I took a stroll through the damp yard this morning, yeah, I’m that crazy person you see walking in the grass at 5:30 in the morning. In the wintertime, there is silence outside. No leaves, no birds, just maybe birch limbs clapping together keeping time with the wind howls. But in the summer, the birds and chipmunks shout from the rafters. Here are a couple of photos from this morning on the front porch.
I’ve written before about mother; she’ll be 75 years old in a couple of weeks. We’re really close, pretty amazing since we live so far away. We talk two or three times a week, at least. She’s anti- Internet. I think it’s because she’s never had anyone work with her on it, but she feels that it could be “the root of all evil.” I still write her once a week and she writes back. She includes clippings from the hometown newspaper, photographs, (I giggle—she sends funeral programs from friends passing away.) I always say relationships take the effort of two people and she does a heck of a job. She’s even sent coupons and fabric swatches when she’s picking out things for the house. I stayed a few minutes after work yesterday to jot a few lines down to get sent to her through the post office. She always tells me that when you hang up the phone call is over, but if you have a letter, you can read it over and over again (and typed letters don’t count—they’re impersonal—they must be hand written). I took a camera phone snap shot because I guess I wanted to remember what I wrote her this time.
The photo is pretty bad but here it is:
“My quilt blocks I’m working on have embroidery. Brings back memories. I’m so glad you taught me how. Thanks.”
Maybe you learned on your own, maybe you didn’t, I but never want it to believe that I don’t appreciate learning about needle and thread….
17 comments:
What a blessing you have in your relationship with your mother. I know you cherish it. I was very close to my mother, too. But the last 16 years of her life she had Alzheimer's and I think I grieved the entire 16 years for the loss.
The baby petunias are soooooooo pretty!
Hand written letters, what a wonderful thing! How nice that you and your Mom share them :O)...
I love finding a real hand-written letter in my box (very rare)these days. My mom used to write 2+ times per week - but being an administrative assistant for many years, she always typed. From her it was fine. That 'Mom' hand signed in green ink at the bottom made me know it was from her *s*
Wow, how sweet is that! My mom still likes mailing the kids a card every month - your right, it is that feeling of something in the hand! And of course it always includes some $ for pizza that month!
What a lovely post! Your mom is so right. I've read many letter from friends over and over. Your photos are beautiful. I also like going out in the early morning. There's just something about the beauty of the day just begining. Keep well!
Glad you get to have that kind of relationship with your Mom.
After my Mom passed away, I found several hand-written stories she had written about her life on the farm. A side of her she never showed. Mom's are definitely interesting, for sure.
Lovely sentiments from both of you. My mother and I used to write those kinds of clipping-filled letters. But now she lives nearby and at 82 she loves the internet. I was surprised to learn a few years ago how many letters and cards she kept over the years. Who knows what we'll find when she's gone.
Such a wonderful post...I immediately thought of my mother. Hugs.
My Mom is 75 too - I did get her to the point that she will email me and will look at specific links if I send them to her but she doesn't do much else on the computer. I try to email her daily, and call and visit her as often as I can. It was much easier to get to VA from Atlanta so I'm going every couple months now instead of every month but I'm staying for longer visits.
A lovely post. I always enjoy your blog :-)
Beautiful...ur mum is right, handwritten is special!!!
I love letters -- and thanks for the reminder that I have a few I need to send soon. I'm behind on updating the great grandparents about what their little one looks like these days.
I am close to my mother as well -- and distance does't break those bonds. Ever. Here's to mom's -- they are precious.
This made me teary-eyed. What a wonderful woman your Mom must be, and how great to have that kind of relationship.
Thanks for visiting.
Deb
it's wonderful that you have those memories, melanie. thank you for sharing. :o)
tracey
www.theehandworks.typepad.com
First, I love your geranium. Is that a bird's nest currently in use or just an artistic touch? Looks great, either way. (I always let birds stay if they build a nest in a flowerpot.)
Second, it's wonderful to read about your mother. I always love seeing the pictures of things she's sent you and reading things she's said. I know you value and enjoy the relationship. It's good for you to thank her, too - you won't always have the opportunity. These letters will all be treasures.
Your porch looks so inviting. There is something so homey about a single geranium in a pot on the steps - it says welcome.
It's also nice that you share handwritten letters with your Mom. Handwritting is an art and you will treasure those letters forever.
I absolutely agree with your Mom. My friends chide me for mailing large letters instead of emailing, but there is something satisfying about being the creator of a letter and the one that receives the letter.It is nice to have the choice of both though since sometimes you just want to shoot off a quick blurb...I love your blog!
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