What's in a Name? Part 2 and End

I was part way through thinking about names and identity when I wrote last, but the point was really to explain why my website is called Hollace the Mopsy. When you choose your own appellation there's a lot of pressure.

When Ron and I were thinking about what we'd like to be called as grandparents, we tried rolling a lot of possibilities around on our tongue. Starting with the desirability of names that would distinguish between maternal and paternal grandparents, and following a smart Scandinavian tradition of "Mormor, Morfar, Farmor, Farfar", we tried PoRo (Pop Ron) but got stuck at MoHo (that's no way to talk about your granny).

So I became Mopsy, which has nothing to do with the fact that I wear a mop on my head. It's just a coincidence. Really. And Ron became Popsy, which is so reasonable because P is for Pop and M is for Mop, I mean Mom.

At the same time we wanted a familial name for Amanda to call us; friendly and parental but not pushy. Mopsy and Popsy fit just fine. So it's not just a name, it's a good-humored state of mind , a relationship, a role identity, a freedom to offbeat parenting and fun.

A year ago I tried to revert to being called Hollace professionally and socially. It has not been successful. I believe I thought that I might find my roots or a clearer raison d'etre if I went by my given name. I would be more officially my real self. (I know, you're all thinking I think too much). It's all still a muddle but it explains my title: Hollace the Mopsy is my ego, alter ego, myself and my hopes for a better self to emerge if I keep at it long enough.

Now, it's almost time for me to go to work and "keep my good name" as my grandmother ("Grandma") would say.

Perhaps more will follow.