Kenspeckle is a word that appeared in yesterday’s blog. I assume that “Kenspeckle” is NOT kenspeckle to most people, so here’s the definition again:
In my coaching session on Wednesday, Jeff Leisawitz and I spoke about my ambivalence about being kenspeckle, which originates from my experience as a child expressing my talents and then ending up in the hospital for much of the time. Even though that’s magical thinking (a little girl’s musical and creative talents do not cause her to undergo painful surgeries and other traumatic experiences; her congenital heart condition does that), I’m still afraid of being kenspeckle.
My most recent unpleasant experience of being kenspeckle was a year ago when I shared my song “Everybody’s Somebody’s Asshole” with enthusiastic strangers on a trip in Georgia, and ended up the next day in a hospital with a T.I.A.
My fears of being kenspeckle are also related to growing up in an Orthodox Jewish family, where people were afraid of attracting the “evil eye” if they were too conspicuous and easily recognizable.
I am working on letting go of my fear of being kenspeckle. In the meantime, is there anything kenspeckle in my images for today?
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Let’s get gnarly and be kenspeckle all day!
Here I am trying to be kenspeckle in Edinburgh several years ago.
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Thanks to all who help me have the courage to be kenspeckle, including YOU!
I recognise this a Scots word, probably of Scandinavian origin
Good to know and thanks, Derrick!
Kenspeckle was written for joan
Totally.
Joan, that was the bravest thing I think I’ve seen anybody do. I’ve often bewailed the fact that I can’t sing (no, I really can’t), but now I’m glad I can’t because I would feel as if that is what I should do and I don’t think I could. Writing novels and short stories hidden behind my computer in a small room of my own is much more my speed. I’m kenspeckle avoidant.
I assume you’re addressing me, not Joan, but Joan does brave things, too, and so do you, Barbara.
So sorry, Ann. (Looking around for handy excuses) Oh, yeah. I have a sister Joan. So that’s probably it. She can’t sing either. Most likely just dropping down into comments from pictures of Joan the Cat was enough to do it. Although something tells me you don’t consider it an insult. 🙂
I don’t! 💙
A few weeks ago I joined an improv group in the park. We were just performing for each other and didn’t have an audience but even with one I tried to find a balance between being kenspeckle and not overshadowing anyone else. Improv is only fun when everyone gets an equal chance to go viral.
It’s fun to know that you’re doing improv, Chris.
Kenspeckle is a wonderful word! I think you must have been kenspeckle every day of your life, and your life, mostly, has been kenspeckelly-wonderful. (Aaron is kenspeckle, too.)
Thanks for all your wonderful and kenspeckle words, Maureen!