>

Monday, March 12, 2007

Stranger Than Fiction

So, as if it wasn't weird enough that it happened once, Bob ended up under the house again. But this time, we DO NOT KNOW how he got there. This time there was no access hole for him to easily crawl into. We think he *may* have gotten outside and *somehow* found a way to get under the house, but then why couldn't he get out that way? We really just don't know how he did it. Do you know how strange it feels to walk around your house, calling for the cat, and you can hear him meowing, but you CAN'T FIND HIM? And then you think, "surely he's not under the house again; it's just not possible!" Maybe we should take him on the road--Bob the Disappearing Cat.

Also, did you see the movie Stranger Than Fiction? Great movie. I think I may have to add it to my favorites list. Not sure yet, I've only seen it once, but I really, really liked it.

And for even more on the subject of fiction, more story will be published on the NaNo blog today...

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

yeah, yeah, yeah,

Amy said...

Oh, you can eat your words, Angela T***! (Didn't want to spread your last name 'round the 'net.) I TOTALLY posted more story, and I did it the same day as this post!!!

(that was what you were 'yeah, yeah'ing, right?)

Anonymous said...

Interestingly enough, as I was posting this it occured to me that I didn't know of a spelling difference between Yay and Yah. I mean, is it spelled "yay" when you cheer? Have I been mispelling this particular onomatopoeia incorrectly my whole life? Because a quick google tells me I just might have been. But at the time I was busy with important lighting disasters.
Furthermore, is "yay" a true example of onomatopeoia? Additionally, why is onomatoepeoia so difficult to say and spell, particularly in light of it's definition? And finally, I leave you with one last question, Miss Amelia. Can one end a sentence with "might have been"?
I'm sure that such thought provoking conversation has never before been derived from "yeah, yeah, yeah", which incidentally, should have been "yay, yay, yay."

Amy said...

Yes, there is a difference between "yeah" (as in, "yeah, right") and "yay" (as in, "yay, I'm so excited".) I believe those are the correct spellings, but I don't think they are onomatopoeia(s?). An onomatopoeia would be "boom" or "smash", and onomatopoeia is difficult to spell because, well it just is, but I personally feel it is fun to say. It is perfectly acceptable to wonder what might have been, but not what it might have been with.

This conversation is right up my alley. Yay!

So, if my story tanks, maybe I'll start a "Dear Abbey" column, but for grammar questions. "Dear Amelia..."

Anonymous said...

Dear Amelia,

What is the proper way to indicate length of utterance in writing? The usual technique is to multiply the individual letters of a word, but this presents certain difficulties. For example, if one wants to show that the word "oh" was said in a drawn-out fashion, what is the correct spelling? Too many 'o's, and the word starts to look like an extended "ooh" rather than and "oh"; but one feels that a certain number of 'o's (greater than one) is necessary to indicate length of vocalization. Therefore, what is the correct proportion of 'o's relative to 'h's for "oh" and "ooh," respectively?

Sincerely,

With Whom It Might Have Been

Anonymous said...

P.S. I still want to hang out, but this week has flown by me. Would either Sunday or sometime next week (preferably after Tuesday) work for y'all?

Amy said...

Dear With Whom It Might Have Been,

I fully understand your dilemma. I believe the appropriate way to deal with the "oh" situation is to extend the consonant, not the vowel, even though it is actually the vowel that is being extendedly uttered. For example, an extended "oh" would be, "ohhhhhh". However, an extended "ooh" would be, "ooooooh". When in doubt, resort to phonics and read your word out loud. The way you say it will be the way *most* of your readers say it too. (See "yeah" and "yay" above.)

Sincerely,
Dear Amelia

P.S. Next weed would be good. My week has flown, too--I can't believe it's Friday already. =)

Anonymous said...

Next week it is! (I think it's funny that we're having this conversation over your blog.)

Anonymous said...

Dear Amelia,
You may have something there as an alternate career choice. A showcase for your wit and word wisdom!

Anonymous said...

I was just thinking what Chris said. You could have posts where you answer these questions.

I saw Stranger than Fiction yesterday. It was brilliant.