I had a really great mother's day and I hope all the mother's reading this had a wonderful day too! We went to Walden Ponds Wildlife Area, where we spotted turtles, water snakes, geese quarreling, lichen and several different species of birds.
But before that, I was treated to some really tasty grain-free (and egg-free) pancakes with mango sauce.
They were superb. And they had blended plantains, one of the many things you can do with plantains.
We had a lot of fun and later that day, we went to another park because neighbors told us that they spotted an owl family there. We took the map they drew us and sure enough we found the owls. We saw one adult owl and two baby owls, in all their cute fluffyness.
There is something that my mom used to say when I was a kid, that I never quite could understand. She would tell people that she learned a lot from me. I didn't know what that meant. I mean, aren't children supposed to learn from their parents - not the other way around?
Now I know what she meant, because I am a mom and I've learned a lot from my daughter. She allows herself to be fully present in every moment and she is so sweet, loving and accepting of everyone. She has taught me to revel in the beauty of all things, to slow down and enjoy each moment and to remember that life is about living.
We all have special memories that we've tucked away safely into a special place. It's in those moments where life truly lives. The moments that make your life what it is. My daughter has taught me to place more importance on those life events than others and to make a point of making more of those special memories, the ones where laughter reigns and your heart is flooded with love and gratitude.
And a big thanks to my mom. The compassion and understanding she gave me as a child has given me the strength and guidance to parent my daughter in the same way. Now she is one great Grandma to one special little girl.