If You Can't Say Anything Nice...
By Catherine
@bluesa (15022)
Johannesburg, South Africa
August 28, 2017 7:13am CST
My Mom taught me from a young age that if you don't have something positive or kind to say, it is better to say nothing at all. No, I don't always abide by it, I am only human after all. But this time I shall follow that teaching.
And since this weekend and Monday has been nothing but drama and frustration, and more drama and frustration for me and my family, I thought that instead of pitching a fit on here, I would rather ask how your weekend went....
So, yeah, how was your weekend, all? I saw some crazy footage from Houston, those that have family in those states hit by that weather, are they all okay and safe? I sincerely hope they are. And if any of you are caught up in it, I hope you're safe and sound and receiving any aid needed!
I wish all here all over the world a safe and happy Monday and week.
Photo is of leaves and blooms popping out on a tree outside my kitchen window, that I took a photo of this morning, we're slowly heading into spring. 
Collage made on my Samsung phone.
Collage made on my Samsung phone.23 people like this
26 responses
@DianneN (254926)
• United States
28 Aug 17
Such lovely photos of your approaching spring. Our fall will be here officially in less than one month. I hope things work out for your family. Some days, life is tough. You already know about my weekend.
I was raised the same way, but like you, I'm only human. I try to be nice to those who treat me the same. I will not abide liars, copycats, morons, oddballs, bores, and wannabes.
.
.5 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
29 Aug 17
Thank you, Dianne. Yes, life is like that. I do. I was trying to not say anything mean about my weekend and early Monday but, I agree wholeheartedly with what you say about people, and I very much treat others the way they treat me too. If someone tries to step on me, all bets are off and I step right back on them!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254926)
• United States
28 Aug 17
@Courtlynn Glad to hear it! 
. However, some people are pure phonies, along with the rest of what I stated. So easy to catch a lie. 
. However, some people are pure phonies, along with the rest of what I stated. So easy to catch a lie. 2 people like this
@moffittjc (128837)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Aug 17
I have always tried to treat each and every person I come in contact with as if they were the most important person in the world. It is something my dad always taught me to do. I am naturally shy, but I force myself to be outgoing when I have to be. My daughter commented to me the other day, "Dad, you know everyone in this city!" I don't, but because I'm so attentive with people I meet, it appears that I can be best friends even with strangers I meet on the street!
I have two friends who live in Houston, and thankfully both of them are safe. But their houses are a total loss, as the water is up to both of their roofs. At least they got out safely. Poor Houston is going to have a long road to recovery.
2 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
29 Aug 17
But, here I thought I was the most important and all, the apple of your eye! You hear that sound? That was the sound of my heart breaking!!! 
. Nah, it was very nice of your Dad to instill that in you. I can also be quite shy. It is good you are able to have a good rapport with many.
I am happy both your friends are safe, just sorry their houses are a total loss, and that Houston and other areas that were also hit have so much they have to contend with now.
. Nah, it was very nice of your Dad to instill that in you. I can also be quite shy. It is good you are able to have a good rapport with many.
I am happy both your friends are safe, just sorry their houses are a total loss, and that Houston and other areas that were also hit have so much they have to contend with now.1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128837)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Aug 17
@bluesa You're different Catherine, you're more special than the others!
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
1 Sep 17
@moffittjc , really, Jeff? It would be nice to think so.
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21741)
• Canada
28 Aug 17
Sometimes it is hard to bite your tongue. Good job changing the subject to something more uplifting.
3 people like this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
29 Aug 17
That is wise advice indeed. You're right, hard to follow all of the time. I hope that there is no more drama or frustration
2 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
1 Sep 17
@FayeHazel , absolutely not. I end up venting. I don't know how some people keep their cool. I try to, like I did here, but eventually I lose my cool.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
29 Aug 17
@bluesa Do you find that it helps? To not spill about it?
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36847)
• Pamplona, Spain
28 Aug 17
Nice phone you have and it takes lovely photos.
I really hope that they are reaching everyone on the coastline where he has hit the hardest and get them to safety.
2 people like this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36847)
• Pamplona, Spain
29 Aug 17
@bluesa
We managed to escapa a serious flash flood ages ago and it was really scary.
In minutes you are up to your neck in water.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
1 Sep 17
@lovinangelsinstead21 , I can only imagine! I have heard there is very little warning. I am glad you escaped it!
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
28 Aug 17
I'm sorry your weekend wasn't great, neither was mine but I hope you have a great week! =)
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
29 Aug 17
@bluesa Thank you very much.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
29 Aug 17
Sorry your weekend wasn't great too. Thank you and I sincerely hope you have a great week too @LovingMyBabies .
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
29 Aug 17
wonderful shot of your trees awaiting spring.
yes, we also saw on TV the massive flood in US.
2 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
1 Sep 17
@ridingbet , yes, it is very sad.
The tennis seems to be going well though.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
31 Aug 17
@bluesa it is really disheartening to know that there were deaths already.
on the lighter side, the US tennis open also started in a state in US. i hope the open will not be hindered by weather disturbance.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67089)
• United States
28 Aug 17
I'm the same as Dianne.
My mother raised us to be nice or don't say anything, and always treat people the way they treat you, BUT there are those people who make you go against it.
2 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
29 Aug 17
Absolutely @Courtlynn . I can be nice, sure, but try to stab me in the back or take advantage of me and well, bye bye to being nice.
1 person likes this
@fearjp (458)
•
28 Aug 17
Yea true about it. I do hate when people say all those mean things and cause drama as well. I also hate the things they will tell me regarding any bad situation to me when they know I had nothing to do or they mistaken me because makes me feel like a bad guy not listening to what my parents taught me about the be nice or keep yourself quiet lol since I can snap and have to say it...call them something mean in return. Weekend was OK lol, still bumped that I didn't get to watch the fight because I had nowhere to go but Sunday was a bit better. I have heard about the Texas problems but never really believed it. I hope my cousins and their family are also OK, I have 2 cousins living there each with there family.
@m_audrey6788 (58468)
• Germany
28 Aug 17
Yes..My Parents taught me the same but sometimes I only say things to point on something but no intention of hurting them 
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
29 Aug 17
Same here @_audrey6788 and we can only try our best.
1 person likes this
@m_audrey6788 (58468)
• Germany
29 Aug 17
@bluesa ..Yes..I guess..The one who`ll stay and understand you, Are the ones who can be true friends forever
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
29 Aug 17
@m_audrey6788 that's right, that is how we know who true friends are.
@shaggin (74987)
• United States
29 Aug 17
I had a wonderful weekend! Friday my ex came over with his dog for a few hours and we watched some Netflix. My ex and I spent Saturday geocaching and kayaking. He spent the night Saturday night. Then Sunday as you read in my previous post my kids and I went to a Chinese buffet to celebrate my daughters last day of summer break. My mother taught me that saying about if you don't have anything nice to say not to say anything at all. I always said exactly what I was thinking so it wasn't until an adult I held my tongue but it is a saying I teach my children as well!
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
2 Sep 17
That does sound like a truly wonderful weekend . I am happy you had such a good time. Yes, it seems a popular teaching, I still unfortunately have a problem holding my tongue. It's great you're teaching your children it as well though.
. I am happy you had such a good time. Yes, it seems a popular teaching, I still unfortunately have a problem holding my tongue. It's great you're teaching your children it as well though. 1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56325)
• Canada
28 Aug 17
I agree whole-heartedly.
I was raised with the same belief and I try my very best to live it each and every day.
Live and let live, and if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say a thing!!
I had a lovely weekend, our son got married and there is nothing sweeter then a wedding is there?
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
29 Aug 17
Sorry your weekend was not so great. Hoping the next one is better! It is a good thing we have more than one. Your photo is so nice I could use a photography lesson from you Catherine.
I could use a photography lesson from you Catherine.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
4 Sep 17
@dgobucks226 Happy Spring day to you Catherine. Enjoy the warmer weather!
1 person likes this
