such a special place. Your post made me think that with the holidays coming it’s an especially good time to find a good old-fashioned snicker doodle recipe. MMMMM, how wonderful with a cup of tea and a grandchild on my knee!
November 25, 2014 at 3:49 pm
Christie
One of my favorite places to practice loafing: the mountains. 🙂 Good luck with your new 2015 book releases.!
November 25, 2014 at 3:52 pm
Judy Cox
Love the words! I tell my writing students that the language of a picture book must feel good in the mouth, because they are intended to be read aloud.
November 25, 2014 at 4:04 pm
Valarie Giogas
“Picture books aren’t designed to dumb down; they’re meant to open up and out.” LOVE this. Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner
This post may actually have been better than pie…think I’ll go loafe about now and invite my piboidmo idea for today. Thanks, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 4:48 pm
jenny
i live in the middle of nowhere in the woods on a homestead so i’m good at being. i’m slow with my books but grateful, too. PBs are “meant to open up and out”. yes! i love that.
November 25, 2014 at 4:48 pm
JEN Garrett
Eluded – that’s the word I actually changed on an adult book, because it was old-fashioned. Not going to be afraid of my vocabulary anymore!
November 25, 2014 at 4:50 pm
Maria Marshall
I totally agree about not dumming down PB! Can’t wait to read your “The Good Pie Party.” I think I’ll go loafe around & make a pumpkin pie! 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Julie Murphy
Excellent post, full of goodies to consider. Thank you! I think experiencing nature is really important in taking time off to “be”. Loafing in nature is the best!
November 25, 2014 at 5:01 pm
Julie Durr
There are those exquisite words that I love to hear, say and use but dare I do so and then be faced with the puzzled looks and “huhs?” Absolutely!
November 25, 2014 at 5:02 pm
Carrie O'Neill
I recently wrote down “clarion call” after reading a PiBoIdMo post a few days back. I like the idea of making a running list of words and phrases. Thanks for your post!
November 25, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Shena Ashcraft
Just started my list! Looking forward to chatting with my husband and parents to see if they can think of other words that have gone by the wayside.
November 25, 2014 at 5:07 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for this inspiring post, Liz! Unfortunately, my grandpa pretty much said the same things over and over to me, but I’ll definitely brainstorm the unique sayings I remember from my grandma and parents. You never know what will spark an idea!
November 25, 2014 at 5:12 pm
Corey Schwartz
My golden retriever and i loafe quite a lot! Now I can tell my husband that we are not wasting time!
November 25, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Debra Shumaker
What great advice. Thanks so much!
November 25, 2014 at 5:19 pm
Marty McCormick
It’s amazing how even 10 years makes a difference in the words that we use most often. You’re so right that expanding a child’s vocabulary and keeping the older, seldom-used words in our language adds depth and richness for all of us. A terrific point! Thanks so much for the reminder, Liz. Marty McCormick
November 25, 2014 at 5:20 pm
Jon Blauvelt
Magnificent expressions. Can’t wait to find my own.
November 25, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Isabelle Barth
Just written a post on the importance of not using childish language for children. You are giving me things to think about. Yes… making a list of words. Great advice… reading is learning
Thanks
November 25, 2014 at 5:34 pm
Dani Duck
I love the idea of expanding kid’s vocabularies, even if its just one word a picture book. Not sure if the words my grandmother used would be helpful. She’d always talk about davenports, chesterfields and ottoman and we vaguely knew what she was talking about. I’m not sure if its a good idea to bring these words to picture books, Now its an idea and im writing it in my idea book,
November 25, 2014 at 5:36 pm
Nadine Gamble
I’m loafing right now! Much appreciated!
November 25, 2014 at 5:43 pm
Claire Vita
Your post brings back some very fond memories of family words. Thanks for the smiles!
November 25, 2014 at 5:57 pm
gabisnyder
Thank you for the permission to loafe!
November 25, 2014 at 5:58 pm
mwebb32
Great post! Love the advice to introduce a word that’s not used hardly anymore.
November 25, 2014 at 6:01 pm
Amy Courage
Way to be a wordsmith! And I very much agree that a relaxed brain and body often create the best ideas 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 6:03 pm
Joseph Miller
Thanks for the excuse to loafe about 😉
November 25, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Nancy Ramsey
The Good-Pie Party- Love that title and appreciate your suggestions! Thank you for your post!
November 25, 2014 at 6:07 pm
Stephan Stuecklin
Vocabulary FTW!
November 25, 2014 at 6:10 pm
danielle hammelef
I love finding treasures in words! Thanks for sharing.
November 25, 2014 at 6:13 pm
ssuehler
Ok, it might look like loafing, but I am doing very hard work. I’m looking for inspiration! I love fun words and sayings. When my husband come home from work once, he said “I worked like a dog today.” Our (then) 5 year-old son said, “I didn’t know dogs have jobs. Why does ours just sleep all day?”
November 25, 2014 at 6:18 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
I’m going to try and loafe about and continue to be inspired by your words! Wishing you continued success, and a Happy Thanksgiving to all!
November 25, 2014 at 6:19 pm
Nancy Colle
The Good Pie Party – one of my favorites! Never thought of making a list of words/phrases from the family- I’ll try that next. And as for loafing,…I mastered that long ago.
November 25, 2014 at 6:32 pm
Carole Swain Stedronsky
I love the idea of writing a list of delectable words to use in picture books. I might even play the game of putting lots of those words in a hat, drawing three of them, and then writing something using those words.
November 25, 2014 at 6:51 pm
Kara Stewart
YES!!! If I could make that shout louder, I would. YESYESYES!!! To both the use of ‘Tier 2’ words (always a good thing for a writer to know about, and I absolutely love that quote from Prof. Safi. I will now steal it and post it on Facebook (with attribution). Thank you so much!
November 25, 2014 at 6:53 pm
KatyD
There’s nothing like good pie and good words. 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 7:03 pm
tanjabauerle
To loafe or not to loafe, that is the question. I wish I could give into the urge to loafe more often. I will try it a little later today. 🙂 T.
November 25, 2014 at 7:06 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
I’m all about introducing unfamiliar words to enhance a story while helping to build a reader’s vocabulary! Great idea to create a word list from years gone by 😀
November 25, 2014 at 7:16 pm
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
Will definitely have to look up The Disease of Being Busy by Omid Safi. Would like to go loafe, but I have a list of words that I haven’t used in awhile to create. 😉
November 25, 2014 at 7:17 pm
Becky P. Hurd
I’m not sure if some of my dad’s colorful words would be appropriate in picture books, but I get the gist!
November 25, 2014 at 7:19 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
The Good-Pie Party looks delicious! I looked up “loafe” in the dictionary, and since “guilt” is not part of the definition, I will now resume my loafing guilt free. I recently read Ammi-Joan Paquette’s PB Petey and Pru and the Hullabaloo and loved the way it fearlessly incorporates words that we wouldn’t normally put into picture books. And my daughter loves it, so I absolutely agree with your point about putting those lovely words into our books.
November 25, 2014 at 7:21 pm
sardyhar
I am in enthusiastic agreement with you. Creativity does not thrive in the hustle and bustle. It needs space, and quiet calm to breathe and unfurl. It is so hard but so very important to create and protect that space for ourselves.
November 25, 2014 at 7:26 pm
katmaz2012
Thank you, I am off to make a very long list, and reread some “old fashioned” favorite picture books for treasures.
November 25, 2014 at 7:43 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Lots of quotable good advice here! Thanks, Liz!
November 25, 2014 at 7:46 pm
Heather E.
Thank you! Allowing things to percolate is definitely something I struggle with as I want everything now. 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 8:02 pm
Cindy S
Words are just so much fun. Thanks for reminding us.
November 25, 2014 at 8:15 pm
zebrakitchens
I love words like loafed and lazed and let’s go take a nap. They are definitely yeasty. Thanks for the great advise.
Lynn
November 25, 2014 at 8:16 pm
Cassandra Federman
What a delightful reminder! Thank you for this post!
November 25, 2014 at 8:18 pm
Jill Siegel
Great ideas, thank you!! 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Freckled Daisy Creations
Wonderful post! I love fun words! I am heading to the studio to do my word work as we speak
November 25, 2014 at 8:58 pm
Rick Starkey
Those old words remind me of younger days when the world turned at a slower pace.
Thanks for reminding us to use them.
November 25, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
I will loafe in my loafers!! The ultimate loafe, no?
November 25, 2014 at 9:12 pm
kpbock
I could go for a good loaf of banana bread right now. Then, I’ll loafe around and eat it!
November 25, 2014 at 9:14 pm
Susie Sawyer
You’ve said some great things here, . But this is my favorite: ” Picture books aren’t designed to dumb down; they’re meant to open up and out.” And thank you for reminding me to give myself permission to loafe about!
November 25, 2014 at 9:16 pm
Ali Pichardo
Your timing is Great Liz. With the holidays coming we all need time to loafe. I had fun teaching new words to the children at the day care where i had worked. They loved using those new words. Thanks for a wonderful post.
November 25, 2014 at 9:20 pm
Lynn
Thank you, Liz, for the great idea of a word list. The loafing I can do; now to make it really work for me.
– Lynn A. Davidson
November 25, 2014 at 9:39 pm
viviankirkfield
Stellar post, Liz! ‘Picture books are meant to expand the words and world of a child’…YES! I love your suggestion to make a list of words we used to use but don’t hear anymore…I’m sure there is a story lurking about in the shadows there. 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 9:39 pm
kathydoherty1
I just added LOAFE to my “to do” list for tomorrow. Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 9:46 pm
Jabeen
Great advice, thank you.
November 25, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Cindy Greene
Love the post, especially about the purpose of picture books. Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 9:58 pm
lbouck09
Thanks for the great advice! 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 10:09 pm
Joanne Sher
LOVE this. Thank you!!
November 25, 2014 at 10:09 pm
Michael Vogel
I truly enjoy to Loafe around while eating a full Loaf of bread while loathing writers block. BAM! Thanks for the POWerful words.
November 25, 2014 at 10:13 pm
Linda Baie
Your advice comes at a very good time, a little vacation! I look forward to loafing and listing… Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 10:30 pm
shiela fuller
Dear Liz: I like using fun words in my picture books. I think loaves that loafe are fun, too.
November 25, 2014 at 10:43 pm
Tracy
This has been one of my favourite posts. I especially loved: “Picture books aren’t designed to dumb down; they’re meant to open up and out. They’re meant to expand the words and the world that a child has at hand. Lucky us to be a part of all that.” Thank-you. 🙂
November 25, 2014 at 10:43 pm
creationsbymit
Great anecdote, AND advice! Thanks, Liz!
Michele Katz
November 25, 2014 at 10:46 pm
Yvonne Mes
I love the idea of holding on and putting into use those olden-day words, challenge accepted! Now, for some loafing …
November 25, 2014 at 11:04 pm
Charlotte Gunnufson
Thank you for this post. I am guilty of treating life like a checklist. It seems that I need to be in order to be truly creative.
November 25, 2014 at 11:12 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
I agree — creativity cannot be rushed! And I love the idea of using words we don’t hear used anymore. Sometimes I let things slip out that my kids have never heard. I”ll try to write these down next time!
November 25, 2014 at 11:20 pm
lizgartonscanlon
So… IRONICALLY, I had a day with nary a moment of loafing today! But I’ve just now found the time to read all these really wonderful, fun and funny comments and I want to say thanks for reading and corresponding — and Happy Thanksgiving one and all! xxooo Liz
November 25, 2014 at 11:22 pm
Deborah Patz
Starting that list thanks to you and “loafe,” my list starting with a word you have inspired me to remember: “blither” (which you are so totally not doing!). Thanks!
November 25, 2014 at 11:30 pm
Janie Reinart
Liz, thank you Loafing is first in order for the morning! Then to the list!
November 25, 2014 at 11:46 pm
Jessica Miller-Nims
Great Advice. You can’t expect yourself to create something like art if you don’t fill yourself of with the ingredients first. You can’t bake a cake without flour…Well, not a good one anyway.
November 25, 2014 at 11:48 pm
Janet Smart
I love using and writing ‘old timey’ words. I do it all the time and still speak it on occasion. The language of our ancestors should not be lost, but used!
November 26, 2014 at 12:04 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Liz. I made my list of words, as you suggested. Now I will be a loafer. At least for a few minutes until it is time to read, write and create. ~Suzy Leopold
November 26, 2014 at 12:09 am
hethfeth
Amen! As a parent, I dearly love those moment where my children encounter a new, exotic, lyrical word in a picture book. In the context of a beloved story, my kids become curious about the new word. They naturally appreciate the poetry inherent in language because the vocabulary is enfolded in rich stories that they love. So again, amen to including beautiful words in children’s literature! Thank you, Liz. And by the way, aren’t you a lucky author to have had so many stellar illustrators work on your books.
November 26, 2014 at 12:31 am
marlainagray
Wonderful word and wonderful advice. Hoping to get some loafing in soon.
November 26, 2014 at 12:56 am
Aidan Cassie
“When did we forget that we are human beings, not human doings?” When I was a child and wondered at what I might BE when I grew up, my dad reminded me that my work would not define me… “The question is”, he said, “what will you DO when you grow up? You will certainly BE you, regardless.”
Off to squeeze in some quick loafing before bed. =)
November 26, 2014 at 1:29 am
sherry alexander
“Jostle” is my word for the day. A teacher told a first grader not to jostel her papers while he teacher was speaking. The little girl promply raised her hand and simply asked “What’s jostle?”
November 26, 2014 at 1:42 am
Jenna Woloshyn
Somehow I think there’s a difference between loafe and procrastinate, and I’m good at one, but not the other.
November 26, 2014 at 1:57 am
Keila Dawson
My mama loved when we used 50 cents words! Thanks for the reminder to stretch our writing by being creative with words.
November 26, 2014 at 2:22 am
Kathryn Cunningham
Very apt advice. Thanks so much!
November 26, 2014 at 2:30 am
Kira Kia Fruit Nims
I love hodgepodge and poppycock, but that is certainly not what this post was. Thank you for this wonderful post it was great!
November 26, 2014 at 2:59 am
KJ Bateman
So, so true about not dumbing down when writing for children. Thank you for the confirmation.
November 26, 2014 at 3:13 am
Selena
I love word lists! Thanks for the reminder to just list.
November 26, 2014 at 3:28 am
Gloria Amescua
I love the word list idea. We need for our children to gulp new words and they do!
November 26, 2014 at 3:33 am
jshaklan
I will happily work more loafing about into my schedule! Great vocabulary advice, too — I’m on the same page about not dumbing down picture books. Learning new words can be fun and exciting for kids!
November 26, 2014 at 3:49 am
calisue
Thanks for the great list idea
November 26, 2014 at 4:41 am
Marcy P.
I love the sense that we are defenders of good language… the last line of defense before a word and its beauty is lost Yes, let’s be that! And to be able to save the world while loafing 🙂 ❤
November 26, 2014 at 5:29 am
Liz Steffenson
You have great book titles! I’ll be looking for your books! Thanks for the great post!
November 26, 2014 at 6:51 am
Sandie Sing
You are making me think. There are so many lost, gone words. If we don’t use them, we will lose it. Thank you for reminding us about traditional words. Like the others, I am going to make a word list. Thanks for the great reminder.
November 26, 2014 at 8:24 am
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
Thank you so much! This post really resonated with me. I’d love to spice a story up with some lesser known words.
November 26, 2014 at 8:40 am
Heather Thurmeier
Thanks for the word list! It’s wonderful. And I always love a good excuse to chill for a while guilt-free.
November 26, 2014 at 8:40 am
Quinn Cole
I love historical fiction and find joy in words like rejoin, aloft and sassafras. Thanks for the great reminder to loafe and create and expand horizons through our work.
November 26, 2014 at 8:45 am
cravevsworld
Thank you for showing us how “gnarly” the world is towards is for the little words. It’s up to us!
November 26, 2014 at 9:27 am
Mary Worley
Always a joy to find someone who loves to play with language and books that encourage it.
November 26, 2014 at 9:42 am
Emmeline Hall
Ooh I love the idea of loafing. Will do….or will try, I should say. I get guilt-ridden every time I try. Thank you for the great post! Oh, and I love love love the cover art for this book, can’t wait to dig in!
November 26, 2014 at 9:53 am
Susanne
I love to loaf around and I love pie.
November 26, 2014 at 10:15 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Liz! There are so many fun-sounding words–skedaddle will appear in one of my upcoming books; I also love lollygagging 🙂 I will find a way to sound my barbaric yawp in some picture books.
November 26, 2014 at 10:46 am
Corey Finkle
I make it a rule to try not to talk down to kids, and this includes putting in the perfect words, even if they’re a bit off kilter. I recently used “shenanigans” for example…
Thanks for the encouragement!
C
November 26, 2014 at 11:25 am
tphumiruk
Love the reminder that I am a human BEing, not a human doing. 🙂
November 26, 2014 at 11:32 am
Meridth Gimbel
I was at an intensive for SCBWI in Indiana a few years back. Your insights were invaluable and they still are. I definitely feel a sense of urgency and sometimes it’s hard for me to relax. Thanks for the post and all your brilliant work.
November 26, 2014 at 11:34 am
Pat
“Picture books aren’t designed to dumb down; they’re meant to open up and out. ” This sentence says so much in so few words. Love it!
November 26, 2014 at 11:36 am
Susan Schade
Good advice. Thank you!
November 26, 2014 at 11:46 am
Dorothy Wiese
Thanks, Liz. I agree with you that picture books shouldn’t dumb down. Keep adding new and old words.
November 26, 2014 at 11:55 am
Joan Waites
Great post! Going to make that list of words today!
November 26, 2014 at 12:11 pm
erikammon
Never be afraid of putting a “hard” word into your PBs!
November 26, 2014 at 12:15 pm
M.A. Bentz
Thank you LIz, great post. Rich and specific and onomatopoeic words should be used to expand a child’s mind. So important.
November 26, 2014 at 12:27 pm
Zachary Ratcliffe
language in picture books can be so fun!
November 26, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Chana Stiefel
Totally loafed your post…and I loafe your books too! Happy Thanksgiving!
November 26, 2014 at 2:45 pm
Sherry Walz
Liz, thanks for the thought-provoking post. I shall loafe without guilt, from this day forward.
November 26, 2014 at 2:48 pm
Judith Wright Aplin
Thank you for reminding me that we are human beings, not human doings…so very true and so often forgotten. Poetry is a wonderful way to zero in on specific words and appreciate the time to loafe…..
November 26, 2014 at 2:49 pm
writersideup
Liz, what a great post! I adore words! Am totally in love with them, have books filled with them (as we all do lol) and books about them (incl. the dictionary and thesaurus). I’ve used them for inspiration often, so agree with you completely! Of course, I have to slow down in order to pull away from being an incessant “human DOING!” Thank you!
This is hilarious:
“(Except for one boy who said, “I try to loafe about a LOT, but my mom won’t let me.” 🙂 )”
This is a keeper:
““When did we forget that we are human beings, not human doings?””
November 26, 2014 at 3:03 pm
Jamie Deenihan
I absolutely love the quote by Professor Omid Safi. I think I need to paint that on our livingroom wall and also across the walls of my first grade classroom. It is so true and really hit home with me today. Your reminder about the importance of rich and unfamiliar vocabulary in PB is also a good reminder. Congrats on your success!
November 26, 2014 at 3:04 pm
angelapenadahle
I love your classic #1 and your must-fit-this-word-in-because-it’s-awesome #2. Thanks for the great post!
November 26, 2014 at 4:06 pm
Jennifer Huls
Great advice, we need to make time for being (ourselves)- thats when the best ideas come. A great philosophy for writing… and living
November 26, 2014 at 4:10 pm
MickiGinsberg
Liz: Such a great post, especially at this time of the year when we are so enmeshed in Doing.
November 26, 2014 at 5:12 pm
Donna Rossman
Well said and something that should never be forgotten, “… We are human beings, not human doings? Great post, Thank you! 🙂
November 26, 2014 at 5:30 pm
BLAHM
Fantastic post, Liz. I also have an obsession with old words, but have always been a little fearful of using them in practice. Thanks for reminding me that it’s okay!
By the way, might I recommend a quick thesaurus search for “nonsense”. It’ll bring up a goldmine of wonderful, archaic words: “claptrap”, “malarkey”, and “eyewash”, just to name a few!
November 26, 2014 at 6:04 pm
ducks33
Thank you for the encouragement to use unusual words. Picture books are a great opportunity to do so since the illustrations can help with context.
November 26, 2014 at 6:25 pm
Wendy Greenley
Lovely post to be read as we head to spend time with family and friends. Plenty of loafing to ensue. 🙂
November 26, 2014 at 6:35 pm
Darshana
Thanks for reminding us the importance of loafing. I haven’t heard that word since I was a kid.
November 26, 2014 at 8:45 pm
Beth Blee
Liz, thanks for sharing “… we are human beings, not human doings.” It takes time for creativity. Thanks for the reminders.
November 26, 2014 at 9:03 pm
Laura Bellina
Thanks for inspiring me to use those words I love but thought too complex for picture books.
November 26, 2014 at 9:41 pm
marciecolleen
As a Type A personality, I often struggle when there is no plan or routine. But I am learning to embrace my loafe. Thank you for the reminders.
November 26, 2014 at 9:53 pm
aliciaminor
I am looking for that magic word right now and the list goes on. Thanks for sharing.
November 26, 2014 at 10:22 pm
Karen Lawler
I remember my mother getting angry with me when I would loafe around !! She would actually YELL… Stop loafing around .. Get out and DO something!!! I now thank her for making me go outside and loafe instead of hanging around the house. Imagination grew out there. Thanks for reminding me to use these FUN yet funky words to add spark to a story. 🙂
November 26, 2014 at 11:51 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you for this post. Creativity really can’t be rushed:) Thank you for the reminder.
November 27, 2014 at 12:54 am
John Strong
I love the quote about human beings! And I agree about not dumbing down things!!! Thank you!
November 27, 2014 at 1:07 am
Karen Brueggeman
Great reminder and wonderful advise. Thanks.
November 27, 2014 at 1:54 am
nicolezoltack
Lovely post!
November 27, 2014 at 2:04 am
Marge Gower
What great advice, when we are constantly rushing around. We can’t stay busy enough. We do need to sit and let our thoughts catch up with us. I though of an idea, while I was reading. I even jotted down four lines. I may not use it, but I didn’t waste the thought. Thanks for the post.
November 27, 2014 at 3:44 am
Nancy Kotkin
I’ve learned this month that ideas spring forth on my less hectic days, which coincides with what you are saying.
November 27, 2014 at 11:54 am
cantsing1
I’m surely going to work on my list of words as you suggest. Thanks muchly ; )
November 27, 2014 at 1:46 pm
saputnam
What a great post, Liz! Thank you for reminding us to enjoy loafing (which I do more than I probably should) and to collect rarely used words/phrases. I keep a list of words and phrases that are unique to Vermont as well as a list of words that my children have made up, along with words and expressions from the 20s to the 60s
November 27, 2014 at 2:16 pm
stephseclecticinterests
I’m too good at the unproductive kind of loafing. However, the kicking back, rejuvenating, idea-generating kind is, indeed, a very good thing. Maybe it’s time to commit to diligently building my vocabulary, to discovering and rediscovering wonderful words I want to preserve. Thanks so much for the encouragement.
November 27, 2014 at 4:58 pm
Megan Freeman
Thank you for this, Liz! I love the challenge of using delicious words and I just found places for ‘incredulity’ and ‘courtier’ in my latest chapter. Thank you!
November 27, 2014 at 5:50 pm
melsul09
Another helpful and informative post. Thank you!!
November 27, 2014 at 7:58 pm
Lynn
Thank you, Liz, for this post. Some people think words that children are unfamiliar with should not be used in picture books, but I’ve never agreed with that. I believe it is a privilege for us to expand their vocabulary and understanding. Thanks for the encouragement.
– Lynn A. Davidson
November 27, 2014 at 8:57 pm
Cindy Clemens
Great post! My grandmothers were famous for pondering the world — the weather, the grandkids and the future. iponder!
November 27, 2014 at 9:17 pm
calisue
I love loafing! Thanks for the reminder.
November 27, 2014 at 10:26 pm
Sharon Giltrow
so true when I am busy no ideas come when I am loafing about I can’t write them down fast enough. I also love the idea of writing down words that aren’t used anymore but make our language richer. I am a teacher at a language development centre for 4-8 year olds and when they don’t know a word in a story we give them the strategy of clunking (a visual thumbs down) to show they don’t understand a word then we explain it in the context of the story. More adults should be challenged to “clunk”
November 27, 2014 at 10:27 pm
Sharon Giltrow
p.s I love explaining and showing children the meaning of words they don’t understand and seeing their little universe expand. that just gave me an idea for a PB
November 27, 2014 at 11:48 pm
Joanne Roberts
I solemnly promise to pass the baton of engaging and enchanting vocabulary through my work. Thanks for another day of fabulous advice!
November 28, 2014 at 12:10 am
Karen Calloway
Great fun to find flavorful words and create new ones. I am totally inspirationally inspired!
November 28, 2014 at 12:26 am
Pauline Johnson
I couldn’t agree more! Of course my mind just went blank… . (I cannot conjure up a beautiful word like ‘loafe’). My two sons, now in their twenties, have often asked if a word or a phrase is actually ‘known’ out there because many of their friends look blankly at them when they use an old word outside of today’s vernacular. It was just this morning, in fact, that one asked if other people used the term ‘trots’ as in “… damn, I have the trots!” Not a lovely classic word but certainly a phrase used by Grandma and the rest of our family and cousins and children of cousins and… .Apparently, though, not a term used by all families.
November 28, 2014 at 1:30 am
wendymyersart
Wonderful post. My daughter and I find ourselves saddened over how many picture books are dumbed down these days. I love this idea of using rich, fun words from the endangered list.
November 28, 2014 at 7:38 am
artistadonna
thank you!
November 28, 2014 at 8:56 am
Rebekah Hoeft
Love the reminder to share good words with kids!
November 28, 2014 at 10:24 am
Kelly Vavala
I love this!…”Picture books aren’t designed to dumb down; they’re meant to open up and out.” I trend to pay attention to words that sound magical when spoken. such as: glisten, shimmering, twinkling (sounds like I like bling words!) The word “however” seems to be a popular word these days! Thank you for sharing this wonderful post and your time with us!
November 28, 2014 at 11:16 am
Frances Brown
Absolute agreement here, with picture books and use of language therein. Introduce a new/strange/maybe difficult word to a child and they love it. As long as it’s right for the story, why not? Kids are clever and soak everything up, so, give it to them. Going to make that list! 🙂
November 28, 2014 at 11:49 am
goodfish78
Thank you, Liz. I’m actually using a long-forgotten and rarely used phrase in the series I’m working on currently! Woohoo! Thanks for the encouragement. Can’t wait to read your work.
November 28, 2014 at 12:35 pm
shirley johnson
Love the word list idea! Great post! Thanks for sharing.
November 28, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Betsy Devany
Loved this post, especially the invitation to sneak bigger words into our picture book manuscripts. Thank you, Liz!
November 28, 2014 at 5:42 pm
LL
My kids recognized the word loafe from an ancient Archie Andrews comic. Go figure.
November 28, 2014 at 9:21 pm
Buffy Silverman
Happy to be leaning and loafing after the Thanksgiving cooking spree–and thinking about fun words to collect.
November 28, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Amanda Hopper
Great advice!
November 28, 2014 at 9:39 pm
Virginia Law Manning
I like the idea of remembering old words and phrases that I don’t hear anymore. And since I’m seeing my parents over the holiday, this post couldn’t have come at a better time! Thank you so much!
November 28, 2014 at 11:13 pm
Mary Zychowicz
I love this…the words we heard our parents and grandparents use! Very cool. And I love to loafe about. A great post. Thank you.
November 29, 2014 at 12:21 am
Joan Kassmann
Started my list 🙂 thanks for your ideas!
November 29, 2014 at 4:09 am
Kaye Baillie
Must find your pie book, Liz.
November 29, 2014 at 9:09 am
Nicole Popel
Time to loafe!
November 29, 2014 at 9:23 am
Holly Ruppel
“When did we forget that we are human beings, not human doings?” We may know this, and it may be just a reminder, but it’s also so profound! Also, I love the idea of using (almost) out-of-use words in manuscripts or old phrases for idea inspiration. A couple of my PiBoIdMo ideas were inspired by funny/interesting things my grandparents said. And I’m going to treat this post as license to loafe. Thanks, Liz!
November 29, 2014 at 10:01 am
Taurean J. Watkins
It’s so easy forget how much I LOVE words and wordplay when you get those “lectures” from beta-readers about “complex wording” but I need to remember that we’re ALL learning new words everyday,
November 29, 2014 at 10:43 am
Jill Tadros (@PopTheWall)
I love to collect awesome under-used words! So much fun!
November 29, 2014 at 1:55 pm
Matt Tesoriero
Effectively written post and one in which resonated with me as “words” are the DNA of writing. Complex. Varied. Personal. I feel bad for those who “forget” to loafe about, and more frightening, don’t know how.
November 29, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Maria J Cuesta
I love your post. I also think kids should learn vocabulary in Picture books, but everytime I get critics on the “not so common” words. I agree there cannot be dozens of them in a Book but I strongly think that a few dont heart but help.
thank you!!!
November 29, 2014 at 4:58 pm
mona861
Oh dear, guess I’ve been loafing about for a few days. Now that I’m not in loafe mode anymore, I’m making a list of old time and not so common words and phrases!
November 29, 2014 at 7:16 pm
natalie15
Thanks to you, all my second graders always know the word ‘kin’ and even use it themselves. I’m always looking for books that use interesting language so their vocabulary can grow big and strong.
November 29, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Patricia Saunders
a phrase/word list—great! I’ll right now. thanks so much.
November 29, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
That’s a great idea to introduce uncommon words into your stories. Thank you for you post!
November 29, 2014 at 11:12 pm
hgudgin
not only do I want to find some unusual words but now I want to eat pie too!
November 29, 2014 at 11:21 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
My mother and I were just talking about a word we don’t hear anymore. . .”tumped”. It was used exclusively in Arkansas, and apparently was a combination of turn and dump. So as a child I tumped over my milk fairly often. Fun idea about reviving old words!
November 30, 2014 at 12:58 am
Caroline Lee Webster (@uncoverthepearl)
Fantastic ideas here–thank you for expanding my world. I read The Disease of Being Busy with great interest as well–being feels counter to our current culture, but perhaps if enough of us start shifting away from constantly doing, our kids and our culture can learn new ways.
November 30, 2014 at 1:44 am
majanecka
Yes, children love to learn new words. Especially ones that sound fun.
November 30, 2014 at 3:02 am
Veronica Bartles
I love fitting fun words into my stories, and I definitely need to start a fun words list to make it easier. 🙂
November 30, 2014 at 5:30 am
Author Ashley Howland
Excellent ideas, cheers!
November 30, 2014 at 9:18 am
Michelle Cusolito
I love listing favorite words. I already do that on the last page of my notebook. BUT, I never thought to list phrases my grandfather used. What a great idea. Thank you.
November 30, 2014 at 10:04 am
Alexa Kaufhold
This is lovely Liz. Thank you!
November 30, 2014 at 10:13 am
cindyjohnson2013
I love this: “Picture books aren’t designed to dumb down; they’re meant to open up and out.” Thank you.
November 30, 2014 at 11:05 am
angeladegroot8
Marmalade! That’s one of my favorite words. Now to find an idea . . . a little loafing coming up.
November 30, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Rebecca E. Guzinski
Thanks for the permission to loaf. While staring out my front window, it sparked a story idea for me that I immediately had to write down. I guess the best ideas can come around when we don’t feel forced to generate them. I LOVE the idea of incorporating a word in a story that children are unfamiliar with. It gets them thinking, builds their vocabulary, introduces them to that other big book called the dictionary, and stimulates their minds that there’s always something new we can learn.
November 30, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Donna L Martin
I’ve never used the word “loafe” in a story before. Maybe I need to write one about a baker making loaves of bread before deciding to loafe off? ;~)
Great post!
November 30, 2014 at 4:13 pm
Jason Perkins
great read! There’s so many good words out there suffering from neglect.
November 30, 2014 at 6:29 pm
Heather Hatch
Thank you! Yes. Thanks.
November 30, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Great post, Liz! Loved your quote on picture books – definitely tweeted it!
November 30, 2014 at 6:45 pm
Andi
I love, love old words! My dad used to use some really unusual vocabulary when I was little! I’ll have to write down what I can remember! Thanks for a great post! a : )
November 30, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Alberto Martín "NiñoCactus"
I changed a word of one of my stories because it was a localism and nobody understood. But I love that word, it reminds me of my childhood and birthday parties. I think I will rescue that word again. Thank you.
November 30, 2014 at 7:16 pm
lisakwillard
Thank you for your post. I’m searching for my list of words from my grandmother.
November 30, 2014 at 7:48 pm
bookseedstudio
Dear Liz,
What fun!
Canoodle
Widget
Shiviree
Polka (without dot)
Excited for your 2 forthcoming in 2015. Brava!
j a n
November 30, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Anna Levin
Wonderful advice! Off to loafe without guilt:)
November 30, 2014 at 10:07 pm
Colleen Kelley
I like the idea of mining my personal past for pithy words and phrases lost in time, and passing them on to new generations.
November 30, 2014 at 10:48 pm
jeanjames
I think the word loaf is just as funny as loafe, that’s what’s so great about words. I really enjoyed your post!
November 30, 2014 at 11:14 pm
Maria Bostian
Funny that I’m reading your post and getting inspiration several days after you wrote it. Mom mentioned something my Grandpa used to say a few hours ago and I’ve been mulling it over ever since. It’s the perfect picture book idea and ties in nicely with keeping our language alive.
December 1, 2014 at 12:10 am
carolmunrojww
Three cheer for cool words preservation. And pie for everyone!
December 1, 2014 at 12:53 am
McCourt
Wonderful idea about the words – will work on my list! Thanks for the advice.
December 1, 2014 at 12:55 am
SevenAcreSky
Oh what a relaxing post,
leaning here at fence’s end.
And hanging on the post a gate,
that opened with a sigh,
where thru it I then stepped
into my gardened ease,
where ideas bloomed on stems of simple green.
Thanks for the encouragement, Liz.
December 1, 2014 at 12:58 am
Caroline
Oh, love this post! Yes, I’m *finally* learning that loafing helps my creativity and restoration. Love this thought of yours about picture books: “They’re meant to expand the words and the world that a child has at hand.” I definitely agree, and I say they expand (re-expand?) many adults’ minds, too! Thanks for this post.
December 1, 2014 at 12:59 am
lymartinez
Loafing about this weekend certainly opened my brain up and out! Thanks for the lovely post!
December 1, 2014 at 1:19 am
Kelly Parker
After I originally read this post, I did just that. I have quite a fun list put together! Thanks!
December 1, 2014 at 4:59 am
Rosie Taylor
Great advice, Liz, in your lovely poetic kind style. I miss your instruction.Congrats on the two new projects coming out next year.
Thank you. Time to loaf……….
December 1, 2014 at 12:18 pm
winemama
How fitting, Good-Pie party for PiBoIdMO!
December 1, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Lauri Meyers
Pie lead to pumpkin lead to pickle lead to another p-word full of inspiration. Thanks Liz!
December 1, 2014 at 2:18 pm
oceanis723
Thank you, what a great reminder
December 1, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks for your loafing suggestion. I don’t do it enough. Thanks for reminding us about awesome words. I love collecting words!!
December 1, 2014 at 9:00 pm
Pia Garneau
Thanks for the encouragement to loafe about!!
December 1, 2014 at 9:24 pm
writeknit
I love “creativity can’t be rushed” – it reminds me to slow down 🙂 But before I do, I’m going to rush over to my notebook to begin my list of bygone words. Thank you!
December 2, 2014 at 2:03 pm
Daniela Weil
what a great idea. to bring back lost words. you’re such a great word person liz. will keep that as an inspiration.
December 2, 2014 at 2:13 pm
Emily Goldstein
I love the prompt for lost words – it really sparked an idea for me. Thanks!
December 2, 2014 at 7:41 pm
Andrea J Loney
Collecting wondrous words is secret hobby of mine. It’s good for writing and awesome for Scrabble! Thanks for sharing!
December 4, 2014 at 10:08 am
Rachel Anderson
Love the list, Liz (now that’s a tongue twister). I’m going to print it and add to it. Serendipity and shenanigans are two of my favorites.
December 5, 2014 at 12:36 am
angelcat2014
What a good idea – to start a list of unusual, new and rarely used words. I agree that creativity needs to be treated gently and not rushed. The outcome is worth the wait. Thank you.
December 5, 2014 at 6:38 pm
Kelly Russell Jaques
LOVE your book All The World, looking forward to loafe a little this weekend…thanks
December 24, 2014 at 7:30 am
Nat Keller
What a fantastic list of words!! Thanks Liz!