Mom & Daughter Talk

My Mama spent four nights with me

We went to lunch, shopped for plants, watched movies

and because she enjoys it so much, even went to the casino

where my main entertainment is shaking her chair 

keeping step to the bells and whistles of the bonus rounds

As we gardened we talked

and talked and talked

and I listened 

There is so much wisdom in speaking to this elder of mine

 stories reminding me of who I am culturally

or stories that seem to prove people get what they deserve

although some not as fast as they should

or stories of strength, courage, stupidity, humor and lessons

life has many lessons if you choose to see them

But one of my favorite conversations happened as we gardened

(family shoes - Mama's garden 2012)

Clear out the weeds, cut back some of this, remove some of that

It all makes room for new growth...

allows the light in...will make the plants stronger

Elena, you will learn this applies to life too. Pay attention.

You will learn who to keep in your life and who to 'weed out'.

Some cuts will hurt at the time but are critical to new growth.

Surround yourself with family and trust your instinct.

I really love to hear all this in Spanish
peppered with some swearing here and there
and the occasional 'que se vayan al infierno'
which just sounds so much prettier than 'they can go to hell'

This weekend I jump on the moto and head out solo to a women's retreat

Friday I have Basic fishing and boating

Saturday is Basic horsemanship

Sunday is Backpacking and Power Tools

and next week my baby graduates from 8th grade

Yep, the plants and I are weed free and smiling.
~ ~ ~
My son's handmade card read
Just so you know, I won't put you in a home when you're old
(you're old now)
bwah-ha-ha!!

love it