A Rose By Any Other Name ...

Shakespeare was very clear,

'What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;'

In other words, it doesn't matter what the name is, the qualities are unaffected.

I don't think The Bard really meant that; firstly he was much too aware of the power of words (Duh!) to buy into names being meaningless and secondly, the theatre down the road from The Globe was called The Rose and had questionable sanitary facilities so I think it was an 'in' joke.

Shakespeare's understanding of the power of words was too great for him to dismiss the connection between the spelling, pronunciation, meaning and impact of words; their 'signature'.

Which brings us to Rancho Relaxo. Come on , 'You cannot be serious!' Don't wind me up here. The proposed house design is incredible, imaginative, superb, visionary ... and the name is from The Simpsons! Don't do this to me. Hannah very kindly points out that I won't be confused with Homer because my hair is thicker; that's nice for people who meet me but what about those who haven't had that dubious pleasure? I don't have 11'o-clock shadow or wander around in singlets either but!!!!

How about thinking of something commensurate with the design? How about something in Italian? The house will face East, across a long lake towards one of the best wine-growing areas of the world, the site is elevated, there are lots of trees, it's in the Southern Hemisphere, there will be storms, winds - antarctic winds, incredibly clear days, birds of prey, bunnies (yes, they'll be eaten by the birds of prey but that's Mother Nature for you), it will have a courtyard,, terracing, hopefully a lake, olive trees, secret gardens, nature walks ......

How about Sole di Mattina?

Rancho Relaxo! For goodness sake! What's the rationale?