Welcome back to #inkripples! This month's theme is Dog Day/Things that Bring You Down. Be sure to stop by Kai Strand and Katie Carroll's for their take on the theme.
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Summer has definitely struck here in the last few weeks, with temperatures flirting with the low to mid 90's and high humidity. As one who prefers the temperatures in the low to mid 70'-and the humidity low- these hot, humid days can't leave soon enough.
All my life I've heard of this time of year referred to as "the dog days" of summer. But it wasn't until I was writing for this month's #LQR theme (Dog Days) that I wondered how the expression came to be.
So, I looked it up and learned that when "Orion's Dog" (Sirius, the brightest star in the Canis Major constellation), rose before the sun in ancient times the days were hot and humid. Up through the 19th century, the Dog Days were associated with a time of evil, when seas boiled, wine soured, dogs went mad, and men became sick.
Of course, reading about the origin of the phrase had my mind off and racing with an idea for a regency romance, something I'd never tried writing before. You can read my "Dog Days" excerpt from the story on Saturday on the Lightning Quick Reads Blog. If you get a chance to drop by, I'd love to hear your thoughts about the story.
Now it's your turn. Did you know the origin of the phrase? Do you find it fitting? Share in the comments below!
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Ripples in the Inkwell is a themed meme hosted by Mary Waibel, Katie L. Carroll, and Kai Strand. We post on the second Monday of every month. If you would like to participate compose your own post regarding the theme of the month, include any of the images displayed on this page, and link back to our three blogs. Feel free to post whenever you want during the month, but be sure to include #inkripples when you promote so readers can find you. The idea is that we toss a word or idea into the inkwell and each post is a new ripple. There is no wrong interpretation.
May: Change
June: Summer/Vacation
July: Patriotism
August: Dog days/Things that drag you down
September: Fall/School
October: Fears/Things That Go Bump in the Night
November: Remembrance /Thankfulness
December: Celebration /Gifts
