My name has never been one that is easily found emblazoned on mugs or pins or pencils or any of those sorts of things. You know, those racks where you see something with ‘Megan’ on it or ‘Sarah’ or ‘Amy’ or whatever names are popular at the moment. When I was a kid, this upset me. It seemed as if everyone else could find some souvenir with their name on it. Me? Never. Don’t get me wrong, I love my name. I’m very pleased that my Mom and Dad chose it for me. It suits me. But it wasn’t the sort of name that was on the ‘popular’ list.
Not long after I first started blogging, almost 3 years ago, a woman named Donna saw a comment I had made on another blog and asked me if she could send me something. I was shocked that anyone would want to send me anything – I hadn’t yet encountered the generosity of this blogging world. The package arrived, beautifully wrapped, with a note from Donna. This was inside the wrapping:
Donna wrote that she had held onto the hanky for a long time and was just waiting to give it to someone named Claudia. And when she saw my name in that comment, she chose me. Amazing, isn’t it? One person reaching out to another; our only connection being that we were readers of the same blog. To say I was touched is an understatement.
Recently, I couldn’t find the hanky. I looked everywhere. Over the course of several months, the thought that I might have lost it hovered in the back of my mind. I didn’t want to contemplate that possibility. It represents so much about the blogging world to me – the generosity, kindness and priceless connections made. One day, I was reorganizing our linen cupboard and there it was. Now it lives on my yellow dresser where I can see it every day.
I have one other treasure with my name on it. My dear friend Lynne, who lives in Canada, gave me this silver napkin ring:
She found it in a shop somewhere and couldn’t get it out of her mind. So she went back and bought it. I’m very grateful she did. In a home where the table setting included engraved silver napkin rings, a Claudia called this one her own. It found its way to another Claudia. That seems right.
Speaking of words, I’ve noticed a lot of bloggers are choosing a word for 2011. I’m incapable of narrowing down my choices to one word, so here are mine:
Your name was more common probably in the 1800’s I suppose. It does suit you well. The hankie and napkin ring are such thoughtful gifts. Now you have me thinking of words whilst I clean!
What lovely gifts from lovely friends, Claudia…I’ve encountered the same sweet generosity in this wonderful bloggy world…isn’t it amazing?!
Wishing you a beautiful day!
Julie
What a lovely story Claudia…esp the hanky where the lady bought it and was waiting for a Claudia.
I named my son Aydn and he had the exact same problem as you. He could never get the cute pens and notepads etc other kids had.
One day in a store he had a complete meltdown and, through tears, asked me why I didn’t name him Mark or John lol.
He is 19 now and is somewhat more happy with his name :-)
Claudia, what a wonderful post. Those are lovely gifts, and they are so much more meaningful than a mere mug or a souvenir with your name on it. I think they are extra special because you are extra special, just as your name is. And I love your words for 2011.
XO,
Sheila :-)
Such a nice story. I think the previous Claudias would be so pleased. You’ve also got me thinking about what my word/s would be.
My name was very popular about 60 years ago so the only people I ever meet with my name are at least ten or twenty years older. It has always made me feel old. Claudia is a beautiful name though. It says “grace and elegance” to me.
I love your words. I haven’t even thought about a word for this year.
hi claudia,
what a darling story of the generosity of others. i love both gifts, they really are you!
i love the words you’ve chosen. i did not know we were supposed to choose a word or two. i will contemplate this and put it on my chalkboard too.
xo
janet
Such beautiful gifts from such wonderful friends.
I have to laugh at the “commonness” of Megan. When I was growing up in the 60’s and 70’s my name was not at all common. I was the only Megan anyone knew. And although it is more common today I still pronounce it wrong (or so I am told.)
So perhaps Claudia will come back in style. I think all it takes is for someone on a soap opera to name their baby Claudia.
Bloggers have the biggest hearts, don’t they? What sweet gifts. I understand what you say about your name. I don’t think I have ever found anything with my name on it. Have a nice day! Twyla
I love your name. When I was four years old, we had a little neighbor named Claudia. We just loved each other, and we were both sad when I moved. I often think of her and wonder where she is.
Great word choices. My word is and has always been grace. It always works for me.
My name, Julia, was not popular when I was a girl. I only knew one other Julia during all the years I was growing up. But, now, it seems as if there are Julias everywhere! Julia Roberts made it popular! I didn’t like my name when I was really little, but by the time I was in high school and college I began to love it. My father named me, so my mother always said.
I love the name Claudia, too. I only knew one Claudia when I was growing up. I don’t really know you, but I feel as though I do. I think the name suits you perfectly.
That’s a very good list. I’m still working on the same word as last year, I think. Trust, or risk. For me, I think they are so entertwined.
Those are lovely presents. I know just what you mean about an unusual name, but I really like mine too.
I hope you are having a lovely day!
I like the idea of engraved napkin rings. We use napkin rings and everyone gets his own color. They’re wooden and now a couple have broken, so our system is all mixed up! Engraved ones would be a nice idea.
Still haven’t come up with my word for this year, but I’ve narrowed it down. I like your list!
Well, they had “Brenda” and “Debbie” and “Linda” all over the place! Your name does fit you properly. It sets you apart. I can’t imagine you with any other name. Except maybe “friend.” That ones my fav!
Brenda
I agree with the name idea. I was always so upset not to find Meredith among the items that had names on them. Then to have Letitia as a middle name…. well that really was horrible growing up. Now I love my name and I am happy Mom and Dad had creative names for us in a time where creative names were not popular.
Love you,
Mere
I like your choice of words, Claudia. And now I’ll be on the lookout :-)
This is the very most special part of blogging that never ceases to amaze me…the thoughtful generosity and human connections we make through a virtual world. Claudia your name is as special as you are…
Most people think I’m an Elizabeth and I tell them ‘just Beth’ ;-) From time to time I am around other Beths at work. You are the only Claudia I know !!
My word for the year is mindfulness. I picked it out of a bowl at yoga class on Jan. 1…and again on Jan 3 so I guess it’s for real!
You are a Claudia that is very special to all of “us”. :)
My 5 yr. old grand-daughter feels the same way. She looked constantly for a water bottle with her name on it but no such thing existed. Ginny aka as Grandmama (me) had one made for her. It was her bestest Christmas present I was told. :) Happy New Year Claudia
Happy New Year, Claudia! Those are lovely, thoughtful gifts indeed.
Growing up, I had the same problem as you…never finding anything already personalized. My name wasn’t so uncommon, just the spelling. Most personalized items used the spelling ‘Sherry’ and sometimes ‘Cheri.’ Although I came to appreciate the unusual spelling as I got older, as a kid it always made me feel left out. Believe me, when I was mulling over names for my daughter, I took this into consideration and chose a relatively common name (it ranked #25 the year she was born) and used the traditional spelling…and then bought her every personalized item I could find! ;)
I have a very common name , at least it used to be , not many little Sharons now , but my late husbands name was Florian , that’s one you won’t find on any soveniers . He was the youngest of six kids , the rest were all pretty common , guess his mom and dad decided to be different with the last one. Actually was the name of the preist that married them.
Such a SWEET story…both gifts are very sweet!
Blessings,
Linda
I love your name~ it has a certain grace and loveliness to it. Those “Claudia” gifts are so pretty, and so “you”. Much more than a coffee mug or plastic keychain. :)
I really love your words for the year. This year I’ve had a heck of a time deciding on my word for the year. It never occurred to me that I could have more than one! I really like that idea.
Hugs,
Jill
The napkin ring is beautiful – I wonder who that Claudia was? My mother named me ‘Amy’ after the character in Little Women but I didn’t know any other Amys until I was an adult — now I know several.
BTW – my words for 2011 are ‘prosper’ and ‘improve’. :-)
Claudia, What marvelous gifts with your name on it. Is so lovely when people share with others isnt it. I know what you mean Ive never found my name on anything. :) BTW I lvoe your beautiful frame on your chalk board. I say peace and joy are the words for the year. Have a great New Year.
Claudia, your post is just lovely. I named my daughter Rhianon and very few people knew how to pronounce it. Then came along Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon”, and now most people now it. She was named after a mystical Welsh princess.
I have always liked the name Claudia, makes think of a lady with class and style, perhaps that why the hanky and the napkins ring are such wonderful mementoes. It makes me think of Little Women, of Victorian times….. I think your name is perfect for you, even though we haven’t met, you just fit your name!
My Mother named me after Margaret Mitchell so I guess I can’t complain, although as a child I would rather have had Scarlett!
I think your treasures from your blogging friends are great little reminders that in the world of names, no mater which one, there are kindred souls and good people all over the world.
Hugs,
Margaret B
How sweet this story is Claudia:)
I too could never find ‘paula’ on anything back then…but I soon realized that was because I was well, special! Always the optimist!!
Love your words for the new year!
paula:)
that is it claudia….now i have to hunt for claudia inscribed collections. haha.
my poor kids…AREK and ZOEY? who will have their names right? haha.
oh…words for 2011?
moderation. moderation. moderation. i truly think it is the key to an easier life. can i do it? probably not. i’d much rather stress myself out. lol.
thanks for posting.
take care
sue
That is so cool about your name, luv it!
HI CLAUDIA,
YOUR RIGHT, I NEVER SEE CLAUDIA, I SEE MY NAME SOMETIMES, NO NOT RIZZI, MADELINE.
LOVE YOUR HANKY, AS A CHILD I CARRIED A HANKY. I STILL HAVE MY SATIN HANKY CASE WITH SOME OF MY HANKIES. LOVE THE NAPKIN RING, ALL YOU NEED NOW IS A FEW THAT SAYS DON, SCOUT, AND RILEY. :) HAVE A NICE WEEKEND. RIZZI
What a sweet post!
I love the words you have chosen for 2011, fabulous!
Hugs,
Terri
Hello, Claudia! How wonderful that you refound your missing hankie. It’s so sweet, as is the napkin ring. So unique!
Donna used to be a common name, but not anymore. Whenever I hear of someone named Donna, I am (usually) correct in assuming they are of the baby boomer generation!
My word for 2011 would be organization. I noticed it isn’t on your board, but then again, you seem SO organized! I need such help in that area! Have a wonderful weekend!… Donna
I love the handkerchief story, its wonderful! Great choice of inspirational words for 2011.
Claudia love this post and your pretty name as well. How generous and thoughtful of your friends.
I remember one of my all time favorite childhood books was called *Claudia*. I wish I had a copy right now to read. Memories.
My word is *positivity*. I made it up the other day and I like it. It’s going to be a good year for all of us I just know it.
Blessings, ~Melissa :)
So glad you found the hanky Claudia, it is such a sweet treasure. Love the color. Growing up, I could never find things with my real name on it “Nanette”, might be part of the reason I shortened it to just Nan.
You just gave me such joy, dear Claudia!
xo
I personally love the name Claudia, it was among the choices when I was had my sons. They all start with “C’s” . I agree about the kindness of bloggers. You among them!
Dear Claudis, it truly is something really special, to be a part of the blogging world, and feel all the kindness and love, between us, it fills my life with thankfullness, and a big joy every day.
And your chosen words, shows lots of the feelings and experiences , I have every day by being a happy member of this blog community.
Hugs, Dorthe
My daughter and I
were just talking about
names….How you don’t
get to choose your own,
yet how you would be
reluctant to do so if
given the chance, because
it is the essence of
who you are : ) Love
your sweet gifts! And
my word for 2011? It
is L I S T E N. Listen
for dreams that sing to
me and listen to my
heart in order to understand
how to realize them.
May your 2011 be filled
with words that move and
inspire you, Claudia!
xx Suzanne
hi claudia!
i had the very same experiences with my name. never had the cool bicycle license plate or pen. oh well. i really can’t stand even now when people call me “elsie” — grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
beautiful presents and a great list of words! (pretty writing, too!)
happy weekend. snow?
xo
elyse
I love your special treasures, Claudia, how sweet! Your words for the year are wonderful, as is your great blackboard! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Claudia, I can certainly relate, having a name that is NEVER on those mug racks or key rings! I think it’s marvelous that these gifts have found their way to you and the special significance you imbue them with. I love your word choices, too, and love your chalkboard!
Have a wonderful weekend. I think it’s snow again for you?
(thank you for your super kind comments on my last post. hugs)
I often wonder, as parents name their children, if they consider how the child will feel when their name, or their chosen spelling of it, cannot be found in the toy store display of bicycle license plates. We found this out ourselves when we named our daughter … ‘Cathy’ is definitely outnumbered by the ‘Kathy’ when it comes to pre-inscribed name merchandise.
Aren’t bloggers the best, most generous folks!!!
Have a great weekend!
Connie (a name you also almost never find on stuff)
What a beautiful serviette ring – I know you were thrilled to receive such a perfect gift. I love your name.
Your words are all great choices however like you, I’m finding it hard to choose mine for this year. Last year was ‘adventure’ and, as you know, I certainly did!