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How Did Buttercup Get to Be Buttercup?

And how did your blog get its name?

The Bermuda Buttercup, which I found in the Madeira this spring. 

Buttercup is not my actual nickname, far from it. In fact, in a not very well known fact, one of my high school buddies called me "Candy," because I wasn't sweet. My greatest character flaw is a too-quick temper, something I have been struggling to correct for over thirty years. Some days I succeed and on others I fail. Even as I've come to have better control I know it is something I will need to focus on for the rest of my life.

My blogging began with a resolve to be a more upbeat and cheerier person. The fall of 2008 had been a very difficult time and I found myself sadder, darker and more angry than I wanted to be. I wanted to smile more, even in the face of difficult economic and professional times. I wanted to be Buttercup, not Stinkweed. Buttercup was the name I'd coined in the office for a colleague who sat in the cubicle next to mine to tease her out of a bad mood. Buttercup was so far from her personality that just saying the word to her would make her smile. In Blogland I could be Buttercup and I hoped that being Buttercup would be transformative.

Has it worked? To some degree, yes. I am more like Buttercup than Stinkweed and the friends I have made through blogging have been a great part of any change that has taken place. With only a few exceptions, every comment has been kind, thoughtful and positive. The support I've received has carried over to the rest of my life. I'm not as kind, thoughtful and positive as I would like to be, but I am more so than I was at the beginning of my blog journey. As always, my thanks and affection, blog friends, for your kindness and support. Hugs, prayers and blessings to all of you!

17 comments

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I agree, just saying Buttercup does make you smile. Blogging is something I've always enjoyed. I hope all your comments are always pleasant ones.

Mevely317 said...

This made me smile! ... In part, because my parents had a "special name" for me when I'd become "trutzk."
Honestly, I find your candor SO refreshing! Pollyannas, we're not, but (I suspect) there's lots of us who benefit from your philosophy.

k and c's mom said...

I LOVE the explanation! I was never sure why you were called that, but from this side of the computer screen it seemed to fit you. You have 127 followers who are apparently drawn to your optimism...just like I am.

Maggid said...

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this. Seems there are many of us reaching for our own unique possibility. I LOVE knowing we are all in this together.

this "human thing" - how cool that we're not alone . . . how cool we can have fun along the way.

You so totally rock!
love & love,
-g-

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello:
There are probably as many different motives behing blogs as there are writers. And, how wonderful that through this process we can be who we wish to be and say what we wish to say. However, perhaps the name is not so significant but thinking about what you wished you achieve certainly is.

Our blog name is self explanatory!!!

Sheilagh said...

I love your explanation of Buttercup, we can all take a lesson from you, which I do quite often:)

I am so glad I picked this Buttercup as it never fades and dies. But shines on no matter what the season, I love coming to your page.

Love and hugs

Sheilagh

PS I do hope blogger lets me comment.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Yes, Buttercup makes me smile but Stinkweed makes me laugh maybe because I fill the description on occasion.

I imagine sitting next to you in a cubicle is lots of fun ~ your warm heart pours out in your blog so I know it must in work too.

My blog name is a goal as well. We can always be brighter, cheerier more grateful and more thankful.

Have a great week, Buttercup!

Ms Sparrow said...

Interesting post. Wishing you a lifetime of buttercups!

Barbara Blundell said...

I think Buttercup is a lovely name, inspiring thoughts of sunny ,peaceful meadows and i think you live up to it

Jane said...

Buttercup DOES suit you so very well!

Jane

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I only met you briefly but I think "Buttercup" suits your personality wonderfully! You were very warm and cheerful for our early Saturday morning shopping spree :)

I agree that blogging enables us to meet so many inspiring people who add to our day. I usually try to blog about the "good and the happy" as I want to add to that in someone's day. Every now and then a little bit of the sad or grumbling enters into a blog post ..but not too often :)

My Homegoods post is up today! It was so much fun meeting you there and I hope you are enjoying your towels, etc.

Hugs, Pat

Barbara F. said...

Hey Buttercup, I think the name suits you even though I know you only through blogging, I just read Pat's post about the HG shopping spree - you are a cutie! And know I am here for you as one of your followers, for the good and the not-so-good, we're here for whatever you want/need to share. xo,

Barb Hodges said...

Thank you, Buttercup, for being you. Yes, just saying Buttercup brings a smile on. Take encouragement in your growth. You recognize it in yourself. That's a great sign. You are on your way and you have us, your blogging pals to cheer you on. We really need each other to do that. We are that "village".

Melinda said...

I agree with everyone--you are a Buttercup.
These are places for us to be ourselves and share with others a little bit of our lives.
It's a great way to meet others and find out about different parts
of the country or world.

Melinda

Sharon said...

What a fun post! Glad you took the time to explain. Buttercups (especially the wild ones I find in the Smokies in the spring) are one of my favorite flowers and I always think of you when I see them.

Ms Sparrow said...

I love your idea of blogging about out choice of blog name. We don't have a choice about our given name but the sky's the limit when it comes to our "handles". Thanks for sharing.

Donna said...

what a wonderful story indeed. and it also is a very uplifting name. you cant be sad when you say the word buttercup and your posts are extremely inspirational. I care for my 92 year old mom and Im 50 something so I started my blog www.50plusstickingtogether.blogspot.com to pass my time. It truly is a hobby for me and I love meeting other 50 somethings that I can share notes with. Love reading all of your posts....your great.