gold
July 7 Twelve roses, red and slightly open, waited like lips parted for a kiss.
They greeted me as I returned from the hospital today, my heavy heart lightened as I spied their colour and the message that lay within their leaves.
"We love you Gold."
Ah, Gold...my name you understand,
for my children have never called me Mum.
I have been Mummy. It was my deliciously domestic moment.
For a long time, too long perhaps, I was Mummy and I loved it.
I was the sweetness of Jelly Tots and Enid Blyton. Artless and happy and tender and loving, it was an age of bedtime stories and kisses deep and neck snuggling. It was holding hands in the supermarket and kisses in front of school friends, long after it was cool.
Inevitably of course, it ran it's course and had to go. Almost overnight, Mummy became rudely incongruous with two strapping high school lads and, well beyond it's barking madness, it was suddenly out of time and deeply, deeply unfashionable.
But I couldn't be Mum, they insisted. No, the boys wouldn't have it. It was too clipped, they said, abbreviated and cold. It was Mummy or nothing.
So I was everything else.
A variety of names that took their fancy really; some cute, some funny, some deeply embarrassing and, as a result, unlikely to find their way onto this page...
But for a few years now I have held my head high.
I have had a name to be proud of.
Gold.
I think it suits me.
It is as decadent and charming as a Minx can be and positively reeks of the regal status I enjoy as Mistress of my Domain.
And I have to say, that in comparison to my previous moniker, it is as good as one can get.
For I was Satan.
Yes, dear readers, my children called me Satan.
It is hard to understand how a transition can be made from loving primary caregiver to the Devil Incarnate but I attribute it to an unhealty exposure, on my children's part, to Ace Ventura Pet Detective, following which my eldest son whispered, "Satan?" in my ear, to which I answered "Yes."
Oh, I could have nipped it in the bud. I could have said no but there was, I admit, a certain wickedness on my part.
I confess to a decided enjoyment at the dark and delicious pleasure of being addressed with such nonchalance as The Prince of Darkness, especially in busy supermarkets, most especially during the countdown to Christmas when young boys and their gentle mothers might otherwise be purchasing nativity scenes and thinking about baby Jesus.
I must confess to delighting in the singular undomestic pleasure of being announced as Satan and the intoxicating delusion of control it gave me over my two minions.
But my time in the Underworld was merely a sojourn. A brighter horizon awaited.
It was on a European family vacation in the beautiful city of Brugge, while fossicking through a treasure trove of boutique Belgian beers, that my youngest son came upon a delicious and significant find.
"Satan, look! Here's a beer for you - Satan Gold!"
Good God. It was inspired.
And I am serious. Satan. Gold. A seductive mix of dark and light, naughty and nice, sugar and spice. I had a new name. The best of both worlds it seemed...
But in the eternal fight of good vs evil, it wasn't long before the devilish description was discarded, leaving only the Gold.
Gold
Pure. Shining. Precious.
The standard.
That's me.
That's my name.
And as my cherished
boys bend to kiss me,
their lips as soft
as rose petals
against mine,
I am as proud, potent
and precious
as the label they have given me.
Yes, dear readers, I have spent the last two days in hospital
after enduring surgery for a rather miserable condition,
resolved presumably by the removal of the offender.
I will spare you the grisly details,
only to tell you that I am still rather sore and tired.
Nothing, I assure myself, that a handful of pain killers
washed down with a glass of shiraz won't fix,
or more foliage perhaps, and some chocolate..
and lots of kisses, soft as rose petals on my lips.
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Reader Comments (51)
May you convalesce quickly, dear Minx. I'm glad you have been parted from the pustule that was annoying you. 'Satan' is wicked, but it's definitely a boy's name. 'Gold'.is much better.
Yes, my dear Gorilla, how pertinent that my boys should bless me with such a name...
Gold is more precious, by far.
I'm insisting that it stay!
Oh, how I wish it had been just a pustule...
Thank you for your commiserations, darling xx
I wish you a speedy recuperation, my dear devil woman.
Godspeed, I hope, dear Lord.
Is that likely with the spectre of Satan hanging over me?
xx
I love it, the name that is. I used to call my mum brigitte during my teen years and often would scream from the double decker bus to my mum "oy brigitte".
Hope you get well soon.
Strangely, I believe that I've sampled Satan Gold. And it was quite delightful, if I do recall.
You will most certainly be in my little Kitty prayers...
Be well, Gold. It is a name well earned.
this made me smile and I hope you are feeling better soon. Gold. ;)
Jafabrit, I can well imagine you being the sort of naughty girl that would yell to her mother from the top of a double decker bus - "OY Brigitte!!!"
My Mum and I have our own secret language too, and a vast assortment of monikers!
xx
Satan Gold is rather a nice drop. We bought a couple of bottles for sentimentality's sake.
I really don't think the nasty little Luciferian figure on the label looked anything like me, however, which was rather disappointing...
Yes, I do love my name. My son's friends even address me as Gold, which is rather sweet..
Thank you for your little pussycat prayers, darling Kitty xx
Some of the names I've had to endure would have you laughing, Christina!!
And thank you darling, I am feeling much better this morning.
The recuperative powers of the human body are amazing..
xx
Oh poor poor Gold, you precious little thing. I hope you are not hurting too much.
I love your name. It is so perfect for you, precious and perfect and shining.
Please get better soon.
Eddie x
Naturally, you are in my prayers. So sorry to hear you had to endure anything unpleasant. Very glad to hear you are on the mend. Get your sons to take gentle care of you. Now, because you are loved by so many people you will recover very quickly. Don't try to rush things. You are in our prayers. G'Day Gold! P.S. Don't mix drinks with prescription medication. Just to be on the safe side. Okay? See you soon.
Thank you Eddie!!
I think Gold is simply perfect too...
Hopefully I will feel as good as gold soon!!
xx
Theresa, your prayers are most welcome darling!
I can feel my poor parts being warmed by all the love, like a lovely hot water bottle...
I have limited myself to one glass of wine - not quite up to much in the way of ingestion at the moment. Quite a rarity, I must say!
I wouldn't say no to your creme brulee!!
xx
Golden Minx - texture like sun.
Hang loose and take it easy.
I am so sorry to hear of your recent health problems. I am sending good energy to soothe you and quiet calm thoughts to mindfully lead you back to the path of strength and vitalitr. I dedicate my yoga practice today you dear minx as this world is in a better state of harmony with you in it. Be well kk
Oh, dear Golden Minx! I awoke this morning to read of your health woes, am very concerned indeed! Sending you lots of hugs & kisses and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Much Love,
Rapunzel
minx, my prayers are with you... stay gold :)
Dear Uncle Norman,
I have been given permission, doctor's orders in fact, to hang loose.
They're the kind of imperatives I like...
xx
Thank you darling KimmyKat,
I can feel all your positive vibes feeding my energy and leading me back to my sunnyside.
Namaste, my friend.
xox