Sunday, February 07, 2010

Paradise at the Feet of Mothers

Clarity - 8x10 print from an acrylic painting by Katie m. Berggren

A well-known hadith states, "Paradise lies at the feet of the mother." Mothers are treasured, not just in Islam, but in every religion, culture, way of life. They give us life, they guide us, nurture us, are there for us. And they come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the one that you think of as your mother isn't your biological mother. She may be an aunt, a grandmother, a mentor. Whoever she is, she is always there. The painting above is by K. M. Berggren and is titled, "Clarity."

What do you think that this hadith means? To my thinking, it doesn't mean that paradise is automatically found with every mother. You must be a mother in every sense of the word, you must guide your children to be the best that they can be, you must create a haven that is safe, secure, and nurturing for your children. Your childhood has such a big impact on the rest of your life. If you had a happy childhood, that is the best gift that you could have received. And I am sure that as you look back, you really did feel as if your life was a paradise back then.

But mothers are human too. We make mistakes and lose our tempers and all sorts of stuff :) But I think that as long as you try your best, you CAN make your life a paradise for you and your family.

I know Mother's Day is still a looong time from now....but do we really need to wait for a day to celebrate motherhood? I say NO! (emphatically shaking my fist in the air!) Call you mom and just chat for a bit. If you're a mom, just leave everything, all the ENDLESS chores and cuddle with your little ones...or call them if they are older. Just celebrate this beautiful bond and savor it.

I have always wanted one of those mother's necklaces, the ones where you have your childrens' names stamped on metal tags. So I thought, well I am a jewelry designer, so why not make one myself. So I did. Here it is....


Want one for yourself? Order one from my shop and I will have it customized for you, up to 5 kids :) I adore mine! These would make great gifts for any mother or grandmother that you know!

Need more ideas for your mom or as a treat for yourself? Then check out these lovely finds, any one of which would be perfect as a gift!

Here is a gorgeous photograph taken by Amelia Kay Photography. It is called "Love Whisper," and I think that it would make a wonderful gift.

Loves Whisper - 8x10 Fine Art Photograph


Lovely, handmade journals by Robyn's Art would make a very special gift, especially if your mother loves to journal. Robyn can also make art journals that would be perfect for painting, sketching, etc.

This is one of my favorites, the Empress Silk Journal. I actually have this one and I love it!

Empress Silk 8X10 Journal


The Baby Blue Starburst Hemp Choker necklace by The Happy Soul would be great for any mom to wear during the summer!

Baby Blue Starburst Lampwork Pendant - Natural Hemp Choker / Necklace

And of course, what woman wouldn't love gloriously scented luxurious bath products? Here is one of my favorites, Oatmeal Milk and Honey Loofah Bar by Sunset Soaps. A brilliant gift!

Oatmeal, Milk and Honey - Goats Milk Soap (with real oats and honey)

I have so many favorite Etsians and all of their crafts would make the perfect gift for any mom. Even if it isn't Mother's Day, does it really matter? I don't think so, especially since a gift given out of the blue seems so much more special than when it is given on a pre-determined day. As humans, we are all so expressive all about, "let it all out!" So go ahead, let it all out and show your love for that special woman in your life, whether she be your mother, your grandmother, your aunt, a teacher, a neighbor....whoever she is. You'll make her day...and yours :)

7 comments:

Mary said...

I call my mother every night between 10 and 11. We talk for about an hour. Some days I talk to her more than once. Yes, mothers are special and I am blessed to still have mine with me.

Blessings,
Mary (naturepoet)

Aisha said...

Mary, that is so wonderful! I am also very blessed to have mine. I find that as I grow older, she has become more of a friend...but that no matter how old I get, I still need my mommy :D

Theresa said...

Beautiful post, Aisha! So very true. My mother has passed on, but there is nothing more special and sacred as the bond between mother and child. Thank you so much for pointing out that we don't need to wait for a designated day to celebrate that wonderful love!

Dawn said...

awe - what a wonderful post!

"create a haven that is safe, secure, and nurturing" I'd say not having children right now this is something I try very hard to do for my husband, his childhood was very rough - in contrast, my childhood was the best years of my life, I have SO many fond memories and strive to get back there... being states away from my family as fate for now would have it, makes it very trying for me. My family is a phone call away yet the day to day experiences I miss out on and the place I live now lacks the same values that the town I came from has... le sigh :) thank you for this post and sharing the lovely pieces of fellow etsians :) hopefully this post will be revisited come mothers day for gift ideas as well! :D

Robynsart said...

Wonderful post, Aisha! Lots of food for thought! I lost my mother when I was 14, but I carry her with me every day of my life. I got a call from my oldest son just last night because 'he misses me'... There is a special motherly love that can't be replaced. Thanks for the reminder!

Lucky Girl said...

I've always thought that "just because" gifts are so much more special and meaningful than official holiday gifts. Thanks for the wonderful post, now I feel compelled to call my mother, and several other relatives. :)

Little Lovables said...

beautiful post. I love the painting and feel the way you do on many aspects of motherhood.