No, not a Scottish word this time – at least, I don’t think so. In fact I actually thought it came from Cornwall or Somerset, but according to the dictionary, the origin is unknown – unless anyone can tell me otherwise. In any case I take an all-embracing approach to language. If I like a word, I’ll adopt it, don’t really care where it comes from. If this turns my vocabulary into a mishmash or a mongrel – so much the better!
Lollygagging is all too often used in a pejorative sense and I reckon that’s deeply unfair. It means to dawdle or to loiter aimlessly – or, my favourite definition of all and a word I like almost as much as lollygag itself – to footle. Now please – couldn’t we all do with a bit of footling in our lives? What’s so wonderful about speed anyway? Why do we all have to rush about as though we only have seconds left before the world explodes?
I had a particularly lovely time lollygagging with my horse yesterday. It was a beautiful spring day, the sky was blue and the air was crisp and clear and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for anything nicer than just to go out meandering with my boy. 
We had no destination in mind and no set time to get there, so we footled along just enjoying the birdsong and the quiet country roads.
Which brings me nicely to the Sunshine Award so kindly presented to me by my friend and fellow blogger Ros Gemmell (http://www.rosemarygemmell.com/) In accepting this award I am commanded to list five things that make me happy…
1/ Well, I’ve just told you one of them – lollygagging with my horse definitely comes right at the top of the list.
2/ Seeing my daft dog Dixie hurtling towards me, overwhelmed with joy because we’re back together again.
3/ Listening to my husband sing – he is a musician and singer and I know I’m biased, but I think he’s ace! 
4/ That moment of starting to read a new book and knowing within the first few sentences that it’s going to be fantastic. The most recent one to fall into that category is ‘Me Before You’ by JoJo Moyes. A beautiful book – highly, highly recommended.
5/ That moment of sitting down to write and actually feeling the words flow freely. Doesn’t happen often – but when it does…oh glory!
6/ I know you’re only allowed five, but it’s my blog so nyah! I’m not much of a one for fashion – but I have developed a bit of a pash for high-heeled shoes, especially the ankle boot type. When you wear shoes like that, somehow you just can’t help but strut your stuff baby!
(Thanks to jdurham on morguefile for this pic.)
gillyfraser 
Love that word, Gilly, and the photo – it looks like bliss riding through the countryside. Thanks for the mention!
You’re very welcome Ros – and you’re right, riding through the countryside actually can put me in a state of bliss. That feeling of one-ness with your horse is a total blessed joy and I’m privileged to experience it.
I’m guilty of it from time to time. I just didn’t know where it came from. I love these tidbits of education, which is why education still has an entertaining side.
Ah now Caleb – that’s a very telling choice of word! Why should you feel guilty? And yet I know exactly what you mean, because when I’m enjoying a bit of lollygagging, I’m always conscious of that little inner voice telling me I should be doing something much more important and productive. Annoying creature!
Love the word!! and we should all have such a cool list of the 5 things that make us happy 🙂 life is suppose to be happy, right?
Maryellen
Hi Maryellen – thank you for dropping by and for your comment. Have you written your list yet? I think the really important thing is to be able to recognise the things that make us happy – and to cherish them!
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