Saturday, April 9, 2016

H: A to Z Blogging Cahllenge

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.

Hirudinoid: Like a leech

Hematite is also called bloodstone by some and it is believed to aid in healing. Many people today wear hematite jewelry. It also is the main ore mined for iron so you can see how it plays into medieval culture.

Hybrid Animal: There are real and not fantasy creatures. Though unlike distantly related creatures like lions and eagles can't be cross-bred, animals more closely related can. Check out some of these like this Zebroid. (Zebra crossed with any other equine)

Tomorrow is Sunday and that means no posting on for the A to Z Challenge. You can use the day to catch up and visit more blogs or just take a break. 

"Take rest: a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." Ovid

Do you every wear hematite or know someone who does? Ever see a hybrid animal in person? I've seen some beefalo before. Are you taking tomorrow off? 




28 comments:

Tasha Duncan-Drake said...

I love hematite - I used to wear some, but not lately. I don't remember every seeing a hybrid up close. I am trying to catch up today so that I can take tomorrow off :)
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

Rajlakshmi said...

I have never seen an hybrid animal. A Zebroid sounds like an interesting animal.

Visiting from A to Z Challenge
Co-host Pam's Unconventional Alliance Team
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller

nashvillecats2 said...

What a lovely creature that Zebra cross is.
Great post Heather,
Enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Looks like the zebra part is still the most dominate.
Enjoy the day off!

KatyTrailCreations said...

Had a neighbor with a wolf/some other dog mix. Seemed like it was always in a kennel behind their house.
Happy Saturday to you!
Stephanie Finnell from
@Randallbychance
Katy Trail Creations
Stephanies Stuff

Luanne G. Smith said...

Didn't know zebras could be crossbred with other horses. What a strange but beautiful outcome. Enjoy your rest day during the A to Z!

M.J. Fifield said...

I've never seen a hybrid animal in person, just in pictures. The Zebroid is pretty!

Unknown said...

Hello, fellow wordsmith! I'm so glad I found you - we're doing something (kinda sorta) similar on the A to Z Challenge.

Zebroid? That's a new one to me! :)

Julie Valerie - A to Z Challenge
Menu of Ways to Be Happy
http://www.julievalerie.com/thesaurus-tyrannosaurus-h/

Pat Hatt said...

I've seen a few hybrids before, the cat is one after all, just not funny looking haha

Nicola said...

A dear friend of mine bought me a hematite necklace to promote good health. I'll be making use of tomorrow's day off to recharge for next week :)

cleemckenzie said...

I've seen Ligers (hybrid lion/tiger) in pictures, but they weren't very attractive. They didn't seem to "fit" anywhere. That could just be my narrow view showing up here, but I felt sorry for them.

Helen Hollick said...

enjoyed this - thanks for sharing!
from @HelenHollick
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betty said...

I think I might take tomorrow off :) At least a bit of it :)

Can't remember if I have seen a hybrid animal; bet I see one soon though. Its like you hear a word you never heard and then you hear that word again within days :)

betty

Sarah Foster said...

Those hybrid animals were really interesting! I've seen Savannah cats on TV shows before. They have a crazy amount of energy--a lot like their wild ancestors!

Ann Bennett said...

I'm not keen on hybrid animals. But I do love a mule. They are beautiful animals in my opinion.

Unknown said...

I'm a big fan of Hematite--I have earrings that are just gorgeous. Here in Gloucester we have a huge pack of Coywolves--hybrid coyote-wolves. They are just gorgeous but scary.

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J E Oneil said...

Hirudinoid is a really cool name for a bloodsucker. And I think I've seen a mule, although I'd really like to see some beefalo (best hybrid name ever).

Anonymous said...

That's interesting that Hematite is called bloodstone since it's so black. I remember a few years ago it was all the rage at craft shows. A lot of jewelry makers had it in their jewelry.

~Ninja Minion Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

Robin said...

I know some people who act like hirudinoids. They tend to give those around them hemorrhoids. Funny how that works.

Jo said...

What an odd looking animal. Not familiar with Hematite. I wear amethyst a lot for good health. Did you notice the typo on your heading today?

Elizabeth said...

I own some hematite jewelry. Hybrid animals are so strange looking, I like the liger, jaglion, and zonkey :)

Patrick Stahl said...

I don't think so. I believe so. Probably (though I should write Monday's post and schedule it).

Anonymous said...

This is very interesting! I am so glad I found you! I am learning so much.

http://ffmamas.wordpress.com

messymimi said...

While i haven't seen zebra hybrids before, i've seen ligers, which are a cross of lion and tiger.

i b arora said...

interesting

mshatch said...

I'm not sure hybrids are a good idea. It reminds me of Prometheus when David (the android) asks Charlie why his people (humans) create him. Charlie's answer was, 'Because they could.'

Joanne said...

interesting mix of H words. Very good

Unknown said...

I didn't read the fine print and wondered how I got one letter ahead last week, not realizing Sundays are free days in the challenge. Since I've been working from home/writing, I've lost all familiarity with the concept of a 'day off'. I need to work ahead when I can - April is gonna get crazy for me, starting about now.