origin of a name
So this my blog and I’m going to call it Periwinkle Papillion. Naming this thing was almost as hard as naming my 2 kids, Anna and Jack. So much pressure! Well just like my kids I think I did ok with my choice.
But now, you are probably wondering why Periwinkle Papillion? And if you aren’t and are still reading I don’t know what you will find interesting about what I say next. So… Periwinkle Papillion gives a glimpse into my background. Periwinkle is a beautiful shade of blue (my favorite) and Papillion is french for ‘butterfly’. So, no big deal right?
Well, I’m a pretty conservative looking gal – stay at home Mom of two living in the burbs. I’m in my (gulp) mid-thirties and fairly quiet. BUT when I was 16 my fun loving and outrageous mother turned to me one day and said, “Let’s go get tattoos!” and to this day I still do not know why I answered: “Sure!”
Now not many Moms would encourage their underage teen to go get branded but mine did and it was the best gift she ever gave me.
When we got to Big Joe’s Tattoo palour in her Mercedes sedan we were to say, the least, out of our element. The place was amazing and somehow not at all intimidating. Even the tattoo artist gave us questioning looks as my mom signed the waiver for me to get my first tat. From the thousands, and I mean THOUSANDS, of tattoo images displayed on the walls I honed in a simple, single color butterfly and in my wisdom at 16, I choose to get a tattoo in a place that would not sag with old age or babies.
Ten years later after my mom’s death to cancer, I love the fact that I have this permanent reminder of this one adventure together. I feel connected to her and have a daily reminder that like a butterfly you have to morph and keep flitting about to get through life. Kelly Corrigan said it best in her book Lift
And that’s what I do. And that’s what this blog is going to be about. My journey with my Periwinkle Papillion tattoo.
I just had to leave another comment to say congrats (again) on starting your blog, and thank you for sharing such a sweet and personal story. I was wondering about the origin of the blog name at first, but I’m glad you chose it because it’s such a fitting way to keep the memory of your mother close to your heart. I just read about “Lift” & it sounds like it a great book to give to some of my friends who are moms–thanks for the introduction.
So excited to read your blog! You are one of the most amazing, creative people I know…. and I’m not just saying that because you are family! Your endless wisdom, advice, and just plain old good chats have kept me not only sane for the past 4 years (wish I would have known you as well earlier), but enriched my life in more ways than you know! Good luck with the blog, and I look forward to reading it! Love you more than you know!!
Wow! Thanks so much Audrey! I love following your blog of C-Man too. Miss you guys and love you love you love you!!! xo S.
Despite the fact that I talk with you almost everyday, this blog is a wonderful way to learn new things about you and what’s on your mind. I wish it was snowing here so I could make “Snow Muffins”! I love that you posted the photo from your mom’s original recipe with her handwriting on it. Very special. xoxo