Mom thoughts from the sidelines. Musings towards Mother's Day.

There is a certain joy a mother has with her sons (I can only speak for  boys since I only had them - 3 times). I so enjoy the audacity of boys and young men. I love their gutsy unabashed way of launching themselves into things and at things. I enjoyed a weekend of watching my son Simon play Ultimate Frisbee in the western states' regional championships. It was his last college tournament, and I felt sad when is was over because Simon is graduating next month and this marks the end of an era for him and for me, mama-bear.

The spirit of the sport is so congenial.  They have no refs - it is self-officiated. It works. These boys have attained a level of athleticism and skill and focus on the field that is beautiful and dynamic in the way of a symphony or ballet. They are in a state of intense flow. This feeling and the ability to attain it will carry them thru their lives. It will be fun to watch.

I kept thinking about the feeling, self confidence and joy such activity generates and how much we all strive to be in that state throughout our lives. Each day when my kids were little, I told my friend, I wanted to have a bit of time in some kind of creative flow and some exercise. When I got those, it was a good day. Those things continue to be daily life goals. It's sewing, making things, building something & writing that make me happy, and lots of walks, hikes, yoga & nature.

I love my business because of the creative challenges I face most days, and the opportunities to create flow and harmony as part of my routine. It's wonderful that I have been able to incorporate my loves into a lifestyle. 

I certainly couldn't imagine working for someone else, as I have been self-employed for too long. I'm happily unemployable.

My mom jobs have morphed as the boys have grown. My last one leaves the nest for college in the fall. It's a wonderful, bittersweet time. We grow them up to leave us. 

I think of my life/career in phases. After earning a degree in Design (and Chinese), I was a Park Ranger in the Southwest (duh), then started back to school in Architecture, but got a job as a model builder and dove into that flow, which I loved. Along came kids. When the boys were little I made IMPWEAR kids clothes, doing constant street fairs, clothing Seattle's children in reversible play-wear.  I had a stint remodeling houses, always teaching art in public schools. Now, back to my design roots with fabric design. Lucky enough to be continuing this amazing journey of life. 

Love, Tracy

Happy Mother's Day to all!