A few years ago...

...in a land called California, the mother of me was born! Yes folks that's right, November 4th is not just election day in the good ol' U S of A.  It is a milestone in history, because one of the creators of one of the creators of the Squab & Chicken entered the world.

Mum on her wedding day, June 1969

So, to continue the avian themed code-naming of the ohana (yeah, I think I'll create a reference key somewhere), I have decided to call me mum the `Apapane (see pronunciation & hear it sing).

I have chosen this name, because MY MUM SINGS.  Beautifully. Like a heavenly songbird.  My mum also lives in Hawaii, which is where you'll find the `Apapane.  Make sense?

****Stray thought****Anyway, I'm acknowledging briefly that I did not post for Halloween, which is my favorite holiday to decorate for.  I will plan to do a Halloween post later in the week with pics from my graveyard (past & present).****End stray thought****

(L-R) Mum with baby me, Mum's gran, Mum's mum with little me's big sis 1974

So yes, 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMMY!!!!!!

Even though I have not gotten to celebrate many birthdays or holidays with her since I married the Stork & I don't always remember to send her a card or gift, I still celebrate her. Everyday.  

She is one of the strongest, most successful women I know. She may not be creative in the same ways that I am & we may not share the same sense of humor, but we share a shoe size, hair type & love of family & friends.   

(L-R) Moi, Mum & Sis 197?

Now there are people out there who will tell you that being compared to their mother is an offense, an insult, a "worst nightmare come true" scenario.  I'm not one of those people. 

On the contrary, I take being compared to my mother as a compliment.  My mother is beautiful inside & out, intelligent, talented beyond belief (I still maintain that I can pick her voice out in any choir recording or live performance, sight unseen), strong, compassionate, funny, caring...I could go on forever.

I get my sense of loyalty from her.  She taught me how to cook.  She taught me that singing, no matter how bad my voice might sound, can be liberating.  She taught me to love unconditionally.  

Basically, despite our differences, I love my mum with all that I have & am so much more than grateful for all she has done for me & mine.  I may not have always liked or agreed with the way she did things, but I've never doubted that she loves me & will always be there for me.  For that, I not only consider myself more than lucky, but also truly blessed.

I love you Mum, more than everything & only minusculey less than my boys.  ;)  Thank you. 

(L-R) Chicken, `Apapane & Squab 20??