I’m taking part in Sares‘ A Rose by Another Name party today. She has asked us to contribute something about a name, either our own, or a nickname, or a child’s name…or what we chose to name our blog.
Ah…that last one is near and dear to my heart. My blog name is also the name of my home. Why did I choose that name? Let me first say that our house sits on a little hill, with another hill right behind the cottage. We rather liked the hills when we first looked at the house – now we realize they are tough to mow – but we still like them.
Next, Hill is my family name. I’m rather partial to that surname and am proud to be a member of the Hill clan. Those are the two reasons for ‘Hill.”
Now..’.mockingbird.’ When we lived in San Diego we were sometimes serenaded at night by a mockingbird. I loved hearing it..all the different melodies and sounds coming out of that one bird. He trilled and sang and filled the night air with beautiful music. That is the first reason for ‘mockingbird.’
The second (and most important, in my mind): I am a great reader…I have loved reading since I was a young child. My favorite novel ever is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. To me, it is the perfect book. The story is timeless, the characters unforgettable – it is a coming of age story that deals with racial prejudice, fear of people that are ‘different,’ the love of a father for his children and life in a small Southern town. It is based, in part, on Harper Lee’s own childhood in the South and on her father, who was the inspiration for the character of Atticus Finch. I’ve always been fascinated by Harper Lee, who had only one novel published – this one. It won the Pulitzer Prize, is on everyone’s best ever list, and has been read by millions. It is the perfect novel… perhaps Lee said all she needed to say.
My dog’s name is Scout, after the character of Scout Finch. I wrote an unabashed fan letter to Harper Lee several years ago. I have several copies of To Kill a Mockingbird, but my most prized copy is one that I managed to buy many years ago which is autographed by Harper Lee. It is one of my most treasured possessions.
That is the story behind the name Mockingbird Hill Cottage. Please stop by Loveleigh Treasures and visit everyone participating. Thanks so much for the party, Sares!
Hi Claudia,
A great post. I agree with you about the book, wonderful, wonderful. As is the old movie…just love it!
I’m giving you an award, “From me to you”, hope you’ll come by to accept it! I’ve always enjoyed your blog and wanted to let you know officially!
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
http://heidi-heartandhome.blogspot.com
Hi: Great story about your blog name. I love it. Thank you for your prayers for my daughter and friends, I truly appreciate your friendship. Blessings, Martha
What a treasure indeed, Claudia!
You put so much thought and love into your blog name and it shows :)
Hugs,
Marsha
Oh I love reading about why folks name their blogs what they do…yours has a fascinating little history! I also LOVE To Kill a Mockingbird. My teenage girls did too…even better than Jane Austen!
Claudia ~ great story! My mother’s maiden name was “Hill”. I wonder if somewhere down a long lineage our families were related! Wouldn’t that be weird?
What a wonderful way to incorporate some of the things that mean the most to you! The book is awesome, I can’t blame you for being proud of it. I love the name Scout for your dog too. I hope he knows how lucky he is! Thank you for joining the party, I very much enjoyed reading your post!
I’m having great fun at this party!!! It is SO interesting finding out the history behind people’s names, and what their names mean to them! And even blogger names and blog names! It’s so nice to learn that people care enough and don’t just pick things out of the air that don’t mean anything! This party is so … “meaningful” … i love it! cheers! :)
Oh, I loved hearing the story behind “Mockingbird Hill Cottage,” Claudia! .. Donna
Hi, Claudia,
I loved hearing all the different meanings behind your “Mockingbird Hill Cottage”. I am a big fan of To Kill A Mockingbird. I have read it many, many times, and I will forever see Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch! Have a beautiful week! Vicki
Hi Claudia, You just made me want to run to the library and re-read the novel. Gonna do it. Love the name of your blog, and love your writing but I especially love your blue glasses. You must sing every morning tra la la tweedle dedee it gives me a thrill to wake up in the morning on the mockingbird hill. I’ll never forget that song. Hugs, Mollye
hi claudia,
what an interesting read and cool party! i love discovering the origins of things. i just signed up for merriam-webster’s word of the day emails. LOL (i’m such a dork)
xo
It’s one of my (only) favorite books, you are making go back and read it again, I will. Love your blog title. Ciao Rita
Claudia, it’s so great how you put your name together from things that mean the most to you.
I remember as a kid always being teased about my last name which was ‘Mock’. The kids would run around calling me ‘Mockingbird’ . . . fitting actually, since I always talked non-stop! LOL!
I haven’t read the book although I’ve often thought about it. Perhaps it’s time!
Thanks so much for sharing today!
Hugs,
Teresa
How very interesting, thanks!
I have said before that I think you are one of the most interesting people ever. You put so much thought into everything. You have amazing talent. And you have great taste in literature. I love this book. It is on my list of favorites. I love the way she taught us the lesson about social injustice without making it sound preachy. Thanks for a great post. I’m going to check into the name party myself. I love names and words in general.
Hi Claudia,
I love hearing about what’s behind “Mocking Bird Hill Cottage” Too bad we didn’t blog and get to meet when you lived in San Diego. I love your blog!
Gale
Hi Claudia,
I love hearing about what’s behind “Mocking Bird Hill Cottage” Too bad we didn’t blog and get to meet when you lived in San Diego. I love your blog!
Gale
Hi Claudia,
I love hearing about what’s behind “Mocking Bird Hill Cottage” Too bad we didn’t blog and get to meet when you lived in San Diego. I love your blog!
Gale
Hi Claudia,
I love hearing about what’s behind “Mocking Bird Hill Cottage” Too bad we didn’t blog and get to meet when you lived in San Diego. I love your blog!
Gale
Hi Claudia,
I love hearing about what’s behind “Mocking Bird Hill Cottage” Too bad we didn’t blog and get to meet when you lived in San Diego. I love your blog!
Gale
Hi Claudia,
I love hearing about what’s behind “Mocking Bird Hill Cottage” Too bad we didn’t blog and get to meet when you lived in San Diego. I love your blog!
Gale
Claudia,
Love the story of how you came to name your home and blog. I have never read “To kill a mockingbird” did they make a movie?:)
Blessings!
Gwen
Oh Claudia I love the history behind the name of your blog. This was such a great idea! I love to picture the scenery you’ve described and you pushing a mower up those hills:)
Have a wonderful day!
Lean
Hi Claudia…
What a great post about a wonderful Cottage name….As always, I’m thrilled to come to Mockingbird Hill Cottage for a visit.
Huggies,
Spence
Loved to know more about you, Claudia! Thanks for stopping by too, and for your sweet words- I was so touched!
Monicax.
SO interesting! I enjoyed reading about how you selected the name… and WOW I’m impressed with your autographed signature on the book. Excellent!
Oh I love this book…one of my favourites. I remember seeing the movie years ago. I love your story about your blogs name…so interesting.
What a great story, thanks for sharing! And nice pictures to accompany it. My friend had a baby at the end of August and guess what she named her- Harper! (middle name: Drake) I thought it was really cool and unique, but I’m not sure if they were inspired by Harper Lee. I will have to check!
Claudia,
Love this post and how much more connected I feel to your lovely home simply by knowing how he (she?) got the name.
Dawn
I LOVE your story about your blog name!
Thank you for your sweet comments about my hospital time with my mama. She is doing SO much better!
In one of my masters class during the first class the teach asked us what our favorite book was. My answer was
To Kill a Mockingbird
Nuf said.
Hi Claudia!
Wanted to let you know you were a winner in my giveaway!
Enjoy!
:)
Ruth
Hi Claudia, I really enjoyed hearing how you came to name your cottage (which is beautiful) and your blog. Having the name Hill makes it even more special. Your book signed by the author is an incredible treasure.
Blessings,
Debra
Hey Claudia!
I came by your blog yesterday and was totally enthralled by your beautiful space. I read and read and read many of your posts and then I got sidetracked at work and didn’t leave a comment! So I’m back again today to REALLY tell you that your story of how your name was derived was totally beautiful and meaningful. I love it!
everything vintage
ps…I think I’m going read some more :)
Hi Claudia
I’m sorry I am running late with my comments…work.
What a fabulous story!Really a perfectly picked name for your blog.
I have never heard the sound of a mocking bird though, maybe I can google it?
I agree the book is amazing.
Gracie