Saturday, April 23, 2016

T: 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.

Thaumaturge: A performer of miracles.

Thyme is well-known as a seasoning but some herbal healers think it can treat coughs and headaches.

Tectonic Plates. Do you feel the movement as the land beneath your feet slides around? This is another science subject that can suck you into hours of interesting study. The plates move and cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. I live on the North America Plate which is pretty big but some of the plates are very small. Check the map to see where you live and go to this link to learn more about this very interesting subject.


What plate do you live on? Have you had thyme and what did you have it in? How many different tectonic plates have you stepped upon?

And today, April 23rd, is believed to be the birthday of William Shakespeare though it isn't known for certain.

"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
"We know what we are, but know not what we may be."
"Brevity is the soul of wit."

William Shakespeare




24 comments:

Heather R. Holden said...

Never knew thyme has been thought to help ease headaches and coughs. Interesting!

nashvillecats2 said...

The first and third words I've not hear before,most interesting to read.
Enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.

Pat Hatt said...

Knew that about Thyme, never had it though. Same plate as you, only one I've been on.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

And you can see why there are so many earthquakes in California.

M.J. Fifield said...

I know a few folk songs that talk about thyme. And thaumaturge is another cool word!

Nicola said...

Great T words. I love cooking with thyme! Wasn't sure about its healing properties but I do grow a lot of lavender for its healing properties.
Haven't experienced any quakes. It must be terrifying.

betty said...

Hubby uses a lot of thyme in cooking (and always makes some type of joke with time and thyme as he is cooking)

I think we were on the Pacific plate when we were in California; did experience an earthquake or two out there.

betty

Robin said...

I haven't tried thyme for headaches (aka my migraines), but I will add it to the list. Thanks!

cleemckenzie said...

Thaumaturge is the only one you stumped me with. Thyme is one of my favorite herbs and I grow it so I have it fresh. As to those plates, I can see the San Andreas fault from my window. I have a very up close and personal relationship with the tectonic plates sliding along the Pacific Coast. :-)

Anonymous said...

Blog hopping from North Carolina during the #Challenge. I decided to start with bloggers WAY dow the list figuring they wouldn’t get as many visits. I can see I have been missing some fun. Inviting you to TEA today-part of my theme of hotels and inns this year. Hope you have time and interest.

Michelle Wallace said...

Thaumaturge is a new word for me. So it's a fancy shmancy word for magician?
Thyme is a wonderful seasoning...especially in gravy and stew. Now I'm thinking of the Simon & Garfunkel folk song parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. We learned it in grade 8...that was eons ago. LOL
Writer In Transit

Unknown said...

I use the phrase tectonic plates a lot when I am writing--it comes in handy. And I love the taste of thyme.

@Kathleen01930
Meet My Imaginary Friends
#AtoZchallenge

Sarah Foster said...

I'm sure I've had thyme before but I don't know if I've actually cooked with it yet!

J E Oneil said...

I think I've seen a version of thaumaturge before, although I have no idea where. And it's interesting to see a map of the tectonic plates. You can see the ones that caused such devastation in Ecuador.

Jo said...

Thaumaturge is also used for magical practice too. I use thyme all the time and yes, I agree, tectonic plates are fascinating especially the results of mountains and gorges created by their pushing into one another. Mount Everest and the range it belongs to is still being formed by the movement of tectonic plates.

Nilanjana Bose said...

I don't think I can pronounce thaumaturge correctly. Totally didn't know that. Thyme and tectonic, yep. Though have no clue which plate I am on, are islands part of plates? I guess the link has the answer..

Elizabeth said...

I did study tectonic plates a little when I was in college, very interesting subject. Thyme is tasty with chicken.

messymimi said...

We, i believe, are on the Caribbean Plate. Thyme is one spice i haven't used often.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

I'm on the North American with you! We use thyme in dressings. I only know of one Thaumaturge.
Revisit the Tender Years with me during the #AtoZChallenge at Life & Faith in Caneyhead!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - didn't know about Thaumaturge .. but a thyme lawn is another option ... while Tectonic Plates are fascinating to read - just hope I'm not near one when it decides to move ...

Cheers Hilary

The Happy Whisk said...

Love to use thyme in all different things.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Must have been fun doing your theme this month. You've chosen some very interesting labels.

C R Ward said...

I'm familiar with Thaumaturge in the magical sense, and I've used thyme in chicken recipes. The tectonic plate map is really cool! I'm glad I don't live anywhere near where two or more of them join up.
Carol at My Writing Journal

Tasha Duncan-Drake said...

I live on the Eurasian plate :) I love Thyme I used it and some lemon and garlic just last week when roasting a chicken. I think I've only ever visited two tectonic plates.
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)