ode de mama.

a little note on mother's day.
___

every time i move into a new apartment you buy me a new tea kettle. it's the dearest thing. i don't know what it is, but somehow you get me all set up, decide to boil some hot water, and find that the whistle is broken. god forbid i burn the house down.

in fifth grade i was afraid to go to school because i thought you were going to die while i was there. remember that? {oh, kids, where do they come up with this stuff?}. i hated going away to sleepovers because i couldn't bare not sleeping down the hall from you. i believe they call that separation anxiety at it's very finest, a textbook case if you will.

now, ironically enough, i'm three thousand miles away from you, and oh how i miss you so. 

somehow, i think the distance saved us, ya know? you know me better than anyone else in the world, and this new chapter is helping us to get each other for once and for all. i've truly lost track of where we veered off course and frankly, it doesn't matter because we're finding our way back again. no matter where i go or what i do, i need you more than any other person on the planet. do you know that? despite any negative exchanges between us, it all comes down to one thing. love. you love me more than anything, this i know for sure. somehow i know that every single ounce of energy you've ever given me - positive or negative - is because you created me and you care about me more than i know how to care for another human being. someday i'll learn.

you are passionate and talented. more talented than you could ever possibly know. can you make me a promise? create more. make those topiary trees you were always so good at. redecorate a room or two. get a dog to cuddle with. turn on billy joel and dance in the family room - glass of wine in hand. share your goodness with the world, you have so much to offer. you are one of those unique people who is gorgeous both inside and out.

happy mother's day. thank you for giving me life. and thank you for being one of my biggest fans. motherhood sometimes feels like a one-way street, huh? a give give give while the other takes takes takes. well, i vow to start driving down this newly created two-way street. fresh black pavement, yellow dividers, and all.

let's start now.

hi, mom. how was your day?

i love you.
geans
___

to all the moms out there, i wish you a day of recognition and goodness.

*photo taken on irving street, nyc. easter 2013.

and don't take the subway late at night.

i have never in my life been more grateful for two people than i am for my mom and dad. we've had some rocky years, the three of us, but we sure did make it through, now didn't we? it seems like a lot of tough sh*t {pardon my french here, although the circumstances do deserve a word a lot worse than that one} has happened lately. yes of course there has been so much good, but amongst the goodness came a whole lot of bad. rock bottom, in fact. stressful and unplanned situations, but guess who was there?

sometimes we all just need our parents. 

my mom and dad, they are truly the most supportive individuals a daughter could ask for, and i couldn't be more thankful i have them in my corner. 

and that's all i really wanted to tell you, sweet readers, on this president's day eve after mom and dad spent a full three days as east coasters. it was a weekend filled with walking and endless apartment viewing and discussing financial matters and freezing our buns off and bundling up and dining out and opening our eyes and hearts to a new life in a new city. i know it's hard adjustment you two, i really do, and i can see you digging deep to feel proud of me rather than fearful. for this i am oh-so-grateful.

honey, will you do something for me?

sure.

will you be careful? 

yes, of course.

you promise?

yeah dad, i will.

just be cognizant while you're walking around. 

i know, don't worry.

{long pause}.

and don't take the subway late at night. 

so yeah, thank you for loving me. 


*photo captured during our first time adventure to chelsea market.

happy holidays.

i must admit, i get more annoyed than i should this time of year when mom tries to pick out the christmas card. i get the annual text, email, and call: we're going to try and take our christmas picture this weekend! same routine. every year. without fail. i should be more on board and incredibly grateful to have three beautiful people to call my unconditionally loving family. and i am! i truly am. i mean, look at these gems.

where did the blond hair come from? i bet you want to know. same here.

i am so honored this year's photo got to be taken at my digs. with the view! that i'll treasure forever and ever. just the four of us hanging on for dear life squeezed on the fire escape. i am so blessed.

happy holidays! love, the martini's.

oh, thank heaven.

...for little girls {as i believe the saying goes}.

well, this here little girl happens to be a very special one. my sweet goddaughter.

meet priscilla.

she's pretty precious, to say the least. a spit fire in her own way, who loves ballerina poses, candy, and tea parties more than anything on the planet. i can already tell she is growing up to be a sassy and confident young lady who can hold her own, and is not afraid to express her own personal style. that's what we need more of in this world, don't you think? fearless little girls.

i can't wait for the day when she can come to me with anything she needs. gina, will you help me with my homework? oh my gosh! that boy kissed me on the cheek! will you help teach me to drive?

oh yes, i can't wait to be there every step of the way. i vow to the best godmamma i can possibly be {what an underrated role it is}.

the other day i received a text message from mom:
also, went to say hi to jami and the girls and priscilla made you a necklace. amy, rich, and i got a pink piece of paper. think she likes you the best? lol

exhibit a.

the newest jewels to add to the collection. i wore it to work last week, paired with a simple white tee and a red scarf. it really tied in the colors nicely. whether or not she likes me the best, i love homemade gifts. and, for this one, i'm incredibly thankful.