Mamaknology: Defined

My mother passed from this life on February 5, 1985. Before she left, she had a lot to say, and now I find myself acting on her words and even (gasp!) repeating them. Funny, but the older I get, the smarter my mother becomes. Even funnier, is how applicable her advice is. When my personal code of ethics gets skewed, when I'm lost for a response, when my sisterfriends get twisted, it's my mother's voice I hear -- her wisdom I draw from.

My mother was the leading 20th Century proponent of Mamaknology. Honey, believe it when I tell you that some of my friends even call me to ask, "what would your mother say about..." and I have the nerve to have an answer! I did tell you that my mama had a lot to say, didn't I?

Since Mamaknology is my word, I get to define it. Mamaknology is the acquired art and science of living as a woman -- as opposed to surviving as a female. Mamaknology is the reminder of manners and the actualization of self. The knowing it / saying it / doing it with style, flair, love, and authority -- now, that's Mamaknology in full effect.

The biggest things I've learned in all my years as a practicing Mamaknologist (daughter) is to love myself, to be present in this life, and to share the good things. So, because I have only one daughter to bequeath this abundance of wisdom to, and cats don't listen, I'm going to bless you with some of my acquired Mamaknology.