AM Collective, Stokes Family
Hollie Stokes
Season of Motherhood June 2023 Rooted
Season of Motherhood June 2023 Rooted
AM Collective, Stokes Family
Hollie Stokes
Artifact Motherhood May 2023
Artifact Motherhood May 2023
AM Collective, Stokes Family
Hollie Stokes
Artifact Motherhood September 2022
Artifact Motherhood September 2022
AM Collective
Hollie Stokes
A Mother's Prayer

One of the hardest lessons I learned as a young woman is to never put people, especially those you love, on a pedestal. For years as a child, teenager, and young woman, I held my mother in such high regard that I thought she could do no wrong. She was absolutely perfect in every way. Unfortunately, I was setting up our relationship for failure. When I discovered her brokenness, the glass house I meticulously built around her in my head shattered. It was devastating to find out she had flaws that ran very deep and parallel to my own. Oh how my pride and vanity melded into anger. It took a long time to accept the person, the mother, I discovered in the wreckage. I now realize how unfair it was to put her up on that perch in the first place. This is a lesson I certainly learned the hard way, and one I desperately want you to avoid.

A Mother's Prayer
Stokes Family, AM Collective
Hollie Stokes
Wonderfully and Perfectly Made
Wonderfully and Perfectly Made

Artifact Motherhood

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Artifact Motherhood December 2023

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Dear little Loves,

After finishing a year in the classroom and embarking on my second full year of full time teaching, I am more intentional in how we spend our time together. The summer was slow, fulfilling, and rejuvenating. The fall has ushered in new stressors, leading me down a path of humility and embracing silence. But amidst the stress, chaos, and heartache the year wrought, I always find myself coming back to the solitude and stillness of our family–the weekend rhythm of baking and digging deep in the earth, the comforting feelings of snuggling up by a fire. These are the moments I crave when the world seems to be too much: home, stillness, gentleness. 

I sit here leafing through previous letters from this past year, I was struck by their common theme. The beginning of 2023 ushered in the desire to savor moments spent with you, digging deep within myself to be present and still. While I did not have a “word of the year” to strive towards, I did find that I naturally gravitated towards this theme. 

One invaluable lesson you have collectively taught me is the art of gentleness amidst the chaos. In acknowledging my own imperfections and embracing selflessness, I've come to realize that, like you, I am in a perpetual state of honing virtue. I stumble, make mistakes, and occasionally say or do things that I later regret.

When things get shaky and tempers flare, I find myself leaning into God’s gentle whispering to be still with you and listen. The gentle whisperings of  steering the ship towards resolution instead of more conflict.The cadence of our interactions has shifted for the better, and as we collectively strive to nurture patience and gentleness, I want you to understand that my intentions are sincere, and I am genuinely putting forth my best effort.

In the tapestry of our shared journey, I hope you can remember that, above all, I am trying my best. More importantly, it is because of you that I am able to acknowledge my weaknesses; it is because of you that I have a deeper understanding of love and mercy. 

With all my love,

Mom


Welcome to Artifact Motherhood. This is a collaboration of artists from around the world who have come together to share our stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Through our writings and visual records we want to create memories that are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for our children and for generations to come.

Go next to the wonderful artist, Kirsty Larmour read her post in our blog circle.

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Artifact Motherhood September 2023

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Authentic Friendships

Dear Little Loves,

I vividly remember, as a little girl, the yearning for a sister–a constant companion who would share in my delight among dolls and dress-up clothes. In truth, I come from a family of all boys. This required me to forge deep, authentic friendships.I sought out women who love one another unconditionally, a village of feminine genius with the desire to walk beside one another through joys and struggles and without judgments. I sought out women who effortlessly picked up the rhythm right where we left off. I look at you two, and I think about how important it is to learn how to forge authentic friendships. While you have one another to practice, I realize that these connections I've cultivated over the years are truly a testament to the strength of the bonds formed beyond family ties.

As I reminisce about my early childhood days, I'm reminded of the resilience that grew within me as I navigated a predominantly male household. The absence of a sisterly figure compelled me to seek out kindred spirits among my female friends. These friendships have been a source of immense support and camaraderie throughout various chapters of my life. They've allowed me to experience the joys and complexities of womanhood through shared stories and aspirations, laughter, and struggles.

Observing the two of you, I'm reminded of the ability we all possess to nurture and sustain authentic connections. Your sisterly bond serves as a constant reminder that the foundation of a genuine friendship lies in unwavering acceptance, empathy, and the willingness to both celebrate and weather life's storms together. Just as you learn and grow from each other, my journey has shown me the transformative power of forming bonds with women who exemplify the authentic essence of friendship.

In a world that often emphasizes competition and superficiality, the relationships we cultivate among women hold a unique place. These connections serve as a safe haven where vulnerability is welcomed, dreams are nurtured, and support is unwavering. Your sisterly companionship mirrors the beauty of such friendships, reinforcing the significance of being each other's confidantes, motivators, and allies.

So, as you two embark on this journey together, remember that the value of your bond extends far beyond the confines of family ties. It symbolizes the strength that emerges when two individuals choose to stand by one another with open hearts and open minds. Just as I've treasured the friendships I've cultivated, your sisterhood is a testament to the fact that authentic connections have the power to shape our lives in the most profound ways.

Love always,

Mom

Welcome to Artifact Motherhood. This is a collaboration of artists from around the world who have come together to share our stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Through our writings and visual records we want to create memories that are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for our children and for generations to come.

Go next to the wonderful artist Tanae Sorenson to read her post in our blog circle.

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Byrd

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Byrd

I look at my hands and I see my mother’s hands. My mom is very youthful, but her hands are a dead giveaway to her age. Miles women’s hands age in a way that the rest of them doesn’t. It's reflective of who they are. They’re providers. The Miles women--it’s a definitive trait of theirs. They’re hard working women. When I look at my hands I definitely see that nurturing, selfless quality that my mother, my aunts and grandmother’s hands have. I think it’s easy to think you’re not a selfless, nurturing person, but in the last few years it’s definitely something I’ve learned. I will do things for other people until I have nothing left to give. My son, Rockne, has given me the opportunity to be more selfless. I have to practice everyday--putting his needs before my own.

Alspach

Alspach

Liesl changed my life. And I thought I had a pretty good life before she came around. It’s one of those things that scared me the most about motherhood. The fact my husband Jake and I loved each other so much. We had a great life before her. I was afraid that I was going to mess that up. In no way, shape, or form did that happen. Liesl enriched everything about our lives. She made Jake and I a stronger couple, me a better person. She helped solidify priorities that I am happier with now than the priorities I had before. She helped me value myself more than I ever did before. Which is weird, because you think of being a mother as giving yourself to someone. However, I found other aspects of myself that she basically gave me.

Artifact Motherhood

Artifact Motherhood

I have been fortunate enough to have close relationships with my grandmothers, mother, and aunt-- women who have shaped my own journey as a woman and mother. When my maternal grandmother passed away, I began a quest of finding bits and pieces of her and her history. I'd find pictures of her own mother and quickly genealogy became a side hobby. Every time I'd dig up a letter or photograph, my imagination would run wild. I was looking at the handwriting and thoughts of the women who came before me. Looking at my history through the few artifacts they've left behind. I'd imagine the questions and conversations I'd have with these women. I’d imagine their joys as well as their struggles as women and mothers.

Ray

Ray

Some women grow up playing with dolls, always imagining themselves as a wife and mom. I’m one of those girls. It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do. I’m very nurturing by nature. I mean, what other job is more nurturing than being a mother?

Shyers

Shyers

Young and in my early twenties, motherhood wasn't on my mind. I didn't think much about things of that nature. At that time I didn't want to be married, much less be a mother. Those feelings changed when I met my husband. It wasn't until after we said our I do's that I realized children and being a mother was something I did, in fact, desire.

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Leeper

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Leeper

As a child, I remember holding my baby doll and dreaming of having a little girl of my own. I recall telling my dad, Daddy, I can’t wait to get married and be a mom. 

I have always wanted a daughter. Growing up, I had faith God would bless me with one. He did, he blessed me with two!  In high school I would buy little girl stuff in hopes that someday I would be able to give to them to my little girl. I’ve kept those things over the years, and I now have it for them. After graduating high school I remember telling my dad, I’m not going to college, I’m going to get married and have babies.  Daddy just giggled. Truth is, I did end up going to college and graduate school, where I met my husband Terry.