Mother's Day Tribute

This Sunday is Mother's Day, and in honor of the occasion, I've written down a few things my mother and my grandmother (may she rest in peace) taught me.

Some of these things they taught me outright, and others I learned simply by observing the way they live(d) their lives. Some I've taken to heart, and others just make me smile.

(Only a Few of the) Things My Mother Taught Me

1. Always look your best.

2. Be fair, and always take the high road.

3. Do your best.

4. Never give up.

5. Make the best of whatever you have and of whatever situation you're in.

6. Make your own fun. Never say you're "bored."

7. Always look for ways to improve the way things are.

8. It is very important to have a good Halloween costume.

9. Why cook when you can eat out?

10. Gargling with salt water is the best thing for a sore throat.

11. Nice is far better than handsome.

12. There is no need to ask a man to do anything for you. You can always do it yourself. This includes moving furniture, heavy yard work and removing dead rats from the attic. (I've seen her do all three of those things.)

13. If you can help, you must help.

14. You're smart - there's no need to cheat, ever.

15. Be kind to animals.

16. Always think from the other person's point of view.

17. Within reason, always try something before rejecting it.

18. Take care of yourself. This includes exercise, manicures, pedicures, hair
appointments, and seeing the doctor and dentist regularly.

19. There is no thrill like the thrill of a good bargain.

20. Don't be wasteful.

21. Don't mope.

22. Have a positive attitude.


(Only a Few of the)Things My Grandmother Taught Me

1. Red lipstick and nail polish is the best kind.

2. Everything from Mexico is the best, including the people.

3. If you convert someone to Catholicism, you get to skip purgatory all together and go straight to heaven.

4. Always try to be as much like the Virgin Mary as possible.

5. The Virgin Mary never back-talked her elders, and if her grandmother asked her to help fold the laundry while her favorite show was on, she'd do it without complaining.

6. The Devil is real and
-will appear to little girls who tell lies
-isn't scary looking at all - he's handsome and charming (the better to trick you)
7. Dancing is always appropriate at any occasion.

8. So is singing.

9. If you want to be remembered, be an artist or a teacher.

10. There is no such thing as "showing off."

11. Be first, and be the best.

12. Feeding the dog under the table is perfectly acceptable.

13. Always raise your hand and say what you want to say, and speak up.

14. Be seen. Be heard.

15. There is no need to ever go gray.

16. Roses are the best flowers.

17. Study hard.

18. Practice whatever you learn until you can do it perfectly.

19. Dress colorfully.

20. If you don't have eyebrows, draw them in.

21. Be proud of who you are.