The working vocabulary of the average 14-year-old has declined in the last 50 years from 25,000 words to 10,000. Language reflects the depth of our human experience. Because we think in words, are we losing the capacity to say what we feel?
Like, whatever.
Stop with me for a moment, and let’s enjoy the vespertide …
Photo by Alofok via Wikimedia Commons
Vespertide (ves-per-tide) is the “period of vespers” (evening), and it is never more enchanting than in the winter, when the world is cast in hues of snow-lit blue.
Photo by Marcus Vegas via Wikimedia Commons
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
– Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
When it comes to apostrophes, “it” is probably the most misused, misunderstood, but ironically, simple usage in the English language.
In a nutshell … only use an apostrophe with “it” when it’s contracting “it is” to one word, “it’s” …
see, it’s simple (it IS simple)! Its usage (no apostrophe) is only confusing when you remember that the apostrophe, in other instances, is a way to signify possession: “She’s very good at punctuation.” Or “He’s a good speller.” But, when you’re talking “it,” the apostrophe never shows possession: “I love my new truck. Its truck bed is just the size I need.”
So, when in doubt, just see if you would use “is” in your sentence (following “it”) if you’re trying to use it’s or its. If you can use an “is,” then use an apostrophe. If not, you can’t. It’s downright easy to remember its proper usage.
Winnie Nielsen says: Thank-you for this today because I am always wondering about that apostrophe. You have made it easy. Now if I can just remember what you said a month from now!
Cindi Johnson says: I work with words and some days it’s astonishing how mind-boggling one itty bitty simple word can be. Then there is always my own dilemma of seeing a word used in the wrong way so many times that I can’t remember the correct one!
MaryJane says: I do that with numbers. Once I remember it wrong, I doubt what’s right. Was that password 8835 or 8355?????
Karlyne says: And next you can tackle “you’re” and “your”. And “they’re”, “there”, and “their”. Oh, that everyone would use them correctly! (I am not a grammar Nazi! Or a spelling Nazi! Or even a usage Nazi! Ok, maybe I am, just a tiny bit…)
MaryJane says: For me, it’s like looking at a painting hanging crooked on a wall. Makes me want to set it right. I try not seeing it to the extent it’s bothersome (or worse, having an attitude about it), but I can’t seem to let go of it. Ask me how much I love text speak!
Karlyne says: I am so glad that I don’t have to abbreviate in texting if I don’t want to! I can use “r” for “are” if I have to – but not without steeling myself first.
MaryJane says: Humbled. That’s what it takes. I’ve tried not …
Karlyne says: Humility- one of my favorite virtues! Unfortunately, I don’t possess much…
Nancy Coughlin says: Seeing our beautiful language misused is so frustrating. I shudder to think what will happen to the written word now that texting is here. Love the written word and also have a love of real books. Kindle is OK for traveling, but otherwise I want to feel a book in my hands. Fear we will lose so much because of the current trend in education to stop teaching cursive writing. Who makes these decisions????
Karlyne says: The people who stand to benefit the most in dollars make these decisions, Nancy!
Winnie Nielsen says: Instant Love! Oh my, what a charmer!!
Cindi Johnson says: I’m not sure what I like more – the little truck or the unique use of it. One of those pictures where I wonder why I never thought to do something like that. Makes a useful treasure out of someones precious memories.
Nancy Coughlin says: Ah, creativity!!! So enjoy seeing it come to fruition by other people. Can’t seem to get a handle on it myself! Love this idea!!
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
I love Robert Frost’s poem and this photo of the snowy woods shrouded in blues and black is inspiring. It makes me feel like I am riding in the sleigh on a cold day!
HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY of your lovely magazine MaryJane! I have tried to get as many early back issues of your magazine as I could and have saved every one that I subscribed too as well. Juat wanted to thank you again for making my life as a ” farmgirl” sweeter and richer.
And thank you for making mine sweeter and richer (and more connected to news of that nature:)
Thank you SOOO much, Mary Jane, you and your lovely family, for enriching my life in so many ways. I have enjoyed your magazine and your products over the years and you have remained a constant source of security, friendship, inspiration and fun. Thanks so much for all you do!
Well, you’re welcome Colleen!
Beautiful “vesper tide” photographs. As always, a moment of serenity in an otherwise crazy time. So appreciate all that you provide to us, here online and through your magazine. Came to your magazine only a few years ago and fell in love, immediately. Am thoroughly enjoying this latest issue. Lived in Idaho for 8 years on Mountain Home AFB and we had hoped to retire in Idaho. That was not to be. My husband died shortly have our relocation, so have only made some visits to to friends since then. Look forward to another 15 years of your work.
Good morning Nancy. Your comments here are a bright light in my life. Thank YOU! Fifteen years and counting it is then.
Beautiful scenery! A welcome respite from looking at words on the computer screen. Thank you!
I love the bottom photo. Eerie, haunting yet so inviting.
Beautiful!
Thank you, MaryJane, for reminding us to value those quiet moments in our lives. Vespertide is one of those beautiful times.
Beautiful
Yummy, peaceful prose! Renee Cariglia