My friend, a fellow journalist who I worked with for many years, sent me a care package that included that pink flower power coffee mug. "My favorite cup, now you have one, too, so we can be twins," the post-it stuck to the mug read. The box also contained thick, white, woolly socks, "from Canada" the post-it said (my friend is from Toronto, though she now lives in Brooklyn), and that scarf I'm wearing in the picture, made for me by her mother, the colors of the yarn chosen by my friend. How dearly I will cherish these gifts, especially that wonderful scarf, knitted by a mother's hands.
Lately, I keep hearing my own mother's voice saying, "Oh my darling, we are so blessed." She repeated it often in life, like a mantra, a refrain, as if the words themselves could weave a net of protection around her beloveds. Not to be all woo-woo, but in the midst of our mind bogglingly insane world, I feel her net of protection, still. If this is mere delusion, at least it’s an emotionally comforting one.
How pretty you look with your pink flower power mug! Stay woo woo !
ReplyDeleteIsabella, dearest friend, stay woo woo, yes!! 🩷
DeleteI think the voices of the ancestors are locked within our very cells. It's not woo-woo so much as it's just fact. And you are beautiful, darling. What sweet gifts.
ReplyDeleteMary, I do believe the voices of our ancestors whisper to us down through the years. If we are wise, we learn how to listen. The funny thing is my friend projects as famously unsentimental and yet, these gifts. I know her secret. She’s loving and loyal at the core.
DeleteYou look very relaxed and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteKristin, my husband took the picture. He captures an aspect of me no one else does.
DeleteMy first thought channeling crocodile dundees voice: "Now. That's a mug". I have to get myself something that size. Wonderful care package.
ReplyDeleteCodex, it’s quite a cup isn’t it! I forgot to mention she also included a portable warmer so that the liquid inside stays warm for hours, which is useful, as that cup holds quite a bit of liquid sustenance!
DeleteThinking about your mother awakens her DNA within you - hear her voice, feel her protection and love, nothing woo woo about that! Your frock is the Best ever! how pretty , that photograph! That is a frock that LIVES .You are well wrapped in thumping radiance - certainly that is a healer! Lovely, you!
ReplyDeleteLinda Sue, that frock is a kaftan, loose and comfy. Kaftans are all I’m wearing during my recovery, so easy to slip over one’s head, no pants legs to navigate over joints with still healing titanium ball sockets, and many colorful fabrics to cheer oneself. Thank you for appreciating!
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you, e!
DeleteHello beautiful lady. Glad you are back with us and that the surgery went well. You sound as if you are right on top of things; I bet the son is right on top of you. I love that mantra of your mother's. Yes, we are, in so many ways, in spite of dark days and dark doings around us. That we can have a surgery to fix pain and inability is truly a blesssing. As are the offspring, even when they are ordering you around.
ReplyDeleteMary, my offspring really touched my heart these last couple of weeks, the way they took care of me, my bossy, spectacularly knowledgeable and gentle son, my “us-girls together,” emotionally intuitive daughter, what capable adults they have become, these babies I raised, they’re a marvel to me. I was so grateful to them and for them I could have wept. Instead we mostly laughed. I bet, with yours, you know just what mean.
DeleteWhat lovely gifts! You look fabulous and I hope you are continuing to feel better and better each day!
ReplyDeleteEllen, healing isn’t linear so some days I do feel a bit fatigued, like today, and have to make myself rest. I’m a bit worried that if I rest too much I won’t make enough progress on rehabbing long underused muscles, but my son assures me I have to listen to my body and respect its signals. Mostly, I’m doing well! Thank you for being here, friend.
Delete"Oh my darling, we are so blessed."
ReplyDeleteLoved and loving runs in your family ❤️
Loving and caring for one another was the lesson my mother and her eight siblings passed down to their children above all else, as their mother passed down to them. It’s why the cousins remain so connected to this day, a great gift they gave us indeed.
DeleteSo happy you had (have) such an amazing Mom (and friends).
ReplyDeleteDb, I had the best mother. Truly. And yes, I do have some wonderful friends.
DeleteWhat a treat to receive gifts out of the blue for no particular reason from a cherished friend.
ReplyDeleteellen, the care package wasn’t exactly for no reason, it was sort of a get well thing post my hip surgery. But yes, it was definitely unexpected, and so thoughtful. And the scrawled post-it’s explaining each thing were a lovely touch.
DeleteYou look wonderful in that scarf and kaftan, and that is one good sized mug:)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad things are going well. I heard on the news that New York is getting hit hard by a blizzard right now. I don't imagine you'll be going out anyway, so a good time for a blizzard.
Pixie, in between the snowstorms, on a 40 degree day, I did go walking with my daughter outdoors, and it felt like a milestone. Walking felt so much easier and less painful than before, though I was definitely tired afterward,
DeleteYay for being on the other side of surgery, into recovery and the future! I didn't know until you left your comment on my blog that you've been going through this process too. I'm so happy it went well for you, and yes - listen to your body. Surgery and recovery is work, and you have to have enough rest to do the work. Warm wishes, my friend :)
ReplyDeletejenny, here's to both of us recovering well, and being back to dancing by our mutual birthday! xo
DeleteBeautiful gifts! Your mother spoke wise words, even though it doesn't always feel that way.
ReplyDeleteSteve, my mom was very wise in so many ways. I wish I had a center of calm.
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