Andrew took me to see Rickie Lee Jones at the Lilac Festival yesterday. It struck me how she just commanded the stage and conducted the other musicians to create this moving, lyrical poetry that flooded me with intense emotion.

I have to admit, I admire a good leader, especially a woman in a man’s world. Rickie made no bones about the fact that this was her show and her music and she wanted it to be performed in a very specific way. She wasn’t obnoxious about it, but she also made her commands to the other musicians quite clear, “I can’t hear you, Rob. Why are you holding back, Wyatt? Don’t stop yet!”

I like to run a tight ship, too. I’m happy with the business I have created and with our family’s traditions. But yesterday, I felt a tinge of sadness that I wasn’t a strong enough musician to be like Rickie. I guess we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Does every woman long to be the “Queen of her Castle” like I do?

I wonder if there would be any differences in our country if Hillary were elected instead of Obama? It saddens me that female leadership is still something that isn’t more commonplace. I was remarking to Andrew the other day about how segregated my life has become. I am constantly with other moms. There is a handful of men that I regularly talk to: Andrew, my house cleaner, and one or two men from Quaker meeting. When I taught at Brockport, I also worked only with women. I wonder if my experience of segregation is normal for women my age or not?

Rebecca

I just had to share with you what my daughter (with the help of my husband) wrote on our “Magic Chalk Board”:

“Dear Dr. Who,

My mom wants you to come visit her.

Love, Arianna
P.S. Can you take her for a ride in your time machine?”

FYI, Arianna writes to her favorite characters on the chalk board and over night, they magically write back to her. So far, she’s written to: Morgan le Fay (from the Magic Tree House books), Yoda, Obi Wan, Zunar J5 and Cerberus, the 3-headed dog that guarded entrance to Hades in Greek mythology …

Anyways, her message was supposed to be my Mother’s Day gift (that and the roses, candy, and pancake breakfast). We’ll see if Tom Baker shows up on my doorstep anytime soon.

Hope you enjoyed your Hallmark card-created holiday!
Rebecca

When Mother’s Day rolls around, kids want to show their moms just how special they are. Store-bought gifts and cards are nice, but they lack that personal touch. Something made just for Mom has much more sentimental value, and kids don’t have to spend much money (if any) on it.

Even toddlers can make Mother’s Day crafts with a little help. Here’s a sampling of things kids can make for Mom.

Framed Photos

Every mother loves to look at pictures of her kids. So why not pick out a favorite picture or yourself with Mom and create a beautiful frame for it? There are many ways you can go about making photo frames.

One of the cheapest and simplest ways to make a picture frame is to cut one out of paper. Construction paper, card stock and thick scrapbooking paper are good choices. Or, if you want to make the frame even sturdier, use corrugated cardboard. Just make sure the opening in the middle is large enough to show the part of the photo you want to display, and make the frame any shape you like. Decorate with paint, glitter and stickers. I’ve even used scraps of fabric before to make a frame quilt! Add a magnet to the back for easy display on the refrigerator.

You can also make frames out of craft sticks. Just glue the ends of four sticks together to make a square, and decorate with markers or paint. Or if you prefer, buy a plain photo frame and decorate it as you please. I’ve seen basic photo frames at Jo-Ann’s for $1 in the shape of flowers, trains and castles. Michael’s also has dollar frames that you can embellish with craft paper or fabric.

Candle Holders

It’s easy to make a lovely candleholder out of a small jar. Larger baby food jars work well for tealights and votives. Pint jars can hold votives or small pillar candles.

To decorate, use tissue paper. You can find so many patterns now, you can make your candle holder look like stained glass! Mix equal parts white glue and water, and stick the paper onto the outside of the jar, stopping below the rim. Use pieces of different colors to create a stained glass look. Cut some shapes out of the paper if you like, arrange them in a pretty pattern, and glue on top of the larger pieces. Coat with the glue mixture to seal, and let dry.

Bath Salts

Want to help Mom pamper herself on her special day? Make her some homemade bath salts. They will help her relax and leave her skin feeling great.

Just mix 3 cups of Epsom salts, 2 cups of baking soda, and 1 cup of table salt. Add about twenty drops of a fragrant essential oil. Lavender, sandalwood and chamomile are good choices. Mix thoroughly. Present the bath salts to Mom in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon. If you add a loofah, some bath gel and moisturizer, you can turn this gift into a spa basket!

Breakfast in Bed

Okay, not exactly a craft idea, but one of my favorite gifts to receive! You can see the post below for an easy breakfast or brunch treat!

Mom is sure to appreciate these simple yet thoughtful gifts. They will give her fond Mother’s Day memories for years to come!

Enjoy,
Rebecca Wolf

I run a Montessori-inspired preschool program (see http://SibleyCenter.com) and our class created a Mother’s Day Tea together for all our wonderful and supportive moms. Here is an easy recipe you can use if you’d like to create a Mother’s Day Brunch for your special mama!

BASIC QUICHE

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (it’s usually Havarti or Swiss in most recipes, but I have used cheddar and monterey jack with success)
* 4 large eggs
* 1 1/2 cups milk (low-fat works well but half and half makes it richer)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
* dash nutmeg

Creative Additions (base your choices on mom’s favorite foods, of course):
* asparagus or broccoli or even dandelion greens
* mushrooms or tofu or chunks of ham/turkey
* tomatoes and onions
* I’ve even made a Polynesian quiche with rice, water chestnuts, pineapple and chicken in it!

Preparation:
Steam, saute or cook your veggies and other additions, as desired.

You can make a pastry crust, buy one, or go crustless.

Arrange vegetables and shredded cheese in pie dish.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour mixture over the vegetables. Place the filled pie shell/dish on a large cookie sheet to catch any drips.

Place in the oven and cook for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serves 6 to 8.

Enjoy,
Rebecca Wolf