Category: Mother’s Day

A Few Important Things to Remember About Mothers

On By Betty OwensIn beautiful things, children, grandchildren, Grandmother, momma's cooking, mother, Mother's Day4 Comments

Some of our most precious memories revolve around our mothers. They are usually our biggest fans. Their love is unconditional. Unless you really screw up, they never give up on you. 

Some important facts about mothers: We all have one. No two are alike; they’re as individual as your fingerprint. They tend to be protective and territorial (frequently compared to momma bear). When there is no water available, they will clean your face with their own spit. Some of them really can’t cook. You love them anyway. 
Husbands, never say this to your wife: My mother always did that for me. My mother can teach you how to cook (after eating what your wife prepared). My mother (insert anything here).
Folks tend to be protective of their moms. Like a very beefy guy on a bus once said, “You can insult me, but don’t insult my mother––or you die.” 
I am thankful to be a mom. I love my sons. I have amazing daughters-in-law. And I love my precious grandchildren. I can be over-the-top silly where they are concerned. And I love Mothers Day, even though I suspect it was created to sell greeting cards, flowers, and whatnot. I love visiting my mom and wish I could spend more time with her. That’s her in the picture with me and my middle son, Matt. You can read a more poignant post about her here. Check out middle son Matt’s amazing website here.
In closing, may your Mother’s Day be blessed, whether you’re a mom or celebrating a mom. And thanks for taking a minute to read my post. 

Happy Mother’s Day

On By Betty OwensIn Audrie, Betty, Grandmother, mother, Mother's Day, Seattle6 Comments

One of the very first to hold me after my birth, my maternal grandmother gave me my name. She named me after my mom (Betty), and herself (Audrie). I know she loved me, though I never knew her. She died two years after my birth. I grew acquainted with her through my mom’s memories and the many beautiful pictures we have of her. A few years ago, I traveled to Seattle and visited her grave. Seeing that name on a gravestone was a little bit of a shock, but I’m so glad I did it. She became real to me that day. Though I had no physical memories of her, she really had existed.

Mom grew up in Seattle, where she met my dad, a young sailor on leave. He was from Tennessee. She left her home and family to follow him, and stayed with him through sometimes extreme difficulties, until the day he died. She was with him in San Diego, living on base, when her mother died in Seattle. She still has the airplane ticket from her flight home for the funeral.

These two strong women loved me, spoke into my life, and gave me my morals and principles. They were shining examples to me of the kind of woman I wanted to become. Women who gave everything for those they loved. Women who endured hardship as if it were just another bump in the road. Women who could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Dedicated and Godly women.

I was never able to send my grandmother a Mother’s Day card, or even tell her I loved her. I never heard her voice or saw her grow old. So I’ll tell my mom, her daughter: I love you. I’ll visit her and give her a gift and a card for Mother’s Day. I’ll smile at my reflection in the mirror, the part of me that resembles my namesakes. I feel very blessed to be descended of such excellent women. Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

On By Betty OwensIn A Gathering of Eagles, Amazon Gift Card, giveaway, Mother's Day, The Lady of the Haven2 Comments

Today, I gave my mom a Mother’s Day Gift. The hardcover/dust jacket version of my latest novel, A Gathering of Eagles. When she found the dedication page with the words “For Mom,” she said, “For me?” I nodded. She teared up. Then she said, “Is this in all the books?”

Yes. She has been honored in all the books. All her friends will see it. She has bragging rights. With two little words, I think I made her happy. For about five minutes–until the UPS guy arrived with a Camellia bush from my big brother. Ah, we are still competing. Mike, if you’re reading this, you know I have to one-up you now. I know it’s not a competition, but sometimes a little contest is just fun. I love my big brother and he knows that. So, we’re on.

I have another little contest coming up and it’s an easy one. Next week, I will give away one copy of both my books, The Lady of the Haven and A Gathering of Eagles (both in softcover). All you have to do is leave a short comment, either here on this blogpost, or on my fan page for A Gathering of Eagles. If you want to be included in the book giveaway, be sure to mention that in your comment. On Friday, May 13th (I am not superstitious–I am not superstitious–knock on wood) I will announce the winner of the double book giveaway. Hint: You can click on the facebook badge to the right of this post to get to the fanpage.

All of those who have entered and/or “liked” my fan page will be included in the final drawing for a $25 Amazon Gift Card.