Since I was a little, small, petite, tiny, and infantile girl, I have loved words.

In particular the ones that were new to me and seemed too (or is it to?) complex for me to understand. I wish it was more socially acceptable to stop someone in the middle of their rant or retelling of their day and ask them what that impressive sounding word they used meant.

On my walk home I would dream of breaking into a soliloquy. I’d disturb onlookers by delving into madness, screaming of how many different ways you could call someone a pretentious jackass.

Of all the beautiful and pointless words that make sentences seem far too convoluted, “idiosyncrasies” is the first one I remember being intrigued by. I was in middle school, I forgot what we were reading or how I came across the word, but it stuck out.

Idiosyncrasies.

I thought at the time that perhaps the word described someone foolish or idiotic. Or maybe it had something to do with the syncing together of things. In reality the word “idiosyncrasy” is defined by a way of thought or behavior that is specific to a certain person.

So, there is a chance you have many idiosyncrasies, it seems mine is claiming to be a writer while struggling with my grammar. Still, I write, even if at times poorly.

I am not infallible however, so I did get a copy of “The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation” but I’m looking for some good editing tools as well (and I’m open to suggestions).

…..

Alongside improving my grammar, I wanted to talk about critique.

You will meet a million people with commentary on a life that is not their own.

Critiquing something is not inherently wrong, there might be those with more knowledge, whose two cents will finally make a dollar for you. However, there may also be others that will push advice through delusions of grandeur and clenched jaws. Who will shout boldly their unapplicable advice, dipped in high-minded contempt.

You do not have withstand degradation from anyone before receiving their guidance. Though you should keep an open mind, you do not know all, least you be the kind to dish out advice that is of no use.

You don’t have to take my advice either though, I have much to learn. I must have made at least twenty grammatical errors in this post alone.

Happiest Saturday.

A sincere question, is this considered prose?