Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

Dec 25, 2006

Our Christmas, Channukah, Kwanzaa, New Years, holidays Contest 

Today’s Announcements

Merry Christmas everyone, and a very happy birthday to our own Christmas baby, Donna Curtman: dcurtman@msn.com and a belated birthday wish to David Fox whose birthday was on December 23^rd.  I am so sorry I didn’t see it in  his Christmas story published here today. You can send cards to: davidirafox@yahoo.com

Donations are needed to help with the operating expenses of running the newsletter and to keep Storytime Tapestry the quality newsletter you are so accustomed to.   

Please note that Storytime Tapestry is a free newsletter to members and there will never be a cost for the newsletter.  Donations are purely voluntary and no member should ever feel guilty for not making a donation at this time.

Today’s Contest Stories

~**~**~

 "I'm Triply Blessed"

David Fox

     Every holiday season I consider myself to be triply blessed.  Whenever Hanukkah falls out (the first blessing) we (my mom, dad, sister and I). celebrate it on my birthday -- December 23rd (the second blessing).  My Dad and I donned with yarmulkes (my mom and sis wear no head coverings) light the candles on our electric menorah (we don't dare use regular candles -- God forbid!), say a few prayers and sing Jewish songs ("Rock of Ages" is my favorite.)  We then open up our gifts.  It doesn't really matter what we get, as I get older (I will be 35 this year) I find as I get older, I need less.  Then 2 days later, it's off to my aunt's for Christmas (the third and final blessing)  We cherish the time we have together -- it's not often my whole family on that side all gets together.

     You're probably wondering why I celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas.  My mother and father are not an "inter-faith" marriage, Mom converted to Judiasm to help make it easier on us kids.  My aunt decided to marry a Italian Catholic man so they are still Christian.

     So you see, I'm triply blessed and I wouldn't want it any other way!

Sincerely,

David Fox

davidirafox@yahoo.com

~**~**~

 Little Bell

Michael T. Smith

            Hidden in the back of the tree, deep in the branches, Little Bell hung out of sight.

Her brass surface was tarnished and scratched after four generations of Christmas’. The

pretty glass ornaments hung on the outer branches for all to see, but Little Bell was out of

sight.

            Little Bell looked through the branches. She saw the other ornaments and was

sad. She saw the ceramic Santa, with the package in his hands. The package was torn by a

little boy, who thought there was a present inside. Santa’s head had chips from years of

being hung and put away. The Santa ornament was damaged, but still placed near the

front of the tree for all to see. Little Bell was way in the back - hidden. All the ornaments Bell hung with through the years, were at the front of the tree, but Bell was in the back,

alone.

            Little Bell remembered when she hung at the front of the tree. Christmas came.

Boxes were carried to the living room and opened. The tree was placed in the center the

large room. Hands reached into the boxes. Bell, her brass surface shining brightly, would

be lifted from a box. The hand would shake her, and she would ring with joy. Her sound

brought smiles to those who held her. She’d be placed in the front and center of the tree,

for all to admire.

            One year, smaller hands held her. They helped the big hands. The little hands

hung Bell in the right place, but they could not leave little bell alone. They’d touch Bell

to make her ring, but the big hands told them, “No! You might knock the tree down.”

Bell was hung higher, away from the little hands.

            Over the years, the little hands grew larger, and the big hands allowed them to

touch her. They placed her on the tree and would allow the smaller hands to move her.

            A game began. Bell was moved around the tree. The one who found her, got to

hang her in a new place. Bell was hidden in the deepest and darkest places of the tree.

She waited patiently, until the smaller hands found her, made her ring, and then move her

to a new spot. Little Bell was the favorite ornament on the tree. She was proud.

            After many years, the little hands got bigger. They hid her on the tree, and Little

Bell hung hidden from view - forgotten. The game was over. Bell was sad. She hung

alone at the back of the tree.

            Years later, one of the big hands handed Little Bell to one of the small hands that

had grown. “This is yours. Take Little Bell with you.”

            The next Christmas, Bell was placed in the front of the tree. Her brass was

tarnished, but her ring was pure. She made the hand thing smile. She was happy.

            A few Christmas’ later, new small hands were putting “Little Bell” on the tree.

They played the game bell loved. Bell waited for the little hands to find her. They moved

her around the tree. Little Bell loved the game. She was the center of attention again. The

other ornaments hung brightly on the tree, but Little Bell, who was hidden, was the one

the hands reached for.

            Those new little hands grew bigger, and Little Bell was once again placed on the

tree, her surface dull and tarnished from years of use. She was placed deep in the tree,

hidden from view. The big hands still playing the game, but there were no little hands to

look for her.

            Little Bell was sad.

            One day, a big hand reached out to her, “This is a pretty ornament! Where did it

come from?”

            The other ‘Big Hand’ said, “That is the Little Bell. I played with when I was a

kid. My brothers and I hid it on the tree and took turns trying to find it. Mom knew I

loved it and gave it to me, so her grandkids could play the game I did.

            The new “Big Hand” took Little Bell, polished her brass, and hung her at the front

of the tree. Little Bell’s brass reflected the lights and glowed with pride. The “Hand”

removed ornaments around Little Bell, so she would have her own special spot on the

tree. After years of hiding, Bell now hangs in a special spot at the front of the tree, but

prays for the day little hands will once again hide her.

Michael T. Smith

mtsmith@qwestonline.com

To read my stories or to sign up
to receive my weekly story, go to:
http://archives.zinester.com/86758/

~**~**~

Don't tell anyone you know me

Sharon Bryant

I have always loved comedy.  I think I got it from my grandma and my dad.  So at Christmas, I always get someone that silly gift that I know will put a smile on their face.  This year is no different.

My brother loves cookies.  I haven't been to his house in years, and I'm sure he's got a cookie jar, but this year, I found him a cute one.  It talks when you open the lid.

The cookie jar is a police officer.  When you open the lid, he yells out "STOP!  STAY AWAY FROM THE COOKIE JAR!"

I know my brother will get a kick out of it.

My problem is that I live 900 miles from my brother so I have to mail it to him.

My second problem is what's going to happen when it gets handled by mail carriers, they jiggle the box, and the cop starts yelling out.  I can just see it now.  "Suspicious package sent to Michigan from Alabama."

It kind of reminds me of the year we got my daughter the talking bear.  Putting the batteries into the bear, then wrapping it was easy.  Placing the box in the garage until Christmas Eve was easy also.  What wasn't easy was forgetting about putting the batteries in the bear.  Forgetting it was voice activated.  When hubby and I went to get the gifts out of the garage that cold winter night, I was saying, "Get that big box first."  The bear heard what I said, and tried to talk back to me.

I almost fell over scrambling to get inside the house from the garage, thinking someone was hiding in our garage.  Hubby thought the same thing.

What was funny was seeing him grab the butcher knife from the kitchen, looking like the great white hunter in his skivvies, bent over, knife held high, going back into the garage.  Yelling out, "Who's there?"  And again, the bear tried to talk.  But muffled beneath cardboard and wrapping paper, you couldn't make out what he was saying.

Then it dawned on me that we'd bought the bear.  I was laughing so hard, I couldn't get him to understand me when I tried to tell him we'd bought a bear that talked.

I'm going to tape this cops head when I wrap this cookie jar.  I'm going to hope it makes it to Michigan without him yelling out, "STOP!  STAY AWAY FROM THE COOKIE JAR."

But if something happens, and you hear about some whacko sending a talking box, just don't tell anyone you know me.

Just imagine if it had to go by plane.  LOL

Sharon Bryant

1946@bellsouth.net

Poetry Contest Section

~**~**~

CHRISTMAS   MEMORIES

By Barbara Deming ©2006

Do you remember when getting the tree

Meant chopping down one picked weeks before,

To be put in the water-filled stand

In order to lift the scented branches once more.

You exchanged the story of each ornament

Before carefully placing them on the tree.

Then draped with shining icicles

The tree in the window for all to see.

Your awkwardly wrapped gifts you placed

Among ones tied with ribbons of red and green

Presents bought with your nickel or dime

Saved for family treasures you’d seen.

Oh, that we might once again remember all this

And the glory of Jesus’ birth in place so lowly

To live this season, and all days to come

With hearts filled with love, joy, peace so Holy.

Barbara Deming writes in San Marcos, CA. Her latest book, Growing Up Barefoot in the South, can be found at Amazon. com. Check her web site at:

Barbara Deming

tejasbabs@aol.com

http://barbarademing.lifeartz.com

Readers Feedback

Clara: that story was so cute. I am sure that he is the one putting on the lights and nagging God about when is the right time to do so..... I found this story very cute.

When you look at the sky on Christmas Eve and you see a celestial decoration of stars, you know David was behind it...

Congratulations, Carok Meek- you found your blessed day....  In the Book of Ecclesiastes says. There is an appointment time for everything. And everything happened at its appointed time" Dec 13 is your appointed time to be blessed in abundance by the Lord. Amen TANNIA

Bill - I have a question for you. Have you prepared a room for Jesus in your heart? TANNIA

Dear Carol

I just read your story about not being happy at Christmas.  I have never really been happy at Christmas – too many disappointments as a child I suppose.  And for some of us Christmas isn’t all about happiness.  Peace and Joy and Goodwill to others is what I like to think about and I couldn’t not write and tell you that even if you are not working in a field you would love – the joy your newsletter brings to people all over the world on a daily basis is surely an inspiration to others.  That you put in that effort and spread the world is truly your gift to the world.  I know that doesn’t pay the bills or make you well when you feel lousy but if you can somehow focus on all that you do give – then that is the gift back to you.

I hope your Christmas isn’t too bad and that you have a day of peace at least and hopefully joy as well.

I wish you a lovely day and health wealth and prosperity and in any event know that God sees what you do.

Love and best wishes

Sue Walsh

Carol,
    I know how badly you feel my friend.  My own life took me far from where
I thought I would be though no fault of my own.  For a long time I was sad
about that.  I still can be from time to time.
    I have learned over the years though that it is not what we do in this
life, but who we are inside
that counts. It is our daily choices made for love, joy, and helping others
that lead us to true success in this life.  I know several janitors and fry
cooks who have lived a far more successful life than a person like Donald
Trump ever will.  They have touched hearts and souls with their love and
their gifts.  That is what you have done as well my friend, through your
writings and through storytime.  You have made a tremendous difference for
good in this life.
    You and I may never have fat bank accounts, but we will always have rich
lives.  God bless you
always.  Joe

Dear Barbara, - A Special Christmas Ride

I just read your story on Storytime and it touched a nerve with me because even though I was never a bike rider, my daughter purchased a used one from a neighbor when she was approx 9 or 10.  When I had my gall bladder out at that time, she had been so extremely good that her father and I treated her to a brand new Schwiin,  She was the happiest child in the neighborhood.  I guess you understand her thrill?   Sincerely,  Normie

Hi Carol, It is easy to get depressed this time of year.  Especially when you run into old friends who seem to have the dream that you envisioned for yourself. 

I haven't known you very long and just through Storytime but you are a good writer.  You are good at that.  Sometimes living gets in the way of our dreams, but keep on dreaming! 

Do you know Jesus?  Have you asked Him into your life?  If not, check this out:  http://www.greatcom.org/laws/englishkgp/default.htm

If you have already done that, ask Jesus to guide you and ask Him what He has planned for your life.  I have found that when I trust and follow Him, He directs my paths.  I see Him in things I didn't used to.  Sometimes my plans and His plans are different but when I get on the right road with Him, things fall together.  Not that my life is perfect and not that all my dreams even come true, but somehow it's all okay.  I am also reminded that this world is not all there is.  This life is temporary and it's only what we do down here for Jesus and for eternity that matters.  He also helps me get my priorities in order.  God, family, and then job, ministry, etc. is how it should be.  Sometimes I get them way out of order.  When I begin to think my work is all important, I am reminded that nobody ever said on their deathbed, "I wish I'd spent more time at the office."  That kind of shakes me out of my disordered life when I remember that and I get on the phone and call one of my kids, spend time with those that I love, or help someone in need.

Loveya!! Pamy Blaine

What a wonderful Christmas story by Clara Westerfer!  My husband's name was David also and is with God for 21 years now.  It has never been easy for me at this time of year.  I don't think I will ever really stop missing him.  It is all part of life.  Merry Christmas and Happy Christ's Birthday!!!!  Sharlett Hunt

Contest Submissions that have been posted only, this means only the stories that have been published in Storytime Tapestry and not the articles that are still waiting in the queue.  The list gets bigger each day as more and more stories are added.

Please refer to the archives: http://archives.zinester.com/98907 if you want to reread an article before voting.

Name:                            Title:                              Date published

 Ortiz-Lopes, Tannia          From Devine To Human                                     Dec 17 (see special treat)

Blaine, Pamela                     The Very Best Gift Of All                 Dec 17

Shaw, Bob                             Buttermilk                                                           Dec 17

Aro                                         A Visit From Tanner Claus                              Dec 17

Joseph, Brian                       The Gift of Giving                                                Dec 18 (see special treat)

Walker, Bill                         Rainbow Ridge Special Report, Gizzy             Dec 18

Gold, Ron                              Christmas Kindnesses                                       Dec 18

Gold, Ron                              A Merry Jewish Christmas                              Dec 18

Haley, Ellie Braun               Mother                                                                   Dec 19(see special treat)

McCallum, Arnot                The Little Red Sock                                            Dec 19

Bryant, Sharon                    The Meaning                                                        Dec 19

Bryant, Sharon                    The Shoe Store                                                    Dec 19

Byrant, Sharon                    You Walk With Angels                                     Dec 19

Berry, Nell                           A Christmas Prayer                                           Dec 19

Foster, Leeuna                     Tis the Season to go Shopping                          Dec 20

Gifford, P.S.                          A Very Special Christmas                                Dec 20

Mazzella, Joe                       Through His Eyes                                               Dec 20

Meeks, Carol                       The Most Reverent Night                  Dec 20

Meeks, Carol                       A Baby Boy Was Born                                       Dec 20

Meeks, Carol                       Christmas Day                                                     Dec 20

Newman, Bruce                   The Glue of The Universe                  Dec 20(see special treat)

Meeks, Carol                       Oh Israel, Oh Israel                                           Dec 21

Meeks, Carol                       Even The Animals Know                    Dec 21

Meeks, Carol                       Christmas Blessings                                         Dec 21

Meyers, Dan                         Noel - The Dyslexic Christmas Angel            Dec 21(see special treat)

Cavalera, Robyn   Dear Santa                                                            Dec 21

Cavalera, Robyn   Happy Birthday Jesus                                        Dec 21

Bryant, Sharon                    The Sweater                                                         Dec 21

Foster, Leeuna                     The Gifts of The Giver                                        Dec 22(see special treat)

Deming, Barbara A Special Christmas Ride                 Dec 22

Roney, Barbara                    Christmas Nostalgia                                          Dec 22

Roney, Barbara                    Baby Jesus                                                           Dec 22

Walker, Bill                         That Night                                                            Dec 22

Allin, Bill                              Christmas: Most of it Doesn’t Matter             Dec 22(see beyond the Mirror)

Meeks, Carol                       Year 1995 for me                                                Dec 23

Walker, Bill                         No Room                                                                Dec 23

Berry, Nell                           The Birth of A King                                            Dec 23

Berry, Nell                           Seasons Change                                                  Dec 23

Berry, Nell                           Did Mary Really Know                                       Dec 23

Westerfer, Clara O’ Christmas Tree                                             Dec 23

Roach, Carol                        I Should be Happy but I am not          Dec 24(see Carol’s Corner)

Holbrook, Mariane              Little Alma’s Christmas Present                    Dec 24(see Special Treat)

Walker, Bill                         The Broken Runner On St. Nick’s Sled        Dec 24

Walker, Bill                         Blue Christmas                                                   Dec 24

Walker, Joe                         What Would Santa Do?                                     Dec 24

Berry, Nell                           You Think You Got a Problem                          Dec 24

Berry, Nell                           The Light of Christmas                                     Dec 24

Dowd, Hartson                      Christmas Eve                                                      Dec 24(see fascinating facts)

Smith, Michael                    Little Bell                                                             Dec 25

Roach, Carol                        Hannah’s Special Christmas                            Dec 25(see Carol’s Corner)

Fox, David                              I’m Triply Blessed                                              Dec 25

Deming, Barbara Christmas Memories                                         Dec 25

Storytime Tapestry Angels

Angels on earth, they exist they are out there.  Angels come in all ages, shapes and sizes, civil status, and religion.  Their nature is love and their purpose is giving to the less fortunate of this world.  Storytime Tapestry angels are no exception.  These angels are loyal members who have contributed to the upkeep of Storytime Tapestry newsletter so that Storytime Tapestry can continue come to your email box 350 days of the year.

Here is our Storytime Tapestry Angels: Also, I would like to thank those of you who chose to be a silent angel and gave an anonymous donation to keep Storytime Tapestry up and running.

Clara Westerfer, Mark Crider, Rosanne Catalano, Paula Booher, Kay Seefeldt

Mary Ellen Grisham, Louise Nomani, Sharon Bryant, Angela Walker

Hart and Helen Dowd, Keith Ready, Ginger Morgenstern, Ellie Braun-Haley

Surinder Jandu

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; Pringle, Sandra Lewis; 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