Once, twice, thrice upon a Mother’s Day, there was a mom who thought: “If this day were truly mine, it wouldn’t be about roses and breakfast in bed. It wouldn’t be about some generic mom. It would be a celebration of me.”

Roses are nice, the mom reasoned, but she preferred flowers from the garden. Breakfast in bed was fine, but why not have brunch on the porch or in the grass? Sure, she liked perfume, but why not something a little crazy or out of the blue that suits her particular tastes? Price should be no object, because this Mother’s Day would be an entirely homemade extravaganza. Well, a few modest purchases might be in order.

So the mom decided to compose a detailed schedule of customized indulgences and gestures and posted it on the refrigerator, attached with a BELIEVE magnet. It wasn’t a maternal fiat. It wasn’t written in stone, or even Magic Marker. It was all negotiable and came with oodles of love and affection. Here is that list. Use it as a template for designing an ideal day for the mom in your life.

10 a.m.: Gently wake Mom by tickling her toes and placing a vase of flowers from the garden at her bedside. (She may have already gotten up for an early morning walk, but will have slipped back into bed for a quick daydreaming session. She’ll pretend she’s asleep.) If tickling doesn’t work, send in the puppy for a good-morning lick.

10:30: If the weather is pleasant, serve coffee (with the Sunday paper) on the porch, front steps or in the back yard. Present her with one glazed doughnut. Make that two.

Play her favorite CD. Hint: Mom often listens to a favorite song over and over again. Currently, she’s into Ani DiFranco’s “Studying Stones.” A classic would also do the trick; anything from Laura Nyro or Joni Mitchell. It’s all good for cozy, dewy mornings.

11 a.m.: Just when it’s usually time to tend to more weekend chores, tell Mom that she is free from any obligations today.

Noon: Present Mom with flats of impatiens, geraniums, vinca vine and other annuals to pot and place in the yard. Through the summer and early fall, she’ll water the plantings and think of the day she received them from her family.

Don’t forget to carry the clay pots up from the basement and attach the hose to the outdoor spigot. Help Mom with the plantings. She could be lolling around right now, but she likes getting dirt under her fingernails.

2 p.m.: Read the poem you wrote for Mom. It’s funny and flowery and corny, and includes phrases such as “best mom ever” and “mom is da bomb.” The poem may be accompanied by a flattering portrait rendered in any medium you choose.

4 p.m.: Time for a Mother’s Day performance. A little dance or rap, accompanied by a tall glass of cranberry juice, seltzer and a slice of lime.

5 p.m.: Go for a walk with Mom and the puppy. You carry the disposal bags.

6 p.m.: Time for a “mixed grill” dinner. Mom will have a portabello mushroom and a kosher hot dog. Please slice the onions and tomatoes without being asked. For dessert? Strawberries, of course. And something chocolate.

9 p.m.: Mother’s Day is officially over.