What's in a Name? 🤔
The moniker that guides us through this life—or not.
Hello and happy Wednesday, my Dearest Twenty-Somethings! Hope everyone’s hanging in there. This week’s newsletter is more of a stream of consciousness. Always lots going on in this zennial’s mind…
I’ve always been intrigued by names—the moniker you’re labeled at birth that you do or don’t stick with for life. There are nicknames, surnames, pet names. And I know I’m not the only one with an extensive list of future baby names (and kitty names) in my Notes app. But here’s my question: What’s truly in a name?
Growing up, my dad always said that you become what you’re named—e.g. (his example), if you’re named Tiffani, you’ll become a cheerleader. Chad and Brad will join the same fraternity. Susan will be a great mother. Joe might grow into a trucker or a plumber. Of course, none of this is true, but I do appreciate the sentiment.
Ironically, my dad and my brother both changed their names at 18 and 14, respectively. My father to what he claims is a totally random name he felt called to, and my brother to his middle name. And ultimately, their “new” names suit them well; my dad hated his given name growing up, and my brother fits his unique middle name.
So, I want to ask you my Twenty-Somethings: Do you feel you fit your name? Have you lived up to its implications and expectations? Or have you always wanted to change your name?
I am such a Quinn, so totally a Quinn Fish, and undoubtedly a Quinn Augusta Fish. But what if I had been named Beth? Stephanie? Melanie? Or Tara Quinn, like my parents had wanted to? I wonder if in another dimension, every version of me is living life with a different name, as an engineer, an artist, a stunt double. Am I a Quinn because I was born a Quinn, or because I became a Quinn? Nature or nurture, I suppose… but I digress. Just some food for thought.
A few weeks back, when I got my angel kitty, I bounced between Zeke, Ozzy, Stanley and Teddy before ultimately landing on Sully. My fuzzy, lovey, Miracle on the Hudson! Anywho, names are sacred. Names are important.
A good friend of mine is doing a soft “rebranding,” if you will, into a new phase of his life, complete with a new ‘do and a new look—all of which I am totally in favor of. (If you want to reinvent yourself at any time, do it. You are not stuck!) He’s dabbling in using his first initial and middle name, and it’s a totally different feel. It fits his new vibe so perfectly, and may help to usher in the new era and energy he seeks. Try something new on! We only get one precious life, so live it!
Anywho, enough from me. I’m still listening to this playlist, made by one of my favorite Instagram nail artists. And with that, here are a few picks to get you through the week:
LISTEN:
READ:
The New York Times: “How the Case of Gabrielle Petito Galvanized the Internet” - I was going to focus last week’s entire newsletter on Missing White Woman Syndrome and how the tragic murder of Gabby Petito received infinitely more coverage than any and all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women or really any violence against women of color for that matter, but now it’s a pretty saturated topic. Still, I suggest you give this piece a read. I don’t want to undermine the tragedy that it is, but the international obsession is for one simple reason.
“Murder Of A Little Beauty” by Olivia Gatwood - See the poem below. This entire poetry book, Life of the Party, by my favorite poet is about true crime and violence against women, specifically against women of color. Dark, but a must-read.
The Cut: “Simone Biles Chose Herself” - Speaking of violence against women of color… *Sigh.* This is an incredible cover story in what you can probably guess is my favorite media outlet.
The Cut: “This Is Why Cops Shouldn’t Handle All Domestic Violence Calls” - Louder for the people in the back.
The Cut: “Sorry, What Fake Title Did Elizabeth Holmes Give Herself?” - Ah, the gift that keeps on giving. If you too find yourself enthralled in the Theranos scam, enjoy!
LAUGH:
FOLLOW:
RIP TEARS - More affirmations, quotes and Tumblr-esque energy for your feed!
Daschunds of NYC - I’m not even a dog person, but this account instantly brightens my day. Every. Single. Time.
Emma Atterbury - Another one of my fave artists—she does fun skulls and skeletons in the loveliest colors. And sells her merch!
CONSIDER:
“Murder Of A Little Beauty” by Olivia Gatwood
with lines from People magazine’s 1997 coverage
of the JonBenét Ramsey murder:
Little Miss Christmas dead in the basement
ripples of shock quickly spread through the nation
rope & a blanket found near the victim
the blood & flesh of Miss West Virginia
the perfect mother, the perfect brother
a private jet for the perfect father
duct tape, a cord twisted round her neck
a prime-time interview on CNN
flirtatious, provocative, six-year-old kid
America’s Royale Miss in 1996
elegant, lavish, gets all the attention
a random note as much as John’s pension
dab your eye, we know you like it gory
only the blondes get a cover story
girls go missing right around the corner
but she needs a tiara for us to mourn her
naturally attractive, exceptionally bright
how many ways can we say the word white?
Affirmation of the week: I want what wants me!
Question of the week: How do you bounce back from something embarrassing or shameful?
Thank you all for taking your time to read this week’s newsletter! I’m always looking to improve my work, so leave a comment, send me a message, or fill out this form to tell me about what you want to read about in upcoming Dear Twenty-Somethings! I’m all ears. Connect with me on Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads or online if you feel so inclined. And check out last week’s newsletter here in case you missed it.
If you liked what you read, send this newsletter to a friend! Heck, send it to 10 friends! Sending love and light to you, wherever you are. 🌟
Cheers & happy Wednesday! Stay well.
xoxoxo, Quinnie <3