Word Count and Words Count

I just returned from a writers’ conference where I spent five days surrounded by spoken and written words.

One topic discussed was word count. Observing the number of words an editor requires for an article is critical. If the word count is set at four hundred words a written article submitted is five hundred, the writer needs to edit in the best way possible without compromising the intended meaning.

I love my words. I selected them. Each time I delete, rearrange, or choose a different word, it almost hurts. I chose the words with care-or thought I did. Eliminating them makes me feel as if they weren’t chosen for a part in the school play. But, cut I must. Once I do, I re-read the article and yes, it is better with fewer, often more specific, words. And… I find some words were unnecessary.

Two recent experiences reminded me how critical word count is in our relationships. I was wounded by a comment in a conversation. 

The Treasure of the Wow Factor: Simplicity and a Toddler

Two and a half hours with a two-year old. What do you picture? Crumbs, sticky hands, scattered toys? My morning didn’t include any of those, though I did fill a sippy cup with juice.

I planned a “Show and Tell” experience and walk through my yard to show and tell my grandson about my flowers.  

A Look at Mother’s Day

When Anna Jarvis was 12 years old, she heard her mother’s prayer in Sunday school following

teaching on mothers of the Bible: "I hope that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mothers day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it." At her mother's graveside service, Anna remembered, and said, "...by the grace of God, you shall have that Mothers Day." So, in 1908, Anna followed through on her decision and created Mother’s Day as a day to honor mothers.

Eventually President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Once he did, it became so commercialized, that Anna called it a “Hallmark Holiday”.

She said, "A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world."*  She regretted what she had established. According to my research, she was arrested for disturbing the peace while protesting the commercialization of Mother's Day. She and her sister Ellsinore spent their family inheritance campaigning against what the holiday had become. She said that she wished she would have never started the day because it became so out of control. Over one hundred years later, Mother’s Day remains one of the biggest days for long distance phone calls, dining out, and buying gifts, flowers and cards.

Travel Plans with Stops

This morning I received several opportunities in my inbox: beach houses, mountain chalets, and discount cruises offered attractive vacations. The drastic percentage cuts peaked my curiosity and I clicked on cruises. The number of days and ports of call gave options. Each had stops with unique charm.

We make stops in life, and they may be unique, but “charm” isn’t the description I’d use for all of them.