Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Tribute to my Mom!

I really don't want this to be a sad post. During the month of May, besides Mother's Day, my mother was born and she passed away. For the last couple of years, I am finding it easier to celebrate her life, and not dwell on the hole in my heart.




My beautiful mom.




To be honest, every tablescape I create is a tribute to my mom. Robin and I talk often about how she would have reacted to this or that tablescape. She would have loved them all! My mom's favorite color was blue, and her tastes were quite traditional.











These roses were a gift from my husband.



I was so excited to see the sun joining my tablescape!























My mom always loved birds.



I added a cut glass dinner bell.



















My mom was Italian and I still miss her spaghetti and meatballs. I have tried to make it as good as she did. I finally make decent meatballs.



This is my favorite photo of my mom.
I think the expression on my face says it all.


My favorite Mom story:

Typical of a lot of families back then, my father was the one in charge of spankings. When I was four or five, I must have done something REALLY bad, because my mom decided it couldn't wait until my father got home. She went to grab my wrist, and I did something I NEVER would have done to my dad. I ran. She chased me until I got to the dining room, where I made sure to keep the table between us. Then, she did something very Mom-like. She started to laugh. I instantly knew I was safe, and joined in. She never tried to spank me again and I tried really hard not to deserve one.



Thank you so much for visiting!


Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch

Open House Party Thursday at No Minimalist Here

Let's Dish at Cuisine Kathleen

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

What's It Wednesday at Ivy & Elephants

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove

Home Sweet Home Friday at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage


Please check out my sister's blog (same mom!) at Robin Flies South...

40 comments:

Robin said...

So it seems like we both got a little sad today. Your table is so pretty and the sun shining is amazing. Thanks for sharing a picture of Mom when she was young. Oh, and if by any chance my decanter wasn't Grandma's, please don't tell me!

Robin
Robin Flies South

Diane said...

Love this post. The blues are wonderful and your mother was gorgeous! It is always bittersweet to write about our mothers who have left us. I try to remember the good times and focus on those on Mother's Day. Can't wait to read Robin's post!

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I was a little sad when I put my post together, too. Bittersweet.

Your table and tribute are beautiful!

Tricia said...

What a lovely table! Blue and white is a favorite of mine, and those stunning blue glasses immediately caught my eye. I also love the dishes! What's the pattern? I've visited Robin's blog, but I think this is my first visit to yours. I'll be back! Love the photo of you and your Mom!

Tea in Texas said...

You have given us a wonderful post about a very important Mother to both you and your sister. How great is the story of when you were 4 or 5 and just how a Mother should be. The table settings in blue and white are gorgeous and you spoke of your Mother liking traditional. You can see this in your tablescape but with a twist by using the place mats which I love and I bet your Mother would have too! The stunning image of the photo of your Mother is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your post!
Pam

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Elaine, You story about the spanking was so cute!!!! No wonder you love this story. You table is a beautiful tribute to your Mother. There is something so special about a blue/white table.
It is so crisp and cheery!
Happy Mother's Day!

Mary said...

What a beautiful sun-kissed table! I love the light dancing across your blue stems, dishes, and your roses! A beautiful tribute to your mom! Happy Mother's Day :)

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Beautiful table Elaine. The blue goblets just pop in the pictures and the pink roses are gorgeous. Such a lovely tribute.

Doll in the Looking Glass said...

Such a lovely tribute to your Mother. She would have loved this blue and white table. Your close-up photo of all the crystal is so artistic.

Visiting from Share Your Cup Thursday, Debra

Blondie's Journal said...

Your table is so pretty, Elaine! It shows how much you appreciated and loved your mother, right down to the spaghetti and meatballs (which looks delicious!). I love your pretty blue and white china and glassware. Beautiful roses, too!

Happy Mother's Day!

Marlis said...

Beautiful post about your mom.. I love the gorgeous plates and goblets.. I was quite sad when I set my table.. I miss my mom too. Happy Mothers Day.. xo Marlis

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Beautiful tablescape, beautiful post and sweet sweet spanking story.

LOVED this.

Marigene said...

Your mother would have loved this table with the sun rays making the blue sparkle...so very pretty, Elaine.
Happy Mother's Day to you.

Alycia Nichols said...

You ran??!?!?!! THAT was a bold move! I ran from my Dad once, but he sure didn't laugh! :-) I'm sorry your Mother is no longer with you to share a laugh with you over stories like this, but it's so good that you have these memories that you can hold onto. It is especially sweet that you dedicate each table to her memory, knowing she would have approved of your choices. I'm especially glad that you and Robin have one another to cling to and share. Have a Happy Mother's Day, Elaine. Your Mother would want you to!

Kathleen said...

Beautiful table, Elaine, the sunlight on the glasses looks so pretty! I know she would have loved your table!
Thanks for sharing your memories at Let's Dish!

Nancy @ The Headmistress said...

A beautiful tribute to your lovely Mom and a beautiful tablescape. She surely is proud!
Nancy

The Tablescaper said...

Beautiful table and wonderful tribute to your dear Mother. So happy you will be joining me for Seasonal Sundays. Happy Mother's Day.

- The Tablescaper

ellen b said...

Sweet memories of your childhood. I love that smile on your mom's face in that photo! Precious. Love the blue on the table! I, too, was excited when the sun decided to shine on my table!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I loved to read about your beautiful mother. Yes, you're right, we sometimes dwell on the death instead of celebrating their life and all the love we have still for them. I learned a lesson today, so thank you my friend. Your table is gorgeous and elegant. Love the blue too, like your mom and the flatware is great too. I'm sure she would be so proud of her daughter's table in her honor. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.
FABBY

Shabby chic Sandy said...

What a precious Mom post. I love your tribute tablescape. The sun coming in on the table is gorgeous! Those are some of the most beautiful roses I have ever seen. Cute story about your Mom too. Thanks for sharing.

Debbie said...

The sun loves that blue on your table! It just makes it all come alive so beautifully. I love your chargers and have purposed in my head to find some. They set the place setting off perfectly.

I loved the near miss spanking story. I think there must be a whole chapter in that invisible mommy manual called, "You just wait until your father gets home, Missy."

Patricia said...

Your post about your beloved Mother is beautiful. The photo of you sitting on your Mom's lap does say it all....you look happy,proud,content and loved sitting there.
I lost my Mother almost 4 years ago. Not a day goes by, that I don't think about her and my Father, who I lost 4 months after my Mother.....
I loved reading the tribute to your Mother, although I read it with tears in my eyes, and a lump in my throat...

Jocelyn said...

Your table is exquisite. A beautiful tribute to your Mom.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Susan Hawthorne said...

Your post was so sweet and brought a little tear to my eyes. Very pretty table. Susan at Romancing the Home.

Sarah said...

A beautiful table and lovely tribute to your mom. Such pretty details! Happy Mother's Day to you!

A Perfect Setting said...

Hi Elaine, I read your sweet post with a smile on my face! I loved your story, yes typical of Moms to laugh!! Your tablescape is so beautiful, I know your Mom would be proud! Such a touching tribute to your mother and mothers everywhere!!

Grammy Goodwill said...

Your mother looks so lovely in that first picture. Was that her wedding dress?

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I LOVE YOUR TABLE FOR HONORING YOUR MOM! Yeah, aren't cpincidances so adorable and happy sometimes? I love our mother's name. There's so much to see at your table, like: the crystal flower vase, so pretty, the dishes and beautiful blue goblets and place mats, so truly beautiful. Happy Mom's Day to you all.
FABBY

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Elaine, this is a lovely post and tribute to your Mom. You and Robin both have beautiful pictures of each of you with her. I love the pink roses with your blue. Both really pop. I think you are using a different table than I usually see, don't think I have been this round one, I love decorating a round table so I usually use the one in my kitchen. Fabulous table Elaine.

Maria said...

What a lovely way to honor and remember your mom! As long as you have these memories, your mom will be with you. Happy Mother's Day!

Entertaining Women said...

My daddy only spanked me one time. Mama was in the hospital after knee surgery, and daddy was taking care of us. He was trying to get us ready for school one morning and told me to do something. I stuck out my tongue at him....huge mistake! Your tablescape is gorgeous, and of course, I am smitten with your beautiful cobalt stemware....drooling here. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Snap said...

Lovely tribute to your mother with the blue and white and lovely table.

Susan Freeman said...

Such beautiful post and wonderful tribute to your mom. I can tell that you have a good, kind heart and I am your newest follower.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Cindy The Victorian Journey said...

I love honoring Mom's... so Happy Mother's Day.. Your table in tribute to your mom is beautiful
I am your new follower..
Hugs,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely table. I love the blue glassware with the dishes.
Lovely post.
Happy Mother's Day!
Pat

Pamela said...

Bless your heart. So special that you created a tablescape in her honor. The roses are stunning and the perfect shate to compliment the blue. I'm drooling over the blue goblets!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Hi Robin! What a beautiful tablescape. I love your dishes and the goblets too. I also love the way the light was reflected through the crystal. Your photos are wonderful. I especially enjoyed your favorite memory of your mother. Thanks so much for visiting me and your sweet comments too. Happy Mothers Day!

Victoria Mische @ Your Chair Covers said...

Hi! Love your table today! This is one of the glorious table I've seen from your blog since the first time I came and visit your site. I can sense your love and passion you put in creating this table. Awesome!

Anyway, your mom is very beautiful! Have a nice day!

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Stopping by again, your photos are fabulous, love the roses and blue.

Ellen said...

Love the tribute to your mother. I can tell she was just fabulous. Your table is so beautiful. I love your attention to detail. The little birdie is so precious. I love every bit of it.