1. I recently saw that according to Google Trends data, more people do searches for flowers around Mother’s Day than they do around Valentine’s Day. Growing up we always had the tradition of going in the afternoon and buying my mom flowers and hanging baskets. Today even the last minute shoppers can usually purchase a rose after Mass in case the occasion slipped their mind!
2. Going green…I do not have a green thumb, at all. We have a garden, which my husband takes care of and I will help by picking, preparing and enjoying the fresh produce. In case you do not believe me, let me give you a few examples. My mom gave me a beautiful ivy to put in our new house, it was one my grandmother gave to her. It started out great, vibrant and flourishing. A few months in, it began a rapid decline and nothing I did could resuscitate it. My mother in-law gave me an aloe plant, which I didn’t realize at the time is basically like a cactus in the not needing water category. I watered it occasionally and when I saw it wasn’t looking so good I thought it needed more water, so I increased the hydration. It wasn’t long before I had to sheepishly return the empty pot. Open to suggestions of hardy, low maintenance flowers before I make my attempt. (Last year’s success)
3. Mother’s Day can often be a difficult time for women who are experiencing infertility. It usually never passes without a few tears and the longing always there to hear the voice of little ones say “mama” as they reach their arms up to you. And then there is the awkward moment in Church where all the mothers are asked to stand for a blessing and you sit there praying that someday you are able to be among those women.
4. I wrote this article a few years ago, to the women whose motherhood remains hidden and the mothers that have experienced a loss they forever carry in their heart.
5. Recently my younger brother has taken to sending me recipes that he has found to be simple, easy and delicious! It’s like I have a free online recipe subscription of meals that have been tested and tasted. I have to admit I felt a little less domesticated when I had to ask him for clarification on what an ingredient was and even more so when I couldn’t seem to find it at the store (not to mention he found it the first time he looked). Hominy, really what is hominy?
6. Chocolate covered bacon, first time for everything! I was given a few strips of both dark chocolate and milk chocolate. In my analysis the dark chocolate was better, less of the bacon taste and more of the salty-sweet. The milk chocolate, I was definitely chewing bacon, would you like a serving of eggs with that? Has anyone tried it? What do you think, delicacy or disgusting? (Don’t say I didn’t give you any ideas for Mother’s Day!)
7. Make sure to see Jen and check out her new book, Something Other Than God. Plus, her post on her recent travels, flight delay and driving a monster truck for a rental car. It had me laughing out loud and at the same time caused me anxiety about the next trip I will take to anywhere!