Z..zzzzzzzzzzzz..WAKE UP, it’s the last day #AtoZChallenge

I wanted to do Xenophobe but that’s an X, and no matter how many alternative dictionaries I checked I couldn’t fake the spelling. So I came close, at least in lack of appeal, with

ZEALOT

Good Old WIKIPEDIA gives this definition: The term “zealot”, in Hebrew kanai (קנאי, frequently used in plural form, קנאים (kana’im)), means one who is zealous on behalf of God. The term derives from Greek ζηλωτής (zelotes), “emulator, zealous admirer or follower”. The Zealots were originally a political movement in 1st century Second Temple Judaism which sought to incite the people of Judaea Province to rebel against the Roman Empire and expel it from the Holy Land by force of arms, most notably during the First Jewish–Roman War (66-70). Zealotry was the term used by Josephus for a “fourth sect” during this period.

Is this ZEAL or what?

MERRIAM WEBSTER modernizes it a bit: a person who has very strong feelings about something (such as religion or politics) and who wants other people to have those feelings : a zealous person

It’s kind of a shame Zealot has such a negative connotation. Certainly ZEAL, the root word, brings a much happier reaction: : a strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something Thanks again, MERRIAM! And don’t forget Zealous, basically filled with zeal, enthusiasm that can be applied to so many projects

There are some mornings I’d love to be filled with zeal, instead of feeling like I need more ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZs. It might help if I went to bed a little sooner, what do you think?This is the final day of the A to Z Challenge. It’s been great fun. I hope you stick around for more insane inanities, occasional recipes and (a few) book promos. And pictures. LOTS of pictures