May I Suggest ... ?

I've been writing all my life.

When I say that, I'm not joking. I started learning the written alphabet and writing, under my mother's supervision, before I entered kindergarten. No one appreciates a well–turned phrase more than I do, and it's always pleasing when it appears in something I have written.

In fact, there are many satisfying aspects about writing. But there's one really big drawback. For me, anyway.

And that is when I see something that someone else has written and I find myself thinking — if not actually saying — "I wish I had written that!"

I had such a moment this evening.

Readers of this blog should be familiar with the name of John McIntyre. He is a former editor for the Baltimore Sun, and he writes a wonderful blog about language called "You Don't Say."

I thoroughly enjoyed reading his latest post, "How could this have happened?" and I commend it to you, hoping you will read it.

Gotta say I agree with him on just about every point, especially his observation that "Mistakes were made."

Damn! Wish I had written that!