Sunday 10 May 2009

Message from your Daughter

It's Mother's Day. I decided to repost last year's Mother's Day post when I only had a few people reading. Those of you who have been following me for a while know that I send my daughter messages via my Message from your Mother series. Last year I asked my daughter to write a message for me for Mother's Day. Self indulgent I know. This year she gave me shoes. She said it was easier and that things have not changed - I'm still apparently, 'out of the box'. Reading it again makes me want to forget she was ever a teenager. Every other Mother out there will know exactly what I mean. Enjoy your day, ladies.

You know the world is changing when you ask your mother what she wants for Mother's Day and she suggests that you might like to write a post on her blog, Lilly's Life.

Gone are the days when an apron would have sufficed, or some chocolates, or even a card.

What can I say Mum, you've always been a bit 'out of the box'.

I've never written a blog entry before so when I sat down to construct this masterpiece (don't snigger Mum, you know it will be), I thought 'how best to kick the proceedings off?' and then I thought, 'I know... I'll start with something plagiarised.' After all, Hallmark doesn't make 50 billion dollars each year on Mother's Day cards for no reason. Sentimentality is a bit embarrassing really, so if you aren't the author of the pathetically schmaltzy words on your Mother's Day card, it's much more comfortable for everyone involved, primarily you.

Turns out the same theory applies to writing a Mother's Day blog entry.

So I started searching the internet for Hallmarkesque quotes that sum up how I feel about you. I found a lot of lovely quotes about mothers, such as this one:


"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." -Tenneva Jordan

Sweet isn't it?? I thought so too.

Except, we both know that you would never forsake pie for anyone. Not your child, a dying relative, a starving Ethiopian. [Side note: it's wrong to make the token starving person Ethiopian, isn't it. Let's change to starving Canadian, (not that they deserve to starve either, but you know what I mean)]. Anyway, point being, nice quote, but not really summing up the essence of you.

Then I found this deeply moving Shakespeare quote:

"Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime".
Beautiful words from The Bard. I totally agree. Err, at least I might, if could understand what the quote means. It's just in here to make me look smart.

Then I found this Aristotle quote which I found to be particularly 'emotionally stirring, pulling on heartstrings' type stuff .
"Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own."Not sure if Aristotle was intending to crack a joke when he spewed forth this little pearl. I'm thinking not, because philosophers are usually pretty serious dudes, are they not? I thought this one was hilarious (is it meant to be funny?) because it was stuck in the middle of all these 'my mother is an angel from heaven' type ones, which by the way don't sum you up either.

I mean you are pretty cool but you aren't an angel.

In fact, at times I would align you closer to the.... (joking).

Then, I finally thought, Mother's Day doesn't have to be about me in relation to you, it can just be about you and what I think makes you amazing.

So I thought I would tell you some random things I admire about you.

Like you are artistic, for example. Kids at school used to say our house looked like 'one of those houses out of a magazine'. You are amazing at knowing what 'goes' with what, and what colours look good with other colours. As for me, as you rightly point out I can't even tell the difference between blue and green half the time. I just know that sometimes I put on clothes and you look at me in abject horror.

I remember being at a 'retreat' aka conference for work last year and we had to go to this formal dinner party thing and I was in my hotel room squashed up against the bathroom door trying to take a photo of myself on my mobile phone to send to you for feedback on whether everything 'went' together or not. The photo didn't get through to you though so I called you to give a blow by blow account of the outfit. What would I do without you?

I also admire you for being resilient and tough. You've coped with things that would have driven me literally insane.

You're funny and witty. Just like Pop.

You have a really incredible work ethic that I will never be able to emulate.

Also, my entire childhood (and adulthood thus far) I have never seen you leave the house without looking perfectly made up and beautiful. To people like me, who toss up whether or not they can get away with leaving the house without brushing their hair, this is a very admirable quality. As a child I remember looking up at you and you always looking so polished and smelt so lovely and all my friends thought you were beautiful. When they said that I used to scrunch up my nose and go 'whatever', but I was secretly proud.

Aaaand, you are a good listener and you are very smart.

And I did actually find you a quote by Washington Irving, which sums up the way that I feel about you:
"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of all prosperity, when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."
I love you and you love me and I know that there is nothing and no-one who can ever change that. The comfort that gives me, makes every day ok, no matter what happens.
Happy Mothers Day everyone.

68 comments:

  1. Happy Mothers Day Lovely Lilly, I knew you were all that and a piece of pie!!! Your daughter Rocks for writing this. This is worth republishing every year. Just beautiful. Have a beautiful day :-)

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  2. I'm so glad you gave us the opportunity to see that this year.
    Happy Mother's Day ...

    Is that a new blog description or did I just open my eyes?

    I LOVE dancing between desire and attachment ..me too me too!!!!

    xxx

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  3. Can I steal this for my mom? she doesn't have a computer so she will never know...

    Beautiful, really...I have a wonderful son, and love him dearly. When I got older and my mother became my best friend, I knew i was missing out on something special... lucky you!

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  4. Happy Mother's Day Lilly. This is the first time I've read this. You have a great daughter and a good friend!

    I can't believe there was ever a time when you had just a few readers. :)

    I hope you have a wonderful day!

    Peace - Rene

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  5. I had not read this before either. What a great tribute to you from your daughter. Happy Mother's Day to you.

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  6. So. Is she a famous writer yet?

    Wow does she love you something fierce. Beautiful.

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  7. Happy mother's day! I wouldn't give up the pie either, no way.

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  8. how beautiful! My girls will have memories of a messy house, but I hope they remember the love too.

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  9. that was a lovely tribute, too bad she wouldn't do another one this year, but tough to top I guess. You're both so lucky to have each other.

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  10. Lilly,

    Happy Mother's Day to you. And what a great writeup from your daughter. Those writing genes, trickling down from Des, seem to be going ahead in the right direction from you.....

    (Just wanted to say something about Aristotle. Dont pay attention to all he says. Just because folks listened , he got away with all kinds of rot, like saying blood flowed around the body to cool you....)

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  11. Hi Lillyness! Oh, thanks for letting me read this! Happy Mother's Day to you!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  12. Wow, what a lovely post. Sheesh, now I'm even a little teary-eyed, ~~ sniff, sniff ~~

    This is my first time seeing this particular piece, too, and I must hand it to you, Lilly, you and your daughter sure do have something special. How sincerely beautiful.

    Happy Mother's Day to you, I wish you all the best for a perfect day with many more to come.

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  13. Ah - that was funny and sweet! And my goodness, did you really have a perfectly coiffed teenager?!

    I would like to enter a give-away, but me and sewing? Sorry, last time I sewed anything it was myself to a bedspread!

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  14. Happy Mother's Day Lilly, You got 'some' daughter and she has 'some' mum. Like two peas in a pod missus!

    Blimey Lilly, you even sound alike! (she's picked up your sense of humour and way with words)

    Cheers Kate x. (Oh - and one for your daughter too x).

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  15. Happy Mother's Day, Lilly! I agree that you should post this every year. Your daughter is a chip off the ol' block. The first thing that struck me is how pretty she is. Oh course.... she's your daughter. She's got your genes. You both really make a pair. You must turn heads everywhere you go. As I read your daughter's extremely well written (worthy of being printed in the newspaper) tribute to you it occurred to me that she's got Des' genes, too. She's got his sense of humor. You are all gifted with that wit and humor that just grabs hold of everybody. Wow! You must have incredible family parties.

    Thanks for posting this, Lilly! Have a great Mother's Day!

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  16. Awww Lilly - you must be SO proud.

    Not only is your daughter strikingly gorgeous, but she's also smart, clever AND funny. Wow.

    You obviously did a great job bringing her up. Well done you!
    (although I guess she had some pretty awesome genes to start with)

    xx

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  17. Your daughter certainly is a "chip off the (only slightly) older block" - hence the Shakespeare quotation - a perfect description, visually at least and seemingly in every other way too.

    I hope you've had a good day! (you've just gotta love that Aristotle guy, haven't you?)

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  18. Jordan please take a bow as I give you a round of applause....a standing ovation no less!

    Now listen up, is there anyone in your family Lilly, who is NOT funny and witty??? Anyone???

    Joking aside what a proud Mum you must be and rightly so. And I agree with Jordan, you are a good listener and very smart.

    I will end this comment with this quote:

    "Setting a good example for your children takes all the fun out of middle age". ~William Feather, The Business of Life, 1949

    Take care always
    Peggy

    PS Adore your new header and words, meant to tell you that the other day!

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  19. I think we were reading each other´s blog at the same time, because while I was reading your post, a comment from you came on my email... Funny! :)
    Anyway your daughter is gorgeous. And she is sweet! I love her humor, and I´m sure you are very proud of her. I would love a gift like this on Mother´s day too! :)

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  20. Hi Lilly,

    though I don't celebrate Mother's Day, i can totally relate. This is a very sweet post dedicated to a mom. I wish my mom read blogs so I can make a post like this for her. But then again, i think she can appreciate the good old letter or card to brighten her day better than a post, hehehe.

    Bottom line, mothers are best and they deserve all our love. Mothers needed to be treated by their sons and daughters extra special every day. I know that your a mom too so you are one of them.

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  21. ps,
    Lilly, Caroline gave me the Lemonade Award and I'm passing it to you=) thank you for being so supportive!

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  22. 2nd ps,

    love the new team-up giveaway idea! I can't wait to participate on the coming giveaways! weee, fun!

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  23. Beautiful, well written and funny post,...

    Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!

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  24. Beautiful post, Lilly! I wasn't here last year so it's all new to me...

    Happy Mother's Day!!!!

    (Oh, and LOVE the new blog layout!)

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  25. Awesome post lilly thanks for sharing it. Your daughter is wonderful. Happy Mother's Day lovely lady and enjoy it with friends, family and all those that love and care for you.

    With Great Love
    JB

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  26. I'm not even a Mom & that made me cry. Leave that one a little something extra in the will ......~Mary

    ps you could post this 5 years running & it wouldn't get "old."

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  27. Happy Mother's Day, Lilly! Hope your day is great. And that was very sweet. :)

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  28. Oh that was the sweetest post and I didn't read your blog then either. I need to go find some tissues. I'd keep her if I was you. Funny and loving. Now I think I will nick it and send it to my Mother, lol.

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  29. Thanks for sharing. I wish I had a daughter.

    Happy Mother's Day, Lilly!

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  30. Awww, Happy Mother's Day! This is fantastic... my mama isn't cool enough to have a blog, but I did write her a nice letter this year... hope that counts :-)

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  31. Call Hallmark...this post is a KEEPER!

    It is nice to know that you are honored and treasured...not just this Mother's Day, but every day!

    Thank you for visiting my little prose post...I am pleased it pulled a heart string or two! :)

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  32. Lilly - glad you reposted this since I wasn't following your blog back then. My favorite is Aristotle - shows that somethings never change.

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  33. What an awesome post! Your daughter definitely takes after you in the writing stakes - creative, witty and genuine. You guys are obviously close which is great to see.

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  34. Happy Mother's Day to you :o)
    My days was so so, my son has always been a bit different but over the last few years he has become a bit more eccentric. So he did not give me a card or gift as he felt he did not need to give-into the commercialness of the day :o(
    My girl gave me a card. Oh well one out of two isn't bad.

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  35. Great post! Happy Mother'Day Lilly!

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  36. Sorry I'm late getting here, but now I know what the saying, "like mother, like daughter" means. What a marvelous example you have set for her and how delightful to see your sense of humor alive and well in your daughter! Hope you had a great Mother's Day! Sounds like you did! So did I! I have four great kids!

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  37. Like Mother like Daughter LILLY. Good stuff ...

    Just looked up and saw Sylvia said the same thing. There - we must be right!
    June also in Oz

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  38. Got to love this Oscar Wilde quote, "All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. Thats his." Great writing, clever girl. When is she starting a blog?

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  39. Oh fabulous we don't celebrate Mothers Day on the same day as you which means that perhaps with Jordan's permission I can copy this and change a few details and give to my mother. Its brilliant and so sweet that I got teary at the end. She is right when it comes down to it I hope most of us know that our mothers would never desert us when times got tought and vice verse. Of course I realise there are always exceptions. Life is always not that easy.

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  40. Thank you for sharing that with us. So nice :)

    Have a Happy Mother's Day, Lilly!
    xox

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  41. Thanks everyone for your fabulous comments and I hope you had a great Mothers Day. Yes, we are lucky and I appreciate my daughter every day. Perhaps the feedback may encourage her to get into more writing (like the rest of us in the blogosphere) if she can find the time.

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  42. Happy Mothers Day, Lilly. Great post.

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  43. I hope you had a great mother's day Lilly, I'm sure you were looking very nice (oh dear, I stayed in my trakky daks all day, but did not leave the house, either, I sent everyone else out instead so I could get some desired peace from the mania of motherhood in the comfort of my own home, hehe).
    Your daughter is as gorgeous as you are and has picked up her mum and pop's wonderful sense of humour.
    I do love that Aristotle quote and can see the humour in it. It would be good to know how serious he was in concocting it. There is an Oscar Wilde-ishness about it.

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  44. Happy Mother's Day friend!

    Your daughter is a doll. I hope my turn out as well as she did! All credit to you of course. You did a damn good job with her!

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  45. what a blessing you have in your daughter, and what a gift she has in you!

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  46. She is a great writer, just great. Seems like it all runs in the family with your Dad and you. How do any of you get a word in, your family must be hilarious.

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  47. I remember reading this before and it's just as wonderful today. She should be a guests blogger more often.

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  48. Wow, your daughter is amazing. And gorgeous! And you clearly are an amazing mother.

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  49. You are very blessed to have produced a daughter with such intelligence, keen wit and unconditional love! Thanks for sharing this wonderful Mothers Day tribute!

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  50. Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day, Lily. :) Your daughter has your sense of humor, which is hilarious.

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  51. Happy Mother's Day! Trust daughters to be critical thoughout and then take us totally by surprise by being all lovin' and serious at the end. BTW, the bard's quote is bang-on, your daughter shares quite a bit of your looks and sense-of-humour.

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  52. Wow, what a great way to get to know YOU! Thanks to you and your daughter (who is beautiful, by the way) for sharing!

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  53. Your daughter is witty and well spoken! What a wonderful post and a wonderful tribute to you as her mother. Loved it!

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  54. Like Mother, like Daughter ... apple falling far from the tree ..
    your daughter is enchanting! What a mind and what a way with words!

    It's been too long since I last visited and I was devastated to learn your father isn't doing well. Give him a hug from one of his biggest fans in the US.

    I don't think I'll have to worry too much about anyone 'stealing my words' and the post about your brother's dog was truly funny (as usual.) Enjoy your week, Lilly.

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  55. what a wity girl, great post..

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  56. i wouldn't dare have my daughter do that..eek!...
    it's so beautiful...

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  57. @ yellowdog granny - your daughter would have the finest story ever to tell about her Mother, guaranteed!

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  58. Your daughter is just as witty as you, a very nice post. Happy moms day Lily, a little late, sorry, I still mean it.

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  59. WHAT A DAUGHTER!

    I am too late to wish you happy Mother's Day, but you know I would:)

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  60. @ Margaret and Fida, thanks ladies, thanks for stopping by!

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  61. Oh lovely. I see the apple doesn't fall very far. She's an excellent writer, just like her mum. You are lucky to have each other. XO

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  62. JAPRA - Thanks she is a keeper.

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  63. My goodness, Lilly. Two good writers in one family. What a fun and loving post. I love it. My son often writes me cards a little similar, funny, irreverent but loving.

    Just catching up on my favorite blogs after having been mentally absent for a few weeks! Such fun to be back.

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  64. @ Anya - thanks so much she will love your comments! As do I.

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  65. Shalom

    It is my first time here. I just wanted to say hi!

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