Persephone Books sent out an email this week with a special deal in honor of what is known in the UK as “Mothering Sunday”. Originally a pagan observance, it later turned into a Christian holiday when believers would make a pilgrimage to their mother church or the nearest cathedral. In the UK it is now synonymous with Mother’s Day as it is known here in the USA. Although I think the name “Mothering Sunday” sounds a bit corny, I kind of like the name better than Mother’s Day. “Mothering” with all its verbish suggestions of action rather than just a state of being opens the door to varied interpretation. Perhaps anyone who provides a little mothering to someone in need could be honored on Mothering Sunday regardless of their gender or reproductive ability.
Last weekend in Philadelphia we stumbled across a plaque right in front of City Hall that honored Anna Jarvis the West Virginia native who campaigned to establish Mother’s Day. According to Wikipedia it was started in response to Jarvis losing her own mother, but according to the plaque it came into being in response to the rise of feminism. John Wanamaker, the department store impresario became a big supporter and it was eventually recognized by Congress in 1914.
hogglestock 
Great picture choice there for all the yummy mummies. Just listened to all the singing from earlier this week. It reminded me that my mother had a version by Eileen Farrell that she played all the time. A lovely piece and wonderful sampling. I think I liked the versions best that drew out the phrasing a bit.
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Gorgeous painting. I got that email and am annoyed as my mum isn't a big reader so I can't really justify a purchase!
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Earlier this morning I ordered my first two Persephones (although from Borders, not the company). Kitchen Essays and Good Evening, Mrs. Craven will be making there way to my post box. I'm super excited!
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Mlle: I wanted to chose something not quite so obvious. Although Klimt is obvious is so many other popular culture ways… I love Eileen Farrell but have never heard her sing this aria.
Booksnob: You never need a reason to buy Persephone.
Amanda: I don't know anything about either of those titles. Have fun with them.
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