bliss

I'm here visiting my mom again for a few days. It's a 2 hour drive from my house and I've been making this drive at least once a month for the past 10 years since we moved away. During the summer break my son and I come more often. He loves coming to see his grandma. He is the only grandchild in our very small family so he gets her all to himself.



I love coming here. Not just seeing my mom but being in this house.
This little nondescript suburban 3 bedroom we moved into when I was 15.
It smells like home. Like home cooking and comfort. And so clean.
Mom is somewhat of a neat freak, especially since my dad's been gone for
6 years. This crystal chandelier hangs in the dinning room. Too fancy
for the little space and nothing chic or fabulously shabby about it.
But it has cast a magical glow over countless Thanksgiving dinners,
birthday celebrations and now quite meals for one.



My mom has the greenest thumb out of anyone I know. If it's
green and grows she has it in her house. It's what I love
about coming here. All the houseplants that greet me when
I walk in the door. I wonder now if I actually make them nervous.
I've taken a few home with me before only to bring them
back a few months later, practically on life support.
Of course my mom nurses them back to health and the next
time I visit they're healthy and happy again.



Even her lemons are happy! I wish I had half her gardening talent.



Oh and her orchids! She can grow them like weeds. I'll have to
bring you back here in the Spring when they're all
in bloom. It's just exquisite. I never dared to ask her
for one and I think she might actually try to talk me out of it!



I did find something in bloom that I was able to 'grow'.
This was the first hat I ever made years ago when I first started
doing crafts. My friend and I were selling vintage linens at
a craft faire and I threw this together just to wear. I started
getting offers to buy it and from then on my little hat business
started. I made better ones of course but this was always
my favorite since it was my first. It sits here in my old bedroom.



It's just after midnight. My favorite time.
I have an urge to play our old piano.
My piano.

It's been so long since I've really sat down to play. I started piano lessons
when I was 5 and I wish I appreciated it more during the 14 years my
parents made me take them. I did learn to love to play and I
try to when I'm here visiting.

Maybe I'll sneak out there for a minute and see if I still remember
my favorite piece. Shhh....I'll try to be quiet like a mouse.

Let's see if anyone notices....

7 comments:

Marfi-topia said...

Anna,what a wonderful post,my mom was the same way,with her plants and her flowers...thank you for this.
Marfi

Junibears said...

This is a lovely post Anna. Lovely to visit you.xx

Kathy said...

This was a beautiful way to start the day.

Kathy

Leanne said...

So loved this little peek into your mom's home - and your life! The photos are so cool - I love the shot of the crystals on the chandelier (the placement of them in the shot is perfect). Hope you have some wonderful days with your Mom. Thinking of you!

Wendy said...

Anna,
This is such a beautiful post. I love the lemon and all the other wonderful green little friends. Your mother has a gift. How wonderful that you visit her and stay close. Very special. I love your hat. You know me and hats and the one you made is devine.
We shall both tip toe tonight as you sneak to play your enchanted piano and I will sneak out to dance on the lawn under the moon. I'm sure you still play beautiful. We will be very quite so only the magical night creatures will know.
Your friend from Wonderland

Theresa MacNaughton said...

What a wonderful post - it was such a loving tribute to your mom. It was lovely to read and learn more about her - and you. Hope you have a great weekend! Theresa

apinkdreamer said...

hi anna! your blog is featured in mine for pink saturday!!!