Our words should be purrs instead of hisses. — Kathrine Palmer Peterson
A long-ago editor of mine greeted me every day with the words, “Mornin’, Glory!”
I don’t recall hearing him greet any of the other reporters this way, but I could be wrong. After all, we often overlook that which, to us, becomes commonplace.
Now that I work for myself and enter my office to silence, I find I miss hearing something so uplifting. If only I could train Darling Doggie Dallas to bark out, “Mornin’, Glory!” for me!
Of course I don’t want to go back to work for somebody else. I realize not everybody is chirpy in the morning; besides, I enjoy the solitude of running my own show.
But sometimes it would be nice to exchange warm salutations with kindred souls to start my day.
I never admitted to Mr. L. how happy and special I felt hearing those familiar words, how they set the tone for my entire day.
Yet every time I see Morning Glories climbing through an Illinois soybean field, I’m reminded how important words are. How blessed I am to be able to string them together, much like beaded jewelry. How crucial it is to mind what I say and write so it lifts up rather than tears down.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Prov. 16:24
And that’s a good thing for a writer to remember, don’t you think?
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Very important! And I agree with you, words are such powerful and precious things that those who are blessed with being able to handle them should use their skills to enlighten, uplift and inspire others.
Thanks for your thoughts, Lucy. ‘Tis true that sticks and stones can break bones, but it’s equally true that words CAN harm us. Ask anybody who’s suffered rejection, criticism, snide remarks, and so forth, huh?!
Quite right! The pen is mightier than the sword, so they say. Give me sticks and stones any day – the wounds from those will heal, whereas sometimes the wounds from words remain forever fresh.
Isn’t that the truth? Guess that’s why we remember the things said to us — good as well as bad. Perish the thought any of us should add to the misery of another!
Everyone should have a nice hug and a cup of tea, I say. That would be lovely.
What memories! My dad always greeted me in the morning with, “Morning, glory!” When I hear those words, I’m right back in my childhood bedroom, with the two pink frilly lamps on my dressing table, the sun streaming through the east window, and the sound of robins chirping outside.
All of which is a confirmation of what you say about the power of words. Even words apoken sixty years ago still can carry power. Social media users: take note!
I know what you mean about missing the camaraderie of work. I do at least have some crews that I get to joke and chatter with now and then, but mostly, it’s just me and the birds. Mostly, I like it — but going out for lunch with the birds isn’t quite as satisfying.
Linda, thanks for sharing this delightful memory! I can picture you as a child living in such a room, and I know how special your dad’s greeting must have felt.
You know, I’ve read too many blogs where people get burned by mean comments, then vanish — either temporarily or permanently — from sight. I hate the idea that strangers (because they’ve GOT to be strangers, right??) can turn a person away from their support system, their passion, their authenticity — because of a few ill-chosen words. When did the anonymity of social media become a cloak to hide nastiness?
That said, I appreciate your observations about solo work. I truly love the freedom of working for myself, though, as you point out, it would be nice to have a lunch buddy who doesn’t stare at me with soulful brown eyes, begging me to drop a morsel or two on the floor, ha!
Do you know — I almost stopped blogging because of the comments of a person I didn’t even know. I wrote about it somewhere. I should go back and see if I could whomp that up again. It was a very early post, so the writing was a little iffy, but it was quite an experience.
Obviously, I got over it. 🙂
And we’re all better off that you did! I guess I’ve been pretty fortunate, though I know some more sensitive types have been stung pretty badly. I imagine this is another incidence where Mom’s advice reigns — If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!
Oh, but I like hissing! Now, an interest, that is my favorite proverb, can you believe!!!
Seriously, Professor?? Well then, I’m glad I selected that proverb! There are so many to choose from that I’d have a really tough time choosing my favorite. I guess it depends on the circumstances. You don’t like snakes, do you??
Snakes are alright, if they’re being nice, that is. Yes, it is! Memorized it long ago. Like it lots.
Gee, I’m not much on snakes. They don’t seem to bother Dallas much, but even the garter snakes give me the creeps! Memorizing verses is excellent — good for you!!
But I remember how you went after that one snake, don’t you know!
I love morning glories. They are there to brighten the beginning of any day. Great post.
Thank you, John. I love that morning glories come in so many different colors and that they fold up as night draws nigh. I also like how they come up routinely and manage to look spectacular even without loving care!
Yes. I do too.
Morning Glories must be one of those flowers of memory and good vibes. Reminds me of days early in the morning working the garden with my babysitter.
That’s a great memory, Suzi! Funny, but I’ve never heard of anybody actually planting a Morning Glory. Most of the ones I’ve seen just seem to spring up whenever and wherever they choose. Nor have I ever seen anybody tending them (water, fertilizer, etc.), yet they seem to do just fine!
Yes indeed! So much fiction at the moment seems to be designed to show how awful life is. How nice it is when a writer remembers to put a little beauty, a little fun or a little hope into the mix. 🙂
Thanks for understanding, FF — and for agreeing! It seems to me there’s enough bad in the world right now that I don’t particularly want to read fiction that’s “realistic.” If that makes me an ostrich with my head in the sand, so be it! I don’t even like reality TV shows, ha!!
What a nice salutation and what a exquisite flower. I love the name, too: Morning, Glory!
Do you not have Morning Glories where you are, Monica? Oh, my, but they’re so cheerful! And we ALL know how good a warm greeting sounds in the morning — well, for that matter, at any time of day!!
I haven’t noticed but I’ll definitely keep an eye out!
Purrs instead of Hisses; how wonderful!! MEOWWWwwwww. xx
Glad you liked it, Kim. Something told me you might! xoxo