Z to A: Winding down the year, winding up a new one

December 16, 2007 in Uncategorized

"Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song? The guy who wrote that song wrote everything." -Stephen Wright

Earlier, we traveled from A to Z. Let’s go back to A again, shall we, in honor of Ellouise’s sister Lynda who believed her second grade teacher told all those happy seven-year-olds to memorize the alphabet backward.

This time, I think the alphabet will serve not only as a catalyst to write every single day again (that sweet habit is but a cobweb at the moment–I need to spin it into a cable again), but also as a catalyst for deciding what I want from 2008, an alphabet of desires, hopes, dreams, resolutions (though, really, what a dangerous and disappointing word), actions, intentions.

A new year. Let’s prepare for it, starting with Z. Twenty-six things for the New Year. Starting tomorrow.

I’ll pay top dollar for anyone with ideas for the letter X.

[alphabet from here]

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

6 comments to " Z to A: Winding down the year, winding up a new one "


leah

December 17, 2007 AT 12:14AM

i did a search for some fun and unusual “x” words and here are some of the ones i found:

xenagogue: guide; someone who conducts strangers

xenial: of or concerning hospitality towards guests

xenium: gift made to a guest or ambassador; any compulsory gift

hope that helps a little! :-)

xenodochial: hospitable; kindly to strangers

Marilyn

December 17, 2007 AT 1:05AM

Why don’t you share with us your own personal Xanadu?

Joan Fowler

December 17, 2007 AT 10:02AM

Xplore
Xcite
Xperience

These words immediately came to mind when I read your challenge. Not only do I think them highly appropriate for entering the new year but they are descriptive of my experience in reading your essays. I cry, I laugh, I introspect (is that a word?) – all through your written words.

And because of that experience, I have saved a number of your essays and plan to enclose my favourites in a small handmade book for my daughters for Christmas. It is the fulfillment of my desire to make Christmas more meaningful this year. I will bet it will be remembered long after any pretty sweater or video game.

Thank you Patti and Merry Christmas.

Joan

Karynne Courts

December 18, 2007 AT 5:02AM

x is easy… lots of x’s – kisses – from the precious people in your life… preferably delivered with warm hugs and joy!

Victoria

December 18, 2007 AT 9:36AM

X is for Xeriscape from the Greek “XEROS” meaning dry. It also means naturally occurring, and water frugal.

I hope it helps in your alphabet!

graffiti

June 18, 2008 AT 5:01AM

hey thX for the linX (alphabet pic)

Keusta