Saturday, April 30, 2016

Z: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Zaftig: Having a full, rounded figure. Pleasingly plump.

Zircon is a gem worn for protection and sexual energy. 

Zika Virus has been in the news a lot. It is mostly spread by mosquitoes from one infected person to the next. Until a few months ago, most people hadn't heard of this virus. The devastating birth defects, microcephaly, have rocketed it to the news front lines. There's no vaccination, only prevention by avoiding mosquitoes. The CDC has lots of useful information about it.

So you did it! You made it through the challenge and here we are at Z. I'm taking a needed break tomorrow.

Did anyone ever call you a Zaftig? Do you know anyone who has traveled to areas where they have to worry about the Zika Virus? Did you make it through the challenge?

Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.  Spanish proverb

23 comments:

Nicola said...

Great z words to end the challenge. Congratulations on a successful month, Susan. It's been so entertaining to visit each day. I've learned so many words this month! Thanks for the great work and for supporting my blog too. Have a lovely peaceful May.

Tasha Duncan-Drake said...

Zaftig sounds like a happy word - not sure why :)
Congrats on making it all the way to Z and thank you for some very interesting posts - I have very much enjoyed reading your blog.
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - I suspect I'm Zaftig ... but not too much so! Zika virus ... such a horrible disease ... poor things - congratulations on finishing though and Zaftig is a great word .. cheers Hilary

mshatch said...

I'm always gratified when I make it through to the end of this fest. Congrats to you as well and enjoy your break :)

M.J. Fifield said...

The only word on your list that I've heard about is Zika virus. Last I heard, there were two cases reported in my county.

Congrats on surviving the challenge! Enjoy your break.

Jo said...

I had heard that word before but although I may have deserved it at times, no-one has ever called me zaftig. Zircons are pretty. Luckily as far as I know those affected mosquitoes have not made it to Canada plus the likelihood of my having a child at my age would make bigger headlines than any virus LOL.

Congrats on making it through.

nashvillecats2 said...

Wonderful words , Congratulations on completing the A to Z. and thanks for your support to me.
Yvonne.

Pat Hatt said...

Zaftig may be worse to be called than just plain old fat haha glad I've been nowhere to catch that stupid virus.

Unknown said...

I love the word zaftig, mostly because I identify with it. Thanks for playing. I enjoyed it so much.

@Kathleen01930
Meet My Imaginary Friends
#AtoZchallenge

betty said...

Oh my gosh, I am a zaftig! That does sound better than plump I think!

That Zika virus does have me concerned. I feel for those that were affected by it and their babies.

Congrats on finishing the challenge!! It was great with your theme; really learned a lot by reading the words of the day; very nicely done!

betty

Pat Garcia said...

I didn't know the word zaftig. Sounds very German. I have added it to my word list. Whenever I have dropped by your blog, I have enjoyed it.
All the best for the future.

Shalom,
Patricia @ EverythingMustChange

cleemckenzie said...

That Zika is a wretched thing. I don't plan on going to the Olympics this year. That's for sure. Thanks for all the new words from A to Z. It has been fun.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

My shape is definitely not round.
No cure is a scary thing.
Take a day off or two! You've earned it.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Zika is scary! But a topical word choice.

Congrats on completion!

Michelle Wallace said...

Last week I watched a documentary clip about the Zika problem in Brazil.

It's a wrap!
Congrats on reaching the finishing line, Susan!
See you again next year - same time, same place!
Writer In Transit

Patrick Stahl said...

No. No. I have the last post to write, then I'll be done. I was several minutes late for the "Y" post, but it was less than an hour later than my posts have been going up lately anyway.

J E Oneil said...

I have some zaftig cats, I guess. And I say we kill all mosquitoes.

Sarah Foster said...

Sometimes I feel like a zaftig...
Congrats on finishing the challenge!

messymimi said...

Used to be zaftig, and i don't ever want to get there again. Congratulations on completing the a to z!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I would like to be a little less zaftig but I have a horrid weakness for chocolate and Noosa yogurt.

Anonymous said...

I think we need to start using zaftig. We don't have enough z words and who wouldn't want to be called something cool sounding? ;)

Congrats on beating the challenge.

Maria Zannini said...

I much prefer pleasingly plump. LOL!

Computer Tutor said...

Zaftig--great word. My favorite Z word: Zeitgeist. It actually shows up in novels here and there.