My Mother Kept a Garden

My Mother kept a garden, a garden of the heart,

She planted all the good things that gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine and encouraged me to dream,

Fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem…

And when the winds and rain came, she protected me enough-

But not too much because she knew I’d need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example always taught me right from wrong-

Markers for my pathway that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother’s garden. I am her legacy-

And I hope today she feels the love reflected back from me.

(Author Unknown)

When I personally reflect on my childhood home and my mother’s contributions to our environment, I think clean, well-cared for, maintained. However, though my father is the “designer” in our family, it is my mom that adds the feelings of “hominess” with the finishing characters and details that makes a house feel like a home! From the nicely framed collection of family photos, odd collection of ceramic gifts to the proud display of track and field trophies our home is personalized!

While my dad always tended to the “real” garden; our home’s multiple fireplace mantels with growing collection of accolades was my mom’s proud display of her flourishing garden!!

Design reflection: don’t worry so much if “it goes”… make your house a home and keep the near and dear memories of your family on display. After all, for most of us, it’s NOT on display for the world to see, it on display for only those special enough to be invited in to see! Don’t get me wrong though, super cute photo frames from our boutique Seems Like Yesterday sure can help!