Women Holding Things by Maira Kalman

In honor of Mother's Day, I would like to recommend this book, "Women Holding Things" by Maira Kalman. Years ago my friend Bob told me he always could spot a mother in an elevator. She was the one holding a brief case, purse, diaper bag, lunch box and stacks of important papers like a graceful gazelle. Woman carry a lot of things. I can still remember how it felt to carry a heavy diaper bag and two babies at the same time. I can still carry a case of wine of out of the supermarket, and I can still lift my heavy wheelie into the overhead bin on an airplane. And if pressed, I could probably still hoist a small wheelchair into the back of a Volvo wagon. "Women Holding Things" is a picture book and thoughtful narrative that explores the complex beauty of women's lives. A well-respected artist, author and designer, Kalman's pictures are simple yet very complicated at the same time. Women hold children, food, friendships, work, joys, sorrows, triumphs and more. The paintings feature members of Kalman's family as well as famous women such as Virginia Woolf and Gertrude Stein. Some of the things the women hold bring them joy, others tears. There are even a few men featured in the book such as Rainer Maria Rilke and Anton Chekhov. "Women Holding Things" is the perfect gift for Mother's Day, or book to give to a close girlfriend who carries a lot on her plate. Meditating on the modern folk-style portraits is a delightful experience. To buy this book on Amazon click here.