STORYTIME TAPESTRY

April 9, 2005

Let??™s give a warm welcome to our newest writer ??“  Abraham Bin Assi, writer # 193 for Storytime Tapestry.   Abraham presents us with a very unusual bird story.  The story of their pet Bulbul, native to the Country of Iraq.

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

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

Tutu the One-Legged Bulbul

Abraham Bin Assi

I grew up in a large house with three large gardens in the front, side and back.   My father, may he rest in peace, was enthusiastic about raising pets of all sorts, ranging from rabbits, mountain partridges which were native of the north, to gazelles and little singing birds that were called Bulbuls, to various poultry of every kind.  There are stories attributed to every pet that we had at home. Since my brother and I did not play with children of our own age. Instead, we spent most of our days in the hot summer swimming in the Port-Club swimming pool, playing chess and enjoying the pets that my father brought home.

Bulbuls were beautiful birds that had dark wings, red beaks, white cheeks, and bright yellow bellies.  The significant feature of these birds, were their ability to sing in the most beautiful tunes. Thus, they were called bulbuls which meant singers in Arabic, my native tongue.  My father brought the bulbuls a few days after hatching. We cared for them, and fed them chewed nuts loaded on the tips of our fingers.  As they grew up they were as attached to us as they would be to their mothers and had no fear of us whatsoever.   They would fly around the house landing on different pieces of furniture. They would perch on our hands when it was time to feed them.   One of the bulbuls caught his leg, on the leg and seat of the chair when he flew towards us for his feeding. The poor bird lost his leg.   

We took special care of TUTU, as we called him while he grew up. He became our favourite pet.   We also took care of mountain partridges, the size of large pigeons which had red feathers

on their body and bright yellow cheeks.  What was interesting about these birds was that once they were fed for a week, they followed us every where and were protective of us.  They would stay up with us for as long as we were up doing our homework. They also followed us outside, trailing behind us, as we walked on the streets. 

When we came to Canada, the Canadian Customs would only allow us to bring one of the two, either Kuki, the mountain partridge, or Tutu, our one legged bulbul.  No matter how many tears that my brother shed trying to convince the Custom officials, they would not allow us to bring both of them into the country.  We decided to keep Tutu, the bulbul, and with tears we bid farewell to Kuki.  Tutu lived to be 18-years-old before he died of old age, and we cherished him for every day of his long life.  

About Me:

I was born in Basrah, Iraq. I am of Arabic and Jewish decent. I studied in England and finished my university degrees in Montreal, where I have lived for the past 35 years.  I am an accountant who still finds the time to enjoy writing and painting. I am a member of a Montreal artist association and have sold many of my paintings.  I would be glad to show you my painting portfolio. You can reach me through: winterose  @videotron.ca

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Today's Queue Stories
~**~**~**~ 

 When do you stop protecting kids?

By Ken Swarner

Last weekend, my son's soccer team played a group of boys from across town.  The game started out as usual, but quickly turned into the warm-up show for a WWF match.  I'm all for an aggressive game, but this other team took it several steps too far.  Unfortunately, the referee either didn't see what was going on, or he thought he was there to officiate a rugby game - he did little to stop the pushing, shoving and unsportsmanship-like language.
At one point, as I was screaming at the ref from the sidelines to get "control of the game," he turned to me and said, "sir, this isn't golf."
I think the final straw for me was when the other team's forward collided with my son, who was playing sweeper.  After the ball had already rolled off the field, the other player kicked my son in the back and called him a name that makes me blush to even abbreviate it.  Instinctually, when I saw this, I tore out onto the field to protect my boy.
He's 14.  He brushed off the incident and went back to playing - fully focused on the game.
Which got me to thinking days later: When is my son too old for me to rush onto the field like a crazed father?  Is that now?
As parents, do we ever stop feeling indignant, threatened and incensed when we feel our child has been wronged?  Will I still be trying to protect my son when he's 21?
The first time a girl breaks his heart, will I intervene?  Call her mother?
What if he's a professional baseball player in the big leagues and he gets beaned by the ball?  Will I clear my seat and join those from the dugout for a brawl at home plate?
When someone tries to take advantage of my son when he's 35 - sell him something worthless like swamp land in Florida, will I hire my own attorney?
Dear XYZ.
On behalf of my client, we request that you fully refund the money you stole from Mr. Swarner's son, plus shake hands and say your sorry.
Sincerely
Jonathon Ratzenberry
Attorney at Law
I wonder if those feeling ever go away.  Does there 'truly' come a time when I will fully hand over the job of protecting my children to my children?  Or, will I forever be riding shotgun over their lives - even if just in spirit?
Then, something occurred to me.  There are parents of adult men and women who must be struggling with this very issue right now.  Their parental instincts must be on high alert.     They are the moms and dads of our men and women in uniform fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I can't even imagine how these parents with children in the war zone must feel...even if their kids are 40 years old  They can't run onto the battlefield and give a referee a piece of their "frazzled" minds.  They have absolutely no control over the situation. 
God, I hope I never have to face that uncertainty.  Bless those who do.

Ken Swarner
kenswarner @aol.com

Now Available - "Whose Kids Are These Anyway? the hilarious
new book by Ken Swarner (Penguin/Putnam). Available at
bookstores everywhere.

~**~**~

I Just Called To Say I Love You

Bill Walker

wildbill6807 @yahoo.com

I received a little note form a lady, along with the note this song was

playing in the background. "I Just Called To Say I Love You."  

I can do a lot of thinking on this line.

I can do at least a dozen takes offs on that simple little line alone.

I think I know of one that is waiting for a call. He would like very much

for a call,  I believe he would like to hear that line. "I Just Called To Say

I Love You."  I do believe he would understand.

You would not have to talk very long. He would be happy to hear the

 few words. Most people make the call and they do a lot of asking.

Seems like most has a lot of needs. Kind of like a kid at Christmas

time. You know a small fry asking for a new bike, a wagon, a trunk load

of toys. Kind of like that.

I was in a building a few times. I think it was a building, some may call it a church.

Seems like people was making the call. Sure had a lot of needs. Like we need a

new roof. Sister Jane has a bad case of ingrown toenails. Brother Sam needs a

new car. Brother John is in harms way in Tin Buck Two. Brother Bill needs

his eyes taken care of. Preacher needs a new crowd in the church. Sure does

he seems great at getting someone for a time or two.. He worked them to death

taken care of his silly wants, and they walk. Mrs Preacher needs help. She may

loose her job at the State Home. She was playing cards on the computer,  

while working,  and some one found out about it. We need a new lawn mower.

The fellow that picks up things for the mission in Texas, needs a new heavy duty

pickup, and a new trailer.  Poor Bob Brad in China needs a new set of wheels

also. He had to run for his life by foot other day.  And so it goes. Not one line

about.  I Just Called To Say I Love You. Thank you for the many blessings.

Now this one that would like to get this call. We may see every day. Walk or drive

right by, never give a second thought too that person.  I have heard this one comes

in all sizes, colors of skin. Some times is well dressed, some times not so well  

dressed.  May be found setting on a park bench, may be walking along the side of

the road.  May be just anywhere. You just never know.  I believe in his best selling

book of all time. He has said a lot of things about if you do for someone in need

you have done for me.

My thoughts on this is. He would like to hear the words. "I just called to say I

love you.

You know my needs, better then I do.  If I am like the little boy or girl, got

everything asked for at Christmas time. I should never have any needs.

Therefore would I need you?  I thank not. I think the three hardest words to

say is.... "I love you." There is a few others also. Like forgive me, for I have

sinned. I'm saving that for later.

Our Father in Heaven said it real good a lot of times.

One is John 3;16 For God... Our father, maker of every thing we see and

have in this world.

so loved....Mankind the world... again mankind and what he,  God has made. 

that he .......  God

gave ..... a gift

his..... again God 

only....  that is it  there is but one 

begotten son.... That would be Jesus. 

that whosoever.....that would be you and me,  brother and sister.   

believeth.....  that is believe. and also accept

in him........that is Jesus, is the one and only way to heaven

should not perish..... that is death in the lake of fire.. Hell that is.

but have.... again a gift

everlasting.... brother and sister that is forever. Not just a short time.

Life.... that is a life of never want's. A life of no worries, pain,  a life in a place

of never grow old. Where one can walk the streets of gold.    

In short that says it all.. But in the time till then a simple call would sure be nice..

"I  Just  Called  To  Say  I  Love  You."     Make the call.   The call is free.

No charge...........You can call from anywhere, day or night..........

He will be glad you called.

Bill Walker

wildbill6807 @yahoo.com

About Me:
Well I??™m a story teller, not a writer. Never learned the art of fancy English. I

happen to live in Nebraska, but I??™m still Missouri. Never married, all the Dollies I

ever took a second look at was too smart. Now at 74, just turned that other day, I

figure they all home safe. I love Doggies and Dollies in that order. Lost my two

true friends this year, that be Tinker and Poo. So I found me a new one. This

time a little girlie Peke. She is a normal female. Got a mouth, talks all the time.

She will never be a great writers of stories like Tinker and Poo. They have

about 50 stories on HWS. And now writing back from Rainbow Bridge.

I just try to write about people, places and things best I remember. Have something

over 250 stories on HWS. under three names.   

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Poetry Section

~**~**~

A Man Named Time

by: James A. Henson

The leaves of grass were tender

And the old porch swing was new.

All of us were busy then

With things that children do.

The oak tree stood so proudly,

Her arms raised to the sky.

The good guys all were dressed in white,

And our heroes never died.

All our days were made of sunshine

And autumn stayed away;

The fields were green with clover,

Where we all laughed and played.

Heartache was not included

In our childhood repertoire,

And gold at the end of our rainbow

Did not seem so far.

The wild oats all are planted

Now it??™s time to count the cost,

And to grieve for all the treasures,

That we have had and lost.

The road no longer lures us;

There is no stone left to turn.

Summer days are over now

And the candles all are burned.

The house paint is cracked and peeling,

And the old porch swing is gone;

Gone with all of the illusions,

That our dreams were built upon.

We thought youth was ours forever,

And we made our plans that way,

But a Man named Time is at my door;

Just to visit me today.

(c) 1976

jahenson13 @aol.com

My name is James Henson, I am 69 years old.  I live with my wife Patricia, in Corpus Christi, Texas.  We have been married for 38 years.  We have two grown daughters and one granddaughter.  I have been writing off and on for many years.  I have created a modest website to share some of my "writings" with all who care to read them. The address of the site is: www.ourchurch.com/member/w/Writings

I write Christian short stories and poetry.  I have written songs as well as poetry.  Now that I am retired, I am making an effort to minister to others with the writings that God gives to me.

James A. Henson

jahenson13@aol.com

**~**~

Faded
Jan Verhoeff

Gray fog clinging
moisture falling
day beginning
time stands still
shadows linger
low skies hanging
alone on earth
whispers calling
nothing near me
alone
soundless echoes
my heart beating
lessons learning
throbbing silence
solitude
smokey memories
glistening thoughts
focus blurred
access denied
abandoned soul
forbidden motion
dew dropping
frozen rain
doom
the end is near
no one here
sulking clouds
tears cried out
silence and fear
angst departing
feelings near
raging rivers
rush beyond
trees unseen
music unsung
chill
shivers
life is done

(c) Jan Verhoeff 2005

janverhoeff @yahoo.com

More recently, Jan's writing interest leans toward mystery and behavioral humor. Both are included in her latest endeavor due to be released in March 2005 "Out of the Box", a publication about the triumphs and joys of home based education, and the processes she's found that work best with her children and others.

Jan is the Editor/Publisher of Your Hometown News,email to:
your_hometown_news-subscribe@yahoogroups.com NEW ---------- Check out the new website http://windmill29.tripod.com/ Bid til October 31, 2004 on the Golden Lights Original Oil Painting by Southeastern Colorado artist Jan Verhoeff.
janverhoeff @yahoo.com

­

**~**~

A Touch of Love

Norma Liles

When your heart is aching

And you feel all is lost

Just turn to the Savior

He'll touch you with His Love.

No matter what the reason

No matter what the time

Our God is always faithful

He'll touch you with His Love.

Many hearts have broken

So many many ways

Yet there is a solution

Let Him touch you with His Love.

As the song goes around

How He touched me again and again

Keep your soul in tuned to

The touch of God's love.

He touched me long long ago

I am so humble that he saved me

From the pits of satan's grasp

Because He touched me with HIs love.

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

From: Subject: Easter Duck Tale
 Here's the follow up on
the ducks. Mama duck came yesterday
at feeding time for the cats. She strutted up to the bowl followed by
six babies. (She has lost 4 of them) The cats moved
over and made room for them to eat.
I stood there with my heart in my mouth
scared that one of the cats wanted desert with the dry food, but no. Not
even a sniff of the baby ducks. They all ate together. The duck family
drank water and departed This morning she brought them back for a repeat
performance.
All is well at the Wersterfer Sanctuary.

Carol, This one was great my friend. I think that most of all love is the soul telling us to stay, give, and help when the nose and body tells us to run away. May you always live from your soul

and may the smell of love always fill your life. Wishing you every joy, Joe

A different Kind Of Love ??“ Carol Roach  - Beautiful.........and how true!

Sharon

A different Kind Of Love ??“ Carol Roach ??“ beautiful story

Georgewaters ojeigbe 

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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>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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'oeuvres 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 lift my friend, Linda and her family up in your prayers...

Her beautiful 27 year old daughter, Ann, ended her life this past weekend.

Linda and her husband Jim had been fighting to save her for several years

she was Bipolar and would not stay on her meds. 

She made a last cry for help, but mental health would not give her the meds

with no insurance.  It is hard for me to understand what our medical services

have been reduced to.  Money seems to be the driving force in this world today

for everything.  The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil.

Linda and Jim would have found a way to do pay, but the illness overtook Ann. 

Please keep this family in your most heartfelt prayers.  Their hearts are broken!!!

God Bless each one of you for your prayers...  Love, Barbara

Vicky Field

Subject: My son has been shot in Falujah..

I wanted to get everyone to pray for my son Chad. Today,
Sunday, I got a call from the Army that my son had been
shot in the head. I am asking for all your prayers.
He was in a Humvee going through Falujah fighting and
a gang of militia fighters fired on the Humvee and hit
Chad in the head.

The driver got him out of the city and took him to
Baghdad. He was in fatal condition, but now has been
upgraded to stable critical. His dad and I are on
standby to fly to Washington then on to Germany as
soon as the military calls us to go. The Army is trying
to stabilize him enough to fly to Germany and at that
time we will leave..

Please pray that my son will not have brain damage and
that he will be restored and healed by the blood of
Jesus, and the grace of God. I ask for you to pass
this prayer request on so there will be many prayer
warriors praying for him.

Thank you so much and I will try to keep you updated
on his condition.

God Bless

Vicky Field
Granbury, Texas

Please pray for this young soldier and please pass
this request along to those who will pray for him

jcoleman@semo.net

"God created many special people"
To behold one, just look in the mirror.

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 SENIOR WRITERS