Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

July 23, 2007

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Rosanne Catalano

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Michael Smith

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Helen Dowd

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Today’s Announcements

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Today’s Stories

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 WALKING THE PATH

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

     Growing up in these rugged mountains of West Virginia I have had the joy of walking many trails and paths over the years. There have been ones that went across sun-drenched meadows and there have been ones that went through shady woods. There have been ones next to roaring rivers and there have been ones next to peaceful lakes. There have been ones going uphill and there have been ones going downhill. There have been smooth, grassy ones and there have been ones full of rocks and holes. Still, each one has had its own special delight. I have loved walking along them all too even though I have stumbled and fallen a few times.

     When it comes to the path of my life, however, I have stumbled and fallen more than just a few times. Actually, I have hit the ground more times than I can count. It hasn’t always been a grassy trail over a sun-drenched meadow for me. It has been a path full of twists, turns, rocks, holes, and obstacles as well. I haven’t always kept my eyes on the road or my hand in God’s either. Still, no matter how many times I have ended up face down in the dirt God has always been there to forgive me and help me back up. I have learned too that it doesn’t matter how many times you stumble and fall. It only matters how many times you get back up. Even if you stumble and fall one million times then you need to rise up and try again one million and one.  God is always there waiting to forgive you and help you to walk your life’s path one more time.

     I can see too now why God sent me along this path my life has taken. It lead me to where I am now. Without the growth it gave, learning it provided, and even falls it dealt me I would not be who I am today. I plan on continuing down my life’s path then doing all the good I can and helping others along the way. I plan on walking it with a smile on my face, a song on my lips, love in my heart, joy in my soul, and my hand firmly in God’s. I know it is leading me home.

Joe Mazzella

joecool@wirefire.com

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Lincoln and His Generals
Bill Walker
missourisage@yahoo.com

I was reading that Lincoln was a bit upset with his generals after Gettysburg. I think somewhere in my learning of history, and I do study the American Civil War a bit, that Lincoln was dealing with a lot of want to be presidents, when it came to generals. The Union Army had many at the top command, only to be replaced. Some made the rank twice, and still couldn't cut the mustard to suit Lincoln.

Now if I remember right, at Appomattox, Meade and Lee talked a bit. Meade asked about the number of men Lee had use of in different battles. Meade was quite surprised at the small numbers Lee told him. I think this was the case at Gettysburg. As to Lee's army being beaten, yes that may be true, but the Union Army was in no shape to have followed up on it.

Also, remember the Union Generals were screaming for more supplies, more men. If Lee would have had the supplies, and the man power the Union Army had, the war would have been over in a very short time. All Lincoln had was a bunch of cowards for
Generals. Lee was a master at making them think they were out manned and under equipped. The Union Army Generals saw men and canon in front of them that wasn't there.

The Union Army of the Civil War is much like the Army of today. The cry is we need more troops and supplies.

The only thing that defeated Lee, was the vast numbers of men that the Union had to use as canon fodder, and supplies. The South had not much in way of supplies or man power. The only thing the South had was some real good generals that out guessed the Union Army almost every time.

Going back to Gettysburg, there is another reason it might have been said Lee lost the battle, also maybe why his army wasn't followed. His then General Patton had gone on a long sweep a day or two before and was not in the battle. That would have been Stuart. Stuart showed up a day late so to speak with a large amount of wagons and supplies taken
from the Yankees. Those wagons were used to get down the road. Meade might have known that, and was not about to force another battle with Lee, who now had Stuart with him.

Remember arm chair generals, and Lincoln was such, wins many a battle after the fact. But the arm chair generals have lots of time to tell the generals that are facing a foe what to do or not to do. It is very easy to set by a warm fire on a cold evening and figure what should have been done.
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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 On Cloud Nine
Cynthia Groopman

On cloud nine, I hurriedly fly,
Smiling brightly, as I merrily float by.
For, with the help of the dear Lord, all is going my way,
As only songs of happiness, I can sing, and joyful words, I can say.
On cloud nine, I meditate and rest,
As I dwell in the sun shiny sky of energy and zest.
For, I have achieved true success,
As my heart beats to a mirthful tune of extreme gladness.
On cloud nine, I enthusiastically dwell,
And what heartwarming stories of deep emotion, I am eager to tell
 Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia L. Groopman

~**~**~

  Basking In The Glow of Elation
Cynthia Groopman

    Happily basking in the glow of elation,
I am transported into the wonderful land of deep fascination.
Basking in the glow of elation,
My soul rejoices in such mirthful celebration.
As my heart joyfully sings to a melodic tune,
Each rhythmic beat is like a budding flower, that elegantly blooms.
Merrily twinkling like bright little stars, are my eyes,
As I am dazzled by excitement and surprise.
For each of my dreams, have become a reality,
As I  bask in the warmth of glittering sunshine's victory.
With each accomplishment and achievement, that I do attain,
Truly blessed and eternally thankful, I shall remain.
For, I shall always bask in the glow of elation, as long as God is guiding me,
With His beacon of reassuring light, that helps me live successfully.
For God has kindled deep into my soul,
courage, strength and determination, that enables me to attain each and every goal.
 
Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia L. Groopman

 ~**~**~

Comfort From The Lord

Cynthia Groopman
                                             
Comfort from the lord, we all urgently need from time to time,
 As God soothes our crying and weary hearts with the rainbow of hope and the promise of the golden warmth of the glowing sunshine.
During each storm day and night of life,
Comfort from the Lord, eradicates despair, sadness and strife.
 When the physical love and embraces of loved ones are forever, gone,
 Comfort from the Lord fills our cup of life, with overflowing strength, courage, and  willingness to forge ahead and to carry on.
When tragedy looms in doleful frowns on sullen faces,
Comfort of the Lord tenderly caresses  us with loving embraces.
When our souls incessantly weep with desperation,
Comfort from the Lord eases the pain with solace's healing ointment of consolation.
During times of fear and stress,
Comfort of the Lord kindles into our souls, inspiration, renewal and happiness.
For the comfort of the Lord, can be found in His calming beacon of gentle light,
That will forever free us from the enslavement of stormy, terrifying fright.
 
Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia L. Groopman
 

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Who Am I
Cynthia Groopman

Clouds merrily chasing the sunshine's sparkling rays of gold.
A tiny blade of grass, sprouting and flourishing
in springtime's nurturing embrace.
Sweet melodies of joy and gladness
harmonically chanted by a lovely hummingbird.
Leafy trees sprightly dancing in the cool autumn breeze.
A glorious miracle of a human birth.
Fragrant colorful floral bouquets,
sweetly perfuming the warm summer air.
Vast skies so clear and blue,
Smiling with elegant radiance.
A tender caress and a gentle touch of a beloved friend,
All of these are indeed God's manifestations of His extreme love.


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

~**~**~

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, Mariane Holbrook, Mary Ellen Grisham, Louise Nomani, Sharon Bryant, Angela Walker, Hart and Helen Dowd, Keith Ready, Ginger Morgenstern, Ellie Braun-Haley, Surinder Jandu, Bob Shaw, Carol Meeks