Happy month of May dear friends. This month is usually busy with activities like graduations, bridal showers, Memorial Day, a special birthday, and Mother’s Day!
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30
It is Monday Morning Blooms with my blogging friends and it is a special one – our Mother’s Day edition!
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”
~Unknown
The links for Lidy’s, Mary’s, and Shirley’s beautiful floral arrangements are at the bottom of this post.
I have often shared memories of my beloved Mother. Perhaps, I will share some I haven’t shared before. Mother loved flowers. As I pulled into Daddy’s driveway this past Saturday, the first thing I noticed were my Mother’s beautiful red lilies in bloom. Just like her mother, she had a green thumb. Not only did she love flowers, but she also loved color. My love for color is a gift from her. She had beautiful black hair that turned to white as she aged. She looked stunning in bold colors and that was what she preferred. I have a fond memory of being in the sixth grade and my Mother was in charge of the Christmas party at school. Several of the girls gathered around me and said that my mother was so pretty, naturally I agreed. I still remember what she was wearing on that day.
This bouquet in memory of Mother is definitely colorful! Deep Roots Flower Farm provided all of the beautiful blooms: poppies, ranunculus, dianthus, and statice. The one lone allium is the last one from my garden. A MacKenzie-Childs “flower market” canister holds the vivid blooms!
In memory of Mother, I set a table in my garden. If the weather was nice, Mother loved being outdoors and I often found her sitting on the screened porch. Her open Bible was usually next to her. I remember stopping by so many times and there would be a lady or a teen age girl sitting with her. Mother invested her time into the lives of others as she mentored countless ladies and teen-age girls. Her door was always open!
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26
I often think how much my Mother would have loved sitting in my garden and enjoying a meal!
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:27
A simple tablesetting, but not lacking in color. The “blue roses” breakfast cloth is by April Cornell in collaboration with Victoria Magazine.
Mother had the gift of hospitality. I have mentioned before that her Sunday lunch table is legendary. She always served a delicious, Southern, made from scratch, meal with at least three desserts. My brother’s family and mine were always seated around her table. Her hospitality reached far and wide. We never knew who might join us for Sunday lunch…a young struggling mother and children, a widow, or our friends and their families. Mother always said, “If there is room in the heart, there is room at the table.” She baked cakes and cookies weekly and delivered to someone who was sick, grieving, alone, or just needed a hug!
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:20
Fostoria stemware was a gift from a dear friend of my Mother many years ago. Last week I received this message; “Mrs. Shirley, your loving precious Mother…I am blessed because she was my friend.” This is just an example of sweet comments I hear about Mother on a regular basis. Her impact in the lives of friends and family continues fifteen years beyond her lifetime. I have told many stories of “Nanny” to my two granddaughters that are six (almost) and three years old. They speak of her often as if they knew her. Their little brother will hear the same stories.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”
Proverbs 31:28
“A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”
~Unknown
Mother’s tables were simple but she always used a tablecloth and cloth napkins. There would not have been a plate stack or elaborate floral arrangement, but everyone who placed their feet under her table knew they were loved and valued. I never remember her using paper plates or napkins, she always put out her best. There weren’t many days that I didn’t stop by to visit even if it was brief. She always offered me a cup of coffee and a home-baked slice of cake, pie, or chocolate chip cookies. I always was sent home with a bag of goodies!
I have honestly tried not to buy any more dishes. But, I have loved the Williams Sonoma Famille Rose pattern since it was introduced a few years ago. I decided to use part of my Christmas money that Daddy gives me each year to purchase four dinner plates. He always tells me to buy myself something I want, and so I did. The salad plate is Johnson Brothers “Winchester” pattern produced from 1950 – 1986.
Poppies remind me of crepe paper! They also have a mind of their own and are quite delicate. While I was photographing, a petal fell off the pink one…it is quite obvious but I decided not to fret.
I have shared many memories about my Godly Mother. She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman. She lived her life in light of eternity and left a legacy that still lives on. It matters how we live our life. Every single day we are given will echo into eternity.
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:29
Be sure to visit each of the links below for floral inspiration. Shirley, Lidy, and Mary are so talented and they never disappoint!
Shirley ~ Housepitality Designs
Lidy ~ French Garden House
Mary ~ Home Is Where The Boat Is
I promised to announce the winner of my Giveaway…congratulations to Rita, winner of “The Art of Flowers”!
Thank you so much for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing each of you a Happy Mother’s Day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Ruth Miller says
Beautiful table once again, Pam. I always love and enjoy how you put so many pretties together. Sweet words about your sweet mama too. I bet you take after her.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Ruth. You are a sweetheart!
Mary says
Pam, Your flowers and table are beautiful! Your MKC flower market canister makes such a bold and colorful container for your pretty flower farm blooms. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of your sweet Mom. What a loving legacy she passed on to those who were her friends and were mentored by her. I’ve admired the Famille Rose pattern, so beautiful and I love it paired with your JB Winchester pattern. As always it’s a treat to start my day and share blooms with you! Wishing you a wonderful week ahead and Happy Mother’s Day. ♥
Rita C. says
Your are so blessed, Pam! And I can bet your Mother’s presence is with you as you set your tables, cook your meals, plants your gardens and arrange your blooms! The poppies are what have captivated my attention in this arrangement and yes, they are like crepe paper. I transplanted several from my sister’s garden, but they will likely not bloom until next year. I will be patient. The Famille Rose pattern is delicious! Smart choice with your gift from your Daddy. Happy Monday!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Rita! I didn’t any more dishes. I love poppies, and you can never find them unless you grow them or have a flower farm nearby!
Alice Genzlinger says
Proverbs 31 surely was the way your mom lived her life. I’m thinking you are following in her footsteps. Yes I too believe there is always room for one more at our table. And color is a gift from our Heavenly Father that I love to see on your tables every time. And yes I too wish your mom could sit at your garden tables. I know I would have loved her also. I long for my mom to sit at mine. And who knows but what they are there every time in spirit. Have been in SD for two weeks where there is no WiFi so have missed everything on your posts. My addiction to dinner ware has progressed to the point there there is no longer any “room in the Inn”.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you dearest Alice. Your comments are always so sweet. I am glad you had time in SD. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says
It sounds like you mother was a wonderful woman. I love your flower arrangement and the container fits them perfectly.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Penny and yes she was!
inspiredbyjoydianne says
Pam, what a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Mother. The AC cloth, the choice of flowers, and the colorful stack of beautiful plates is so beautiful. Our Mothers are with us every day. I think you are following in her footsteps. You, too, are a Proverbs 31 woman. Your Mother reminds me so much of my own Mother. A beautiful tribute dear friend. All your quotes are so fitting. Happy Mother’s Day to you.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Dianne. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Kris@Junkchiccottage says
I love your beautiful table set in honor of your mother. She sounded like a wonderful loving and giving women. Wishing you a lovely week and a wonderful Mother’s Day. xoxo Kris
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much, Kris! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
marmeladegypsy says
Your table is lovely and I really enjoyed your memories and am so glad you shared them. It’s funny, the things we absorb. Your love for color — I’m sure that was bred in your mom’s delight for a colorful world. I have a feeling she will be sitting at that table with you, perhaps the angel on your shoulder, and whispering in your ear, “What a wonderful woman you have turned out to be, what a beautiful daughter, and I am so very proud of you.”
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Jeanie, your comments certainly warm my heart. I know you had a wonderful mom!
the Painted Apron says
Oh Pam, so many lovely memories of your mother, yes, she would love sitting at one of your amazing tables dining in your incredible garden, and somehow I have a feeling she is always with you and smiling from above. I adore your colorful arrangement in the MKC Flower Market canister, and your special new/old plates gifted by your Dad. I wish you and your daughter in law a wonderful Mother’s Day filled with special moments and memories!
Jenna
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Jenna. Happy Mother’s Day to you and your daughter!
Bonnie Morgan says
Pam, such a treat to view your table this morning. I love a colorful mixed bouquet. I especially like poppies and ranunculus,dianthus, aliums, and statice. Your arrangement looks so lovely on your special blue and white tablecloth, and pretty plates. I also adore your etched stemware. It is so striking and feminine which is perfect for a Mother’s Day table.
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day table.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Bonnie. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
shirley@housepitalitydesigns says
Pam, your beloved mom was truly a woman of kindness, love, and generosity. Her legacy lives on with you and your sweet grands. You obviously have inherited her many talents of gardening, cooking, and love of family to name a few. I love the story of the Fostoria stemware and how wonderful to hear from that person who gifted them to your mom. How so very special…I loved the story of your mom at school…the children surely loved and admired her. I love your WS Famille Rose…one of my favorites..so glad you finally obtained them. The vase is the perfect container for your brilliantly colored flowers that your mom would have loved. How great that you were able to obtains such a variety of flowers..lovihg the poppies…A beautiful table set in your Woodland is table that your mom would have so loved!…Happy Mother’s Day to you friend…so happy to join you today and read stories of your beloved mom.
FrenchGardenHouse says
Pam, what a delightful post! I immediately thought of your beloved mom and all the other women in your family gathering at a table such as this in heaven. How blessed they are to have YOU to carry on their ministry of hospitality. You are everything wonderful friend, thoughtful, kind, generous and godly. And you set a pretty stunning table too! xo Lidy
creationsbycindyphotography.blogspot.com says
Awe, such beauty here to behold and that begins with you dear Pam. I bet you are very much like your mama. Happy May to you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Cindy. Hugs!
Clara says
Beautiful arrangement and tablescape, Pam! Love your new plates. They’re gorgeous! The tablecloth is a lovely pattern and color. Your memories are precious ones and we thank you for sharing them with us. Your Mom was a wonderful soul. She touched many lives in such a positive way. Those of us who were blessed with Godly Moms are so fortunate! I do believe your Mom and my Mom would have been fast friends as they shared similar traits had they lived nearby to one another. It’s good to know your Mom’s memories will continue for generations. Happy Monday! Clara ❤️
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Clara, I am as I know you are very grateful for my Godly Mom. I believe our mothers would have been good friends!
Nonie Hoffman says
Loved the memories you have of your mother. Your table settings are gorgeous as always.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much, Nonie!
Roxanne Bernard says
I would have loved to be seated at your mother’s table and received her hospitality…and maybe a few stories of you as a child. We both were blessed to have been raised by Proverbs 31 women. In any difficult situation even now, I always ask myself “what would Mama tell me to do”.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Roxanne. I just know our Mamas would have been friends. Love and hugs!
Elaine says
So sweet and kind of you to share! I love how you shared about your godly mom and honored her life! Sharing Scripture from Proverbs 31blessed my heart, and I’m sure God’s face is shining on you! Thanks, Pam!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Elaine for your heartwarming comments. Happy Mother’s Day!
Sarah says
Pam, your alfresco settings always delight, but your sweet memories and words about your mom, are touching. I feel much the same about my mom. She loved to garden. I know your mom is looking down with pride and much love in her heart. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Sarah, your sweet comments warm my heart! Thank you dear one.
Sandra at Maison De Jardin says
Dear Pam, this is an absolutely beautiful tribute to your precious mom. My mom seemed much like her, even with the black hair. I know your mom would be so proud of you, your life and many accomplishments. Enjoy your garden this Mother’s Day and may your day be touched by all those you hold dear. Many blessings, sweet friend.
Maristella says
Amazing tribute. Your Mom is a great inspiration. Thank you for sharing, dear Pam. Happy Mother’s Day.
Alycia Nichols says
Even though we fiercely miss them, isn’t it a joy to be able to reflect on how wonderful our Mothers were during their time here on earth? And when OTHERS fondly recall the virtues of your Mother, it just does your heart so much good. Your Mom sounds like one of those women who made everyone’s life a happy one. Didn’t hurt that she was a good and willing cook!
Your floral arrangement is enviable!!!!!!!!! I love all the color in it! The allium really sets it off!!!!!!!!!
Happy Mother’s Day to you and in memory of your Mother.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
We were most blessed to have had the best of mothers, Alycia!
Kim says
What a gorgeous table to honor your mom Pam – I’m betting she would have loved it and would have been so proud! She sounds like a beautiful person!. The flowers are so pretty and those Famille Rose plates – oh my. Just lovely. Wishing you a very beautiful and blessed Mother’s Day!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Kim! I am so grateful for my beloved Mother and all she taught me by her example!
Cheryl says
Your mother sounds like such an amazing woman, and as I read your memories of her, I thought of how desperately our world needs more women like her. It is hard to find someone with such a heart of gold or who even cares at all, and hospitality is nearly extinct. Most are just centered on themselves, never taking thought of anyone else. And the past two years made things so much worse & has caused people to be so standoffish and suspicious of one another. It is incredibly sad. People lilke your dear mom are needed now more than ever. I wish she could enjoy meals with you in your beautiful garden, & I’m sure you must think of her each time you set a table there. I hope you have a wonderful Mothers Day! God bless you as you remember your sweet mom.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Blessings dear Cheryl on this Mother’s Day! May you enjoy the precious memories of your mom!
Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says
Pam, I loved reading about your precious mother this morning. The way you speak of her is such a loving tribute. From your writing, I know she must have been a truly remarkable woman. Your gorgeous table setting and stunning floral arrangement is such a special remembrance for this Mother’s Day. I hope that you had a wonderful day surrounded by the ones you love. Happy Tuesday, my dear friend!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Your comments are so sweet. Thank you my friend !