A MOTHER IS ALWAYS A MOTHER – SHE WILL LOVE YOU NO MATTER...

When Thumper first encountered the young Bambi, he commented, “He’s kinda wobbly!”  Thumper’s wise mother gently reproved him by saying, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”  (Poetic licence allowed in the use of the double negative).  There was nothing negative about the friendship formed between Thumper and Bambi, though. Thumper heeded his Mum’s words of wisdom. 

At the age of four years I went with my mother to view Disney’s “Bambi” movie.  My tears flowed like monsoonal rain when Bambi’s mother died.  

At that point in my life I didn’t care about double negatives; I’d not a clue what they were; but the thought of losing one’s mother I understood.

I’ve read “Little Women” (and its sequels) numerous times; similar applies to the movie.  June Allyson’s portrayal of “Jo March” remains my favourite film characterisation.  “Marmee”, the patient mother of the four March sisters was the quintessential mother – an embodiment of hope and love.

 

Faced with adversity, the tough determination of Francie’s mother in “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” inspired. 

The bond, respect and love between Lorelai and her daughter, Rory, in the “Gilmore Girls” made for pleasurable viewing. 

M’Lynn and her daughter, Shelby, from “Steel Magnolias” offered no apology for their behaviour. They just went ahead and ripped out our hearts, leaving us distraught in the meantime. 

The three mothers in “Big Little Lies” made us want to join their coffee circle. 

Dorothy’s mother, Sicilian Sophia, in TV’s, “The Golden Girls” frequently caused Dorothy, Blanche and Rose to wish they could send her back to Sicily. 

Imagine living across the road from meddling Marie Barone, Ray’s mother in “Everybody Loves Raymond”.  Although irritatingly intrusive, she did make us laugh.

Indomitable “Roseanne”...so charismatic and always right...just ask her!

Let’s not forget Mrs. Bennett, the mother from “Pride and Prejudice”.  She may have wanted the best for her daughters, but she was enough to scare the most ardent of admirers away. 

It’s all very well to tell someone to “get stuffed”, but to actually take it to the literal extent like Norman Bates did with his domineering mother, Norma, is really going overboard. 

Stepping into modern day, while taking myriad paces back in time to a fantasy world of ancient dynasties vying for what looks like a very uncomfortable throne, the violent, no holds barred game played in “Game of Thrones” by the vicious, conniving, game-playing, evil mother, Cersei Lannister, who constantly schemes, tossing principles aside, not caring who gets hurt, or killed takes the cake.

The above are just a few of the fictional mothers who have kept us entertained through the years.  However, let’s pay homage to the real mothers; our real-life mothers - without whom you and I wouldn’t exist!

Agatha Christie wrote: “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity.  It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”

Jackie Kennedy said: “If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do well matters very much.”  

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mums, grand and great...Sunday, 13th May....

Make every day a Happy Mother's Day.....

Almond Berry French Toast: Spray 9x13 dish. Cut 1 whole wheat baguette into 1-inch cubes; arrange in single layer in dish. Whisk 8 large eggs, 8 large egg whites, 2c milk, 1tsp vanilla, 1/2tsp cinnamon and 1/3c pure maple syrup. Pour over bread; make sure liquid saturates the bread. Scatter 2c fresh blueberries or berries of choice on top; sprinkle with 1/3c sliced almonds and 2tbs brown sugar; cover; chill overnight. Place, uncovered, in 175C oven; bake 40-50mins.  

Mamma Mia Quiche: Grease bottom of 9-inch pie dish.  Peel 2 medium kumara; slice into 1/8^th inch rounds. Layer dish with rounds, base and sides to form “crust”; halve slices for sides of dish, if needed; spray slices with oil; season. Bake 20mins in 190C oven. In pan over med-high heat, add 1tsp olive oil; add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté 1min; add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1c halved cherry tomatoes. Cook 2mins. Add 4c spinach; cook until fully wilted. Remove from heat; set aside. Tofu filling; blend 374g tofu, 3tbs nutritional yeast, 1tbs olive oil, 1 garlic clove and ground sage in a food processor/blender; season. Blend until smooth. Add filling to vegies; mix gently. Once crust is cooked, add filling; smooth out top. Bake 30mins, or until filling starts to brown.

Mum’s Muffins: Spray muffin pan. Heat 1tbs x-virgin olive oil in saucepan; add 1-1/4c raw quinoa; sauté 3-5mins; stir often; add 1-1/4c water and 1tsp salt. Bring to boil; cover; simmer15-20mins until water is absorbed and quinoa tender, but not mushy. Set aside.  Cook 240g sliced mushrooms and 3 shredded zucchini in pan with olive oil, salt, pepper and crushed garlic. Sauté 10-12mins until liquid is gone; set aside. In bowl, combine 6 large beaten eggs, salt; add 1c shredded cheddar; add vegetables and quinoa; mix well. Fill muffin pans about 3/4 of the way. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top of each muffin. Bake in 190C oven 20mins, or until eggs are cooked.  Makes 18. 

 

My Late Mother at the age of 18 years - Always in my heart...

My Nana...Mum's Mother...at age of 16 years...Always in my heart