I keep going back and forth on how to word exactly what I’m in the mood for, exactly what it is about the name [name_f]Annie[/name_f] that is tickling all of my creative nerves. Unfortunately, I believe my search to be for something intangible, difficult to describe. A concept. Maybe a vibe, or aura, if you’re feeling witchy. Less so an aesthetic, although if that’s what gets your gears turning, I’ll accept it.
I do not like the name [name_f]Annie[/name_f]. This fact has remained the same since my contemplation arose. I don’t like how it sounds (off-the-charts nasally, in my accent). I’m not even thrilled by how it looks, so it isn’t the nickname-y, down-to-earth appearance of the name either. I don’t much care for [name_f]Annie[/name_f] the musical—actually, I’d have to ever think about it to say I don’t like it.
And yet I can’t get whatever this concept that [name_f]Annie[/name_f] struck off my mind. It’s a little dress sculpted from florals or gingham; it’s also chunky white tennis shoes or lilac combat boots. Keds, not Converse. It’s the crisp golden and burgundy leaves of fall but under the glow of a summer sun staining streaks of white through wavy hair, and strawberry ice cream dripping to the elbow. It’s eucalyptus, and it’s a homemade apple pie (as candles, of course). It’s daffodils, pink tulips, and marigolds, but not roses or lilies. It’s fairy dust; I mean, freckles dancing along the bridge of the nose. Sunglasses, but only if they’re a bright color like purple, or red sparkles. [name_f]Olivia[/name_f] [name_m]Rodrigo[/name_m], [name_u]Harry[/name_u] Styles’ “Matilda”, and [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] [name_m]Swift[/name_m], but only [name_m]Fearless[/name_m] and Evermore.
So, forget I ever mentioned [name_f]Annie[/name_f].
I don’t want to see vintage nicknames like [name_f]Daisy[/name_f] or [name_f]Minnie[/name_f], or names “so classic, they’re refreshing” like [name_f]Jane[/name_f] or [name_f]Diana[/name_f], and I especially don’t want to see names from the same root like [name_f]Nancy[/name_f] or Hannah—unless these specifically, come to mind immediately while glancing over the jumbled musing above. Turn off your analytical brain, and give this list to the name nerd daemon that lives inside your mind: the one who feasts on moodboards and playlists, and whispers names like lyrics as you try to sleep. Tell me what they say.
That is all. 
