Alexandra OBrien - The Way Mum Does It

Dedicated to mums everywhere,

who recognise the importance of

passing on their wisdom, so it can be

treasured for generations to come.

From age-old baking secrets to time-tested tips and tricks for a clean (and happy) home, ALEXANDRA OBRIENS love of keeping traditions alive started at a young age, when she first remembers her grandmother, Patricia, cooking, sewing, entertaining and sharing her stories and wisdom with her grandchildren.

It was Alexs time writing at Over60 when, together with the team, they made it their mission to document stories and pearls of wisdom passed down for generations from mothers and grandmothers.

Reading these stories on the Over60 website each day it is clear how much joy the community find in being nostalgic and sharing tales from days gone. This book houses all of that passion in one handy manual so it can be cherished by generations to come.

To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colours of a rainbow.

Maya Angelou, American poet, author and activist

Theres not a fitting description that sufficiently captures the sheer importance of what mothers (and fathers, for that matter) do. Likewise, its a mean feat to put into words what mothers mean to their families. Try as we might (as teenagers who know it all) not to become our mothers as we grow up, I think its fair to say we all reach a point in life when the weight of what our mothers have done for us hits us, and a newfound sense of understanding, appreciation and love prevails. You might go as far as to say that, in some ways, mothers are akin to superheroes theyre there when you need them (and even when you dont know you need them), they seem to have a solution to everything (no matter how big or small the problem), they can always make you feel better, they teach you endless things about the world (and yourself) and, no matter what, they will always be there (maybe just in memory and spirit) to support and encourage you.

I am fortunate enough to say this is true of my mother, Cheryl, who simultaneously raised five daughters, kept an immaculate home, cooked beautiful food and hosted perfect dinners, all while taking the time to care for the different personalities of her children, providing unwavering care and support. She helped my sisters and me become the people we are today. Its also no surprise that she is now doing the exact same thing for her six grandchildren. I know there are many versions of this story. And its not just mums. Dads are wonderful, too in some cases, Dad takes the place of Mum.

There comes the day when we all need to grow up and fly the nest, so to speak. Or, God forbid, the day when due to circumstance, geography or, sadly, death our mothers simply are not around. To make this reality more bearable, we wanted to chronicle all the pearls of wisdom from mothers in one place. Think of this as a manual of the best advice from mothers across Australia, which can be passed on for generations to come.

You cant bottle a mothers encouraging words, priceless hugs or helpful actions, but we hope this comes close.

My mother always said, You cant have it all! When I was young, I set out to prove her wrong. She was, of course, right.

Noni Hazlehurst, Australian actress, director, writer, presenter and broadcaster

The best thing my mother ever taught me: when something tragic or unexpected happens in life, from personal disasters to chipping a nail, dont dwell on it. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get on with it. Start remedying it. Put the practical necessities in place first, then deal with the rest as it comes. Look at what positives there are, however small.

This was how my mother and father lived their lives. They had a big family with little money and it was the only way to live. They couldnt give up, or get help. They had to deal with what life threw at them and survive. That is it really, how to survive. I am forever grateful for being taught this. Therese Webb

Remember, this too shall pass.

My mother experienced periods of depression and when I also showed signs of it, she took me aside one day and very quietly said, Remember the other day when things were good and you were happy? That ended, and so will this. Susan Kelly

You must have a good bed and a good pair of shoes. If you are not in one you are in the other.

This tip came from my mother when I was about to get married (47 years ago). I heard it repeated frequently when anyone was going to buy boots, shoes or beds. Lorraine Phillips

Tip 1: Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you; its always double trouble and troubles others, too.

Tip 2: A friend is not a fellow who is taken in by sham; a friend is one who knows our faults and doesnt give a damn.

My tip is actually two sayings that were hung on our dining room wall; I have followed them all my life. My mother passed these sayings on to her three children. She was a very down-to-earth person who was loved by all the neighbourhood. Barbara Kelly

Never change the bed linen on Fridays. Never put new shoes on the table. Never cross your knife and fork. Never walk under a ladder. All of these will cause bad luck. And, if you spill the salt, always take a pinch and throw it over your shoulder for good luck.

My mother always said these things to me growing up and I say them to my kids. Who of course just roll their eyes.