The Name Game: Sonnet of the Moon

Crystal from Sonnet of the Moon is here today. I'm actually flying back from Minnesota today. Isn't it great to be able to plan ahead via technology? I'd love to be able to tell you whether I have met Crystal in person or not (I sure hope the answer is yes), but you'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out.

1. How did you choose the name for your blog, Sonnet of the Moon?

A long time ago, there was a man who sent me a poem. I was just 19 and he was sweet and kind. And although I tried, I did not love him. Could not, actually. My heart had just been broken by someone else. But there was the poem...

A Sonnet of the Moon

Look how the pale queen of the silent night
Doth cause the ocean to attend upon her,
And he, as long as she is in his sight,
With her full tide is ready her to honor.
But when the silver wagon of the moon
Is mounted up so high he cannot follow,
The sea calls home his crystal waves to moan,
And with low ebb doth manifest his sorrow.
So you that are the sovereign of my heart
Have all my joys attending on your will;
My joys low-ebbing when you do depart,
When you return their tide my heart doth fill.
So as you come and as you do depart,
Joys ebb and flow within my tender heart.
-Charles Best

I had not been a fan of poetry before that day but I immediately fell in love with the beautiful imagery. It haunted me and I felt felt my broken heart mend just a little. A few years later, I started an online journal. I chose the name "Sonnet of the Moon" without thinking twice. And when I switched over to a "real" blog, it was the obvious choice. After so many years using the name, it feels like a part of me. It's not clever nor does it describe my creative passions, but it makes me happy.

2. Were there other names you considered, and can you share any of them with us?

Before I started my blog, I very briefly tried to think of something that would work better as a business name. You know, just in case I ever wanted to sell things. But when the time came, I didn't feel like any of my ideas were any good. And more importantly, they all felt like strangers...not at all the warm and familiar name I had always loved.

3. Now that you are recognized by your Sonnet of the Moon, are you happy with it, or do you wish you could change it to something else?

After ten years, I still love that poem and the name it inspired. I'm comfortable with it now...we are the oldest and dearest of friends.

Crystal has often gotten emails from me, asking about a particular fabric she has used. And in many cases I have been the recipient of little fabric presents in the mail from her. She is very creative and generous. I'm so glad she was here today. Please stop by her blog, look around and say hi.

By now many of you know I am completely obsessed with selvages. Don't you think it's about time someone equally as obsessed is spotlighted on The Name Game? Next week I'm super excited to have Riel Nason from Quispamisquilter. If you haven't seen what she does with selvages, you are in for a huge treat!