Wednesday
Aug112010
Never Say Never
August 11, 2010 * * * * * Posted by: Sue 
It struck me while I was putting on my make-up this morning.
It’s true. I am becoming my mother. When I look in the mirror, I often don’t recognize myself. I’m changing.
When I was younger, I often wondered why my mother allowed herself to gain some extra weight. I promised myself I would never become overweight. After all, I knew all the important information – exercise on a regular basis, eat properly, maintain a healthy lifestyle. In spite of that knowledge, somehow I am changing; looking more and more “fluffy.” That, coupled with my gray hair and a little…er, maturity, is causing me to become the spitting image of my mother.
On top of that, I find myself changing and acting more like her every day.
I didn’t used to, but now I lay my make-up out on a towel, just like she did. And I keep my make-up in a plastic container under the bathroom cabinet – just like she did.
I think of her when I put the tablecloth on the dining room table, smooth it out just so, and set the table with tender care – just like she did.
As I walk through my house, I think of the fun Mother and I used to have decorating her house; artfully placing various keepsakes and mementos in just the perfect place, turned in just the perfect position. When we would finish a new project, I noticed she would sit and stare for the longest time. She always had to admire and enjoy our handy work.
Yup. You guessed it. When I hang a new picture or re-arrange something in the house I find myself standing back and admiring my handy work, sometimes even starring for quite some time – just like she did.
I haven’t started shaking or stirring the ice in my cup…yet.
Early in my digital photography days I questioned why anyone would want to “Photoshop” an image; often altering a piece beyond recognition of the original capture. My position has dramatically changed. I now find that using software to optimize or enhance an image is just one part of the creative process; often a very important part.
People change. Philosophies change. Technology undergoes change.
Change is inevitable. I’m learning to “Never Say Never.”
Texture credit:
Flicker users Nascos3 and Tassiesim
Reader Comments (15)
This is downright fun, Sue, because...if you don't mind...I'll take it one step further: I'm watching my daughter become more and more like me but I dare not tell her so. She's not ready to be faced with the appalling reality! :) I just ponder it in my heart and smile.
And by the way, thank God you DID learn to change because your "manipulation" of this image is priceless. It would make a good condolence card for someone in mourning. It would even make a good Christmas card!
The possibilities are endless, don't you think, when we are willing and able to change. I love how you've said it. I love how you have honored your mom in this way! Thank you.
This just made me smile!! Change is good...yes?!?!? If we don't change..we don't grow..and we don't become our mothers - UGH!!!
Often I stop myself mid-sentence...knowing that what is about to come out of my mouth are exactly the words my mother might use. Amazing how we take so many 'little' things with us. The cycle of life!
And - I just love the image. Such magical use of textures!!!
I have my mother's hands. I hold the knitting needles like her, I peel vegetables exactly like she does. But as you all know, we have the most inspiring Mom, so it's all good! And yes, never say never. Being a bit bendy in our ways as our bodies stiffen is very good!
your words are like a soft breeze this morning .. I am in so many ways like my mom ..it is a comfort in a way..thanks for your lovely post today..PS and all!!
Sue I amazed it has taken so many young [to me] ladies to realize you are your Mother's daughter. I am an elderly lady and can still see my Mother's image every day in myself. Great blog you expressed it excellently Dorothy Mom
I think we try to find our independence and be our own person but we can never negate the influence of our moms. You sound like you are in midst of a renaissance Sue. You are discovering so many things. You are a great example to the rest of us!
It is so beautiful to find connection in a shared memory, or in a gesture or habit that one picks up from a beloved one, and relives by muscle memory so many years later. Almost like an echo of love.
I wouldn't say I'm becoming exactly like my mother -- but I admire her and am glad to emulate her in certain ways. She is wise and kind, and I love her sense of humor. :)
Yes I recognize that, I see more of my mum in me every day. But I like it, my mum was great
I love the image, your processing was perfect. I feel the same, that more and I more I become like my mother. When I was twenty I thought that would be awful, but now I embrace it, and I know that I will be like her in many ways, but also, me. And my mother is a good person, giving and generous and she loves people and she loves life. I loved this post.
I can so relate to becoming "fluffy" like my mom, actually more like all the women on my mom's side of the family. I look in the mirror at my backside and it is like every female relative I have! Sometimes when I'm being honest with myself I admit I'm becoming more like my mom (and that's okay). :)
Oh, I love this! The best thing? I see my daughter starting to act like me. Some of it scares me, because she has taken on some of my less desirable traits as well.
Beautiful creation, too.
Comfortable shoes, homemade jelly, a need to laugh at the smallest things. Yup, I'm becoming my mother. And that's okay. I can't think of anyone I'd be more honored to imulate.
i've just been at home (my father's house in the UK) with my sister. we found a treasure trove of our mother's things, clothes that she wore in her modeling days, the 'outfit' she wore in the bond movie...amazing stuff like that. that's all i have to go on, pictures and images from a long time ago. this time everyone said i looked more and more like her, that made me very happy :)
The first time I saw you on FB my thought was "Sue looks just like Alvena." I might not look like Gladys but I certainly inherited her ability to roll with the punches and take charge...a good thing for this last year. I remember your mom fondly, helping me at the store and coming up with just the right thing.
Such a beautifully presented image. I like the processing applied. I must reluctantly confess that I too take after my mother :-)