Woolgathering
I have never witnessed anyone shearing a sheep. I think it would be a hot, tiring job for both sheep and shearer. Perhaps they get through it by woolgathering, letting their thoughts roam.
Woolgathering began with a literal meaning.
According to Miriam Webster dictionary, woolgathering originally meant “gathering loose tufts of wool … caught on bushes and fences as sheep passed by.” That would have taken a long time with few results and little income. Those gathering wool probably appeared “to wander aimlessly.”
Eventually woolgathering developed a figurative meaning.
It meant minds wandering aimlessly and foolishly.
Occasional thoughts with no purpose help us relax.
We enjoy time to:
- Sit on a porch and shoot the breeze
- Daydream under a shade tree
- Listen to waves lap against a beach
Too much woolgathering gets us in trouble.
We want to pay attention when we:
- Work
- Drive
- Complete paperwork
A word to the wise:
Work when we need to work. Woolgather when we have time to relax.
“Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground” (Proverbs 14:18 MSG).
Thanks to Jeri Stone for the suggestion. Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay.
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12 thoughts on “Woolgathering”
I love learning new words Ms. Diana. Not a new practice, mind you, as I’ve been guilty of woolgathering many times in the past. Never knew that’s what it was called though. I love starting the year off learning something new. Thank you ma’am, and God’s blessings.
I was surprised you did not know this one, J.D. I have not heard it often. However, like you, I have practiced it frequently. Blessings on you and Ms. Diane and your writing in 2024.
This is interesting! 🙂 Happy New Year!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Melissa. Happy New Year! I pray 2024 is your best year yet.
I enjoyed learning more about the origins of the term, “wool gathering.” I used to call it day-dreaming as I pondered problems, scenarios, or wrote stories in my head. Wool gathering definitely serves a purpose to give us a break from reality. Thank you, Diana.
Thank you, Katherine. This expression was fun to explore. Like you, I refer to day-dreaming more often than woolgathering. Whatever we call it, I enjoy it! I’m amazed at the thoughts the come when I let my mind roam.
I reckon I have gathered more wool than I ever realized ! Interesting.
So have I, Beckham! So have I. Thank you. Happy 2024!
I’ve heard this for many years but never knew the origin. So funny that my husband and I just watched The Sundowners about itinerant sheep herders in Australia. Stars Denorah Kerr and Robert Mitcham. Might want to check it out.
The movie sounds interesting, Tracy. Great location, subject, and actors. Thanks for the information. Happy New Year!
I must admit, I’ve done my fair share of woolgathering over the holidays. Time to get back to reality, Diana!
Blessings!
I’ve done a bit of woolgathering over the holidays too, Martha, but not as much as I had hoped. Maybe I can choose a random day in the near future. Happy New Year! I pray your reality involves enjoyable and productive writing.