My mum would have been 82 this week and with it being Mother's Day on Sunday I've been thinking about her. She died of a brain hemorrhage 21 years ago, so my two daughter's barely knew her.
I thought I'd share a few things about her here, as I'm sure some of you will have lost mother's too.
Barbara McColl was an only child, brought up and raised in Haydock, near St.Helen's.
My mum was smart, she went to Grammar school was really literate and pretty much fluent in French. She had a pen-friend in Toulouse whom we visited on family holidays. She played the piano and even though did some grades it was mostly by ear. She used to play piano for Sunday School services every week.
My mum was also an artist. I always remember her painting and sketching figures. She went to Liverpool Art college studying textiles and was friends with Cynthia Lennon. She didn't complete her degree though and got a job designing stained glass windows, until I was born. She then became a full time mum - which seemed the tradition then.
She also made a lot of her own clothes which is no surprise rubbed off on me. She was a true champion of me becoming a designer.
My mum was a very private and religious person, she had a huge amount of faith. She designed banners which were hung in their church.
She also had accumulated a lot of gold jewellery, which me and my sister got melted down and now both wear a bangle with an inscription of a bible verse she gave to us both. We both wear it all the time.
You know sometimes you feel the universe is speaking to you? When I was on my way home and thinking of writing this blog, a ray of light appeared from behind a cloud. I had to stop and take a photo.
It's International Women's Day today and whilst I appreciate it's an effort to 'Invest in Women and Accelerate Progress', we've still got a long way to go.
I hope that we can all support our female relatives and friends. To stand up when something doesn't feel right. To find an inner yoga warrior when we feel threatened, or feel like we're being taken advantage of.
Coincidentally, this week I've been looking at Hero pose. We are all hero's. I hope you have a lovely day on Sunday whether you are, or aren't, are with, or without a mother. Maybe buy yourself your own bunch of beautiful tulips, coffee and slice of cake as we deserve to be recognised 'everydamnday'.
Namaste
I was really touched by the portrait of your mother, Vikki. It showed a woman of great strength and positivity, characteristics that seem to have been passed on to you. We have to treasure those memories of our mothers and grandmothers, and keep them close.
What a lovely tribute to your mum, Vikki. Thank you for sharing and for reminding us all of the shoulders we stand on. Happy IWD to you too x