Sometimes, you just need a little nudge of a word. A hint of goodness. A glint of sunlight on the ordinary. Today is the perfect day for you to write about philocaly.

philocaly: English noun (n)

The love of beauty. A love of beautiful things.

Pronounced:

fuh-LOCK-uh-lee

Philocaly is an obselete and rare word, which of course, is one of the reasons I love it. It’s based on two Greek words: philos (the love of) and kalos (beauty).

And it’s a word you need to write about.

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Charles van den Eycken painted the adorable painting, Pleasant Anticipation, in 1883. Somehow, in my heart of hearts, I know Charles and I would have gotten along like a house on fire.

I think he was a philocalist like me.

Look at how he portrays this sweet little dog who waits for permission to eat leftover bread. The dog stares intensely at us, but it’s a ruse, as we know his mind and nose are focused on the tantalizing baguette.

I’m pretty sure I look like this when someone brings homemade lemon pie to my house.

Because there’s beauty even in anticipation.

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I guarantee if I followed you around for a day, I’d witness your version of philocaly.

How you noticed the Van Gogh sunrise as you drove to work. Or how you smiled when you saw your dog’s feet twitching as he dreamed of chasing a ball. Or perhaps how you felt at the sight of the delicious, teetering pile of books you just picked up from the library.

Recently my friend Sue sent me a text:

“Kim, I am thinking of you because I just left the library with a bag full of books, and whenever I have a bag full of books, I always feel rich and happy, and that made me think of you…the books part or maybe the rich and happy part!”

See what I mean? Philocaly can sneak up on you even in the tiniest of moments.

Now It’s Your Turn To Write

You don’t have to look far for philocaly. Observe the past 24-hours of your life.

Did philocaly reveal itself in a big way? Or was it tucked into something small? Once you start paying attention…you won’t be able to stop your pen. Write about philocaly and how and where it lives in your life.

Charles van den Eycken would tell you beauty always lies in the nudges!

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