Other Names I Like
Victoria – Like Suzanna is to Susan and Theodore is to Teddy, Victoria is so much more eloquent and colorful than Vickie. Victoria just oozes wealth and sophistication, doesn’t it? Even if she were not born to such a life she would hold her head up high and walk with such dignity that others would regard her as stuck-up and aloof. She would wear the finest dresses she could afford and would abhor dirt. Of course, she was not always like this. When she was a young girl she was a complete tom-boy who could outrun most of the boys in town; out-climb cats and out-fight the local bullies. Her transformation occurred in her 14th year when she met her great aunt whom she was named after, a proud but humorous woman who carried herself with such dignity and eloquence that young Victoria fell in love with her immediately and decided on the spot to become her study for life. She eventually found a man able to afford her lifestyle and she tolerated him and his money for over 30 years. Sadly, he died in his 50’s and she retired to a condo in Florida to quietly live out the rest of her days, although she still threw lavish parties once quarter or so.

Salem – Yes, like the city in West Virginia and like the cigarette that menthol lovers smoke, Salem is a unique name for an individual. It’s one of those names that’s hard to forget once you’re introduced to them. I knew a Salem once, and I think he is a fine example of the person who would carry such a label. Salem is a multi-faceted individual who nurtures a love of sports, cars, exotic lands and travels, movies, music and food with incredible balance. It’s as if he’s easily bored and must have his mind, body and soul fed with a new experiences constantly. Not really an adrenalin junky, he’s more of an experience junky, not having to be thrilled with what he does, but at least entertained. He’s a hard worker and quickly grasps difficult ideas and processes, so he’s chosen a career in computers and it fits him well. He always seems to excel in whatever he puts his mind to, mostly because whatever it is, he pours all his energy into it. Salem will retire early and spend the rest of his life traveling, if only on a shoestring budget. Fortunately, his wife did well in real estate and the stock market, so they will not have fly coach all their lives.

Amber – There’s not many other colors that people wear as names, are there? Let’s see, there’s Ruby (who takes her love to town), Cinnamon (who chases the moonlight), Fawn, Lilac, Scarlett (who loves the ground she was born on), Sienna (a great name), Slate (mostly a last name I think). Not sure why I like the name Amber so much, but it’s such a colorful name (pun intended). Poor thing, she’s just a lost little puppy in a world full of wolves. She is so naïve and childish in her ways and she’s always being eaten up by the more worldly around her. She loves to draw and paint and lives with a clod of a loser who’ll never do anything but live off her meager income. She shops exclusively in the retro stores and should have been born in the 60’s because she would have been right at home then. She works as a cashier in a chain bookstore and waitresses at a local pub when money gets tight. She’ll eventually end up on her own and will be seen wandering aimlessly down the street pushing her shopping cart and trying to find a place to keep warm. So sad, she is such a sweet, harmless thing. But, those are the ones who get beaten up in the city I’m afraid. If only she had been named Cynthia, things would have turned out so much different.