"Don't forget to take your vitamins, hen" and other life lessons

Grandma taught me a LOT. I've been reflecting on all of it and thought it might be neat to start a list of what she's taught us all!

I'm sure I'll have more to add down the road, but for right now, here are some things that are at the top of mind:

• Vitamins are important, especially calcium for us ladies and our bone health.
• My Mom is my best friend.
• End each conversation with a loved one with "I love you" and don't go to bed mad.
• Family comes first - none of this "you choose your friends but you can't choose your family" business! Love your family and cling to them through the good and the bad.
• Laughter is important to a happy marriage.
• It's important to pick berry bushes clean (well, this was Pa's big beef, but she would often remind me in her gentle way).
• Tea should not be served too strong!
• Scotch mints are delicious.
• Live within your means - use what you have in creative ways - recycle!
• Crocheting and knitting are good for the soul (unfortunately, I can't remember how to do either....will need someone to teach me again).
• Doing laundry can bring you great joy!
• Write little notes, cards, letters to family and friends to let them know you care. Thank them for just being them.
• Lavender, mint, and rose and wonderfully relaxing scents.
• Keep pictures and letters that make you smile - and surround yourself with them.
• SING! It's good for the soul.
• Pray. Pray often. Pray when worried. Pray when thankful. Pray always.
• When baking, use 'light fingers' - don't overmix! Sometimes no recipe is better than having a recipe -experiment!
• Have compassion.
• A 'wee nip' is ok once in a while.
• Independence is an important quality to develop (When I lived alone in Oregon, we used to joke that we were "Strong, independent women" a la Beyonce).
• When jumping over a candlestick, make sure the candle is short enough that you can clear the top of it. (Let's just say we had an incident involving us jumping and breaking a candlestick).
• It's important to treat yourself now and then.
• Hairspray is a key ingredient to great hair!
• The term 'hen' is a Scottish term of endearment (as opposed to a female chicken).
• A grandmother's love is unconditional and unfailing.

What other life lessons did she teach you? Or maybe we learned some of the same stuff?!