Caudle: Warm Fuzzies
For Penny Fuller's "C" Challenge
What is the Meaning of Caudle?
Merriam-Webster says it is: a drink (as for invalids) usually of warm ale or wine mixed with bread or gruel, eggs, sugar, and spices. (I had never heard of this concoction. I'm thinking that eggnog was probably made to use as a caudle ) But...I was intrigued by the concept of it all, especially after reading all about the history of the associations with the word, "caudle!"
To highlight the many things I learned about a caudle:
* often given to invalids and new mothers to aid in regaining strength
* special cups were used to serve it and often cups were given as gifts
* most likely came from a French term, "to warm"
* you might find recipes for a caudle in old cook books
* according to etiquette in America, it was "posh" to use at christenings
* used in many cultures and recognized medically
* used in elegant high-society known as caudle parties
* used in village for sacrifices and celebrations
I have posted the Wikipedia article for you to enjoy, as well:
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My Connection to the word:
I think I connect because I am a mother and a Registered Nurse. I nurture. And I see that a well-intentioned cup of warm love, no matter what the recipe, brings healing. I love this concept! And I think more celebrations of caudle should occur in our world.
Now, when we are accused of loving too much or being too kind, (sadly) it is termed, "coddling," and considered to be an undesired trait.
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My Poem:
(Let's Toast to the Caudle)
Let's have a caudle, please
Warm my heart for just a moment
Allow me to warm yours, too
There's time to figure it all out later
Sit here, rest, have an extra fluffy pillow, too
Enjoy that cup of comfort and feel the love
There's a fuzzy waiting in every cup of caudle :)
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Hope you've enjoyed and this is inspired by:
I have 333 words and Vocal didn't approve...they want 600 words! I think, let me change the community that I placed it in, but Vocal won't let me do that, either! Rats!!!!
About the Creator
Shirley Belk
Mother, Nana, Sister, Cousin, & Aunt who recently retired. RN (Nursing Instructor) who loves to write stories to heal herself and reflect on all the silver linings she has been blessed with :)
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More stories from Shirley Belk and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (6)
I really love this word and I thought how you broke it down and added additional information was tremendous. I've tucked this article away in my writing book marks because I think I would like to use this concept in a story.
Delightful 🤗… another new word for me… captured beautifully by you ✅.
What a perfectly lovely idea! Loved your poem and the warmth it projects!
This was like a caudle to read, Shirley. I love learning new words. Great choice, great poem.
I was thinking, reading abotu the word, it must relate to coddle. But maybe also to cuddle?
I've never heard of a caudle before and it does sound like an eggnog to me. Though it doesn't sound very appealing, if it's meant to heal, then the taste shouldn't really matter. Loved your poem so much!