bookish : A Guide for the Dreaded Semicolon

The dreaded semicolon. Most avoid it using it, but it’s really not that hard to understand. Should you need a re-education in appropriate semicolon use, here is your guide, courtesy of the Oatmeal :
book·ish/ˈbo͝okiSH/Adjective

1. (of a person or way of life) Devoted to reading and studying rather than worldly interests.
2. (of language or writing) Literary in style or allusion.
3. (of art and all manner of lovely things) devoted to the written word as a form of art and as a way of seeing the world.
4. (of SheWritesandRights.blogspot.com) anything of the aforementioned characteristics as they are found on the interwebs and reposted by Bethany, because bookish and writerly things always give reason for amusement.
  • http://afunnyoldlifeaintit.blogspot.in/ TGL

    I wonder if you feel emotions as strongly as you do angst, if your great capacity for feeling it means that the more uplifting ones are felt just as strongly even if not just as often. 

    • http://www.bethanysuckrow.com/ Bethany Suckrow

      Very intuitive, sweet friend. Yes – I do feel whole joy, although I fret over why I don’t feel it as often, and then I wonder if I’m incapable of being wholly happy… I have a hard time accepting that the things I’ve been through will always twinge every joy with the bittersweet, and that I can’t purge my life of all my hurt… I’m learning to accept my story, little by little, journal by journal. I’m curious – do you journal? 

      Thinking of you a lot lately, btw… will you be stateside in your travels anytime soon? Message me.

  • http://undistractedchristian.com/ Tyler Hess

    but angst is a fun way to write, very punk rock!

    • http://www.bethanysuckrow.com/ Bethany Suckrow

      Haha. Thanks, Tyler!! The 16-year-old me takes that as a compliment (and the current me, too.)

  • http://donaldmcallister.com/ Donald McAllister

    I like your perspective on this perspective business! :)

    • http://www.bethanysuckrow.com/ Bethany Suckrow

      Thanks, Donald! Hindsight is 20/20, right? 

  • Sophie Novak

    I think these feelings are usually a sign of someone who’s always penetrating deep into things and then outlets all these emotions into a creative outburst. Almost all writers and artists feel similar, which shows beautiful connection, wouldn’t you say? I’ve been keeping journals as a teenager and it’s full of angst, search for meaning, emotions, introspection. Keep your perspective. :)

    • http://www.bethanysuckrow.com/ Bethany Suckrow

      It is deeply comforting, Sophie! Especially reading comments from you and other readers. In my melancholy I sometimes believe the lie that I’m the only one that ever struggles with it. I almost didn’t publish this post – so glad I did! 

  • http://www.eyvonnesharp.com/ Eyvonne

    I describe myself as having a tenancy to despair.  I learned this by reading my own journals.   I think once you realize it, and acknowledge it, you’re better able to cope, and then use it to move you forward.  Self-examination is a good thing!   

    • http://www.bethanysuckrow.com/ Bethany Suckrow

      Exactly, Eyvonne. I’m so glad I wrote, kept, and reread my journals over the past decade and a half. It’s helped me realize who I am at my core – the good, the bad, and the getting better. :)

      • http://www.eyvonnesharp.com/ Eyvonne

         Yes.  The getting better.  :)

  • http://sayable.net/ Lore Ferguson

    Love it! “That Grace is real, even when I’m too close to recognize it.”

  • http://jimwoodswrites.com/ Jim Woods

    Wow, that’s awesome! Words of wisdom and encouragement sure stick with you don’t they!

    • http://www.bethanysuckrow.com/ Bethany Suckrow

      Yes, but I had forgotten about this entry from him. So glad I stumbled across it! I think God knew I would need it!