Spoiler warning: this is an eclectic list that ranges from reading matter to occupational hazards to fashion forays.Okay, forewarned, here you are – five things I like that no one else does (probably):A History of the English Language(book) by Alfred C. Baugh. Had to purchase, read and absorb this weighty tome for an advanced class in, yes, the History of the English Language as an undergrad. As Peter Erdmann, of the Technische University in Berlin says, “‘Baugh and Cable’s classic is still an absolute must for everyone interested in the development of English in its socio-historical context.”On the mark, Herr Professor! But what the book also reinforced for me was that the language is alive and evolving even as we, ahem, speak.It has influenced me to be open to inventiveness in communication – in myself and others. Dean Koontz, I mean you. Have caught him making up a word or two in his latest novels. But he’s in good company. Shakespeare used to do
the same thing. (Six hundred words in Hamlethad never been recorded in print before.)Writing speeches – yes, I do enjoy writing speeches, which I have – at times – actually done for a living. Less so these days as I am concentrating on creative writing. No, none of the obvious jokes there, please.
Many communicators avoid writing speeches or even letting their employers know they are capable of same. I do find it a pleasure. But certain factors have to be in place to make speechwriting a pleasure.
First, the client needs to know what he basically wants to say. The speechwriter’s job is to help the client express his thoughts as eloquently and as pursuasively as possible. But it is not the speechwriter’s job to figure out what the company’s or nation’s or department’s or city’s strategy should be. (Oh, I’ll do that too, but you need to hike the pay grade.)
Second, the client’s chief of staff needs to secure enough time for the writer to be able to 1) meet with the client, get a feel for how he expresses himself overall, his personality, and what style of language he will find comfortable, 2) conduct follow up meetings mid-draft, 3) rehearse with the speaker.
Third, same chief of staff needs to control the politics of the sitch. Many staffers don’t understand speechwriting and speechwriters. Sometimes staffers erroneously feel that face time with the Big Boss is some sort of immense privilege that will lead to who knows what marvelous bennies for the speechwriter. (It isn’t and it won’t, but that needs to be explained to the all concerned.)
Okay, enough of the communication world, onto fashion – or the lack thereof:
Cotton chenille robes – the old-fashioned kind, made of cotton, not microfiber or acrylic or recycled tires, or whatever it is robes are made of these days. These are the kind Mom used to wear - floor-length, breathable, cozy and warm. Pair them up with fuzzy slippers, a cup of hot cocoa and a good book, and you’re all set of a winter evening.
Genuine cotton chenille robes are almost impossible to find today. That’s because sleepwear manufacturers think we women all either want to look like Lolita (yes, those shortie silk robes really keep a chill off) or the abominable snowman (plenty of fake fiber fuzzy robes out there. The problem with artificial fibers is that they don’t breathe.)
Every once in a while some manufacturer somehow forgets the Lolita/Abominable Snowman guidelines, and actually makes genuine floor-length cotton chenille robes available. I keep my eyes open.
Skirts - walking through the mall the other day, it occurred to me that skirts are out of control. The choices today are mind-boggling – from minis to ankle-length and anywhere in-between. No wonder so many women opt for slacks and jeans. It’s simpler than pulling a look together with the I-Didn’t-Have-Enough-Fabric-to-Complete-This bum skimmer or the I-Am-a-Grandma ankle lengther.
I love skirts. They’re comfortable and feminine. But designers have sort of made them obsolete for now. Bring back “A Look” please – an agreed-upon length, silhouette(s), style. In the meantime, I’ll stick to my slacks.
And, finally, let’s talk about, well, talking:
Coffee klatches – I’m not quite sure I even know what these are, but I like them, by golly. Like the chenille robes, they have a lovely old-fashioned sound to them. Per the Free Dictionary, a Coffee Klatch is a ”casual social gathering for coffee and conversation.” The phrase seems to have sprung up and had its heyday around the time the suburbs first saw the light of day – in the fifties.
I guess I conduct my own modern-day version of the coffee klatch; I meet with various groups of friends regularly for lunch. In the fifties, most women didn’t work outside the home, so midmorning or midafternoon meetings were possible.
In my mind, those coffee klatches were gatherings of friends who offered mutual support – no agenda except to share coffee and conversation. Now, I’m sure that the women of the fifties who actually participated in these mystical coffee clatches would quickly demystify the event for me. But, in my mind, it still seems like a cool idea – especially for young moms who stay home with their children. In our super focused society, we might be in constant contact with each other via text messaging and email, but why not take a breather once in a while, turn off the iPhones, and share fellowship the old-fashioned way?
If you’ve stayed with this post to the end, thanks for reading, and I invite you to please share in the comments section your fave things that no one else likes. Who knows? You might find a kindred spirit or two.
Image courtesy of Stepheye.
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