Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

Jan 19, 2007

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Today’s Stories

~**~**~

Being Fully Present: Summon Your Aliveness

Robin Lee

When we are fully present, we offer our whole selves to whatever it is that we are doing. Our attention, our integrity, and our energy are all focused in the moment and on the task at hand. This is a powerful experience, and when we are in this state, we feel completely alive and invigorated. This kind of aliveness comes easily when we are absorbed in work or play that we love, but it is available to us in every moment, and we can learn to summon it regardless of what we are doing. Even tasks or jobs we don't enjoy can become infused with the light of being present. The more present we are, the more meaningful our entire lives become.

Next time you find yourself fully engaged in the moment, whether you are making art, trying to solve an interesting puzzle, or talking to your best friend, you may want to take a moment to notice how you feel. You may observe that you are not thinking about what you need to do next, your body feels like it's pleasantly humming, or your brain feels tingly. As you enjoy the feeling of being located entirely in the present moment, you can inform yourself that you may try to recall this feeling later. You might try this while driving home or getting ready for bed, allowing yourself to be just as engaged in that experience as you were in the earlier one.

The more we draw ourselves into the present moment, the more we honor the gift of our lives, and the more we honor the people around us. When we are fully present, we give and receive aliveness in equal measure. For today, try to be fully present in your daily activities and watch a new reality open for you.

Robin Lee

onespiritx3@yahoo.com

~**~**~

   Carol, I have not sent in any stories for a long time.
 I have had a dry spell when nothing wanted to be
written that I considered interesting and/or upbeat.
My Parkinson Disease had gotten worse (Got a new
neurologist and it is  doing better) and I had a large
melanoma and surgery for that (got it all) and somehow
I just did not have any good thoughts to write.
However, this one and the one I am sending after this,
are something I wrote last month.  I hope you like
them. Doris


Little Old Ladies

Doris Fandal

I knew what he would say as soon as I started talking
about the things I had noticed today about little old
ladies at church.  And he did...
When we got to church this afternoon, I had a bit of
time to do my usual "people watching" since we were
early.  This time I noticed the number of older ladies
in the congregation.  The lady in front of me was an
old friend and I began speculating about her age.  She
has to be at least 85 and she is still driving herself
to church.  Then I noticed the other older ladies who
were scattered around the church.  Some were obviously
what I would call "perfect or the old time" type of
lady. They were dressed very well and every bit of
their posture and clothing indicated a lot of care in
getting ready for church.  They were dressed the way a
lady would have been dressed in the days when I was a
teen.  Then back to my old friend and she was every
bit as much of a lady as the "perfect" ladies but her
blouse was hanging from beneath her jacket and her
slacks did not exactly match her outfit.  I placed her
in the other category of  "little old ladies".  She
was a lady but one who either did not remember how to
dress neatly and with her clothes matched or was
unable to do so.
I watched to see how many of the "little old ladies"
fit into which category and wondered, when I am a
'little old lady', which category will I belong in;
will I be neatly dressed and perfectly matched or will
 I perhaps have a blouse hanging out  from beneath my
jacket?  I thought I wanted to be in the 'perfect
little old lady' category but wasn't sure I would be.
Then I realized that it really did not matter which
category I would be in because the important thing
would be that I was alive and able to attend church.
The important thing would be that I would be attending
services and would be dressed as well as I was able.
Clothes are not what matter; what matters is life
itself and being able to enjoy what God has available
for us whether it is church or a picnic in the park.
Then as we drove home, I told Mickey about my
thoughts and observations and he said, "What do you
mean, 'When you are a little old lady?'  You are
almost 69 years old.  When does one become old enough
to be called a "little old lady"?  I knew it, I knew
he would say exactly what he did say.   So now the
question is, am I one of the little old ladies
already?
I guess I must be because of my age but which category
do I fit in?  I think right now I am in the "well
matched and neatly dressed" category but who knows
where I will fit in the years to come.  
Little old ladies are something to watch.  They dress
in different ways and they behave differently; each is
unique and each has her own way of expressing herself.
 Each of them is special. I am a "little old lady" and
I feel very special.  I will let you know in about 20
years whether or not I fit in the "perfect" little old
lady category or the other one. 
© Doris B. Fandal

mkayla38@yahoo.com
December 23, 2006

~**~**~

Talk With God 

Bill Walker

missourisage@yahoo.com

 Your talk with God is like talking to yourself. You see God hears you,
but he don't always answer. That is he answered the phone, and he is
hearing what you have to say. When you hang up. he may or may not give
you your request. There are reasons for this. If you stop and think, we
are but like a child. We always have wants and needs, but are the wants
and needs good for us?
I myself think there are many times in the day, we make some request of
God. Sometimes we don't think that we did, but never the less there was
an unspoken prayer. I may be in trouble with some people by saying so
but, have you not seen something that is heart breaking and you may
think. "OH GOD WHY? Why did God let this happen? There are things that
do happen, there are reasons for this. One is to show us we are not in
control and do have the need of God. It is said take your problems to
God. Yes he knows your problems, but he wants to hear from you also..
When you take the problem to him, He, in his time will do something
about it. Just because the thunder and lighting didn't happen on your
time frame, is no sign things are done and over with. Maybe there will
be no thunder and lightning. It will get taken care of, that is if it is
God's will.
I have heard of people that was great people and workers of God. These
same people always seem to have problems. Look at some of the people
named in the Bible. They were always in trouble of some sort. They just
lived one day at a time, life was always in danger. Today is no
different. People travel far and wide spreading the word. Many are in
danger every minute of the day and night. Many just have the days needs
and no more. I am sure these ask God's help in every step they make.
Some will get the help, while things just get tougher for others. Some
will even be hurt, or killed. Didn't that happen and we read it in the
Bible? I am sure many have said "Oh God, why?
All through history since Jesus came and before. People of faith have
been tested. Some have given their lives in the test. I am sure some
where in the times of test, most all said, "OH GOD WHY?" If you
remember. Jesus cried out. "My Father WHY Have you forsaken ME? " Was it
not a form of prayer? He was talking to God. We have many requests of
God. We must remember some will be taken care of as we wish, and ask
for. While some will be taken care of in due time. Some will not be so
lucky, you see there are reasons for that. Those requests might really
be bad for us. I too have been down and out, walking the path of life
looking for the coin worth millions of dollars. I think I have not found
it because God knows I couldn't handle millions of dollars. I might not
have need of God,, and that would be bad for my here after life. Where I
am told I will go to live in the mansion on the hill, and be with my
puppies once again. And get to see Jesus, the light of the world.

 
Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write
http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-35741-5

Poetry Corner

~**~**~

Spring In The Midst Of Winter
Cynthia Groopman

It is strange, indeed,
To have spring in the middle of winter.
Buds awaken and begin to smile,
Snowflakes are on vacation for a long while.
Sunshine is golden and bright,
As winter puts up a useless fight.
What a strange scheme,
For winter to be prohibited from the scene.
I'll take this weather any time, without complaining,
Do not mind when it is raining.
I wish that this weather would not disappear,
For springtime in winter fills my heart with mirthful cheer.

Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

~**~**~

Drinking From Gratitude's Fountain 

Cynthia Groopman

As I begin to drink from gratitude's enchanting fountain,
Thankful I am to be able to successfully climb life's magnificent mountain.
Gratified so very much am I,
To touch the pot of Gold at the end of my rainbow in the vast sky.
As my eyes dance with gratitude's twinkling star,
I hear God's voice comforting me from afar.
With tremendous awe,
I marvel at God's creation that I cherish and adore.
Flowers with colors so bright,
Perfume the air on a summer day or tranquil night.
Friends and family so dear,
Smile at me with sunshine's golden cheer.
Foods of various, flavors, textures and aromas make my taste flourish,
And my body they nourish.
Love and caring from those who are so kind,
Bring joy and gladness to my soul and purpose to my mind.
So, gratitude's fountain, thanks for sustaining me,
As I am caressed and embraced by the Divine Presence eternally.

Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2006 Cynthia Groopman

~**~**~

 The Dance Of Hope
Cynthia Groopman

Hope's dance is sprightly,
Full of rainbow music so dear,
As pots of gold at our rainbow's endure near.
Hopes dance is like a flower that flourishes and thrives,
Giving us reasons and purpose to be alive.
Hope's dance reassures us that we will succeed,
And obstacles we will overcome,
And teaching us that we must not be fearful of fright's harm.
For our partner in hope's dance, is the Lord who in Heaven regally dwells,
And as he guides us across the dance floor of life, we will do well.


Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2006 Cynthia Groopman

Readers Feedback

Hey Mike: this one, I Could Fly Away,  brings back many good memories of my childhood. thanks for sharing it. Cant wait for the rest.... TANNIA

Carol,, thank you for running my story in today's edition my friend.  Let Sandy know that she is in our prayers.  You are in my prayers as well.  May God continue to watch over you, bless you, and help you in all you do.  Joe Mazzella, Jan 16,

Carol,

Thanks for publishing my poem about Dr. King. He taught me so much in my life, about overcoming obstacles and about being a public speaker. I give so many speeches and educate others. All of the best. Cynthia

Carol,, Readers and Writers of great stories that that is published on Story Time Tapestry..

I am most honored that you have put up with my poor attempts at writing,, for you say 200 times.  I hope I have given all a chuckle now and then, or some small thought. I am sure some has had a chuckle with my bad grammar or spelling or getting the wrong word in.

Again much thanks for putting up with me, you say 200 times?

Bill

Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write

http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-35741-5

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