What's in a Name?

I used to want to be an oceanographer. I've always had a love of the coast and the fascinating creatures hidden beneath the waves.

A few years ago I had an opportunity to go out on a small boat in Bantry Bay, Ireland, with some workmates doing fieldwork. We got word that a rare whale had been spotted off the end of the Beara Peninsula, so we headed at full speed towards the open ocean to see if we could catch a glimpse. As we went we noticed more and more things floating in the water around us, so the driver stopped so we could take a look.

We were surrounded by hundreds of small, bright blue ovals floating on the surface and sporting hard, semitransparent sails. They were about the size of a small cell phone, and I was stunned by the brilliant color. I'd never seen anything like it.

It turned out to be a type of jellyfish called a By-the-wind sailor. They have short tentacles and are primarily moved by the wind and surface currents. Occasionally large groups of them get washed onto beaches.

Photo courtesy of  the British Marine Life Study Society

As I was brainstorming business names, I started to think of coastal themes and remembered my experience with these creatures. And it struck me that my dabbling crafty way is a bit similar to their journey. I go where the winds of inspiration take me.

I don't want a business name that would box me in to a particular theme. With this I feel like I could sell a variety of things if I wanted to, to allow me some variety in what I create.  It may not be the best way for branding purposes, but it fits me.

For now, it's just an idea and a blog name.