Word of the Day: Onomatopoeia

Okay, I am in Houston TX and the weather here is awesome!  Yes, you heard me, it is beautiful and warm.  No rain, snow, wind, or sleet to be seen anywhere.  I am so loving every moment of it.  I have a very busy day today and I need to make sure that all of you have your daily blog dose of me before I have to rush off. So, onward we move.

Today’s word of the day comes to us from Mr. Dave Hodgson of Sioux Falls, SD.  He has chosen the word onomatopoeia.  I have to say Dave, that is a great word!  You had me stumped with this one.  It is not a word that I have ever used or even heard of before.  Don’t you just love to learn something new every day?  Thanks to Dave ,I now have the ability to give the definition of the word onomatopoeia and actually understand what it means when I say it.  That is just totally awesome.  So again, thanks for the submission and I am pleased to say that you have been entered into the drawing for the Kindle e-reader valued at $150, so keep up the great work people and make sure that you submit more words to have a greater chance to win.

We get our definition from our online source at www.dictionary.reference.com

on·o·mat·o·poe·ia   

[on-uh-mat-uh-pee-uh, ‐mah-tuh‐]  Show IPA

–noun

1. The formation of a word, as cuckoo or boom, by imitation of a sound made by or associated with its referent.

2. A word so formed.

3. Rhetoric. The use of imitative and naturally suggestive words for rhetorical effect.dictionary.reference.com

Okay, now how cool is that?  I wonder, did any of you out there really know what this word meant before you read it here?  Let me know just how smart you are and let’s chat.  I would love to hear your response.  Just post here at the blog or you can join us on the Facebook page of Prime Immortal fans.

That is it for today everyone.  Hope you have a wonderful day and look forward to seeing you online… Until next time, remember to Read On!!!

HR Phillips

Word of the Day: Photosynthesis

Good morning to all of my cyber fans out there!  I hope that you had a wonderful mid-week Wednesday.  I sure did…  It’s very early on Thursday morning and I am headed to the airport as soon as I finish this blog.  I will be flying off to Houston, TX this weekend working with several wonderful people on managing their pain with the laser; not to mention maybe getting a little more sun and warmth than what is here in South Dakota.  Yeah for me!!!  

So, I better get going with the word of the day so that I can make it to my airplane on time. Today’s word comes to us from Jonine Payne in the beautiful island state of Hawaii.  I am so jealous of you right now, Jonine.  I wish I were there soaking up the rays.  Anyhow, back to business.  Jonine has chosen the word photosynthesis.

Our definition comes to us from our online source at www.thefreedictionary.com

pho·to·syn·the·sis  (ft-snth-ss)

n.

The process in green plants and certain other organisms by which carbohydrates are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water using light as an energy source. Most forms of photosynthesis release oxygen as a byproduct.

Well, I am sure that you are all remembering back to junior high science class and thinking to yourselves, okay, I get it.  Or maybe it’s just me.  I love it when I get a word that takes me back in time…  Anyhow, thank you Jonine for the submission and I would love to have another so don’t forget to submit again.  

As for the rest of you out in cyber space who have not made a submission, you should do so now.  It only takes a second to come up with a great word and be entered into the drawing for the e-book in September.  You have to play if you want to win.

Good luck to those of you who have already entered and make sure to enter again and double your chances.  That is all I have for now, so until next time, remember to Read On!!!

HR Phillips

Word of the Day: Exasperate

Good day to you wonderful people out in cyber space.  It is a glorious Wednesday morning and I am happy to say the middle of the week, making it just that much closer to the weekend.  I have a big trip planned for this weekend.  I will be in Houston, TX for a personal proof workshop and, of course, a little bit of recon for the book, which is always fun…

So let’s get busy with our word of the day… Today’s word comes to us from the inspirational, fun-loving Susie Payne Costello. She has chosen the word exasperated.

Our definition comes to us from our online source at www.merriam-webster.com

Exasperated

ex·as·per·at·ed   ex·as·per·at·ing

transitive verb

1 a : to excite the anger of : enrage

    b : to cause irritation or annoyance to

2 obsolete : to make more grievous : aggravate

— ex·as·per·at·ed·ly adverb

— ex·as·per·at·ing·ly adverb

 See exasperate defined for English-language learners »

Examples of EXASPERATE

The criticism of his latest movie is sure to exasperate his admirers.

We were exasperated by the delays.

Well, I am sure that we have all been there before… I have four young children and can say that I have been exasperated on several occasions.  They are bad kids, in fact they are just the opposite.  I am blessed with very good children.  Yet they are children and can be exasperating. Chat back at me and tell me what exasperates you.  Maybe you are exasperated about the fact that Dark Day’s is not out yet and you want to know how soon you can get your hands on it…

Well curb that excitement for now and find a way to cope with your exasperation, because it is not quite ready…

That’s all for now folks.  Remember, until we meet again to Read On!!!  

HR Phillips

Word for the Day: Live

Good morning everyone!  Well, it is a beautiful Tuesday morning and the sun seems to want to shine all day.  Thank goodness for that.  Not that I am complaining about our freezing cold winter.  I do, after all, live in South Dakota, and I choose to stay here.  Crazy, I know… but I really enjoy the winter for the most part.  Yet, when it extends into several months of bone chilling cold and wind, it gets old really fast.  I begin wishing for Spring and can feel when its fever is upon me.  Who wouldn’t have spring fever, after being locked up in a house for three months or more of cold, wind, rain, sleet and snow?  I know what you’re thinking, she is whining again; but really I’m not, it’s just a matter of time now.  Maybe I am a little impatient, but I can take it.  After all, the wait is almost over and the beauty of Spring is just around the corner.  I can’t wait to get outside, just to smell the fresh air and do a little putzing around the garden.  So I am thankful that the sun is shining and that we are almost to that beautiful season of Spring.

Well, enough about the weather.  Let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of this blog.  Today’s word of the day comes to us from the always beautiful Suzane J of New Underwood, SD.  She has chosen the word Live.  Another great word and for some reason it seems to fit with today’s atmosphere.

Our definition comes from our online source at www.thefreedictionary.com

live ¹  (lv) v. lived, liv·ing, lives

v.intr.

1. To be alive; exist.

2. To continue to be alive: lived through a bad accident.

3. To support oneself; subsist: living on rice and fish; lives on a small inheritance.

4. To reside; dwell: lives on a farm.

5. To conduct one's life in a particular manner: lived frugally.

6. To pursue a positive, satisfying existence; enjoy life: those who truly live.

7. To remain in human memory: an event that lives on in our minds.

v.tr.

1. To spend or pass (one's life).

2. To go through; experience: lived a nightmare.

3. To practice in one's life: live one's beliefs.

Well, I am pretty sure that if you are reading this blog then you have read the book Immortal Lost.  If you haven’t, you better get a copy and indulge yourself.  In the book both Alessar and Gelmir want to save the life of Dylan, not to mention several supporting characters such as Mack and Mrs. T.  Yet it is in the second book, Dark Days, when we discover how important it is to live life to the fullest, because you never know when the darkness may come and evil could strike.  Check us out on Facebook and become a fan of the Prime Immortal.

Until next time… Read On!!!

HR Phillips

Word of the Day: Inspire

Hello, Hello, Hello…  What a great weekend.  I hope everyone out there reading this blog enjoyed their weekend as much as I did.  I worked on Saturday with my troops moving into the new offices, but the rest of the weekend was spent with my family for the Easter holiday.  First was a very lovely Sunday service where my daughter, Ella, received her very first “big girl bible.”  That is what she called it, because it had her name inscribed on the cover.  That was followed by a great lunch at my mother’s home with family and friends.  It was a great weekend to just enjoy life.  Well I sound a little sentimental, don’t I?  I guess that is what happens when you get lucky like me.  Anyhow, let’s get down to business.

Today’s word of the day comes to us from Kathy Hilmer of New Underwood, SD.  She has chosen the word inspire.  Okay, I just have to say it.  The past couple of weeks the karma that is going around with this blog is awesome.  I cannot believe how many of the word submissions have fallen on a specific day that made total sense to me in every way.  For instance this weekend was inspirational for me.  I believe that last week we had the word triumph for Friday’s word of the day.  And so it goes.  I really believe in the energy that we put out there.  So remember to pay it forward people, and try inspiring someone to send us a new word of the day for a later submission. Thanks to Kathy for her choice of words.

So, moving on to our definition. It comes to us from the online source at www.thefreedictionary.com

in·spire  (n-spr) v. in·spired, in·spir·ing, in·spires

v.tr.

1. To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.

2. To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: hymns that inspire the congregation; an artist who was inspired by Impressionism.

3.

a. To stimulate to action; motivate: a sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus.

b. To affect or touch: The falling leaves inspired her with sadness.

4. To draw forth; elicit or arouse: a teacher who inspired admiration and respect.

5. To be the cause or source of; bring about: an invention that inspired many imitations.

6. To draw in (air) by inhaling.

7. Archaic

a. To breathe on.

b. To breathe life into.

v.intr.

1. To stimulate energies, ideals, or reverence: a leader who inspires by example.

2. To inhale.

There you have it, folks.  Inspire is a great word that has a wonderful meaning.  Let me know what inspires you by chatting with me here or on the fan page for Prime Immortals. That is all for now.

Until next time Read On!!!

HR Phillips

Word of the Day: Triumph

The end of the week is here.  Good Friday leads us into a beautiful and wondrous holiday to celebrate this weekend.  Easter is upon us and I am looking forward to watching as my beautiful daughter receives her bible at church this Sunday.  Ella is so excited that she can’t stop talking about it.  I am so very proud of her.  What a spectacular family I have. I am blessed with great children and loving siblings. Every day that I am allowed to be a part of this world is a blessing and I hope that all of you out there in cyber space feel the same.

So let us get started with our word of the day.  Today’s word was submitted to us from Mary of Spearfish, SD and I have to say that it is a very appropriate word to end our week.  She has chosen the word Triumph.

I really love this word.  I may not be used in everyday language, but it is definitely one that we should consider adding more often.

We get our definition from our online source at www.yourdictionary.com

triumph tri·umph (trī′əmf)noun

1.     In ancient Rome, a procession celebrating the return of a victorious general and his army

2.     The act or fact of being victorious; victory; success; achievement

3.     Exultation or joy over a victory, achievement, etc.

4.     Obsolete any public spectacle or celebration

Intransitive verb

1.     To gain victory or success; win mastery

2.     To rejoice or exult over victory, achievement, etc.

3.     To celebrate a Roman triumph

tri·umph (trīˈəmf)

intransitive verb tri·umphed, tri·umph·ing, tri·umphs

1.     To be victorious or successful; win.

2.     To rejoice over a success or victory; exult.

3.     To receive honors upon return from a victory in ancient Rome. Used of a general.

noun

1.     The fact of being victorious; victory or conquest. See Synonyms at victory.

2.     A noteworthy or spectacular success.

3.     Exultation or rejoicing over victory or success.

4.     A public celebration in ancient Rome to welcome a returning victorious commander and his army.

5.     Obsolete a public celebration or spectacular pageant.

Okay, so this is a larger definition than most, but I really believe that it is necessary in order to understand the word completely.  In my opinion, I like the word triumphant.  While it is just another variation of Triumph, it leads the reader to believe that they were positively successful in their quest, whatever that may have been. Great word and really would like to hear it more often.

That is all for now join me next week for the continuation of words of the day.  Until Monday, remember Read On!!!

HR Phillips

Word of the Day: Adventure

Hello everyone out there in cyber space.  I have big news.  The office where I work my full-time job is moving.  Yes people, I have a full-time job, twice if not three times over.  I am a certified laser consultant and educator, as well as author and mother of four beautiful children.  Plus I travel almost two to three times a month.  Wow, I am crazy busy and really don’t need the moving of the offices this week.  Oh well, just need to take it all in stride.  I can do it!  Just need to buckle down and get it done.  Looks like it is going to be a very long weekend.

With that being said, let us get straight to the word of the day.  Today’s word comes to us from Carol in Pierre, SD.  Thank you, Carol, for your submission.  Her choice for word of the day was Adventure.

We get our definition from the online source at www.merriam-webster.com

ad·ven·ture

noun \əd-ˈven-chər\

1 a: an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks

b : the encountering of risks <the spirit of adventure>

2: an exciting or remarkable experience <an adventure in exotic dining>

3: an enterprise involving financial risk

Great word…  Who doesn’t love a good adventure?  When I started writing full-time again it was because I needed an outlet for my pain and stress after the accident.  I never knew the adventure that I would be on over five years later.  Becoming a published author and meeting such interesting people over the span of the last year has been exactly that, an adventure.  Thank you for your submission of the word Carol and don’t forget to submit again.

That is all I have for now. Until we meet again remember to keep with the program and Read On!

All my best.

 HR Phillips

Word of the Day: Production

What a beautiful day it is today… The sun is shining and the birds are singing and Spring is in the air.  I think that I could almost break out in song right now…  Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration.  I really can’t sing or even hum a good tune.  So, breaking out in song may not be all that it is cracked up to be.  I could scare away the birds outside and any other small creatures traveling by.  Guess I will just have to settle for Mother Nature serenading me.

As for the word of the day, it is coming straight from Kurt Wolken who is sitting in his office and getting ready to have lunch.  Which by the way, his office is his pickup.  He is always too busy to have a real office with four walls.  I guess that’s what happens when you’re in the construction and dirt moving industry.  Whatever works… is what you go with.  Thank you, Kurt, for the call and for the submission of our word of the day, production.

The definition comes to us from our online source at www.thefreedictionary.com

pro·duc·tion  (pr-dkshn, pr-)

n.

1.

a. The act or process of producing: timber used for the production of lumber and paper.

b. The fact or process of being produced: a movie going into production.

2. The creation of value or wealth by producing goods and services.

3. The total output, as of a commodity: increased production at the plant.

4. Something produced; a product: "Of all the productions of land, milk is perhaps the most perishable" (Adam Smith).

5.

a. A work of art or literature.

b. A work produced for the stage, screen, television, or radio.

c. A staging or presentation of a theatrical work: a new Broadway production of a musical.

6. A situation or display that is exaggerated or unduly complicated: made a production out of the birthday party.

Well, there you have it.  Production has several definitions, not unlike most of the English language.  It is not a very sexy word, but I like what it has to offer.  Not only can you produce a product but you can also have a work of art or literature.  Now that is more like it, at least for me. That is all for now.  Until next time my good friends and readers, remember to always Read On!!!  

HR Phillips

Word of the Day: Persistence

Hello to all of my wonderful readers. Well, it is day number two at home after the big trip to New York City and the National Publicity Summit. I can honestly say that I am still tired from all the exhilaration the event created. For those of you who know me well, it will probably be a shock to you when I say that it was almost too much.

Meeting the producers of so many prime time TV shows and learning all about the advertising world was a lot to take in within just four days. I know that some of you think that I can do just about anything (hee hee). That is if I set my stubborn mind to it, then you are probably right.

However, I am looking forward to just slowing down a little this week and enjoying the little things like my children and snuggling under a warm blanket with my daughter, Ella, while she watches Scooby Doo on TV. I am sure that you have all been in a situation where you need a little down time; I am looking forward to that this week.

So, now that I have done my whining (and some of you are asking what kind of cheese do I want with that!) I have to smile and move on.  I love it when I can crack myself up and laugh at the silly business that I make of my life.  Isn’t that what makes life fun… the laughter we find in ourselves, even if not everyone gets our particular sense of humor?

There I go again… Let’s get down to business before I get side tracked once again.  Today’s word of the day comes to us from Darlene Stampe of Pierre SD.  She has chosen the word persistence.  Great word, Darlene.  I believe that I use this word in my everyday life on a regular basis…

Our definition comes from our online source at www.thefreedictionary.com

per·sis·tence  (pr-sstns, -zs-) n. 1. The act of persisting. 2. The state or quality of being persistent; persistency. 3. Continuance of an effect after the cause is removed: persistence of vision.

persistence [pəˈsɪstəns], persistency

n

1. the quality of persisting; tenacity

2. the act of persisting; continued effort or existence

3. the continuance of an effect after the cause of it has stopped persistence of vision

Okay, so as you can probably see there were two listing for the definition of the word persistence. I copied and pasted them exactly as I found them on the website.  I have to say that I prefer the second version with the word tenacity.  I have always thought that word was a great word to describe myself.  In the book “Immortal Lost,” the Chosen are persistent in their battle against the Favored and Dylan Black has the tenacity of a soldier in the second book, “Dark Days”, which is coming soon…

Well, that is all I have for today.  Until we chat again. Read On!

H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Idiom

It’s Monday morning and the skies are clear.  What a great day to start the week.  I am happy to announce that my trip was a huge success and I am ready to kick off the new week with a bang. So, for those of you who know me personally, you know I celebrated my birthday yesterday.  And no, I am not telling my age.  Let’s just say that I am still climbing the hill and don’t foresee the top getting here too soon.  That’s my story people and I am sticking to it.  I just wanted to say thank you for all the birthday wishes and blessings that I received this year.  It has been a wonderful 2011 so far.

Let’s move on to the word of the day.  Today’s word of the day is coming from Joyce D in Phoenix, AZ.  She has submitted the word idiom.

Our definition comes from our online source at www.thefreedictionary.com

id·i·om  (d-m)

n.

1. A speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements, as in keep tabs on.

2. The specific grammatical, syntactic, and structural character of a given language.

3. Regional speech or dialect.

4.

a. A specialized vocabulary used by a group of people; jargon: legal idiom.

b. A style or manner of expression peculiar to a given people: "Also important is the uneasiness I've always felt at cutting myself off from my idiom, the American habits of speech and jest and reaction, all of them entirely different from the local variety" (S.J. Perelman).

5. A style of artistic expression characteristic of a particular individual, school, period, or medium: the idiom of the French impressionists; the punk rock idiom.

Great word, Joyce!  I am sure that we have all heard idioms.  In fact, I would be surprised if you hadn’t.  It is words like this that make the English language interesting and entertaining. Remember to submit your word of the day to be entered in a chance to win an e-book valued at $150.  Just go online and submit your word on Facebook or here at the blog.  You can email me as well, if you would prefer.  

That is all for now.  Until next time… Read On!!!

H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Accounterment

Good morning to all of you wonderful readers. The weekend is almost here and I only have one more day left in New York before heading home. It is time to have a little bit of fun in the big apple. I have worked hard all week and I’m excited about going out to dinner this evening and having a great Italian meal.  If you’ve never been to New York then I suggest that you head this way for a little bit of culture, entertainment and great food.

I really have missed being on the east coast. I used to live in Washington DC many years ago. I moved back to the Midwest plains of South Dakota to raise my family.  So it is always a treat for me to visit my old friends and take in the incredible sights, sounds and smells of the city when given the chance. So if opportunity knocks for you take a chance and have a little fun in the city.

Today’s word of the day was submitted by Hailey G. She would like to know the definition of the word accouterment.

ac·cou·ter·ment or ac·cou·tre·ment  (-ktr-mnt, -tr-)

n.

1. An accessory item of equipment or dress. Often used in the plural.

2. Military equipment other than uniforms and weapons. Often used in the plural.

3. accouterments or accoutrements Outward forms of recognition; trappings: cathedral ceilings, heated swimming pools, and other accoutrements signaling great wealth.

4. Archaic The act of accoutering.

Great word Hailey! Where I live in South Dakota we have an airbase very close to my hometown. Ellsworth Air force Base to be precise. Several military personnel are seen on a regular basis and they most definitely have accouterments to their dress.

I don’t believe that I can use this word in my writings but you never know. I may just surprise you and do just that. That is all I have for now have a great weekend and remember to post your thoughts.

All my best until next time… Read On!!!

H.R.Phillips

Word of the Day: Stupendous

Hello once again to all of you wonderful readers out there in cyber space.  I hope your week has been going well.  I have been enjoying a great week in New York.  It has been very exciting networking with new and interesting people.  The hopes of bringing back good news for the Prime Immortal staff seem to be growing.  This trip has been completely amazing with the expert information from producers and publishers as well at the help I am receiving from the outstanding staff at the summit.  I couldn’t be happier.   I do hope that happiness spreads and you will have enjoyed your week as much as I have enjoyed mine.  

But let’s get down to the business of the blog with today’s word of the day.  Today’s word comes from Bonnie B of SD.  She has chosen the word stupendous.

Our definition comes from the online source at www.merriam-webster.com

stu·pen·dous

adj \stu̇-ˈpen-dəs, styu̇-\

1 : causing astonishment or wonder : awesome, marvelous

2 : of amazing size or greatness : tremendous

— stu·pen·dous·ly adverb

— stu·pen·dous·ness noun

I may not use the word in my writing due to the fact that there are words I deem more amazing, tremendous and awesome, but it is a good word.  Maybe, just maybe, I have changed my mind on this word.  Most of the characters in the Prime Immortal series are amazing and cause astonishment with their immortal gifts.  I think that stupendous may just be a word you will see in one of the next books.  Thank you, Bonnie B, for your submission of the word.

Well, that is all my good friends.  Remember to check out what’s new on the website (www.primeimmortals.com) and don’t forget to enter one or all of the contests for your chance to win some spectacular prizes.  

Until next time… Read On!!!

H.R. Phillips

Word for the Day: Obsessive

Hello, Hello, Hello!!!  I wonder, has anyone ever noticed my love of repetition?  I tend to do things in sets of the three.  Some would say that it sounds like I have a little problem with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).  I think that is just silly, silly, silly… I am way too funny. Or so I think.

Okay, enough chit chat; let’s get down to business.  I am, of course, writing this blog in advance because right at this moment I am in New York visiting with publishing agents and producers for shows such as Regis and Kelly and Good Morning America.  Wow, that sounds pretty impressive, doesn’t it?  Hopefully I will make some good connections and new friends.

So today’s word of the day is coming directly from me. Obsessive is my choice for the word of the day.

Our definition comes from our online source at www.thefreedictionary.com

ob·ses·sive  (b-ssv, b-)

adj.

1. Of, relating to, characteristic of, or causing an obsession: obsessive gambling.

2. Excessive in degree or nature: an obsessive need to win.

So there you have it folks.  Excessive in degree or nature.  Well, maybe I am a little obsessive.  I think at some point in time we all can be.

That is all for today.  Remember to log onto the http://www.primeimmortals.com/ webpage and check out what’s happening with the series and the contests that we are having.  Make sure you tell me your thoughts and keep up with the newsletter.

Until next time… Read On!!!

H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Attitude

Hello again, I am writing this blog in advance because as you all know I am probably sitting on a plane right now, winging my way towards New York City.  I will be out of the office for the entire week, but I wanted to make sure that I posted the blogs for you all to read.

Today’s word of the day comes from Eli Lord of Rapid City, SD.  Eli has submitted the word attitude.  Now, I know Mr. Lord very well, considering I see him on a regular basis at work.  He is a very nice young man of sixteen years of age and I think he has a great attitude.  But I digress; let us see what the online definition of the word is.

Today’s definition comes from www.thefreedictionary.com

at·ti·tude  (t-td, -tyd)

n.

1. A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself: stood in a graceful attitude. See Synonyms at posture.

2.

a. A state of mind or a feeling; disposition: had a positive attitude about work.

b. An arrogant or hostile state of mind or disposition.

3. The orientation of an aircraft's axes relative to a reference line or plane, such as the horizon.

4. The orientation of a spacecraft relative to its direction of motion.

5. A position similar to an arabesque in which a ballet dancer stands on one leg with the other raised either in front or in back and bent at the knee.

Okay, folks that’s all for today.  Remember the rest of the posts this week will be short and sweet.  We will be back to our normal postings when I return next week.  Please don’t forget to submit your word for the day.  The prize is definitely worth the time it takes to submit the word and enter the contest.  Check out the contests and make sure that you enter to win at www.primeimmortals.com

Until next time… Read On!!!

H.R. Phillips