Nellie Rose I think it is part of her Mexican culture, but my mother taught me this: Kitchens are not just for empty stomachs, they are for dancing feet and heart-to-hearts. The kitchen should feel like the safest room in the house, and there is no place someone will be more open with you than over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table or over a pile of dishes in the sink. My mom is a counselor to family, friends, and the plumber, and her kitchen is her office. I like that, and I hope my kitchen will be as frequented as hers someday.

Casart Coverings You'll see 3 generations of mothers in these two Casart comments, which at this posting happen to be next to each other (if I can type fast enough). I'm the granddaughter in the third generation of mothers. My mother, like my grandmother, seemed to have the answer and solution for everything. She did it all: wife & social responsibilities, volunteer, mother to four, cook, housekeeper, errand runner, lunch packer, carpooler, trip & party planner, costume seamstress, pet caretaker and so much more. I don't know how she did it and maintained her sanity but she did and still found time time for all of us and still does, especially now as my business partner. Amid this busy schedule she taught us love, responsibility and how to carve out time for yourself. Whenever I get stressed or overwhelmed she says to take a break, read a decorating magazine, which I do, and have a cup of tea; sit outside enjoy the beauty around you and remember don't sweat the small stuff. The lesson I have learned from my mother and I am still trying to apply is find balance in life. Take time to smell the roses. She once showed me the symbolic significance of the dogwood flower and consequently, I try to look at life with different perspectives -- one from what you know and the other from what is still to learn.

Casart Coverings My goodness, from where did you resurrect all those old pictures! You should ALWAYS be learning, no matter how long you live. I have learned to graciously accept the praise I am given that I deserve and also that which I do not deserve!