Manners are important. Know them. Use them. No matter who visits Windsor Castle (or anywhere else the British Monarch is) they will feel welcome and at ease. One reason is that QE II has done her homework (due diligence) to know your customs and what makes you comfortable. Another is that you will be briefed in advance so you will know just what is expected of you. If it’s good enough for the Queen of England, it’s good enough for you. Manners and etiquette make everyone feel more comfortable. If you don’t have great manners, it won’t matter if your IQ is over 150.

Be respectful of things as well as people. If you drop it, pick it up. If you open it, close it when you’re done. If you get it dirty, get it clean again. If you use it up or break it, replace it. If you take good care of things they will last longer, save money, and you’ll have an easier time keeping your home clean and tidy. And people will trust you when you want to borrow something. You can extrapolate the corollaries for how to treat people.

Never yell at anyone, unless the house is on fire. If you really want someone to listen, speak softly. It forces them to pay closer attention.

While “respect is earned”, is a common phrase, it is its ancillary that is the most correct -- as in: EVERYone you encounter deserves your respect until their behavior takes it away. You respect your elders, your boss, your spouse and your children. In most cases this will also result in their behaving respectfully toward you.

Behave in such a way that when you arise in the morning, the Devil says, “Oh no, s/he is up!” You may be the only imitator of Christ that some people ever see. Be a GREAT example! Saint Francis said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” Let every thing you do or say be an enhancement of the Gospel!!!

As Abraham Lincoln said, “Many things in life you cannot choose; but you can always choose your own attitude.” Choose a positive one.

No matter what you are doing, if you aren’t having fun, you’re doing it wrong. That doesn’t mean you should be disrespectful, but happiness is a choice. You CAN be well mannered and happy at the same time. It might take a little practice, but you’ll get the hang of it, and it will change your life.

Joseph waited 13 years. Abraham waited 25 years. Moses waited 40 years. Jesus waited 30 years. If God is making you wait, you're in good company. God’s timing is perfect. Yours is just impatient. He is never late, never early, and never wrong. Take a deep breath and look for the blessing and the joy.

First things first. "Who am I" ... If you think you want to call me ‘Val’, it must be preceded by a title. As in ‘Gramma Val’ (or ‘Gramma Lal’ -- my grandmother). Miss Val and Auntie Val are also acceptable if you are under 18. In all other cases, my name is ‘VALERIE’ -- no nickname. Unless you are my dead Grandmother, DO NOT call me Vali, unless you want to join her. If you are one of about a dozen people (I know who you are), I will respond to ‘Bowzie’ or "Bowz". If I haven’t given you special permission, don’t try it. 8 June 2016 -- I've mellowed a bit since I first posted this. I'm ready for "Vali" to be part of my life. Please, still refrain from calling me "Val". Gramma-Vali, Auntie-Vali, Mama-Vali all sound like me, so feel free!