Mother’s Day is bittersweet for me this year. While I enjoy the love of my family and celebrate the other special ladies in my life, there is a void that is still healing from my own mother’s passing. It is a sharp, inexplicable pang that greets me when I see her picture. That mysterious smile, golden eyes sparkling with a wild spirit—my mother was a spunky lady with an infectious charm but also a woman of immeasurable talent, creativity and enthusiasm for life.

The other day I was in the grocery store parking lot where I saw a young woman carrying her toddler and she was walking along side an older woman who judging by their similarities they had to be mother and daughter. I recognized the young woman’s annoyed look because it’s one I had donned more than once when dealing with my mother. I don’t know what it was that struck me about this situation: that this could have been me, Rosie and my mama at some point or that, sadly, it never will. I was instantly jealous of this stranger, jealous of not just her but anyone else who still had their mother.

The truth is, I would give anything to hear my mother’s voice one more time. Hell, to even have an argument with her over something stupid would be okay, we would just laugh about it later anyways.

 I still feel the best way to honor my mom and the life she led is to carry on with joy in my heart even if it is a struggle sometimes. I know she was proud of my sister and I, that she loved her grandbaby, Stephen and all of his family too. I find comfort in that.

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I know, I know...Mother's day is an invention of capitalist America and a lot of folks look at this day the same way they approach Valentine's day. In truth, I find myself somewhere in the middle; I appreciate celebrating these "Hallmark holidays" but don't want to get caught up in what the media tells us we should be doing. This Mother's Day we will be making homemade cards for the special women in our lives. As for me? I would be happy with just a relaxed afternoon with the family, but in case you are shopping for something here are a few of my picks: 

1.) Fuji Instax camera. I love the instant gratification of poloroid cameras and these are super cute. 

2.) Henri Bendel's vanilla bean travel candle. These candles are a total guilty pleasure for me. I had one, the Mint Julep, and used every bit of it. HB candles are well crafted and last for quite awhile!

3.) Lush's 25:43 gorilla perfume. Just about anything from Lush is amazing but this perfume is probably one of my favorite products from them! Best of all, they pride themselves on being cruelty-free. 

4.) Calypso Turquoise Teakettle. It comes in a variety of other colors too!

5.) Cinderella Pyrex collection. I have fallen in love with these soft peachy colors. You can find all sorts of vintage Pyrex on Etsy. 

6.) Alexander McQueen: Genius of a Generation. I have had my eye on this one for a while, a beautiful collection of McQueen's finest work. It's perfect for the coffee table.  

Mother's Day

Rosie, my dear sweet little rosebud. You are my world & every day I am so grateful to be your mother. Thank you thank you thank you. A million times over, thank you.