How Do You Spell Eclectic?

February 10, 2018

I spell it E-C-L-E-C-T-I-C.

Eclectic is “deriving ideas, style or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.”

I like that concept. I like having choices, diversity and variety. We’ve all heard that “variety is the spice of life”. That’s one of those maxims we use frequently but take for granted but it is so true.

Life is more fascinating when it changes repeatedly and you have many diverse incidents.

I worked for the Air Force twenty years and then retired. I was a Korean translator so I lived and worked in South Korea for 12 of those 20 years.

The Air Force is one of the largest multi-national work forces in the world and I benefitted greatly from being part of it.

I remember, after I got out of the Air Force, I moved to a small town, to try to rekindle an old flame with my high school sweetheart. It didn’t work out between us but while I was there trying to make it work, I felt a little bit at odds with the town, itself. For a while I couldn’t put my finger on it. I felt something was lacking.

After a while, I figured out what was wrong.

It was mostly white. It lacked diversity. I didn’t feel comfortable there even though I was white. I had grown to appreciate diversity and the interesting and varied experiences that accompany it.

The reason I started thinking about all this is because as I listen to Lizz Wright’s music (she’s my FSFTITTTP: favorite singer forever times infinity to the tenth power) I’m so impressed by her ability to sing any genre equally well and I appreciate and favor the variety and scope of songs she writes, herself, and the covers she does.

I’m glad she can’t be pinned down to just one genre! I’m glad she is so eclectic! 👍👍 (Two thumbs up, Lizz!)

By honoring and appreciating diversity and choice, herself, and displaying it through her art, she is able to connect with and inspire people from all walks of life from all over the world. It’s a kind of diplomatic mission which brings people together.