Don't drop the ball or you'll have to skedaddle! IWSG, Quotes, Being Thankful

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

Today's phrase is: Drop the Ball

It's clear what "drop the ball" means. What may not be quite as clear is where it came from. But it makes perfect sense. As you might suspect, we get it from baseball, because when a fielder "drops the ball" it's a major error or mistake.

A little history of baseball tells us the term may have come into use sometime between 1839 (when the sport was "invented" - it evolved out of cricket and another old English bat/ball game called rounders) and 1850 and soon became a popular phrase used round the world.

I almost dropped the ball, getting this post written! I only got back from Virgin Islands at 1AM Monday. Remembered at the last minute I needed to write something for my blog.

Today's Weird Word is: Skedaddle

This is a word of unknow origin. One source says it "has no connection with any word of Greek, Irish, or Swedish, and it is not a blend." What IS known is that it was in use by 1861, during the Civil.

From the New York Post 1861. For the benefit of future etymologists who may have a dictionary to make out when the English language shall have adoped "skadaddle" into familiar use...we here define the new term. It is at least an error of judgement, if not an intentional unkindness, to foist "skaddale" on our Teutonic soldiers. The word is used throughout the whole Army of the Potomac, and means "to cut stick," "vamose (their spelling) the ranche," "slope," "cut your lucky," or "clear out." 

I hope that's cleared everything up for you! 

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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:    Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Diedre Knight!

This month's question is: What are your thoughts on using AI, such as GPChat, Raptor, and others with your writing? Would you use it for research, storybible, or creating outlines\beats?

I am one of those who is opposed to the use of AI when it comes to writing, doing art, making music etc. It takes money out the mouths of those who use their talents the old fashioned "manual" way. Besides, there are legitimate concerns about plagiarism and the enormous amount of energy consumption required by AI.

Now if you could make AI cook my meals and clean my house so that I can use my time on being creative...I might change my mind.

Quotes of the Month

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. 

Vincent Van Gogh

Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been.

Alan Alda

In art and dream may you proceed with abandon. In life may you proceed with balance and stealth.

Patti Smith

Being Thankful

I ever so thankful for the wonderful time I had in the Virgin Islands. It was a much needed break to recharge, hibernate, soak in the sea, and visit with family and friends.

Clearing away debris and cleaning up is still going on here in Kerrville, but I can clearly see the progress made in the month I was away. Still so very much more to do and the damage so very visible.

The only thing permanent is change.