In a name

In some reading completely unrelated to last month's theme, I came across this article on onomastics. It's funny to think that the way in which we organise people names now is not how it's always been, and it's not even how it is in all the cultures that exist on this planet right now. Maiden names, at least in the way we think about them, are mostly a Western society concern.

I remember writing an essay for uni a few years ago (well, okay, probably five years ago) for a subject called something like 'Mass Media in Asia' and getting very confused about how to correctly site a Chinese academic. Which of the names on the page was his family name, and which was his given name? I know that in a lot of Asian countries the order in which those names appear is different, and I was concerned about committing some kind of citation faux pas, especially because my tutor was Chinese. I probably should have been more concerned about getting the essay written, really, but that's another story.

I ended up emailing the tutor to ask. He was helpful and kind in his response -- but he probably thought it was hilarious.

I'm not sure I have a point here, but I have a feeling that this theme will continue to run around in my head, and I might find myself reading more about anthroponomy than is probably healthy.

PS. We'll set a new theme soon, I promise.

Today I was sent this link to a talk by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love. It is about nurturing creativity and the idea that we all "have" genius. It is worth taking a look, or you can check it out here

Another response to this month's theme

The Sultan of Sai Ying Pun has played along as well this month with a wonderful photo essay. I really want to travel to HK now!

a simple solution

Here is another submission by Tania Ritchie. Click on the image to enlarge, I love her idea!
Image by Tania Ritchie.

Marrying left your maiden name disused

My response for this month didn't actually get to the production stage, but this theme has been my favorite so far. It has really got me thinking about maiden names - to change or not to change!!

My idea is a locket (surprise) that has a little domed gold piece inside that could come out, perhaps with some text on it or some symbols that symbolize a previous maiden name.

My idea is that even though maiden names may become disused, it doesn't make them any less precious, or important. A previous name is still a special thing that symbolises past experiences and memories and it is the name that has gotten you to a certain point in your life. I wanted to explore the idea that maiden names are still important and something to be treasured, and disused doesn't have to mean insignificant and forgettable.

I am disappointed that I didn't get around to making my piece this month, I have been very busy finishing off another big project which I will be sharing soon!

Ahem...

Seriously, every month I tell myself I'm going to be good. This month I will get my post up on time, I swear. And every month that fails to happen. Sigh.

Anyway, no real excuse this month. I've been working on this story for a while now and I'm at the point where it's actually driving me insane. But it will continue to do so unless I finish it, and so I must continue to toil away.

Wish me luck!

Thanks to Pseudo Rhys and Megan Blom for playing along this month. And good luck to Hybrid J who is taking part in NaNoWriMo. If I were a braver writer I would do so too.