Friday, June 5, 2009

Behind the Name...

What's in a name, really ?... I can remember when I first decided to start my blog, and as I went through the setup process, I came to the section where it asked what would be my blog name. I sat there totally stumped because I had not even thought about that when I had spontaneously decided to join the world of blogging. I made up a list of possible names, words I liked, anything, but nothing seemed to fit. So for my 100th post I thought I would share a little history behind the name "Campbell Soup Diary".

For thirty-three year's of my life I have been a Campbell... that is before my husband "imported" me to Germany and I changed my last name. Campbell was my maiden name (Mädchenname) and I was always proud to bear it. I even look like my dad's side of the family, act like them, tell long detailed stories like them, and think like them... let's just say it's in my genes.

Source

Often when introducing myself to new people, making business calls, giving out personal information for any reason, clarifying my name spelling, I would always identify myself as Allison Campbell... "you know, like the soup", I would say. Campbell's Soup (unfortunately of no relation) is the most recognizable and well-known soup brand in the U.S. ... it's like Tempo's or Tesa here in Germany. When you think soup, you think Campbell's... period.

Recently my husband happened to be the one to go to the grocery store. He brought back some soup mixes... the really convenient, make it on the go, one cup soup, just add boiling water... perfect for exhibits or picnics. After ohhhing and ahhhing for some time about how yummy the soup tasted, I flipped the box, and what do 'ya know... Campbell's, and right here in Germany!


...so for me, "Campbell Soup Diary" is that little attempt to embrace and hold onto the part of me that once was... the part that I always will be, the part that makes me who I am... Mmmm, mmmm, good!



...here's where it all began.

12 comments :

  1. Nice learning what's behind the name. It's a good part! Congratulations on 100 posts!

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  2. Just came back to check your sidebar, and there it is! I'd missed it! Thanks again, I'm going to follow the link.

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  3. Nice story Mrs. Campbell Soup! ;)
    Have a great weekend, Jeannette

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  4. Oh schön zu hören was sich hinter diesem Namen verbirgt. Einen sehr schönen Mädchennamen hattest du... Ich hoffe der Name wurde nicht mit einem allzu schrecklichen Namen eingetauscht!?

    Ein feines Wochenende!

    (kann ich weiterhin auf deutsch schreiben? Verstehst du alles?)

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  5. mmmm campbell´s tomato soup- reminds me of when i was a kid. happy 100th!

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  6. My daughter and I love Campbell's creamy tomato soup! and packet soups... cream of chicken...
    When I was a child their tag line to the commercial was "the difference is in the thickness" said in a Scottish accent!! LOL.

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  7. nice story! and I haven't even noticed campbells soup here, cool.

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  8. Just happened upon this post...So sweet!

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  9. I can totally relate to you and your story. My maiden name was actually a German name that was spelled differently in English as it is in German. No one could spell it right in either country, so I just kind of stopped saying it all together. Holding onto a name for thirty years, it isn't easy to let go!

    Great name! Thank you for sharing!

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  10. Oh that's wonderful! I'm not sure I'd ever cope with a name change - I've been too long with the one I was born with! I had the same trouble with a blog name - and just like you I ended up with something that reflected my name, my middle name. It's a name I hated and a way for me to try and embrace it! I love the way you connect with your 'past life' - a story I won't forget :)

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  11. One of my earliest memories is when I was about 4. I attended half day kindergarten and my dad worked close enough to home to return for lunch. My favorite lunch was Campbell Chicken Noodle Soup and my parent's would tease me that they should change my name to "The Campbell Soup Kid"! I thought it was a brilliant idea!!

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