3 Things My Mother Taught Me

Hello Friends,

I really hesitated to join this particular bloghop because it is way out of realm for this blog.  But I hope you will indulge me this one post.

You see, there’s a lovely group of women over on Facebook called Blogging Fifty. We come from all walks of life and are at different stages in our blogging adventure, but the one thing all of us have realized is the importance of having a grateful heart.

So when the idea was posed to the group to write a post about being “Thankful at Home,” I knew it was the perfect time to share a little glimpse into who I am and where I come from. 

Thank you for allowing me this little side-step and for joining me on this celebration of thankfulness.

But before we get started, please say hello to Mom.  She now stays in assisted living, but is still a blessing to everyone she meets. So naturally, I am so grateful for her and for the chance to share some of the special things she has taught me.

3 Things My Mother Taught Me:

1. Be Generous

Back in the day, women used to write recipes by hand.  I know this may shock many of the younger readers, but one of the greatest compliments a woman could get is for someone to ask for her recipe.  Of course, this meant that said recipe had to be hand copied ….and this took time.  But Mom always shared, even if it meant writing the recipe and sending it in the mail.  Fifty years later, recipes are almost paperless and snail mail is almost bankrupt. Nowadays, recipes are found on the internet and shared electronically. And because of this, much of the special touch involved with the recipe sharing process has been lost. But the good news is that, in spite of this, the sweet lesson of generosity lives on.

2. Be Creative

Mom was also amazing when it came to making do with what you had.  She could look into a relatively empty frig and whip up a gourmet meal out of little more than mustard, a jar of pickles, and a package of bologna.  In her honor, I try to carry on this tradition and create my own unique dishes, like Cole Slaw with Orange, Walnuts & Poppy Seed Dressing . This recipe was actually invented one day when I just needed to use what was in the frig.  And to this day, every time I make it, I think of Mom and wonder  how many of her hand written recipes were actaully created because she opted to use what she had on hand.

3. Be Frugal

Mom was also a real thriftmeister when it came to sensible shopping and repurposing. Happen to have some fresh fruit that’s getting over ripe? No problem. With two ingredients and about 15 minutes, Mom would turn it into jam (link here).

Or maybe there’s only a cup of mashed potatoes leftover? Not enough for a meal?  No problem.  Mom would simply turn the leftovers into a delicious chocolate walnut potato cake with a ganache frosting (link here). Yes! A chocolate cake made with potatoes.

Fifty years later, repurposing and recycling are now an important part of our daily life. Maybe it isn’t glamorous or high society, but it surely is a wonderful way to live.

I’m so thankful that my mom taught me these things. And if I can uphold the standard she set half as good as she did, then I will consider myself a great success.

Thanks Mom, for all the things you taught me. 

You are simply the best.

And now…..more “Thankful at Home” from my bloggy friends….