What's In A Name???

 

Well, I must start by answering the question above...

My name consist of every letter that makes ME unique...

Sure, I know that there are a million people named Jodie out there. Some are spelled with an i, an ee, a y, or an ie.

But...there is only one ME ;)

Before my Mom passed away, I asked her why she named me Jodie and she said there was no special reason except for the fact that she just liked the name. If she were to have a girl or a boy, the name would have been the same either way, just spelled a little differently. I'm content with that as my name is my lifelong gift from her. I was born Jodie Maria Rougeau.

Jodie ~ meaning "Grace of God"

Maria ~ My chosen Catholic middle name

Rougeau ~ My French heritage (pronounced Roo show)

I love my maiden name. When I was married, I debated if I was going to keep it or not...hubby didn't like that very well so I gave in to the new last name of LeJeune.  It is still French so I'm happy.

LeJeune ~ My Married name (pronounced Le Jan)

And when I say "French"...let me make this clear. When one speaks of "French" we automatically think of France. In our case down South, most of us came from Canada and other French speaking countries (sort of like a jambalaya ;) and we settled in Louisiana. With lack of education and resources, we (Acadians), speak the ever so popular "Cajun French" which is a derivative of the proper French language. It is similar in some ways, but certainly NOT the same.

I can't drop the Rougeau...ever, so I always bring forth that "R" as a reminder of my lifelong gift.

Jodie R. LeJeune...I love it! ;)

And do you know what else is ME that I LOVE?

This gift was from Heidi Woodruff back in October 2008. She was a dear blog friend and no longer has a blog. She is missed by many, including me.

Here is an excerpt from my blog post on October 31, 2008:

I love my name everything vintage.

I must be what one would call an "old soul".

I know this sounds really silly to some, but my heart pours this feeling of utter joy when I am "junking" and come across something as simple as an old cabinet card, or vintage baby clothes, etc.

I go into this state of mind of wondering who were they and what was their story.

I hold vintage lace and tatting in my hand.

I admire the beauty of it just like any other vintage lover would, but my admiration is much deeper than the beauty of it all.

I stare at it and wonder who's patient and talented hands have done this and how long did it take them by candle light?

This is why I decided that I could only explain my feelings as...everything vintage.

Not just one thing or two, but everything vintage.

And with that said, that's why there is no caps & no punctuation of any kind because there is no beginning and definitely no end to my love for everything vintage.

Hopefully when I hang my sign from Heidi in my craft room/studio, I can look at it, smile and be reminded of where my soul is...it's in everything vintage~

And, this still hangs in my studio today...a constant reminder of a wonderful blog friend who painted on my heart with her generosity...permanently.

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So back to the question: "What's in a name?"

LIFE, emotions, gifts, heritage, memories, love, example, feelings, attitude, individuality, preference, uniqueness, meaning, devotion, the past, the present, the future, ETC.

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So if you are thinking where in the heck did I get the idea to post about my namesake,

I'm participating in Sares' Blog Party...

If you'd like, you can click HERE to read about Sares and all of the other "loveleigh" participants.

Thank you Sares for hosting such a wonderful party!

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So today when you get a break from your hectic schedule, think about how unique your name is...maybe you will see it in a whole different light. It is...uniquely YOURS in every way.

:)

Speaking of unique...HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA!!!!