Sew (v) join, fasten or attach something by making stitches

Sow (v) plant seed by scattering or bury in soil; spur an idea

So (adv) to a great extent; (conj) and for this reason; with the aim that

So, this week’s word is three-fold complicated. They all sound similar and for some reason, I feel like there may be a fourth one, but I can’t remember it at this moment.  If you think of it, message me below and it will stop my brain from spinning! 

Sewing was a lifelong skill I learned in Home Economics – an actual class that was offered in middle school to teach how to manage a home – sewing, cooking, child care.  It was an era where the girls took Home Ec and the boys took Shop.  I really wanted to work with power tools instead.  For a brief week, the school permitted me to attend Shop then it was back to the sewing.  It was interesting and I learned to read patterns and create outfits – everything from aprons to pantsuits (another sign of the times!)  From seventh grade on, I made most of my clothes. Now my sewing is focused on repairs, craft projects and Christmas pajamas for the family.

Sowing takes the action outdoors since the primary definition of sow is to plant.  Typically, it refers to gardening or farming.  However, the action of sowing an idea or encouragement is beneficial planting too! To invest time into people, building relationship is always a good thing.  It’s even more meaningful if you’re not anticipating anything in return.  Sowing good seed brings a bountiful harvest regardless if you’re present for the return or not.  There’s the verse in the Bible, “you reap what you sow”, referring to what you invest into current situation will affect your future outcome.  My mother would use that frequently when she wanted our behavior to change.  It still rings in my ears.

So are you following so far?  So can be used to refer to being so-so or so you’re really doing that?  It’s one of those words that gets thrown around frequently without much thought.  Actually, until I was highlighting the sew, sow, so words, it hadn’t even crossed my mind.  I think it is an expression we rely on when thoughts aren’t coming quick enough and we pause for a moment to let our brain catch-up with our mouth.  A tiny word used to connect phrases or create a pause for emphasis.

What is your favorite sew, sow, so word?  For me, I would choose sow since it seems like such a worthy action to sow into the earth or into people.  An added twist – I like the bit of humor, when changing the pronunciation, it then creates reference to a female pig – oh geez, these words!