Misguided Folks, Misty-Eyed Youth

Well, the April Fool's joke is on me. Born in June, my lovely folks felt the misguided need to bestow on me a first, and now seldom used, name of April.

Mind you, in my youth, I hadn't a clue that I could go by another of my names, or otherwise come up with some variation or alternate name to minimize my ridicule and shame, but alas, that realization came to me far too late.

Picture, if you will, the cruel and unusual punishment that such a seemingly innocuous name, like April, can incite from tormenting little Johnnies and Suzies during those crucial formative years:

Do I Look Like I'm Laughing?!

* Said sometime in mid-August, upon the start of a new year during classmate introductions, "Hey you fool, It's not April, It's August," replete with roaring laughter.

* Said so many times ON today's holiday throughout the years: "Hey, April, it's your day! YOU are the fool!" Which was usually followed by some unsavory prank to my detriment.

* Let's not forget having to re-correct some administrative staffer's thoughtful, though misguided correction on some official school document whereby my birth month was presumed to be in error and changed. Afterall, who names a child April who was born in June?

* And then there are the many variations to address me during any given month of the year: "Hey May" or June, or July, or whatever month it happened to me at the time; "April Showers"; "April Fool" and so many more I can't think of them all.

* There are many names whereby a shortening or minor adjustment to the lettering can yield a perfectly good and acceptable alternative. But how do you shorten a name so short as April? I'm sure you guessed it. This prologue brings me to my all-time LEAST favorite variation on my cursed name, "Ape", and one which, I might add, if called will send me into a rage and successfully result in your broken cyber legs. Don't think I can't and won't do it... I'm fast becoming an Internet guru. Ever hear of the Cyber Mafia? (she asks knowingly while scrunching a brow, and nodding for emphasis). Okay, I made it up, but DON'T CALL ME APE! If you know what's good for ya!

* At least using the name April on formal or legal documents has some use. If a stranger calls and asks for April, it's usually a bill collector to which I promptly reply, "No, but I'll tell her you called," and quickly put a block of that number on my phone. On rare occasions, it's a distant relative that immediately identifies him or herself, and tell them that I'll let it slide -- THIS TIME!

What's In A Name?

As I've aged, the name April has less stigma attached to it for me. In fact, it is Latin and means "Open" as in the earth opening in Spring, or as in an open personality, which I must say is truly apropos to mine. My middle name, Lenore, which comes from the Greek word meaning Light and was made famous by Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, is my name of choice, although I frequently shorten it for effortless use. Raven, though not part of my legal or baptismal name, has become a part of my identity as well.

Raven is the common name given to several large black birds of the genus Corvus. Other birds in the same genus are the smaller crows, jackdaws, and rooks. Ravens have high bird intelligence and are perhaps the smartest birds. (Source: Wikipedia).

Ravens, like Black Cats, are often surrounded by legends and mystery with both positive and negative connotations. There are many stories of the good or positive spiritual influences of both Ravens and Black Cats, and just as many negative ones, however I tend to focus on the positive stories, and I view people the same way. I choose to see the humanity and goodness and overlook negatives and TRY to give both mankind and the afore-mentioned creatures the benefit of the doubt. [SIDE NOTE: I happen to share residence with two beautiful black cats, whom I love and who love me deeply. They are my healers and protectors. No negatives there.]

One legend, naming the Raven as a trickster, is fitting for today's celebration and I vote it should be dubbed the official mascot of April Fool's Day and shall oversee its requisite pranks.

Raven also represents the color black or darkness, yet ironically, in Native American mythology, the Raven is the creator of mankind, is responsible for bringing the world into being, and who is sometimes considered to be the Owner of Daylight.

From its origins, I've become quite attached to the symbolism and representation the name Raven has. A close friend once pointed out a very clever play on words, or rather the meaning of these names, that seems fitting today of my new mindset, and my new beginnings which I will share with you now:

Raven April Lenore = Darkness Opening to Light

I've been through some dark days of late, and I'm ready to live in the light and to live life as passionately, as fully, and as openly as possible.

Today, is my rebirth! All hail Raven April Lenore, transforming from Darkness to Light! Celebrate my day today! Go forth and be the prankster I know you have it in you to be! Make me proud and have fun doing it!