Being a Mother is More Than…

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day.  And I want to encourage you (even if you’re a man) to acknowledge yourself – and others! – for the multitude of ways in which we “mother.”

The definition of mother and motherhood is often outside the tradition definition and is also defined as "a creative source; an origin," "to give birth to; create and produce," and "to watch over, nourish, and protect."

This is not to take away any respect and honor from those who’ve raised children; rather to acknowledge that we often "mother" ideas, organizations, communities, groups of people and more.

When we take responsibility for bringing to fruition a goal, are we acknowledging the "mothering" we do?  The title of "mother" is revered and respected.  It is important because, if done well, is a very important role.

The idea of motherhood is applied to people who have never physically birthed a baby, and for those that have, may apply to more than just their offspring.

I bring up this idea now because, as we "mother" concepts, ideas and possibilities for Latinos, we play a role in a changing and evolving country.  For those of you involved in non-profit organizations, you may very well "mother" dozens and maybe even hundreds of people.

For those of you in organizations where you play a strong mentorship role to others, you "mother" the possibilities in each member of your team or mentees.

For those of you in communities, in churches, in groups of friends and families where you find yourself nurturing, supporting and watching over others, you are the mothering spirit, the key in those places.

Acknowledge ALL the ways in which you and others "mother" in ways big and small.  Acknowledge that the idea of "mothering" is not limited to women, and not limited to our relationship with humans younger than us.  Acknowledge that the idea of "mother" is a sacred idea, and that we can use this idea to grow each other, to give birth to things, and to be the creative source, the origin for the change we want to see in our world.

Recetas Para la Vida

Recipes for Life (Recetas para la Vida) has partnered with Papyrus (a leading social expressions company -- there's probably one in your local mall!) to offer each one of Y.O.U. a special gift for Mother's Day.

Make sure and pop into your local Papyrus store to get a special edition of a complimentary Mothers’ Day Recipes for Life card offered to everyone that visits one of the Papyrus 180 stores.

Click here for the front and inside to see what the beautiful card looks like.

And if you haven't yet visited Recipes for Life on Facebook, click here now to "Like" their page so they can get a fan page. Go Becky and Iliana! :)

Los Bilingual Writers

For those of you who might not know, Los Bilingual Writers mentors storytellers of the future, preserves a record of the past and... 
promotes the literary present to strengthen cultural communities and honor linguistic origins.

This group works with youth of color to write the stories of their lives, their families and their communities.

They are currently pre-selling their next anthology.  Email losbilingualwriters@cox.net, call 619.384.7144, or visit www.Los Bilingual Writers.org, and Become a Fan on Facebook to learn more.

Cinco de Mayo

This past week we celebrated Cinco de Mayo.  And yet, many don't know the true history of Cinco de Mayo.  They don't know that Cinco de Mayo commemorates the battle of Puebla, an historic battle in Mexico but
*not* Mexican Independence Day.

They don't know that the battle of Puebla in 1862 is hailed as one of histories most memorable underdog victories.

They don't know that when the French were driven out of Mexico it was the last time an army from a foreign continent invaded the Americas.

For those of them who DON'T know, spend some time this week educating those around you about Cinco de Mayo and about one of the pieces of Latino history.  Ay, carumba!  :)