Fiddlesticks
Fiddlesticks often flies from my mouth. Not the actual bows used to play fiddles, but an expression of frustration. I say it when I:
- Forget an important item or event.
- Drop what I’m carrying.
- Believe something is foolish.
Fiddlesticks expresses frustration or impatience.
It also means to be annoyed or to think something makes no sense. The situation or statement sounds or looks like garbage.
Fiddlesticks moments can change into creative ones.
We can turn our frustration or impatience into opportunity. If we don’t like the way things are, we do something about it. When we don’t have the resources we want, we use the resources we have.
For example, another little-known form of fiddlesticks exists. According to The Creole State Exhibit of Louisiana’s Living Traditions, fiddlesticks were “a traditional way of adding percussion…. As one person played the fiddle, another tapped out a rhythm on the strings.”
Wikipedia explains that the second person used “a pair of straws, sticks, or knitting needles to tap out a rhythm on the strings over the upper fingerboard (between the bow and the fiddler’s fingering hand).”
By using their existing resources, they added variety to their music.
We choose: Remain upset or adjust our circumstances.
Like the makers of the rhythmic fiddlesticks, we may have to make do with what we have. Yet, who knows what a difference we can make until we try?
“O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!” (Psalm 42:11 TLB).
Thanks to Laurel Blevins and Karen Hart for the suggestion. Image by Iryna Bakurskaya from Pixabay.
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12 thoughts on “Fiddlesticks”
I didn’t know you used such language, Diana! 🤣 Great illustration!
Thanks for my first morning laugh and for the kind words, Tracy! Blessings.
I wish I used that word more often than the more crass alternatives in my vernacular when things go terribly wrong, but “Fiddlesticks” is a word from my past that I remember fondly. Thank you for reminding me that there are often more “gentle” words to express our frustration, even when we think we’re alone. Always enjoy ma’am.
It is a milder alternative, isn’t it, J. D.? Thank you for your encouraging words. I always look forward to hearing from you and your unique language style.
Hi Diana.
Alma and I are still receiving your post and are thankful for it. We have lived in Hinesville, Georgia (near our daughter) since March, 2021. The Lord continues to bless us in many ways, including a wonderful church. We launched a new adult Sunday school class a year ago, where we study the Bible verse by verse every Sunday morning. I have also done some more writing, including, recently, “Disciple/Disciple-Maker, ” published by Westbow Press, along with several more tracts and booklets. If it is available, we would like to receive a copy of your devotional, “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.” We would be glad to pay for it. Our address is 1933 Bluestone Loop, Hinesville, GA 31313.
Thank you, Diana, for your wonderful ministry. God bless you both.
Your Brother and Sister in Christ,
Joe and Alma
I am thrilled to hear from you, Joe! I often think of you and Alma and still miss you. I’m so excited about your ministries, spoken and written, and plan to explore your written work more. I will email you a copy of “Words of Hope for Days That Hurt. You should receive it in the next few minutes. Give Alma my love. Blessings.
This post brought such a smile. My 4YO granddaughter says, “Biscuits!” when she doesn’t like the outcome or response. She got it from Bluey 🙂 Such a wonderful reminder that we have choices to make every day which can turn into the most unexpected opportunities, and be for our good.
Thank you, Joanne. I love your granddaughter’s “Biscuits” and may have to start watching Bluey! I pray for wonderful, unexpected opportunities for you today.
I sometimes say “fiddlesticks”. I’ve noticed how my grandkids copy what I say. Hearing a 5 years old and 2 years old say “Mimi, oh, fiddlesticks.” reminds me they are always listening and absorbing. 🙂
I had not thought of that angle, but you’re right, Melissa. We must stay on guard with what we say since “little pitchers have big ears.”
Thanks for giving us the origin of this phrase, Diana. Blessings!
I loved researching it, Martha. Have a wonderful week!