My Mom, My Inspiration

I love this picture of my Mom, Judy.  This was taken in 1968 when she worked for the telephone company in downtown Seattle.  Mom moved to Seattle from Spokane at the age of 17.  In this picture she is 24 and looking so regal and stylish.  Very "Mad Men" if you ask me.  

Growing up my Mom took her time when  getting ready for the day.  A ritual of curlers in her hair, painted nails, make up and always her pink Revlon lipstick or when she moved on from drug store make up, Estee Lauder.  

I love looking at photos of my Mom through the years.  When she met my Dad, a Ballard native, she played softball with a group of neighborhood ladies.  Mom was a jock!  I clearly get my athletic abilities from her, and not my Dad.  ha!  My Dad always told us "Your Mom was the best looking third baseman I ever saw".  Made me giggle and warm my  heart.  Mom's reply would be "I didn't think he noticed me because he had a different girl on his arm at every game".  

Looking through pictures, I can see now why just from a picture how jewelry or a small ring on one finger makes you feel good.  Mom loved her jewelry.  Oh my! This is an understatement.  She had a ring on every finger.  I love jewelry too!  It makes you feel put together even if you are just wearing jeans and a t-shirt.  I definitely get my love of jewelry and shopping at local jewelers from her.  Her rings would make Liberace jealous.  

I carry with me my own daily/weekly rituals and routines to take care of myself and do what I can to make me feel good.  Whether that be exercise, drinking water, making plans with friends, and taking in a great dirty martini.  Just like my Mom.  Mom always took good care of her skin as well.  She was blessed with an olive complexion and deep laugh lines from telling silly childhood stories or dirty jokes.  Another trait I get from her - taking care of your skin.  I can say with 100% truthfulness, I have cleansed my skin every night before bed since I was 15.  No joke I have maybe missed only a few days from either camping or being beyond exhausted and falling asleep.