Shade of Red

Everytime I meet a new person and they find out my name I will inevitably be given some line from Gone With the Wind (usually along the lines of "Frankly my dear I don't give a damn" or "Miss Scaaaahlet, Miss Scaaaalet, I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies"). And, then the person will break into hysterical laughter as if they were the first person to ever think of this.

Well, for those of you who don't know, scarlet is also a vivid shade of red with a hint of orange. It is further defined as of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies. I point this out because I was actually named for the color. All of the women from my father's side of my family are named for a color. Names include Hazel, Iris, my own, and Amber.

The way that my parents (well, let's be honest here-my mother) settled on Scarlett is that my father was nicknamed Red. So, to pay homage to him, and to keep with the colorful tradition, my name was born.

For as long as I can remember, everyone who knew my family has commented on how much I look and act like my father. I take both as a huge compliment. My father had beautiful, soulful, blue eyes and a heart of gold. He was a true Southern gentleman who believed in hard work, honesty, humility and kindness. There is no one that I could ever admire as much as I did (and still do) him.

So, it is with honor that I wear this name, that is more than just a color, but also, hopefully, a shade of Red.