STORYTIME TAPESTRY

April 28, 2005

Announcing yet another new writer for Storytime Tapestry; today we welcome Karen Brookbank, writer # 202 for Storytime Tapestry.  Please encourage her to continue to write for us and showcase her wonderful talent.

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

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

Tea Kitty
Karen L. Brookbank

Five years ago, June of 2000, when I lived at a different place, I had a
little Pekinese named Lily, and a medium haired calico cat named Cali
Jo. Both were shelter animals adopted by me.

Lily was an exceptional young year old who was accepted for training,
and passed, to visit nursing homes for pet therapy sessions.

She was also very gentle and protective with Cali Jo and they got along
wonderfully. Often I would find them curled up and sleeping together.

One rainy, drizzly day I had taken Lily outside to potty. Usually in
this weather this was accomplished rather quickly, but not today.

When done with her business and on the way back from the dumpster, Lily
kept wanting to go over by the fence. I tried several times to get her
to go inside, to no avail.

Giving in to her, we went to the fence where Lily showed me a young
kitten.
Cold, wet, tummy bloated with ears full of mites, no bigger than a
handful. Black except for tan colored eyebrows and chin.

Took this little waif inside, dried her off, cleaned her ears and
treated them and gave her some milk after de-worming her.
Lily watched everything that I did to the kitten and became her guardian
and Cali Jo accepted her easily.

The kitten flourished under my care and the TLC from Lily and Cali Jo
and I named her SanDee. A play on words because of her coloring. She has
become an absolutely beautiful torti.

I get ahead of myself. As SanDee grew and got comfortable with her
surroundings, she found that it was ok to get up on the coffee table and
one day decided to try my iced tea. This quickly became a favorite and a
habit, especially when I would set down a fresh glass.

Now, five years later she continues to drink iced tea, and if the glass
is not full enough for her to drink from it, she lets me know!

SanDee, you truly are a treasure and I'll keep the tea coming for you.

?© Karen L. Brookbank

LADYBLUE @webtv.net

Karen L. Brookbank
aka Blulady
62 years young

Two sons, Dennis and Scott, angel Roberta Jo, Scott's wife Kristi and
granddaughter Samantha Marie, and a new baby due in July.

I live in southeastern Wisconsin where I have resided since June of 1961
~ born and raised in western Pennsylvania.

Went on WebTv in November of 1996 and created my first web page in 1997
and have, over the years, created quite a large web site that covers
many, many topics.
~ The Wonderful World of Blulady ~
http://wtv-zone.com/Blulady/TheWondWrldBlu.html

There is also Blulady's Gif Shoppe which offers a wide variey of gifs
offering graphics on a couple of topics not normally covered in a
grapics collection.
~~ Blulady's Gif Shoppe ~~
http://wtv-zone.com/Blulady/GIFS/BluladysGifShoppe.html

Recently diagnosed with lung cancer I decided to keep an online journal
of this experience and that is available at
http://wtv-zone.com/Blulady/8MyJourney/TheExperOfLungCancer.html

I write poetry and occasional short stories,
create web pages, love my cats Cali Jo and SanDee, do crafts and love to
flower garden.

Welcome to my world!!

Today's Queue Stories
~**~**~**~ 

Queen Shopper for a Day

Joyce C. Lock

    Though there was a bit of snow still left on the ground, it was a bright sunny day.  Looking outside the window, the sun's glow compelled me to draw closer to the window, to bask in its warmth.  Oh, that was so neat!  It felt like Spring had arrived!

    So, I (this person who vowed to never experience the outdoors until winter had passed) decided to briefly enjoy the weather and took off for a quick shopping spree; dressed in apparent Spring apparel, as I like to plan ahead.

    Of course, all was decently warm, as I got into my non-heated but sheltered car, parked inside the garage.  Ok, so it was a little chilly.  But, being brave as I am, I knew I could handle it.

    Though I forget what the initial temperature read, I'm thinking it might have been in the upper thirties (on the inside of the garage).  Still optimistic, upper 30's wasn't too bad; as long as I didn't stay out doors for very long.

    Wow!  My kids would be so proud of me, venturing out like this.  And hey, the roads weren't too bad; another sign of it being a warmer day.

    My first stop was at Menards, to make a return and to check out any new rebate offers.

    As I got out of my car, it seemed a bit more chilly than expected.  So, I walked a bit briskly to get inside ... and the closest door was plenty good enough for me.

    There were only a couple rebate opportunities worth considering.  However, Christmas decorations were now 75% off.  So, I ventured over to those isles and choose 3 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper that I had previously noticed, and sort of liked; only, I hadn't liked the price before.

    Then, while going through check out, the cashier discovered that the price of these rolls had already been reduced 75% and, after inquiry to be certain, the cashier took another 75% off.  So, that made this nicer wrapping paper only 22 cents per roll!  Oh, my stars!  I had struck gold!

    However, the manager on duty didn't think it would be a good idea for me to return into the store, with my already purchased merchandise.  And, brave as I was, only once was enough for having to go outdoors again.

    So, with receipt in hand, I parked my cart and grabbed another one handy, then returned to Menards' collection of 'left over' Christmas wrapping paper; no doubt 'left over' only because they had originally charged an arm and a leg for these babies.  But, spendthrift as I am, I had kept my limbs perfectly in tact.

    And of course, with a deal like this and me with nine grandchildren, I was quick to clean Menards out of all their nicer wrapping paper.

    Altogether, it was only fifty-one rolls.  Sure, some rolls only had 10 ft. of paper on them.  Though, I'll have some of the prettiest packages in town; ok, for maybe two, three, or four years.  But, hey, who's counting?

    As for the remaining customers who suddenly left the check out lanes, "Too late, ladies, they're all mine!"

    But, as you might have guessed, being that Menards is quite frugal in bagging their merchandise, it was work getting the paper to not fall out of the cart.  Fortunately, in my great wisdom and strategic planning, I had parked close to the exit door.

    Now, to face the cold.  (There is a reason why we call it 'bitter.  It actually hurts!)  I hurried to get those rolls to the trunk and only dropped one as I skidded toward the car.

    Do you know how many times it takes to put fifty-one rolls into a trunk while only picking up three rolls at a time, so not to also have to pick up others off the ground?  Ok, so you have bigger hands.  Well, good for you.  I'll let you help, next time.

    The outside temperature registered to be 18 degrees.  And, on top of that, if you haven't experienced the Northern winds, you know nothing yet of cold.  The inside of a refrigerator is warmer than here.  What was I thinking?

    Mustering all the common sense that remained within me, I made the conclusion it was time to put on my coat. 

    Being that it was only as far as the next corner and the fact that they carry some of my most favorite 'no brand name' junk food, the next stop was Aldi's; where someone had left a cart in the parking lot.  No doubt, they hadn't worn a coat, either.

    So, I saved another 25 cents and the nice part is that the cart was still warm!  Therefore, it was with quick speed that I made it inside the store.  (Awe, warmth!  We should never be without it.)

    Another shopper said, "This is much warmer than yesterday," and all she wore extra were gloves.  Isn't that just like people, to rub it in?

    As it worked out, I guessed and managed, and didn't spend more than the unplanned cash in my billfold.  And with that, now I know to only put half as much in your cart and you won't run out of money.

    However, with my mad dash for sunshine (which was now gone 'only God knows where'), I had forgotten to bring grocery bags (or even to grab empty boxes in the store) and there was no way I was purchasing store bags and squander my savings; even if they are only 3 cents each.

    Therefore, as you might have guessed, groceries were strewn, into the back seat of the car, the quickest way they would land.  But hey, I got the quarter out of the cart before leaving.  Sure, I had spent forty some dollars there.  But, I came out a quarter richer.  Now, you can't beat that.  Though, I sure am glad they didn't require blood!

    The next stop was to get gasoline, only because hubby said I needed to.  If anyone had asked me, I'd rather have strolled into the garage on fumes.

    And of course, this gas station just happened to be one of those with a nasty sign that says you actually have to remain outside of the car until the gas pump stops.  The next time, I may just fill up the car when the gas tank is almost full ~ as I was the one shrunk behind the pump, hiding from the wind.  For real, I could have peed faster than this!

    But, as they say, "All is well that ends well," and I finally made it home.  However, by the time I got all the groceries drug from out of the car, on both sides, I was beginning to have visions of grandeur.

    The computer chair looked like such a cozy retreat, it was calling my name.  Only, wouldn't you know, groceries still needed putting away.  I declare, a woman's work is never done.  I think I heard that somewhere before.  But, as luck would have it, I, somehow, survived.

    As for the rolls of Christmas wrapping paper still in the trunk, who cares?

    The following day, I opened the trunk of the car and showed hubby my great find; and got crowned Queen Shopper for a Day.  He was so pleased at the savings that he took care of putting away the rolls of paper.

    It's a good thing that we actually have places to store these special finds.  So, be forewarned, Wal-Mart, on the next sun shining day, I'll be headed your way!

    Though, in the event you haven't guessed, the moral of this story is ... even if the sun is shining, as long as there is still snow on the ground, it's just a mirage.

?© by Joyce C. Lock
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/

About the Author

    Having grown up amidst Preachers, Evangelists, Missionaries, Church Planting, etc.: author Joyce C. Lock, has been actively involved in church work most of her life ... with a huge variety of church related positions and experiences; still serving the Lord, full time, in whatever capacity He calls her to next.  A homemaker, mother of two, foster parent of twelve, and a young grandmother of nine ... she is also a published author, columnist, and poet.

    In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/heavenlyinspirations-intro.htm,  "Share a Smile" http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/shareasmile.htm, and, additionally, offers "Heavenly Inspirations - original writings" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations-originalwritings/; an archived resource of Inspirational articles, devotionals, prose, short stories, true stories, testimonies, quotes, bits of wisdom, and poetry (from multiple authors) free for non-profit ministry purposes.

    Joyce C. Lock's latest literary accomplishments include publication in the newly released books, "Faith Writers Speak", "Motherhood Memories", and "Rose Petals"  http://www.lulu.com/lotusbooks.  Her e-book, "The Difference", is also available here: http://www.theeaglesgarden.com.  Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.

The enclosed writings may be used in its entirety,

with credits in tact, for non-profit purposes.

 ~**~**~  

Rick??™s Gray Haired Dad

Richard Sims

My 26 year old son Rick called me to night and told me he was working

sand blasting and repainting water towers. Him and the crew he works

with has to climb the ladder on the inside of these towers with no safety

rope till they get on top and outside of the towers.

I told him thanks that was just what I needed something else to worry

About, I think that boy has set out to make my hair turn gray before it??™s

time. I said he needed to take his first paycheck and buy an insurance

plan, not for him but for me he's gonna drive me to an early grave.

He said Dad I am making good money. I told him good money wasn't

nothing if he wasn't going to be alive to spend it. A good wind could

knock a person off the top of a tower being as high as they are. I said

that it isn??™t the fall that kills you; it??™s the sudden stop at the ground.

Richard Sims
armaksman @yahoo.com

About Me:
I am Richard D. Sims of Arma, Kansas, I am
46 Years old. I was born and raised in
Granby, Mo. the oldest mining town in
southwest Mo.
I enjoy writing poems, short stories and
just being able to cheer up people!
My hobbies are 1/4 mile drag racing,
wood crafts and spending quality time with
my family, and serving our lord Father in
heaven.
Richard D. Sims:
armaksman @ yahoo. com

~**~**~

The Crystal Clear Stream

By Nell Berry        

10/10/04

I have often thought if I were a painter I would paint each sunrise and each sunset in the most beautiful of hues. No color would be discarded, there would be a color for every little bit of picture, there would be no blank spot on the canvas. There would be no drab colors. All the colors God created would be splashed across the canvas with abandon, totally remarkable with each stroke of the brush. The beautiful colors of fall, with the varied hues of autumn would be captured on my canvas.

Never learning or being taught to paint, I can only imagine what kind of picture I could paint.

One day as I was daydreaming about being a world renowned artist, with brush and paints and canvas, I happened to glance up at the sky and there in the blue of the heavens was the most beautifully etched piece of artistry I had ever seen. I say etched because it was as if a sculptor had chiseled a rock formation in the sky. I looked at it in amazement and wonder. What did it mean?

My first thought was that I was just dreaming. This was so real, however that I could not dismiss it from my mind. The sculptor was of a beautiful mountain, with streams of water running down; crystal clear water that seemed to invite me to come and drink of this water.

My throat began to get dry and I became so thirsty, I could barely swallow. I lifted my eyes and thought that I could just reach up and get me a cup of that sparkling clear water. It seemed so real.

I reached for the mountain and I was so discouraged that it was too far away to reach. I continued to try to reach it but, to no avail. My arms just were not long enough.

Then it occurred to me that I must be having a vision. This could not be real.

Then a voice came to me that said, ???My child, this water is only for those who have given their lives to Me. I am the God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac. You must always serve me and love me with all your heart, mind soul and body. If you can do that, you may drink of this water that is crystal clear and pure.???

I was so disappointed. I knew that there were sins in my life and I felt there was no redemption for me. I became more and more thirsty. I cried out to God, ???Oh Father, what must I do to be worthy of drinking this water????

God, in His omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence reached down and embraced me and said, ???Dear one, all you have to do is submit your life to me and put all your troubles in my hands and sincerely ask forgiveness of your sins and turn from them. Then you will be worthy to drink from this crystal clear stream. Your thirst will be quenched and you will have eternal life and always live with Me and I with you, for I will never, ever leave you.???

This I did. I repented of my horrible sins, and received forgiveness. I submitted my life to my God, the God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac. Now, I am drinking from that stream of crystal clear water, and it shall never run dry.

Author: Nell Berry
nmberry @mcmsys.com

Bio: Nell is a 73 year old mother of four, grandmother of nine and

soon to be GREAT grandmother of two. She loves to cook, crochet,

sew, go to church and sing praises to the Lord and write poetry/song lyrics and now short stories. She lives with her husband of 54 years

of married, sometimes, bliss at Mark Twain Lake in Missouri. He is

a wood worker of huge ability and loves to fish and hunt
geese and ducks, sometimes deer.