Dec 16, 2023·edited Dec 16, 2023Liked by Rebecca Holden
I was totally whelmed by midday today (thank you so much for that word!!!!!!!!!!!!), not OVERwhelmed, but almost - hanging on by a thread. So the Terrier and I went walking along a country road, just us and the bush birds and a sprinkling of rain and I powered up the hill, knee and glutes notwithstanding. When the Terrier and I go to the top, I felt the whelm sliding away, dissolving like a mist, and then we walked back down with me a much lighter person. The word is now my word of the week and I shall carry it in my pocket on a label and stick it to my chest every time I'm asked to add something more to that Bloody Christmas To-Do List!
Now, I know: I’m a denizen of the Realm of Whelm. Having a little too much to do helps keep the mind from wandering into the muck, but stops me short of all-out panic. Like that ski day I took last Monday, to show my schedule who’s boss. I’m (barely) in charge, here!
Absolutely THE STORY I needed to read today. Thank you for defining "whelm" and its delightful state of being. At 74, I've found it a lot harder to do all my to-dos, yet I've achieved a pleasant state of whelm. Now I have a word for it to say to people should they dare challenge my lack of energy, pride, and accomplishment. Instead of telling where they can spend their eternities, I'll just tell them I'm whelmed and happy to be so. Let them figure out what that means. teehee
One of my favorites! Thanks for bringing it back up to the top, Rebecca. I loved the German lessons. Ich habe das gelesen mit Vergnügen, mein schatz !! ( How am I doing? ha ha ha) My mother, as you know, was of German descent. She spoke what she called "plattdeutsch" as her family was from Russia. I get very wistful when I hear the language and often watch German films. You wove a great story here! Thanks
Ohmygosh! I loved this one. At the moment I am whelmed as well, so I can relate. I suspect that many of us are teetering on the border between whelmed and overwhelmed!
It has long intrigued me that we move straight into under- or over- without ever being whelmed. And also of interest that whelmed starts us off at with a sense of pressure or urgency. So what is the settled, no need at all to fret, word? Copacetic? Comfortable? Carefree? I don't think I'm there very often, certainly not this time of year! :)
I think I love whelm. I want to live in Whelm. Perhaps we could be neighbors. You described it just right! Also, Texas has it's own compound words, like "leaveout" and "slapworeout". "LeaveOut" = I'm going home now". "SlapWoreOut" is "I physically/mentally/emotionally can not take any more; my cup is full". That can happen now and again, especially at Christmas time. 🎄
Hi Rebecca, 1966/7. The last 10 months of my soldiering, spent in Germany, determined to learn the language..... Oh boy did I struggle with those compound words - Until I realized that they could be clearly understood when one looks at the concepts behind them. The example that opened the door for me was "Fernseher"; Fern comes from Entfern (far away) and Seher from sehen (to see). Now think of the English compound of Tele-Vision ! A perfect literal translation, n'est ce pas, Peace, Maurice
Whelmed! A good word, Rebecca. Something to do with the end of the year and starting anew has me in this state mentally and emotionally. Thank you for another wonderful post with a bonus German lesson too! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Yeat to you.
A finger hat!!! 😭 Oh my gosh, the visual is adorable. Love the "verbal paperchain" examples you shared. And how have I never considered the meaning of whelm? New favorite word alert?
You have the ability to write about anything at all to entertain, teach, and comfort. Hope you have a lovely holiday and looking forward to reading your future posts in 2024! ❄️
As a “Middle of the Road” sort of chap I will certainly aim to be just whelmed from now on! AP.
I was totally whelmed by midday today (thank you so much for that word!!!!!!!!!!!!), not OVERwhelmed, but almost - hanging on by a thread. So the Terrier and I went walking along a country road, just us and the bush birds and a sprinkling of rain and I powered up the hill, knee and glutes notwithstanding. When the Terrier and I go to the top, I felt the whelm sliding away, dissolving like a mist, and then we walked back down with me a much lighter person. The word is now my word of the week and I shall carry it in my pocket on a label and stick it to my chest every time I'm asked to add something more to that Bloody Christmas To-Do List!
Toodles!
Now, I know: I’m a denizen of the Realm of Whelm. Having a little too much to do helps keep the mind from wandering into the muck, but stops me short of all-out panic. Like that ski day I took last Monday, to show my schedule who’s boss. I’m (barely) in charge, here!
Absolutely THE STORY I needed to read today. Thank you for defining "whelm" and its delightful state of being. At 74, I've found it a lot harder to do all my to-dos, yet I've achieved a pleasant state of whelm. Now I have a word for it to say to people should they dare challenge my lack of energy, pride, and accomplishment. Instead of telling where they can spend their eternities, I'll just tell them I'm whelmed and happy to be so. Let them figure out what that means. teehee
This is a bit off topic but reading this post reminded me of your adventures with your travel atlas. :).: https://everythingisamazing.substack.com/p/look-look-look-dreaded-lurgi-edition
One of my favorites! Thanks for bringing it back up to the top, Rebecca. I loved the German lessons. Ich habe das gelesen mit Vergnügen, mein schatz !! ( How am I doing? ha ha ha) My mother, as you know, was of German descent. She spoke what she called "plattdeutsch" as her family was from Russia. I get very wistful when I hear the language and often watch German films. You wove a great story here! Thanks
Ohmygosh! I loved this one. At the moment I am whelmed as well, so I can relate. I suspect that many of us are teetering on the border between whelmed and overwhelmed!
Happy holidays to you and enjoy the turkey.
It has long intrigued me that we move straight into under- or over- without ever being whelmed. And also of interest that whelmed starts us off at with a sense of pressure or urgency. So what is the settled, no need at all to fret, word? Copacetic? Comfortable? Carefree? I don't think I'm there very often, certainly not this time of year! :)
I think I love whelm. I want to live in Whelm. Perhaps we could be neighbors. You described it just right! Also, Texas has it's own compound words, like "leaveout" and "slapworeout". "LeaveOut" = I'm going home now". "SlapWoreOut" is "I physically/mentally/emotionally can not take any more; my cup is full". That can happen now and again, especially at Christmas time. 🎄
Hi Rebecca, 1966/7. The last 10 months of my soldiering, spent in Germany, determined to learn the language..... Oh boy did I struggle with those compound words - Until I realized that they could be clearly understood when one looks at the concepts behind them. The example that opened the door for me was "Fernseher"; Fern comes from Entfern (far away) and Seher from sehen (to see). Now think of the English compound of Tele-Vision ! A perfect literal translation, n'est ce pas, Peace, Maurice
Whelmed! A good word, Rebecca. Something to do with the end of the year and starting anew has me in this state mentally and emotionally. Thank you for another wonderful post with a bonus German lesson too! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Yeat to you.
Lovely, and happy festive season!
A finger hat!!! 😭 Oh my gosh, the visual is adorable. Love the "verbal paperchain" examples you shared. And how have I never considered the meaning of whelm? New favorite word alert?
You have the ability to write about anything at all to entertain, teach, and comfort. Hope you have a lovely holiday and looking forward to reading your future posts in 2024! ❄️