Mommy at the Civic Arena, June 1964

Collage of My Mom at the Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, June 1964, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

My Mom would have been eighty-five on October 2nd. She passed away on Valentine's Day this year. My sister and I spent her birthday together visiting some of her favorite places in San Diego and doing things that she would have enjoyed.

This snapshot of my Mom was taken by me in June of 1964 in front of the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The occasion was my eldest brother's high school graduation. My cousin and I accompanied my Mom to the festivities, and you can see the picture that she took of us here.

Love you and miss you, Mutti ♥

In My Parents' Garden

In My Parents' Garden (11), originally uploaded by confections.

I am grieving the loss of my Mother this past Valentine's Day and finding solace in images of the cottage garden she and my father created. These photos were taken circa 1987, four years before my father died.

My Mom & Youngest Sister, 1969

My Mom & Youngest Sister, 1969, originally uploaded by confections.

Today is my mother's 84th birthday. Happy Birthday, Mutti! Looking forward to your visit in November.

This image of my Mom and baby sister was captured circa June 1969 by my eldest brother, gms.

My Mom (on the right) and Her Childhood Friend Dorothy

My Mom (on the right) and Her Childhood Friend Dorothy, originally uploaded by confections.

Today is my Mom's 83rd birthday. I'm popping the cork by sharing these photos of her and her childhood friend Dorothy. The first photo found its way to us through a contact on ancestry.com. Amazing serendipity. Thank you, Libby!

Her friend Dorothy is still alive and kickin' and a few years ago shared a photo of the two of them as high-schoolers ice-skating on Bull Creek in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. My Mom, on the left in the photo below, made her green corduroy skating skirt. It had a gold satin lining.

My Mom exudes the Venusian energy which is a hallmark of her Libra sun sign. She is a social creature and loves beauty in her surroundings. She is witty, loves a good joke, and has an infectious laugh. She'll beat you at any card game, but especially at pinochle.

She is an excellent cook and baker (oh, I'd love a home-cooked meal and a slice of her apple pie right now!) and reveled in the joys of marriage and raising a family of seven children. I developed my appreciation for the charms of tea and conversation over the kitchen table with my Mom.

Happy Birthday, Mutti!