Today I am, as many of you are, celebrating Mother’s Day.

I am celebrating it for my own mother, who is wonderful for all the reasons that mothers are. I am lucky enough, however, to not only celebrate a parental figure but a really great friend. From a young age, I began to know my mom outside of the archetypal image of Mother, Parent, Guardian–I got to know her as Woman, Person, Human. My parents’ divorce broke my childhood illusions about both of them, I saw them at their best and worst, watched as they found and redefined themselves. Some would be sad to have this bubble broken, and it wasn’t always easy, but I feel so fortunate that this has been my experience. Because I know my mom in this way, and because she in turn views me not only as her daughter but as an individual, we have the most amazingly honest relationship. There is no judgment–just a constantly supportive, endlessly sympathetic, and, when necessary, critical understanding of our unique human experiences. I love this and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I hope the children I have will one day will know me in this way, as a woman and a person above all else. Mother is just one of the very many things my mom is. It is a part of her and not the definition, and I celebrate her today for all of her parts as a beautiful whole.

I am also celebrating Mother’s Day for all of the mothers in my life. For those in my extended family and those who are soon to become my family. I am celebrating the women that I knew when we were girls who now have itty bitties of their own. It’s a surreal experience to watch as old friends and new begin to build families and have children–from ultrasounds to baby bumps to that very first photo and “Oh my goodness, it’s a mini you!”

And, though I’m not officially a mother, I did wake up to a card from my four-legged baby. So, I also celebrated at home with lots of wet kisses and a wagging tail.

Today is also special for another reason. One year ago today, I started this blog. That first time I pressed “Publish” I had no idea what a huge part of my life GF in the City would become. I didn’t know if anyone but friends and family would ever read the words I put out here, but have been surprised and delighted to see the occasional unfamiliar name pop up in the comments section. It’s also been a bit dizzying to see that recipes that were created in my kitchen are actually being made and reinterpreted in other kitchens. There’s something about this that strikes me profoundly–the thought of something that I’ve put out there bringing joy to someone else, that maybe they’re experiencing the same delight or comfort that I felt in that recipe, or that they’ve now been inspired to create something new. It’s humbling and connecting and thoroughly wonderful.

I guess, in a way, I’m celebrating the day that I became a blog mom. Maybe it’s a stretch, but it almost feels appropriate that my blog’s one-year anniversary fell on this day. It’s hard to believe I’ve been at it for this long; sometimes it still feels like I just started. I am so thankful for these past twelve months, though, and I sincerely hope to be celebrating again next year.

So Happy Birthday to my little blog and a very Happy Mother’s Day to all you mommies out there–hope it was a great one!