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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

While Contemplating a New Year...

Erma Bombeck's wisdom came to mind~~

"If I had my life to live over...

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television-and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realised that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's" ...But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Let's think about what God has blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by. We only have one shot at this and then it's gone. I hope you all have a blessed day. "

27 comments:

  1. nice...i love some of her quotes...i hope i never blow off kisses to wash hands...though i imagine i have...

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  2. Ive seen these words by Erma Bombeck many times, but they're always nice to read again. Thanks.

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  3. I love Erma....I use to have one about how it is to have 3 children...so funny. Goes from sterilizing everything to letting #3 drink from water hose. Wish I had a copy of it!

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  4. Alot of wisdom in her words! Always like to read her.

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  5. Her books were such favorites of mine. It is so sad that she lived such a short life...

    Thanks, Betsy.

    xoxo
    Janie

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  6. Excellent reflections to ponder on this week! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  7. Oh Betsy...what perfect timing to hear this poem again. I can relate to Erma's words of wisdom tonight...brought tears to my eyes. They remind me of a saying I think of often. I can't remember exactly how it was worded, but the sentiment is...when you're on your deathbed, what are you going to care about...missing that meeting at work or missing out on spending time with a loved one who needs you.
    We all get too caught up in the small unimportant stuff way too often.

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  8. LadyCat ~ oh, I know...I totally agree! And it's a reminder that we need to read again and again!

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  9. gosh she was so down to earth and smart...thanks for the reminder..the lovely Christmas bloom ...and YOU my dear blog friend!

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  10. ELK ~ you know, I think you hit the nail on the head...being down to earth and smart was the perfect combination!

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  11. I always loved Erma Bombeck. She rocked! I think it was Good Housekeeping that she had a little story or page in when I was growing up. I'd read it from my mom's magazine. I'm going to have to go to the library now and get her books (do you know I was just thinking about her not two days ago?!).

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  12. Kayren ~ well, great minds think alike! :) Be sure an post any good tidbits you see while you're reading!

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  13. Erma...The thing I remember most about her was she was Phil Donahues neighbor...She talked about that all the time.
    Funny what you remember about someone isn't it!
    Your cake and soup on your earlier posts looks delish!
    (If you don't know who Phil D. is....then your young and I'm old!)
    Happy New Year my friend !
    xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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  14. Kathy ~ oh, yes I know who Phil D. is. My mom used to watch his tv show. Both he and Erma were from Dayton, Ohio...just 30 minutes from me! :)

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  15. I've always loved Erma, I think it was ingrained in me by my mother who also loved her. She gave me every one of Ermas books and I devoured them. Oddly enough both Erma and my mom died on the same day...the heavens gained a lot of wisdom that day! Thanks for the reminder Betsy..;p

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  16. Oh, Besty,...this is perfect! Such words of wisdom... Thank you for posting this.

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  17. hum...that should be Betsy...LOL!! Typos already this am...good grief:/....

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  18. Nice one Betsy! You rock :)

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  19. I really like this. I need to read more of Erma...I have heard of her but not really heard what she had to say.

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  20. Poignant words that cut straight to the heart as we contemplate another year. Thank you, Betsy!

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  21. Is is weird to say that I miss Erma, when I haven't even met her?
    Well, I do!
    Great post.

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  22. Such a wonderful and thought provoking read. All of it so very true.

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  23. I don't believe in blowing off kisses either!

    Wonderful quotes overall.

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  24. Thank you SO much for reminding me of Erma Bombeck. She was such a hoot -- what a nice memory jog.

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  25. I loved this and probably need to read it a few more times. So appropriate now. Happy New Year to you and your family.

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