Timeless Greetings!
Author: Bill Garwood
Timeless Greetings!
As I walk through this life, and especially locally I notice how many different ways people greet each other. It’s really interesting and unique to our area, for example: after September the local greetings (mostly between men) is: “Got your buck yet?”
I’m sure this isn’t just here in Montana, but it IS to areas that are heavily forested. The deer don’t usually hide in shopping malls, or do they? IF they were hiding there, you might not see them. Hey Bigfoot hides whenever they can, until some “tourist” goes I-phone hunting! (GEEZ, at least use a real camera. The Bigfoot have some pride, they don’t want to be “discovered” by some weekend “selfie taker”.)
Greetings are as unique to people as…well…. people. The usual "hello" has been pretty much replaced with “hey” loud or softly spoken, not even the cowboys use “howdy” much. The regular meet and greet is most often “hi”. I tend to try to be a bit fancy, as I mostly greet people with, “how are you doing this fine morning?” I stopped saying, “A grand day to you Sir / Ma’am"; I was getting too many strange looks and silence. One thing that seems totally Montana-ish is AFTER a greeting, and the wishing folks a nice day or week, people usually say: “You as well”. This is very nice, and polite.
Inflections in your voice can be interesting too, the old “How ya doin”, or toward females “How YOU doin?” Imagine that with a New York / Brooklyn / Boston accent. (Maybe Jersey.)
People moving here from “elsewhere” seem almost scared when friendly folks greet them in the street, around here lately folks will be quiet with a timid smile. However, once you give them a happy “good morning” they usually open up and say hello. This is NICE! And should be said by all, I mean on a summer day is one thing. But on a COLD blustery winter’s day this will warm the cockles of their heart! (Don’t ask me, I’m not a medical student I have no idea what part of the heart the “cockle” is.)
I know folks from Hawaii say “Aloha” mostly as a greeting or goodbye. German folks say “Gutten tag” (good day) or “Gross got” (God is good) depending on what area you are in. A Klingon greeting is: “nuqneH” Pronounced: “nook NEKH” (meaning “What do you want?”) They are Nasty people!
So, as you go about your day (even if you feel crappy) give out with a hearty “Hellooo.” YOU will feel better too!
Spring time is just peeking around the corner, get ready. Prep the mowers / clippers / trimmers, etc. The Time of GREEN, will soon be upon us. Enjoy my fellow Townsendites.
