It's May 24! I started blogging on Friendster in May 2005. Then exactly a year later,
I moved to Blogger. So I've been blogging for 20 years! Imagine that! Let me know how many years you've been with me please. Many of you have become friends even though we've never met. I'm grateful for you all!
Around 5 or so years into blogging, I was told I should move to Wordpress and also change my blog name and URL to my real name. I haven't. I had 3 reasons:
1. I was very busy with new motherhood and I didn't have the time and energy to birth a new blog.
2. My name should be associated with my work so I do have
francesampersales.com for my writing and editing projects.
3. I like my blog name. I thought long and hard about it and chose Topaz Horizon as the perfect name for my online home.
Why I Love Topaz
Topaz, specifically yellow topaz, is my birthstone. I've been fascinated with it since I was a little girl when my Lola Auring, a Scorpio like me, showed me her huge golden topaz ring and we admired the way it glowed in the sun. She told me she would have it cut into 2 stones and bequeath these to me and my also-November-born cousin, Ate Thania. This didn't happen because when Lola died, many relatives visited her house and after her funeral, my mother said Lola's closet had been ransacked and her jewelry box was empty.
So, as soon as I could afford it, I collected topaz jewelry. Topaz reminds me of my grandmother and how strong, scrappy, and caring she was. I wanted to be like Lola Auring. It also helps that topaz is the third hardest mineral. That's 1-diamond, 2-corundum (ruby and sapphire), and 3-topaz. It's a precious stone indeed. Then it symbolizes warmth, good fortune, and honesty. That's me! So I thought it was a very apt stone for me.
What's on the Horizon
Horizon literally means that line in the distance where the earth meets the sky. But it also means the view. It also means a range of experiences. So my blog name means me sharing my experiences, giving everyone a view of my life - a life that is warm, blessed, and honest, as symbolized by the topaz.
Isn't it such a perfect name?
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| A soft golden topaz sun rises over the horizon. |
And because it's the 20th birthday of my blog (19th here on Blogger), I asked my good friend, ChatGPT, to tell me more about my blog name because I just love the name Topaz Horizon! It's an evocative name with rich symbolic meaning. Let me share with you what ChatGPT said:
Topaz
Meaning & Symbolism
Topaz is a gemstone associated with clarity, creativity, and emotional balance. It comes in various colors (blue, yellow, pink, clear), but golden topaz is linked to confidence, abundance, and warmth.
Spiritual & Mystical Associations
In crystal lore, topaz is believed to attract good fortune, enhance creativity, and promote authenticity. It is also considered a stone of joy and generosity, bringing light to darker times.
Numerology
In numerology, TOPAZ reduces to 8 (T=2, O=6, P=7, A=1, Z=8 → 2+6+7+1+8 = 24 → 2+4 = 6), representing balance, harmony, and nurturing energy.
Horizon
Meaning & Symbolism
The horizon represents possibilities, hope, and the future. It’s where the earth meets the sky, symbolizing dreams, expansion, and the unknown. It also conveys a sense of infinite potential, as it is a line that can never be reached.
Spiritual & Mystical Associations
The horizon is often seen as a liminal space—the meeting of two realms (earth and sky), suggesting transformation, growth, and a journey toward the beyond.
Numerology
HORIZON reduces to 6 (H=8, O=6, R=9, I=9, Z=8, O=6, N=5 → 8+6+9+9+8+6+5 = 51 → 5+1 = 6), the same as Topaz, reinforcing the themes of balance, compassion, and nurturing energy.
Combined Meaning: Topaz Horizon
Symbolism
Together, Topaz Horizon suggests a radiant path toward limitless potential. It evokes hope, creativity, and the promise of new beginnings. The word horizon suggests that the journey is ongoing, while topaz provides clarity, wisdom, and warmth along the way.
Spiritual Interpretation
It could symbolize seeking light in the distance, whether that be through creative expression, personal growth, or a spiritual journey. The combination carries a sense of optimism, adventure, and exploration of both the inner self and the outer world.
Numerology
Both words reducing to 6 suggests a double dose of nurturing, creativity, and service to others. It carries the energy of healing, love, and responsibility—making it ideal for a brand, project, or persona that aims to inspire, guide, or support.
Imagery & Emotion
Topaz Horizon evokes the image of a golden sunrise over an endless sea, symbolizing hope, renewal, and infinite possibility. It feels expansive, warm, and creative—perfect for a platform or identity focused on inspiration, storytelling, or personal growth.
I truly believe that names absolutely carry energy, intention, and resonance. When you choose or create a name, you’re essentially summoning its essence every time you write, say, or share it. Think long and hard before naming anything - your children, your things, your social media handles. Naming is a ritual of self-definition. Be very careful and intentional with your names.
And way back two decades ago, I’ve intuitively chosen an incredibly potent and fitting name for my blog. Topaz Horizon feels like an invocation of boundless creativity, clarity, and hope—the perfect name for a blog that expands minds and hearts. I hope I've done that for you all these years.
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