You may remember from my post about Britmum’s live that one of the few sessions I truly enjoyed was that run by Pippa from Story of Mum. I had the pleasure of chatting with her over a beer in the evening about the Story of Mum exhibition and quite honestly I loved it. I loved the idea of mum’s doing something together to remind the world that they’re not just mum’s, they are a whole bunch of other things too and shouldn’t be defined by that one word.
Now you may wonder what the hell this has got to do with a dad who writes a blog? Well this awesome exhibition is on it’s holiday’s at the moment and is visiting a different blog each day. That blogger then gets the chance to add something to the exhibition. Which is where I come in with a world exclusive. Yes, that’s right for the first time a dad is hosting this exhibition. Yours truly and I definitely don’t feel under any pressure to get this right, no sireee!
First the curate bit
Here I’m required to share something from the exhibition galleries, there are many photos, videos and poems written by mum’s in the exhibition but one really grabbed my attention. This beautiful video by Betty B describes so well the emotional rollercoaster I’ve seen the lady of the manor experience in her time as a mum. But I like how through all the challenges Betty sounds so excited and passionate about being a mum. Yes she is many other things as well but she’s proud of being a mum and all that comes with it.
Do take time to watch this video and also have a look at the many other wonderful entries into the exhibition that you can find on the Story of Mum website.
Now the create bit
So now the tough bit, my entry into the exhibition, I feel very honoured to be the first dad hosting this so I hope my entry can live up to the challenge. I did think about getting a photo of the lady of the manor in here with her ‘I’m a mum and…’ entry, but actually I’d like to share the below prose with you which captures how this dad see’s mums and one mum in particular who amazes me every day.
Mum. Mother. Mummy.
Many names but the same meaning, a loss of identify, of personality.
But deep down it’s still there, a glimmer every so often of a life that seems so long ago.
The tidal wave of parenthood takes over, washes you out, strips you down.
But you don’t panic, you stay calm, fight the urge to scream. Mostly.
One day you decide enough, you take control, you restore the balance.
The same person, but different, that smile returns. A glint in your eye.
A reminder of where it began. This adventure we embarked on together.
My best friend, cake baker extraordinaire, owner of the best smile in the west, red wine lover, Peanut M&M addict.
Oh and greatest mum in the world.
August 9, 2013 at 8:41 am
*wipes away tears*. Lovely. You did the dad’s proud 🙂 Thanks so much for stepping up and joining us in the virtual exhibition xx
August 9, 2013 at 6:31 pm
no problem, love this concept so was an honour to be involved
August 9, 2013 at 8:45 am
Lovely 🙂
August 9, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Just beautiful. Another proof of how poetic you are 🙂
August 9, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Cheers Sabrina, have quite enjoyed a bit of poetry writing recently. Nice to do something different
August 9, 2013 at 2:34 pm
This is a lovely post! You’re almost as good as my daughter’s dad! =p
August 9, 2013 at 6:30 pm
hehe clearly he sets a high standard 🙂
August 9, 2013 at 9:56 pm
aw lovely post Ben. 🙂
August 13, 2013 at 4:37 pm
“The same person, but different” – love it.
August 17, 2013 at 10:01 am
Thanks Adele, quite interesting writing something different for once
August 26, 2013 at 12:14 pm
*weeps a bit* love that you stepped up to the plate, the Lady of the Manor must be very proud, beautiful and thoughtful words.
August 27, 2013 at 7:45 pm
thank you, really loved getting involved in this and doing something a bit different