Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

July 12, 2007

Today’s Announcements

Carol, as an update, the prognosis is not good.  The cancer has spread to my Aunt Nancy’s lymph nodes, and there is a spot on her liver.  She is going to undergo more tests before they decide on her treatment.  The waiting is difficult for everyone involved.  They need many prayers.

Love, Peace and Joy,

Pam Garlick

K_P_Garlick@msn.com

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Today’s Stories

~**~**~

Response to Carol’s Just Say No

Pamela Blaine

I can relate to not being able to say no.  I think part of the problem is that I do enjoy doing many different things.  However, sometimes I find it hard to say no even when I don't want to or don't enjoy what I am being asked to do.  I think part of it is that I see people who need help so badly and there are few who volunteer to help.  I think those of us who have a hard time of saying no end up doing all the work. 

As for the women's liberation, I still think we have a problem there.  I don't think the women's lib did us any good.  When WWII began, women did begin to get into the work force because of the need.  Before WWII, society was pretty much based on a one income family. Now, because of men and women both having full time careers our system has become based on the need for two incomes.  I am concerned these days that so many children are neglected while both parents are working and nobody seems to nurture the children much anymore and I think we are seeing the bad effects of that in our society.  People joke about the mundane or perfect lives of the Ozzie and Harriet idea but actually, that's pretty much how it was years ago and it wasn't such a bad thing.  People's lives were more family centered instead of self-centered. Men and women knew what their roles were and now nobody seems to know whose job it is to do what. 

 When I had small children in the 70s I lived in a college town.  Although we didn't have a lot of money, I wanted to stay home with my children because I thought it was important to be there for them.  At the time, I was made to feel bad for staying home by my peers.  If I was any kind of a woman then I should be out there fulfilling myself in a "real" career.  One person even asked me, "Well, what do you do all day."  As if all I did was sit and drink coffee and watch soaps all day.  When I got pregnant with my 3rd child I had people ask if it was an accident and others say something about having a big family.  Three kids a big family?  I realize that many women have to work and I have been on both sides of that fence and if I had it to do again, I would not work until my children were out of highschool if I could afford to do that at all.  I just see too many kids who are messed up and don't know where they fit in with their own families and don't feel loved.  Bottom line is I believe that women should do what they are led by God to do in their lives and not let the whims of society dictate what they do. 

Your writing brought a lot of thoughts to mind. 

Thanks Pamela

pamyblaine@blaines.us

~**~**~

I Lost My Faith
Bill Walker
missourisage@yahoo.com

It used to be said you could believe in three things. Death, Taxes, and the mail would come through no matter what. Well I don't believe the mail deal any more. I lost my faith about the mail going through.  The postal system stinks as far as Old Bill goes. I don't trust that guy for a minute about getting the mail on time.

I was looking for my Social Security check to bounce into the mail box Friday, that was the first day of the month. This month the third day came on Sunday. Always before when that happened, here the check would be on the first of the month. The envelope would have on it deliver on the first. Well, mail man walked right on by that day, like I got nothing for you. He and I don't get along all that great anyway. Dumb sap sucker, hates dogs. He gets out his spray gun if a dog is setting at a window looking out.

Well I figured it would show on Saturday. He skips by on the side walk again like I never delivered mail to this shack before, so why now? Little Girl is now out of treats, and I need that check to keep her happy. You know women, you're out of money, I am gone.

Monday morning I call to the Social Security people. At last I got to talk to a living breathing Dollie. She told me the check was to have been in my hot hand on the first. It's not them, it's the blasted worthless postal system that screwed up.

So I waited for him to come skipping down the street I had an eagle eye on the mail box. Well the normal time comes and goes, no mailman.

So after a bit I give up, and said well Little Girl, I see you packing up your toys, you must be getting ready to travel on. Tinker and Poo wouldn't have done that to me, but I figure she might, pack up and leave, I think she found a place over on the west side of town, more to her liking anyways. Got some kids to play with, and I heard the food is
better there.

After some time I walked out, and looked in the mail box. Some unwanted bills and junk, but what’s this? Yea a Social Security check. Right on the front written in plain English. DELIVER ON THE FIRST. I guess mail man can't read too well, maybe he also can't figure days of the month.

Anyways I load up Little Girl, and headed to the bank, got my check planted in the bank and enough taken out to get to store and get the treats. She looked in the sack, said think I will stay, you got money again.

Well I figured the poor over worked mail man, I could lighten his load. So I trotted on out to the Social Security office. Got it switched to go right to the bank. No more will I have a check in my hot hand. Or be wondering if the thing got lost in the mail.

Yes I lost my faith in the postal service. Still believe in death and taxes.
Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write
http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-35741-5

~**~**~

Poetry Corner

~**~**~

 Meetings
Cynthia Groopman

Many meetings are held frequently during the business and work day,
And they can be meaningful and productive, if conducted in an orderly and constructive way.
Participants must not be obstinate and scream,
Nor get angry and create a temperamental scene.
Robert's Rules of Orders must be followed closely,
And differences of opinion and criticism must be accepted constructively.
Controversy does not imply that a person is right or wrong,
And meetings must not be boring or too long.
There must be an agenda for all to heed,
And if followed attentively, then the purpose of the meeting will succeed.
For properly run meetings are an important part of the democratic process, as you can plainly see,
As words are expressed and opinions are shared respectfully.


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

~**~**~

  Saying Hello
Cynthia Groopman

Everything says hello in many different ways,
Which add variety and charm to each of our days.
The wind says hello in a roar,
And there is nobody there, when I open the door.
The sun with a smiling face says hello,
As she enfolds us into a warm embrace and glow.
The birds say hello in a melodic happy tune,
And flowers greet us with exquisite flare in the month of June.
God says hello in a loving splendor,
Caressing us with eternal peace and love in a way truly tender.
The rain says hello as it pounds upon the windowpane,
In such torrents that it drives us insane.
A departed loved one says hello in a dream truly sweet,
Which is indeed a Divine treat.
Friends say hello from across the sea,
With a face adorned with smiles of cheer and glee.
Thus, saying hello welcomes us in arms of loveliness,
Where we are greeted with a touch of specialness.
 

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

 ~**~**~

  Being Disconnected

Cynthia Groopman

As I spoke on the phone in the afternoon,
I smiled enjoying conversational merry tunes.
We were having lots of fun,
Speaking about everything under the sun.
Suddenly, I found I was talking to no person on the line,
 That was an event that was not very happy or fine.
When I picked up my phone, the line was dead,
Again, I began to have a pain in my head.
My friend and I were rudely disconnected,
As we both felt upset and dejected.

Cynthia Groopman

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

~**~**~

 The Fragrances Of Life
Cynthia Groopman

Life has many fragrances,
and they envelop me in many different moods.
A sweet floral aroma permeates my soul,
when life's smiling face of renewal shines upon my weary spirit.
When ugly storm clouds opaque the radiance of a blue sky,
life's fragrance is rancid like a moldy attic.
For we accept the bitter and the sweet,
for many fragrances we encounter as we traverse life's street.

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

Readers Feedback

 Hello Carol,

I can relate to not being able to say no.  I think part of the problem is that I do enjoy doing many different things.  However, sometimes I find it hard to say no even when I don't want to or don't enjoy what I am being asked to do.  I think part of it is that I see people who need help so badly and there are few who volunteer to help.  I think those of us who have a hard time of saying no end up doing all the work. 

As for the women's liberation, I still think we have a problem there.  I don't think the women's lib did us any good.  When WWII began, women did begin to get into the work force because of the need.  Before WWII, society was pretty much based on a one income family. Now, because of men and women both having full time careers our system has become based on the need for two incomes.  I am concerned these days that so many children are neglected while both parents are working and nobody seems to nurture the children much anymore and I think we are seeing the bad effects of that in our society.  People joke about the mundane or perfect lives of the Ozzie and Harriet idea but actually, that's pretty much how it was years ago and it wasn't such a bad thing.  People's lives were more family centered instead of self-centered. Men and women knew what their roles were and now nobody seems to know whose job it is to do what. 

 When I had small children in the 70s I lived in a college town.  Although we didn't have a lot of money, I wanted to stay home with my children because I thought it was important to be there for them.  At the time, I was made to feel bad for staying home by my peers.  If I was any kind of a woman then I should be out there fulfilling myself in a "real" career.  One person even asked me, "Well, what do you do all day."  As if all I did was sit and drink coffee and watch soaps all day.  When I got pregnant with my 3rd child I had people ask if it was an accident and others say something about having a big family.  Three kids a big family?  I realize that many women have to work and I have been on both sides of that fence and if I had it to do again, I would not work until my children were out of highschool if I could afford to do that at all.  I just see too many kids who are messed up and don't know where they fit in with their own families and don't feel loved.  Bottom line is I believe that women should do what they are led by God to do in their lives and not let the whims of society dictate what they do. 

Your writing brought a lot of thoughts to mind. 

Thanks

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