above: Maggie the Bean (left) with her sister Mandy the Bean (right) and their dog Tippi the Bean, circa 1984, Floyd, Virginia.

Ok, it’s really not that dramatic at all. When you have a name that lilts from the tongue and sounds like a young storybook heroine (fact) it is almost impossible for people not to take liberties. I have chosen to embrace the delight my name gives others. In addition to being referred to as The Bean, other monikers have included:

Maggie Magic

Frijoles

Margaret Randolph Fancypants

and

Ms. Bean, if you’re nasty.

Call me what you will, but just don’t call me late to supper. Or to a design, writing or branding project that might require the Bean.