I was noticing the names this time, more than usual. They play an important part in how we perceive the characters and even in developing the personality of the town. I don't think Ima and Erma would strike us the same way if their names were Ashley and Patricia.
Penny, you are very right: Ima and Erma have a slightly comic edge to their names. And I occasionally hear from a reader who knows her Texas history and remembers the famous (notoriously named) Ima Hogg (1882-1975), the daughter of a Texas governor and wealthy plantation owner. Contrary to popular legend, Miss Hogg did NOT have a sister named Ura. 🤔 This story was in my mind when I chose the names Ima and Erma--and always makes me smile. Wikipedia has documented it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ima_Hogg
Wikipedia also notes: "Similar unfortunate baby names according to United States Census records include Ima Pigg, Ima Muskrat, Ima Nut, Ima Hooker, Ima Weiner, Ima Reck, Ima Pain, and Ima Butt." Hard to believe, but apparently true!
Love the image of Constance as a chipmunk pushing a white elephant! And the new information about Violett gives a different spin. Obsession, whatever its focus, is so dangerous - both to the one who is obsessed and whoever might be the focus. A lot to think about.
And several stories to juggle. That's what mysteries are all about, actually: competing narratives, each of which has a little bit of the truth and a whole lot of something else.
I love thinking about the neighbors hearing things. Where I used to live, I had neighbors who lived very close(small yards) and I knew more about them than they could ever imagine. And they were real deadbeats and drinkers so ………..
Now, maybe you can write a book on how to bully a country to get their territory. Know to what I am referring? The Dahlias would do a great job of discussing the ways!
I'm sure it happens in cities, too: neighbors hearing things, creating stories. But somehow, in cities that gets lost in the general noise. But in small towns (like the one you lived in, or the town of 456 people where I spent my teen years) the stories became the center of people's lives. I wonder if that still happens, now that the media and the internet seem to reach into every corner, no matter how rural.
Somebody reminded me of this book this morning: William Blum's America's Deadliest Export: Democracy – The Truth about US Foreign Policy. It's all about our bullying habits . . .
I was noticing the names this time, more than usual. They play an important part in how we perceive the characters and even in developing the personality of the town. I don't think Ima and Erma would strike us the same way if their names were Ashley and Patricia.
Penny, you are very right: Ima and Erma have a slightly comic edge to their names. And I occasionally hear from a reader who knows her Texas history and remembers the famous (notoriously named) Ima Hogg (1882-1975), the daughter of a Texas governor and wealthy plantation owner. Contrary to popular legend, Miss Hogg did NOT have a sister named Ura. 🤔 This story was in my mind when I chose the names Ima and Erma--and always makes me smile. Wikipedia has documented it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ima_Hogg
Wikipedia also notes: "Similar unfortunate baby names according to United States Census records include Ima Pigg, Ima Muskrat, Ima Nut, Ima Hooker, Ima Weiner, Ima Reck, Ima Pain, and Ima Butt." Hard to believe, but apparently true!
Love the image of Constance as a chipmunk pushing a white elephant! And the new information about Violett gives a different spin. Obsession, whatever its focus, is so dangerous - both to the one who is obsessed and whoever might be the focus. A lot to think about.
And several stories to juggle. That's what mysteries are all about, actually: competing narratives, each of which has a little bit of the truth and a whole lot of something else.
Which is what I love about mysteries - having to keep alert, trying to determine what is good information and what is red herring or disinformation!
I love thinking about the neighbors hearing things. Where I used to live, I had neighbors who lived very close(small yards) and I knew more about them than they could ever imagine. And they were real deadbeats and drinkers so ………..
Now, maybe you can write a book on how to bully a country to get their territory. Know to what I am referring? The Dahlias would do a great job of discussing the ways!
I'm sure it happens in cities, too: neighbors hearing things, creating stories. But somehow, in cities that gets lost in the general noise. But in small towns (like the one you lived in, or the town of 456 people where I spent my teen years) the stories became the center of people's lives. I wonder if that still happens, now that the media and the internet seem to reach into every corner, no matter how rural.
Somebody reminded me of this book this morning: William Blum's America's Deadliest Export: Democracy – The Truth about US Foreign Policy. It's all about our bullying habits . . .