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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Splinter

Around the first of August, I started hearing a buzz word all around me. I've overheard several people say it in stores as I've done my shopping, I've had people say it to me (though I've begged them not to), and though I've tried very hard not to say it myself, I'm afraid it has maybe passed my lips more than once this month. And worse even than that is the way it haunts my thoughts whenever I look at the calendar.

Have you guessed yet what it is? It rhymes with splinter. Just take away the "spl", and add a "w."

It's ridiculous that this word is already being spoken of in hushed tones, in voices filled with fear. I'm convinced all my friends in Michigan are suffering from ptsd after this past splinter we experienced. And by experienced I mean survived.  And by survived I mean, barely.

I have decided that I am going to try, TRY to not obsess over its arrival. After all, it's only the second week of August! And not only that, but fall comes before splinter and fall is the most glorious and beautiful season of them all. October is the winner of the Ms. Month beauty pageant year after year.



The other day I was thinking about the differences between summer and winter.* It was night time and I had just gotten out of my car. I noticed all around me the buzzing and chirping of insects. There's a constant hum that comes from the cicadas and the grasshoppers in the summer. I'm sure you all know that sound well. I contrasted that to the sound of the outdoors at night during the cold months when a blanket of snow is covering the ground. Complete silence. I'm always caught off guard by how still and silent winter nights are. And really, it's one of the magical things winter has to offer.

To my fellow Michiganders suffering from ptsd and dread, I have these things to say to you:

1. It's only mid August, so calm down.
2. Fall is next and you know how wonderful fall is.
3. We'll survive winter together, I promise.
4. If you keep talking about winter like it's right around the corner, I will.break.your.fingers.

Got it? Now go back to your summer fun.

*Much like Harry Potter with Lord Voldemort, I decided to say the real name to take away its power.

8 comments:

Katherine said...

I love this post. And I do fear splinter!!! I don't know if I'm as brave as Harry or Lupin yet to speak its name, but I'll try. I personally am LOVING the cicadas and insect sounds and heat and sweating - loving it! And last splinter was just SO BAD!! It terrified/terrifies me. I AM looking forward to fall and Halloween and all, but not until I've lived up summer right for a few more weeks. Thankfully I should be out of the Snow Belt before January of next year, too, so that should help some. Also, I think splinter is a good alternative for You-Know-What-Month, since a splinter causes pain and suffering, much like...you know...

NOURNME said...

6 dollars

SAC said...

Katherine, you are right to fear Splinter, he's the most dangerous upright walking, kick butt nijitsu rat that's ever walked the earth, animated or not.
On a more relevant note, I welcome the coming Autumnal season, for its cooler temperatures, gorgeous leaves and river reflections, clouds of gentle melancholy and romance that fill the air, with a hint of nostalgia, hay rides and pumpkins. I agree with you there Elizabeth, so much wonderfulness to come before the giant rat sneaks up on us.

Anonymous said...

Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly don't know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

E McL said...

HAHAHA! Funny! I just heard about the fear of winter here, and we're not just in summer but 100+! Besides, we've always got Elizabeth's blog to cheer us and provide lovely photos of winter scenes! This is my FAVORITE time of year. School starts (pencil bouquets), Andy's birthday, Jim's birthday, Scott's birthday, Anniversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years... Then we just have to hold out until March or April...

E McL said...

HAHAHA! Funny! I just heard about the fear of winter here, and we're not just in summer but 100+! Besides, we've always got Elizabeth's blog to cheer us and provide lovely photos of winter scenes! This is my FAVORITE time of year. School starts (pencil bouquets), Andy's birthday, Jim's birthday, Scott's birthday, Anniversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years... Then we just have to hold out until March or April...

D said...

when I read the title I first thought of TMNT too. My boys have discovered the ninja turtles and love them.
I am super excited for Fall!!! Fall and spring are my favorites and make up half the year, right? It is too hot right now and Fall is perfect. Time to live in the moment!

Liz Hughes said...

PTSD is a very real, and very serious condition. I don't think you should be joking about it. ;) (I was so close to typing that whole thing with a straight face)