Tribute to my Mom

I am inspired today by my bloggy friend, Lori of Weebles Wobblog to participate in a tribute to Mothers.

One of the prompts for the tribute is -

In what ways did your mom influence the woman you are today?

So here goes-

Mom taught me to appreciate the arts in all forms. That good music, books, and art are as necessary as food, water and shelter. I grew up helping my mom practice her lines for local theater productions and listening to her sing the Sinatra and Bennett Standards with my Dad's Big Band. She is never without a book in her purse and her nightstand.

She educated me and continues to do so with her expansive knowledge of art and antiques. My mom (at age almost 80 y/o) will still walk through antique shops, show me furniture or housewares, discuss the markings, talk about the provenence of the antique, and its' approximate value. Incroyable!!

She gave me her love of soil and growing things. She showed me how much fun it is to get my hands dirty. Everything from Cacti to vegetables, she's grown it and grown it well!

My mom taught me to cook and the love of good food. She used to call me everyday after school and talk me through the dinner prep step by step so she would come home to a home cooked meal! She was fearless about trying recipes, lobster crepes; chocolate mousse with ladyfingers; Chinese and Mexican food; pretty much anything.

My mom is inspiring in her quest for a good deal. She loves to prowl thrift stores and book sales for bargains. She then in turn sells them online for a tidy profit. (Not because she needs to, but because she CAN!!)

My parents have been married for almost 59 years. It's a testament in teamwork, devotion, and I don't know what else for the two of them to put up with each other, but It Works.
(I consider this a very good influence unlike the influences she exerted by having me make her an occasional vodka martini starting at age 13 y/o or flick her "bic" when she used to smoke cigarettes. Ah, the Good Old Days of the 1960s and 1970s. That stuff would probably result in a visit from Child Protective Services today. Miracle any of us baby boomers survived, Really. Now, back to the tribute...)

My mom is a Cat lover, Dog lover, animal lover, anything furry. All of her children are animal fanatics, I mean animal lovers. She can't watch nature programs where any animals get injured or die.

She taught me that we don't really "own" anything, we are just taking care of it for the next generation.

Mom gave me many gifts and I am blessed to have her in my life despite the ups and downs in our relationship. I thank her for the incredible strength that she modeled for me when caring for my dying brother over two decades ago. I hope I can give her the gift of forgiveness. I don't think she has forgiven herself.