THE READING MOTHER

Suzanne Marsh - source

 I had a mother who read to me 

 Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea. 

 Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth; 

 "Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath. 

 I had a Mother who read me lays 

 Of ancient and gallant and golden days; 

 Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe, 

 Which every boy has a right to know. 

I had a Mother who read me tales 

 Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales, 

 True to his trust till his tragic death, 

 Faithfulness lent with his final breath. 

I had a Mother who read me the things 

 That wholesome life to the boy heart brings- 

 Stories that stir with an upward touch. 

 Oh, that each mother of boys were such! 

You may have tangible wealth untold; 

 Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. 

 Richer than I you can never be -- 

 I had a Mother who read to me.

-by Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954) 

LETTING GO OF DISTRACTIONS

Lately I've seen more and more parents on their phones checking and sending text messages when they're with their kids - at the park, at restaurants, at the library, at home...

source here

Last night I came across a blog post from Hands Free Mama, poignantly titled, "How to Miss a Childhood".  This mom enumerates the damaging ingredients for lost moments, as she offers: "All it takes is one child and one phone and this tragic recipe can be yours."

One of her tips in following this Recipe for Missed Moments?  Keep your phone turned on at all times of the day.  Allow the rings, beeps, and buzzes to interrupt your child midsentence; always let the caller take priority.

But then she recommends another recipe, "How to Grasp a Childhood". (It's very easily followed if you just put down your phone.)

One of her steps for this Recipe: Take time to be with him -- really be with him by giving your full attention...The gift of your total presence is love to your child.

I've linked to this not-to-be-missed post, here.

Happy Mother's Day and happy reading with your children. I hope you pick up a book and put down your phone!

 

THANK YOU, "READING MOTHERS"... (and a giveaway winner too!)

  

With very scientific and accurate deduction, my son Jonny helped me randomly choose the winner of my "1st Blog-iversary Giveaway", and the winner is...Jane Meyer!  Please visit her lovely website: www.janemeyer.com   

Happy Mother's Day to all my readers!

THE READING MOTHER

by Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954)

I had a mother who read to me
   Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.
   Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;
   "Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.
 I had a Mother who read me lays
   Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
   Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
   Which every boy has a right to know.
I had a Mother who read me tales
   Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
   True to his trust till his tragic death,
   Faithfulness lent with his final breath.
I had a Mother who read me the things
   That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-
   Stories that stir with an upward touch.
   Oh, that each mother of boys were such!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
   Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
   Richer than I you can never be --
   I had a Mother who read to me.

"MY MOTHER", a Victorian Poem (and 2nd Chance to Enter my Giveaway!)

by Ann Taylor (1783-1866)

illustrations by Walter Crane (1845-1915)

Who fed me from her gentle breast,

And hush’d me in her arms to rest,

And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?

My Mother.

When sleep forsook my open eye,

Who was it sung sweet hushaby,

And rock’d me that I should not cry?

My Mother.

Who sat and watched my infant head,
When sleeping in my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye,
And wept for fear that I should die?
My Mother.


Who dressed my doll in clothes so gay,

And taught me pretty how to play.

And minded all I had to say? 

My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray,

And love God’s holy book and day.

And walk in Wisdom’s pleasant way?

My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be

Affectionate and kind to thee,

Who was so very kind to me?

My Mother

Ah, no! the thought I cannot bear;

And if God please my life to spare,

I hope I shall reward thy care,

My Mother.

Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old, and gray,

My healthy arm shall be thy stay,

And I will soothe thy pains away.

My Mother.

And when I see thee hang thy head,

‘Twill be my turn to watch thy bed.

And tears of sweet affection shed,

My Mother.

For could our Father in the skies
Look down with pleased or loving eyes,
If ever I could dare despise
My Mother...


The sweet old fashioned poem above reminds me of a modern-day book: LOVE YOU FOREVER, by Robert Munsch, illustrations by Sheila McGraw - have a box of tissues ready for this one!  A good cry is guaranteed!  




Today is the last day to enter my (Click on it to see it:) Blog-iversary GIVEAWAY for MOMS.  The winner will be sent Kate Sutton's "Little Set of Bookplates", donated by Galison/Mudpuppy). 
You can enter the Giveaway 2 ways: 
1) Post a comment here
2) Post a comment on my Facebook page.Give-away over.

BLOG-IVERSARY GIVEAWAY FOR MOMS!

Today marks the date, one year ago, that I started my blog!  When I began working on my Mother's Day post last year, asking the question "Who was Mother Goose?", I knew I was going to enjoy this endeavor very much.  It's been quite a journey:  re-visiting the good books I read aloud to my own children and, of course, finding and exploring new books along the way!

So... with Mother's Day almost here and as a "thank you" to my readers on this, my
1st Blog-iversary, I'm excited to announce that Galison/Mudpuppy has kindly agreed to help me celebrate by donating a free gift.  They will send one lucky Mom this cute "Little Set of Bookplates" by Kate Sutton.  (Well, the bookplates are little, but the set has 80 labels!)  My favorite says, "You can't get a cup of tea BIG enough or a book LONG enough to suit me" -C.S.Lewis.


 Enter for a chance to win:  If you'd like to participate in this Giveaway,  just leave a comment on either of my posts from today (5/6/11) or tomorrow (5/7/11).  I'll reveal the winner on Mother's Day - Sunday, May 8th.  (And Dads - I know you're out there! - you can comment too, if you have a special MOM to share these with.)
GIVE-AWAY OVER

Click HERE to visit the Galison and Mudpuppy website. Mudpuppy offers fun and educational toys/games/gifts for children - I especially love all their unique puzzles! Galison is a great source for beautiful stationery - much of it inspired by vintage and museum imagery.  I really think you'll like all their products.

GOOD BOOKS FOR MOTHER'S DAY?

Hmmmmmm.  Maybe.  But for sure a GIVEAWAY - check back tomorrow.  In addition to Mother's Day I have another very special occasion coming up....here's a hint:

Remember this lady?