The Place For My Writers Notes

original posting 28 April 2008

Just pondering. Today's a.word.a.day is chimera, and our jovial host ponders the relaxation of the rules that mythological beasts had, with parts from here and there. http://wordsmith.org/words/chimera.html

But you know that those old gods (or the fantasists working that field) shouldn't have a monopoly on this game, don't you? So, your task is simple. Take one or more of the people around you -- or those in your imaginary world -- and recreate them a bit, with a dash of rat skin, a pouch borrowed from a kangaroo, or whatever strikes your fancy. Don't overdo it, but consider what kind of animal might help (or hinder) the expression of those characteristics that you note about the person.

Then tell us a little about the way the five-foot mouse stood in the middle of the grocery store aisle and squeaked at everyone. Or how the python slowly wound his way around the meeting table, pulling everyone into a confused pile. Or perhaps how the walrus leaned on its flippers and pulled at those whiskers?

Beagle-dancing? In country line dances? Now why would that come to mind?

Whatever, take the people and animals and meld them into something a bit different.

And remember, no real animals should be harmed in this exercise. Only virtual cutting-and-pasting, okay?