It’s One Word Sunday once again, and this week, Debbie’s word is ‘Baleful’. A word I hardly (if ever) use… in fact I had to look up the meaning of it! Full of menacing or malign influences; pernicious. I had to look up pernicious as well: having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. Eek, I thought. Menacing? On this blog?? (OK, yes, I know that I do post menacing posts around Hallowe’en, AND Hallowe’en crops up more often than usual around here, but it isn’t Hallowe’en time at the moment. Not yet, anyway!)
So, I looked further.
There’s an obsolete meaning to the word: wretched or miserable. That’s better, I thought. Isn’t it odd how ‘miserable’ is an improvement?!
I found these rather sorry-looking ivy leaves, which I think could be classified as baleful… in a wretched, or miserable way.
Even though they are quite icky looking, I still like the colours on them. Well, they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and they did speak to me when I saw them, so they deserved a quick photograph or two.
And looking at this leaf this way, it doesn’t really look half as bad…
Visit Debbie’s site to see more interpretations on this week’s theme.
The Mansionic Perspective 
My first thought ,way back at the beginning, was oh…but look at the colors..
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It was the colours that made me notice the leaves, Beverly. I do like colour, it must be said!
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I like the obscure meaning so much more. Despite their balefulness, the colours on the leaf are quite beautiful shadowing the end of this little leaf’s sojourn on earth.
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So true, Raili. At least I’ve captured them in a photo or two!
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🙂
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It amuses me how the English language is pulled out of shape and meanings revamped, distorted or forgotten…😸💕🍃🍂🍁
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And, Samantha, it seems to just ‘happen’… very strange. Who decides on the new meanings??? 😉
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I remember my father’s Baleful gaze… 🙂
Good one Tom!!! 🙂
Happy Easter!!! 🙂
Prenin.
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Ooh. Ah…
Thanks, Prenin.
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Interesting words, Tom. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks, Eugenia – my pleasure!
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I’m glad you found the archaic meaning, Tom. Lovely images too
That was what I had planned initially, but thought it might add confusion when I was setting the challenge.
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You went with the modern version, Debbie, which summed up the word perfectly, I found. I just stumbled across my leaves…
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“Baleful” – I like that word. It makes me think of a cat when you when you’ve accidentally dripped something wet on its fur. That slitty-eyed look they give you is truly baleful! 🙂 I think the ivy leaves are quite pretty, though.
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Yes – I know that cat’s look quite well, Diane! Once, when I was little a cat called around to visit, so my brother and I decided to give it a ‘bath’ in the sink. Legs and claws were everywhere… and that baleful look will never leave!
And yes, I’m glad they caught my eye (the leaves) – it’ as though they are ‘screaming’ to be looked at!
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There is a ‘baleful’ energy moving in my life right now…funny I should come upon this post at this moment!
😉
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Strange things happen for a reason, Lorrie. Perhaps there’s some kind of sign or message on its way through to you?
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Oh…I’m certain of that, Tom 😁
Thanks…hope you have a great weekend!
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You too, Lorrie – have a good one! 🙂
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