Inching along, hour by hour. Skipped all around from corner to corner. Deepening, darkening, lightening, blending and shading. I defined Lucias brow to my satisfaction and adjusted the blankets and bedding. Starting to really pop off the paper. I feel like I can reach in and cradle her.
Yesterday was Mothers Day. Mothers day is so overrated. They don't even have Mothers day cards for bereaved mothers (can you believe that?!) I have so many mother figures that only celebrating my birth mother feels silly. I called my mother and chatted for a minute and wished her a happy mothers day, but I'd like to recognize all my mother figures today. The day after. Because one day isn't enough for me anyway. My mother taught me first about nature, flowers, bugs, animals and the love of the outdoors. She lives not too far away, attends our childrens birthdays, events, invites us over for family dinners and supports us in many ways.
I easily recognize my aunt Cindy as a motherly presence growing up. Years of sitting in her kitchen talking and sharing experiences while waiting for my cousin to come downstairs, words of wisdom and advice freely offered to me while at play or dinner or getting into trouble (ha!).
I learned most of my domestic skills from my Nan. I watched her cook chicken pot pie (Dutch/German with real homemade noodles - not an actual "pie"), ham with potatoes and green beans and make delicious peanut butter eggs. She taught me how to use a washboard with soap and hand wringer. I picked up her love for creating - painting, crocheting, making and crafting.
I see my fathers wife as someone who makes him happy and takes care of him. She is wonderful with our kids, teaching, laughing and playing with them. She takes them on outings and dotes on them as a Oma does to her grandchildren.
My mother-in-law who shares a love for art with me, advice on housekeeping and raising children. She teaches my kids songs, plays games with them, encourages my spiritual faith and provides expertise on homeschooling. I've also learned cooking skills as well as recipes for homemade laundry detergent and other cleaning tips.
My sister Pam (from another mother). She is a bank of unconditional love. I've learned so many attachment parenting type skills from her. She constantly goes over and above for people and is a blessing to me in so many ways. The sister I never had. Always an ear to listen, food to share, advice to offer when asked and love to give freely.
Lastly but certainly NOT least, my friend Hank. She has not only accepted me for me the instant we met, but shown me how to be kind and what it looks like. Always a minute to listen, soup to water down to feed one more, extra sleeping bag or whatever you need - she'd give you the shirt off her back. She has discussed the growing flowers, shapes of leaves, starting seedlings and even dug up all the dozens of varieties of perennials she owns to split the bulbs with me when we bought our first house. I've never felt judged, slighted, unloved or unwelcome. She watches over everyone and is always willing to lend a hand or some love to whoever needs it.
I also can't forget the strong, brave and loving mothers that have accepted my offer to draw their babies. I admire these women. They have each touched me in some way and inspired me to create. Devany (Violet), Twylia (Houd), Hank (Neil), Renee (Kole) and Angie (Lucia).
Happy Mothers Day EVERY day! I celebrate all of you as much as I can. Thank you for contributing to me, you've all made an impact on who I am in some way. Love you all!
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