Happy Mother's Day

Stylist Kate Young and her son. Image via The Glow.

Happy Friday everyone!  I'd like to wish you all a happy Mother's Day weekend and hope it is filled with joy and laughter, whatever your plans may be.  Thankfully, I'll be celebrating Mother's Day with my mom after an almost 3 week stay in the hospital - she just came home and is now on the road to recovery. She's been on my mind a lot lately and I started thinking about all the wonderful gifts she has given me. My mom is fearless, hard-working and tirelessly devoted to her children. She's always put together (would never go out without a necklace & earrings, preferably matching, and red lipstick) and was the most glamorous lady I knew growing up. She taught me how to be tough, to never wallow in self-pity, but rather keep on plugging away. She is generous and compassionate almost to a fault (she has given away her last two cars to random people she encountered who happened to mention they had no transportation).  She has given my daughter the gift of a wild and endless imagination, a love of painting and crafting and taught her how set a proper tea party for 28 guests (Rapunzel and Dora among them). She calls me at least several times a week to ask me if she can help me with any and everything - from babysitting to grocery shopping. She's one amazing lady. So this weekend, I'll be celebrating her and all the love she's given me everyday of my life. And I'll also celebrate my daughter, for giving me the gift of motherhood, daily gratitude and joy, and an opportunity to pass on everything my mama taught me.

Jackie Kennedy and John Jr.

If you are still searching for a last minute token of gratitude, you might think about doing A Day With Mom. A few years ago after my dad passed away, we were reminded that time spent together was much more precious and meaningful than anything we could buy at a department store. So each Mother's Day, my husband and I get tickets for an activity to do with our moms (last year he took his mom to see Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach and I took my mom to the ballet). A cooking class, a visit to a local garden, or tea for two at a local tea room, special time spent with your mom is probably the only thing she wants and is guaranteed to make her smile. Have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday! 

Me and my daughter at 5 days old. Photography by Francine Yang.