Television

I was watching the news the other night and found out there are words you’re not allowed to say if you’re over thirty. Since I am over thirty, I paid close attention. The newscaster informed me there would be a list and proceeded to count them down. I’m sure there are more words I’m not supposed to say but this list only had three.

I had to Google the first word, totes, because I had no idea what it meant. Oh, it means totally! Here’s the definition straight from the Urban Dictionary. A shorter more convenient form of the word: totally. This word is most commonly used by teenage girls.

The most obvious advantage of using this word is the time saved. Data collected at a prestigious university found that every syllable spoken takes approximately 0.14 seconds.

Didn’t know it was such a timesaver. I’d put it on my list but…oops, can’t.

The next word (it was really a phrase) that flashed across the television screen was You know, right? I’ve heard that many times, although I never used it myself. Didn’t know it was popular slang for the under thirty crowd. Crossing it off my list right now.

The final word was cray-cray. That one makes my head hurt. I have to admit I heard that come out of a certain reality TV mom’s mouth (mother to many girls with the first initial K) and I cringed when I heard it. That was a fine example of “leave it to the kids”. But hearing it said by anyone drives me a little cray-cray. See, didn’t you just cringe?

So there you have it, the list. Totes. You know, right? And cray-cray. Feel free to pass it along to other thirty plus members of society. If you’re underage (thirty, that is) you can ignore.

Whenever I write, I try to pay attention to words, phrases and sayings. Would she/he really say that? If a character is old, I guess they can get away with anything. I try not to make younger ones use too much slang. It can become outdated in a minute.

I hope this was helpful to the intended audience. That means you, Over-thirties. I know keeping track of the latest trends may make you a little cray-cray. You know, right? But it’s worth keeping up with what’s happening in the world. Don’t you agree?

Totes.

Since I have no real experience or great knowledge about these magnificent animals, I wonder why I keep putting horses in my stories. I’m definitely not an expert on the subject. I grew up watching them on TV so I always felt they were part of my life. I’m not talking about the My Little Pony era. I go back a little farther than that for my childhood. I’m talking real, live horses like Trigger, Roy Roger’s horse, and the Lone Ranger’s horse, Silver, of the “Hi, Ho, Silver” fame. And let’s not forget Zorro riding his white horse in the opening credits of his show and pulling the animal up and onto its back legs as he gives a wave. Those were real horses and men depended on them.

One more show on my list also deserves a shout out…Bonanza. 4horses

It was on for over a decade. Pa Cartwright and his three boys would ride up on their horses during the show’s introduction, stop and smile for the camera. The horses took them everywhere–into town, out on the range and chasing bad guys. My favorite Cartwright was Little Joe and I loved his horse, too. Cochise was a beautiful paint horse that had wonderful patterns of white on it. I wanted one just like it.

So how could any little girl during that era not love horses? I was one of many who did, I’m sure. Then it happened. My sister and I begged to go horseback riding during a vacation at a resort where there were stables. I was probably eleven or twelve at the time. All the riders were in a pen, dismounting at the end of the journey and my horse decided to pin me with its hindquarters against the fence. If you’ve stopped laughing and are wondering what part exactly are the hindquarters, I looked it up. It’s the top part of the horse above the back leg. I don’t remember how long it took to be rescued but it felt like hours. Needless to say, I was traumatized, never to ride or go near a horse again.

So why use them in my stories? I’ll tell you a little secret. I still love them. They are beautiful and majestic and I long to ride one the correct, proper way. I can feel the wind in my hair as I proficiently gallop along in my imagination. And right before my dismount, I have the horse rear high in the air and I give a quick salute, just like Zorro, and say, “Hi, Ho, Silver!” Oh, wait, that’s the Lone Ranger…but you get the picture.

Words I’m Not Allowed to Say

Horse Sense