Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

May 4, 2007

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Today’s Stories

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LITTLE FRANKIE

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

When I was a little boy my Godfather lived on a hill above my home. "Little Frankie" as everyone called him was a small, 80 year old, first generation, Italian immigrant. He had worked for the railroads his entire life and had saved a lot of money. Still, he lived a 19th century life in a 20th century world. He lived in 3 rooms of a slowly crumbling, 100 year old house. He didn't have electricity or running water. He cooked his meals and heated his rooms with an ancient, cast iron, coal stove. His clothes were old, patched, and worn. A lot of people saw all of this and looked down on him. I never did, however. When I went up the hill to visit him I always felt at home. Little Frankie had a simple joy and peace about him that touched my heart. We could sit and talk for hours. He was a loving soul and even though he died when I was still very young, he has had an influence on my life that lasts to this day.

Little Frankie taught me that enlightenment isn't being free of work, problems, and pains. It comes rather from facing them all with a peaceful spirit and a loving heart. He taught me that having more things doesn't bring you more happiness. He took more pleasure out of a meal of fried potatoes than a billionaire could get dining on champaign and caviar. He taught me most of all that the greatest joy comes from the quiet time you spend with God. I have had few moments as joyful as the ones I spent with Little Frankie just silently sitting on a rock and listening to the stream that ran by his home. He was one of the greatest men I have ever known.

The 21st century may be full of things that help us to connect with each other, but to have real love, joy, and oneness with God we need to connect with the quiet in our own hearts and souls. In honor of Little Frankie then I am going to turn off my television, cell phone, and computer for a while today. I am going to go sit by a stream, remember him, and spend some time with God.

Joe Mazzella

joecool@wirefire.com

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Thoughts On Dogs

Bill Walker

missourisage@yahoo.com

A man lost his dog of some years a few days ago.  He wrote quite a story about his most beloved friend. I think there is a reason a person suffers so much when a beloved dog dies. You see there is no other that can replace such a loss. A beloved dog is much like another human. There is just no replacement made, you might say one of a kind, the one was made, the mold was broken, so that there will not be a true copy.

I know when Tinker died I was heart broken, then Poo his buddy went also in just a couple months.  The two were very close in age, that might be, but I really think Poo was total lost, and he wanted to go where his buddy was. So I had a case of double heartbreak.

We miss a loved one for the simple fact we have feelings. I think a dog being a loved one is no different then the loss of a close friend or member of the family.  This was and is the case of this man, a family member is no longer here. This family member can not ever be replaced, the mold is not around to make another copy. I for one am glad the mold was broken.  I would hate to see a copy of Tinker and Poo, as I would then soon forget the love I had for those two.

A life can not be replaced.  You can have a car you just love, trade it for a new one, and just love the new car. You soon forgot the old one, and you will find real good reasons you have for getting a new one.   A beloved dog, is not that way.  The beloved dog may be gone, and waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge.  You find a new dog,  but you still remember the one that is no longer here. The new one can never replace the one, the mold is not the same. The new one may be full of life and will run, and play, and have new tricks.  But every once in a while there is a something you see, that just isn't there.  A fur ball  flew by, only you seen, that would be the one that just left you. People may think your crazy, but you know better, your fur baby of yesterday is just checking in for a minute to see how your doing. 

Each and every one of us humans  is different then any other, one of a kind.  A beloved dog is no different, those also, one of a kind.  Each was made, by way of a special mold, which was broken after one time use. 

Now I know I will hear maybe from you cat people.  I am a dog person, but this may also fit for a cat, can't say for sure. I know and understand the feelings for the love of a dog, you cat people, I guess feel the same way about your kitty.

Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write

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

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Poetry Corner

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A Cold In The Springtime
Cynthia Groopman

Oh, horrible cold, why do you arrive in the springtime?
That was a nasty trick, vicious and not fine.
Sneezing is all I do,
Very annoying through and through.
A nose that constantly wants to run,
Of course is no joke o fun.
During a sleepless night,
These cold symptoms bother me with such powerful might.
In the winter season,
Colds have a definite reason.
But now  when it is so beautiful out,
Oh, cold, you make me frustrated and I begin to shout.



Cynthia Groopman

Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2007 Cynthia Groopman

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Happy Moments

Cynthia Groopman

Happy moments are as beautifully radiant as blue skies,

Full of sunshine's glowing surprise.

Dancing hearts full of pleasure,

Happy moments are indeed a golden treasure.

With majestic moments to cherish and to behold,

happy moments are like a budding flower,,

Replete with deep mirth and exquisite spirited emotional power.

Happy moments are tender and soft,

evoking a pleasant thought.

Thus happy moments, in my mind you will regally reign,

A blessing and a gift from God you will forever remain.

Cynthia Groopman

Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

 ~**~**~

 An Ode To My Friend Of Shining Gold
Cynthia Groopman

My dear friend of shining gold, I really appreciate you,
because you are nutritiously sweet and delicious, too.
When I peal your soft yellow skin,
how delighted I am to find an aromatic surprise smiling from within.
You can be my healthy snack or tasty treat,
and of course, you are a delightful dessert for me to eat.
Your golden hue irradiates the radiant sunshine glow,
and only in tropical areas do you flourish and grow.
My friend of shining gold, you are a banana, as we can plainly see,
and you shall always be appealing to me.

Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia Groopman

Readers Feedback

 Hi, Mike--

As always, I enjoyed your latest story, Mike. Thanks.

Your safety tip was really welcomed.  Am forwarding to my wife and daughter.

Peace,

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