Hey! We are getting to the end of the A to Z challenge or as we Canucks like to call it
the Eh to Zed! Boy that X is pesky wha!? But I found a great word that actually works for my theme of ways to keep balanced while having a life and being an artist. Here it is:
X is for Xenodochial
And what does that word mean? Why it means friendly to strangers. The opposite of a xenophobe. And how does this fit into the theme. Well, let me tell you. Let me make it up first and then tell you. Sit down, have a cup of tea - sure I don't know you but I do want you to feel at home here.
I am totally friendly to strangers. It embarrasses my kids - or it used to. I will talk to anyone wherever I may be. I want them to feel good. I love lost people in a place I live in. I'll walk with them for miles. And how does this aid me? As an artist, a writer, it is great to be friendly. People tell you stories. They open up in surprise - you wouldn't believe what they say. As a photographer they will tell me the best spots to go to take good shots or they'll let me take photos of them. As a fibre artist they will let me know where to get the best wool, cloth, etc...they'll share resources. Plus - that quality of being friendly to strangers be-spokes confidence, lack of fear, adventurousness. And don't get me wrong - I am not shy but I am an introvert. I get my energy being alone for big chunks of time. Being friendly doesn't mean being excessively chatty or fawning or crazy - it just means what it says - I will be open to new experiences including people I don't know. I'm writing poems and novels, not electrical engineering books - people's emotions, perceptions, experiences are of extreme interest to me.
Plus - cool word, eh? And how do pelicans feature? Not at all only I love them and this is
Jan - Pelicans are great! And I love that 'photo. The thing about strangers is that each of our friends was once a stranger. Even our partners/spouses were, too. You never know where 'Hello' might take you.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is friendly like that, talking to strangers. I'm more reserved. I love pelicans. Do you know the limerick by Edward Lear?
ReplyDeleteA wonderful bird is the pelican
His peak can hold more than his belly can
He can hold in his beak
All he needs for a week
But I don't know how in the hell he can.
This one looks like a young one, he/she doesn't have a white head yet.