The word of the day1 for February 27, 2007 is “amazon” — noun 1 capitalized : a member of a race of female warriors of Greek mythology. 2 often capitalized : a tall strong often masculine woman. 3 often capitalized : any of a genus (Amazona) of tropical American parrots typically having green plumage marked with other bright colors.
The question from my son when I told him of my mastectomy was recently echoed by my friend Anne. “Are you an Amazon woman now?” Well, I have had to give up my dream of the Olympic gymnastics gold. However, I get an out when the plotter needs a new (heavy) roll of paper. Sometimes the compensations are worth it.
I sympathize with my sisters for whom breast cancer is a devastating ego blow. Yet, for me, the disease and the operation have never caused me any serious mental or emotional problems. This is partially because my husband has been so supportive. Also, because Mother was so cheerful most of the last year of her life, I have determined that I can be cheerful, knowing that I intend to live. April will be my fifth year after chemotherapy. I intend to get my oncologist and his staff a cookie bouquet to celebrate.
The quote2 for today is from Angela Carter (1940–1992), repr. Penguin. Nights at the Circus, part 3, ch. 10, Chatto & Windus (1984):
Home! Yes! she would see Trafalgar Square, again; and Nelson on his plinth; and Chelsea Bridge as it dissolved into the Thames at twilight ... and St. Paul’s, the single Amazon breast of her beloved native city.
;^) Jan
1 The definition is from either Merriam-Webster Online, 10th Edition or The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition and is used by permission.
2 The quote is from either Bartleby: Great Books on Line or The Quotation Pages and is used by permission.
2 The quote is from either Bartleby: Great Books on Line or The Quotation Pages and is used by permission.
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