STORYTIME TAPESTRY

March 30, 2005

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 A Happy Birthday goes out to Channtina Touchet from her friends her at Storytime Tapestry

 Now on to the good stuff..........

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

Easter Ducks
by Clara Wersterfer


There are three ducks who think of my yard as their home. Two are females and
one male. They come each and every day from the river. Our home fronts on the
river and is about 300 feet from the water all uphill. It's another 200 or so feet to the street.
Those three ducks come every day and wait patiently for a handout.

When we feed the outdoor cats, the ducks shovel the food in faster than we can pour

it out. Don't tell me to give them their own dish, they love eating with the cats.
I knew one of those female ducks was sitting on eggs somewhere nearby. She
was missing for several days and then appeared for only a few minutes one day.

A sure sign that she had to get back to her nest. It was a work day for me, and

no time to watch and wait to see where she went.

About a week ago, I discovered her by accident sitting in the yard about five feet from

the street. She was under the cascading leaves of a cactus plant, very well concealed.

Now came a time of worry. She was 500 feet from the river. I have several outdoor cats.

How was she going to get those babies all that distance to the water without the cats

Eating them?

My cats are big time hunters, bringing home birds, squirrels, and rabbits. I hate it,

but they are cats. This morning I fed the cats and later went to collect the
newspaper. There sat the mother duck with ten babies. Six are yellow and
four are black. (Mom is black and white.) Apparently they had hatched on
Easter Sunday. She was surrounded by four cats who were all sniffing the
ducklings. The mother was not hissing or acting afraid of the cats. This
bunch broke bread together. None of the cats made any attempt to grab or

harm the babies! Just looked as if admiring them and then smelling them. I didn't

know how long it would take them to want to taste.
 

I was praying hard as I walked slowly to them. I shooed the cats and
gathered the babies, cramming them into the pockets of my robe and holding

others in my hands. I couldn't hold them all and had to pull up the hem of my

robe to form a nest to put them all into. Once this was done and I had them

all safe, I opened the gate to the riverside yard for the mother to pass thru.

Getting them safely to the river was a chore as they kept climbing and
jumping down. The mother followed me and several cats followed behind her.
None offered to snatch up the little ducks when they jumped from
my robe pockets.

We made it without a single loss! I placed the babies on the grass at the
waters edge. Mom jumped in and called to the babies to join her. In less

than a minute they were all in the water.

I breathed a sigh of relief as they all swam away in a straight line directly

behind the mom. Walking back up the hill, I thought it was a really great day.

Clara Westerfer
CBWEST @webtv.net

About me:
Born in the mountains of NC, I learned
to love story telling at a young age.
For the past 36 years I have lived in
Texas. Three dogs, numerous
cats and other critters share my home.

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Starvation

Sharon Bryant

Saturday in the mail, I received a letter from the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

In the letter, it has a photo of a dog that was left outside by its owner.  The dog was not given any food or water.  The photo of the dog is pathetic.  I couldn't help but glance at my own two dogs who are healthy and happy.

A neighbor turned this man in for cruelty to the dog.  The ASPCA stepped in and removed the dog from the premises.

The man was charged with animal cruelty.  When asked why he had allowed the dog to go without water or food, he admitted that he was deliberately starving the dog to death.

Shocking, isn't it?  It is truly unbelievable that anyone would--or could--behave with such cold-hearted cruelty.

It made me think of Terrie Schiavo?  Isn't this the same thing that has been done to her?  Left there to starve to death?

Though I know many are for letting Terrie die, and many are for allowing her to live, I only ask, is it humane to allow her or any other human being to die in this manner?  Maybe they should have shot her to death.  It would have been much less painful.  Maybe they should have given her a shot and put her to sleep.  It would have been much less painful.  Maybe all of us should go ten days without food and water and experience what it feels like.  Then we would know if it's comfortable and painless as some are saying.  I do not believe it is.

There is a Humane Law Enforcement Division.  The ASPCA Government Affairs and Public Safety Policy Department pushes for the passage and strengthening of anti-cruelty laws, so that crimes (DID YOU SEE THAT WORD?  CRIMES) against animals will be treated with the seriousness they deserve.

Luckily this dog's story ended on a happy note.  He was rescued and brought back to health and was adopted by a loving family.  Today he is healthy, well fed and happy.

I can't help but wonder where this nation is going to?  Surely, it is not for the better.

We have lost the respect for human life in this nation with the Schiavo case.   I will not say it is right or wrong to allow Terrie to die or live, but I will say the manner they have chosen for her to die is barbaric.  If it is a crime to treat an animal like this, why is it all right to treat a human being in this way?

This has now become an issue of the right WAY to die.  I will never believe starvation is the answer.

Sharon Bryant

1946 @bellsouth.com

About Me:

I am Sharon Bryant, 59 years old and reside in Alabama.

I lost my child in 1977 when he was five and I write
articles on bereavement often.

I am a chocolate/candy maker and also a wood crafter and knitter.

I am married to a wonderful man, and have two remaining children, a daughter 25,
Amy, and a second son, Randy, age 22.

My main goal in life is to help those who
have lost a child. My website is: www.angelsremembered.tk

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Today's Queue Stories
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THE GOOD LIFE - I'S ALL IN HOW YOU LOOK AT IT
By Kathy Whirity

For years they exchanged common pleasantries as they pased
each other by. The frazzled looking mother of eight sat on
her front porch, keeping a watchful eye on the youngest of
her growing brood.

The career woman was usually pressed for time, rushing by
on her way to catch a train that would take her to her 9 to
5 job in the business world. The two women barely shared
more than a smile and a quick hello, but each had specific
thoughts on each other's lifestyle.

The childless career woman felt a little sorry for her
neighbor. "What a handful, for a mother to have more children
than there is time to take care of them," thought the world
wise woman. "No time for anything but cooking, cleaning and
raising a family - with nothing to show for it but paychecks
that never stretch far enough, tuition bills that have no end
in sight, and a distressed house decorated in greasy handprints
smudged on walls. And, let's not forget the washers and dryers
whose cycles run 24/7! Where is the joy in several hungry
mouths to feed, while trying to keep up with several different
personalities in need?"

To Ms. Professional, this mom was a living example of the old
woman who lived in a shoe; which made her all the more thankful
she had her self-imposed life of luxury. With freedom to spend
her time the way she wanted, with no dependents to tie her down,
her neat and tidy home stayed just that--neat and tidy.
 
Dinners in front of the TV or at her favorite restaurant were
just what her pampered lifestyle offered. Her phone calls never
had to be cut short because a hormonal teen-ager suddenly had to
make a crisis call to her girlfriend who lived right across the
street. She'd wave a quick hello to the ever expectant mother and
knew he had chosen the perfect life.

Now, Mrs. Mom had her own thoughts. She'd watch as Ms. 9 to 5
hurried on her way, and she, too, felt a pang of pity. "How lonely
it must be, she thought, to have no ties to the heart strings of
little ones. How deafening the silence must be without the noise
of little voices to keep the music of life flowing along."

"With no babies to snuggle close to your heart, with no children
to cuddle and save from monsters under the bed, with no chocolate
kisses from toddlers who squeeze your neck tight and proudly
proclaim: 'I love you THIS much!!' while stretching out two stubby
little hands filled with dandelions--with no teen-agers to bring
you to the brink of insanity, only to renew your faith in family
as you help them overcome an obstacle and they say: 'Thanks mom,
I'm glad I listened.'"

A mother looks back at all these treasured memories and wonders
how life could ever be fulfilling without them. Mother Hen watches
as the diva of downtown employment is out of sight. She hopes that
one day the solitary lady will find more than business suits, a
quiet house and a round trip train ticket to fill the void of an
empty life.

Years passed by, the mother's children grew up and the working
woman retired. The two bumped into each other one day by chance.
They began a conversation that would end up surprising both of
them.

The woman, who long ago chose a career over children, admitted to
the now-gray-haired grandma that she always took pity on her, what
with all those kids to care for, it sure had to be a chaotic life.

The grandmother of 22 gave the woman a sly smile, and with a twinkle
in her eye, replied, "Why, what a strange coincidence, for it was I
who always felt sorry for you."

The moral of this story? The path to greener pastures can often be
found in your own backyard when you live your life on your own terms
and treasure the benefits of your heart's desires.

--Kathy Whirity   kathywhirity@yahoo.com
---------------------------------

Kathy Whirity lives in Chicago where she shares her life and love
with her husband of 27 years, Billy, their two daughters, Jaime and
Katie, and their two rambunctious retrievers, Holly and Hannah. Her inspirational musings and thought provoking sentiments on family
life are published in a weekly column she writes for an area
newspaper. Kathy welcomes your comments and letters. You may e-mail
her directly at: kathywhirity@yahoo.com

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Poetry Section

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The Man from Galilee

Norma Liles

Along life's highway

We often face temptations

The hurdles of a mountain

The winds of adversity.

But I know of a solution

It will rock you off your feet

But He will be there to catch you

The Man from Galilee!

Now put your trust in Him

Be born, again, today

Face anything that comes your way

Safe in the arms of God.

He is so loving, so tender

He reaches out to you

I love this man who is my God

The Man from Galilee!

Norma Liles ?©

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Spring is knocking at my door

Norma Liles

Today is a total surprise

Waking up to the sun shining bright

Birds whistling, I just saw a robin

Spring is knocking at my door!

.

Mr squirrel just scampered along

Carrying some nuts in his mouth

The grass shows a brighter green

Daffodils are breaking the ground!

.

Come let us join in the singing

Of another God given spirit

A re-enactment of life anew

Spring is knocking at my door!

Facing another renewal

Putting Mr. Winter to sleep

This is a time of rejoicing

Spring is knocking at my door!

Norma Liles

3-22-05

hoopla214 @yahoo.com

About Me:

Norma Liles is a retired data entry
clerk/supervisor who lives in Ohio. Her hobbies
are: writing poetry and stories, reading,
her family, living for Jesus and
her use of her computer. Her ambition is
to add pleasure to those who read her
writings as well as sharing her faith.

My writings have been published on Starfish,
Driftwood, Sandollar, Morning Spirit Lift,
www.poetry.com, PrayerofGod, Jan Karon's
newsletter, American Poetry Writer's league,
Lucy's Inspiration, Faithful Hope reading room,
Poetry of Today publishing, Hope in Him,
Bonnie's Place, America will remember and
News Moose. Finally senior writer for
Storytime Tapestry

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Writers Feedback

She Died Today ??“ Carol Roach: I've been a bit quiet lately with so much going on in my own life but I had to write and tell you that this issue really touched my heart.

Thank you!

Dianna

Proud founder of:
Women With A Unique Soul
www.womenwithauniquesoul.com
Webmaster of Short Stories
http://diannapetry.tripod.com
Webmaster of Poetry From Life
http://www.geocities.com/diannawv/
Poems By Dianna
http://members.tripod.com/~poemsbydianna/PoetryofLife.html

I can definitely identify with this story.  I agree that it is what you put into your witting that counts, not how long it might take.  Your thoughts and words are unique to you and your experiences, something that can't be hurried.  You are such an extraordinary talent and I am pleased to be a part of Storytime Tapestry.  The book will be finished in its own time and the words will be lasting in the memories of all who are privileged to read it.  As you know I read a little and it is fabulous!  God bless, Sharlett

Still He Walked by David Lagerfield gives my spirit an uplift. I will never take my walks without thinking of this poem.
Barb

"The Seedlings of my Dream" should be read by all writers, Carol. It, if we would but admit it, speaks to and of each of us. You are writing from deep within, dear. I really enjoy that.
Barb

 Carol, great history and cultural lesson about Easter celebrations in other countries. Thanks for sharing and I made note of the website for future use also.
Barb

Carol, I love the title, "Seedlings of My Dream." I relate very much to your story. It is well written. Loved the immediacy of the last few you have written about your writing courses. I think your writing has grown and you are now "flowering." My computer has been down but now I have latest microsoft XP. Will get back to Storytime writing. Best wishes,

Gabby Nicholls Morgan.

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 March 28, 2005

Governor, Jeb Bush

State Of Florida

Phone: 850-488-4441
850-488-2272
Fax: 850-487-0801
Email:  jeb.bush@myflorida.com

Dear Governor Bush

This is my second letter to you Governor, Bush.  First I want to thank you for your efforts on behalf of Terri Schiavo. 

My heart and the hearts of America and all over the world are crying out for justice for Terri Schiavo. We're all watching and wondering what would happen to us if we were in the same situation? 

Please continue to do all you can for her. The lies of that are being perpetrated in Terri Schiavo's case is nothing less than

heinous.  When will we stop convicting people in the court of the, "Media"?  Is this what America has come down to?

Let us get real here for a moment, rehabilitative services have been denied Terri for the past decade since she has been hospitalized, now food and water have been withdrawn.  These services have all been denied by her husband, who

certainly appears to have no vested interest in his wife's well being. 

He has a mistress with two children that he has fathered; surely we are smart enough to see the conflict of his interest here. 

I think it's safe to say his thoughts are with himself and not with his wife.

I pray that someone of earthy authority will step up to the plate, however, Terri's time of in-humane suffering and immanent

death are drawing nigh! 

God has been watching all the atrocities that have been committed concerning Terri's life decisions.  Man does not have the

authority to say if someone should live or someone should die.  That authority belongs to God.

When God reaches down and takes his child, Terri Schiavo home her suffering will end.  However, it will just be beginning

for those who have perpetrated this crime of murder and have caused the needless great suffering of an innocent human being. 

God has been watching the whole time and has seen our lack of compassion and humanness and our willingness to turn our

backs on Terri Schiavo. 

America's heart has grown cold and calloused, we can see it in our children's eyes if we take the time to look, really look.  

Our children see violence in every area of their lives today. 

We can't even send our children to school with peace of mind anymore.  The true conscience of America, of our founding

fathers is crying out for justice.  God must be invited back to America, back to our hospitals, back to our schools and back

to our justice system and back into our homes.  Without God, we are depending on man to make decisions and we can all

see what path that is leading us all to.

There will be many come judgment day, not in man's court, but in, ???God All Mighty??™s, Court room???, who will have much

explaining to do.  I pray God will have mercy on all their souls.

I thank you for all your efforts on Terri's behalf, the whole Christian world is now praying for an 11th hour miracle here

for Terri or that she will be released from her pain and suffering soon and go home to God.

Sincerely,

Barbara J. Weymouth

weymouth@cwnet.com

"God sent each person into the world with a special
message to deliver, a special song to sing and a
special act of love to bestow. No one else can
speak my message or sing my song or offer
my love.... these are entrusted to me."
Quoted by Father J. Nash - 2001

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Prayer Requests

Prayers are still needed for my family in hopes that a ruling by the courts is in our favor to save what a child has had for eight years. I know it makes no sense. But do to legal proceedings I am not legally allowed to say what is happening. But I will say someone is trying to tear apart the family as if there has not been enough pain over the past few years.

Dina Dimato

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