A gentle spirit came to earth in 1947. Born on the sweltering, hot summer day of the 20th of July, my fragile limbs and organs strained to survive in a new environment of mechanical machinery. I was barely three pounds in weight but had a will equal to 300 pounds of strength. I overcame the mechanical machines that were part of my life for several months. As I grew older, I soon realized that all of my life would be filled with challenges to conquer.
Told I was rambunctious, I managed to overcome those labels with a smile. I learned to dance to amuse myself and make everyone around me happy. If there was laughter, I felt safe.
It wasn’t until I started school that I realized how difficult it was to carry a name that was meant to be given to a boy. Yes, my fathers name was Isidore. I was the boy who turned out to be a girl.
Kids were cruel when I started school. They made fun of my name and me. I was the only brown child in the entire parochial school along with one black boy child. We looked out of place among them. They made sure we knew we were different. They taunted the pronunciation of my name by coming close to me with fists and asking if they could knock on my door; which was my head. They asked if I would be able to feel their fists if they knocked because of all that puffy hair. When your 6 or 7 you can’t understand why you look different. You aren’t aware of ethnicity.
My family didn’t use my name either. They called me Doris or Dori. I never asked why. I always assumed it was because my Dad had the same name. But, they used to call him Isidoro or Izzy. When I met my hubby in high school, he called me Sandy. I never asked why. I thought it was a special girlfriend name. Everyone had sweaters with their names on them during my high school days. So, I didn’t mind having Sandy printed on it instead of my name. I thought it was a cool name.
Fast forward to today ….
I can honestly say that I had to grow into my name. It took years. I was much more comfortable with it during my artistic career which began when I was 36 years old. It served me well because it is unique. I’m really proud of my name now. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. It has helped me to be successful in my business. I sold handcrafted jewelry for 28 years under that name. It was my name and my brightly red dyed hair that helped people remember me. It was as unique as my handcrafted silversmithing.
During the years, I’ve worn many, many hats. I’ve been an interior decorator, a buyer for a well-known clothing manufacturer, a gal Friday for a major insurance company, a dancer and the president/owner of an artfully designed jewelry business and copper sculpture business. I am a wife, mother and grandmother of 8. Now, I am a novice photographer and writer.
I never thought I’d touch people in so many ways with my words and images. I’m happy I’ve been able to do that. I’m even happier that I’m accomplishing the goal I had set for myself which is touching the hearts of all people in this world we call cyber.
2016©Isadora DeLaVega
***** Some other names I’ve been known as – Isadora, Dori, Doris, Iz, Isa, Is, Issy, Izzy, Dorotea, Sandy,
Ms. Dori, Mrs. D, Ms.Isadora and Ms. DeLaVega
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperwhimseasbyal/
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WordPress Weekly Writing Prompt
Say Your Name
Michelle W is asking us to – Write about your first name:
Are you named after someone or something?
Are there any stories or associations attached to it?
If you had the choice, would you rename yourself?
To join in the challenge click here
February 10, 2016 at 3:53 am
Issy, what a wonderful post! Is the last photo of you the most recent? Thank you for sharing! Namaste ~ ❤
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February 10, 2016 at 5:07 pm
HI Becca,
The last photo was taken on the Princess Royal cruise line. It was for our 50th Anniversary.
Due to my back surgery, I was able to maintain a grey-less look. Then, as time went on I
began to embrace my silver locks. I’m glad you liked my post. It grew as I wrote it. LOL
Namaste 🙏
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February 10, 2016 at 5:24 pm
I am also embracing my silver “highlights”, with some chunkier strands in places. LOL 😀
You must have been a “child” bride if you and Al have already celebrated 50 years! ❤
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February 10, 2016 at 5:52 pm
I can remember my maternal grandmother having the shiniest silver hair. I used to hope that mine would be that color.
It’s getting there. I’ve had hair stylists who want to cut the length to help it along but I dislike short hair on me.(Too Puffy – LOL)
Yes, AL and I were very young. I was married month after my 18 birthday. He was 19. We had been engaged for 2 years. I graduated from high school at 16; then college. All these little bits and pieces of an unusually well-lived life will one day be in my memoir. (I hope LOL ) Have a GREAT Wednesday …!!! 😎
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February 9, 2016 at 11:46 pm
Hi Isadora! I like your name too! 😀
And great photos… and creations… as well!
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February 10, 2016 at 6:28 pm
Smiles on my face from all of your kind words, Tom.
Thank You,
Isadora 😎
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February 9, 2016 at 10:06 pm
What a wonderful collection of photos of you, beautiful girl with all your names. Passionate in red, tranquil in the blue that matches your eyes, its a delight to know you!
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February 10, 2016 at 6:41 pm
Ahhh …. I’m astounded at the high praise in all the comments for this post and yours, as well, Gilly.
The story just grew and grew as I went on about writing it. I had no idea where to cut it so I left it all
in. Thank you for the precious comment. It’s touched my heart deeply. 😍❤️😍
Isadora 😎
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February 9, 2016 at 5:36 pm
I had no clue that Isadora is a male name. With the “a” at the end I never thought about it. I always thought it was pretty. I’m sorry you had to grow up feeling so different and apart from the world. I really feel for you. Although you grew up into a wonderful talented and beautiful woman. I admire your strength.
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February 10, 2016 at 5:15 pm
Actually, the name can be used for both male and females. My father was named after the patron Saint Isidore.
In spanish ‘O’ is male, ‘A’ is female. As in my father’s name is actually, ‘Isidoro’. Anyway, I’m loving my name now.
I learned early on in my life that I needed to be the one who loved me despite what others may think. I treasure
those moments, regardless of how difficult they were, because they brought ma to a place where I learned to appreciate
myself and who I am. Thank you for your lovely comment, Cee. It is very heartwarming. ❤️🌹❤️
Isadora 😎
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February 9, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Hi Isadora, love to know and to see you. You are a gorgeous lady. I’ve never thought of Isadora being a male name, Dora and Izzy are nice nicknames, like mine, some people call me Beth others Liz, Eliza. I think people are lazy to say the full name, so they go for the short form. But I don’t see any relation with Isadora and Sandy, you should ask your hubby to make it clear. 🙂 .
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February 23, 2016 at 5:25 pm
Just going back to check on my responses to see if I missed any. A little late. 😐
Actually, the name can be used for both male and females. My father was named after the patron Saint Isidore.
In spanish ‘O’ is male, ‘A’ is female. As in my father’s name is actually, ‘Isidoro’.
I think I grew into my name(not literally LOL) For a child, it was a bit larger than life. As I grew older, I realized
that having an unusual name helped people remember me.
Thank you for always taking the time to visit and comment, Elizabeth. I really appreciate it.
Izzy 😎
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February 9, 2016 at 2:03 pm
Isa dora. I love that name. There is Isadora Duncan!
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February 9, 2016 at 10:08 pm
I read the book about Isadora Duncan. I’m pleased you like my name.
Thank you,
Isadora 😎
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February 9, 2016 at 1:20 pm
I love the name Isadora. I find it an elegant, intriquing name, and strong name. And, from the pictures of your art and the record of your accomplishments, I’d say, “The name suits you well.” @sheilagood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
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February 10, 2016 at 6:48 pm
I’ve learned to embrace my name along with my silvery hair. Time makes important things
unimportant in the bigger picture. Thank you for stopping by for a visit to my blog
and leaving your very complimentary comment. Come back again real soon ..!!!
Isadora 😎
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February 10, 2016 at 7:49 pm
My pleasure. I learning to embrace my silver hair, too. LOL. Thanks for following the Cow Pasture. I look forward to conversing with you again.
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February 9, 2016 at 12:39 pm
Isadora, Dori, Doris, Iz, Isa, Is, Issy, Izzy, Dorotea, Sandy, Ms. Dori, Mrs. D, Ms.Isadora, Ms. DeLaVega, I am so grateful and happy knowing you! 🙂 xxxx
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February 10, 2016 at 6:46 pm
Dearest, Marina,
You are very kind to leave a comment with such high praise. I’m honored to know you too.
It gives me faith that the WWW isn’t just full of pictorial faces but real and genuine people.
Blessings to you, dear friend. 🙏
Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️🌹🍷😍😘❤️
Isadora 😎
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February 12, 2016 at 12:28 am
It truly isn’t full of pictorial faces!
Blessings to you too, my kind friend, with hugs – love and a Happy Valentine’s too! 🙂 xxxxxxxx
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February 9, 2016 at 12:13 pm
I’m sorry you were bullied as a child! You were a beautiful child and you have become a very beautiful woman! I really like your name. Isadora is very pretty and unusual.
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February 14, 2016 at 6:12 pm
Oh my, somehow I missed your comment PJ. I apologize for that.
I ‘Thank You’ for your very complimentary comment. I’m fortunate to have
met and become blog friends with so many lovely people.
Happy Valentine Day !!! 😍❤️😍
Isadora 😎
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February 14, 2016 at 7:06 pm
Happy Valentine’s Day, Isadora! 🙂
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February 14, 2016 at 7:27 pm
❤️
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February 9, 2016 at 8:53 am
Wonderful..
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February 9, 2016 at 10:25 pm
😍
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February 9, 2016 at 8:47 am
Awwww…. this is such a lovely post fit for a gorgeous person like you. 🙂
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February 14, 2016 at 6:13 pm
Hugely appreciative of your lovely words, Rosema.
Happy Valentine Day !!! ❤️
Isadora 😎
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February 15, 2016 at 3:54 am
Yay! Happy heart’s day to you as well, Isadora! ❤
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February 9, 2016 at 5:49 am
A beautiful name for a beautiful person😊
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February 9, 2016 at 10:59 pm
Awww …. Thank you, Ruth. I appreciate your kind words and your visit to my blog.
Isadora 😎
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February 9, 2016 at 4:17 am
I love your hair, in all its stages!
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February 9, 2016 at 10:31 pm
I appreciate your kind comment very much. Thank you for it and for visiting my blog.
Isadora 😻
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