Good Old Popeye

When my 12 year old daughter was little she always lamented the fact that I am not a "high heels Mom". I think one of the reasons she loves Easter so much is because it ups the odds that I may wear heels. There was a time when I wore heels and dresses, big hair and a lot more make up; but those days are mostly found in various photo albums from the 80's. You know the ones with the sticky back pages that yellow over time? Don't worry this isn't about yellowing! Anyway, I know that while she still wishes I was a high heels Mom from time to time she loves me for the Birkenstock, jeans and and light coating of foundation Mom that I am. I love all of the kinds of Mom's there are. The Birkies like me, the high heels, the ponytail and track suits, the housecoats (retro Mom's), the Zen Moms, the worried ones, all of them.

You know what I don't love? Any moment that I have spent in judgement of my sister Mothers (this should be a TLC reality show). Mom's who happen to be reading this, you know what I mean. I am ashamed to admit that there was a time when I judged the really well put together Moms. These Mom's are typically found in the high heels and ponytail categories. I would think how the HELL are they doing the mother thing well and still look that GOOD? It was a dark period for me I can assure you. I know I am not alone. I know that there is that mythic maternal goddess who has 5 children, is a neurosurgeon, keeps an immaculate house, is solving the local homeless problem and  has home schooled her brood to successful admission into Harvard. She is also relentlessly happy and has amazing teeth (I may want to seek the help of a professional about my emerging "teeth issue"). This woman is a fictional character but she sure is powerful. She causes us to be suspicious of one another. She is at the root of every doubt you have ever felt about your motherhood, your household, your career choice (in or out of the home). When you judge another mother based on trivialities such as household clutter, bad hair, or the wearing of flats think of her; then think again. We are all in this together. I have yet to meet another Mom who I haven't learned something from. I caution you to avoid Pinterest. I have found that the mythic maternal goddess has been extra busy over there!!!

So here's the thing, in thinking about the Mom I am; I find a role model in Popeye the Sailor Man. I enjoy spinach, I am extremely powerful when it comes to defending my loved ones and I am pretty darn comfortable in my Birkenstocks. I yam what I yam! Also, I find that I mumble incoherently under  my breath but perhaps I have taken the Popeye imagery far enough.