Why La Dolce Veda?

It means the sweet life, and it's also my name. In several languages, my name means life. Sometimes it's spelled differently and pronounced the same, sometimes it's pronounced differently but spelled the same. My name is pronounced with a long E — Veeda or Vita.

I grew up not liking my name. I wanted a simple, more common name —something like Lisa, Kathy, or Debbie—anything but Veda. It made me feel different—in oh so many ways. Not only did I have an olive complexion and darker hair than my sister and many of my cousins, but I was also quieter and a total bookworm. Stick me in a room with a good book, and I'm one happy camper. However, I wanted to be more outgoing. I wanted to be normal—lighter, bouncier hair, more playful, more fun--with a good, solid name.

I think as I got older, I grew into my name. I embraced it. I accepted it. Life. And the sweet life was to become my life. I've often wondered why it has been so sweet. Why have I been so blessed? I feel so grateful, so thankful, so...full of life. Don't misunderstand me. There have been times of heartache, frustration, second-guessing, wondering why, sadness, anger, hurt, disillusionment, etc.

But, it seems I have a personality flaw...I'm an optimist. And so, eventually, everything seems sweet to me.