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

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

Days of My Life

Little Girl

melittlebabydoll@yahoo.com

I had a home, well I was taken in to what I thought was my home. I spent some time there and one day, for some unknown reason I was in another place. It was quite nice, the lady there had a couple others that was now in need of a home. She treated me quite nice and I thought maybe this was to be my home for life. She went and gave me a little football to play with, it was all mine. It was the first time anyone gave little ole me something, I was over joyed. Oh i got a little to eat at the other place I thought was my home, but there was days I needed a bit more, and love was kind of missing. Oh I had love to give out, but none really came back. Guess I wasn't pretty or something, or maybe was in the way.

I was at this new place only a few days, and this fellow showed up. I was brought out and he looked me over. After a little bit I found myself in a car with my football, and we left that place. I was girl napped once again, would someone call the cops.

It soon became dark and I have no idea where I am and where am I going. He did stop a couple times and put a strap on me and let me out of that car. Acted like I might run away, well I would have if could have. Call the cops, I being girl napped and I think transported cross state lines. Isn't there laws about this?

After some time we get to a place, again the strap, then we go into this run down place.  He gets me something to eat and a bowl of water.  I wasn't in any mood for food, how do i get out of here was my thinking.  Next morning after little sleep on my part, I get to go out in this big fenced in place. I start looking for any holes in the fence. I can't seem to find any. I see and smell others has been here, and not to long ago.   Well the house showed that too.  Wonder what happened to those poor little people.  Would someone call the cops, PLEASE!!!

Days went by, turned into weeks, months, and now a year.  O get to go places, get good food, plenty of water, nice big fenced in yard. Get my hair done ever month, and if I feel the least bit bad, a trip to see a doctor. I get a little loving and am quite happy. Got my picture taken, and I notice that fellow seems quite proud to show it to others. I heard him call me his Little Girl

Don't any one call the cops, I am very happy to be here and called his Little Girl. I hear him speak of his boys, Tinker and Poo.  We go to a place every few days. He sometimes takes some flowers there. Says that is where the boys are.  Well I lay down there and he puts the flowers in a thing.  He mumbles some words. Seems like he is talking to the Boys.

Well that is my life up to now, bye for a while, and don't call the cops. I wouldn't leave here now. I heard there was some of what he calls Dollies said they wanted me after seeing my picture, well I don't think I would like that. Leaven here and going else where. It would take me a while to pack anyways. I have quite a few toys.  So many toys and so little time to play with them. And travel, yes I get to take trips. Get to meet people, both big people and little people, but I know who belongs to me. He says,  "come on Little Girl, it is time to go," well I'm ready.

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.   

Today's Queue Stories

~**~**~**~ 

ABDUCTED BY A RED-HATTER

By,

Kathleene S. Baker

???On the Road??? with Charles Kuralt was one of my husband??™s favorite TV shows, and I admit it was enjoyable, especially for those of us who live in big cities.  We sometimes forget about the back roads, small towns, and beautiful scenery; we just fly down the interstates to reach our destination as quickly as possible.

Jerry, my husband, is in la-la-land when driving the back roads, old two-lane highways, and farm-to-market roads; and he does just that when given the chance.  Stopping at Mom-and-Pop cafes, fruit stands, and simply visiting with ???local folk??? always sends him home with a lively story, or two, or more.  He??™s definitely a Charles Kuralt ???wanna-be.???

He??™s had some pretty exciting and unusual adventures in rural Texas.  Unfortunately, getting lost happens all too frequently, usually in areas with no cell towers for miles.  One very memorable trip involved being chased by a pack of wild dogs through an overgrown country cemetery.  Luckily he made it to the car just in the nick of time, and with the seat of his pants still in tact!  And once he stopped to help in a cattle roundup!  A herd had broken through a fence and just been discovered by their owner as he was driving down the road on his tractor.  About then Jerry came cruising around a bend in the road, singing ???On The Road Again??? along with Willie Nelson.  The farmer waved him down, asked for help; and they went right to work.  There they were - herding cattle with a tractor and Jerry as ???backup man??? - in a Lexus!  Just envision that.

His last journey resulted in being abducted!  Yep ??“ by a Red Hatter of approximately 75 years of age!  How does he find all this excitement out in the middle of nowhere?  While driving down the road between Idalou (pop. 2,157) and Lorenzo (pop. 1,372), he noticed a lone building surrounded by cotton fields and apple orchards.  The unusual thing was the amount of vehicles parked in front; and out in the middle of nowhere.  It appeared to be a gift shop of sorts, so he pulled in to see what all the commotion was and stretch his legs.  The sign in front read:  Apple Country. 

Once inside, he began visiting with an employee as he studied the various jams and jellies for sale.  But where were all the people that belonged to all those autos?  He was the only person in the shop!  Finally the sales lady began explaining that the Red Hatters were having a meeting in their back room.  At that very moment a Red Hatter snuck up behind him, grabbed his arm, and said, ???I heard you askin??™ about us.  Well, ya know this is a rural area, so our chapter is made up of ladies from small towns all around the county.??? 

He was not only startled by her, but at a loss for words as he didn??™t even know what the term ???Red Hatter??? stood for.  While staring at her wild red hat he finally mumbled something along the lines of, ???Is this meetin??™ for fun, or is something illegal going on here????  The Red Hatter giggled, her eyes started twinkling, and she knew she??™d found some unexpected entertainment to jazz up their meeting.

She grabbed Jerry by the hand and started dragging him towards the back.  ???Come along now son, I just can??™t wait for all the girls to meet ya!??? she snickered.  Being a gentleman he couldn??™t scuffle with this little gal, and she just kept pulling and tugging until they entered a room in the back.  To his amazement he was now in a room full of red hats and purple clothing, and was being introduced.  ???Ladies, ladies, this man is from Dallas and wanted to say hi to y??™all.???  The entire group started waving, hollering, and laughing.  Those Red Hatters are definitely not the shy type!

Little did they know, but Jerry isn??™t the shy type either; he rather likes women and especially feisty senior citizens.  ???Don??™t pay any attention to me ladies - I just stopped by to see if I was really gone!???  Another round of laughter erupted as well as more waving and clapping.  He went on to tell them his name, that he??™d been out their way on business, and at some point charmed them with, ???Looking out there at all you beautiful ladies ??“ makes me feel like I must have died and gone to heaven - and this has got to be recess!??? 

He was barely through the door that evening when he started telling me about the Red Hatters, although he still had no idea who they were.  Once I reminded him of my favorite poem ??“ it struck him light a bolt of lightening!  ???But, you didn??™t ever tell me they actually had an organization,??? he said,  ???I just thought it was a poem you liked.???  I could tell by the enthusiasm in his voice that stumbling upon these lively ladies had ???made his day.???  No doubt, they probably felt the same way; at least I hope so.

I don??™t imagine these jovial little gals expect to see Jerry again, but I have a feeling they will.  He travels that route several times a year calling on clients, and he??™s going to be keeping an eye on the parking area at Apple Country.  One of these days he??™ll be barging into their meeting with, ???Hi ya ladies, I??™m back.???  And this time no abduction will be necessary??¦??¦??¦.

Did you know that the Red Hat Society says it's the fastest-growing
women's "disorganization" in the world?  They even have conventions
and their own website.  You can start a chapter in your own community
-- if you like the idea of wearing a purple dress and red hat!  You
can learn all about the history and activities of this very
interesting group by clicking here:  http://www.redhatsociety.com/

Lnstrlady@aol.com

?©2005 Kathleene S. Baker

Kathy Baker

Lnstrlady@aol.com

I was born and raised in the small town of Augusta, Kansas that is only a few miles outside of Wichita.  I married a native Texan in 1977 and was soon transplanted to Dallas.  A large city offers many things, but I miss the slower pace of small town America.  I have two stepchildren and three grandchildren.  Pets have always played a huge part in my life, and I can??™t imagine a home without them.  In fact, they were my inspiration to begin writing.  I??™ve had stories or poems featured by Starfish, Storytime Tapestry (Senior Writer), Driftwood, Inspired Buffalo, Women With Heart, Texas Bob??™s World, Hearts With Soul, Petwarmers, Pearlsoup, SFPNN, Christian Voices, Heartwarmers, Warm Fuzzy Stories, In The Light of Angels, Springfield Online, Skywriter, MS Musings, A Click to Your Heart (Japan), Heartcatchers, and Insight of the Day.  I was more than honored when Starfish added me to their Wall of Fame as a Featured Writer.  I??™ve always felt my one mission in life was to give loving homes to the dear creatures God has provided for us ??“ they are always at our side with their unconditional love.

~**~**~

BUILDING YOUR LIFE

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

     My wife and her brother recently built a new deck on the back of our house. It really looks fantastic, and one of the reasons for this is probably because I had nothing to do with it. The truth is that while I have gotten better at fixing things over the years I am still far more skilled at breaking them than putting them back together. It is a running joke here that my wife is both the better cook and the better handyman in this house.

     As little as I know about building things with nails, screws, and lumber, however, I am happy to say that I know far more about building a life. While I still make mistakes in that area too, I think that I am becoming more skilled as I get older at knowing how to construct and live a life full of love, joy, goodness, and giving.

     I have come to know for instance that a great way to start the day is with a joyous: "Good morning God. Thank you for my life." I have come to know that few things feel better than giving a warm hug and few things sound quite so Heavenly as saying, "I love you." I have come to know that few things are as peaceful as a walk in the woods and that few things are as inspiring as watching a sunset. I have come to know that petting a dog or a cat is not only good for your health, but also good for your soul. I have come to know that any joy you get from your work or your life will be in direct proportion to the joy that you bring to them. I have come to know that it is the good things you do for your community, the kind acts you do for your friends, the compassion you show for strangers, and the love you give this world that bring meaning and richness to life. I have come to know most of all ,though, that it is with every choice we make that we build our lives, create our joy, share our love, and grow in our oneness with God. May you build your own life well then. And may God always smile upon your handiwork.

Joseph J. Mazzella
joecool @ wirefire.com

Joe lives in West Virginia with his wife

and three children. Various dogs and cats

have adopted Joe and his family for their

own. Joe enjoys his family, beauty, love

and hearing from his email friends. Joe

likes to take the time to smell the

roses and enjoy the beauty around him

as he goes about his daily life.

Poetry Section

~**~**~
The Wisdom Of A Five-Year Old Child ??“

Janice Bumbalough Marler

He told me that Jesus died on a cross

And the bad people put him there,

They beat him, kicked him,

And put a crown of thorns on his hair

I learned that he had holes in his hands

And his feet, and he has gone home to live

With his 'dad', his 'boo-boo's' are all gone now;

He's happy and not sad;

He lives above the clouds, way up high,

He see's everything we do, good or bad.

I wish I could go back in time and

Once more see through my five-year old eyes;

To find again absolute trust, absolute hope

And absolute joy; what I have learned is to

Take time to listen to what he tells me,

This young, five-year old boy,

Who with childlike innocence is so very wise.

(He became interested in Jesus on

the cross so his Grandmother told

him the story after she had

seen 'The Passion')

First Serial Rights

Janice Bumbalough Marler

December 4, 2004

jan@justacountrygirl.com

poemsbyjan@hotmail.com

~**~**~

My Days

Dianna Doles Petry  

Tomorrow will begin a brand new day,

As sunlight starts to find it's way to my door.

I'll count my blessings and I'll begin to pray,

I'll let my worries fall quickly to the floor.

Today was filled with moments of quiet repose,

Drifting off to days gone by when I young.

I've come to understand this is how life goes,

We never know when our last song has been sung.

Yesterday I thought I had the world in front of me,

I was strong and had so many assets on my side.

Life has a way of slowing us down with reality,

Showing us that we can't get by on stubborn pride.

Tomorrow I'll appreciate and love all he created,

From the birds that fly down to the flower's seed.

The bumps along my path won't be debated,

I'll work hard at life to make sure that I succeed.

Dianna Doles Petry

?©2004

~**~**~

Memory of Beautiful Things 

Sharon Bryant

We carry our memories

From yesteryear

Memories we cherish

Ones so dear

The hugs and kisses

Given as a child

The beauty of our children

Even if for a little while

Remembering handprints

On the walls

Bugs and flowers

We remember it all

Bedtime stories

How many we read

Getting our little ones

Ready for bed

Squeals and laughter

Grins so wide

Watching our child grow

Oh, the pride

Those days are gone

But what I'd give

For one more chance

To have my child live

But since that can't happen

I'll carry in my heart

The memories of our lives

Before my child had to part

I'll remember the laughter

That was once part of me

I'll carry my love

Through eternity

When the days are hard

And you don't know what to do

Think of your memories

They will carry you through.

Think of a love

That death cannot part

For we bereaved parents

Cherish what is in our hearts

Sharon Bryant

2003 

Writers Feedback

Barbara, A beautifully descriptive piece of writing. I really related to your family story. Such a big wrench to part with a home where so much of your family life was spent in the splendour of such a wonderful garden. Best wishes, Gabrielle Morgan.

Every edition of Storytime seems even better than the last. I am

so happy to be a part of something so wonderful. You have created

a real blessing for the world here.

Wishing you every joy, Joe

What a wonderful story by Barbara Elliott Carpenter!  I could envision what the house and surroundings looked like and could actually smell the flowers!  I know it was beautiful!  Her mother in law must have meant a great deal to her.  Thanks! Sharlett Hunt

What a wonderful writer Sharlett Hunt is! This is a wonderful article(Depression) is for all of us. It gives us an uplift through the voice of the piece. You are certainly a winner, Sharett!

Barb Deming

I ENJOYED THE FIRESIDE ARTICLE ON B.J.CASSADY. ALTHOUGH I AM NOT A
WRITER. I LOVE GOOD STORIES AND GOOD BOOKS. WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF
'WHERE ANGELS TREADS??MARYANN

Kathleene thank's for such a nice story about age....LOL.. The Making of A Memory. When I look in the mirror, I see my mom.....That's not bad, but, she was "old" when I was a kid. LOL... Joyce

THE MAKING OF A MEMORY

By,

Kathleene S. Baker

Written so eloquently, the precious moment and words shared between your mother and your husband--about a snippet in time. But those brief slices of life can have such impact, and etch a spot in our hearts for years. Like a small candle flame that spreads light out in the reaches of darkness, your story warmed my heart and brightened my spirit. Thank you!!!

Kathy Anne Harris

Hi Carol,

I just read "Today She Died" on Starfish and it brought tears to my eyes. You are very good writer. You use words well and express yourself clearly. This one is a keeper. Keep at it.... it is your destiny.

Regards,

Prayer Requests and Updates

Certain kind of medicine that can have terrible side effects... Please pray for little Michael He is just 5 months old.  suffering terrible seizures.  Was always smiling at everyone and now never has a smile just a terribly sad look on his little face.

My dear Jesus please help us to all trust you completely and lean on your strength to take the little mama and daddy through this as well as My daughter and her husband    and all who love Mike.

I will write more later  sad of heart tonight for my little great grandson. He is suffering so.

God bless and keep you and all you love today and always with HIS angels all round you all   Leona

HI Carol-- Please include Alison Peters of Florida who is battling lung
cancer on your prayer list. She has a scheduled PET scan on the 17th
and will be moving back to Michigan on the 20th of June. She is a sweet
Christian lady and will appreciate all prayers and positive thoughts on
her behalf. Also prayers for Jim, my husband's cousin who lives in
Wisconsin, and is having medical treatment for colon cancer.  Thank you
so much.

The evening of Saturday may 21st. Jackie told me she wasn't feeling good at all, I ask

her to let me take to E.R. in Fortscott Mercy hospital. Here blood sugar was over a

thousand. They give her a shot of insulin in the E.R. and told her they was going to

keep her for a couple of days.

Please pray for complete healing for Jackie and strength for me to go back and

forward with all the things I have to do while Jackie is in the hospital. See the old devil

is mad he doesn't like it that we are going to church and serving god and the tent

revival must have been the last straw, we got the tent up Friday afternoon and will start

services at 700 P.M. this evening!

Walking in his light

Richard D. Sims   God bless you all for your prayers for us!

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; Roberts, Susan;  Shaw, Bob; Sims, Richard; Swarner, Ken; Vaknin, Sam;

Walker, Bill;  Walker, Joe; Warner, Gorden K;

Whirity, Kathy;  White, Robert;

STORYTIME TAPESTRY STAFF

Publisher: Carol Roach-founder

Moderator: Thelma Hartselle-co founder

Moderator: Clara Westerfer

Send all inquires about the newsletter including submission requirements: