Tribute to a Lady

UPDATED On March 16, 2007

Her name was Esther.....She died when I was twelve.

Everyone loved her... as she would... welcome you into her home with a big smile...a cup of coffee..and her home made Swedish flat bread.

She gathered lilacs in the spring and had them in every vase she owned ...on every table..It was so fragrant and beautiful.

Her conversation was filled with expressions and

She solved every problem with a saying.

"A stitch in time saves nine"

"Count that day lost..who's low decending sun

Observes from your hand...no worthy action done.

"There is no fool like an old fool"

"Spare the rod...and spoil the child

"Little pictures have big ears"

"There's another day tomorrow"

"Ten years from now...you won't remember

what you were even argueing about!!!"

"Don't cross the ditch for dirty water"

"Do one good deed...ten shall return."

"A bird in hand...is worth two in the bush."

"Tomorrow waits for no man"

"That is JUST Sour Grapes!"

"A penny for your thoughts"

"A penny saved is a penny earned.

"You can't take it with you."

"A bird will sit on a pouty lip."

"Take a page out of my book"

"Laughter is the best medicine.

"Live..Love...Laugh...and be happy!"

"Always hold your head high!"

"Don't let it get you down."

"You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear"

"Let sleeping dogs lie."

"A Stitch in time...saves nine."

"Don't cry over spilt milk."

"You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

"Pretty is.....as Pretty does."

"Don't count your chickens

before they hatch."

"Make hay while the sun shines."

"Ask me no questions...I'll tell you no lies."

"Don't go passing the buck."

"You can lead a horse to water...

But you can't make him drink."

"You can attract more flies with honey than you can with vinegar."

"Ohhh..hang on to your hat!"

"A rolling stone ...gathers no moss."

"Take it one day at a time."

"Beauty is only skin deep."

"Shake your feathers"

"Go...hussle up some kindling."

"Be quiet as a mouse."

"She's as busy as a bee."

"Be a brave little man."

"Don't be silly now..."

"He couldn't carry a tune in a bucket."

"I just took a little cat nap."

"Mark my words."

Idle hands are the devils workshop.

"That sounds fishy to me."

"Don't invite trouble."

"Brighten the corner...where you are."

"If you don't send any ships out...none will return."

"Don't worry...your ship will come in."

"It is always darkest..just before dawn."

"A little birdie told me."

"Lend a helping hand."

"Don't take life too seriously."

What does a smile cost you?

"There is some good in everyone."

"Always take the high road."

"You are only as old as you feel!"

"If you are getting cranky for no reason...cut your hair and your toenails."

"If you are selfish with water.

your well will run dry."

"Let your heart sing."

"Come on now...dry those tears..."

"Always stand TALL."

"Count your blessings."

(Her favorite verse)

Boys flying kites...

Haul in their white winged birds

But you can't do that with flying words.

Thoughts unexpressed...

May sometimes fall back dead..

But God Himself can't kill them...

Once they're said.

Great Gramma had a very hard life..but she was a survivor..

generous in heart and spirit...always shared what she had.

She instilled confidence and hope and integrity in her children.

She taught them about God and respect for all.

Great Gramma lived on a farm and we visited often.

When I was three..she caught me taking coffee beans out of her Coffee grinder..she scolded me and later...as I sat crying on her big front porch....she brought me some hot flat bread...dripping with butter....when she smiled...I knew she had forgiven me and a hard lesson was learned.

I was very fortunate to know this fine lady...she has influenced my life to a great degree. My Mom and my Gramma helped me remember some of her sayings.

When ever I think of her..I smell lilacs....