From our readers.....

“Offer it up,” was her response to my moaning and groaning. What my mother meant was evident. These three little words summed up a hot air balloon’s worth of breath intended to erode the selfishness of youth and refine me for the challenges of adulthood. And sometimes these carefully aimed phrases proved more effective than their lengthier cousins.

I seethed, unwilling to have the succinct phrase quell my agitation, turned on my heels and left - each stomp out of the room emphasizing my determination never to repeat such platitudes to my future children.

I was momentarily shocked the first time “We all have our crosses to bear” rolled off my tongue and into my own children’s ears, but now in my forties, the expressions are a staple of my conversation. Resistance was futile and I experience time travel, albeit from a different perspective, on a daily basis.

Along with our parents’ physical likenesses and talents we’re blessed to receive the wisdom of generations. Offering advice gleaned from the experiences of our ancestors, these “pearls” reflect the attitudes, morals and virtues of a family. And on occasion a particular phrase gifted by grandparents or great-grandparents causes us to pause and reflect on its origin, perhaps giving us a glimpse into their lives.

Here are some of my favorites…

No ones done until everyone's done.
Don't be such a panty waste (or is that waist?)
Who was your maid last year?
Waste not, want not.
Yeah, well you're not everybody!
What, were you born in a barn?
Practice, practice, practice.
Practice what you preach.
Flattery will get you nowhere.
You think I was born yesterday?
Money doesn't grow on trees.
I can give you something to do if you're bored.
Sew buttons on your underwear.
Anticipate needs!
Quit filling the air with empty words.
Modulate your voice!
There's a place for everything, and everything in its place.
When we work, we work. When we play, we play.
There's a time a place for everything.
Look it up in the dictionary!
Expand your palate!
Your nose is growing...
The sooner we start, the sooner we finish.
You can do anything you want to if you work hard enough at it.
Neatness counts!
Pull up your own socks!
Pretty is as pretty does.
Rise above it.
Be a cheerful giver
Her voice was ever soft and gentle….
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Life isn’t fair.
Big hat, no cattle
It’ll put hair on your chest.

I’m happy to say that my own kids are “blessed” with hearing these and react with well-timed eye rolls. But I think I’m getting through. Sean closed a recent dialogue with, “Go big or don’t go!” I like that one! We’d love to hear some from your family.

Submitted by Leslie Collins



My Sister
by Mike Kelly

I know a little girl at the age of four
Has a temper tantrum and slams the door.
Bangs in her eyes and spikes on her feet
Still does not know how to stay in her seat.

First year in soccer, she’s quite the star,
And wearing a tutu she stands at the barre.
Last summer she wanted to try pony camp
But come winter time is was just way too damp.

Two cats and a dog make up her pets.
She’s convinced one day she will become a vet.
Smoke, Cinder and Sadie may disagree
From her clutches they truly just want to flee.

Her friends they are many like Julia and Grace
They always include games like hide and go chase.
Whenever they visit - I get a call
To come down the stairs and give them the ball.

Junie B Jones is her favorite book
She listens intently - a fish on a hook.
Monsters and bed bugs may disturb her night
But Teddy is close- she’ll just home him tight.

At eight in the morning she lets out a cry
Patrick and Sponge Bob are ready to fly.
Diego and Dora - no longer her thing.
Turn Pokemon on and she’s likely to sing.

She started Pre-K and is having a blast
In her second year and its going so fast.
Maddie’s her name and she’s my sister dear
She gets on my nerves but I like when she’s near.

Mikey is the Son of Mike and Kath Kelly