3 Ways to Whimsy Your Everyday
Written by Dani Sorrel
Greet All the Earth’s Fair (and Fowl*) Creatures, Even If You Despise Them.
If you live in North America or thereabouts, you are familiar with being seasonally besieged by battalions of Canada Geese, who establish their lodgings in the grassy medians of busy roads, the manmade ponds of Walmart parking lots, and, occasionally, even playgrounds, where they can better harass human children.
Though there may be nothing whimsical about being beset by these hissing, pooping, and pecking creatures, I propose that one must introduce whimsy to them with a polite inclination of the head (you must tip your hat if you wear one) while uttering, “Fine day, is it not Ladies?” as you swiftly avoid taking a goose peck to the knee.
The same experiment may be repeated with other creatures, but success must not be taken for granted, even if the first chipmunk you greet seems rather polite (unlikely). Whimsy is a daily practice, after all.
Sign All Correspondence in an Original Style
In these times, it is commonplace to reach for the first banal sign-off that comes to mind when sending one’s correspondence (emails). Writing is seen as a chore, and we have reduced our communications to a smattering of insipid phrases like, “Just following up on…” or “Wanted to touch base…” or even worse still, “Wanted to close the loop on this…” And the leave-taking words happen to be the most offensive of all – “Cheers,” “Best,” “Thanks.”
Now, do not feel affronted by these concerns I raise. I too employ “Best,” quite recklessly, with no regard for the sensibilities of my correspondent, which are likely in a state of decay while reading my boring missives.
May I suggest more original whimsical phrasing, with which to close your correspondence:
Yours in unceasing dread,
From the throes of madness,
In pursuit of tomfoolery,
Your obedient serpent,
Pondering the orb,
In want of little treats,
In communion with the deities,
My coming was foretold,
NOTE: This author is not responsible for any ill effects that may arise as a result of employing these or similar phrases, especially in your place of employment. I shall, however, ask: Is whimsy not worth the risk (rhetorical)?
BONUS: Another method for incorporating whimsy into your everyday may be as simple as penning actual letters in the physical plane (as opposed to the digital one) and sending them via snail mail to your acquaintances, friends, and enemies.
Accessorize with Intention
Whimsy should not only guide one’s behavior, but one’s physical presence. While it’s popular nowadays to dye one’s hair a multitude of colors, apply sparkly cosmetics, or sport t-shirts with clever phrases printed across them, the type of accessories I suggest keep my frugal readers in mind, as most of these items can be found in the wild, or purchased cheaply from a secondhand store:
A foraged leaf or flower to place in your shirt pocket or tuck behind your ear (do ensure it is not a poisonous, infested with bugs, or prickly)
Something to carry things in that wasn’t originally intended for that purpose. For example, use a book and store your paper items between its pages. Ideal for stashing paper money, receipts, tickets, long and wistful love letters, interesting leaves, and your cat’s whiskers when they fall out. Maybe even a goose feather (not recommended).
A foreign coin or an old quarter that you can use to perform unsolicited magic tricks with on unsuspecting acquaintances, friends, and enemies (results may vary).
A timepiece of some sort, to which you can refer when trying to escape an uncomfortable conversation. It could be a classic wristwatch, a pocket watch, an egg timer you stow in your pocket, or even a hand-drawn clock on your wrist. Simply acknowledge the time piece and shout, “Oh! How the hours flee! I must away,” before making an expeditious retreat.
An impossibly tiny journal as well as a very small pen which you can use to jot down any other whimsical ideas you may have as soon as they arise.
In the end, we must not become mired in the details of cultivating our whimsical appearances. If a vibrantly dyed mane, roll-on glitter, and slyly worded apparel speak to your soul, you must not avoid the calling of your heart’s true whimsy. It is essential to accessorize responsibly – meaning, with items that make you happy.
I hope this humble post has provided inspiration for incorporating whimsy into your everyday life. Remember, at the heart of whimsy is joy (and a bit of romance).
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Bio:
Dani Sorrel writes slow burn love stories with lots of yearning, speaking glances, and awkward main characters. When she’s not writing, she reads cozy mysteries and historic romances and works a corporate job to support her cat’s lifestyle.
