Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mothers Day
to all the mothers who had a hand in raising me. They may not have formally taught me many of these things but part of who I am is from learning through their examples. I hope they will take this as the heartfelt thanks it is meant to be.
Grandma taught me how to live on whatever was at hand.. to cook, to preserve, and to nurture. She taught me the comfort of a rocking chair, the beauty of roses and iris' and the relaxing art of hanging clothes out on the line. My fondest memories are at her kitchen table listening, learning and living history. She was my roots.
I learned from Aunt Eleanora the special strength of character it takes to move away from the family and friends you know to a new environment halfway across the country - survive - and still come home again. She introduced me to beautiful northern California, the orchards, the wineries the mountains..without her I may never have known that part of the country.
Aunt Evelyn taught me the art socializing, she was my refuge when I needed it many years ago, I could always go to her house and be distracted from things that upset me. Sometimes it was chaotic and loud but always entertaining. I spent a fun summer there during grade school, swimming, skateboarding and her and all us kids in that blue Torino? at the Town Twin drive-in theater.
From my aunt Angie I learned to laugh, she has a laugh that is truly infectious. From Easter celebrations to football games I always heard her laugh. Days at her place were memorable whether it was watching people trying to ride a half wild white horse or a tackle football game in the cattle pen (how many times did we have to hose down before we could get in the car to go home).
From Aunt Joan I learned that it was possible to stay on a budget without missing out on anything, and that organization was a good thing. She taught me the competition of cards and board games.. I can still remember she, uncle Harry and Mr & Mrs Lawrence playing pinochle at their kitchen table.
Aunt Alma taught me the art of Art, from making model cars, painting any-thing to making stained glass.. I equate visiting aunt Alma and her many projects to viewing a great art gallery. From her I think I also learned the ability to think outside the norm. She has introduced me to new ideas and thoughts. Just to be able to sit and talk of her many different recipes, herbs and canning or drying techniques has been a learning experience.
Aunt Cecelia came along after my many formative years, yet she brought the culture of my Mexican side. From her cooking many authentic Hispanic meals and desserts to being able to hear the language of my other side.. to that I am thankful.
to the most important Mother I have.. I learned that having a strong religious belief is paramount to life..that living through many of life's heartaches can be endured through this belief.. I have learned that it takes great strength of character to deal with people and make them see your point of view.. She has also taught me that giving of yourself, being helpful and caring does not make you SOFT. Mother has taught me of adventure, to always be ready for a road trip, whether its across town or across country..(all she had to say was "you know this place isn't so far" and keys in hand we were off, with at least two maps to guide us some of those may be 10 years old but she had those maps) She has taught me to try new things, learn new things and never be afraid of trying - good or bad.,you never learn if you never know. (remember the recipe book for mixed drinks and how we kids were your taste testers?) I learned to always ask questions even if you've heard the answer - the answer might have changed since then. She has taught me about high finance, taxes and retirement - and that as long as you say it was "On Sale" its OK to buy cases of stuff you might not use in a years time.. My mother has taught me Life is an adventure, live it as soon and as fast as you can it can also be short.. In short my mother is the strongest, caring, most capable person I know..to her I offer this as my Mother's Day Gift.. Happy Mothers Day mom.