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Blog“Just Over the Hilltop”

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Hello from just over the hilltop in Norwood where the geese are returning, the snow is melting, the air smells sugary, and there is a spring in my steps. For some reason, though its not my favorite season, this time of the year brings much hope and joy for new life and a fresh start. To me, New Year’s is more of a reflection of looking back with setting goals and purposes of projects or changes, with spring putting them into action. Yes, it is time to put a spring in my step, a song in my heart, and a smile on my face.

The song I’m singing to myself is one my Grandpa Bills sang often. “When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin’ along, along. There’ll be no more sobbin’ when he starts throbbin’ his old sweet song. Wake up, wake up you sleepy head; get up, get up, get out of bed; cheer up, cheer up the sun is red; live, love, laugh and be happy. What if I’ve been blue now I’m walkin’ through fields of flowers. Rain may glisten but still I listen for hours and hours. I’m just a kid again, doin’ what I did again, singing a song. When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin’ along.” Did you sing along with me?

wake up. wake up you sleepy head; get up, get up, get out of bed; cheer up, cheer up the sun is red; live, love, laugh, and be happy

Rose of Sharon Bed and Breakfast celebrated its first anniversary recently and our guests brought much joy and blessing during that year. We had many interesting people from various states and Canada bringing laughter, stories, and suggestions to our life. What a special year for our new venture.

Dick and I sang “Mansion Over the Hilltop” for special music at church Sunday. I played the piano for us and think it went okay. We certainly enjoyed it! On Saturday we had a brief thunderstorm with heavy rain for a short while. Does that mean 25 thunderstorms coming this summer season? Mr. Whitney, “I’m not sure I like your old-time predictions of weather patterns because fewer storms would be my preference.” Guess we’ll just wait and see what happens.

Dad’s sayings

I’ve been thinking ……… about my Dad and some of the sayings he used throughout his life. It was seven years ago today that he left this world and because of a Billy Graham Crusade he had attended, was confident of his “mansion over the hilltop.” I am not grieving nor dwelling on his death but rather find myself quoting him more often than not so thought I’d share some with you.

“Think twice before speaking once.” One of the results of applying this saying is I get left out of many conversations while I’m thinking that second time to be sure I say it right. But that’s okay. I write much of it down in these journals so possibly someone in the future will happen on my writings and will discover my second thoughts!

Think twice before speaking once

“Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know!” I suppose many parents have said that same phrase to their children as they desired to keep up with their friends and use this ploy to put pressure on getting their parents to get their own way. It didn’t work with my Dad. If I wanted something more than my parents provided – I needed to go and work for it.

“Before you start a project or make a promise, be sure you can and will complete it. Even if it hurts or costs you more.” Because of this lesson, I learned to not respond to a request immediately but to step back, consider it, and not be afraid to just say no. Neither do I need to justify and explain. “I’m sorry, I’m not able to do that,” is sufficient.

There are plenty more sayings but I will not write them at this time. What I miss the most is his wisdom and insights into life. He had a unique ability to see into and beyond a problem or situation and give great wisdom in his answer. Oh, that some would rub off onto me.

Have a great week and I’ll see you next month! Love, Sharon

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