Congratulations to our Here We Go Again winners: Comment #2: Sandi has a GC waiting at the Broadway Location. Comment #8: Eva, GC at John’s Landing locale. Have fun!
Happy Mother’s Day to all moms! I hope you enjoy a day of pampering. My boys are growing up and sometimes I feel like they do not need me quite as much anymore. However, there are times when mom still saves the day. (reminders, schedules, money!) Being a mom is a tough but rewarding job. Whether your children are young or all grown up, give yourself credit for a job well done and enjoy this day!
This post is a tribute to my own mother. My mom passed away suddenly when I was in college. I was 20. Sadly, this was several years before I met my husband and had a family. I always wished they had the opportunity to know her. My husband has heard so many family stories that one time he said to me,”That sounds like something your mom would say!” There is remarkable power in a story since obviously he had never met her. And you know what–he was right on. Can any of you relate to sounding/acting like your mother?
When I started my new business and blog, my oldest sister made an interesting comment, “Mom would have been proud of you.” I had to laugh a little because we both knew that my mom was not a “fashion plate” in any way. She was actually kind of a tomboy. Mom liked to be outside and played fast-pitch softball. In fact she played well into her thirties when she had three small children. My parents owned a dairy farm and started out in 1941. Life was tough, money was tight and they worked very hard. Fashion was not a focus in her life. She was fortunate to have a dress to wear to church. My siblings and I had a frugal upbringing. Of course, being the youngest of five, I was spoiled. (so I’m told) Still, it was never easy convincing my mom to buy me clothes. She always thought I had enough, and I always wanted more! My sister and I are pretty sure that our love for fashion is a direct result of not having a large selection of clothes when we were young. If you have been reading for several months, you’ve seen I have an eye for nice things. However, I do have a very practical side when it comes to prices, amount of clothing needed, making WISE choices and now consignment. All of this stems back to how I was brought up.
Since I started working one/one with women, thoughts of my own mother have come up frequently. My mom did not have a lot of confidence with dressing . She didn’t really have a knack of putting things together for herself, yet loved to pick out suits & ties for my dad. I was born when she was 42. Can you imagine? Today this is common, but in that day and age-not so much! When I hit my forties, I realized how difficult that must have been. I always remember my mom saying if others asked, “she keeps us young!” When it came to dressing though, she lost her shape. Losing weight after 40 just is not easy. There were not personal trainers, diet books or designs that camouflaged your middle. I now can completely relate to her struggles.
Shortly before she died, my mom and I went on a shopping trip with my aunt and a friend. Living in a small town in the Northwest corner of Washington, the stores were not plentiful. A trip to Seattle was a treat. Keep in mind: My mom HATED shopping. A day in a mall was NOT her idea of a good time. But something happened. She had fun. She found clothes (even boots) that looked great. Looking back and knowing what I know now, I believe that a few flattering outfits helped raise her confidence to a new level.
Today I meet women just like my mom who may not have the confidence in dressing, hate shopping and putting things together. A common pattern among women is to take attention away from themselves and focus on their families. They give time and spend money on someone else, but rarely on themselves. I encourage you to change that pattern and take time for yourself.
Although we did not share the love of fashion, my mom was a role model in so many other ways that helped me become who I am today. For that I’m grateful. I love you Mom!
I wanted to share some photos of my mom over the years. I love looking at old photos and thought you would enjoy the nostalgia AND styles.
Mom at age 42 with me!
There are few photos of the two of us in later years. Below is a photo at my parent’s 40th anniversary the year before she died. I’m wearing her wedding dress and pearls. (For a short time in the Forties and Fifties, some women wore suits or dresses that were not the typical wedding white.) I love these photos and am so happy for the memories.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Beautiful post Karen… the tears are flowing. Thanks for sharing this.
It’s good to remember your mom! She was a lady I respected and admired! Practical, wise, but fun…and your dad and she were a great couple. I enjoyed my visits to your house, and our trip to State…good memories!
Loved this Aunt Karen! So sweet. Neat to see grandma through your eyes.
This was an awesome article to read! Very well written, Karen.
Bawling!!!! in California, thanks for sharing. I love the stories and your perspective.
Fabulous Post today!! LOVED the pictures, too – thanks for sharing from the heart!!
Through tears…..let me add how thankful I am today that she was/is my mother-in-law. She was so good to me – I still miss her. Thanks for sharing your post. You captured her well! And might I add……..she would be proud of you!
A beautiful tribute to your mom, Karen! It doesn’t matter how many years go by, missing them never stops…thanks for sharing your memories.
Thanks for sharing about your wonderful mother. I hope you print your post for your children to remember something more about their grandmother. Lucky you.
Thank you for sharing your memories. Loved the pictures!
Karen, thanks for sharing a bit of yourself that was a personal touch to who you are and your life before many of us knew you. You loved you mom very much and it shows through you words. Keep them coming.
Karen, thanks for sharing the post on Mom. It brought back a lot of good memories as well as a few tears and smiles. Well said and very timely. Keep up the good work on your blog.
I agree with what the rest of the family said . . . so special to see Grandma through your eyes! It is amazing to think of having a baby at 42 — that’s 4 more years from now for me, and my oldest is only 9! Loved seeing those pics! Very creative way to honor Grandma on Mother’s Day on a fashion blog! Impressive! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!
Karen, what a lovely tribute. I’m blessed to still have my Mom. In fact she was here to visit recently and commented on liking my clothing style and outfits. She made mention of wanting a black cardigan like I wore…. I went shopping and found her a pretty cropped one with lace embellishment along the front edge and gave it to her for Mother’s day. She loved it! I hope to encourage her more by suggesting ways to shop her closet and find some “new” outfits.
Annette
Karen, I forgot how great you looked in mom’s wedding dress. I wonder why no one considered asking Eleanor or me to wear her dress that night. LOL! Thanks for sharing your memories of mom. Good to see the all the pictures, too…..especially seeing the joy on Mom’s face when she was holding you!
Karen, I had no idea you lost your mom. And does her shirt say Lynden? As in Lynden WA? That’s where my dad grew up. I was very touched by your post. I’m glad you have some pictures and fond memories! Ann
Thank you all for your kind comments! Hearing the feedback keeps me going. The pictures took me a while so appreciated hearing that you enjoyed them!