I found this on the m-w.com website under the word of the day section. I always enjoy this site and particularly this section. I guess I like learning new things. So, here's what I saw:

scintillate • \SIN-tuh-layt\ • (verb)
1 : to emit sparks : spark
*2 : to emit quick flashes as if throwing off sparks: sparkle
3 : to throw off as a spark or as sparkling flashes

Example sentence:
The critics loved David's performance in the new play, declaring that he took a rather mundane script and made it scintillate with wit and excitement.

Did you know?
The history of "scintillate" began with Latin "scintilla," which means "spark." "Scintilla" in turn sparked the development of the verb "scintillare," meaning "to sparkle." "Scintillate" is the English version of "scintillare." Though it sometimes means literally "to sparkle," it more often means "to sparkle" in a figurative sense—that is, to be lively, or to perform brilliantly. "Scintillate" is not the only word we get from "scintilla." There is also "scintilla" itself (used as a noun meaning "a little bit"), "scintillant" (an adjective describing something that scintillates), and "scintillation" (which, among other things, means "a brilliant outburst").

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.


If you know me at all, you know that I like shiny sparkling things. I am not just talking about diamonds either. Mylar balloons, stain glass, and rhinestones are just a few things I like due to their sparkleness. I love glitter and the twinkle effect it has.when you look at it. It is that same twinkle you can see in a person's eye when they have reached that moment of scintillating. Those are the moments that can make a person's day. Those are the ones I like best.

Stay sweet ''n smile.................................Mz.

When I was taking a college class, the professor challenged us to write 100 and 150 word papers. He said to use precision words. To me, it was a real challenge to say what I meant in such a limited amount of words. Somehow, I was able to accomplish it, but I was so glad when each assignment was finished. So now that I am out in the real world and no longer sheltered by the college life bubble, I continue to challenge myself. Although it may still be out of my reach, I continue to write and practice the use of precision words. Once again, here's another 100 word story.

The Shovel

It is dark and I can’t see. I am surrounded by walls. I feel them, but can’t see them. I wonder if I can see. Then, a beam of light shines hope down towards me. I can see. I reach and grab ledges in the wall. I pull myself upward. Finally, I reach the top and crawl out.. I am happy to be free. Never wanting to end up like that again, I grab a shovel. With each scoop of dirt, my smile grows bigger. I carry the shovel now. I can fill holes instead of stepping into them.

Do you get it?

Stay sweet 'n smile.........................Mz.

Have you ever heard of this old saying?

If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back, it's yours.
If it doesn't, it never was.


I remember hearing it back in high school. My friends and I would quote it when one of us was dealing with a bad relationship or a break-up. Back then, it was a catchy saying. It was as deep as it could be to a teenager. Today, it is different. Today, it is a piece of hope of what could be, especially to my family.

It should have been a happy day, but it wasn't. Today, a member of our family left for new journeys. Although our four-legged baby seemed ready to leave, the rest of the family was quite heartbroken. It can be so hard to let someone you love move on to the next chapter in his or her life. Love can feel so great and yet be so painful at times. We left our hearts open for the opportunity for such great love and blindly ignored the fact that one day that it could become a painful experience. In the end, after much discussion, we decided that at least we had the opportunity to love him for a while. Now, we were setting him free. If he does by chance come back one day, I know some certain people will be so full of joy. If not, we will understand that maybe we were just a pitstop in his journey and will always love him from afar. For now, all I can say is "Good luck Abu...miss you already!"

Now, to end on a more joyous note in regards to the original saying, I found this other version that left me with a smile. Here it is:

If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back, it was, and always will be yours.
If it never returns, it was never yours to begin with.
If it just sits in your living room, messes up your stuff, eats your food, uses your telephone, takes your money, and never behaves as if you actually set it free in the first place, you either married it or gave birth to it.

Stay sweet 'n smile........................................Mz.

Although I don't think of myself as wise, I came up with this phrase many years ago. It tends to be true.

No matter how big your umbrella is, sometimes you still get wet.

Stay sweet 'n smile..........Mz.

Here's a 100 word story about the first 4-legged love of my life. There was alot to say but limiting to only a 100 words made it interesting.

My Siamese

Meow! It was the first thing she ever said to me. She was just the cutest little Siamese kitten. I never knew what she would become to me. We bonded instantly and forever. Through the years, she was always there. She held her head high when others entered my life, so confident of her importance. When things went wrong, she was a pillow for my tears. After twenty-one years, she was ready to leave. I held her as she left. It was one last meow for good-bye as she pillowed my tears for one last time.

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been counting down the weeks left until spring. Punxsutawney Phil said six more weeks of winter, so I am waiting to see if he was accurate this year. I hope that he is because a couple of days ago, we had some warm 40 degree weather pass through this way. Spring fever became very contagious. Cases of it popped up everywhere. Typical signs of it were seeing people wear shorts or going without their winter coats. It amazes me to see how warm 40 degrees feels after spending time in a -20 degrees wind chill. I have to admit I caught it too. I don't think I contracted a full-blown case, but it has definitely hit me.

I love spring. I love seeing all the dead grass and empty trees transform with a new beginning. This renewal reminds me of all the blessings we receive and the hope we should have. I have alot of hope. When I look out at the thermometer on my patio and see that it is 5 degrees here, I have utter faith that it will one day be warmer. 40 degrees is only around the block. Then, I will slowly make my transformation from my winter wear to my cheerful spring collection. With the word from my good friend, Punxsutawney Phil, I know it won't be long. So for now, I will continue to count down the last 3 weeks left til spring. I won't let the frozen wind dampen my anticipation of wearing skirts again and will let my hope warm me until the weather does.

Hey Phil! I am counting on you!

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Me

Welcome to my house. The journey begins today. I don't know where this will go, but have patience and enjoy the ride.
Stay sweet 'n smile......Mz.