We Deserve More Than A Few Paragraphs

 by Tresia Smith  on April 21, 2023

Mothers’ Day Blog

Usually when writing my blogs, I dedicate a paragraph or two to what is going on during the month. Well … WE deserve more than a few paragraphs. WE deserve sonnets, poems, essays and monuments. So this is my special Mothers’ Day edition in honor of the super women in your family. I have ideas for restaurants, events, and even though the creator of Mothers’ Day Anna Jarvis ended up REGRETTING that it existed because of the commercialism, I’m listing a gift giving guide. Because no matter how commercial it has become, try walking in the house without a gift for the mother figure in your life.

Before I give a brief overview of Anna Jarvis, first and foremost let me just say that Mother's Day is a special day to celebrate and honor mothers, but for those who have lost their mother or do not have a relationship with their mother, it can be a difficult day. If you find yourself in this situation, know that you are not alone and that it's okay to feel a range of emotions.

There is no rule book when it comes to how or how long you grieve. It comes in waves and there is no straight line or timeframe. It’s hard. It’s messy. And it’s normal. Remember you don’t have to DO anything on this day besides turning off all social media and the television to avoid being triggered. But if you feel strong enough to honor your mother and the connection the two of you had, simply talk to her (as I am sure you have), write her a letter or poem, frame her handwriting (something I wish I would have done. My mother’s handwriting was THE fanciest thing I have ever seen. It looked like calligraphy), spend time with others who loved her, explore her favorite hobby or repurpose her jewelry. Remember, your mother's love and memory will always be with you.

Anna Jarvis - Creator of Mothers’ Day 

Yes … Anna was OVER IT. The holiday that she created, which became a national holiday in 1914 had become too commercialized for her and she eventually campaigned to have it rescinded! LMBO!

The idea first came to Anna through her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis. Mrs. Jarvis was very active in her church where she ran Mother’s Day Work Clubs to combat high infant and young children mortality rates due to diseases that ravaged their community. She spent her life teaching mothers how to care for their children and wanted them to be recognized for it. "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mothers' day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it," Mrs Jarvis said.

When Anna’s mother died, she promised to carry on her mother’s dream but she approached it from a daughter’s perspective. She envisioned it as a day to honor the one woman who dedicated their life to you. Her tagline (oops sorry, modern day language), her MOTTO was "For the Best Mother who Ever Lived—Your Mother."

Three years after Mrs Jarvis's death, the first Mother's Day was celebrated in the Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia - Anna Jarvis chose the second Sunday in May because it would always be close to 9 May, the day her mother had died. Anna handed out hundreds of white carnations, her mother's favorite flower, to the mothers who attended.

As we now know, the popularity of the day grew and grew to the point where you couldn’t find a white carnation anywhere. The greeting card and candy industry jumped on the bandwagon and in 1910 Mother’s Day became a state holiday in Virginia and a national holiday in 1914. Anna was having none of this and was quoted as saying "WHAT WILL YOU DO to rout charlatans, bandits, pirates, racketeers, kidnappers and other termites that would undermine with their greed one of the finest, noblest and truest movements and celebrations?" By 1920, she was urging people not to buy flowers at all.

Things To Do

I’m not trying to tell you that SOMETHING should have been planned or in the works by now. But in case you are the “shop for Christmas presents on Christmas Eve” type person, here are a few suggestions for you to start working on NOW!

• Mother's Day Good Music Festival 
• Grand Bazaar Pop Up
• Harlem Gospel Choir at the Blue Note
• MJ The Musical (you HAVE TO SEE THIS! 🔥)
• Yacht Party (Hip Hop vs Caribbean)
• Spa Weekend Getaway
• Painting With A Twist
• A Mother's Day Tribute to the Ladies Of Soul
• Wine and Brush Experience
• Candle Making
• All White Mother's Day Cruise
• Staycation at the Conrad Hotel
• Sculpt Without Sight 



Places To Eat

According to a survey done in 2022 by the National Restaurant Association, 27% plan on visiting a restaurant on Mother’s Day. 18% said that they will order takeout (I shudder at that thought), and 38% said that they expect to eat a home cooked meal at their home or at someone else’s home. Soooo …. I am going to list some restaurant suggestions BUT another option is to have your dinner catered by yours truly! We can discuss whether you want the meal prepared and delivered, heated and plated OR hire me as your private chef for the evening. Whatever you have in mind, I got you covered!

Gift Giving Guide

Although 54% of Americans believe that Mother’s Day is a valid holiday and deserves to be bombarded by gifts,  Anna Jarvis was having none of it. Even before it had become a national holiday, she had claimed copyright on the phrase "Second Sunday in May, Mother's Day" and threatened to sue anyone who used it! lol  Her last ditch effort was going door to door, at the age of 80, asking people to sign a petition to have the holiday rescinded. I really do NOT want to feed into the notion that Mother’s Day has become too commercialized because I don’t want Anna turning over in her grave. So I am only going to list heartfelt gifts that mean something or makes her life a little easier.

Hey there! Just wanted to give you a heads up that some of the links on this page are affiliate links. That means if you click on them and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission (and maybe even enough to buy a bottle of wine). But don't worry, I only recommend products and services I truly believe in or have actually used myself (and that won't give you a case of the giggles). Cheers!

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Why You Should Hire Me 

Mother's Day is a special occasion to show your love and appreciation for your mom. A private chef can help you create a memorable experience by preparing a delicious home-cooked meal that suits your mother's taste and dietary requirements. Here are some additional reasons why hiring a private chef may be the perfect choice for your Mother's Day celebration:

• A private chef can take care of all the meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up, so you can spend more time with your mom and less time in the kitchen.

• You can choose from a wide variety of dishes and cuisines, such as Italian, French, Asian, or vegan, and even incorporate your mom's favorite ingredients or family recipes.

• A private chef can also provide a personalized touch, such as decorating the table, serving the courses, or creating a special cocktail or dessert for your mom.

• Hiring a private chef may be more affordable than dining out at a fancy restaurant, especially if you have a large family or want to avoid the crowds and noise of public places.

Don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your Mother's Day meal ideas and preferences. Let's make this day unforgettable for your mom!