The mother's corner...

(click any photos to enlarge)

Many years ago, my mom had two little girls.... (My sister and I were very blessed because we had just about the best mom ever....)


...and then I followed in my mom's footsteps and had two little girls of my own... (and I was blessed again - twice!)

Today is not only Mother's Day, it's also my mom's birthday; Mom is never far from my thoughts, especially today.

Since it's Mother's Day, I thought I'd share a little corner of my office that's something of a tribute to my mom... I have a small collection (only two!) of Mother's Mottos. They both feature beautiful verses (that remind me of my mom) and sweet little cottages (and you all know how I feel about cottages!!) One of my mom's favorite movies was "The Enchanted Cottage," so my love for all things 'cottage' goes way back!


Wouldn't you love to live in a little cottage just like this? (The verse says, "FOR MOTHER... This is my loving Wish for you... A flower-lined path Your-whole Life through" copyright 1939 P.A.M. CO.)

This "Mother Dear" motto is quite old and I'm assuming it's some type of memorial plaque (judging by the verse)... The names Cecilia & Kathryn appear to be hand-lettered beneath the printed verse (in a different colored ink). The sentiment and artwork are both lovely (you can click to enlarge for reading)... The trees remind me of our flowering crabapple trees that I just posted about here.

Hanging above the two mottos is a hand painted portrait of my mom as a young woman, done by Amanda when she was a first year art student in college (what a special Christmas gift that was!!!) Hand-made gifts are absolutely the best, aren't they?

Also hanging on that same wall is this framed art sign that Courtney made for me many years ago... We were big fans of "The Berenstain Bear" books when my girls were growing up (I think we've read all of them - many, many times!!!) When Court gave this to me she said (something to the effect) "I made this for you because you remind me of Mama Bear when she's upset and stomps around!" Ha Ha!! Gotta love it!!! Again, you just can't beat those hand-made gifts from the heart!

Thanks for letting me share my little "mother's corner" with you... I hope you all have a very Happy Mother's day! And Happy Birthday, Mom! (click here for last year's post on my mom's birthday - she was a very special lady!!!)

Donna

Remembering you...

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love,

the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

(The Wonder Years)

"We do not remember days; we remember moments."

(Cesare Pavese)

"Life is the sharing of songs and of silences, and the

holding of memories only the heart can see." (Flavia)

"Memories are but a journey we take in our minds,

but relive in our hearts." (A. Grant)

Thank you for the most wonderful memories to look back on, Mom... Happy Mother's Day...

Love, Donna

Our Scrabble Queen...

"In thy face I see the map of honour, truth, and loyalty." ~ William Shakespeare

My mom would have been 82 today. We lost her in 1996 and I swear, sometimes it seems like just yesterday. But we were very blessed to have had her in our lives for such a long time. I know many people are not so fortunate as we were.

My mom had a fantastic sense of humor. She was easy going, quick to laugh, gentle and kind. And she was our Scrabble Queen! This is the fancy schmancy "turntable" board I bought for her many years ago (I highly recommend it if you play Scrabble regularly!). Mom taught my sister and I to play and I'll tell you, she was a hard one to beat!

So, Mom, I dedicate this to you. Most of these are words that remind me of you :) The Q and Z words were tougher to come up with (but I knew you'd want me to use those letters, and you always were the biggest PRIZE in our lives!) And did you notice the Q landed on Triple Letter score and J on Triple Word score? Nice, huh?

What I wouldn't give for one more Scrabble game with you, Mom. Happy Birthday and Happy Mother's Day!

With all my love,

Donna