Well, Mother's Day is coming up, and I just thought it might be nice to use that as an excuse to post a couple of cool mom photos. The top photo is of my mom removing a splinter from my paw in our back yard. My Dad built that picnic table. The bottom is of my mom on the back porch of our Turquoise Mansion.
I often sit around and think about my childhood. Sometimes, I stop and think, oh my gosh. I can't believe how great my mom was. She was different than all the other moms in town. She took charge. She got involved. She got her hands dirty. She was strict, yet loving, never trying to be my "best friend". Instead of buying me clothes and Barbies, she taught me how to make impressions of animal footprints with plaster. She made pinatas. She sewed our clothing. She made me a Tee-Pee. She indulged me, but taught me the meaning behind indulgence. She was down to earth and realistic. She taught me to look around and notice the world. Notice how other people feel. Include people. Be polite, but don't be shy.
She still is truly different. She goes to Socrates club and then out to gamble on the same day. She embraces life and has herself a good laugh. And with her, I have a good laugh, too. I am so lucky she is my mom!
Although I don't have kids, and don't plan to, I find that "motherhood" is really something we can all take part in in many ways; comforting, nurturing, and just being there for one another...accepting each other, and laughing together, are just a few.
Dad...you're next. So don't be jealous. I already have the photo picked out and everything.
Love, Susan
Thank You Susan for sharing. Your mom is special* and good thoughts on "motherhood' towards one another.
Posted by: kara rane | May 06, 2011 at 08:20 PM
What a beautiful and perfect ode to mom. And you're completely right about how mother roles can come in to play in many different shapes and forms through life - although I have a truly fantastic mom, I really learned everything from from my older sisters. They, in a way, mothered me the most.
Posted by: mosey | May 07, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Hi There...thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It means a lot to hear that the idea about motherhood meaning more than just "mom" is resonant for you. I think a lot about it, because I probably will never be a literal "mom" but I do like to celebrate the things I learned from my own, which I consider my own way of being a mother, of sorts. I really appreciate hearing from you. : ) Happy "Mother's" Day...however you may be celebrating, and with whomever! : )
Posted by: Susy | May 08, 2011 at 03:41 PM
I mainly read your blog and don't pop in to comment much (sorry!) but I thought this post and that top photograph were so very touching that I wanted to stop by and drop you a note. I love what you wrote and how you expressed it. Bravo!
Posted by: Elena | May 09, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Hi Elena...thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed this post - and the image. It took me a long time to pick that image, I thought it showed something very special about my mom...about her personality...but also about people and the idea of mothering. I liked the way it showed not just fun, and love...but strength, dedication, teaching and learning as well. I'm really happy you enjoyed seeing it. I have to say, my mom and I talked about it on Sunday, and she was really happy I chose that photo and found it interesting, too. : )
ps.
There are lots of blogs I read frequently, and actually, I comment very little - unless I'm feeling really chatty. : ) Susy
Posted by: Susy | May 09, 2011 at 01:29 PM
Well said, well said, and HOLY AWESOME COLLAR UNDER SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRT!!! Our Mom's were/are so different yet I think it's pretty damn cool that they respected and trusted each other with their respective cubs. I am very thankful that your Mom was in my life as a youngin'! xoxo
Posted by: crissy | May 09, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Ha! You are so funny. That's EXACTLY what my mom said!! "Oh my god. Look at my huge collar!!" haha
I know. Your mom and my mom were quite different - but I think inside, they had much in common. I know my mom really enjoyed your mom's friendship...and point of view. She still does! We talk about your mom and you every time we see each other! I think their differences were actually something that made them both like knowing one another. Isn't it funny how that works?
Posted by: Susy | May 12, 2011 at 07:33 PM
beautiful cover Susy!
Posted by: www.avrillavigne.info | May 18, 2011 at 02:11 AM
Love these photos, and what you said about moms. Even though I'm not a mom myself, one of the things I'm enjoying about getting older is being able to think back on my childhood with empathy for my mother, as a person, not just as 'my mom'. Thanks for this, Susy. x
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