I’ve been thinking about names because of our new cat.
This adorable, wonderful, sweet, chill, loving kitty was named Ginger by the adoption agency that rescued her, her sisters, and their many kittens from the street.
My husband, whose name is Michael, said he wanted an unusual name for a cat, so Ginger was out. Michael strongly suggested the name Meredith, but my son, whose name is Aaron, and I both thought that would be too hard to say.
Michael then came up with other girls’ names he thought would be unusual for a cat, including Phyllis. Aaron and I suggested other names we thought would be unusual for a cat, including Blanche. Michael vetoed all of our suggestions according to some secret knowledge of common and uncommon cat names that will remain nameless.
When Michael came up with Joan, Aaron and I agreed that would be a fine and unusual name for a cat, and easy to say. Michael warned us that if we called her “Joanie,” he would add an “ie” to our names, too.
I don’t like being called “Annie,” so I have complied with Michael’s request.
Michael was right about the name Joan being unusual for a cat. Every time I tell people her name, they react. Usually, they say, “JOAN?!” Sometimes, they add something positive, like “I love that.”
I love puns and Michael and Aaron do not, so they don’t know that I sometimes add the name “Clawford” when I’m talking to and about Joan. Also, Michael’s brother’s full name is Martin Sloane Malone, so I sometimes call Joan “Joan Sloane Malone.” Michael has no problem with that.
In the meantime, Joan, by any other name, would be as sweet.
I asked this question on Twitter last night:
While some people have responded with “my parents!”, others have told interesting stories about the origin of their names.
Considering the speeches we’re hearing this month, I would prefer stillness.
Therefore, I am not going to make any speeches this month. I’m just going to share all the photos I’ve been taking, looking for better stable geniuses around me. I hope these pictures help you feel better, hear and now.
I will share this: I’ve been hearing better speeches about my Coping and Healing groups during Better Speech and Hearing Month, which makes it easier to share groups I love.
How might you celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month?
Personally, I’m looking forward to hearing better speeches (and maybe new comedy monologues) from my son, Aaron, who arrives from Edinburgh today!
I look forward to hearing my readers’ speeches in the comments section, below.
It’s better, during any month, to share gratitude, so thanks to all who helped me create all of my blog posts during Better Speech and Hearing Month, and — of course! — thanks to YOU, as always, for hearing me out.
Several times in therapy groups this week, there was spontaneous applause, as people supported each other’s perspectives and progress.
I remember attending an “Opening the Heart” weekend workshop many years ago, where each one of us received thunderous, sustained applause after introducing ourselves. I still vividly recall how that applause felt, after I had revealed myself and my vulnerabilities to many strangers.
The Year(s) of Living Non-Judgmentally 