STORYTIME TAPESTRY

April 6, 2005

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      Happy birthday, Millie Jones

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

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

Stricknine, the unfortunate Boa Constrictor

Donna Stebbins

Stricknine was the name of a Boa Constrictor my husband owned when we were dating many many moons ago.  Bob took the snake out with him often in those days.  He would wrap him around his neck and take Stricknine for a walk.  Stricknine was about four feet long so there was no danger of him hurting Bob or anyone else really.  I had never had any experiences with snakes and I was nervous at first.  It did not take me long to be comfortable handling Stricknine and I enjoyed petting him.  I thought he would be slimy but he was not, actually he was smooth.  The snake seemed to like being held.

Boa Constrictors will only eat live food.  Bob had to buy mice for him to eat.  Stricknine's home was a ten gallon fish tank.  Bob would throw the mouse in the tank and Stricknine would attack it and swallow it whole.  You could watch the whole process through the glass.  It took some time until eventually all you saw was a bulge in the snake.  Stricknine only needed to be fed every couple of weeks.  

Another thing that would happen was that he would shed his skin.  It was strange to see that also because the skin came off nearly whole.  That is what Boa Constrictors do.

Stricknine was not covered in his tank and one day somehow he got out of the tank.  Bob lived in an apartment in a house with about four apartments.  Bob looked everywhere for Stricknine and did not find him.  Bob was bummed out when he lost the Stricknine.

Four months later another tenant was down in the basement of the building for some reason and spotted Stricknine.  This tenant called the police who called the fire department.  While they were all down in the basement concerned about how they would handle the situation another neighbor of Bob's Betty came by.  Betty knew Stricknine so she told the police and firemen that she knew the snake and that she would return him to his owner.  When Bob got home from work that day she gave him back to Bob.

It was obvious that Stricknine had not fended for himself very well during his absence.  He was very dry and listless.  Bob put him in the bathtub and put damp clothes on him.  The next step was to try to get him to eat so Bob put a mouse in the tub with him.  Well poor Stricknine did not have the strength to eat and the mouse ended up chewing on the snakes tail.  Not long after that Stricknine died. 

The reason I tell this story is to point out that you have to be careful when keeping this type of pet.  You must make sure that they are secure in their habitat.  Stricknine was used to being fed in captivity and and did not fair well caring for himself.  If you are thinking of getting a pet Boa Constrictor keep in mind that they can get loose.  If your pet does get loose not only could the circumstances be dire for your pet but it could also cause fear to people who do not know that your pet wouldn't hurt them.  

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If you have a pet snake or reptile or are thinking of getting one and you are considering shopping online here are a few places you can visit that offer supplies for your kind of pet.   Worldwidesnakes is a place that specializes in snakes so they have a large selection of items you may need or want for your pet.  You will also find reptile supplies at Petswarehouse.  If you choose to explore Jefferspet you will find supplies of many other kinds of pets that aren't reptiles. 

Donna??™s newsletter:

To subscribe to Hibbs and Heeks Pet Center Newsletter please send an email with Join in the subject line to hibbsand @hibbsandheekspetcenter.com

Cats are great and they are wonderful companions.  It is fun to pamper our feline pals when we can.  Here are a few places you can go to online to find fun things for your cat......... Catsplay.com, and Pamperedpetmart,  Holly has her own blanket that she lays on quite a bit,  it is a good hair catcher and she loves it too.  You can get your kitty a personalized blanket at Petblankets.com  Oh and if you don't want to leave out dog considerations you can go to the doggiftshop.com.

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Today's Queue Stories
~**~**~**~ 

Listen to Your Kids

Michael Smith

As a parent, I want my kids to know the difference between right
and wrong, and I firmly believe the best way to do this is by example.

It does no good to tell your child  not to do something, when they
see you doing it. They can only think, "Well, daddy does it. It must be OK."

One of the best examples of this approach in my memory was when my

daughter, Vanessa, was six and my son, Justin, was three.

Vanessa had picked up a few swear words - probably from me.
 I told her it was wrong, but she said,

"But, Daddy, we hear you swearing."

"You're right, Honey." I replied. "Daddy, does swear, but that
doesn't make it right. Daddy shouldn't swear either. If you ever hear me

swearing, you have my permission to point it out to me and tell me it's wrong.

You can help daddy learn not to do it anymore."

This seemed to satisfy her.At the time we lived in a mobile home. Space was

limited. We were constantly in each other's way. One bathroom for four people

was not enough, so we decided to build an addition. We built a large
connecting room and completely renovated the mobile. Today you can't tell
that it was once a trailer.

The new addition was 34' by 35'. We also added a second bathroom off of our
bedroom, a place just for my wife and I. We installed all of the modern

conveniences available at the time: whirlpool tub, shower stall, toilet,
sink and even a bidet.

My wife wanted the tub, vanity and sink surrounded with Formica.
She chose a lovely green, marble pattern. The price quoted by our

contractor for installation was more than we wanted to pay, so, like most
men who like tools and enjoy using their hands, I decided to do it myself. I
studied books, asked those with experience the proper method of

installation, and soon decided I was an expert.

The first step was to cut the Formica into the desired shapes
and sizes, then glue them to the wood, and trim the edges with a router.

"Simple enough," I thought to myself. Before starting, I covered
the new flooring with newspaper to catch any glue that might drip. I chose
our new vanity as my work area. The sink hadn't been installed yet, but it

was a large flat area, perfect for what I needed. I covered this area with

newspaper as well, including the hole where the sink would go.

I  put the first pieces of Formica to be installed on the vanity face down,

and opened the gallon of contact cement. Carefully, I picked up the can,
sat it on the vanity, and watched it disappear through the sink hole. It
crashed to floor below, spraying glue everywhere.

I stood there trying to comprehend this strange happening.  Glue
ran down my shins and over my new Christmas slippers. I began to curse

and stomp around. Every step I took collected more newspaper.

My wife and kids came running. They stood in the doorway watching a
glue-covered, cursing maniac stomping around with a weeks worth of

newspaper sticking to feet. Georgia began to laugh, but the kids were

strangely quiet.

 A few days later, while we were out for our evening walk,  Vanessa says,

"Daddy?"

"Yes,  Hun?"

"You know how you always tell us we should point out when you
swear?"

"Yes, Vanessa. Daddy shouldn't swear. You should always tell me
to stop."

"We heard you swear the other day."

"You did?  When?"

"When you spilled the glue, but we didn't think it was a good
time to say anything."

I learned a lesson that day. It had nothing to do with swearing.
I learned we need take the time to listen to our kids. They are

much wiser than we give them credit for.

Michael Smith

mtsmith @qwestonline.com

~**~**~

ValueSpeak

A Weekly Column

By Joseph Walker

WHAT'S IN A HOLE?

Joe Walker

There's a new hole in our hardwood kitchen floor.
And no, this didn't result from that . . . um . . . well, you know . . .
temper tantrum I threw during last weekend's exercise in frustration that is
known as college football.  No matter what anyone tells you, I'm not really
a foot-stomping kind of a guy.  I'm more of a "throw the TV remote against
the wall" kind of a guy.
Which reminds me: the blasted remote is acting up again.  Go figure.
The hole that I'm talking about was actually drilled into our floor
intentionally.  Meticulously.  And, if I do say so myself, almost
skillfully.
Here's the deal: For the past several years we've had to run a telephone
cable over the top of the kitchen cabinets and into the converted dining
area that serves as our office.  It has been functional, but it isn't
especially pleasing aesthetically.  And if you could see me sitting here at
my desk wearing my ratty old black sweats, a stained gray sweatshirt and
white socks with holes in the heels, you'd know that I'm ALL about
aesthetics.
So for some reason that still isn't entirely clear, I decided that the time
was right to run the wire UNDER the kitchen and back up into the office -
which in my mind meant I would need to put a hole in the kitchen floor
through which to push the cord.  I got out my trusty power drill, selected
the most out-of-the-way place for the hole to be, and I started to drill -
first a small hole with a small bit, then using larger bits to make the hole
wider and wider until the hole was big enough to accommodate the phone jack.
I don't know why I chose to do it that way.  It just seemed like the thing
to do.  Plus, the hole I drilled wasn't big enough at first.  Nor was it big
enough after I used the second bit.  Nor the third.  Nor the . . . well, you
get the idea.
To her everlasting credit, Anita didn't freak out when she saw that I was
drilling a hole through her beautiful hardwood kitchen floor.  But she was
curious about what I was doing.
"I'm drilling a hole," I said when she asked.
"I can see that," she said patiently.  "But why?"
I explained the whole telephone cable thing, to which she responded with
the same sort of cautious comprehension one usually reserves for 6-year-olds
with hammers.
"And what's on the other side of this hole?" she asked.
"The basement," I said as I adjusted the drill for the next larger bit.
"Yes, I know that," she said.  "But WHERE in the basement?  Are you sure
it's coming through in a location where you can get to it?  There are ducts
and closets and stuff down there."
I hesitated for a moment.  I probably should have thought about that.  But
I was several bit sizes into my drilling.  If there was a problem . . .
well, that's why God gave us duct tape.
"I know," I said with as much bravado as I could muster.  "I've got that
all figured out."
As soon Anita wasn't watching I hurried downstairs to check out the damage
. . . er, to see where I was coming through.  Thankfully, I had missed the
closest duct by a good three centimeters.  Still, I had to use a mop handle
and a reconfigured wire clothes hanger in order to hook the telephone cable
and pull it through.  But we got it through.  And it actually worked.
For a couple of hours.  Then I started working on installing a new DSL line
for the computer and . . . well, it turns out we're going to have to install
a new phone jack closer to the computer.  So we won't need the long
telephone cable we've been using - or the hole.
There's a moral in all this, I'm sure of it.  But for the life of me, I
just can't see it.  I can only see one thing: that nice, neat, overly large
hole in our hardwood kitchen floor.

Joe Walker

Valuespeak @msn.com

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Poetry Section

~**~**~

The Love Of A Mother

Diana Doles Petry

She nurtured you and loved you every way she knew how,

She stood behind you through all of your sad days.

You knew you could count on her to always comfort you,

You felt her presence in so many different ways.

If you got hurt or something scared the wits out of you,

She would hold you close and hug you until the tears dried.

When something tore away at your heart, she was there,

When you cried your heart out, she also cried.

You might not have known it but you comforted her, too,

By giving her unconditional love and needing her each day.

Then, when the time came and she knew it was best for you,

She helped you to spread your wings and you flew away.

The lovely lady that you cherished might not be here today,

But the things she instilled in you will never fade away.

Loneliness sometimes makes you feel as though you??™re empty,

You would sell your soul to have her for just one more day.

Her memory will forever remain deep within your heart,

Beautiful times that no one can ever steal from you.

Your age makes no difference, she will always be there,

Living in your heart and mind no matter what you do.

Dianna Doles Petry

2004

Dianna59 @ charter.net

**~**~ 

A Dedication to Mothers

Dianna Doles Petry 

She seems to take it all in stride,

We think she is made of the finest steel.

She always seems to have the answers,

Always seems to know just how we feel.

When we??™re young, she holds us,

She dries up all of our childish tears.

When we??™re older she reassures us,

Always helping to calm our fears.

I didn??™t realize until I became a mother,

What she did privately every night.

She let her emotions pour onto the floor,

As she prayed for Jesus to hold us tight.

She asked him to watch over her children,

To keep us safe from harm.

I never realized that it didn??™t come to her easily,

She faced motherhood with much alarm.

Many times she didn??™t know if she was right,

She wondered if she would make it through.

All my adoring eyes could ever see,

Was perfection in anything she might do.

Mothers let their dreams remain silent,

Their children become the thing they live for.

If you look past her strength and into her heart,

You??™ll see that she never needed anything more.

She seems to take it all in stride...

Dianna Doles Petry

Dianna59 @ charter.net

Proud founder of:
Women With A Unique Soul
www.womenwithauniquesoul.com
Proud member of:
Nuttin But Sunshine
www.nuttinbutsunshine.org
Webmaster of Short Stories
http://pages.ivillage.com/dianna40
Webmaster of Poetry From Life
http://www.geocities.com/diannawv/

**~**~

SIGNS OF SPRING!
Norma Liles

FEAST ON THE BEAUTY OF FLOWERS
BREATHE IN THE PERFUME OF THIER BLOOMS
GLIMPSE THE SILVERY CLOUDS FLOATING BY
SPRING IS WITH AGAIN!

HERALD THE SONG OF THE ROBIN
THE STRAINS OF THE OLD WHIPPOORWILL
THE JOY OF A NEWBORN BABY BIRD
SPRING IS WITH US AGAIN!

SEE HOW THE HILLS SHOW THEIR GLORY
THE BUDS ON THE TREES ARE SO GRAND
THE CREEKS SING OF A NEW DAY DAWNING
SPRING IS WITH US AGAIN!!

PRAISE YE THE CHILDREN OF GOD
HE LOVES US IN SPITE OF OUR SINS
HE SENDS US BEAUTY NOT TO COMPARE
THANK YOU, JESUS, SPRING IS WITH US AGAIN!

Norma Liles ?©

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

I read through blurry eyes the story Goodbye My Love by Michael Smith.  I could feel his pain and how hard it must have been to make that decision.  I suffer from cirrhosis and this story and so much more has made me see how important it is to have a living will.  I do not want my loved ones having to watch me suffer and have to decide if I should live or go on to a more peaceful existence.  How wonderful to read stories from such gifted writers! 

Blessings, Sharlett Hunt

Goodbye My Life ??“ Michael Smith - This story touched my heart, as I am a carer just now... very well written indeed. and ten out of ten for the title. Violet

A   Prayer - Victor Buhagiar - I always love when I hear a prayer that someone has created themselves. I was hoping this was going to end like it did. Sometimes friends send me prayers they have written that end in desperation asking God why his has foresaken them, and I do not think God foresakes people but that people foresake him. Excellent, poem/prayer.

Dina Damato

I die In agonizing pain
still thirsty.
as I leave this, the only   place I have ever known,
I hear the shrill cries of my pups, calling me   back.





I was not really sure what this poem was about other than maybe puppies, but this stanza above about clenched my heart, dying in pain, yet thirsty was just a brillant line that was deep and provoked a lot of thought on my part. And as she leaves the earth she can still hear the cries. I loved this stanza. Honestly I did not get the entire poem, but this stanza stood out.



I just wanted to tell you that is all. I was so happy to be printed in the tapestry. THANK YOU! I sent it to all my friends, so you may get more members. I hope so. I always pass it along when there are things in there I really like. I think I will just pass these along to all my friends all the time hoping they finally just sign up. I have been encouraging new writers I have been meeting to go to PS site, and sending them your newsletter.
Peace and Love as Always Your Windy City Friend,

Dina

Listen To The Chimes ??“ Carol Roach>What a wonderful combination of poetry and

story writing. You are growing in skill with each new thing you write. Your stories
really touch the soul.

Wishing you every joy, Joe

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Announcements

Seeking pastors and writers to submit articles for a monthly Christian newspaper, which will begin Jan. 2006. Stories pertaining to the intervention of God's hand in people's lives and uplifting the Lord Jesus Christ. E-mail james4436@charter.net

Forty Years Ago.. Reunion


    Celebrating America??™s Military <http://heartswithsoul.com/Military.htm>

Jerry Turner

egtwarrior25@sbcglobal.net <mailto:egtwarrior25@sbcglobal.net>

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Forty years ago this year (1965) was the first time that an Assault
Helicopter Company of the 101st Airborne was committed to combat. It was
the first time since WWII that any unit from the 101st had been
committed to combat.

It was done in the form of Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st
Airborne Division which very quickly became know as the "Warriors and
Thunderbirds".

We are planning a 40th reunion (many of us may not be around for the

50th) in Houston, April 22-24, 2005. As soon as a place is secured you
will be informed. It will be somewhere in the vicinity of Hobby Airport,
just south of the city which is most accessible by air and convenient by
land.

Our aim is to contact as many as possible of those that served at Soc
Trang (April 65 - Sep 66) as a Warrior or T-bird and all of our
supporting troops. We solicit your help in contacting as many you can
and inform them and or provide us with the e-mails, addresses or phone
numbers of those that we may not have contact.

Our goal is to have at least 50 that served during that period in
attendance. This can be accomplished if we will all get behind this and
contact our contacts.

Our point of contact will be:

Ken Harmon kharmon3@houston.rr.com H 281-343-7788 O 281-561-7111 C
713-816-4422

Ron Crotty hcrot1ps@ont.com Ed O'Quinn edoquinn77@charter.net

Jerry Turner egtwarrior25@sbcglobal.net AGENDA; Our Hospitality Room
will be open continuously for BS and other sessions From Friday through
Sunday.


  Itinerary

1. Friday 04/22/05; Welcome Meet & Greet, Cash Bar, hors d'voeuvres 1900
til 2200

2. Saturday 04/23/05; Reunion Dinner 1830 til 2000, $45.00 per person
(est.).

3. Sunday 04/24/06; Departure Brunch (Hail & Farewell) 0930 til 1130.

NOTE: I am trying to arrange a tour of The Johnson Space Center on
Saturday 04/23/05, time TBD, will confirm as soon as possible (probably
3 hours in length).

Please let me know what you think about this and any suggestions or
ideas that you may have will be welcome, thanks.

Hotel Info; HOTEL/RESERVATION INFO A101 40th Anniversary Reunion

22 April through 24 April 2005 South Shore Harbor Resort

2500 South Shore Blvd., League City, Texas

77573, United States Reservations: 1-800-442-5005 (When calling be sure
you tell them that you are with A101 40th Anniversary Reunion Group.)

Contact; Sharon Whitten Sales Manager Room Rate: $99.00 plus tax (12%)

I have blocked 50 rooms, with 30 rooms we get a free Hospitality Suite.
There is no penalty if we do not fill all the rooms by 15 April, any
excess will be released for normal booking. If we drop under 30 rooms,
no complementary Hospitality suite.

Reservation cut off date: 14 April 2005.

If you are interested please let me know ASAP, so I can get you on our
Morning Report and make your reservations before 14 April 2005, thanks guys.  

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Prayer Requests

Dear Prayer Warriors

Please pray for Aaron and his family

He and they are certainly in need of our Savior's touch.

Thank you for your prayers!

Love,

Barbara

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SENIOR WRITERS

Agee, Vance;  Apted, Violet;  Baker, Kathy;  Batt, Al;  Berry, Nell;

Boda, Ginger;  Bryant, Sharon;  Buhagiar, Victor; Cassady, B.J.;  Crider, Mark; 

Deming, Barb; Goodier, Steve;   Harris, Kathy Anne; Hunt, Sharlette; 

Jacobson, Gary;  Kiser, Roger Dean; Kerens, Claudia; Jenkins, Pamela;

Liles, Norma;  Mazzella, Joe; Ojeigbe, Georgewaters

; Petry,Dianna Doles Shaw,Bob; Sims, Richard; Vaknin, Sam; Walker, Joe; 

Warner, Gorden K;

Whirity, Kathy;  White, Robert;

STORYTIME TAPESTRY STAFF

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Moderator: Thelma Hartselle-co founder

Moderator: Clara Westerfer

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