Reading · The Mad Tea Party

The question intrigued me. What is the significance behind a NAME? And how does a name reflect who we are? In my research, the major consensus was that names reflect our cultural heritage, familial connections, personal identity, or even our aspirations. Names often invoke powerful emotions and memories and often reflect how we perceive ourselves and others.

The Reeves surname is Anglo-Saxon, meaning these individuals worked in land management or governance for the castles, a government job. Its crest and motto are Animum rege which means Rule thy mind. Historically, many immigrated to Ireland, overtime to the United States and even Canada. Some found their way to the prison colonies in Australia.

My father’s family immigrated from Ireland. I have records from my grandmother, so one day I need to do more thorough research to leave behind for my granddaughter. It is said that the name may have originated from the Norman conquest, so for my purposes, I’ll own that.

My birth name Bianca means white, pure, light and it originated with the French. My mother, an avid fan of Shakespeare, chose it after the character from "Taming of the Shrew." Little did she know I would grow to embody an irony that would make her smile. You see, while the play is a comedy rife with romance and wit, it also hints at the complexities of love and identity. A theme that would deeply influence my life.

So, in college, I focused on English and Theatre. It seems like destiny had a plan for me. After graduating, I became a junior high and high school English teacher. I also taught drama.

As I stood in front of the classroom, a sea of youthful faces gazed back at me, I felt a familiar thrill surrounded by the very literature that had captured my heart and mind. My students often joked about my name, linking it to the fiery spirit of Shakespeare’s heroine. I chuckled along, knowing that the richness of words and the stories they held were my genuine passion.

But my journey as a lover of literature didn’t stop at teaching. It blossomed into writing. I transformed into Jaylee Austin, penning tales where romance and fantasy entwined, exploring realms where emotions flowed as freely as the ink on my pages. I chose the name Jaylee lovingly, a tribute to my son; "Jay" for Jason and "Lee" for his middle name. Every time I wrote his name, it kept me connected to him, making my stories real because of how much he means to me.

My pen name, Austin, is from an old country song I loved in 2001. The song talks about a man using a voice message as a plea to his ex-girlfriend who has moved to Austin, Texas. The song lyrics lingered in my mind long after the music faded, reminding me of romance and love which inspired me, much like the romantic dreams I chased in my writing. "Jaylee Austin" The name just summed up what mattered most to me: my son, reading, and going on adventures.

As I set at my desk, the sunlight streaming through the window; I reflect on my mother who passed away this May and her choice to name me Bianca. The eloquence of the classic plays she adored steeped every story I crafted and every lesson I taught. With each turn of phrase, I embraced the duality of my identity. As an English teacher, I guided my students through the labyrinth of literature, and as a novelist I spin romantic tales that explore the complexities of love, spirituality, and mythology.

It’s funny how names can carry history and weight, how they can become an integral part of a person’s narrative. For me, being Bianca Reeves meant embracing my Irish/English and Nordic heritage, while also crafting an alternative path as Jaylee Austin, a name that resonated with my life’s calling and the love that filled my days. And in these moments, both in the classroom and at my desk, I feel the vibrant pulse of creativity and connection, weaving my story into the timeless tapestry of romantic adventures.

I'm starting a new Scandinavian Nordic romantasy. The main character's a Draugr—a Nordic undead warrior. (Some draugr, like vamps, give in to the darkness and feed on humans, while others fight that urge and try to stay human.) Reference definition. In this series, the characters and the location will play an important significant rule within the story.

In certain mythologies, names hold cultural, historical, and linguistic importance. Throughout my research into Nordic mythology and while planning my upcoming 30-day cruise from London to Iceland, a question lingered about their modern-day influence. As I pursue this adventure, I will post ideas and pictures of my experience.

So, jump on board and join me with a cup of tea as I explore and learn more about Nordic names and how their names are vital links to cultural identity, history, language, and family heritage, making them an essential aspect of Nordic life and society.

I would love to hear about Your name, Your story.

Your Name, Your Story

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