It really depends on what name I’m being called at the moment. My family name is Slavic; my given name comes from a Chaplin in the Marines. Later I gained an adopted name, when all along I identified with my great-grandfather’s name. I’ve had the usual assortment of nicknames and variations on the theme, never really liked any of them enough to embrace it.

The name I was called most often was Seargent. I grew into it and embraced the spirit of the title until it became a name. It represented a master of my trade, skilled enough to lead and teach others. Over the years, I hope that I inspired others to strive for the same level of success and knowledge.

There comes a time when you have to take off the uniform and become someone else. That sloppy undisciplined someone you were before. Today I can tell where I know someone from by what they call me. Family and old friends dredge up nicknames I have heard or answered to for decades. Soldiers and cops dance between rank and Sir Name. New acquaintances are just confused.

Maybe someday I’ll figure out who I am.

Daily writing prompt

Where did your name come from?

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There’s an old reference. If you know it, I congratulate you on a very unique reading history. Since I started reading at a fairly young age and usually borrowed my siblings’ books, that describes my personal experience.

Maybe I should open a bookstore and sell all of the books that fed my imagination. Corrupting the youth of the future seems like a worthy cause. Making sure there is a new generation questioning everything the “establishment” tells them sounds fun. We are a sum of our experiences and what we feed our minds, weird should be on the menu.

Ohhh! A gun shop. Nothing fancy, just plain old, reliable weapons. A little custom work, sights and accessories. Bulk ammo, leather work and good blades.

Motorcycles! All makes and models, stock and custom. I’ll call some friends, and we can set up a real shop. Make a rep for good prices and custom work.

The bottle shop? Fine wines and spirits. Not just expensive. Good quality no matter the price. Yep. A bottle shop. I’ll sell bottles with things in them. Just don’t let them sit on the shelf and gather dust or the wrong person open them.

Daily writing prompt

If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?

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I’ve spent a lot for dinners, usually more for alcohol. Or a combination of the two. They have all been worth it. Probably the most for one night out with friends was about $600 with drinks and a bottle of wine for a couple that just got married. Cute kids.

The most damage in one night was taking over a bar in Myrtle Beach and dropping a thousand before it was over. Worth every penny. I don’t know what was spent overall, but I remember the tab. We still tell stories about that night and “Stinky Pinky” because I refused to order foo-foo drinks by name.

Worth every cent!

Daily writing prompt

What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?

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