MOM'S TEACHING MOMENTS

          Last week, my mother called me to tell me to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables...in her words, "They are better than vitamins". I had a head cold ...Mom's usually know best. She then went into a lecture about the medicinal qualities of chicken soup...thankfully, I was actually making a pot of chicken soup while I was talking to her...I ♥ my Mom.

This post is not about soup, or better nutrition though, it is about books. Something else my mother instilled in me and my siblings...a love of reading. Way back in the 1950's my mother bought us this set of books. They survived a house fire in the 60's and have been with me since I moved out of my parents house when I was eighteen. They have been packed and repacked through eight moves and have been sitting on the shelf in our current house for the last fifteen years. My children have leafed through the books but they never found in them what I did. Stories of adventure and fantasy...fairies, purple cows and places in the world to spark the imagination. This set of books was the seed that sprouted a life long appreciation for the written word, not to mention the illustrations. 

Some vintage and antique books are hard to let go of and so I keep them in bookcases in our house. My husband and kids also love to read and just about every room has a bookcase in it. 

To contain not only my favorites, but the favorites of my children and although they are grown and not always living here any more, I have amassed a collection of the books that they read and reread. They are welcome to take them to their new homes when they are ready, but for now they are reminders of happy moments together. 

  We started reading the Harry Potter series when my son was in first grade. We would sit on the back porch where he would read a page and I would read a page. I'm pretty sure that I read more than just a page...by the time the last book came out, we were reading the books separately, and he read them faster than I did. Above are just a few of my kids favorites and A Great and Terrible Beauty is what I am reading right now. 
On my desk top, I have a bulletin board of sorts...a big old wooden desk that is covered with life's memento's...and most importantly family photos.  Above is a picture of my mother with my sister and I, taken a few years ago in New York City. Above is a picture of my Dad with my sister and I when we were teenagers. I am lucky to be able to thank my mother for reminding me to eat my veggies ...my head-cold is gone. The love of reading though...that is still here...Thanks Mom.

This post is being linked to Little Red House for Mosaic Monday, Smiling Sally for Blue Monday and Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday. 

♥, Susan

  

Comments

[Pat@Back Porch Musings]

You have a beautiful collection of extra special books, Susan.

When we arrived home from bringing J home from hospital, our neighbor brought over our mail and homemade chicken soup. Wonderful!

[Pondside]

Books are treasures. In this day of instant communication and EReaders it's easy to forget that a book is a wonderful thing. I can't part with my vintage books - the ones that meant so much to me when I was a girl.

[Pat]

Wonderful post, Susan! I am also a book lover and have books in almost every room. I feel like Thomas Jefferson who said: "I can not love without books!"

[Eileen]

I love reading too and it is wonderful that you have these specials books with lovely memories. Your Mom was a special person and you know they always say Mom's know best. Great post, have a wonderful week!

[Emily]

You have a loving Mother, you are so blessed and you are a loving mother! What wonderful books, you will so happy you saved them when your children and grandchildren (when you have them). I saved my son's books and his three year old grandson has them now. Lovely post!

~Emily
The French Hutch

[dotsie (aka podso)]

Mothers are pretty smart, we know that. The older we get, the more we understand and value what they have told us. I love all your old books!

[Lavender Cottage]

Mothers seem to know all and once you get there yourself, it all comes together.
Even with my new EReader, I'll always keep my favourite books that are in the bookcase.

[Jill]

I love books too. I have all my favorites from my childhood, that my own kids read as well. Now I'm on to instilling a love of reading to my grandsons! ::Jill

[heather @ new house, new home, new life.]

How wonderful. This is a beautiful collection you've created. When you have grandchildren, just think of the hours you'll spend reading with them.

[Lavender Dreams]

Books bring back so many memories and I love surrounding myself with them...new and old! I collect children's books and recognize some of yours. And Anne girl....she is my favorite! ♥♥♥

[Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook]

Wonderful post, Susan! My mom instilled the love of reading in me, too, but lately I haven't been reading. Terrific collection, I do see some of my favorites on your shelf, Shel Silverstein. Used to read those to my kids.

[Mary Howell Cromer]

Reading, such a wonderful thing! I was so pleased to pass along my love of reading to at least one of my 3 daughters. She can read a book a day and teaches middle school and part time at the university. Having your momma still with you, what a blessing, for I still miss mine~

[Ingmarie We/Refugium]

Such lovely photos and mosaics! I was very glad to see the part about Linnea! The authour is from Sweden. And Linnea has also visited Monet's garden in Giverny..... A very charming book. Hope you'll have a fine week.

[Lori]

I stumbled upon your blog this morning....(isn't that the best part of this blogging world?)
Our family has, as well, many books and book shelves throughout the house. Our grown children have their favorite childhood books which are being passed down to their kids. Fortunately, we have been able to find duplicates via ebay and amazon so they can each have copies to share with their families...
Have a wonderful day :)

[Sally]

Aw, you have a good mother, Susan, and you are fortunate. Thanks for sharing these blues.

Happy Blue Monday.

Happy Blue Monday, Susan.

I love this post. I am a treasurer to our books, too. I always love revisiting old friends.

[Nancy Reinke]

I love old books and yours are wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

[lori lucas]

Ahh. I too have that first set of books you do. Aren't they just wonderful! Consider ourselves lucky! Lori L.

[Elaine]

Loved your blog today.. I am a big reader and lover of books.... My shelves are full and there are plenty for the little oness also

[Sarah ~ Magnolia's Attic]

Ah yes, shelves and boxes of books surround me! I, fortunately, kept many of the books of my youth, and just about all of my children's. They have already taken their favorites! My daughter discovered Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books on my shelves, and took them for her daughter -- she said that Mrs. PW books were the best teaching books of all time and were some of her childhood favorites!

[Christine]

What a great book collection. I can tell how wise and caing your mom is...Christine

[cottage and broome]

How nice you have books from your childhood I wish I still had some of mine. Laura

[Riet]

What a beautiful collection of books of the passed times. In our family everybody loves to rad too and that is a blessing. It is so good for them when they grow up.
Have a nice week.

[Tammy Faye]

Wow! I have that very same set of 'My Book House' books. They were purchased for my oldest son back in 1963! The "Grands" love them now. What a surprise to see these on your blog. Happy reading to all your family...

[Kim, USA]

I think my mom is the one who is influence me to read. She is a teacher and since buying books in the Philippines is not a priority, she brought teachers journal and books from the school. I love reading but somehow I neglected it because of blogging,lol! Happy Monday!

BM

[jeanne, backyard neighbor]

Hi Susan, Reading is a huge important pastime in our home as well. I was raised with a mom who could read out a library. I'm not kidding. Book are a big part of our lives. Your story of your sweet books just makes me smile. I love the photos too. especially ones of your dad and mom with you and your sister. You remind me of the way We were raised. Security and love with appreciation of a good book. My hubs and I read every Harry Potter book and loved them. My children and grands did too. Amazing imagination in the writing of that series. We all hated it to end. Smile.
Have a great day reading.
Hugs, Jeanne

PS. I was inspired and went to my sister's home and brought the unfinished 'squares' my mom made out of polyester home. I found out the quilt top is not put together. I am going to do it. Her embroidery is amazing.

[Leah H.]

Mom's knows best.. I missed my mom:(

Visiting for Blue Monday_ hope you can stop by:)

http://www.sweetposh.info/2012/03/eternity-bangles.html

I am also hosting a $50 giveaway. One day and 8 hrs left.. Hope you can join.. Check it here:

http://www.mommys4seasonsjourney.com/2012/03/technology-in-our-lives.html

[jenny]

Hi Susan! I'm glad you are feeling better~
I too, have some of my books from my childhood, but they, like yours and your children, didn't seem to hold their attention as much as they did mine. Oh well. I keep them, dust them, and remember, AND do the same with the books of my four that "we" couldn't part with.

[Pat in New York]

Hi Susan

I hope you will be A OK very soon! Are you taking antibiotics? My grandson had a bad cold and I have my fingers crossed I don't come down with it! My daughter's bridal shower is this weekend so I'm too busy to get sick..ack!