The Queen of Quotes

by Janice Alston

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
There rolls the deep where grew the tree
by William Blake

Welcome to THE QUEEN OF QUOTES. I’m Janice Alston–the deemed Queen. My passion for quotes was sort of handed down by my family and grew along the way. This opening poem sums up my love for quotes: We should see greatness in the very small. Think about the things beyond man’s comprehension, observing from where you are.

A quote is like a snippet from life and I have an adage for every conversation. In this new bi-monthly blog, I’ll match my love for storytelling with my love for dishing quotes to bring an intimate compilation filled with wisdom, heritage, and memories. It’s been said that, THE QUEEN OF QUOTES is that person who knows the perfect things to say and just when to say it. Trust me, you’re gonna want to take notes and quote the Queen.

1. “I’m just a lonely frog in a great big pond.”

This one is from my Uncle Winfred, when he lived with us for a short while in New Jersey. It’s hard to believe that was sixty years ago. Uncle Winfred often missed the old place in North Carolina. Throughout my years of living, I can say that I have had a few of those lonely frog days as well.

2. “It’s a po’ frog that won’t praise his own lily pad.”

In other words, regardless of your home or life’s condition, be thankful for what you have. Once again, this is from good ole Uncle Winfred. I’m sure he spent a lot of time down by the creeks and ponds observing life in the country which was fifteen miles from the nearest store.

3. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Yes, life isn’t always sweet or kind. However, take the tart, bitter days, add some sweetness and sip slowly.”

This one is from my mother–and many others have said it through the years.

4. “A half loaf is better than none at all.”

Oh yes! This quote is from an older lady that gave me advice on marriage. I was telling her about some issues I was having within my marriage, and the possible separation I was considering. She looked at me and said, “Janice baby, a half loaf bread is better than no bread.” I took her advice for a while–then I realized, if that loaf of bread was no good I could live in peace without.

5. “Fake it till you make it.”

This one is often used in the Twelve Step Programs. Many substance abusers struggle to stay clean and sober. If they just keep trying it will happen– if they just keep coming. Even though they may be struggling to stay clean, and, yes, grieving the loss of their companion that helped them escape from life briefly, they are told “Keep coming, fake it till you make it. ”

Might I add that many are confused by this quote. Some put those down that use it. They say that they are not living by faith. I respond to that saying, “God gave us tools to use.”

6. “Throwing it in the creek.”

This is a quote from a sermon that a Pastor gave one Sunday morning in a church. He said, ”Sisters walking and swinging those hips, hard–showing out.” He was talking about attention grabbers, by any means necessary. Get a mental picture of how some of our sisters walk. Yep, they’re “Throwing it in the creek.”

7. “A hit dog will bark every time.”

This one is almost self explanatory. It’s from my Aunt Myrtle. My mother’s oldest sister.

8. “If you lay down with dogs you will get up with fleas.”

Another one that requires no explanation, and again from my Aunt Myrtle.

9. “Thoughts have wings.”

My mother said this often. Be careful, when you have a good idea or plan they will take flight and someone else will benefit from your dreams and plans. It’s the truth! Forty five years ago, I drew a design for a flat iron. I was busy as a new mom and never submitted my design. My thoughts flew into another’s head, and when I saw it being marketed– I hung my head. You have dreams and designs, work it out, and go for it!

10. “The same tail the cows needed to keep flies off their butts in the summer, will be needed in the fall, spring, and winter too.”

My mother again. Some words have been changed to protect the softees. However, she was telling it like she meant it. People tend to think when they use or misuse you, they won’t need you again. Not so, be careful how you treat those that are kind to you.

11. “Tough titty, said the kitty, but the milk’s still good.”

Meow. My mother again. Sometimes things don’t work out as we desire. However, it can still satisfy our yearnings or even our needs.

12. “The Whole Nine Yards.”

This is one that I can’t say when or who I heard it from. However, it means All The Way. If I tell you that ‘we’re going or doing the Whole Nine Yards,’ we are not going half way.

13. “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

This was part of President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration speech. It was a call to the public, that everyone could contribute to the country in some way.

14. “It doesn’t matter what ship you came to shore on, we’re all in the same boat.”

This was shared in a Twelve Step Program room about drug and alcohol abuse. Whether drugs or alcohol, they all kick butts.

I hope you have enjoyed this little trip down memory lane with me. I won’t say goodbye, because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting. So, I’ll say see you next time.