Jazzy Deb Diamond 

They’ve cradled us, told us that lipstick is important, to be independent when it comes to being a woman, not tell all our beauty secrets, and to never the leave the house without spraying on perfume; these women we call our mothers. They are the true divas who have pretty much taught us about love, life, and all the other stuff in between. We decided to feature them this week as we celebrate Mother’s Day. Without our mother’s or those mother figures in our lives, where would we be?  We’d say lost.

She has taught me a lot along the way about being a woman of grace and style. She loves to cook and makes a mean pound cake and sweet potato pie. She’ll talk to anyone (and for that matter they’ll talk to her too) and truly loves life. My mother, Deborah Ann Johnson is  tough, sweet, kind, and caring all in one package. I couldn’t ask for more except to be as good as a mother as she is. I can not say how much I appreciate her in a card or poem, but hopefully she knows.  

When I was younger, two things that stick out in my mind: her perfume and accessories.  From earrings, to bracelets, to Fendi fragrances and body lotions, she always had something on and I would think to myself, “I don’t think I’ll ever be like that.” Well I’m here to say, that I have fallen into the trap and that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I LOVE ACCESSORIES. I can’t get enough of them and I am always looking for something good to spray on. If I don’t have on accessories and perfume before I leave the house, there’s a problem. This is why I keep earrings, perfume, and usually a bracelet in my purse. 

In the last two years, she has lost my stepfather, grandmother, and uncle and will still smile every time you walk into the room. For anyone who is dear to her heart, she’ll say “love you much” as she gets off the phone all the time. Plus not to mention, she loves kids and her family. She’ll bend over backwards and jump through a hoop of fire to help her family. She’s humble and caring and will wear strappy sandals, heels, red lipstick, and a dress with a slit (not too high!)  in a New York minute. She also likes to dance–yes, including the “Stanky Leg.” What can I say, still a diva at almost 60 years of age. 

Speaking of age, she carries it well. I don’t ever recall her having any beauty remedies besides just washing her face and applying her make-up–especially the lipstick; “O, let me put on my lipstick,” I can hear her say everytime she takes a picture. Also, there doesn’t appear to be any wrinkles and that makes me  happy. Hopefully I carry those genes. They say that we have the same mannerisms and body make-up (thanks for hips Mom) but that I am my Dad’s twin. My great grand-mother used to say “That Joseph, he spit you out.” Yes, grandma, I know…maybe I should have been named Josephine? Nah.  I do notice as I get older, how much we are alike in the way that we think and talk. At, times I have to catch myslef and say, “Is that Deborah talking?”

Growing up I was blessed to have her. She put her trust in me and I knew that I had to make her proud. I hope that I have done so as she gives me so much without her even knowing.  As I continue to mature, if I only have one-half of her strength, I’ll be doing well. But I’m hoping for all of it as she is a true diamond.  I quote by saying, “love you much” Mom and Happy Mother’s Day 

Smooches, 

Professor Diva Cali