One of my favorite talking points with my childhood best friend was that we were both named from The Thorn Birds, her after the main female character, Megan, and me after the actress who played her in the successful 1983 television miniseries, Rachel Ward. Our television origins (and zealous, competitive collecting of Garfield memorabilia) formed the crux of our inextricable best friend bond.
Best friend has since disappeared and I've since read the book several times, and am currently watching the miniseries as it's airing on Lifetime Movie Network.
I don't want to expose too much just in case you are poised there with your remote trying to OnDemand or TiVo this "event," but allow me to acquaint you briefly with the plot: Inordinately good-looking priest is banished to the Australian outback for breaking vows of obedience, takes forgotten daughter of large farm family under his wing out of pity, watches her blossom into beautiful, desirous woman before his very eyes. So there he is, graying attractively at the temples, wondering "Do I break some more vows or follow my all-too-earthly ambitions towards moving up the Catholic hierarchical ladder and into a handsome red cardinal's robe?" as Meggie/Rachel Ward shakes her sin-scented hair within inches of sniffing distance. If you are enticed at all by the soap-operatic, this book/miniseries is for you. Come on folks--forbidden sex! Getting gored by wild pigs! Barbara Stanwyk as cruel benefactress!
I'm always left with questions after the completion of this story. Namely, "Mom...Dad, what were you thinking, exactly, when naming me after this?" and "At what point did you equate 'taboo temptress' with 'our new baby girl?'"
Also, Megan, where are you? Not on the facebook, apparently. Do you still have your Garfield collection?
2 comments:
I didn't know you were named after a movie star! But I guess it makes sense in a way.
my parents argue over where my name came from (which is compiled of four separate names and does not include my Hindu name). But sometimes they insist that it (Emily Bell) is from a Pink Floyd song (see emily play) and other times from Jane Austin (fucking god damn Emma) or in a particularly fancy mood my mom declares that she was hoping to recreate the Bronte sisters. The only thing I'm 100% sure of is that Bell is from a scientist. I dont know you and here are my names! ta da.
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