I was doing a little research on flower meaning for another project and came across a description of the mythological origins of white lilies. (I’m embarrassed to say that I am totally in the dark about mythology. Parents take note: having your kids switch schools mid-year in both 6th and 7th grades can result in quite a few gaps in your child’s education). I found the connection between lilies and Juno (or Hera) to be so mesmerizing that I had to incorporate it into a drawing.
Jupiter being desirous of rendering the infant Hercules immortal that he might rank among the divinities caused Somnus to prepare a necftareous sleeping draught which he persuaded Juno to take The Queen of the Gods fell immediately into a profound slumber and Jupiter then placed the little Hercules to the celestial breast in order that the babe might imbibe the ambrosial milk that would ensure its immortality The infant over eager to enjoy the delightful nutriment drew the milk faster than he could swallow and some drops falling to the earth there immediately sprang from it the white Lily the emblem of purity some of the milk is also said to have dropped over that portion of the heavens which from its whiteness still retains the name of the Milky Way
from Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics Embracing the Myths, Traditions, Superstitions, and Folk-lore of the Plant Kingdom By Richard Folkard published in 1884
Mogs and I are nearing the final days of nursing. It has been a long and gentle movement toward weaning. Each time I nurse her I think that it may be the last. Breastfeeding has been an incredibly powerful and emotional experience. My mom didn’t breastfeed me (formula companies were really pushing hard in those days) and I mourn a little that she and I didn’t experience this particular bond. I can hardly believe what a commitment it has been going from nursing her for twenty minutes every two hours 24/7 in the early months to our current just checking-in comfort sessions. I am proud and grateful that I have been able to breastfeed for as long as I have and fortunate to not have suffered any mastitis along the way. I wanted to commemorate this special time in my relationship with Mogs, so I created this watercolor illustration for her. It’s called “White Lilies.”
detail of “White Lilies”
Oh, I love this image, Carrie! The perspective is perfect–it completely brings back my own happy memories of nursing days…..five and a half year’s worth….though it hardly seems like it lasted that long.
When a child has had enough of this kind of closeness, the relationship just stays so strong, I think–even when everything else seems to change.
Thanks for sharing this picture.
Gorgeous! I agree with Seis Manos that the perspective is perfect. I love that her foot is up on your shoulder and I love the way your glasses look. Very well done!
[...] becoming a mother and surviving postpartum depression. I decided to use part of the image from this painting I created in the spring. The process was really easy–a piece of cake compared [...]