A Legacy of 4 Mothers

Welcome to Andara Life! To me, the meanings of the name Andara are gorgeous, relatable and oh so fun to explore in 2026! It is my hope to inspire others, as they travel their own journeys in life, conquering new obstacles and hopefully, from these, manage to Transform.

On Mother’s Day, I celebrate my ’22-year-old self’, each year, twice! This May, my one daughter reached the age I was when I had her…but the catch? Or should I say ‘release’?! She moved abroad, across the bright blue Atlantic. This May, earlier this week, we buried my 98-year-old Grandmother. We are only 10 days into May…

--Photo by Jhon Freddy Montoya, Dept. of Cultural Affairs Aruba--

I turned 44 in February. As I transition and travel new roads in life, leaving behind old routines and embracing new adventures, I look back and decide what to carry and what I wish to release. I am encouraged to share, so I will. Becoming a mother, and mothering Amanda, hasn’t been the easiest. My line of work, also took much out of me. My own young, at times naive & down-right dumb choices, have cost me much. Still, I welcome you to my Journey! Our Journey. May you find a boatful of treasures along the way as you and I–we, celebrate the Gift & Beauty of Life.

--Photos by Ayrton Tromp of ARTN Photography--

This First Blog Post of Andara Life, I dedicate to my Mother, 2 Grandmothers and a mystery Momma I will call ‘Grace’. 4 Women, who’ve mothered me; each so different yet each, in their own right respectively, the strongest individual pioneers I have had the honor to receive Guidance, Mentoring and above all Love, from. Each a woman and mother, shining through Life in my Night Sky with One Giant Common Thread: Passion!

--'Grace' is not blood-related, but she is there for me, always...and keeps me amused!--

Passionate Women, especially mothers; Lionesses who transform into the gentlest of Doves at the mere squeak or squawk of Innocence, are scarce and priceless in our current world. Awards, nominations, honors and applause do not phase these pillars. Integrity is not for sale, neither is pride an option! I am humbled to grow into my position, among them as I age.

--Photo of my Grandmother at age 18. Thank you Helen Croes!--

My 4 Mothers, ALL have shown me that they will get their hands dirty in cookie-dough, raw chicken, tamarind leaves (a hilarious lesson I carry, and will post more on!) or shrimp pizza as they smile and share recipes full of flavor, and LIFE! These same hands, brought home a piece of a fallen wall…the other; a coral necklace from faraway shores. One, changed diapers of the traumatized and the other, wipes away tears from bloodied faces of victims–My 4 mothers are all Warriors who operate in the name of Love– Compassion is their language! Mamas who have Freedom as a baseline for purposeful living, true believers and supporters of Liberty!

--Old screenshot of an article written by local magazine Xclusivo 4 years ago--

Andara Life is my Passion Project, with my own Daughter. All 4 women + this young feisty 1, are each anchors to this Mama’s Docked Ship (metaphor for my life, at the moment). They have sharpened me and shaped my nature. With the help of a themed calendar: That Time of The Month, starting in June, Amanda and I will share our Odyssey, Music, Art as well as our Food with friends & acquaintances. Each month, I will have something ready to share, as a download as well!

As pioneers, we sometimes go through hilarious experiences in life; experiences that we now gratefully, fearfully and joyfully traverse together, yet separately. Our tone is mainly a humorous one…because, we are who we are. Both are also facing new challenges, new horizons and have consciously decided to pursue Happiness as we remain stubbornly steadfast in our convictions and are seeking that feeling of being at ‘Home’. I know for a fact, that both my Grandmothers would have wanted it this way for my daughter & I! They are cheering on, from Above.

Amanda Perla, my one Beauty, explores new shores, streets, peoples and monuments! I will be exploring people’s own Passion Projects, locally and internationally, as that is something I LOVE doing! People fascinate me! Their stories; they touch my heart profoundly. I believe everyone is a unique Design & Creation, worthy of a spotlight. 

--Photo by Amanda. I am thrilled that she gets to travel and explore Europe!--

We are each ‘Someone’s Child’; I am a Child of 4 Mothers, 2 living & 2 in perfect Peace. I am a Mother of 1 + Many. This Mother’s Day, I get to mourn with those who’ve loved and lost. I get to cry, and miss my only child. I get to shine bright, in the dark.

Today, if you believe your life is insignificant and hopeless, I gladly and gently tell you:

You are wrong.

Us mothers get up, pray and press through pain, hurt, judgement and obstacles for YOU! We might never meet in person, but, because YOU are alive, someone like me, fights to live to see a better world for you, my child, and I. It is my desire for each, that when you mess up, when you fall into a pit, mommas like my Giant 4 and I, appear in your life to reach out, encourage and love on you! Why? Because this quirky, whimsical and fearless Mom’s Life Story will show you that the Power of 1, is always multiplied! 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!…in all languages, colors, shapes, ages, circumstances…and even across far-reaching Skies. I will enjoy praising my Mother named after 2 flowers and my ‘Other’ whose real name translates to the everlasting Grace of God!