Did Your Mom Make You Laugh?

My head spins at the rate time is flying by. Spring is teasing the yard with a taste of warmth followed by a bite of frost. But despite the fluctuations, our trees are filled with blossoms. Before you know it, Mother's Day will be here in what seems like the blink of an eye.

Stories about Moms have always appealed to me, although I'm glad my mom didn't document all the things that happened in our family as we grew up. My sister and I would be forced into permanent hiding.

There are sentimental Mom stories and poignant Mom stories, but my favorites are stories that make me laugh. And that's why I find Not Your Mother's Book on Being a Mom so much fun.

For example, have you ever thought of yourself as an open minded Mom? While that might sound like a good idea in theory, in real life it could be, well, a little creepy crawly. Find out what I mean when you read my story, "Open Minded Mom" in Not Your Mother's Book On Being a Mom, now available on Amazon. Click here to order or read more about this new release from Publishing Syndicate. It would make a gift guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of any mom, or any person who has a mom.

Of course there are no worries about my family having concerns when I write stories about them. They simply love having the world read about the most intimate aspects of their life. (See Paragraph 2).

I'll bet everyone has a few hysterical Mom stories to tell. What's your favorite?

Moms, Snakes, and Creativity

Yesterday I received notification that my story, An Open Minded Mom, will appear in NYBM on Being a Mom, due for release April 8. It's about what happens at our house when my son asks to get a python (yikes!) as a pet. Several of my writer gal pals' stories will also be included. How cool is that?

The NYMB series of books are sassy, funny, and highly entertaining. If you've never read them, I encourage you to check out the Publishing Syndicate for information on what titles are available for purchase. As a bonus, they're always looking for new stories. Click on the Submit Stories for Not Your Mother's Book tab to find out submission requirements and how to send them your story.

I've been thinking lately that I really need to do more things that nurture my creative side. Scrubbing toilets while contemplating new story ideas just isn't cutting it anymore. I considered my interests and wrote out a wish list which I politely handed to Hubby. What would he select? Painting? Photography? Wood carving?

Ta-da! Hubby gave me a keyboard for Christmas! It does all sorts of nifty things, but mostly I keep it on "piano" mode trying to learn what notes correspond to what keys. It's slow going as I practice, practice, practice. No one even has to nag me to do it (so far anyway).

Unfortunately, this has led to a demand request from Indy and Bogey. They've put together a wish list, too:

Thanks for the support, guys.

Happy Mother's Day 2013

Although the air is cool and crisp today, the sun is bright. Mother Nature has been working overtime with her paintbox. The sun is dappling through trees, casting a lacework pattern on brilliant green grass. The sky is a cloudless azure blue. Fat buds in our garden are showing the slight pink color that foretells blossoms that will soon burst into being. What a beautiful Mother's Day!

Moms have the hardest, yet most rewarding job on earth. They defend their young like a Viking warrior, heal hurts with a single kiss, and solve problems that would puzzle Einstein. Moms are the heart and soul of home.

I borrowed this picture from my sister. It's my mom, baby sister, and me. I can still feel the love of that moment. Thinking of you today, Mom, and treasuring the memories.

Whether you're Mom to two-leggers, four-leggers or both, we hope your day is spectacular and filled with many beautiful moments.

The Wedding

The bride and groom repeated their vows in front of this spectacular vista on a bluff at Mount Pleasant Winery. It seemed as though the fields behind them went on forever.

Although clouds covered both sun and sky in varying shades of gray, it wasn't a problem for us at all. The joyful emotions felt by each guest that witnessed the wedding on Sunday provided more than enough color for the occasion.

Sigh. Nothing beats a beautiful wedding. I have to admit a few tears slid down my cheeks during both the ceremony and the mother-son dance. Okay, so I'm hopelessly sentimental. Aren't all Moms? It's an emotional roller coaster when it comes to our kids. No matter how many years go by, we still agonize over their pain and feel feather-light over their happiness.

My little boy is now a married man. If I had wings, I'm pretty sure I could fly.

Mother's Day Thoughts

When Critter Alley first launched, it seemed impossible that we'd ever pass the 200 follower mark. But recently it happened. We have 203 followers! It's an exciting milestone, and I'd like to extend my most sincere thanks to each and every one of you.

But there's something even more important than that to celebrate today. It's Mother's Day.  Some of you will be fortunate enough to spend at least part of the day with your Mom.  Others, like me, will have a bittersweet visit with Mom through special memories.

It's strange the way things work out. So many years later, I can hear my mother's voice when I speak, catch a glimpse of her face when I look in the mirror, and see a hint of her sturdy, capable hands reflected in mine. Our moms are the role models from whom we learn our first lessons and acquire so many of our everyday habits...even the frustrating ones we wish we could change.  

Anyway, I'm pretty sure that most Critter Alley readers are "mom" to someone, whether through childbirth, adoption, marriage, or in one of those wonderful take-someone-under-your-wing-type relationships. I do hope that each one of you enjoys a beautiful and relaxing day.

And remember, if you're mom to a furry four-legger, don't you worry. It's Mother's Day for you today, too!

"Ruh-roh! Hey, Dad! We need to make an emergency shopping trip!"

On Moms

Image courtesy Free Photos Bank


These lovely spring flowers are for our Critter Alley readers and fellow bloggers in honor of Mother's Day.  

There isn't a more hard working human being than Mom. Juggling a thousand tasks with the skill of a CEO, she somehow finds a way to get things done. And even on her busiest days, she still takes time to laugh with us, cry with us, and pray we're able to achieve our dreams.

My mom was well known for her cooking. She made the best fried chicken on earth. I never could master her culinary skills, no matter how patiently she tried to teach me. I am no where near her league as a cook. But no matter, Mom always made sure we were well fed while we were growing up and every time we visited her, too.

Once a visit to Mom's house was over, we'd lumber to the door, stuffed full with samples of delicious motherly affection. Seldom did we leave empty-handed. She always had something to tuck in a grocery bag (usually food) and send home with us. 

When we left, Mom had a definite good-bye ritual. She'd give a kiss and a hug. Then she'd stand at the door and wave as we drove away. It's an image I often remember. 

Mom's been gone for nearly four years now.  I still miss her.   

These past few years have turned Mother's Day into a bittersweet mixture of reliving old memories and creating some new ones. I suspect it's the same for many of you.   

So however your special day is spent, and whether you're mom of a two-legger, a four-legger, or both, we wish you a beautiful Mother's Day that brings everything you want. 

I'm envisioning something like this:

Comfy chair. Feet up. Glass of wine. Someone else cooking dinner.

Bliss!