Handmade, homegrown or store bought? You tell me. 

With my mom’s retirement and the pandemic keeping us mostly confined to our homes, we all have to find ways to motivate ourselves, cheer each other up and lift our spirits. For me, I tend to lose myself in yarn projects, soap-making and other DIY home decor projects. Since the SIP, I’ve made my first pair of slipper socks, explored punch needle embroidery and now, I’m crocheting a scrap blanket. I love that you can do so much with just one hook and a ball of yarn. 

For my mom, she never really took much interest in these hobbies or any others. She just admired them from the sidelines and encouraged me to do what I love. It was only until she cleaned the garage and found stacks of paper and excess supplies that my sister and I left behind that she found her passion. 

It started with one petal, then two petals and three, and then it transformed into this paper rose. In making this rose, my mom found a hobby, something that she’s passionate and proud of. Something that makes her smile. Something that brings her to life. 

My mom found herself.