STORYTIME TAPESTRY

The Newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world

June 1, 2005

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

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

Traffic Of Life

By: Jan Verhoeff

Standing on the corner just down the street is a signpost.  The stop sign that used to hang there was faded and worn, eventually loosing it??™s grip at the top and hung upside down for many months, maybe even a year or two, and eventually the sign disappeared and only the sign post is left.  I still stop at the intersection, because it clearly requires a stop and look action, but the sign has never been replaced. 

Not so very long ago, I was in a bit of a hurry and didn??™t come to an actual stop at that corner.  I slid instead to a screeching ???slow??? (California Pit Stop as my children affectionately refer to them), fully intending to go around the corner and on my way.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a motion and hit the brake.  A doe came bounding onto the road I was turning onto and stopped dead still in what would have been my path.  Her face, pale as the moonlight overhead, eyes reflecting in my headlights.  My car stalled and in the silence we sat examining one another, her - my vehicle, me - her beauty and peace.  I sat in silence watching her. My rush abated for the moment.  The stillness and the moment required my attention.  A moment later two fawns leapt out from the shadows, bounding, frolicking across the road.  Another doe and three more fawns meandered over the path, and slowly from behind, three more doe and a buck with stately horns strolled across the path.  The magnificent mother deer before me stood her watch until all had crossed safely, in the middle of my path before turning gracefully and moving away with the herd. 

I sat quietly praising the God for His abundant grace and for the beauty He had placed in my life in that moment.  I was grateful for the time to watch, and for the miracle of life that had provided five young fawns to that growing heard of deer that live on the river near my home. I recounted in that moment, the sign that had been on that corner. Stop. Such a simple word it is.  Yet, we daily ignore that order to ???Stop???. 

How often do we rush into life, pushing past the warning signs, ignoring the wisdom that we are provided, through whatever means, to simply get on with the day to day rush of living?  Are there signs in your life that have weathered and shifted upside down or fallen off?  Is there a signpost you should be paying attention to?  Should you maybe take a moment to STOP and LOOK before you leap into the oncoming traffic of life and make a wrong decision?  Maybe you just need to STOP and enjoy the view a moment before you pass on your way?

You may contact Jan Verhoeff at janverhoeff@yahoo.com or by replying to this newsletter address.  Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

  Today's Queue Stories
~**~**~**~

Over the Rainbow
By Barbara Deming

Several weeks ago I wrote a poem for a man in Nebraska.  I don't claim to be a poet but have been putting lines together since an early age.  Birthday poems for family and friends were my speciality.  In recent years, I have written inspirational poems and special ones for my husband's 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division buddies from WW II.  One of those went by mail to Nebraska.

Bob had been a young Lieutenant in the Kolmar Pocket (a battle fought at the same time as the Battle of the Bulge, with the same percentage of casualties without the publicity).  Only two years older than most of his troops, he successfully led a bunch of greenhorn kids from boot camp through battles in France and Germany, and brought them all home safely.

He was as fine a man after the war as during it.  His "boys" were important and they kept in touch with each other.  For many years they met in some American city-Denver, St. Louis, San Antonio, Omaha, Las Vegas-to tell war stories, catch up on each other's lives and, unashamedly, hug each other in greeting and farewell.  Lt. Bob, suffering from a heart attack, back surgeries and pain, accompanied with his lovely wife, Fran, was always there.

And to his boys, this man was always "Lt. Bob."  Once he tried to get me to intercede on his behalf. "Tell the guys I am just plain Bob now."  I refused, reminding him that these men continued to use that rank as a sign of how much they respected the man.  That was what my poem said-it was a tribute from my husband (and Lt. Bob's other boys) to the outstanding leader and man he was.

Lt. Bob called one Sunday, very touched by the poem, cried when I assured him that his boys truly felt that way about him.  He said the poem was framed and hung on the wall in the den.   As the author, I felt very proud that he had enjoyed it so much.

Last Wednesday evening the phone rang and a tearful Fran informed us that Lt. Bob had passed "over the Rainbow" that morning after being admitted to the hospital with pneumonia on Sunday. Somehow he had known he wouldn't survive this incident.  He made one request to his Fran.

This past Saturday with items from his Army days surrounding a large bouquet from his boys, Lt. Bob was laid to rest.  Before the gun salute, the presentation of the flag to his widow and the final sound of taps, his last request was fulfilled-Lt. Bob's poem was read in the little Lutheran church on a Nebraska plain.

In Memory of Lt. Robert Hyde.

We join you-friends, family and wife
In celebration of an exemplary life
As husband, father, friend, warrior of old
Loving, dependable, his word as good as gold.

Though our hearts are heavy today
Bob has not gone away.
He lives in our hearts-and now and then
He'll whisper his love on a Nebraska wind.

Barb Deming

tejasbabs@aol.com

About Me:

Short bio: Barbara Deming has been writing since the age of ten when
she climbed up in a Texas mulberry tree to pen her first short
story. Though she doesn't climb trees anymore, her first love is
still writing. She lives and writes in and travels from San Marcos,
CA.

"The Quilt Maker," ISBN 1-59109-490-9, my story collection, may be
ordered from Amazon.com, BN.com or at the Southern Star Publishing
website. http://hometown.aol.com/romnovelst/StarBooks.html. $13.95
plus free shipping for a limited time. From the same publisher, two
of my stories will appear in "Angel and Ghost Mysteries Anthology"
August 1. My "Gifts on a Porch Swing" may be found in the
anthology, "Forget Me Knots...from the Front Porch," ISBN 0-9713266-8-
1, 288 pages, $15.95, published by Obadiah Press. Available from the
publisher directly at www.obadiahpress.com or toll free at 1-888-536-
3167, through Amazon.com, or your favorite bookstore.

~**~**~

 I Got to Meet a Man that Made History

Bill Walker

wildbill6807@yahoo.com

It isn't every day one meets history, today I did.  I was out to the cemetery, just had put some flowers on my folks graves, and drove up the lane, when I seen these people.  They were at the stone with the P-38 pictured on it.  I stopped and asked a question.  The man who belongs to the stone was there.  He and I started talking, well he did most of the talking, I learned a lot in a few minutes.

Now his job in General Patton's Air Force was picture talking, he was the eyes for Patton's rush across Europe. Well I am getting ahead of his story.   He was a pilot flying an unarmed P-38 taking pictures of pre D Day landings.  He and his group did some pictures high up, then there was days of  right on the deck, at 350 plus miles per.  Now that is traveling  There was reasons for high flying pictures, but low level was a must. You see low level gives a close up view of the traps that are in place, and how many, and where at. How high the barb wire is strung, how much, how many strands, things like that. Also where the mines are, where there isn't mines, so on.

Also what kind of motor and foot traffic is in any given spot. Gun emplacement, and are they movable guns or fixed in place.  Every day pictures was taken of different places, also same places   Now they took pictures every where, had to do that to keep the Germans in a guess game as to what is going on.  Each plane had so much ground  to cover.  When back at the base. The pictures was put together giving a map of the whole apple pie.

Lt. Col. Warren Reid told some times they were so low, they about took the hay off  of a wagon a time or two. Poor Frenchie may have thought his pile of hay was gone with the wind, wagon, horse and all.

Now I always wondered about the lighting moves of General Patton's Third Army. Here again is a bit of how it happened. It goes back to know what you have to deal with, and you can make the right moves.  General Patton had his own Air Force helping to clear the road.   They spotted traffic, either destroy it or figure out which way it is moving and how much is it.

He said, spot a bunch of tanks, call in air power and hit it, spot a movement of troops. Here comes the low flying planes and spread them out. Sure made it much easier for our guys on the ground.  No wonder Patton could say give me the fuel, and I will be in Berlin to hang that paper hanging so and so.

Now the Colonel told me a  couple things he asked not to replete. One of the things was something he figured out.  A couple generals said it was something new and may not work, sure wasn't in the text books they had studied.  General Patton said well he figured the man from a farm in Nebraska just might be on something.  Patton put the idea in action, and brother it worked, full speed ahead, Berlin to the east, lets roll.

Yes I talked, should say the Colonel talked, I learned a lot of history from a man who made history. A man who changed the way war is fought.  Up to his time war was fought knowing just what is in front of you, and text book of old.  He and his group changed all that.  The every day flights told the changes from day to day. Not just in front, but for many miles.  Those miles would be a day or two travel time for troops and equipment to reach the battle.  That gave an edge to our moving on D Day and  later days.

Now I think of a general of long ago. General Lee.  He depended on knowing what he was up against, the lay of the ground, what he had to work with and what his foe had. All General Lee knew was little in terms of what is now.  Here you have these camera planes giving you the facts right now.  There is troop movement 75 miles to the right of you. You knew which way they were moving and what roads.  There is 10 tanks in the woods to the left 20 miles on such a road.  You send in planes equipped to take care of each problem, before it becomes a problem.  Your tanks, and trucks can roll to Berlin more easy. Sure your going to have other things to slow you, but you have stopped a lot of problems before those was big problems.

How important is men like this? Maybe should in this case say. How important was this man and his group?  Well remember Dec 16, 1944.  The weather  turned bad a couple days before, stayed bad for a few more days. Planes was grounded for the most part.  The eyes didn't see to well. The Germans made an all out push, with troops and tanks in one place.  They found a soft spot and attacked.  While those American units was hanging on for every inch, and the American General told the German commander the one word to his demand of surrender, "NUTS"  General Patton was racing to save the day, even with out his needed Air Force eyes and fire power. It was tough going, then the weather cleared. Then it was a different story, here is Patton's Air Force  attacking. That turned the tide. Patton's tanks rolled much faster with those planes.  The eyes was back, picking out the problems, and the fire power from the sky took care of things.  Another case of a smart General. A lesser man in rank had an idea, a farm boy from Nebraska.  This is just another thing I have said a few times.  Text books are nice, but sometimes it sure helps to have someone with an idea that isn't in a book.

Colonel,  You will never know how many American boys lives you saved with your idea, nor how many days your idea shorted the war in Europe. A man who not only made history, rewrote and changed the way to fight a war for many years to come.

Oh yes, P-38.  One of the most beautiful planes ever to fly.  The Germans thought so, they called them the forked tail devil. I guess that meant, not to us Germans were the P-38s beautiful.  The Colonel told me it was pure joy to fly,  it was the Caddy of planes.  Now I think if I had been hearing what the pilot of a P-47, or P-51  would say, sure those might be the Caddy. I think it bolls down the fact, the pilot had a natural love for his very own plane. After all it was his Baby Doll.  I forgot to ask the Colonel what his Baby Doll's name was?  I know what one would have been named if I was the pilot!!!    Why "Number One Dollie,"  what else.?

Bill Walker

wildbill6807@yahoo.com

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.   

~**~**~

The Cost of War

Tim Kevin

It was all over they celebrated and said
Of course that was long before 1600 dead -
And now, seems we've changed the story
Our people sacrificed in doubtful glory
To bring democracy to this feudal land
But nothin' said about oil below the sand
-
How long will our troops be forced to stay
Chained to the insanity of this winless fray
Someone is paying the terrible cost i fear
Alone and silently, with a mother's tear
-
by ... The Irish Warlock

By .... The Irish Warlock ... Copyright ?©

 IrishWarlock @ webtv.net

About Me:
-
 
Tim Kevin, is the owner of the Yahoo adult
humor group, BICs_Jokers_Wild and resides in
Punta Gorda, Florida.

 ~**~**~

Poetry Section

~**~**~

When I Grow Old

Gorden K. Warner

Where am I going?  Isn't there anything I can do

it seems the world's in a hurry just to see my life through

I long for all its fullness, each moment I can share

but find that in its furious pace, there's few who really care

I thought "When I grow old", there are things I'd like to see

the wonders of my children and all of their children to be

I always felt such great pride in all the progress I had made

but found it simply wasn't enough for the role I should have played

Life just seems to rush on by and leave me far behind

without a single thought of being considerate or kind

This is not what I had dreamed of or anything like what I had planned

when first I set my trembling feet upon this strange new land

I had visions of great promise, of all the things that I could do

and knew that when I did grow old, I could pass them on to you

Somewhere in all the hurry, somewhere along the maddening way

the signals crossed, my plans derailed and I was left with nothing to say

I always envisioned old age as a time of piece and rest and a time of comfort too

a time to languish in my pride for all that I'd been through

Because of me, I thought, my children could have more happiness

for I was always certain that I had done my utmost and my best

But now my head is bent ,my hair is gray and there's a tear upon my cheek

cause I just learned they're going to put me in a nursing home next week

I'll be forgotten, I'll live alone, without a thing to do

and spend my time just wasting away until my life is through

Oh God why did it all begin and why must I grow old

Tis destiny pure and simple or at least that's what I am told

Gorden K "Pop" Warner

 Gorden K. Warner

gkwppw1963@cox.net

~**~**~  

                                           Searching

Gorden K. Warner

There's something bout the weather that wears upon my mind

it makes me think of better things I'm sure that I will find

I cast about for feelings that will brighten up my day

and find that the frame of mind I'm in could easily light the way

I've thought about the stormy days and the patter of the rain

it always makes a soothing sound as it strikes my window pane

There's something about the sight of snow and the way it swirls around

as it leaves a clean white blanket out there that covers up the ground

I've marveled at the lightening and the booming sound of thunder

but I cannot hope to understand so I just sit quietly bye and wonder

Each of these are miracles and each one has its place

that proves the power of God and the fullness of His Grace

It bothers me to worry about the things I cannot change

cause I know that even if I could there's nothing I'd rearrange

Why is man so skeptical and why is there always so much doubt

for there isn't one of the miracles of life that we could live without

Patience and understanding are traits that all men need

instead of struggling along in life with all those nagging thoughts of greed

Maybe if I knew my place or where I want to go

I could settle all the questions and a brighter countenance show.

Gorden K. Warner

gkwppw1963@cox.net

~**~**~  

I just want to take the time to acknowledge (with humility and gratitude) those of you that have taken the time to read my poetry.  I recognize that much of it may seem moody and even depressing but the message that is most important.. Are we really all that busy or is it just the routine that we have regimented ourselves to that dictates how we live.  When was the last time you slowed down enough to not only stop and smell the roses but to appreciate their beauty and more importantly (WHO) gave us those roses to enjoy.  God Bless you one and all and I sincerely hope that you have a really great day.

G.K. Pop Warner

~**~**~  

God's bowling team

Norma Liles

I'll meet you in the alley where the rubber meets the road

I'll meet you in the evening where the darkening shadows glow

The daylight evening darkens into a glorious starry night

Where the 'Holy Saints' go bowling, where the angels keep score.

We'll kick th devil's goblins who think they have a hand

On all the other christians thoughout this evil land

We'll shout a loud hosanna we'll chant the Lord's Prayer

We've won the royal battle; satan's goal has hit the road.

NormaLee

Writers Feedback

Kathy Baker - This is one more example of people losing their good sense. I agree, it was wrong to take the fish into captivity and try to ship it to another area to live in a tank. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, I for one, truly appreciate that.

Dianna Petry

Re: A Fish That.. Kathy Baker

I saw the new story on the internet and was appalled. Experts said the Blue Catfish was over 30 years old!!!!! How very sad for it to have met its end that way. No one, apparently, involved in the catfish's fate had a heart. What were they thinking? Those same experts said, after the catfish died, that a fish that old and that heavy would not survive handling. They knew that and allowed the catfish to be handled. The poor catfish's destiny--to be put on display in a Sporting Goods store--well wouldn't that have been dandy! I guess, in retrospect, that the catfish died is preferable to being put on display, is a better ending. But, there should have been no ending for that creature. Not that way, and not then!

Kathy Anne Harris

New Writer ??“ Stacey Graham - This was so funny. it brought back memories of trying to explain the mysteries of life to my children. Nathalie

This memorial day tribute in its historical writing is truly great. So many wars that our young men participated in . I to remember many that lost their lives for our country .Even some that were never sent home because thier bodies were never found. I pray someday our boys do not have to do this either but if they do Do it with pride Nat

I definitely agree with Kathy that it was lack of common sense to try to transport that fish.  They did something similar down here recently with a particularly large, old lobster, put it in a tank so people could gawk at it and it died also.  I believe that all living creatures have a spirit and that is murder in the name of stupidity.  Thanks Kathy.  Blessings, Sharlett

I just read Kathy's story about the passing of the huge blue catfish. 
I hadn't heard about it. How very sad.  I too wonder if those
responsible will learn anything from this experience. You can bet, I
won't be buying anything from that store right off if ever. We had a
similar experience here in Maine a few months ago...with a huge
lobster. It died also from the transporting of it. I believe, it too
was destined for display. ):

 I forwarded Kathy's piece about the fish to an email friend who
has been sharing correspondence with me for a couple years. We met
through a story I'd written about some outside birds. We have so much
in common.  Fun meeting writers and readers alike. I believe she plans
to write kathy to thank her for the thoughts

Kay Seefeldt

Prayer Requests and Updates

Please pray for Dina Dimato and her family at this time. Lord send your loving spirit to protect and heal them from all the ailments at this time.

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: