I’ve been thinking a lot about my mother, actually not a day goes by that I don’t think of her in some way, in particular since I’m about to publish again. But before I ramble on, my thinking involves three generations of women – grandmother, mother, and daughter – or what we learn, both positive and negative, from each other.
My mother was the most important woman in my life. She was the reason I began to write. She taught me much of what I know about life and self-sufficiency although I often resisted her lessons. I loved her deeply, but my love for her was tinged with many other complex emotions.
I think I’m not the only daughter, who feels this way.
She was such a down-to-earth person that after the divorce, my Dad’s family stayed in touch with her showing the same degree of respect as when she was married. How many stepmothers do you know whose stepsons visit them out of the blue and for Holidays?
Today I had sushi and stuffed jalapenos for lunch but tonight I will make her Waldorf salad along with my Gazpacho soup. The best thing yet, it will taste even better tomorrow.
Recipe:
½ c. mayonnaise, 3 tbsp. white vinegar whisked together (I substitute vinegar with lemon juice)
1 apple preferably Granny Smith, peeled. cored and chopped
1 large stalk of celery, diced
½ c red grapes (I substitute with dried cranberries)
½ c chopped walnuts
optional: chopped red onion, salt, and pepper to taste
Serve over romaine lettuce and add in leftover cubed chicken breast. I’m guessing at measurements, she never measured nor do I, except when I bake.
I’ve never understood how some women shout out about not cooking. As I see it, that’s about as naïve as saying you don’t care about your health.
Don’t you want to know what goes inside your body?
In any case, I constantly pull on her memories of what she taught me in her kitchen. Some of her life and cooking lessons I’ve tried to pass on to my nephews, though I’ve modified them to suit my taste. And it’s pleasing that they enjoy the kitchen no doubt their parents' influence as well.
As always, I’m interested in knowing your thoughts. What lessons did you learn from your parents? Which ones, among them, would you gift to the next generation?
Do share. On the Blog not by text.
Listen to this recording. Yesterday I was on set for an Industrial and the cameraman who was too young to remember this entertainer was doing an impersonation. We started to free-style dance with hip movements that had me in tears from laughter.
Your brother, is incredible. He's gifted, with many different types of talent. He's hard work, and designs, have given, people that perfect home . He's given, them the dream house they've been wanting . He's past that to He's two boys. What a good man.❤❤
Such a beautiful tribute,that it got me to call my 95yr old Mom. Comforting to know even the best Mother/Daughter relationships are complex,as mine sure is! Thx for sharing & recipe! Loved the pics.
You're, very, lucky to have had a wonderful woman in your life for a long time. Robert, Alfred and you,are her best.
Linda, Thank you for the, recipe. I'm excited about making this. It's important to have, healthy adults, in a,kids life. I get along great with all my exs friends and family. Even he's step family. Kids, need to be self -sufficient. They'll learn , more, from are mistakes, then from are successes. If, a kid is from a toxic family, and doesn't realize it..with out help...they'll very likely grow up like one parent and, marrie the other parent cause, that's all they know.i love you Linda and your brother.