My mother cautioned me to never tell anyone—other than the postal carrier and trusted neighbors and friends—when I left for the weekend or on a vacation. That’s why I didn’t peep a word about our wonderful trip to Lancaster County ahead of time or post photos of the glorious countryside on Facebook while my husband and I were there a couple weeks ago, although I was dying to. Sometimes the planning of a trip is half the fun. But no; I could hear my mother’s words of warning in my ears. A burglar might break into the house while we were gone.
More advice she gave me as a child, other than to always wear clean undies? Never speak to or take rides from strangers. She also told me, when I was attempting to reuse a stamp, to never steal anything worth less than a million dollars. This was back in the days before billion dollar bailouts, when a million dollars really meant something. In other words, never steal anything, including towels from hotels.
While at the grocery store, select the milk, chicken, and produce from the back as it will most likely be the freshest. And check the pull-dates. When out in public, never mention other people by last name. Always wash your hands when you come home. And carry a spare Kleenex.
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| Shopping for vegetables in Bird-in-Hand |
One dandy piece of advice my generous father shared was to give freely and not expect anything in return, as I would most likely be disappointed and become bitter. That golden nugget has served me well.
Did a parent, guardian or a relative pass on advice you still use today? I’d love to hear about it.
Should you wish to enter to win a copy of Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork, please leave a first name and e-mail address so we can contact you. USA and Canada. Winner has one week to respond.
Congratulations to Jan H. for winning a copy of Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork!
I would like to be entered in the book giveaway. angelachesnut246(AT)gmail(dot)com My name is Angela
Thanks for writing, Angela. You are entered!
What gorgeous country side Lancaster has to offer.
It is indeed, Betty! I can’t imagine more beautiful farms and fields, not to mention the forested areas.
my mother taught me things don’t matter people do.
Sounds like you had a wonderful mother! Thanks for sharing her wisdom with us!
Grandma said “The older the barn…the more paint it needs….” as she put on her lip stick and perfume!
Natalie mandn@wisper-wireless.com
That is so cute, Natalie! I’ll have to share your grandma’s saying with my mother-in-law; I know she’ll get a chuckle out of it. Thanks for entering the contest!
All the above warnings my mom said the exact same things. I have Leaving Lancaster but would love to win Penn Patchwork. maggieh1947@att.net
Thanks for visiting my blog, Maggie, and entering the contest!
The countryside looks very peaceful. mercy.hall@gmail.com
The countryside is peaceful, Mercedes, as are the people who live there. Thanks for entering the contest!
Sorry wrong email. Looks like I would remember my own address!! Lol!! My momma said there would be days like this!! hall.mercy@gmail.com
Okay, I’ll make the change. Thanks!
Kate – kkleinert@msn.com and I would be so delighted to win one of your books!
You are officially entered in the contest, Kate! Thank you for visiting my blog!
Some of the advice that your mother gave to you, my mother gave to me. I am so glad that you had a quiet vacation to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Maybe we, your reader friends, will be able to meet you in Lancaster.
I would love to win an autographed copy of your book!!I enjoy reading your books.
Thank you.
tinkerbell2by2@gmail.com
Thank you very much, Elaine! Good luck in the contest!
Was given all the same advice as was given to you Kate. I have both of these books so please don’t enter me into your contest. Just want to say I love your books.
You are such a sweetheart, Juanita! Thank you for writing the note of encouragement I needed!
I always heard the same advice as well not to tell anyone you were going away. Thanks for the chance to win one of your books. Cindy Linthicum
Thank you for writing, Cindy! To enter the contest I need your email address or some contact info, in case you win.
My mother told me many things, most of which I’ve forgotten because they’re so ingrained in me. Waste not, want not, or that’s water under the bridge. Were those from my mom? or just sayings from my childhood?
Thanks for joggling my memory, Judy! My mother said “waste not want not” too!
My grandmother also told us girls to always wear clean pantries when going somewhere because you never knew what might happen. My mother always said to call someone when you were leaving somewhere and to let them know when you returned. It’s better to know your loved one is safe than to worry. That was back when you had to use pay phones when out and about.
Joannah
Auntiejomama@sbcglobal.net
I remember those days, Joannah, before cell phones! Our poor parents must have worried about us terribly. Not that cell phones haven’t brought with them a whole new stew of problems. Thanks for entering the contest!
Shut them door! You wasn’t raised in a barn!
Thanks for the chance to win one of your autographed books!
rcourts@twc.com
You made me chuckle, Tammy! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the contest!
My mom always taught me all the things to remain strong and get threw tough times and they’ve always helped me. I have been threw a lot from getting sick, surgeries, and an abusive relationship. Thanks for letting me enter the contest, I have yet to read one of your books.
Liz
northerncountrygrl26(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like you had a wise mother. Thank you for leaving your comment, Liz, and for entering the contest! I’d love to have you read one of my books!
My greatgrannie taught me about being faithful. She always gave thanks, no matter the situation. I still miss her! –Annette
abeldridge (at) charter (dot) net
What a dear woman, Annette! She taught youth through her actions. It wouldn’t hurt me one little bit to be thankful in all situations. Thanks for entering the contest!
My grandma always told me that she may not always like what I do but she will always love me and I use that phrase on my daughter now! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
Your grandma gave you the greatest gift: unconditional love! How beautiful that you pass it along to your daughter. Thanks for entering the contest!
I would love to win one of your books.
Susan susanmsj at msn dot com
Thanks for entering the contest, Susan!
PLEASEENTER ME INTO THE CONTEST.I WOULD LOVE TO READ PENNSLYVANIA PATCHWORK……DEBBIE debbiemosley44@hotmail.com
You are entered, Debbie! Good luck!
I also got the clean undies and wash your hands advice, but the one that has served me the best is the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.
dcasti2705@sbcglobal.net
Oh, that is called the golden rule for a good reason, Dali! Thanks for sharing that sage advice and for entering the contest!
My mother was always very frugal and her advice to me was to always have enough money saved to live on for at least 3-4 months in case of hard times. Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com
Your mother gave you wise advice, Sonja! Maybe this whole country should take her advice … Thanks for entering the contest!
My mother taught me how to be a good wife and mother. She was the best, and along with my dad taught me about JJesus. I sure still miss them tho has been many years.
I would love to win one of your books. Thanks! Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Your mother sounds fantastic, Maxie! Your husband and children must have benefited greatly from her teachings. I miss both my parents too. Thanks for writing!
My grandma taught me that inner beauty is more important than outward appearances and that attitude is what makes a person attractive (or unattractive). Thanks for the opportunity! My email is: elise(underscore)jehan(at)yahoo(dot)com. Thanks!
If every child grew up learning and embracing what your grandma taught, the world would be a better place! And I wouldn’t mind my bad hair days as much … Thank you for visiting my website and entering the contest!
I would love to win one of your books. My Granny always said to live by example and she was a wonderful Godly example to follow.
How marvelous to have her example to follow, Mary! To enter the contest, please leave an email address or contact info. Thanks!
Thanks for making me think of things my mother shared with me! It had me going back down the road of my childhood. Her words still ring in my ears, if you want friends you have to be a good friend first. Love with Christ love and everything will fall in place. She has been with the Lord now for 14 years and how I miss her! I would love to win your book, thank you for good clean books to read!!!!
You certainly got lucky in the mother department, Becky! Reading all these marvelous posts, I recall more words from my mother and still cherish them. Becky, if you want to enter the book giveaway, please leave an email address or contact info. Thanks for writing!
My mom taught me to follow my dreams and to never give up.Never let people make me believe I can’t when I can do anything I set out to do.And to always love.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
Wow, what stellar teaching, Jackie! Your mother sounds fantastic! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the contest!
I’m so enjoying reading this lovely comments from every one . You must have had a wonderful mom , thanks for the invitation to enter for you book . Faye Simer .. xstitchgranny2000@yahoo.com
Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the book giveaway, Faye! I have also received much enjoyment from reading the comments!
I was taught pretty much all you were as well as most of the comments too. I was always told “never go to bed mad as you never know if you both will wake up together” Always have practiced that and the other things. Would love to be entered and already read Leaving Lancaster so would love the other one. Glad you had a great time on your vacation. Take care and God bless, Patti ===pag1936@yahoo.com
Thanks for the reminder, Patti! A wise practice that is sometimes forgotten. Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the contest!
I too had similar things told to me. when speaking don’t say things you wouldn’t want the Lord to hear because He is listening.
So true, Sharma! Thanks for writing!
To always be kind,because you never know what a person is going through.
Kindness as a first response is beautiful, Jackie!