A morning in the garden ~ The Name is Mom

I found myself in Mary's garden this morning for coffee. My friend, Mary is gifted with eyes to see things that aren't there - yet. So, a few weeks ago, I noticed the addition of an avocado-flesh colored market umbrella in the front yard of her house. In the days that followed, black winged rattan chairs, a square table and Sister Theresa hydrangeas came into place. Now mind you, this isn't the front yard. This is the garden space under the front window in front of the iceberg roses and behind the boxwoods. We become the flowers in this garden. My Dear and I have spent time over summer drinks, eating Swedish Meatballs and potatoes and chatting in this space with these dear, dear friends.

This morning, I went over in PJs with my coffee cup to savor the morning, the paper, the catching up and the over-cast to sunny morning. Mary's boys are old. High school and college old. She's experiencing that stage. Only one appeared. A while into our languorous and chatty, morning state, Marjorie joined. (With her orchid oolong tea and the amazing mesh infuser.)

And then, the onslaught, Bob the most elegant neighbor alive, in his pressed jeans and cane ready for his hike, Liz, on her way to doing Ann's garden, Marjorie's cat-like and beautiful eldest girl, who is younger than my youngest, and her baby who is decidedly six. Touching base, enjoying our enjoyment and liking the idea of a day beginning with time for sitting in the garden.

We didn't really talk about much Mom stuff. Mary's on a brilliant design project for friends with a rental to be dressed in Laguna. Marjorie, who's working on a Master's in design herself, is looking forward to an elegant evening tonight at a benefit and is acting as a tour docent tomorrow. I'm thinking about plantings, sprucing and reading. Our kiddos are in a musical the next two nights.

The morning reminded me of this: the other mothers, those how have been and are still going along, my path are the one's who breathe the sweetest fragrance into my days. An hour in their presence can be like a day.

Who are the other Mothers, the gals you connect to and what do they bring?

Family ~ The Name is Mom

You don't choose your family. they are God's gift to you, as you are to them. -- Desmond Tutu

After celebrating Mother's Day with a simple lunch with my mom and my family, I am quietly grateful. A card or two, a bottle of my favorite perfume and couch dwellers laughing together at a very silly movie.

I couldn't ask for more. Or less.
They are the best people I know and the ones I love the very most.
The perfume, while lovely, is superfluous when I consider the hearts beating around me. Mine, all mine.
What joy.

The Happy Mother's Day Mom ~ The Name is Mom

Here she is in the midst of an art show at my daughter's school. The one who defined the word, Mom, for me. For those of you who, like me, enjoy a list, here are her astounding accomplishments:

• Taught me, from the first skin on skin touch of my life, the meaning of faithful love
• Raised two girls, in the face of the unpredictable, inconceivable event of her husband leaving her when her second daughter was just days old
• Walked, whistling in the dark, with a desperate need for her heavenly Father, seeking and trusting Him for everything
• Made ball gowns for grown up ladies
• Made school and play clothes for not-so-grown-up young ladies
• Taught that "young and lady" were inextricably linked words which did not exclude fun, but did require discernment
• Worked, when many moms stayed at home
• Cooked endless meals when the kitchen was her least favorite room
• Responded to every little peep, tear, wail, story, action, need, desire, requirement coming from either my sister or me and often with the word, "no"
• Gave up things I can't imagine or haven't considered to provide a home and those previously mentioned "needs"
• Repaired endless tears, rips, breaks to toys, clothes and bears
• Scolded
• Cajoled
• Loved
• Encouraged
• Never (NEVER!) missed a concert from the time I picked up my violin in 7th grade until I graduated college and there were many orchestras 
• Typed term papers that were started waaay too late
• Let go when I moved for my career, but was never really too far
• Moved in for weeks when the babies came
• "Reminded" me of all the mommie techniques required for those babies
• Hosts endless overnights and after school meals for my kiddos
• Loves at every corner
• Tells good secrets 
• Shares every experience
• Houses old secrets
• Giggles in cahoots
• Listens

Mom is somewhat ageless. My cousin Pam told me yesterday about my mom's secret plan to focus on herself over summer so she can take on 4th graders three days a week after school and 6th graders every Wednesday morning. After the recent passing of our next door neighbor, Mom announced she's also decided not to make friends with anyone over 40. They can't be relied upon to be around when she wants to play.
I love her like crazy and I'm very aware, very aware of how blessed I am to have her for all that has been and all that is in front of us.