Don't get hit in the head by that can of corn while you eavesdrop. IWSG, Quotes, Being Thankful

 Origins: a recurring post in which I delve into the history of a word or phrase.

Today's phrase is: Can of corn 

We ALL know what it means. It's easy, a piece of cake, like rolling off a log, it's a piece of pie. But who knew? I certainly had no idea the origins of this phrase originates with...baseball.

That's right baseball. A "can of corn" is a pop-fly into the outfield that's easy to catch. But why call it a can of corn? 

A Can of Corn

In the early 1900 canned corned was so popular that grocers had shelves stocked high. They used a stick with a hook at one end to get cans off the shelves. They then either caught the cans of corn in their hands or in their aprons. The task became so easy it was "easy as catching a can of corn." 

Now, let's move that into baseball. The early fields (think of the movie Field of Dreams) were often on a farm and the outfields were bordered by, you guessed, corn fields. 

It was Bob Prince, the announcer for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1948-1975) who popularize the term. How cool is that?

Today's Weird Word is: Eavesdropping

It's only been in the last couple of years or so that I learned about this word from some "hysterical" novel or other. I was so surprised I had to look into it and this is what I've discovered.

It's been around for nearly a 1000 years, unchanged in its meaning. It comes from the Old English word “yfesdrype,” which literally means a "place around a house where the rainwater drips off the roof." And that led to people who stand under windows or behind doors to listen in secret to what's being said.

Eavedroppers at Hampton Court

Great Hall at Hampton Court

(And this is what I learned in that hysterical novel I read) Henry the VIII was so opposed to any kind of gossiping or eavesdropping that he had carved and painted wooded heads in the eaves of the Great Hall at Hampton Court to remind people to keep their mouths shut, to remind them that ANYone could be listening at any time. 

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Posting the First Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group, is the brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh. YOU can sign up HERE to participate.

Every month a question will be posed that may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Remember, the question is optional. You can write about anything that relates to your writing journey.

Let's give a warm welcome to our co-hosts:   Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!

This month's question is:  What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

It's all about the Lord of the Rings for me. Gandolf and Aragorn, for beer and good fight. Frodo, Sam, Pippin and Merry for a hearty meal and party. Elrond for intellectual conversation. But most of all Arwen and Galadriel for wine and womanly company. 

Quotes of the Month

The only people who claim that money is not important are people who have enough money so that they are relieved of the ugly burden of thinking about it. Joyce Carol Oates

A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep. Saul Bellow

Being Thankful

Today I'm thankful for the miracle of cataract surgery. 

Left eye on the 8th. Right eye on the 28th.

What are you thankful for? Did you know about the origins of can of corn or eavedropping? What fantasy character would you like to hang out with?