White lilacs for my Mom, her favorite flower. In childhood, her playhouse was surrounded by them, and she’d sit on its roof and drink the flowers in, a fragrance that still evokes magical memories.
Two weeks ago, Mom and I took a lovely drive a few hours away to a Victorian lilac garden in southern Washington. Tomorrow you’ll see the fruits of that trip, inspired by Mom who found the garden on our trip to Salem last year.
She came for a sleepover on Friday night, just the two of us. We awoke at 4:30, and I hurriedly flung open all the windows on the second floor, to let the glorious dawn chorus and the sweet morning air come dancing in. We stretched out on the guest room bed and welcomed the sun as it rose over the Cascade range in a sky pure and blue.
(listen to the birds!)
Most of what I know and love of art and music, poetry and words and literature, and color and decorating, and stars and magic, and the many wonders of the world, I learned from my Mom. Isn’t that true for all of us? A mother is a wondrous being, whose gifts cannot be celebrated enough.
This morning, I photographed a little essay as a tribute, not only to Mom, but to my two grandmothers, Anna and Clotilde, and all they did to create the world for my parents. One of Mom’s little girl dresses, tied to the dogwood blossoms with butterfly wings, floating in the sunlight in a place of contented memory – where it is always spring, with warmth, and birdsong, and a mother’s love.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. You are appreciated more than you can ever know.
How truly beautiful your sweet words and all your magical photos are! And I'm smiling at the thought of you and your mother having such a fine time. I didn't know my mother, or even whether she's still alive. But I delight in stories like this for my blogging friends.
Brenda
these are so inspiring. i adore your words too.
enjoy your day :)
xo Alison
Georgianna this is such a beautiful post, the words, as well as, the exquisite photography. The photos of the little dress in the tree are simply incredible! Your mother sounds just as precious and creative as her daughter. I'm so glad you have this time together. My mother and I were never close, and she is no longer here. Even though, I miss her. ♥
What an absolutely lovely post G, made my eyes water:)
Sounds like you had a wonderful day!
Very touching post and words, I am glad you had a wonderful time with your mum, in France we celebrate mother's day a bit later … the photo of your mum smelling the parfum of lilac is gorgeous as well as the dress and the butterfly … and I want that dress !!!:) My mum is very creative and extremelly talended and I wish I had her gift !
Your post makes me feel quite choked, truly beautiful, thankyou.
This is such a wonderfully touching post. Your words are just as beautiful as your images. I'm sure your mother appreciates you and is proud of you beyond measure!
Dear Georgianna, Such a beautiful tribute to your mother and your two grandmothers. I love the simple little frock of your mother's flying in the breeze in the tree … it reminds me of drying my wash on the line. All happy thoughts.
This was all the magic of Motherhood in a post. She is lovely and ohh… there is nothing like going on retreat with my Mom and waking with the birds and her sweet self now as an adult child. She is my friend. I am glad you have that, as well. I am so very glad. This was morning glory to wake to. Thanks dear one. Blessings and light, Amy
Your photos are all oh-so-beautiful! I especially love the white lilacs. So romantic and such a vintage feel. How special to spend such sweet moments with your Mom. I lost my Mom four years ago.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom and grandmothers..! I just love the photo of your mom smelling the lilacs..! It made me smile big time.
xo,
-maria
Sweet post Giorgina.
These are gorgeous and delightful!
Happy Mom's Day belated.
Regards
xo
Thank you for your lovely words, everyone. You've gotten me thinking about the many permutations of a maternal relationship. One assumes everyone has a "traditional" relationship but it's not always that way, but hopefully each has love and comfort along the way, whether with their parents, children, grandchildren or other connection. Wishing you a lovely new week! – g
Oh my, so much gorgeousness as usual! I love the photo of the lady (who I'm guessing is your mom) sniffing the blossoms…
Have a lovely day! (And thanks for your sweet words over at my blog :))
Moa xx
How precious those moments are with your Mum. Oh I dream of having these times with my own Mum, I can only have them now through holding tight to our memories, oh so wonderful and sad all rolled together. I love the blossom, magical x
Hi Georgianna,
I love the image of you and your Mom enjoying the early sunrise and the bird songs together.
The photo of your Mom is beautiful and as always all your photos are perfect-so sweet your Mom's little dress in amongst the blossoms.
Thank you for your kind words again.
Carolyn
oh, georgianna, i just have no words…your mother must be so very proud of you!!
i spent the day before mother's day with my beautiful granddaughters and niece. it was wonderful….my mom had me the week before!! :D
Oh Georgianna, this is such a beautiful post and tribute to your mama! I am in love with all your photos as always! That gorgeous photo of your mama made me smile and that lovely photo of flowers and that lovely sweet dress just takes my breath away! Have a lovely merry happy week and love to you!
First thanks so much for your lovley words.I read it, but unfortunatly now it isn´t show under the post.Mabye a technical problem…so sad…But thanks for your lovley comment and fine that you had a so wonderful weekend with your mum.Now i see from which lovley lady you had got your talent…;)…Have a lovley week and until then…cheers and hugs…i
Georgianna, what a pretty tribute to your mother with the pink dress series! Your mom looks amazing, there is something gentle in her appearance… I hope you enjoyed your magical time together ;-)
Hello dear dear Georgianna!
Even if in delay, let me tell you, the portrait of your mum is one of your best photos in my humble opinion! She is such a beautiful lady.
(and love how you created 3 levels of focus in the picture). You should do more portraits! :)
"Most of what I know and love of art and music, poetry and words and literature, and color and decorating, and stars and magic, and the many wonders of the world, I learned from my Mom. "
ME TOO. Beautiful words.
THANKS!
Suze
A beautiful and touching tribute to your mother and your grandmother's. Your morning sounds absolutely spectacular…what a way to start the day! I adore the pictures of the dress sounded by pink blossoms. Feminine and free.
Oh, G. I pray that someday I can have sleepovers with my grown daughter. That she will want me to share a bed with her and soak up beauty and talk. Oh, I hope to be just that kind of mother.