Unfortunately, this blog is not about Italian Chianti or Chardonnay. It is about Mother’s Day, which received national recognition on May 9, 1914. At this time, Mother’s Day was set apart every year in honor of motherhood on the second Sunday in May.  And though by the time you are reading this post, it may be past Mother’s Day, we think you might agree that moms and motherhood deserve our attention all the time.

So, the red or white?  Many families and churches make a special point of honoring mothers and often follow the custom of wearing a carnation on Mother’s Day. A red carnation means that a person’s mother is living. A white carnation indicates that a person’s mother is deceased.

I remember my first Mother’s Day like it was yesterday. Well, more like 25 years of yesterdays ago! My eldest daughter was about three months old, and I was totally in love with her. She was so little! So cute! So adorable! I was ready to be her mom and I was being the perfect mother, if only in my mind. I thought I knew everything, which I later found out, I hardly knew anything! However, nothing anyone could say could change how I felt about being a mom. In fact, I loved being a mom so much, I had two other children, both girls. I love my girls so much, and I would not change them for anything in the world.

One thing I noticed, and no one had to tell me this at all, is with the birth of each of my girls; my attitude and mom standards changed drastically. A great example is the comparison of grooming habits. When my oldest child was born, she had to be clean ALL the time! Her hair and clothes had to be neatly in place and if she did get dirty, I immediately changed her bib or clothes as I travelled with at least two extra outfits, just in case. Her hair was also groomed daily. By the time my third child came along, about eight years later, I really did not care if she was clean or dirty, if her hair was combed or not, and/or what she wore. In fact, I secretly hoped and prayed that she was born with little or no hair, as I was tired of combing hair by this time. Not a good look for a mom, but hey!

Our collection has literally thousands of items about mothers and motherhood.  Enjoy this selection of titles, or search for more using the subject, “mothers” or “motherhood.”

Mother’s Day Mess

The Magic of Motherhood: The Good Stuff, the Hard Stuff, and Everything in Between

I Love My Mom

Mother’s Day

Mommy

Sweet Love

Braver Than You Think: Around the World on the Trip of My (Mother's) Life

I Was Told It Would Get Easier

The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation

Although being a mom is fun and rewarding, it can also be a lot of hard work and pressure. The pressure to be perfect. Place a hold for Not a Picture Perfect Parent: Unfiltered Motherhood from Birth to Adulthood by our very own local author, Betsy Harloff. Betsy decided to write about the hidden side of motherhood, moreover, the uncomfortable parts that she is not proud to share. This book is for every mom who has ever felt like she has failed her children and/or has made a mistake. Betsy currently resides in Ohio juggling each day between mom life, writing, and exploring the natural world.

Finally, do not forget to check out the Library’s virtual program, Do It Yourself: Seed Bombs. This Mother’s Day you can surprise your mom with the gift of homemade seed bombs! It only takes a few ingredients, some sunshine, and patience to add some color to your yard or home garden.  Now, in honor of mothers everywhere, go grab yourself a glass of wine, red or white, the choice is yours.

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