Editor's Corner

Good morning, folks! I accidentally skipped yesterday’s message, so here it is today.

I hope that you got everything you wished for if you are one who exchanges gifts during the holidays. I had just one thing that I wanted, and I got it for myself. My husband and I made a deal a few years ago that we wouldn’t buy a bunch of things and try to guess what the other person wanted. We have what we need and if we don’t, we talk about it and make a plan…or just buy it.

But this year, my sweet husband surprised me. He got me this, and I adore it!

It is a soft capybara night light! You squeeze it and it turns on; you squeeze it again and it gets brighter; you squeeze it once more and it turns off! It is a thing of joy.

I know, I know. It has nothing to do with grammar or English or new words. Trust me, I’m getting to today’s topic. This “gift” is something that my mom asked for. The email went something like this:

Kara,

I find this absolutely fascinating and I want one.

Mom

She attached this photo:

Chatelaine

I’m assuming my mom was referring to the chatelaine the woman is wearing, not the cigarette in her hand. So, what is a chatelaine?

From History Facts:
“Long before pockets became commonplace, humans had other resourceful ways to carry everyday essentials. Wearable pouches such as belt bags date back more than 5,000 years, and as early as ancient Roman times, people wore brooches that had hooks for hanging personal grooming tools. Similar items were used for carrying keys throughout the medieval period and beyond; by the 18th century, the tool had evolved into an elaborate piece that came to be known as a “chatelaine,” a word derived from French, referring to the keeper of a castle.”

Of course, the woman in the photo is also carrying a purse, but you can see she has a bunch of other things on her chatelaine. I see scissors, what looks like a watch, and who knows what else? If that were my mom, one of those would be holding lipstick.

When my husband and I were in Amsterdam, we went to the Museum of Bags and Purses, looking for a time-filler. It was amazing, and I remember many the chatelaines and small purses they had on display. COVID closed the museum, but the preceding link shows some of the collection, including these cool little gadgets. I’ll see what I can do with creating a likeness and sending it to my mom. Here’s what I have so far:

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

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