To celebrate this motherhood month of May, I’m doing a Europe Rewind on my fave Mom & Me moments from yesteryear.
Enjoy!!
Connie
#10. We are Scots!
Before this trip that was really to see my mother’s childhood stomping grounds, I didn’t realize I would fall in love with my old “homeland” of Scotland too!
To share this experience as mother and daughter was nothing short of incredible. To see where she came from (shipyard areas) to emigrating at 19 with three children to America and making a life for herself despite many obstacles was truly once-in-a-lifetime. Hearing the stories, like her mother pawning her father’s suit on Tuesday until he got paid on Friday (wherein he would redeem the suit to be fit to go drinking that night, as per the custom, and repeat the process). Seeing the “close” (apartment) she lived in, the humble circumstances and the gritty environment. And feeling of the still-present angst and just-beneath-the-surface rumble (we were there at the time of the elections–amazing). And, with that backdrop you wouldn’t believe how completely friendly and helpful the Glasgow people are!! Good hearts and open hospitality. LOVED LOVED LOVED these wonderful people.
And, for me, Scotland was my home turf too for a few years. As a child, I remember wearing tartan kilts, eating Mars bars (with the black wrapper), and Curly Wurly’s (my one regret–I didn’t buy one!) Real shortbread and bangers and mash with “mushy” peas. These memories came back so clear, it shocked me.
Sharing our pre-America lives together proved hilarious and tender and memorable in so many ways; hence, it’s my first on the Top 10 List. Go Scots!!!
P.S. Do you have your copy of my book? What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know: 10 Secrets to Connect Moms and Daughters. (What Every Kid Needs To Know.) Even if your kids are grown, recommend this to your friends and family with elementary age girls. The reviews have been coming in, and they are great! CLICK HERE for your own copy.
“I truly loved reading this inspirational book. From the first page I was inspired and just absolutely indulged myself in every word. Connie Sokol is so honest and touched on so many points that felt so familiar to me. It is nice to see that other women experience these times and emotions.”
“I LOVE books like this! Short, funny chapters make it a quick pick it up… read a little… put it down… go on with life… pick it up again…put it down… ponder… pick it up again…etc. Each chapter is its own story of the wonderment of all that it means in being female. So put life on hold, take a deep breath, and dive into these pages. They will leave you renewed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.”
-Shauna Wheelwright
“This is a really fun and uplifting book. It’s one I need to read a bit of each day to remind me that I’m doing okay as a Mom, that I’m going to make it, and that I can enjoy this Mom ride! This would be a fabulous Mother’s Day present for yourself or any mom who needs a good laugh and some inspiration to keep going!”
-Cami
“What an enjoyable very quick, and often witty read. You will get pulled in and start turning the pages for Connie’s Gems of Wisdom.”
-Maureen
