This is my mum in her early 20s, when she'd just met my dad, before she had her three children. She had a bit of a Julie Christie thing going on in those days, which I love. My mum is the most artistic, creative, interesting person I know. She is so full of ideas, so imaginative and resourceful - often whipping up supper for 20 from an empty fridge, with no notice, or turning her sitting room into a theatre. She's in her 60s now, and still thinking up new and inspiring things to do - from travel writing to keeping chickens. As a child, there was always so much going on at home - our house was always filled with fascinating people and there was always something to do - be it publishing our own newspaper, putting on plays or running a lemonade stand on the street. Mum was always brimming with enthusiasm and ideas - ripping up the carpet to paint the floorboards pink and blue stripes, making a chandelier out of old Coke cans, or organising picnics in the woods where we'll all eat at a long table covered in candles. My mum is a great life enhancer, the kind of person who makes you feel you can do anything you set your mind to; that life it to be lived to its absolute fullest. She always told me "Only boring people get bored," and I know she's right. She's also always said "Adapt to change", which I think is the soundest advice of all. What she means is: don't be scared. When life veers off the straight and predictable path, embrace it. Happy Mother's Day, Mamma. I love you!
- Hannah Shuckburgh, Commissioning Editor
