Lessons from our mothers


Eva May Hutchinson, about 5 years before my birth. 

Which lessons from your mother serve a purpose when you’re writing?

I’ve been pondering this question lately, in honor of Mother’s Day. When I posed this question on Facebook, I got some wonderful responses.  I’m reposting them here, with the writers’ permission, and added my answer at the bottom. I hope they’ll inspire you, and that you’ll also chime in!

Jeannine Atkins: Never mind the dirty floors. I bless her whenever I survey the kitchen and decide to write instead of scrub. And my sister feels the same.

Victoria Nimmo-Walters:  Do it right or not at all. (I get to blame her for my strive toward perfectionism…)

Susan Taylor Brown: You can do better than that.

Kim Baccellia: Don’t let others comments get to you.

Wendy Lynn Decker: Never give up.

Gail Goetz: Why ruin a good story with the truth? Ordinary wasn’t in my mother’s vocabulary.

Erin Blakemore: Stop talking, start working! 😀

Sheryll Suva Fong: ‎ Because I said so.

I might answer differently tomorrow (next week, next year…), but for today at least, I’ll go with, “Look!”

My mother was blind to certain circumstances, inscrutable in others. But when it came to Mother Nature, she had a very keen eye. “Look,” she’d say, and in her cornflower blue eyes, I’d see the shimmery reflection of the stars. “Look,” she’d say, and it was only then that I noticed the tiny cluster of purple verbena against a vast expanse of sand. She taught me to pay attention to the smallest details, and to recognize their magic. She filled my soul with a sense of wonder, opened my eyes (and heart) to things I might otherwise have missed.  And in my own writing, I bear witness to what I’ve seen.

  1. I can totally believe your mother was alive to the beauty in all things. This does not surprise me a bit.

    Happy Mother’s Day!

  2. You’ve passed on the gift she gave you to all of us.

    Love the bows in her hair and on her blouse. Great photo.

    From my mom: Have more confidence. You’re smarter than you think you are.

    and, Be generous (something she taught by example rather than through words).

    • It was fun to hear your take on the question–thank you! Ifeel as if I got a deeper understanding of these writers (including you) through their mothers’ quotes

  4. I’ve been thinking of you today, Melodye. Your mom’s sense of wonder shines through you with your own love and wisdom, and I’m so glad you share it with us.

    My mom’s lessons to me? I guess I’ve always been inspired by her great curiosity and zest for life. Still to this day, at 87, she’s eager to read new things, meet new people, and talk about all sorts of interesting subjects. The world is a fascinating place to her.

    • You’re so sweet to say that, Lorraine. In this memory, I find grace.

      As to your mama…I’d love to meet her! I’m thinking we’d be friends. 🙂

  6. Good morning, Melodye! I’ve nominated you for an award on my blog this morning 🙂 Hope you have fun with it 🙂

    Terri

  7. 86656556

    atenolol overdose treatment
    premarin cream price
    lasix potassium sparing
    sinemet mechanism of action
    swollen sublingual caruncle
    sulfasalazine dosage children
    finasteride generic walmart
    zithromax dosing for sinusitis
    imodium dose in children
    omeprazole 40 mg twice a day
    imitrex injection site
    antidote for digoxin overdose
    zelnorm alternatives
    diamox tablets used
    synthroid doses chart
    floxin otic
    nolvadex buy online
    flagyl er dosage
    clozaril dosing guide
    loratadine side effects blood pressure
    generic drugs definition
    albendazole side effects in dogs
    reminyl drug classification
    cialisprice
    methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy treatment

Comments are closed.