I fought with myself for years about changing my maiden name to my married name. I never took very kindly to being anyone’s property. I think I might be a feminist, or at least an old non-conformist hag. Either way I wanted name independence.
I didn’t fight long. I’m no heavy weight. My inner feminist lost. All things being considered, I didn’t mind carrying my husband’s last name. I was in love and wanted to be his property. All things being considered NOW, I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. You see, I’m getting a divorce and now I have to choose between my inner feminist and the globe-trekker I am aspiring to become.
I have grown so fond of my unique last name. It will be my badge, my passport. It will only enhance my collection. Okay, okay – By no means do I want to collect husbands; but if I am to travel the world, this sort of thing is destined to happen. Is it not? You tell me world? Will I have a hyphenated – hyphenated last name such as- SantiagoMurphy de la Cruz – Von Furstenburg- Jean-Louis? I’d be picking up husbands in Spain, Austria and France. Wow! I hope they’re all rich 🙂
If nothing else the name might help me get through airport security easier, depending on who they are profiling these days. I would have by-in everywhere I went! The Spanish, French and English colonized much of the globe, so with a name like SantiagoMurphy de la Cruz – Von Furstenburg – Jean-Louis I’d have an “IN.”
Let me in Son! I got a name passport Yo!
All things considered, husband-less as I am, I feel closer to my journey. With less and less things tying me down, I might be able to make some moves toward seeing the world.
In the mean time I will either sulk and or relish in my newly found name independence and my ability to choose if I wanted to keep a name OR a husband for that matter.
Funny thing about a last name is that it represents SO many things. More than just getting through, having by-in, being a husband collector. It represents content of character. I hope I have enough good content to spread around that will make ALL my husbands happy. (insert sarcastic eye roll and grin here)
Written by,
Melissa Jean-Louis
© 2013
SleepSoupSexTravel 
I think u might be a non-conforming feminist hag of many trades to which many a last name would not make a do… U see, u seem to be a multi dimensional and complex character based on my reading of your blog (if I had an opportunity of a chance encounter with u at a Bistro in France or on a Venetian gondola in Venice, I am certain my tooth pulling would elicit a similar fortune). I am certain that there is a slight iota of a chance that I could be incorrect, but I’d go all in on it, for the sake of heaven. The only thing that baffles me is the whole wanting to be someone’s property, now on the other hand, that isn’t handcuffed, that might not be so bad as long as u aren’t titled ‘slave’ and IF it is equitable (a term u may value -equity)… Last names can be badges of what was once our destiny, but funny as it may be the crystal ball doesn’t work so well on the front end. If only there were a movie trailer or a sneak preview, but who’d want that, that would take the life out of living..and the wisdom out of life. I could see u taking an exotic, uncommon, ear ringing last name because your galley of thoughts aren’t simple at all, so I can visualize how your intrigue is birthed. However, one can not discount simplicity as exampled in the age defying effects of the simple oils u spoke of in the aging gracefully post. U see, just as a Baker kneads his dough carefully with cinnamon, a hint of vanilla and a secret spice or two, it is done so, it will rise… and rise it does.. I wish u a fruitful, blissful, care free and careful journey, Queen…