Last month, my friend, Jan, and I travelled to the East Coast. We visited places I’ve always wanted to see: Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. I showed her favorite places from my childhood: my hometown on Long Island, N.Y. and a favorite vacation spot in New Hampshire. We visited friends at their charming farmhouse in a small town and walked the streets of Boston and New York City.
We made it a point to stop in Manchester, New Hampshire, and find my father’s grave. He is buried at a Hebrew cemetery and we followed the Jewish tradition of putting stones on the grave as a sign of remembrance. My relationship with my father was difficult at times, and I believe that makes it all the more important for me to remember the good times, and the many blessings of being his child.
One thing I appreciated about my father was his love of language. His familiarity with Latin came in handy in his career as an attorney. At home, sometimes he quoted statesmen or poets. Other times he quoted simple, wise expressions he learned from his mother, such as, “Haste makes waste, ” or “Buy cheap, buy twice.”
Sometimes a phrase or a sentence provides inspiration or helps us stay the course as we make our way through life. The Biblical book of Proverbs tells us, “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” (Prov. 18:4)
In the next few posts, I’m going to share some of my favorite wise words and pithy sayings. I invite you to enrich the conversation by sharing some of your favorites as well. Has a colorful expression from another culture given you perspective? Has a friend shared words of encouragement when you most needed it? Are there quotes that help you have the courage to say “yes”, or the discernment to say “no”?
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Elaine Hirschberg
5 Jul 2019One of my favorite sayings is-
It’s not what happens to you that’s important, it’s what you do about it.
Also- Be brave, even if you’re not, pretend to be.
admin
6 Jul 2019Elaine – Thanks for sharing your favorite sayings. Both provide good food for thought! -J.B.
Rob McBride
7 Jul 2019Two sayings come to mind
“Little by little we can eat a camel.” This is one I learned in Morocco when I was in the Peace Corp.
This is also said in sub-Saharan Africa as “Little by little we can eat an elephant.”
These are both mean that together we can do large tasks.
Ironically, they also get together and eat camels or elephants on occasion.
JB Hazelton
7 Jul 2019Rob – The meaning of those sayings reminds me of “one step at a time”, which I used as the title of a blog post. We need those reminders when we face daunting tasks—like writing a book. Can’t wait to see your book, Fields of the Sky, in print! – J.B.
B.E. Beck
18 Jul 2019One of my favorite memories-
When seeing a dandelion, my grandmother used to say; Some people see a weed, others see a wish.
It’s a matter of how you look at life.
admin
23 Jul 2019Sweet! Thanks, B.E.
The other Jan
24 Jul 2019God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason….we should listen twice as much as we speak!
admin
31 Jul 2019A good reminder to all of us! Thanks.