Today would be my Mum's 67th birthday... sadly she died over a decade ago, a week before her 56th birthday...
Like a lot of daughters, my relationship with her was far from straightforward... but there is rarely a day when I don't think of her, wonder how she would respond to a situation, wish I could call and ask her opinion...
I know she would have loved to share Virtual Coffee with you all - though she was definitely a china-cup-milk-in-first-tea-drinker - and would insist that I never invite you over unless I had decent biscuits or cakes to offer :)
Unfortunately, I didn't inherit her wonderful baking gene - though I know my daughter has, and often I wish Mum were here to encourage and advise her in the kitchen...
So, in honour of my Mum's birthday and to celebrate my 100th post, here's the giveaway I'm offering...
I have these two wonderful journals, which sadly I cannot use... and I realized I've hung onto them long enough and they need a good home where they will be used, not just admired!!
The first one is 8x10ins and from Papaya! and has both lined and blank pages, but as it's perfect-bound, the pages don't lie totally flat...
The second is a stunning handmade art journal I bought from Zorana's etsy shop several years ago. It's roughly 7x8ins, though the pages are all different sizes...
Just leave a comment here and I'll put your name in the hat :)
I will draw TWO names first thing next Tuesday morning and post them in the Virtual Coffee post. The first name out of the hat can choose which journal they prefer, and the second will get the other journal...
Of course, if you just want to say hello, and don't want to be in the giveaway draw, just say so :)
Now, how has your week been?
Friends in the States - did you have a fun 4th of July? Did you go to any parades?
I can't wait to hear your news, more coffee anyone???
(The rest of the VC crowd are linked up over at Amy's.... )
21 comments:
Morning Claire. Yes, ready for a cappucino right now thank you, and could your daughter bake a quick cake? Congrats on the 100th post, and I wonder what your mum would have made of your lovely blog? Your journals look beautiful, but as I have several empty ones lined up, I'll dib out of the giveaway so they can go to someone who will use them straight away.
Sue
I'm sorry you lost your mother. I am in the same boat you were in 10 years ago... my mom has just weeks left in her life, she turned 59 on June 16th. My emotions are like a yo-yo, up and down and up and down. It is pretty heart wrenching.
Your journals are beautiful!
I want to enter!
Cheers~Ivy
hi claire! i love this post. i'm sure your mother would have loved sharing coffee with us to. thanks for sharing about her with us. sounds like she was a wonderful lady :) i love your journals. they are beautiful i just cleaned our a bunch of journals though that i wasn't using, so you can count me of the giveaway too because these are too pretty to not be used! hope you have a wonderful day and congrats on 100 posts!
HI Claire,
I feel the same way about my mum, I wish I could just pick up the phone and call her. The journals are beautiful, I sure would love one of them.
I didn't go to the parade but we went kayaking instead and it was wonderful. Then a barbecue to round out the day.
Kate
beautiful post! happy 100th to you.
xxx
leslie :)
(la la!)
Awww Claire ((hugs))I can't even imagine how lost I would be without my Mum.
Congrats on your 100th post loving those journals
Jo
x
Congrats on your 100th post! So sorry to hear that you lost your Mum at such a young age, but it sounds like her memory and her essence remains close to your heart. I was re-reading your profile-- I also LOVE The Hours, As Good As It Gets and the Pride & Prejudice version with Keira Knightly. Back in the day, I used to sketch and draw and I was an art history major, so your interest and inspiration in art and journaling is reaching something I've been missing for a while-- thank you! Your journals are wonderful, but I will opt out b/c I prefer smaller, slender ones that I can carry with me in my pocketbook, and I'm sure there are others who will totally appreciate them. Have a great week!
What a very sweet post~
Happy 100th blog post, and happy birthday to your mum.
As you know, am still the same way with my mum, and every day would love to pick up the phone to have a natter to her!
I always think about mum on her birthday, and even now look out for something special that I think would make her smile on her special day.
I used to love cooking with my mum, so may be next time I visit us girls can all cook something together :)
Lots of love xxxx
Claire...what lovely journals for a give-a-way! Congratulations on your 100th post and I'm very sorry to hear that our mother is no longer with you...I too lost my mother when she was 56 and I was 16. As I am in my early 50s now, it shocks me think how young she really was! Cheers to memory and the cycles of life!
Best wishes to you and your family!
i am sorry you are missing your mom today but i have to say, that is the most adorable picture, i love old photographs like that! congrats on 100 posts and thanks for joining in for coffee this week!
hi! fantastic givaway! please count me in!!!
sweet giveaway! My dad has been gone little over 20 years and sometimes it is hard to believe it has been that long....thank you for sharing, sweetie!
Hi Claire
I know how it is not having a mom anymore. I lost mime a decade ago too. She was only 61. I love this post Claire and happy 100th. As always, thanks for stopping by to say hi. Love it.
Who can resist a give away? Not me! I missed coffee this week over a mix of a short get away and giving myself an extra day to relax. Now, of course, I have to make up for that extra stolen day, but it was worth it! My own relationship with my mother is fraught with regrettable moments. She is dealing with yet another health issue and trying to get married (her husband to be, I am truly grateful for). Maybe coffee next Tuesday?
Congratulations on your 100th blog post and belated Happy Birthday to your Mum. I still have my Mum, despite her stoically dealing with lots of health problems, we don't have many "moments" of discord but I can't imagine her not being here and dread the awful day when it does happens. We should treasure every moment.
I would love to win one of your journals and please enter me in your draw. Thanks Claire.
Barbara
Good afternoon Claire! Thank you so much for visiting my blog and letting me know about this post (I am on a self imposed internet break at the moment due to deadlines...)
Congratulations on your 100th post!! that is an achievement and it is amazing how fast it goes by.
I am so sorry about your mum, that is so young, but I am sure you have wonderful memories that keep you close.
Hope you are having a lovely week (ps I have sent you a message on etsy..) x x x
Congratulations on your 100th post! I'm sorry you're missing your Mum these days. I know I would totally be in the same boat and am incredibly lucky to have mine in my life still.
Those are lovely journals!! But no need to include me in the giveaway. The international shipping rates are mad expensive, so I try not to participate in giveaways. I'm sure they'll find their way into very happy and loving hands though!
What a lovely picture of your Mom! Do you know that I never ever tried tea with milk? It's probably lovely, specially with biscuits...
Congratulations on your 100th post! I liked seeing my journal again after all this time.
Here's to many more posts (lifting a virtual glass of wine).
xo
I suspect if your mom was anything like my grandmother (grandparents raised me), she would enjoy having coffee with your virtual friends each Tuesday.
As for my Independence Day, our city changed the date of our parade and fireworks to Saturday, but didn't tell anyone about the changes. So both were under attended, and a lot of people were very disappointed, especially about the fireworks display.
Claire, that was a beautiful tribute and memories for your mom. She left you so young, but your words show how much you love her.
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