Bette Midler played in a movie titled The Rose, a loosely based version of the iconic rock-n-roll/blues singer, Janis Joplin. This is where I get my middle name…Rose. Jessie Rose.

I have a few vague memories as a child of people asking me where my middle name came from. Maybe a teacher or someone at my parents work. “Oh, is it your grandmother? An aunt? You mom’s name,” they would ask. I would proudly say, “Nope! Janis Joplin! The rock star!”

I remember the upturned nose mostly, when I would respond. “She died of a drug overdose, didn’t she?! Your parents named you after that?!” My parents, of course, didn’t squelch my childhood and graciously left out those details about Janis, knowing I wasn’t ready for such a heavy topic. We just jammed her music!!!

It stifled me for a long time. Not wanting to even tell people I had a middle name for fear of that snarl.

As I’ve grown older and learned more about this Texas girl, I realized what a hard childhood and teenage life she endured at the hands of her high school peers. She was ostracized and bullied. As a teen, she became overweight and suffered from acne, leaving her with deep scars that required dermabrasion. Kids at high school would routinely taunt her and call her names like "pig," "freak," or "creep." She said, "I was a misfit. I read, I painted, I thought.”

But despite all of that Janis chose to still put herself out there. She chose to TRY! She chose to be in the spotlight, and take action through fear…that’s the definition of BRAVERY!!!!

I have never ONCE looked at Janis as someone who did drugs. I have ALWAYS looked at Janis as someone who continued to get up each time she was slapped down. Who defied the naysayers and went on and did her thing anyway.

I am inspired by her courage, empowered by her music, and proud to say my middle name was given to me because of the musical influence she had on my parents. Her style and flare will forever be in my spirit, and much of the reason I started my Gypsy Girl series.

So here’s my tribute to Janis, and probably the only time I’ll ever get a selfie with her.

And remember…

”Don't you know when you're loving anybody,

You're taking a gamble on a little sorrow

But then who cares, baby

'Cause we may not be here tomorrow”

~Janis Joplin- Get It While You Can