to my mother, on her birthday

i know i just posted about my mom (the italian plaster drama ended safely, by the way), but today is her birthday, and a little birthday blog shout-out just seemed like the thing to do. (not that the completely awesome avacado slicer i got her wasn't enough, but sometimes you just want to give a little somethin' extra, you know?)

anyway, i thought of listing one thing i love about my mom for each year that she has graced God's green earth, but then you would all know how old she is and i didn't clear that with her first. so, instead, here are the top 11 things i love about my mother (who is, lest there be any confusion, certainly more than 11 years old).

1. she gave me life (it wasn't easy, but i daresay it was worth it. any opposed?)
2. she never speaks an unkind word, or, perhaps more remarkably, any unkind words strung together. she can, and does, see the good in everything and everyone.
3. she is unafraid. a new, scary job? done. a big, scary move (sometimes overseas, and sometimes with babies)? breezy. sending her kids to college, on missions and long motorcycle rides? not a blink. she embraces the unknown, and it embraces her right back.
4. she is loved. not just by me, by everyone. just as my mother never speaks an unkind word, i have never heard an unkind word spoken of her. and that's saying something, i think.
5. she is hip and hilarious. she has red shoes and says things like, "what's the haps?" and laughs out loud and signs cards with, "i heart you." she watches "the office" and "clerks." she loves jack black and owen wilson. she joined an organic farm co-op. she plays the autoharp and dances in the kitchen.
6. she is honest. and she is wise. she mourns loss but doesn't dwell on it.
7. she always gets her way, but never at the expense of other people. somehow, everyone else is convinced that they are getting their way, too. (this is not scary or manipulative, this is a gift. one i am still trying to master.)
8. she sends me valentine's boxes and easter dresses and decorates for every holiday. a lot.
9. she loves fresh flowers, especially from the farmer's market.
10. she collects. her most extensive collection is one of funky pottery from the 1950s. she actually has a dealer who brings new pieces to her house. this fills me with glee.
11. she knows herself and she is herself. this is that rare talent that is difficult to explain, but impossible not to notice. she is confident so she can build up others. she loves herself so she can love others. she understands true beauty and so she can see it everywhere. she doesn't need make-up or fashion magazines, or attention or praise. she is whole.

to my darling mother. may your day be happy.