Mother's Day

Marie, with her mother & grandmother.

Mother’s Day is today. I’m reminded of Maya Angelou’s quote, “I come as one, but stand as 10,000” and all of the great mothers and mentors that I have had in my life. I am grateful. My mother is an artist, mother to 10 children, creative and always full of ideas. When I was little she would install wallpaper and I would go along and help by cutting a piece out of the middle. She let us have a “graffiti” wall and was open to any project or idea we could come up with. She would make our prom dresses. I appreciate the sacrifices that she has made for her children. 

My grandmother is an artist, spiritual being, mother of 8 and has always supported my creative efforts. When I was young, she was taking oil portraiture classes from Doris Jones and I sat thru sessions as a live model.  I love that original selfie. As I would experiment with color and ideas, I would talk my grandma into painting something to go with my plan. I remember getting a new duvet and brought it over with a large canvas and paint wanting her to match some of the flowers. Once, I wanted a large landscape and she decided that she wasn’t going to do it and instead was going to direct me on how to go about it. I am grateful for the cheerleading and prayers. 

I am grateful that I am a mother.  “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a while but their hearts forever.” I have two boys. River and Cash are blessings in my life, have taught me beautiful lessons and give me tremendous joy. As Cash is now a guardian angel, I think of the quote from Rumi, “Your body is away from me, but there is a window open from my heart to yours.”   

Much love to all the mothers and mentors that love and inspire us.