[nik-see] noun a letter or parcel that is undeliverable by the post office because of a faulty or illegible address. Chapter One Bookstore is so lovely and inviting. If I didn’t have a part time job here, I’d still want to spend hours browsing and enjoying. Author and Ketchum resident Charles Brandt agrees. He comesContinue reading “nixie.”
Author Archives: bethoffreshair
towser.
[tou-zer] noun a big dog. Informal. a big, hearty person, especially one who is very energetic. One of my favorite people sent me an email with today’s word of the day and this note: “I am sure that Dictionary.com is reading Beth of Fresh Air….I had to laugh when I saw this!” I guess I have a bit to say about a certain big dog. A girlContinue reading “towser.”
zeitgeber.
[tsahyt-gey-ber] noun an environmental cue, as the length of daylight or the degree of temperature, that helps to regulate the cycles of an organism’s biological clock. “Ma, the zeitgeber! Let’s take the environmental cue and go on an evening hike.”
dulcinea.
[duhl-sin-ee-uh, duhl-suh–nee–uh] noun a ladylove; a sweetheart. I sit on the stool behind the cash register and throw my feet up on the shelf so my legs do not dangle. I open The Little Paris Bookshop and get completely lost in the story. It’s charming and inspirational and heart-wrenching. I’m no longer in the bookstoreContinue reading “dulcinea.”
palpable.
Adjective 1. readily or plainly seen, heard, perceived, etc.; obvious; evident: a palpable lie; palpable absurdity. 2. capable of being touched or felt; tangible. PALpable love. I can’t imagine my life without this big fella after only three months of rescuing each other. This photo was taken by the talented Bekka at theContinue reading “palpable.”
gormless.
[gawrm-lis] adjective, Chiefly British Informal. lacking in vitality or intelligence; stupid, dull, or clumsy. I’ve said it several times, I love my evening job partly because I do not have a day job. Having all day to frolic with Pal feels like such a treat; it feels like I have all of this time off, even though I still work five nights a week. But thingsContinue reading “gormless.”
raconteuse.
[rak-uh n-tœz, –tooz, –toos; French ra-kawn–tœz] noun a woman who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly. Mindy sent me a five year journal when I turned thirty. The journal poses a question and you answer it on the same day every year for five years. It’s an organized way to look back and think, “Whoa, I can’t believe that’s what I thought/did/ate/liked last year.” Today’s question wasContinue reading “raconteuse.”
larruping.
[lar–uh-ping] adverb, Chiefly Western U.S. very; exceedingly. Season changes in Idaho overwhelm me. I thought nothing could beat autumn, but I find myself in awe because of the beauty of spring. After a long cold winter, it’s as if each flower is a message from God. One is saying, “You did it! Way to go!” Another:Continue reading “larruping.”
hoi polloi.
[hoi puh–loi] plural noun the common people; the masses (often preceded by the). Sometimes it’s nice to embrace being one of the hoi polloi. It’s easier at times to just blend in, to put your earphones in and keep quiet while in an airport or on a plane. Flying is full of ups and downs. For me, not just geographically but emotionally, too, especially ifContinue reading “hoi polloi.”
wafflestompers.
[wof–uh l-stom-perz] Plural noun ankle boots with ridged soles, used especially for hiking. I feel very lucky to now have many people in my life who will strap on their wafflestompers and go on an adventure with me and my polar bear. About halfway through the hike, they start brainstorming about what they want for brunch. Waffles hopefully. Some place where breakfast is servedContinue reading “wafflestompers.”
beth of fresh air 