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"Raine? I can’t believe you named the child after a bad day.” The response from one of the first farmers I spoke with on my return to work from maternity leave, following his query on what we named our child. Reading the problem posed to Miriam this week, “My wife wants to name our child something off the wall”, I smiled a little, as this is something I can identify with. When you spell your name in a novel way, you can take two routes; ignore the misspellings or constantly correct with an explanation.
I think that an unusual name with a little backstory is a conversation point
This for me is generally: “Yes it’s Amii with a double I, there was a singer in the 1970s, Amii Stewart. You might know her song, Knock on Wood.” If they are still staring blankly, I might try a short rendition, but given my lack of being able to hold a tune, this rarely (if ever) has actually helped. At this point, we usually move on.
I think that an unusual name with a little backstory is a conversation point and teaches children how to defend themselves early in life. A little bit of in-built resilience. If anyone says anything to Raine about her name, she says: “The rain makes everything green and without it, nothing would grow – rain is essential.”
We are finding it harder to focus on the positives
My younger daughter has shortened her own name, India, to Dia. Not sure that she knows she has decided to elevate herself to the level of the gods, but nothing wrong with aiming high I suppose.
COVID-19 continues and I have noticed a growing fatigue with this extended period of isolation. We are finding it harder to focus on the positives, when there is no defined end in sight. For many there is a feeling of Groundhog Day – wake, work, cook, sleep and endless cleaning. Psychotherapist Enda Murphy this week advises us on keeping things in perspective and not allowing our pathological critic to take hold.
Although we may be struggling in our own ways, there are many people in worse situations. Marcella Connolly spoke with some of the services supporting people suffering from domestic abuse. A drop in calls to these lines is a major concern, as the escape outlet to even make a call may be closed. It is important to know that: “Movement restrictions do not apply to a person escaping from harm.”
On a positive note, Mairead Lavery and Anne O’Donoghue, spoke with groups that are making personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers.
Something I miss, while we are working apart, is the team effort that goes into picking the Irish Country Living cover
The HSE is not (yet) advising people to wear masks as their effectiveness is debated. However, the German government are recommending their use on public transport and while shopping. There is a caveat though; that they must be put on and worn properly. Irish Country Living has instructions to make a basic mask design here. It has been said, that even if the mask is not effective at preventing transmission of the virus, the look of them does remind people to maintain their social distance.
Something I miss, while we are working apart, is the team effort that goes into picking the Irish Country Living cover. I lay the potentials out in my office and everyone picks their favourite. With our competition this week, one lucky winner will see their own cover printed. Details are here. Broadband is an issue in rural Ireland, please fill in our broadband survey so we can gauge how possible it is for readers to work remotely.
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