Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness around the world.

September 21, 2006

Today’s Queue Stories

~**~**~

What I Miss in Life That I Still Cannot Have

Norma Liles

Saying "cannot" is a strong word but it describes perfectly what I am going to say in relationship to that word and I am sure that you will agree with my wording,

I have missed having grandparents.  I did have grandparents but they all passed away prior to my birth with the exception of my fraternal grandfather who was so old by the time that I was born that he had lost his interest in children, if he ever had such a thing.  That in itself is another story.

I recall as a child thinking how grand it would be to sit on a grandmother's lap and share stories and do all the things with her as I have seen my childhood friends do with their 'grannies.'  I thought it would be great to go fishing with my grandfather although I was a girl but girls love to fish, just like boys do. I would be willing to bait my own hook.

I miss the things that I have read in storybooks about visiting Mamaw and Papaw down on the farm; staying overnight with them; eating homemade cookies that she had made and listening to my grandpa play his fiddle or the piano because my Mom had music in her very bones and I knew she had to have inherited that trait from someone so in my mind's eye, I just assumed it came from her dad.

As a young girl, my best friend stayed with her grandmother when her Mother was working.  She did not treat her grandmother very well as she was prone to sass her and act nasty.  I always told her that if I had a grandma like that, I would love her to death.  I don't think she ever got the message.

Today, I am a grandmother and I have tried to live my fantasy through my grandchildren.  They are adults now but in retrospect, I can remember how they loved to visit g'ma as I am called; the songs we sang, the games we played, the walks we took,  the cookies we made

but mostly the love that we shared and still do.

I am still reminded by these two girls of their favorites where I was concerned such as; g' ma makes the bestest baked beans, g'ma fries the best chicken, g'ma is there when my 'heart hurts' when I am offended.  If they read this, I pray that they know that g'ma will always be there for them as they have been there for me.

NormaLee Liles ©

hoopla214@yahoo.com

Norma is an Ohio native, senior citizen; happy in her own skin, loves the Lord God Almighty, her family, her friends and her computer; pretty much in that order! Her hobbies include reading, writing poetry, stories, a few songs; loves to sing; and prefers southern gospel music. She is retired from the business world where she worked as a data entry operator/supv; is number nine of ten children; is looking fwd

to her next birthday which will welcome #77. (Oct)

Her writings have been featured on: Starfish, Driftwood, Sandollar, Morning Spirit Lift, Prayer of God, Jan Karon, American Poetry Writer's League, Lucy's Inspiration, Faithful Hope reading room, Poetry of Today, Hope in Him, Bonnie's Place, America will remember, News Moose, Penworm Prayer Warriors, Angels on Earth, Canadian Memorial page, Eternal Ink, Heartcatcher and senior writer for Storytime_Tapestry.

~**~**~

_.__ Circle of Life

by

Leeuna Foster

I tottered along on legs that were not as strong, not as sure and steady as yours were. You slowed your steps to match mine, held my hand least I should stumble and fall. I asked lots of questions,

yet you were always patient in your answers, even though I asked the same one many times. You prepared my meals with loving hands, always remembering just how I liked my eggs well done, my soup not too hot and my meat cut into small pieces. You brushed my hair and told me how pretty I was. You always kissed me goodnight and tucked me in, and said "I love you".

Then as the years went by, I grew up and was able to do things for myself, but I never outgrew the need to hear you say "I love you", although I now have children of my own.

You totter along on legs that are not as strong , not as sure and steady as mine are. I slow my steps to match yours, hold your hand least you should fall. I try to be patient in my answers, although you ask me the same question many times. I prepare your meals with loving hands, remembering how you like your eggs well done, your soup not too hot and your meat cut into small pieces. I brush your hair and tell you how pretty you are. I kiss you goodnight, tuck you in and say "I love you Mama."

Warmest Regards

Leeuna Foster

leeuna@earthlink.net

~**~**~

Poetry Section

~**~**~

"If Only In My Dreams"

Mary Dees

I don't worry in my dreams,

I don't seem to feel confused.

Because there I don't have boundaries,

And I can be with you.

In my dreams you smile at me,

You "see me" all over again.

Here together we are happy,

Just like when we first began.

In my dreams you take my hand,

You touch my face and say;

Please don't wake up just yet,

I want to stay with you this way.

In my dreams you hold me close,

While people pass us by.

You feel proud to touch me,

And we never say goodbye.

Here our life's are complete,

With no happy ever after schemes.

This is where you can always love me,

"If only in my dreams"

 marlena7694@yahoo.com

By Mary M. Dees

~**~**~

Family

Mary Dees

We drift because we are like the tide,

But we find our way back the shore.

Our leaves fall off of our branches,

But like the tree we shall grow more.

We are like a lighthouse glowing,

But when our beacon needs a rest.

We become like the mother bird,

Hurrying back to her nest.

We ultimately feel empty,

 Without one another.

We are Sons and we are Daughters,

We are Sisters and Brothers.

We can't be quite sure,

Of our what life has to offer.

Without first sharing it,

With our Mother or our Father.

We are blessed to have each other,

And there in nothing greater in between.

We are thankful because we are loved,

We are FAMILY.

Mary Dees

marlena7694@yahoo.com

~**~**~

Why Do You Ask?

Mary M. Dees   

How much do I love you,

Why must you ask?

Will I be there for you?

Can I rise to the task?

Can I take on your demons,

And then love you just the same?

Can I forget to remember,

When we call each other names?

Do I think of you?

Do I still feel free?

When I am with you,

Am I still me?

Have I been strong enough,

In my dreadful past,

To outlive my anger?

Why must you ask?

I am here for you.

I have risen above.

I am convinced only you,

Will ever know my love.

I lay in bed at night,

And I toss and I turn.

For just like you... these questions,

In my mind seem to churn.

But I will not allow them,

To take over ....you see.

For you are lying here too,

Just as in love as me.

By Mary M. Dees

marlena7694@yahoo.com

Readers Feedback

 
As I Walked By -  Carol - That was a good story my friend.  Sometimes all we can do is pray more
and continue to love all that we can.  Wishing you every joy, Joe

Dear Carol:

I am subscribe to many newsletter, but yours is the most diverse and interesting of all. Keep up the good work. Friday Morning, for Kevin and Ada – By Birdie Jaworski - This story came closed to home. My favorite and beloved brother is in the Army and he is scheduled to go to Iraq next year.  My brother went to Dessert Storm and Dessert Shield when the Kuwait conflicts and those months were very difficult to me. It was the first time I experienced the stress of the military life and it was very hard. When my brother joined the Army I used to write to him weekly.  When he returned and turned 40 years old, I made a photo album of his life story and included sealed with tape (as my personal time capsule) all the letters he wrote me. I title his photo album A Soldier's Story.  I think this has been the best gift I have ever given him.

I pray he, once again, comes back from his next assignment. You know what is the biggest irony, one of my best friends in Germany is a muslim woman from Iraq... God sure works in mysterious ways....

Tannia Ortiz-Perez

tanniaortizlopes@yahoo.com

Senior Writers

Chief writer: Sharon Bryant

Chief researcher/historian: Hartson Dowd

Agee, Vance; Apted, Violet; Baker, Kathy; Batt, Al; Berry, Nell; Blaine, Pamela; Boda, Ginger; Booher, Paula; Buhagiar, Victor; Cassady, B.J.; Costner, Joan Clifton; Cavalera, Robyn; Crider, Mark; Dees, Mary; Deming, Barb; Doherty, Maria;  Dowd, Hartson; Dowd, Helen; Gilbert, Robert, Jr.; Gold, Ron; Goodier, Steve; Grisham, Mary-Ellen; Braun-Haley, Ellie; Harris, Kathy Anne; Henry, Linda Ann; Hunt, Sharlett; Hymes, Christina; Jacobson, Gary; Kiser, Roger Dean; Kerens, Claudia; Kevin, Tim; Jenkins, Pamela; Liles, Norma; Lily Jodi Flesberg; Lock, Joyce; Marlor, Janice Bumbalough; Mazzella, Joe; Meeks, Carol; Mizrany, Mary Carter; Morris, Deepak; Ojeibge, Georgewaters; Petry, Dianna Doles; Roberts, Susan; Shiveley, Debra; Shaw, Bob; Sims, Richard; Smith; Michael; Streidel, Saskia; Swarner, Ken; Vaknin, Sam; Verhoeff, Jan; Walker, Bill; Walker, Joe; Warner, Gordon, K; Walsh, Sue; Weymouth, Barbara J.; Whirity, Kathy;

Wainland, David; Westerfer, Clara; White Robert;

Storytime Tapestry Staff

Carol Roach - Founder/publisher

Thelma Hartselle - Co-Founder, Moderator

Clara Westerfer – moderator

Bob Johnston - moderator