My son went to Florida and so I was taking care of his dog in his absence. I was walking Skipper yesterday and someone across the street waved and said,”Hi Rosalinda.” She looked familiar but I could not remember her name. It was embarrassing so I just waved back and said “Hi.” I must have met her in one of the neighborhood events.

I remember when I got married, I had a tough time remembering my husband’s friends’ names But they always remember my name. Easy for them. I was the only Oriental in the crowd. I stuck out. Even now, people remember my name.

The first time, I had a garden party at my home for the ladies of my church, I extended the invitation to my pastor. When I introduced myself, he said he would always remember my name. I asked how. He said, “My favorite opera, ‘Die Fledermaus”’. People associate things with names so they can remember them. I did that during my early years in the states since most Americans to me at that time looked alike and I could not remember all their names.

Coming back to my name, people always remember Rosalinda. Is it because it is easy to remember or because it is something unusual. I have no clue. Most of my old friends called me Linda. But now, most people called me Rosalinda. People asked me why I didn’t use Rosalinda since it is such a pretty name. I said it is too long. Some people called me Rose, Rosie, Roslyn, Rosalind or worst yet Rosa. I hate Rosa. Please don’t call me Rosa. Ever!

Since Rosalinda is my official name, I use that name more often now. My signature is Rosalinda. I’m so involved in the rose society I have to use Rosalinda, more appropriate for a flower-related club. Don’t you think?

Talking of Rosalinda, some people asked me about Billy Joel’s Rosalinda’s Eyes. I love the song for obvious reason. It has my name on it. Billy Joel also happens to live in Oyster Bay across the bay from where I used to live. Sad to say, I never bumped into Billy Joel while I was there although some people see him in town most of the time. It will be nice to meet him in person but I am not about to seek him out. He has a motorcycle museum in town. Few people asked me if I was the Rosalinda in his song. Of course not, not in a million years! I have never seen or met the man in person. I have never been to his concert either.

The inspiration for his song was his mother whose name is also Rosalinda.

Here is the lyric to the song from Billy Joel’s website – https://www.billyjoel.com/song/rosalindas-eyes-2/

I play nights in the Spanish part of town
I’ve got music in my hands
The work is hard to find
But that don’t get me down
Rosalinda understands

Crazy Latin dancing solo down in Herald Square
Oh Havana I’ve been searching for you everywhere
And though I’ll never be there
I know what I would see there
I can always find my Cuban skies
In Rosalinda’s eyes

When she smiles she gives everything to me
When she’s all alone she cries
And I’d do anything to take away her tears
Because they’re Rosalinda’s eyes

Senorita don’t be lonely, I will soon be there
Oh Havana I’ve been searching for you everywhere
I’ve got a chance to make it
It’s time for me to take it
I’ll return before the fire dies
In Rosalinda’s eyes

All alone in a Puerto Rican band
Union wages, wedding clothes
Hardly anyone has seen how good I am
But Rosalinda says she knows

Crazy Latin dancing solo down in Herald Square
Oh Havana I’ve been searching for you everywhere
And though I’ll never be there
I know what I would see there
I can always find my Cuban skies
In Rosalinda’s eyes

How do you remember names? I presume if you associate my name with Billy Joel’s song, you’ll remember my name. Won’t you?

Until next time. Stop and smell the roses.

Rosalinda