From One Mom (including one whose got kids..here and there and heaven-where), Wishing All A Happy Mother's Day (since that's where we came from, so lucky us..plus Magical Moms are appreciated in all their forms)

Before the final moments of Mother's Day go by I wanted to cheer us all on in our mothering and othering efforts, including doing some good self care and appreciation. I put a lot in the title so I can keep this short. I've actually been running a bit short on sleep and doing extra care-giving so that's part of why I won't wax poetic into the midnight hours about all things Motherhood, from women to others who nurture people, pets, critters, plants and pacha mama (Mother Earth.)

See a book by Laurie Lisle (yes a nice local person I am fortunate to know) who wrote about not being a mother too. Some of my best friends have not had children of their own biologically, but have adopted or been step-parents, foster parents or just cared for others or maybe even not. A few have worked with severely handicapped children since we graduated from high school. Others have been CNAs working in the same field if not same place since high school over 35 years ago. Many were working moms out in the world doing these 'super mom' type jobs.

Others were more home-based and maybe even homebirthed, home schooled and ldarned to live like in the olden days. Some went to Civil War reenactments and pioneer days. Having friends who were willing to share skills such as offered through MotherHouse in Cornwall CT or through some private school programs such as cooking, sewing, gardening and more was a treat. The family I grew up in as one of many children helped me see the value of everyone pitching in to feed a crowd (that may mean planting a garden and field of corn, then weeding and harvesting that, then cleaning and cooking not only the vegetables but beef, pork and using chicken eggs.)

That was mainly my Dad's dream and my Mom was more of a make do with what you've got or could get on sale chef, thank you very much.

Still somehow we all grew up and can send our thanks to all who helped, including those in heaven (out parents and other loved ones..including our much loved son and friend to many, Courageous Kaelan, who passed in June of 2009.

More about that turn of life events on Remembering Kaelan Alexander...) Still feeling his happy presence almost nine years late...especially after a nice weekend at at a folk music gathering with plenty of people who have known Caroline and Sandy for decades.

Some were able to visit her locally so that made for a nice circle of friends gathering and of course, singing! I was reflecting on my appreciation of the home-school connection since I still enjoy going to Kellogg School for events and seeing the kids such as in their spring concert May 14th this year.I thought I'd celebrate with 55 people on my 55th and as I've set that intention, that's happened about many days so far this month via nice events I've attended. One was with a coach Patty Lennon at an event in Danbury CT with dozens of other inspiring women (including motivational blogger from Ohiol, RaceandGrace), the folk music friends and even last weekend at the Mothers Custody Conference in Albany NY.

On a more serious note the info on the CA Protective Parents site may help our country wake up to the plight of all women who may be at risk for 'the ride of their life'. See Resolution 72 to learn the terrain far too many have walked...in and out of court, too often without being able to keep custody of their children or even see them much. Too sad but that's why we need to take time to learn what can and must be one on our shift.

That will usher in a brighter day for future generations, much like preparing the soil allows plants to flourish. Who'd argue with that (with the best interests of the children truly at heart?) Thanks to all braving that worty difficult terrain, especially CPPA leader Connie Valentine.Every mother and protective parent can thank their lucky stars and guidance for Connie being here to help lead the way to a safer day! Can't think of much else I'm wishing for as my 55th birthday rolls around May 14th... and of course with the great publicity Mark Zuckerberg is getting hopefully he'll get some birthday wishes for well being coming true too.

We need balance and good behavior on all fronts..from DC to N Korea and many other troubled placesin the world politically, ecologically and on All levels..that's Big Mother Love with lots of blessings from above. See No Lies Radio for their upcoming online summit in June 2018 also. Gotta stay informed about All Things, Just in case that can be a godsend. Even Moms need help keeping current and helping figure things out.