Several years ago I read a book about homesteading in Montana in the 1920s. At first, I had trouble getting into the language but then found it intriguing. References to word origin from the Latin really grabbed me, and I was surprised to find how much I remembered from Latin classes so long ago.

Latin has served me as a professional writer better than I would have imagined when I was struggling through it in high school and later in college. As I read the book, I started to write down related words that intrigued me, hoping to discover a column idea at the root of this exercise. The words “fate” and “destiny” stood out, perhaps because I have an interest in where people live and choices we make. Are we fated or destined to be where we are?

Leslie Linsley has written more than 50 books on crafts, decorating and home style. She is the author of the newly released “Key West Cottages & Gardens” (Pineapple Press). Her email address is leslie@leslielinsley.com.

Tags

Recommended for you