February 27, 2009

Mum


That’s my mum. She’s 80 but looks 65.

Her formal education ended in England after passing her O-Levels at the age of 15¾, but Mum is one of the smartest people I know. She has a huge breadth of general knowledge. She never ceases to be amazed at the natural world. She has a thirst for knowledge that is unending.

She has the prettiest garden in my hometown. Summer visitors pay homage to it yearly.

For over a decade she managed a Native Indian craft store, in addition to the years she worked at the Library and the Pharmacy.

Together with my father, she won a Provincial award for volunteerism. Over the years Mum has been on the Executive of the District Museum and the local branch of the Cancer Society. Once involved in an amateur drama group she later became the president of her town’s summer stock, Rainbow Theatre. She taught adult literacy through their community college.

In the 70s, she hosted her own TV show on local access cable. She took up yoga before it was fashionable. With her best friend she learned how to cross-country ski. At the age of 62 she tried for and attained her driver’s license. Five years ago she mastered e-mail. Today she left me a comment on my blog.

She’s been a columnist for her local paper on three separate occasions. Every couple of weeks she writes a book review for the paper. It can be found on my side bar; On the Shelves, by Joan Smith. Why don’t you have a look?

Hats off to Mum!

11 comments:

Gal Friday said...

I want to be like your Mum when I grow up!
Seriously, reading about a woman like that is SO inspirational and she is truly youthful in appearance.
(I have been wanting to take up cross-country skiiing for years...never too late)

sallymandy said...

Hats of Mum and all other older people who show us such a great example. She's an inspiration. The older I get myself, the more I appreciate older people who stay active, use their minds and talents, contribute all the wonderful experience and knowledge they've gained. It shows me a productive and optimistic way to grow old. I have a similar father. Thanks!

Gal Friday said...

Thanks for visiting my blog, BTW, and I have looked around here and just noticed your paintings! So very 1920's Berlin--all I can say is Wow!

Smorg said...

She really looks much younger than her age. Kudos to her for being such a doer, too... And she likes Farley Mowat's book... She's gotta be the coolest mom around! :o)

Helene said...

Your mom sounds like an amazing person!
I flipped when my mom left me a comment the first time! I think I went "hooray! You got it!!"
I can't wait to hug mine...it's been too long!

John-Michael said...

You are blessed, My Darling Friend, with a Gift from Life! How delightfully inspiring and joyful are her smiling eyes and marvelous Personhood. Thank you for your generous sharing of her.

Lovingly ...

Tess Kincaid said...

I raise a cup of tea to your mom! What an inspiring lady! And beautiful, too!

Margaret Gosden said...

I have begun blogging rather late in life and now find it is a creative medium itself, better than hiring someone else to create a website. All women like your mom are inspiring, and what a wonderfully clever pup you are to now be supportive of her. I follow you both.

Geisslein said...

Such a nice post...!!!!

Penney said...

I found "you", (your blog ) through The English Muse, a favorite of mine. I'm just getting started with all of this. I'm an artist, and love to write, but this is different for me..I just loved reading your blog.
How lucky to have such a lovely woman for a MUM! She's amazing!
Love your photo too.
xo,
Penney
justpenneys

Ingrid Mida said...

What a delightful adventure your mum is living! She is an inspiration!!!! Thanks for sharing her with us.