I hope all the Americans reading have safe travels if your plans take you out of town today. I am praying my train is early enough not to be overwhelmingly flooded with the crowds leaving the city. We will see.
I’m dedicating my post today to my mom: today is her birthday.
It’s a big birthday, but I think she’d rather I keep the number in the family. I gave her my “numbers don’t matter” speech a couple days ago [it applies to age too!]. But really, they don’t matter – I mean, isn’t she beautiful?
There’s a foot difference in height between my parents, because my mom is a petite five feet. Everyone I know finds that adorable.
The two of us have somewhat different styles when it comes to health, but I learned a lot about healthy habits from her example. After all, she successfully transformed my dad from a near-daily red meat eater into someone who requests salads at least four days a week.
Growing up, she demonstrated to me that meals should be crafted with our hands, not from a box and microwave. That culinary tradition has and will continue to be passed through generations of our family.
In her kitchen, she has dedicated two long shelves to cookbooks and worn issues of Bon Appetit. [We like to ask her to pronounce the French title, because even decades after the year she spent living in France, her accent is still perfection]. It’s from her example that I learned that recipes could be read as literature, and it’s no surprise that she taught me to love words: though she rarely watches tv, she is always tackling a long list of novels.
She also instilled in me the importance of exercise and fresh air – we always take long walks together when I’m home in Connecticut, and, she took yoga classes long before I ever considered them. [Her favorite pose is savasana, which makes me smile].
Most importantly, she has taught me the qualities that matter most in life: to be thankful, empathetic, compassionate, and sincere. [I guess I can credit my occasional sarcasm to my dad]. Thanksgiving is always a bit more special in our family, because we’re reminded to give extra thanks to my mom. For all the hard work she puts into the holiday – and every day – she certainly deserves it.
Happy birthday, Mom! I love you.
What is one thing your mom taught you?
Related posts:
Aww, happy birthday to your mom!
My mom has taught me so many great skills that have turned into hobbies – sewing, crocheting, cooking, scrapbooking, designing, decorating, painting…
Happy birthday Leslie’s mom!
Happy birthday to your mom!!
right before thanksgiving, perfect to think of all that you are thankful for in terms of your beautiful mom! everything about her that you described sounds so lovely.
my mom has taught me not to care what others think and to be my own person, and her views on nutrition as well, she used to be a macrobiotic vegetarian in her 20’s and early 30’s but now eats meat on occasion, but has such a great nonchalant way about eating, and is a great cook! she has never been “diet obsessed” and always seems to be very in touch with what she likes and who she is.
love you
xx
Eliza
Happy birthday to her! Reading this made me oh so happy. There’s nothing better than having an unbreakable bond with your mother. The relationship helps both so much… mother to daughter, daughter to mother. My mother is my sun, my solace, my everything! I love her dearly. My mom has taught me how to accept myself… she’s taught me that I AM beautiful, no matter what.
<3
Beautiful post- happy birthday to your mom
Happy birthday Leslie’s mom! She sounds like amazing woman!
I don’t know what I’d do without mine. She taught me to work hard but never take life to seriously
what a sweet dedication to your mom! she looks adorable! happy birthday to her and have a great thanksgiving.
my mom has taught me to be myself, regardless of what other people may think or how they might judge me. she doesn’t give a damn about what other people think of her and this attitude is extremely refreshing for me. she is a fantastic lady.
happy birthday to your mom!! it’s funny, because my mom’s birthday is tomorrow, on Thanksgiving! Although I won’t be able to celebrate the holiday and her special day (I’m stuck on campus in Oklahoma working on an architecture project and my parents are in Michigan) I will be celebrating with her in spirit.
I love your post about your mom and it really makes me want to be able to spend time with my own family. The picture of you two at the end is such a nice picture!
Happy B-day to your Mom
My Mom taught me all I know about cooking.
Your Mom is one of my very favorite people! I am so lucky to have been able to work with her and learn from her! We ordered lunch to celebrate her birthday…. and in true “Leslie style” she made up her own creation
She has learned from you, as well. Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Birthday to your mom and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! My mom taught me one of my favorite lessons, service and charity. Giving back has been a normal, constant part of my life since Kindergarten when we did Math-a-thons for children at St. Jude’s Hospital, and my life feels empty without some sort of fundraising or volunteering. A lot of people don’t get that commitment, but it is just part of me, thanks to mom
Happy birthday to your mama! Such a beautiful dedication
Something my mom has taught me: to love people for who they are, not what they look like. She is all about what’s on the inside – and I think that’s really important.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Love,
Lexi
omg your mum is so cute! i LOVE the picture wih the spices– that is such a great photo! i also love your mums philosophy towards meals! wish i could live by this!!