Happy Mother's Day (Early)

          If you're interested in reading what I was like as a kid, check out my story in the May issue of Sasee. I was a wild child for most of my teenaged years. Luckily, my parents didn't give up on me (and give me away). "The Blessings of Being Chosen" pays homage to my mother.

       Also, Cathy C. Hall has a story there in Sasee as well. It's a sweet story. It's a story that most girls can identify with, and what happens in the last quarter of the story is what many girls would hope for. 

       And if there is a Listen to Your Mother show in your hometown/city, it's probably this Saturday. I would highly recommend it. I will be in the audience at the St. Louis show on Saturday afternoon. Our school librarian, Dr. Jenny Gray, is one of the performers. She came last year, heard me perform, and with just a tad of encouragement, submitted, auditioned and was accepted for this year's show. I'm really excited for her. She's had a blast (just like I knew she would).

This is a picture of my birth mother (Imogene) and my half-sister.
Note Imogene's forehead that goes on for miles and miles.
Sometimes DNA plays cruel jokes on us...

This is a picture of my mom. She was a stay-at-home mother
for most of my years growing up. My brother and I had stuff like homemade frosting smeared
onto graham crackers as an after school snack. Is it any wonder I now have a butt
as wide as a semi-tractor trailer truck?

               If you're lucky enough to have your mother still with you, have a great day on Sunday. And if you're like me---and you've lost your mother---fill your day with the family you do have. (I'll be traveling to Kirksville with my daughter and granddaughter to see my son. It's going to be a full, fun-filled day.)

            And if you want to have a good cry, if you want to be moved, if you want to read a poignant piece so you can be transported to a time in your past, read Lisa Ricard Claro's story about her mother. I didn't plan on tears welling up at five something in the morning, but Lisa took me there.

            What is one of your most favorite "mom" memories? And if you weren't close to your mom, how about a wonderful grandma memory?