What's Your Name
In June I headed back to Elizabeth City and the Museum of the Albemarle for a Saturday event. It was a long way to go for a single day event. But, it was Civil War centered, their gift shop carries my books, and they’ve been very good to me and my books. Chris came along and we stopped in Raleigh for an appointment with Margaret Cotrufo at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences concerning the blue-eyed dolls and the ambassador doll that lives there. I was already writing that book. (blog Sept 30)
We stayed at my friend Denise Call’s in Elizabeth City. She had wanted me to bring Lily .......
Danville, Indiana, Civil War Days was a get-a-way for both Dave and I. Neither of us wanted to be in our empty home that first weekend without Lily. The trouble was there were many dogs visiting my table, greeting us with friendly noses and paws, and every one, especially the goldens, brought on tears from both of us. I pasted on a smile, and sold a lot of books that day. I used a lot of tissues when no one was watching. It was hard to stay focused.
The first woman to come to my table that morning looked at my book cover and asked, “Does your middle name happen to be Kay?”
“Yes,” I answered.
“That’s my name, too, Deanna Kay,” she said.
“Really?” I was so surprised. I have a spread sheet I created in preparation for the release of Bread Upon the Water. It lists more than 2400 librarians in parochial schools across the country. Most are women. None are Deanna. A second woman came along shortly afterward and asked me, “You are Deanna? Deanna Kay?” I nodded.
“My middle name was going to be Kay, but I turned out to be a twin so my sister is Kay. I’m Deanna.” I couldn’t believe this. Out of 2400 people there are no Deannas and here are the three of us.
“Hey! Deanna!” I called out to the first woman who was a ways up the street. “Come back, I want you to meet someone.” She came back and I said, “Deanna, meet Deanna, and Deanna.” Why didn’t I think to have someone take a picture of the three Deannas? It was certainly a Ripley moment.
My friend Denise Call was traveling my way in the Blue Ridge for her family reunion, and her wonderful golden named Deed was coming to stay with us for a week. I knew Dave would love this big hairy creature. When Deed left after the week, we both knew we must have another dog, and soon. This house was just too empty. I wonder what we will name her/him?
How important is a name? I didn’t know it then, but my next book, Cracks in the Ice, would delve into that question.