Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

October 1, 2007

Publishers Favourite Sites:

Rosanne Catalano

http://www.rosannecatalano.net/

Michael Smith

http://subs.zinester.com/86758/

Barbara Weymouth

penwormprayerwarriors-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Helen Dowd

www.occupytillicome.com

Dean Perchick

http://symzonia.blogspot.com

I'd like to tell you about a new website that I discovered and now love where all of your favorite authors can be heard on video from your own computer!

The website is Bookvideos.tv and is coming to you from Simon & Schuster publishing. Check it out at: http://www.bookvideos.tv! You won't be sorry you did.

Today’s Announcement

Happy birthday Neal Hartselle, husband of Storytime Tapestry moderator Thelma Hartselle:  tlsq@xmission.com

Donations are always 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 Stories

~**~**~

The Biggest Crush

Jennifer Oliver

"I saw a star, I reached for it, I missed. So I accepted the sky."--Scott Fortini

It was the biggest crush of the century.

His name was Aubrey, and we shared the same homeroom in seventh grade. Long legs in jeans, green eyes, brilliant smile. I held my breath whenever he passed my desk. I slipped anonymous declarations of love in the slot of his locker. Every time he happened to glance my way, it was enough to make me float the rest of the day. When he said the slightest word to me, even if he was just clearing his throat, my best friend and I examined from every angle the underlying connotations of his throat-clearing during lunch.

I was in love.

But, alas, he loved another. The cheerleader two rows down from me.

One day our teacher gave us an assignment. Each of us had to think of a product to "market" to the class, and then we would vote on the product we would most likely buy.

Recalling the previous summer that my family had spent in California with relatives, I decided on a product that my cousin had in his possession. Seemed like everything that was a fad hit California first like a tidal wave, then trickled to El Paso where I lived. Fortunately for me, this particular product hadn't been marketed in our area yet.

I found a shoebox, lined it with Sunday comics and a folded doll blanket, then poked holes in the lid. I used colored pencils to write a little booklet, explaining the benefits of this merchandise. I found a long piece of twine, then scoured my desert-landscaped front yard for the perfect rock.

I had little confidence, so I practiced in front of the mirror. I practiced in front of my parents. In front of my dog, Hobbit, too.

Here it was, the big day, and it was my turn.

Step right up, folks, today is your lucky day. For only $9.95, this Pet Rock can be yours. It can play dead. It can roll over. The leash is custom-made. Your Pet Rock needs no feeding. Yes, if you order now, you can have this Pet Rock for $9.95, and this special booklet will be provided free of charge. Yes, that's right. A free booklet with instructions on the care of your new pet.

My delivery was deadpan as I commanded my pet to heel, roll over, and play dead. The class erupted, howling with laughter.

And the best part was seeing Aubrey out of the corner of my eye, doubled over, wiping tears from his eyes.

Yes, the love of my life was laughing!

I won that contest.

I never did win Aubrey's heart. But winning his laughter for ten minutes was like stumbling across gold. It was enough to sustain me through many a lunch hour with my best friend.

"Did Aubrey look straight at me?" I would ask breathlessly. "Did he say anything afterwards? He said my name?! He actually said my name in the same sentence?! How did he say it?"

Oh, you know how it goes.

Jennifer Oliver

 ~**~**~
 
 

~**~**~

Poetry Corner

~**~**~

Embraced by Autumn's splendor

Cynthia Groopma

Embraced am I by autumn's majestic splendor.

Refreshing breezes gushing cool air so loving and tender.

Majestic hues of every glowing color dazzle my eyes,

Filling my cup of life with awesome surprises.

A time for new beginnings and a fresh start,

Motivational thoughts dance in my mind and spirituality softly caresses my heart.

Gems of holiness reawaken my soul with renewal and hope,

Well-being and essence of comfort will enable me to cope

So, dear autumn, I regally bask in your bright sunshine embrace,

As smiles appear on each little colorful falling leaf's tiny face.

Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

~**~**~

A Greeting To The Month Of October
Cynthia Groopman

The days are becoming shorter
as the birds begin to fly south,
Tastes of delicious apple cider
and rich pumpkin pie linger in my mouth.
We turn the clocks back one hour,
And sadly we wave good-bye to the fading flower.
A Crispy golden carpet of newly fallen leaves lace the ground,
And as we hurriedly walk about, our feet dance to a crunching sound.
Clad in creative scary costumes,
the elated children swiftly dash about,
And "Trick or Treat," they gleefully shout.
For dear month of October,
we marvel at each one of your exciting and surprising 31 days,
As we are dazzled with elegant enchantment
in so many magnificent ways.


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

~**~**~

Worry
Cynthia Groopman

Laden with stressful thoughts is my weary mind
that makes my sad heart pound and flutter,
I was tossing and turning throughout the dark restless night,
for worry causes my head to spin round and round,
as I'm overwhelming with thoughts that are deep and profound.
Worry is like the ominous storm cloud that opaques my sky of life,
affecting me adversely with needless anxiety and strife.
Worry is like a cruel monster, stalking and haunting me,
that robs me of my emotional stability.
Suddenly, Almighty God embraces me with reassuring, spiritual healing,
calming me in words encouraging and emotionally appealing.
In Him, I seek refuge and consolation
as He renews my spirit, replacing my worries with thoughts of elation.
For God is my fortress and powerful strength, too,
bathing my mind, heart and soul in inner serenity through and through.


Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

Copyright ©2004 Cynthia Groopman

Writing Poetry
Cynthia Groopman

Writing poetry is so meaningful to me,
for emotions are displayed in nostalgia, anger, sorrow or glee.
On to a page that is blank,
I depict thoughts that are blunt, honest and frank.
I can motive words to sing and to dance,
which express thoughts and sentiments of beauty and elegance.
I can tell a heartfelt story,
Or praise God and pay tribute to His forever glory.
I can take a trip down memory lane and feel happy alone,
pouring out my heart into a yearning wistful tone.
Poetry is a gift that God has given to me as a priceless treasure,
I value it as deep enjoyment and cherish it with great pleasure.


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

Readers Feedback

Dear Bonnie: your story the Forgotten was interesting. However, I disagree with you. This is not the end of your quest but just the beginning. Thanks for those archives, we found the tomb stone. Back on those days cameras were not the commodity of our generation. They were rare and expensive items and only few privileges had them. I understand the sweet and sour taste of your discovery; however, it might provide you with some more information if you decide to pursue your research further. For example, you know his name and his land of origin. Maybe one of your relatives has some other documents that might help you to keep digging deeper. Your research will take you to Italy. I have a friend who lives in Italy. I live in Germany. Perhaps she can give you in the right direction..... Don't give up. You made it this far. I think you have the obligation of continue your quest. Perhaps the pic you are looking for is in Italy or on the town archives. Newspapers?  Good luck in your quest!  Tannia (timewithtannia.tripod.com)

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, Charlotte Hilliard, Maria Keller