What’s in a name?

Self portrait sketch
Me as a teenager

Watercolour on
 watercolour paper
11 x 14 inches
Barbara Muir ©

 Ever since I met Alessandra, Mascitti, (who was the wonderful co-ordinator
for the Russo brothers when they exhibited artists like me in the Carousel du Louvre
exhibitions) I have wanted to change my first name from Barbara to Alessandra.
 I won’t be doing this, but when I write a note to my husband, I sign it Barbara
and then in a separate space Alessandra, Gloria Galletti. Galletti (many different
spellings) was the family name of my Italian great, great, great grandmother. And
Alessandra Gloria Galletti is the name I wish I could have.

Few people understand this because my regular name -- Barbara Muir --has been
good to me, so they believe, (understandably) that I should be happy with it.
And I am. But if I could wave a magic wand and change my name -- enough said.

I met an artist the other day who completely understood what I meant. She has
decided to sign her artwork with the name, Amaryllis. Her real name is Maria,
but she finds that that name is not exciting enough. We bonded instantly.
This new friend calls me Alessandra and I call her Amaryllis. Which is funny.

She pointed out that so many actors and musicians have made up new names
for themselves, and asked was there any reason we couldn’t? I suppose I have a long
list of reasons, but the whole conversation was fun.

I was looking for a self portrait to illustrate tonight's blog, and this sketch
seemed perfect.  I don't ever even remember wearing my hair up, and of course
I'm blonde now -- so she does look like a different person. 

Have a loving your life day.