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Inspirational Reads

What the Hell was That All About?

February 13, 2010

Yesterday, I did a little sumpin sumpin different with the Friday Morning Latin Lesson, in that I threw out a little piece of original literature and then tossed in a Latin phrase at the end.

What the Hell? Why the sudden departure from the normal boring routine of the FMLL?

Because, I'm trying to win me a big old hooter!

Heh.

The contest, in case you don't know--and shame on you for not knowing--is to win a wonderful piece of crochet by the lovely and talented Erin at Blogging is for Dorks. The prize in the contest is this smart and charming little owl named Humphrey, and though Erin said that the winner can rename him if desired, I think Humphrey is a perfect name.

In order to win this dandy little critter, I decided to write a little story about the aforementioned Erin, and I tried to imitate--in a fashion--some literature that she and I both have read (and presumably enjoyed). Hence the sort of epic fantasy twist on the tale.

And though Humphrey is a crochet creation, I decided to use the Latin word for "to knit" in Erin's catchphrase (there is no word in Latin for "crochet"; the closest thing would also be the word for "to knit", since it can also mean "to plait" or "to intertwine"). Plus, crochet hooks aren't nearly as deadly to creatures of darkness as are knitting needles.

The Latin word for "to knit", though, almost became my new favorite Latin word. Texo means "I knit", and I was hoping that the infinitive form of the verb would be texare, because that would mean you could translate "Texas" as "you knit" (there is no word texare in Latin...harumph). And we all know how much I love Texas and people from there--every person I have ever met from Texas (except for one exception) have always been the nicest, most polite, and most fun to be around personalities.

BUT, take heart, my Texan friends! The Latin verb (as my wife, the buxom and comely Boudicca has assured me) texas means "you would knit" or "you could knit" (both forms singular). Awesome.

So, that's what was going on yesterday. Frankly, I enjoyed writing that little story and, if I ever make it big, I'm going to add Erin Oliverosetree to my character database. I hope that you enjoyed reading it and, when I am judged victorious for my efforts *wink wink*, I'll totally keep his name as Humphrey.

3 comments:

Scope said...

It's like when I found out "Don't Mess With Texas" was an anti-litter slogan from their highway department. Makes it not sound like such a tough place.

Gorilla Bananas said...

Are you really sure you want an owl? Their stares freak me out.

MJenks said...

@ Scope: I like to pretend that they'll shoot you on-sight if you litter. That's how I re-envision it, anyway.

@ Gorilla Bananas: Despite being dumb as cheese, owls are symbols of wisdom. But, yeah, their eyes are totally freaky.

Thanks for coming by!