A few years back I was cleaning out my kitchen cupboards. You know, the ones way up high that hold all of those out of sight out of mind items. I spotted the colorful little teapot that I had purchased for my Mother-in-law many years earlier. You see, she was a tea drinker and every visit to her home meant the kettle would go on and she’d break out the Lorna Doone cookies. We’d sit at the dining room table and talk about everything and nothing. One day while shopping in our little hometown gift shop I spotted this adorable little teapot. I just knew it would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for her. My Mother-in-law was an accomplished watercolor artist in her own right, so the colorful, whimsical teapot was a hit as soon as she opened it.

Tea time visits

My Mother-in-law had other cherished teapots, some that had been passed down for generations. But, after that Mother’s Day, each time I visited, she would use that beautiful little teapot. By doing so she made me feel special, cherished, and loved.

Creating together

My Mother-in-law has been gone for several years now and I think of her often. As I pulled the little teapot out of its hiding spot, all those wonderful memories came rushing back. You see, I had not yet started painting when she was alive and always admired her artistic gift, as I held the teapot in my hand’s I suddenly had an inspiration (maybe from mom?). I decided to ask her to join me in painting “our” teapot. So in this painting what you see is a collaboration between this world and the next. I could feel her close to me as I painted and recalled all of those special, simple times of just sharing a simple cup of tea and a cookie with a woman I was so very blessed to call Mom.

Perhaps you have an item that reminds you of someone special who has passed. Think about recreating it in your favorite medium, you might be surprised to feel that special someone is right there with you while you’re “painting a memory”.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Moms!

Keep it simple, keep it kind,

Karen Taylor