Posted by Mindy Tulsi-Ingram on 3rd May 2021
May 2021 Newsletter: Mother's Day
This May, I am grateful for the influence of all the mothers in my life. This includes my mother, my mother-in-law, my biological aunties and my many other aunties (in Singapore, every mother older than you is your auntie by default).
My mother was an incredible force - she never had the chance to go to school, but she raised 10 kids, went through 12 births and ran a huge household successfully. She had a simple yet powerful tool to keep her 10 kids in line: it was her look, her eyes, which I call her dagger eyes. If you got those eyes, you knew you had crossed the line...and you never wanted to cross that line. When not disciplining her children, she was an extremely kind and generous person. Whenever she visited friends and relatives, she always arrived bearing a gift. In fact, that’s where I got my start of making gift baskets...thanks mom.
My relationship with my son is different. The dagger eyes only work sometimes - Canadian culture is different and mothers discipline differently here. My relationship with Aaron is fun, reciprocal, and less hierarchical. I learn so much from Aaron, and his enthusiasm, tenacity and positive disposition have been a huge blessing in this pandemic. I am grateful that despite the current situation, we were stuck together and continue to learn from each other.
Happy Mother’s Day to all!
On April 20th, I was given the opportunity to share with The Rotary Club on COVID and Abundance. Click here to read the transcript from my rotary talk.
I also had a great time giving a 15 minute presentation, entitled The Art of Appreciation at the Havan Suppliers Council meeting on April 21st. Thank you to Renée Auer, Senior Director of Membership & Sales of Havan, for the opportunity.
Canadian Roadtrip - Take a trip from West to East Coast with our favorite treats across the country.
A Perfect Potlatch - This West Coast themed basket stuffed with local goodies and packaged in a beautiful First Nations potlatch bowl is a thoughtful and creative gift.
Dinner in a Box Basket - Want to treat someone to dinner? Take them for Dinner in a Box!
Just Give Me Chocolate - The chocolate lover’s dream!
Glorious Canadian - Decorative and functional platter with a contemporary interpretation of elements from Sea to Sky.
Kitchen Creations - Create magic in the kitchen with the assistant of the mischievous and curious Raven that also symbolizes creation and knowledge.
Personal Service Coupons, Redeemable by Mom. I love the coupons that I receive from my son and the way he presents them. The service is especially valuable, because YOU are the provider. Create coupons for a house cleaning service, a home cooked meal, or tech support. Or offer to to things that are the least favorite on your mother’s list.
Plant a garden with your mother this spring. Try to feature her favorite flowers, trees, or herbs. Not only is this a gift of beauty, but it means you will spend quality time outdoors together.
A Note Box to say I love you. Fill a box up with notes, each one detailed things you value about her. You can write down your favorite memories together or humorous anecdotes, or ways she has inspired you.
Mom’s Day Out. Spend dedicated, quality time with your mother. Plan an entire day with her, with outdoor time, a picnic lunch, and a film you can enjoy together at the end of the day.
Say Thanks. Don’t forget to tell your mother how much she means to you and tell her how grateful you are to have her in your life. No Mother’s Day is complete without an acknowledgment of her immense influence and continued support.
Why don’t they have Mother’s Day sales?
Because Mothers are priceless.
Everyone needs a laugh these days. Here are 75 (yes, 75!) jokes about Mother’s Day that will bring a smile to your family, especially the guest of honour. Whether you can be together or not this year, these jokes will add some much needed levity to your celebrations. They will also be a hit in your greeting card message!
’Tis the season for spring cleaning! Let some uplifting music bring some sparkle—or at least a sing-along—to your home.
The glue that holds our family together in tough times is music. Our home rocks out whenever we can. We have varied taste: we enjoy rock, jazz and even country music! And no time is better blasting tunes than while cleaning.
What are your favourite songs to jam to while you’re cleaning your place? Me, I like to pop on some classic rock – Rolling Stones, is a particular favourite. The Atlantic has curated a rockin’ playlist if you need some new tunes in your life.
We would love to hear your Mother's Day dedication on any of our social media platforms. Let’s toast to all the mamas, grannies and aunties out there!
Be gentle, love fiercely, laugh often and rock loudly!