Thursday, February 04, 2010

the art of mothering

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. -- Washington Irving (1783-1859)
The sheer magnitude of a Mother's love cannot be measured.
"It is not from ourselves that we learn to be better."
Wendell Berry
Mothers teach us to be better. Women all over the world make one another better.
Sharing a cup of tea can immediately restore order and etiquette.
"Pinkies up ladies"
I cherish the silver tea set my mother gave to me as a wedding present
as much as the books and tales she has bequeathed to me.
The art of mothering is truly remarkable. All eyes are on Mothers as they share stories and experiences, like that of an actor with an audience. Take time today to mother someone around you or to contemplate the art of mothering and mother goddesses. One does not need to limit mothering merely to one's offspring. Contemplate the inheritance in the art of mothering someone near to you.

As Mother Teresa so beautifully stated, "We can only do small things with great love."

What small thing will you do today with great love?

All images are from the artist Mary Cassatt - "Nurse reading to a child" -"Under the Chestnut Horse tree" - "A cup of Tea" -"Reading a good book." Artist Mary Cassatt.
I covet the art of Mary Cassatt.

24 comments:

Debra said...

I miss my Mother every second. We never cease to Mother our own and the sweet ones that have adopted us. I'm lucky beyond words to have several 'adopted' children that are friends of my son and off-spring of dear friends.

Unknown said...

What a lovely sentiment to wake up to.
I adore the works of Mary Cassatt. And your take on the "art of mothering" is very insightful.

the NEO-traditionalist said...

Ohhh what a lovely post! I can't wait to be a mother someday! In the meantime I'll be cleaning house in preparation for a visit from my own mother. She's flying out from California on Monday and I want everything to be in order for her arrival. She'll be meeting my baby, Alfred the pug pup, for the first time. I'm all too excited for the visit! XO

Emily said...

Beautiful sentiments and art. As I told you yesterday, I'm in my mid-30s, and still seek my mother's opinion regularly! My mother was 22 when her mother died. I feel so lucky to have my mother in my life.

Suburban Princess said...

Such a beautiful post! I didnt have a very good mother so I have to try every day to be a good mother to my son!

Ms. Bright said...

beautiful.

I think today I'll do the laundry with great love. I've never tried that before!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

This is so beautiful. My mom and I are very close, but I know I was difficult in my high school years. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I appreciate how lucky I am to have such a wonderful mom.

pve design said...

Suzie-
I think mother's are equipped and armed for phases of life, knowing that they (even the most ornery) do come round.
Enjoy the art of mothering.
pve

Kwana said...

Beautiful post Patricia. Thanks.

Unknown said...

I wish I had my mother closer...

And today: I made that special breakfast for the children with love ealier then usual, since both had to be out in school before 8 AM...

I am so aware, that it's the small things with great love, not neccessary the large gestures...

When my daughter is stressed and becomes naughty or moody towards us, all she actually needs is a tight hug and to be told everything will be fine.
Little thing with big results!
And the youngest needs still a bit pampering after sports and games...simply extra mothering!

And I know, we mothers need mothering too once in a while!

Love your post!

XX
Victoria

JMW said...

I adore Mary Cassat - thank you for featuring her in today's post! This post resonated with me, because I've been fighting a cold and feeling like I've not bee the best mom to my kids (Hubby is away on business). So, my own mom swooped in last night to help out. No matter what our age, we always need the comfort our mothers provide.

Karena said...

Beautiful post, I hope I will have my mother around a long time, she just turned 80. The art is lovely!
Karena

North of 25A said...

Beautiful, insightfull art, post and comments - thank you Patricia, thank you all. My Mother died while I was pregnant with my third child, my daughter, Gloria who is named for her. At fifty-two there are moments when I still miss my "Mommy".

Maia said...

What a beautiful and moving post. I have been feeling so overwhelmed by motherly love lately, this really strikes a chord.

Deidra said...

It's an exquisite art, indeed! Today, I will be looking for the perfect Valentine Cookie recipe to bake and decorate and wrap and send as a surprise to my children who live on either coast.

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

This was just lovely...me too..i miss my mom...can't believe she's gone.....

i see you at Eddie Ross and A Place To Dwell...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your art....

I wanted to come by and see you..

I am off to your ETSY shop this weekend...

Best,
Kary

Summer is a Verb said...

Even though my babies are of the 4 legged nature I very much would lay across the tracks for them...XXOO

Heart Charlie said...

beautiful post!!

Sandra said...

This is such a good post. The words of Washington Irving are so exact. Thank you. xoxo

Maria Killam said...

Hi Patricia,
Beautiful post (btw the olympics will be here by end of next week and then I'll have all kinds of time to think about your colours since I'll be house bound :)
x
maria

L @ Salt and Sentiment said...

lovely...i think I will go call my mom.

Marnie said...

catching up and saw this - love the quote from washington irving - lovely post - taking time to mother...and do small things with great love

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post! I am reminded of my time as an event planner, working at The Baltimore Museum of Art. I would escape to the galleries during my "work day". A perk of my job was relaxation next to Cassatt originals. However, nothing sooths my soul like my mother.
Last night, since my husband was away on a business trip, my parents watched our children and I attended a meeting for a fundraiser in which I am involved. I was extra sensitive and my feeling were hurt. When I arrived home, my mother listened, advised, acted as a confidant, but most importantly, hugged me and told me I was loved. NOTHING can take the place of my mother and I love her dearly. Thank you for shedding much deserved light on our mothers!

Sophie with her Illustrations said...

This reminds me so much of my mom. She is definitely my first best friend. When I go through rough times and think life is hard, I look upon my mom and thank God everyday that I have her.
Thank you so much for you comment on my blog, you don't know how I appreciate it :)
http://pearlsandchitchat.blogspot.com/