Issue 46: A Mother's Love
From Costco goodies to pink fishcakes, the simple pleasures of being a mother.
Hello friends!
We dedicate this issue to all the moms/nånas/ommas/auntie moms and mommy figures!
Growing up, my mom labeled me the problem child, while I thought that she just wanted to nag incessantly. I remember being an ignorant adolescent, and out of frustration and anger, she scolded me, “when you become a mom, you will see.” And now that I am a mother, I finally understand.
This is the best way I can describe it.
As a mother, you learn to love in many ways you never thought possible. You feel and love with great intensity and no known boundaries because there are none. To love this way is the best feeling but also the scariest. Love radiates throughout your entire body, and with it comes the nagging pain of worry and anxiety – the fear of knowing that something bad could happen at any moment. Because of this, you become a nervous wreck. Still, you have the task of putting on a brave face for the sake of everyone else.
This is what being a mother does to you.
Love will never stop, and neither will worry. It is as volatile as the ocean that surrounds us. There are moments of calm, then there are moments of abrupt harshness like the currents that rip within the ocean’s depths and become turbulent as the waves that break above the surface.
As a mother, you barely talk about this fear to anyone. You only try to bury it, and with this silence remains pressure.
Despite the unknowns and the variables, one thing will always remain constant: once you are a mother, you will always be one. Motherhood leaves a permanent mark on your heart, forever transforming the way you love. Once you have felt its depth, it becomes a part of you, shaping your spirit and your world – always.
With Love,
Marissa
Morning Rituals of Moms
Moms are human superheroes. They’re up early, ensuring breakfast is on the table, birthdays are special, night terrors kept at bay, heartbreaks soothed, and milestones celebrated.
So, if you’ve always wondered how moms do it, here’s a look at a few ways these mamas do it.
Sources: Motherly, The Quick Journey
We rounded up morning ritual tips by mamas around the world.
Figure out what helps you set pace every day.
Wake up 1 hour before the family for some personal ‘me’ time.
Lock your phone for 2 hours every morning; one mom uses the app Quality Time.
Decide on ONE priority + set small actionable items as you go rather than trying to complete everything simultaneously.
Be fully present in your routine.
Decide what’s for dinner – this allows for less panic once it’s closer to dinnertime.
Pink Fishcakes
By Akina
Whether you’re 30 or even 50, a mother will always see their child as…well a child. Not in the sense that it provokes fear of hot stovetops or swallowing tiny LEGOs, but in a love language we may not notice until we become adults.
For my family, it’s fishcakes.
Since childhood, my mother has always given me her pink swirly fishcakes that come with ramen. It was my favorite growing up, and without a question, there would always be two floating in my bowl. Even as an adult, two fishcakes would magically make their way into my bowl.
Last year, my mom and I visited my grandma in Japan. As I assisted my grandma with grocery shopping, I watched her reach for a roll of pink fishcakes.
“It’s for your mom,” my grandma says. “It’s always been her favorite since she was a child.”
In that moment, I realized the timeless truth that transcends age: a mother’s love can be found even in the simplest ways, and their desire always to give their child the best.
And in my case, the tastiest parts of your dishes from childhood.
For mama-daughter articles, I wrote an article for Vox a few years ago, “The best $4.99 I ever spent: A six-pack after my father’s funeral.”
Moments of Joy as a Mother
This section is my ode to motherhood—a sneak peek of how I find the simple yet profound pleasures of being a mom. This curated collection of snapshots captures the joys, humor, and love of motherhood. These are only a few of the many personal moments that warm my heart and inspire gratitude.
1. Savoring a delicious onigiri from my short work trip to Hawaii reminds me of the beauty of solo moments and indulging in flavors that bring joy. 📍Nanamusubi at Stix Waikiki
2. My two boys splashing in the pool—a reminder of the boundless energy and happiness that only children can bring.
3. A greeting card that couldn't be more accurate: A little humor goes a long way!
4. Late-night mango and sticky rice prepared by my brother using two breeds of tropical mango from Hawaii. Makes for the perfect sibling-prepared comfort food.
5. The Local Books section of a bookstore offers insight into the heart and soul of the community, inviting us to understand the area’s unique spirit through the stories and wisdom of its people ❤️
6. Trying not to fall asleep while holding a cup of coffee and reading a book on the plane—sometimes, curbing jet lag requires a little determination.
7. A cart filled with Costco goodies was like being a kid in a candy store. You know what they say, “When in Costco, do as the Costcons do.” I mean come on… $11 bags of chocolate mochi and chocolate covered macadamia nuts?! Take. my. money.
When Donki opens up in the local neighborhood… food haul, anyone?
A cute cafe with books and some REALLY good coffee.
See bunny try to blend in with the other stuffed animals. Toddler sees bunny. Toddler takes bunny as prisoner.
Week to Weekend Reads
A look at what it’s like to parent in the Philippines and South Korea from Cup of Jo.
3 generations of women, one NYC apartment by NBC investigative journalist Vicky Nguyen. Fun fact: Nguyen was Akina’s college professor.
Check last year’s Mother’s Day issue, featuring local comedian Kallen’s hilarious Mother’s Day gift list.
Did you know that in Japan, you give carnations on Mother’s Day? Here are other Mother’s Day Traditions Around the World by Scholastic.
Don’t know what to get, Mom? Make her a homemade mille crêpe cake.
👋 Cheers!
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