What's in a name.
My granddaughter was born in the September. It was November and do you think a name could be chosen that sounded just right and suited this tiny new bundle of sleepiness. The local barmaid's name was thrown forward as a suggestion - no. Nothing against the girl but it just didn't sit right. The array of names on the fridge changed on a daily basis and verbalised constantly but - no. None of them fitted.
I suggested Talei which is Fijian for precious. This stirred some feelings and the name was used in a whimsical way - it took two weeks before it was accepted as the name she would have and use from this day forward.
Zoe is Greek for life It was added in honour of me. While living in Greece that is what I was called - there is no Sh in Greek so Zoe it was for me then and Talei now. Talei Zoe.
The Renee came some time later - a long story and another chapter of my blog. Renee is French for reborn.
So we ended up with Precious Life Reborn - just in time to fill in the registration paper work for the government. Talei Zoe Renee.
Talai was born on the same date as a very special 'Nan'. Nan had passed so in essence a precious life had indeed been reborn.
What's in a name - it fascinates me!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
What's in a name?
Mrs Johnstone. What does that tell you? She is married to Mr Johnstone. But who is Mrs Johnstone really? Is she Betty Bower? Is she an interesting women with interesting ideas? Or is she Mrs Johnstone?
I ask you, what's in a name? There are books, web sites, even wives tales about the meaning of names but what does it say about you when you wish to be called Mrs Johnstone for two thirds of your life.
My first name is Shirley which happens to be an old English surname so in reality I could be called Shirley and this would suffice - just like Madonna I guess! My sense of identity, if I was just Shirley compared to someone called Mrs Johnstone would have to rate higher on the happiness scale of self identification, surely?
I guess I am asking the question.
At 28 years of age I addressed myself as Mrs Shirley, as opposed to Miss or Ms, ticked the box for Mrs on all forms, including my credit card and suddenly I entered into a different world. Why? Was I a different person?
As far as I was concerned, no I was not a different person, only the title. There was not a Mr Shirley to be found under my bed, in the cabbage patch or on a marriage certificate. So why did peoples attitudes change.
Once again I guess I am asking the question
I ask you, what's in a name? There are books, web sites, even wives tales about the meaning of names but what does it say about you when you wish to be called Mrs Johnstone for two thirds of your life.
My first name is Shirley which happens to be an old English surname so in reality I could be called Shirley and this would suffice - just like Madonna I guess! My sense of identity, if I was just Shirley compared to someone called Mrs Johnstone would have to rate higher on the happiness scale of self identification, surely?
I guess I am asking the question.
At 28 years of age I addressed myself as Mrs Shirley, as opposed to Miss or Ms, ticked the box for Mrs on all forms, including my credit card and suddenly I entered into a different world. Why? Was I a different person?
As far as I was concerned, no I was not a different person, only the title. There was not a Mr Shirley to be found under my bed, in the cabbage patch or on a marriage certificate. So why did peoples attitudes change.
Once again I guess I am asking the question
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