Not too far from the tree- my mother, myself

My mother is a dynamic being, a presence that takes over the room. Spending the last few days with her has given me pause for reflection. I love observing her and spending time with her. She is engaging and animated, opinionated and impulsive. Her attention flickers from one thing to another. Someone recently told me that when we criticize others, it is usually a reflection of what we don't like in ourselves. I get irritated with myself for picking on her and being quick to judge her and the truth of that statement is all the more apparent. Those things for which I judge are the very things I dislike about myself- the foot in mouth syndrome, the wasting of time, the impulsiveness, the outspokenness... all things I can control and change with a little effort and consciousness.

This blog is a gesture of appreciation of the fabulousness that is my mother. She is kind, outgoing, spontaneous and generous. She is stunning and a friend to me. If she occasionally speaks her mind too much or gets a little bored with the mundane... I chose to forgive her (and myself) and focus on the positive in both of us. I'm thankful for them both and grateful for every minute I get with them...to wonderful parents!