Very Rorschach*, no?

LINK:  MOLLY DILWORTH

*I will never learn how to spell that word correctly.

1. Brownie points.
The phrase “brownie points” indeed did derive from The Brownies. So essentially, we should be capitalizing the “B” in brownie, but eh, let’s live a little.

2. Caught between a rock and a hard place.
In 1917 in the town of Bisbee, Arizona, a labor union of mineworkers approached management with a list of demands (including better pay and working conditions). They were refused and many were deported to New Mexico. Those that were left were forced to work at the mine (a.k.a. the rock) or be unemployed (a.k.a. a hard place).

3. Break a leg.
There are a lot of theories for this cliche, yet my favorite has nothing to do with that whole “don’t wish an actor/dancer good luck or it’s bad luck” theory. In the early 20′s the word “break” was often used interchangeably with the word “bend.” Thus, “break a leg” simply meant to put on a performance worthy of “bending a leg”, or taking a bow.

4. Close, but no cigar.
In the mid-20th century, fairgrounds often handed out cigars as prizes. Essentially, “close, but no cigar” means you almost won, but won’t be taking home the ultimate prize of the coveted cigar.

5. Spill the beans.
In ancient Greece, the voting system remained anonymous by placing white (for a positive vote) or black (for a negative vote) beans into a vessel. Because the votes had to be unanimous, if the beans were spilled, the jig was up and voting halted.

Don’t you feel way smarter now? Go forth and share your newfound knowledge!

Finding the meaning behind 100 cliches is part of my life list. Check out my first ten here and here.

All info courtesy of Phrases.org.

File this under crazy, awesome or just crazy awesome. Me? I’m just filing it under “whoa.”

LINK:  JOANA VASCONCELOS

Love these patterned skirts reminiscent of my last great road trip out west.

LINK: KARLA SPETIC

p.s. A windmill-printed dress, too? Eek!

I’m still sending out daily cards to all of my former teachers (thank you, Jack Cards!), but in the mean time, I wanted to point you to an article I found useful: How to Write a Thank You Note.

A few tips I’d like to add?:

1. Carry small stationery in your purse/bag/car. You never know when a valet attendant, waitress or store clerk will go beyond the call of duty and deserve a tiny thank you.
2. Go ahead; write in cursive. Even if you find your cursive handwriting lacking, a bit of formality is never a bad thing. (This is especially pertinent when thanking a job interviewer, colleague or associate.)
3. Bend the rules. The important thing is that you’re acknowledging someone else, so throw the formula out the window. At a loss for words? Send a photo of you holding a giant “thank you” sign. They’ll get the drift, and you’ll feel creative.

Happy thanking! Next up? An update on life list item #10: cliches!

Yellow? Check. Geometric lines? Check. Nature reference? Check.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have the 100% perfect, DFM-approved piece of art. After all these years!

LINK:  CLUB MUSCLES

Who doesn’t love watching stuff blow up? Come on; I know I’m not the only one.

LINK:  CHRISTIAN WEBER

Quite the color injection into the elbow of today’s cloudy day. Just what the doctor ordered!

LINK:  SAGA SIGURDARDOTTIR

Dominic’s speed creating series is dedicated to inventing something every day. Really loving ‘bubbly balls.’ Cute!

LINK:  VARIATIONS ON NORMAL

I do so very much like these crazy oxfords.

LINK:  OSBORN