To my mother

Dearest madre,

Thank you so much for all you have taught me + showed me. Thank you for telling us stories + sharing good books with me. There are still certain books that carry a certain--I don't know how to describe it--I don't know if magic is the right word, but a certain connection, because I know that you read them too, that you had recommended them to me. (For example, Connie Willis: To Say Nothing of the Dog)

Thanks for cooking + baking + showing us how to + expecting us to do so too. Frederik and I discuss the sadness of so many people turning to take-out or delivery food, because they never learned how to cook. And, even though Frederik does almost all of the cooking (also such a blessing!), I still know how to make things. I would not have to rely on someone else's store-bought cooking + I am grateful that it was natural for us to be involved in the process.

Thanks for the calligraphy set! I have been enjoying trying out calligraphy + I remember my first one or two lessons with you. I still vaguely remember the strokes, the angle, the letters. I believe in a little lined blue notebook.. :)

I am grateful that you are sharing your writing + that you helped me so often with my own. Often I was in a pickle or a last-minute-panic, but still you helped. And I enjoy your writing. You inspire me. It feels natural that I enjoy interesting words + well-crafted sentences, because I learned it --in part-- from you.

I wandered around the Cannon Theatre's website and found fun pictures of you. I'm so glad that we enjoy the theater -- that you took us to Pirates of Penzanz and the Mikado and others. Even though we haven't acted in a play together on a public stage (or am I already going senile? erm...), you supported me when I was there + gave me tips + love.

And we have performed together in music settings :) for Forsyth Folk + more.

I love you, Mom!