Bow Regard

When my mother was pregnant with me, she worked in an office with a lot of women who were older than she was.

One day at work, one of my mother's colleagues stood next to her and said, "Cathy, you're going to have to learn to tie bows."

When my mother looked puzzled, her co-worker glanced down at Mom's tummy and explained, "I can tell by the way you're carrying that baby that it's going to be a girl." And she was right.

Years later, when I was twelve or thirteen, my mother told me that story while she was tying the bow on the back of a blouse.

She said, "Now every time I tie a bow for you I remember that."

And now, many, many more years later, so do I.

Every time I tie a bow, I remember my mother tying my bows for me,

and imagine her, so young, wondering what it would be like when she was the mother of a little girl.

I tie a pretty good bow, but they're never as good as hers...

Merry Christmas, Mom! I love you!

And Merry Christmas to everyone else, too!! My mother is actually arriving here today, so you may not hear from me for a bit. I hope everyone's holiday is beautiful, stress-free, and filled with love, and that not all of the gifts you receive have a price tag on them. Remember -- love is always one-size-fits-all.

(Also remember -- dressing well makes the onslaught of relatives much easier to bear. Your mother-in-law will be much less tiresome if you are wearing your favorite shoes. Trust me.) Happy Holidays, everyone!!

Photos: Style.com