Life's lessons...

image: Square America

This photo inspired this post about life's lessons. Sometimes they're hard to learn, but they must be absorbed all the same. I thought I'd pass on a few that I've seen "layin' around"...

These I've been told by those wiser than me; or perhaps come from me, adapted after years of seeing them in print, but not necessarily listening to the advice:

Go with your gut, not your heart, and know when to cut your losses...

That which we give for free isn't always valued. Sometimes others just think because it was free, it cost nothing...

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...and from this source: Blessings for Life.com, the following:

I believe that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change... but sometimes, the changes happen for a reason and we must move on.

I believe that no matter how good a friend is, she's going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive her for that...it can also be a huge obstacle to overcome, get past, ignore...

I believe that you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for life...think before you speak and act.

• I believe that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them...sad, but true.
  


• I believe that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe that either you control your attitude or it controls you...again, so hard at times.

I believe that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. Same goes for the volunteers in life.

I believe that money is a lousy way of keeping score...and a lousy way to measure worth..of others or yourself.

• I believe that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time... Sigh...

I believe that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up...and vice versa.

I believe that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

• I believe that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
  


• I believe that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

• I believe that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

• I believe that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
  


• I believe that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you..

• I believe that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you you will find the strength to help.
  


• I believe that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I wonder who wrote this and why? They sure had a firm grip on what is important...

Been a long time gone...

A little dab'll do you, or so the saying goes. I am home again after my little jaunt south of the border, and I have nothing but respect for the American buyers working for my favourite stores! My sister's mini-van was positively wheezing - it was so full of loot that we (very happily) acquired on our second annual shopping adventure. It is a journey not for the faint of heart; as it is non-stop action, and we take no prisoners! Having just come off a stretch of insomnia, our overnight stay was no different, and I tossed and turned and awoke with burning eyes and tired feet. Still, the shopping was fantastic, and the company like-minded.

Me and my mum...

I was relaying all the great bargains I encountered to my husband, and he told me a little story he had heard recently. It was about a tourist couple viewing a native American gentleman's hand-made baskets at a roadside stand. They were very impressed with his craftsmanship and attention to detail, but couldn't help notice that he had virtually identical baskets priced very differently. As they queried what accounted for the difference in price, he replied very simply: "Some people want to pay $15 for a basket, and others want to pay $50 for a basket." How utterly true! While I am in the $15 crew, I do know of others who truly feel they are not getting value for their money unless they pay a higher price. Case in point: Target has an incredible line of dolls and doll accessories that are so similar to the American Girl line that it is incredible! I picked up this salon set for Sophie's Canadian Girl, and it was only $12.98, compared to American girl's counterpart at $49.00 for just the salon chair, and another $14.00 for the hair accessories! Last I checked, both are made in China...! I also got the doll table and chairs with a tea set included, all for the grand price of $19.99!!

Here are some more of my treasures, all in pink and white. I adore the Shabby Chic line at Target, and always pick up some of Ms. Ashwell's goodness while there. I had a distinct shopping mission this year...the playhouse...that my husband is, at present, hammering away at. I found quite a few accessories and pieces for the little house, and suffered from a fair bit of teasing about it from my more sensible sister. Oh well... she'll be thanking me when she comes down to visit and our daughters actually leave us be while they play in it!

Some more goodies...

I got the bench at TJ Maxx for a steal, and the quilt was only $20!!

These sweet, little rugs were just $1.99 at Marden's. Guess where they're going?

I returned home to my children and husband, who had been well cared for by my mother-in-law. While I was away, they feasted on lobster, steak and scallops; and although they deny it, likely didn't miss me a bit! My kids did present me with lovely heartfelt cards and crafts and we snuggled up together to watch the finale of Survivor. My sister summed it up best: the best part of going away is returning to your family.
So true...