Wednesday 17 January 2007

FAMILY - A Blogvillage Goes Gonzo Post

Before I started the post I looked up the word FAMILY in my dictionary, it said; a group of people who are closely related by birth, marriage or adoption. I think that pretty much covers what we would all initially class as a family....then I looked further...there was another definition...this one said; a group whose members are related in origin, characteristics or occupation. This made me think more deeply about the word. I remembered the Botany lessons I had at school many, many years ago...I learnt that plants belong to different families..i.e. the rose family is Rosaceae, the sweet pea family is Leguminosae..................lessons on "family" that now all these years later I use in the course of my love of gardening. In Zoology the word family is used......horses, asses and zebra are not brothers and sisters but they still belong to the same family group Equidae.


I started to wonder in what others area the word Family is used. By the wonders of Google I found it used in;

mathematics..... a set of related mathematical curves, surfaces, or functions, usually expressed as a single equation containing one or more parameters or arbitrary constants i.e. a family of concentric circles

physics..... a group of radioactive isotopes that collectively constitute a decay series or chain

linguistics..... a group of languages that have a common origin

and of course one that I must add (The Godfather being one of my husband's favourite films)

a branch of the Mafia or of a similar large criminal group



There may be more examples; maybe you can think of some yourselves; but I think this proves the point that when we say the word FAMILY it does not only mean a mother or father, uncle or aunt but has a whole world of different connotations.

But to go back to the beginning I will end this post with a photograph of some of my family;

18 comments:

Helen said...

It's always nice to have your family around you to talk to. I know that I am very close with mine.
Helen

Annie said...

And is that you there, in the blue top?

This is a very nice looking family, Ruth. Everyone seems quite happy to be together.

Annie

Merle said...

Hi Ruth ~~ I agree that family is so important. Thank you for your visits to my site. Glad you enjoyed the blind girl story. Her boyfriend should have given her ONE eye!!!
Glad also that you liked the English language and the jokes. Take care,
Love, Merle.

Libbys Blog said...

My family is spread across the country and has been for generations. We all appear to move around so although we are close we don't live close together which I would love!!

Jeanette said...

Gday Ruth lovely family Photoso nice to have your family around you. I have a very close knit family also and we all get together for a family re-union every christmas. Take Care (((HUGS))) to you and Mick..Jen

RUTH said...

Annie; Yes that is me!...thanks for saying "in the blue top " and not "the old lady"...LOL

Anonymous said...

I agree with Libby... my family always has been spread across country not to mention world. It is quite something -& lovely- to be able to get together all in one place.

Unknown said...

Hi Ruth, I love this post! When I do this I call it a "word study"!! I am visiting from the Blog Village Goes Gonzo Carnival!!!

Barb said...

Great post. It's all about family with me, too! I'm here from the carnival.

JAM said...

Very interesting and informative post. And a great picture of your family too.

(I'm visiting from the Blog Village Goes Gonzo Carnival.)

Rosemary said...

If there's anyone on BLOG VILLAGE that shows just how important family is - it's you, Ruth.

I'm from a very small extended family, and almost all have passed away now. My DH, our own children, and their children, are my family, and I love them dearly.

Rosemary said...

Oops! I forgot to say I came by way of our BLOG VILLAGE Family Carnival!!

The Gatekeeper said...

The godfather's family is a little disturbing though. But you're right, family as we know it is good to have.

Marshamlow said...

Hi, I am here from the carnival. I love your definition of family and your blog. I look forward to coming back and enjoying it again.

Heather in Beautiful BC said...

Great post - thanks for sharing the meanings of family. I'm here via the carnival :)

Stjernesol said...

Family comes in many shades and colours :)

I have friends, who's like my family and family who's like my friends and so on...

I'm here from Blog carnival!

Marion said...

What a creative way to write about family!

You have a nice looking family, Ruth!

LJP said...

It's good to know your family is there when you need them. Beautiful picture too!

SKY ALBUM -

EVERY SUNRISE AND SUNSET WE SHARED WAS PRECIOUS

A TOUR OF OUR GARDEN 2006

MEET THE FAMILY

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creative blogger

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