Seasons of Motherhood
Season of Change
As a new school term begins and she turns 14, I’m transported back to a time when I had her thigh-high at my side, a proper mini partner-in-crime. I can remember most of our conversations from back then. With a few I’ve just left right there, in those happy carefree moments when she couldn’t tell the time and I didn’t look at a watch. We had micro adventures daily, we could write books about some of them, maybe we will. This day was about a walk up to the woods. This was about finding the right sticks to bash away the tree pirates and obviously to measure how much the wheat field was growing. Somewhere into the walk would be the question “Did you bring snacks mama? I want blueberries, have you got some?”
This year has undoubtedly been a year of immeasurable adventures for many of us. Mostly and safely closer to home than usual. She may well be nine years older, but this daughter of mine has skipped into a new school year after six months out, with fresh attitude and a little more sass. Not so much my thigh-high baby buddy, nor holding my hand or brandishing sticks quite so much these days, but here before me is a young warrior who’s carving her way in this world with innovation, curiosity and sackfuls of kindness.

This is Artifact Motherhood; a collaboration of artists from around the world who have come together to share our stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Through our writings and visual records, we want to create memories that are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for our children and for generations to come.
This entry is the third in a series called “Seasons of Motherhood” and is meant to be one picture and one caption that represents our current journey/season of motherhood.
Please visit the next artist in our blog circle, the talented Jess Cheetham, and continue through all the artists until you get back to me.
Such beautiful words Jo, how you mirrored then and now ! Words she will love to read. x
Thank you Caro, I hope she does. x
Oh what beautiful memories you have! I think the two of you should definitely write more about them.. And what a glorious photo.. I adore your little warrior❤
Thank you Ann! It’s the memories that keep giving, I should write them as I find them, huge love to you x
Such a lovely memory. And so lovely to hear that all those adventures and time with you have given your daughter the space and confidence to thrive in school! Beautiful shot xx
Your photograph depicts her beautifully, she is lucky to have a Mama that sees her with your eyes, that in itself is empowering. xx
Thank you so much, what a lovely thing to say! We have such a responsibility to rightly empower our children, don’t we. xx
What sweet memories! Makes me want to get out with my own little ones more right this very moment. Thank you!
Ah they really are, and yes you must! Can’t wait to share some of yours also!
Such optimism and hope in your words. Having reflected at times on my moments with my own children, I wished I had the power of memory or hindsight to write down our adventures earlier. Luckily, I do have photos instead. But, writing down together sounds a really good idea. I hope you and J will do it some day.
I love this little turning back of the clock, because how quickly it passes from this stage to those 14 year olds!!! I want to get out some old photos now!!
I think that’s why we do what we do, isn’t it. So that we can turn back the clock and feel that time again and again. Thank you Kirsty, can’t wait to see some of your old photos!
oh Jo.. such a beautifully written tribute to a time that was and the time that is now. its so bittersweet, but also incredibly beautiful!
Thank you Cindy, I won’t deny feeling a little emotional writing this! More so for these parallels in this time and then.
Oh my goodness what a sweet memory and tribute, and the photo is perfect to your words. <3
This is such a timeless moment and sentiment. What beautiful words that will, no doubt, be cherished for years to come.
I love your words paired with this image. When you talk about her being thigh high it goes well with the corn being thigh high to her. It’s painful and wonderful to look back and realise how quickly it’s all gone. Days seemingly endless and then suddenly where has the time gone? I think there’s been a lot of silver linings to this pandemic, one of them being a gift to slow down time and saviour it the moments. x
Such a sweet memories, I too miss all the times I spent with my girls when they were little, they grow too fast!!