Rapture !!!

I'm all agog and don't even know where to begin...

You see that little photo box to the left of this post? Well, in case you cannot; or if this blog somehow has an afterlife and the photo does not transfer with it, the photo is of an open dictionary. Ahhhhhhhhh. I lovingly refer to it as "My Big Book" because it has always been my source of knowledge, comfort and joy.

Most people who know me--especially those who heard any of my sermons or read my writings -- know that I am a huge word lover and I particularly enjoy allowing my muse to create new words as the inspiration strikes. And Richard Lederer is one of my heroes.

Today, in a very non-descript e-mail, a friend who reads my blog and knew that a few posts back, I had asked people to share their made-up words with me, wrote to tell me that Oprah has a similar passion and that her words shlumpdinka in posted on the Merriam-Webster dictionary site. (Interesting to realize that I share with Ms. Winfrey more than just a passion for Golden Retrievers .)


After I replied to that e-mail, I nervously clicked on the M-W site and went to Open Dictionary as was suggested. Now mind you, I already receive M-W Word of the Day by e-mail, but had not perused their site in a lllloooong time; and hence, knew nothing of Open Dictionary.

I began to quiver as I read the site's rules and such. OHMYGAWD--I could be in a dictionary??? A real dream come true.

Shaking, I couldn't figure out which one of my words to submit first.... so when the requirements asked for a publication source (which I felt would give my entry credence) I went through my hard drive to see what word I had used in printed or sermonized form. And there it was--one of my first--and one of my favorites: COMPATIENCE. Now, I realize it is not a hugely original word but it so suits what I teach and it relaxes me when I say it.

In an instant, I saw my word up on the Merriam-Webster site and on my Mac screen and I began to cry.

SO I DID IT! I submitted it! It's there for all the world and posterity to see! All thanks to a sweet friend who remembered my penchant for all things linguistic! (Wonder if Rich Hall of "Snigglets" fame knows about Open Dictionary?)

BTW, does anyone know how I can take a photo of that web page with my word entry on it? eventually will have to turn off the computer but I don't want to lose this image.

When I woke up today, if someone had told me no clue that one of my dreams could come true, I would have guffawed, I tell ya. Silly me. What an interesting reminder this turned out to be. Especially since I am moving through some version of the creeping crud, I was thinking I would be ahead of the game just to keep upright. This was a delicious reminder of how the Universe never sleeps and thoughts DO become things!

Now I have to practice what I preach and practice compatience to not return to M-W and enter a dozen more words all in the same day!

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt