Telling: Altars & Artifacts

mom

naming names

I have a lot of trouble getting the right name out in a pinch. "Stop that Tucker!" As often as not comes out: "Stop that Gu-Tu-Gu-J! Who are you?" So last night I decided I needed a name that worked for all, something easy on my tired tongue, a contextual name that would apply to whoever it was I was addressing at the time. We talked it over, the boys and I, and came up with "Spot". (Their choice, not mine.) It tickles them so, that any request addressed to Spot is quickly obeyed. "Lie down now, Spot, it's time to sleep." And each one drops down snoring.

A Mother's Journal

field notes from
1997 - 1999