Facebook is flooded with messages from children to their moms, moms to moms, about moms, moms to be. Everything all about mothers and mother’s day today. Of course I took the time to share a message of love to my mom.

It was the one update from a friend of mine that really touched my heart and prompted me to write today:
“Mothers – although I am not a real one – I have been blessed with 3 true loves in my life – because of you – I know a little bit about what a joy being a Mom can be.
I have been so lucky to have had family and friends that have shared their lives with me – I know how committed you are to your families – that you would do anything for your children – sacrifice it all – you have made me so proud to be in your presence – my respect and love for Mothers is endless – keep up the good work.”

For those who know me, I am sure the title threw you off a bit. What is she talking about, she doesn’t have kids. No, I don’t. But, again, for those who know me, know that motherly instincts don’t come just from having a child, or children. They come from within, and some nurture them and they come out in life, and others do not.

As I have said in many past posts, I like to entertain and host friends in my condo. I have an IKEA ‘cube’ shaped book shelf that houses all the books that I love to read, a sculpture my grandfather made for me, and more, but in two of the cubes, there are two baskets. One basket is filled with children’s books and the other with stuffed animals and toys. It does seem odd since I don’t have kids, but I do have two nieces and a  nephew, and many friends that bring their children to my home. I want them to be happy when they are here. That way, the adults can enjoy their time together and the kids will be happy. The last time I had a couple of friends over, I asked the four year old daughter, “would you like to sit on my bed and watch Treehouse?” Instant connection.
 
Do you know anyone that doesn’t have children, but has a booster seat in their trunk at all times? Yes, that would be me. I am not a mom, but I am an Aunt, and a very present one if I do say so myself. I love getting phone calls from my nieces asking me to come over and spend some time, or asking me to come to their dance class, or can they come for a swim. You never know when I am going to be needed to take one of them somewhere, so I need to ensure that I have a booster seat. A grandparent is probably used to car seats and boosters because they are often called on for carpool assistance, but an aunt, especially a ‘non mom’….maybe not. 

When my nieces come over to visit, they know that my office is home to all things arts and crafts. Markers, crayons, glue, coloured paper, you name it. I called it camp Auntie Lisa, and have already made a plan with my niece when her sister is away at overnight camp that she will come over and we will have our own special camp time. In all fairness, I have always been creative, and have always had all of this in my life (I even worked at a craft store in the mall during high school), but now that there are children in my life, I can say that it is because of them (wink, wink).

Being in the travel industry for almost 25 years has its advantages. Some of the perks that are earned by agents are discounts on hotels, cruises, tours etc. Some of the perks include free nights at all inclusive resorts. I don’t really have much interest in travelling alone, so I ask my friends if they want to go away. They pay for their flight, and the rest is covered. It is a great offer, yet hard to get a yes from people.

I am very aware of the fact that it is not that easy for a mom to get away. I have written before about my ability to be flexible, and that comes through in my search for travelling companions. I appreciate that my mom friends can’t leave their lives for a whole week. That is why I ask them for a short trip, weekend away, three or four nights at the most. Carpool, after school activities, family life is very full and needs to stay in routine to make it all work. I appreciate all of that, but I also know from many years of watching and observing, everyone, learns to adapt to a changing situation. It doesn’t come natural, but it does happen if given the chance. It also takes time, and I understand that as well. Friends in my life know that there is an open invitation to travel. You need to tell me when you are ready to let go and come away with me, and we will go. It is really as simple as that.
 
I wanted to end with another quote that I just read on facebook which I think sums up how I feel about motherhood vs. womenhood:
“Happy Mother’s Day to ALL the women out there that have loved, guided, mentored, supported, educated, wiped away tears and given a good kick in the ass when needed. Being a mom is not defined by a biological connection but rather by knowing there is a woman who will always be there for you. I’ve been blessed with several of those in my life, and you know who you are”

I hope you all have a happy day today whatever you do. Celebrate your moms, grandmothers, sisters and aunties!

Live your best life,

Lisa

If you are a friend of mine on Facebook you know that I love TBT – Throwback Thursdays. It is a great way to dig up your old school photos and share them with your facebook community. I know that a lot of my connections on FB are friends from ‘back in the day’ and it is funny to see them sharing their photos as well.

Since I am a writer, I thought about sharing my photos with a story attached. I always have a story, and if you know me well, you know that to be true.

So, my first wayback Wednesday is about…well…travelling. Fits into my life I suppose, for the last 24 years being a travel agent.

I enjoy relaxing island vacations, reading, sitting by the pool, but I have come to appreciate that I enjoy going on a “trip” vs. a vacation. They are different, and if you have experienced both, you know what I mean.

Back when I was starting out in the travel business I took my first “trip”. It was April 2005 – 19 years ago, which that in itself is a crazy thought.

It was a crazy whirlwind trip – 7 days, flying into Las Vegas, then onto Los Angeles, then onto San Fransisco, back to Vegas and then home. Three different airlines, six different hotels and three different car rental companies.

We had amazing experiences along the way. A show in Vegas, Red Rock Canyon, a Laker game in LA, Venice Beach and so much more. It was still in the peak of the OJ Simpson trials, and we drove up and down looking for Rockingham (OJ’s street) which we did find, as well as the Bundy Drive townhouse (murder scene).

We did spend almost one whole day waiting on the NBC lot to get into a taping of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. We did get in and saw Hank Aaron, Mark Harmon and Margaret Cho.

And then we arrived in San Fransisco. What a beautiful city that is. Since I was only there for a few days, and it was 19 years ago, I know that it is back on my list as a place that I need to return to, especially now that I am a foodie.

One of the best parts of the trip for me was the visit to Alcatraz. I remember not being that interested in going at the time. What was I thinking??!! It turned out to be one of the best parts of the whole week.

You have to buy tickets in advance. We learned that when we went on our first day and they said that all the departures were full that day. So, we bought tickets for the next day.

Alcatraz Island is a looming land mass in the heart of San Fransisco bay and can be seen from all over the downtown area. You take a boat out to the island. It is then a 1/3 mile walk up the hill to the jail.

You get a head set with pre-recorded descriptions of what you are walking through and what it was when the jail was open. The dining hall was fascinating. Officers were unarmed, while the inmates were “armed” with metal forks, spoons and trays. There were tear gas canisters mounted into the ceiling beams in case there was anyone that got out of control.

The tour talks about the inmates, and the escape attempt of 1962. Three inmates created a very detailed elaborate plan to escape off the island and after lights out on June 11, 1962 they put their plan in action. The were never found and presumed to have drowned in the cold waters of San Fransisco bay.

The Federal prison closed in 1963.

In 1972 Alcatraz island was made part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. and part of the National Park Service. More than 750,000 visitors come to the island annually (statistics from 1995). Recent statistics are about 1.3 million each year.

One of the lessons I started to learn when travelling with others is to have an open mind and be open to compromise. What I really didn’t think I had any interest in turned out to be a trip highlight. If I hadn’t had an open mind, I never would have seem Alcatraz and that would have been a shame.

Stay tuned for my next Wayback Wednesday installment!!