First things first. "Who am I" ... If you think you want to call me ‘Val’, it must be preceded by a title. As in ‘Gramma Val’ (or ‘Gramma Lal’ -- my grandmother). Miss Val and Auntie Val are also acceptable if you are under 18. In all other cases, my name is ‘VALERIE’ -- no nickname. Unless you are my dead Grandmother, DO NOT call me Vali, unless you want to join her. If you are one of about a dozen people (I know who you are), I will respond to ‘Bowzie’ or "Bowz". If I haven’t given you special permission, don’t try it. 8 June 2016 -- I've mellowed a bit since I first posted this. I'm ready for "Vali" to be part of my life. Please, still refrain from calling me "Val". Gramma-Vali, Auntie-Vali, Mama-Vali all sound like me, so feel free!