Sunday, July 12, 2009

New Words

During my convalescence after very minor surgery, I have been reading a lot, and using the dictionary, and reveling in words. I can't take long to write about all my fun discoveries, but one new-to-me word came up in two very different books, within the week: faience.

Rosemary Sutcliff used it in Mark of the Horse Lord in describing a Pictish pendant hanging from a warrior's neck. And M.F.K. Fisher used it in Long Ago in France to describe mustard pots she knew in Dijon in the 1930's. I found a photo of a French mustard pot to show here, and one explanation more helpful than the basic dictionary one: "Majolica, delft, and faience are really names for similar ceramic products. An earthenware body is covered with an opaque enameled glaze, usually colorfully decorated."

I wonder if this one I found online is anything like what Mary Frances saw.

Stay tuned for more word findings!

4 comments:

Pom Pom said...

I love playing around with words and isn't it fascinating how they come at us in twos and threes sometimes? I mean once you hear a new word, you keep hearing it? Amazing! I am trying to figure out a way to teach vocabulary to my students that involves falling in love with new words. Great post, GJ!

GretchenJoanna said...

Pom Pom, your comment format seems to have changed again to prohibit my comments, anonymous or otherwise. So I want you to know that I am reading and enjoying your blog.

Pom Pom said...

I changed the pop out, but I think that's a problem. I'll change it again so I can hear from you! Thanks for letting me know!

A Dose of Joy said...

Hi there, thought I'd pop by your blog and say hello :)
You know, I agree about the footage of the births in the film. I was moved to tears in those moments, especially seeing how much beautiful teamwork those husbands and wives had during the birthing. What a blessing that you were able to birth at home, wow.

I'm looking forward to stopping by your blog more often.

Prayers,
C