Sunday, June 14, 2009

Concerning Flouting....

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day today was "flout", meaning

#1. To treat with contemptuous disregard; to scorn.

#2. To indulge in scornful behaviour.

I've never been a Flouter. I've been called names in my life, "'Fraidy Cat" for instance. That one was to goad me into a little flouting; "Goody Two Shoes," to explain to me, as to the particularly dimwitted, as if I didn't know and wish I could change it, that I was too un-daring for my own good; "Pollyanna," by persons exasperated with my persistent belief in the possibility of everyone getting along and peacefully co-existing, on a global as well as a more personal scale. Possible, yes. Probable? Hmmm. I've been called other names, not all of them flattering. These few, however, will suffice for now, but let the record show that no-one ever called me a Flouter.

I do not flout the rules of the road [well maybe a teeny, tiny little bit...]

I do not flout the laws of the land [since I am a registered "Alien" I have to watch my Ps and Qs, otherwise they might send me packing.]

I do not flout the rules of civilized behaviour.

I do not even flout the laws of fashion, erring mostly on the side of conservative dress, and the laws of decency have a loyal follower in me. [Now that I've listed the many ways in which I am a non-flouter, I begin to wonder if I am, perhaps, a candidate for sainthood.......Hmmm.]

All this may be about to change. I am not getting any younger.

"The Bird of Time has but a little way
To fly-and Lo! the Bird is on the Wing."

I'm finding more and more with each passing birthday, that I am less and less inclined to smile when I would really like to growl. I think I feel a serious bout of flouting coming on. I might even go so far as to start wearing purple.

13 comments:

fifi said...

oh, please wear purple!

It was my favourite colour.
Currently having a re-run in te form of a pair of Very Inappropriate Knickers i just had to have when shopping on sunday. Fancy having to grocery shop on a Sunday? I deserved a treat.

And by all means flout as loud as you want.
Tis good.

Pauline said...

go Molly! Flouter, saint - whatever path you choose, do it with the same humor you show in these pages ;) I've been called a Pollyanna too but imagine the world without us!

StitchinByTheLake said...

If we can't flout at this age when can we flout! However, I saw a woman at church (not much younger than me) with a lace blouse on that had a built-in bra which was highly visible through the lace. Don't flout that much, please. blessings,marlene

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Who are you kidding, Molly? I know it as a fact that you flout speeding and no U-turn laws. Do you not remember posting about it? why you are practically a hardened criminal in the tradition of Thelma and Louise.

I challenge you to wear purple and post a picture to prove it! :)

Warty Mammal said...

So if I understand you correctly, you have a touch of floutulence?

Thimbleanna said...

Don't do it Molly! Step away from the purple! (Ok, I'm kidding, I wear purple and it has nothing to do with that silly poem.)

You're so funny -- and you have some very funny commenters too!

(Oh, and I'm pretty sure that you are indeed a saint!)

Stomper Girl said...

Oh I'm all for you wearing the purple Molly! I do think we reach an age where we just think "I'm too old to put up with crap" and start to speak our mind. It can be a bit alarming for the younger generation but they'll be doing it themselves in a few years' time....

Ali Honey said...

What? Molly doesn't wear purple. Meg doesn't like red. Ladies along with black these are the 3 colours I wear most often.
On the other hand I can't wear ( or look awful pale if I do )white or cream or beige. I guess it might depend on ones colouring.
I don't think I'm a flouter either but I don't get pushed around and can be positively stroppy about standing up for other folks rights ( and sometimes my own.)
As I have aged I have learnt to say NO much more easily, when I really don't want to go somewhere or be told what to do or how to behave. I think I have become more honest with age.
I enjoy you the way you are Molly!

riseoutofme said...

Flout and be damned! Purple is a tad overrated,n'cest pas?? Just practising ....

Brooke - Little Miss Moi said...

Dear molly. I'm not a flouter either - too much of a scardey cat!

molly said...

Rise, darlin', are we speaking of French? Or of risque activities with relatives?

molly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
meggie said...

I feel we have earned the right to flout rather a lot, by the time the Bird of Time is past the midday zenith.
Good grief it is morning, but am I making any sense?