Power of Words
I notice words.
As a reader and a writer, this reveal is not too surprising.
I study how words flow together and often applaud an author’s creative genius.
I ponder the intended meaning and am acutely aware of my reaction to the message.
When I pause to capture great messages, it’s usually because they meet a former marketing boss’s dictate: If it doesn’t fit on a matchbook cover, start over.
He exclaimed and fervently believed “Brevity yields reaction.” Brevity | Definition of Brevity by Merriam-Webster (merriam-webster.com)
Words can be inspirational. Often, they are humorous. Sometimes they invoke sadness or create awareness.
Traveling adds a localism to words.
Localism in Words
Here are words I captured on our travels. Perhaps these 12 messages reflected in photographs will inspire you, or add humor or meaning to your day.
“Um”, long pause, “Where are we again?” On Wharf Street seated at a restaurant patio.
When in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada do as the locals do. Answer, “yes,” and order a beer flight paddle at the Milestones Grill + Bar. milestones (milestonesrestaurants.com)
This provoking question headlined the menu. At our table, it created much laughter and conversation about the double entendre. Clever marketing.
Messages often capture localism. This sign was seen on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin. Many landowners are frustrated with tourists using their property for beach access. This resident expressed his clearly, though a dictionary might’ve been helpful.
This message greeted us as we landed at LAX-Los Angeles International Airport during a renovation period. A great example of regional language. It made us smile! Acting out not tolerated.
How do you interpret this? “Mind your head” can mean make better choices and decisions. Or, if you’re a tall person, it can mean stoop so you don’t hit your head on the awning of this Antiguan convenience store.
Small in stature, I took it as the former. My 6’3” husband, the latter. Proving words have many meanings, and are often personalized.
Cottonwood Falls in the Flint Hills of Kansas is home to Emma Chase Friday Night Music. This is an open group of musicians & listeners who gather here for free jam sessions/open mikes. What to See & Do in Kansas Flint Hills – Linda Leier Thomason
This Pier 39 San Francisco, California street sign captures attention. We lived in the coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina for over two decades without seeing similar signage. The community there apparently didn’t have to, or chose not to, regulate streetwear near the water. San Francisco does, and found a creative way to communicate the message.
The placement of this message is intriguing. It hangs inside the Cancun Mexico airport. Perhaps the airport authority has seen and experienced too many unappreciative young adults and teenagers coming through their airport.
Seems the hidden message is “practice gratitude” at all ages, but especially if you are fortunate enough to be on a family vacation in Mexico.
Hung at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds in North Sound, Antigua. Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds , North Sound, Antigua news, scores and venue information | West Indies cricket grounds (windiescricket.com)
The International Cricket Council’s message is relevant in other countries, including the USA.
Would you have guessed this is a souvenir shop in the French Quarter of New Orleans? It is. And, it aptly depicts the lingo and culture of this great city.
Seen at a convenience store off I-80 west of Omaha, Nebraska during a recent election season.
Sometimes the simplest message is the most difficult to implement. I promise.
This heartbreaking question was seen at Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii Pearl Harbor National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Found in North Omaha, Nebraska. The visual of the two profiles with sign language between them is as striking as the words on the bench.
Words matter in any format: Print. Photo. Voice. Song.
Here’s one of my favorite songs, “Words,” for you to enjoy!
Words that Matter to You
I have a folder of photographs of fascinating word messages from all over the world. These are 12 of my favorite. Which one made you pause, smile, or some other emotion? Share below.
What word messages have you found and captured in a photo?
How did these inspire or otherwise affect you?
Do Share below.
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©March 2021. Linda Leier Thomason All Rights Reserved.
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Linda Leier Thomason writes freelance business and travel stories along with feature articles. Her work experience includes a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Read more about her background and qualifications by clicking on the “Meet Linda” tab above.
