STORYTIME TAPESTRY

March 24, 2005

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Animal awareness series endorsed by Shiloh and Hank our mascots; all stories must receive their approval.

Now on to the good stuff..........

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My Book of Ups and Downs

Kathy Ann Harris

Judith came in with the smell of earth and mulch clinging to her hands and
clothing. She took her straw hat off and hung it on the hat rack. She
poured a cup of coffee, took a sip, and then set the mug against a mason jar
of evergreen clippings on the table.

She took a seat at the table, near the window. From a slide-out drawer
under the tabletop she slipped her journal and a pen out. Wanting to write
something, but at a loss on where to start, she drummed her pen on the
table top and gazed out the window.

Gem, a Basset-Beagle mix was exploring in the daffodils. A small lizard
scurried across the path that intersected the garden. Gem's ears swung
forward and she pressed her nose to the ground, hoping to scent-track the
little guy.

Toward the end of the day, when dusk bathed the air with gold-spangled
dust motes. When it slanted fingers of amber light through leaves and
grass and fragile blooms... Gem would always be beside Judith,
body-wagging and woofing for her supper.

It was a time they both savored--eating their meals each night, together.
Sharing their memories of the day. They'd then adjourn to the porch.
Cuddle together on the steps as they listened to crickets and tiny frogs,
"invisible" now, except to their ears.

When the sun inhaled the last warm breath of the day and the moon exhaled
the first cool sigh of the night. And, for the briefest of moments, their
two breaths joined--all was silent. The birds roosting in the trees ceased
their early evening chatter. The frogs and crickets stood motionless and
then, in the darkling scenery, tiny glowing orbs swam the currents of the
night, their green-yellow lanterns flickering off and on... Fireflies,
heralding the arrival of the night.

As she began to write, tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, then
trickled down over smiling lips, Puddling on the table and misting the
pages of her journal.

Most of the entries in her diary catalogued the times in her life that
made her heart sing and her soul cry. But there were also moments that
infused her with a peaceful steadiness--times like she'd spent today.
Gardening. Enjoying the come-early Spring weather. The in and out tide of
pleasant, regular days shared with Gem at her side. The simple things that
anchored her--that defined her.

``*``

The paramedics came to the house after a neighbor had called 911. Gem's
mournful howls had alerted Judith's neighbor and best friend that
something unexpected had upset the old dog.

Judith's daughter, Perrie, had been called shortly after that. The
paramedics told Perrie that they could not see the tears, but they had
sensed the smile.

When she asked them what they were talking about they gave her the
journal. They apologized for having read her mother's diary, but it had
been necessary to rule out suicide.

They didn't give her a book, they had handed her a lifeline.

That evening, sitting at the chair by the window, she read the words her
mother had penned, that last entry in her mother's journal. Each word.
Each line. Each thought... settled her grieving spirit.

As night unfurled her silver-gray mantel, Perrie stepped out onto the
porch, sat on the steps and sighed. It had been a long day. A day filled
with tears and sorrow, until she had read the last entry her mother had
penned in her journal just the night before. She clutched the book to her
chest, and then a cool, wet nose nudged her elbow. Perrie looked down and
there was Gem, smiling and body-wagging.

She reached down and put her arm around the old girl's shoulder, and Gem
leaned into Perrie comfortingly.

"Shall we go home?"

Perrie followed Gem's gaze and, she, too, watched the fireflies,
mesmerized by their soft dance of light.

Perriee smiled. "There's no hurry, gal. No hurry, at all."

``*``

Should anyone read this, I figured no one would want to read the routine
events in an old woman's day. So those experiences never found their way
into my book of ups and downs... until this evening. I want to describe
one of the most beautiful days I've ever had. Just being able to sort it
out on paper has me crying, as I recall my day. My normal, everyday
moments--the ones that make me happy beyond description are rushing up to
tumble from my mind to the pen I hold.

I shall begin with the blushing sunrise I woke up to. And the smile on my
companion's furry face...

``*`` ``*`` ``*``

Copyright ?© 2005 by Kathy Anne Harris
kathyanneharris @spirit-soul.com




Kath
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"God fashioned the dog from sun drops." --kah

"A Golden is sunlight wrapped in fur." --kah

I live in central, sunny California, where I share my life with my husband and our furry family. I work full time for a living, and I write in order to live fully. My works have been featured in 2TheHeart, Storytime Tapestry, Starfish, Driftwood, CatTails, Petwarmers, Heartwarmers, Insight of the Day, Warm Fuzzy Stories, Gwen's Place Newsletter, Sir Froggie's Positive News Network, and Eternal Ink. I am also a weekly columnist for the publication "Frank Talk" which is distributed in six counties in Michigan, USA. I have four published novels, 3 fiction and 1 non-fiction, which can be ordered from Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com

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Today's Queue Stories
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I AM

Gorden K. Warner

I am the bright new morning that streaks across the sky

I am the sun in all its glory as it sparkles in your eye.

I am the peaceful silence that comes as night tine falls

I am the wondrous things you see as you trek through all the malls.

I am the moonlight shining, the brightness of the stars

I am the comets streaking off to Jupiter or Mars.

I am the morning fragrance of all the fields in full bloom

I am the scent of all the flowers that quickly fills the room.

I am the soft and tender face of each new child that??™s born today

I am the very courage that helps you on your way.

I am the magic of the moment when true love finds its mark

I am the thrill of loving that begins with each new spark.

I am the agony, shame and loneliness of someone you deride

I am the joy, the pride, the happiness when everything's on your side.

Now in case you're still left wondering who it is that I might be

"I AM THAT I AM" the Saviour cried, don't you recognize that it is Me?

The poem above was written in less than 30 minutes and I consider it heaven sent.

Gorden K. "Pop" Warner

Pop Warner
gkwppw1963 @ cox.net

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One Day at a Time

Sharlette Hunt

One day at a time, I'm living in the now,
Seems like I'd almost forgotten, somehow,
The life that I lived, it brought me no joy,
Just misery and sadness and lives to destroy.

So filled with disease, in my gutter, I lay,
I was too sick to die and too sick to pray,
Through deep pain and sorrow, so filled with despair,
Death was my answer, I just didn't care.

Then one fine day I looked up at the sky.
I wanted to live and I didn't know why.
The One With All Power was with me that day,
And never has left me, I'm happy to say.

My life's getting better with each step I take,
I never look back cause there's too much at stake.
A life like no other, a plan that's divine,
I live for the moment, one day at a time.

Sharlette863 @aol.com


About Me:

I was born in Alabama, the middle of
seven children. At about age four we moved
to Central Florida and I have lived here
most of my life. I am a Viet Nam Era
Veteran. I have always enjoyed writing
and as I get older it seems to come more
naturally to me. I believe
everyone has many stories inside them and
some are blessed to be able to share them.
*************

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Writers Feedback

Carol,

I love the new format with your new distributor, it is even easier to read than it used to be. Also love the new writer Michael Smith, how did you find him?

The work you do is much appreciated!!!! and I don't tell you that often enough.

Love you,
bette

Dear Carol,

I certainly agree with you that Mr. Michael Smith is a jewel found for our reading pleasures. Great reading keep it coming

Leona

Carol -Wonderful piece about your beach--both within and without. To me, there is nothing more soothing than a walk along the beach, even in the winter when I don't want to wiggle my toes in that cold, wet sand.

Barb Deming

This article by Johann Christoph Arnold on the right to live or die, and who choses, is beautifully written. I, too, believe that God should be in control, that too often we rely on the wonderful medical advances we have made. Only God knows when it is our time to go.

Barb Deming

I loved the stories by Michael . They have a wonderful message in them. I look forward everyday to all the stories in the story time tapestry.

Nathalie Symonds

I love the articles by Michael Smith.

Sac0312

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Announcements

Carol.... Would you share this story in your newsletter? Love, Teri Wilber

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**** PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE AND SIGN SIERRA"S PETITION**

Sierra Journey's SMA Petition With Your Help We CAN make A Difference!!

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SJ0362/petition.html www.sierrasjourney.com www.caringbridge.org/fl/sierra

Getting Congress to Pass a Bill to Put SMA on the NEWBORN SCREENING TEST

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SMA Is A Horrible Disease that My Beautiful Little Girl Has....Please by you just reading this you could save a life! Please be so kind to pass this on!

*SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY*

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the term given to a group of inherited and sometimes fatal diseases that destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and even swallowing. It is the PRIMARY GENETIC KILLER of CHILDREN under the age of 2, and one of the MOST PREVALENT genetic disorders overall!

Who Is At Risk:

Approximately 1 - 40 people carry the gene that cause SMA. If two carriers have children, the chance that their offspring will have some form of SMA is 1 in 4. SMA can affect all racial and ethnic groups.

Types of SMA:

THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF SMA!

Type 1: Most Severe, generally striking children between birth and six months. The most visible sign of SMA is weekness. Children with Type 1 show a lack of normal movement and motor development, including the ability to sit unaided. They often exhibit a weak cry, and have trouble breathing, sucking and swallowing. (Type 1 is often known as Werdning-Hoffman Disease)

Type 2: Intermediate form of the disease. Symptoms generally beging between the ages of 7 and 18 months. Type 2 patients may be able to sit unaided, and some may even to learn to stand with support. Feeding and swallowing diffculties are generally not associated with Type 2's, However many are EXTREAMLY SUSCEPTIBLE to RESPITORY INFECTIONS! Electric Wheelchairs provide mobility for most Type 2 patients.

Type 3: Mildest form of the disease. Symptoms may show in the hands. feet and tongue, then may spread to other parts of the body.

**Another characteristic of SMA is a POSTIVE one. It is commonly observed that those patients with SMA are unusually bright and sociable.! **

Research:

A MAJOR MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH occurred in 1990, when researchers were able to locate which chromosome the gene is located in, and in January 1995, several genes were identified. However, research to identify the specific gene associated with SMA continues.

Research is underway to identify drugs that can help produce the enzyme missing in patients with this disease. This exciting research could help inhibit the motor neuron cell death normally observed in SMA patients. One drug trial is currently underway!

**TESTING** WHAT YOU CAN DO!!

\Just ask your Dr for a A "Genetic Blood test" (a carriers test for SMA) done by a lab will determine whether a person is a carrier or not!

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