STORYTIME TAPESTRY

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

July 17, 2005 

Hey Everyone, I have a special announcement today, Sharon Bryant has just become the chief writer for Storytime Tapestry. With 136 stories published she has more stories published than anyone in the history of Storytime Tapestry.  Congratulations Sharon for a job well done!

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

Today's Queue Stories
~**~**~**~

Daddy's Power Struggle

Kay Seefeldt

Many parents experience power struggles with their children, but my dad
got into the ultimate power struggle.

Living on Beals Island is a "confining" experience to say the least. 
The island is barely three miles at its widest point.  Houses have no
rhyme or reason to their placement and the settlement looks like a
Monopoly game gone awry.  Purchasing more land is all but impossible as
every single square inch is already someone's back yard.

My dad's house was quite confining as well, and he decided he needed a
bit more room.  To get it, he planned to build onto the northeast end
of the house.  However, there was one small, or I should say tall
hitch, to his plan.  A stately power pole stood resolutely where he
wanted to build.

Daddy pondered the problem. He wrote the power company a friendly
letter requesting they please move the pole as he had designs on his
land. They sent back a rejection.  Daddy wrote a business
letter....another rejection.

This was getting serious, and Daddy was getting really annoyed to think
he couldn't build on his own property, albeit a tiny parcel of land,
all because the power company had stacked a claim to it.  They hadn't
asked his permission and certainly didn't pay lease for its continued
use.

So daddy wrote a letter to a "higher power" at the light company to
plead his case and sent it registered mail. Soon the green slip with a
signature came back, but Daddy was kept in the dark about a month
before receiving another rejection letter.  By now, my dad must have
been in an electric snit. He could have been used as a power source to
every house on the town of Beals could he have been tapped into!

I can hear my dad thoughts now.  Mohammed moved mountains.  All I want
is to get rid of one light pole.

A light bulb must have turned on in daddy's head.  Before long the
building supply company delivered a load of lumber to Barney Cove. The
next week Dad hired a carpenter and construction began.  The light pole
would  not deter Daddy. He instructed the carpenter to build right
where he wanted the new bedroom to be...light pole or no. This was back
in the good old days before building permits were needed on Beals.  At
one time in history people could actually do whatever they wanted to
their own property without a lot of political hoopla.

I can imagine the neighbor's must have been shocked to see the floor
joists put in right around the pole and 2X4's nailed in place. They
must have thought he'd gone crazy. Daddy, armed with photographic proof
of  the construction site, went calling on the light company. After
waiting for an audience with the powers that be, he finally got to show
his picture and said, "You seem to have a light pole growing out of my
bedroom. I sure hope it doesn't hurt someone and get you sued."

Evidently, the power people saw the light because the following
morning, a utility truck arrived and before noon the pole had
disappeared. Mohammed may have moved mountains, but Daddy moved "Reddy
Kilowatt." A much more formidable task.

?©Kay Seefeldt  4/3/05
birdnest@megalink.net

Kay has had stories published in Petwarmers, Gardenwarmers, 2theheart
and Storytime Tapestry: "The Artificial Limb," "F.R.O.G.," "Tiny
Troubles" and "Clover Alert."  She enjoys gardening, reading, writing,
painting in watercolors, and teaching watercolors to adults so they can
experience the joys of artistic expression for themselves and writing
stories about her family.  Some day she is in hopes to have them
compiled into a book as a legacy to her children and grandchildren. 
She thanks God for her wonderfully, supportive, and some what wacky
family.

~**~**~ 

Hooray for Mom

 Sharon Bryant

Tiffany was in her junior year of high school.  Seventeen years old, living with her mother and brother, she thought there should be no rules since she was "almost" an adult.  Her mother informed her differently.

All Tiffany wanted to do was skip school and sneak off with her 19-year-old boyfriend Scott.  She knew her mother didn't approve of Scott.  A high school drop-out, no job, bumming rides and cigarettes from anyone who would give to him.

And still, after all the talks of meeting a guy who was "going somewhere" in his life, Tiffany refused to stop seeing Scott.

Last week the principal called Tiffany's mother and told her Tiffany had not shown up at school again.  That was the final blow since Tiffany had skipped school too many times all year and the school was threatening to retain her another year.  Her mom decided if Tiffany thought it was so cute to skip school, she'd help her.

She drove all over town looking for her and found her walking down a side street towards Scott's house.  After quite an argument, Tiffany got into her mother's car, lip sticking out, pouting.  She stayed home that night.  Her mother drove her to school the next morning and warned her she "better" stay in the school all day.

Mom drove back home and quickly changed into her outfit she'd been planning all night the night before to wear that day.  She pulled the old vintage housedress her mother used to wear from the closet.  She pulled out the clunky shoes that definitely were NOT in fashion today.  She pulled down the box that held those old metal hard bristle hair rollers (the ones with the colored plastic picks), and she smiled.

The dress fit perfectly, the shoes were ugly enough to make anyone gag, and the rollers looked wonderful with their pink, yellow and green picks sticking all over her head.

She got back into her car and drove to the school.  She waltzed into Tiffany's first hour class, and asked the teacher if she could have the desk next to Tiffany.  In shock, the teacher just nodded her head.

Hour after hour, class after class, Tiffany's mother went to all her classes with her.  Kids snickered, and Tiffany about died of embarrassment.  But her mom never quit.  When the last class ended, she said, "Well, Tiffany, let's go home."

Tiffany hasn't skipped school since that day last week.

(This is a true story)  I know Tiffany and her mom.  I applaud her mom for having the guts to do something drastic about her school skipping daughter.  My mother would have beat me half to death instead!!

Sharon Bryant

1946 @bellsouth.net

About Me:

 I am Sharon Bryant, 59 years old and reside in Alabama.

I lost my child in 1977 when he was five and I write
articles on bereavement often.

I am a chocolate/candy maker and also a wood crafter and knitter.

I am married to a wonderful man, and have two remaining children, a daughter 25,
Amy, and a second son, Randy, age 22.

My main goal in life is to help those who
have lost a child. My website is: www.angelsremembered.tk

~**~**~ 

The School Bell
Kathy Anne Harris

I was finishing up a home call one late autumn afternoon. As I pulled out onto the narrow road skirting the school I heard the school bell ring. I braked, put the car in reverse and sidled back to the sidewalk. It was a lovely day. Warming sun and autumn fragrances danced on a thin breeze.

I turned to look at the schoolyard, but my sight was focused on memories, years old. I couldn't recall the last time I'd heard the old fashioned school bell. It had been childhoods ago--that much I was certain of. My body was sitting in the car, behind the wheel, but my senses had transported me a long distance from the present.

I inhaled and I could smell sun-warmed skin on a summer afternoon. Gangly limbs akimbo as a group of children played tether ball. Goofy grins from several of my schoolmates as they took turns throwing a small beanbag and jumping to another hop scotch square. Out of the corner of my eye I catch the flurried movement of kids scrambling on jungle gyms, merry-go-rounds, swings, and monkey bars. They were the school's younger pupils, playing in their designated area of the yard.

Overhead, a shiny crow caws out, as if directing the play of the little humans below his perch. Over near some blooming shrubbery, fat bumble bees saw the air, up and down, as the bees' thickly rounded bodies wobble among the sweet-scented flowers. Hanging damp and animated, the fragrance of newly cut lawn lingers in the air, fills my breath with its clean aroma.

Some one comes up from behind and pounds me on the shoulder, hard enough to send me lurching forward. I clench my hands into fists and spin around ready to spit venom. The words lose direction in my mouth and all that comes out is the collective sigh of the words not used.

There, with red hair gleaming, with freckles looking darker on his pale flesh in the sunlight, and a crooked grin stretched across his face, stood Jimmy. My first crush since Kindergarten. Past a grin he said, "Do you want to play?" Jimmy held a basketball and gestured to the blacktop court. I goggled at him, nodding in the affirmative.

Basketball wasn't my game but I loved to throw the ball and watch it drop through the netted hoop. I had a few "trick shots" that every once in a while I could execute perfectly. We laughed and jumped and ran. While I bent over to catch my breath I could hear the echoed thwang of the basketball as Jimmy bounced it on the asphalt behind me.

Just as I was straightening up the school bell rang. Everyone scrambled to pick up their possessions and equipment, then off to their classrooms they went. I didn't follow them. I drifted for a while on scattered memories. Lunches in the cafeteria--the same place we had our concerts and watched educational films. And on those nights we had school carnivals the cafeteria was the place they held the cake walks, and played musical chairs.

Another tolling of the school bell and the students swarmed out of their classrooms, past the metal fence and over to the crosswalk where students given the honor of being Crossing Guards monitored the foot traffic. Kids who had parents waiting for them ran over to their cars. The rest of us walked home.

Home was less than a block away and took no time at all, even when I dawdled. Once at home, no thought of school entered my mind with the exception of required homework. The bell that regulated the important intervals in my school days held no significance once away from it.

And so it has been now, for many years--no thought of the school bell had I entertained...until I was parked next to the elementary school, and the bell rang out.
Copyright 2005 by Kathy Anne Harris

kappi00@gmail.com

kathyanneharris@spirit-soul.com

RELATED LINk:
http://www.spirit-soul.com/BeyondTheBridge.html
My websites:
http://www.spirit-soul.com/BeyondTheBridge.html
http://spirit-soul.com/ToShareWithYou.html

I am a social worker by day, a writer by life. I live in
California's San Joaquin Valley. My works have been featured in:
2TheHeart, StoryTime Tapestry, Starfish, Driftwood, Cat Tails,
Petwarmers, Heartwarmers, Insight of the Day*, and Moments of
Reflections. I am also a weekly columnist for the publication "Frank
Talk" which is distributed in three counties in Michigan, USA.

~**~**~ 

Poetry Section

~**~**~

Next to my Garden's Gate

Norma Liles

Just wondering if you would

Like to come and set a spell

Next to my fountain's spray

Alongside my garden gate.

I wonder if we'd go down memories path

I wonder if we'd agree

I know we have some memories

So come and set a spell.

Our lives have been so different

But in another way, the same

Just come and sit and we'll repine

Next to my garden's gate.

Our hearts are filled with love

A love so strong and pure

For those whose gone on before

My garden's gate remembers.

Twas there we forged our friendship

We made a pact to remain

In each other's hearts and minds

Next to my Garden's gate.

Norma Liles ?©

hoopla214 @yahoo.com

~**~**~

When He reign within your heart

Norma Liles

Music touches me deeply

It tames the savage beast

I know God must love music

When He reigns within your heart!

There is a rhythm to music

A beat that is special to hear

A message of warmth and cheer

When He reigns within your heart!

Tune into the chorus of angels

Hear the music of their wings

Is so sweet the birds sing in chorus

When He reigns within your heart!

I'm so glad that I hear His music

I pray that you hear it, too

Join in the chorus of angels

When He reigns within your heart!

Norma Liles ?©

hoopla214 @yahoo.com

~**~**~

Somewhere in There

Norma Liles

Somewhere in there, I think there is a song waiting to be sung without a title

but one that is going around and around in my head.  I wake up in the middle of the

night with this strange melody that I have never heard before.  I often wonder if

this is normal to be feeling this way but underneath it all, I know that is just ok!

Over the years, I have written scores of poetry, more than I can count, to be sure

but if I were to look them over, I am sure I could find one of my songs!  A song

is more or less somewhat like a poem drawn from the heart and mind of a singer.

Since I love to sing, I love to write poetry as well as what could be attributed as

songs.  There is something within me waiting to let the song in my heart out

to share with the world so I continue to write as my heart and soul and God

direct me.

Someday before the curtain in my life is drawn, I hope to pass along a song

that will delight and be remembered as the best that I could have written;

Somewhere in there!

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.

~**~**~

Writers Feedback

Hi!
To Bill Walker
Re: Churchie People!

Bill Walker is the exact person who should come to church!!!
We need you!
If Bill is ever in Niagara County, NY State, near the Nia. Falls area: Bill, you come over for a fast breakfast and come with my wife and me.
It's not going to kill you, and ok if it does, look where you'll be!
Wear jeans or a tux.

Bill, there are "pretend" churches, and Jesus Christ didn't go to them when He was on earth.
He hung with the real people! Drunks, whores, tax thieves, not the "perfect"!
"Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners."
Wonderful, since I am one of those!
I never robbed a bank or murdered anyone, but I lied and took what was not mine and was sometimes mean, etc., etc. Yes, I am a sinner. But He came for me!  And died for me!
If He were to make a brief visit now, He might stop at a church to worship His Father, God of the Universe, or to encourage people to trust Him and maybe join in some hymns and prayers.
At my church, wear what you WANT. Pastor does!
All who attend a church are not "Scribes and (hypocritical) Pharisees".
Get a Bible and read the New Testament.
When Jesus' friend, Lazarus, died, Jesus cried ("Jesus wept." -- longest shortest verse in the Bible.)
Then He brought him back to life.
Come on down and

MEET HIM!

Vance

Carol,

   Your giant salad sounds like a great meal my friend that nourishes not only the body of society, but its heart and soul as

well.  Keep up your great writings.  Wishing you every joy, Joe

Did I ever tell you that I copy so many of your articles to include in my journals (written on 3-hole wide-ruled paper held in a notebook divided by months)--that I have to bind them every six months!

I loved this one too much, Carol. "Garlic Makes It Good" is absolutely marvelous! Your personal explanation of how you view melting pots and the connection to racism was very well put. Using salads--it sounds wonderful, by the way--is the perfect way to carry the reader along and show the love and warmth of you, Carol, outstanding writer!

Hugs,

Barb

Carol, as you can see I am behind again in reading my e-mails. So what else is new, huh?

This piece on your son's socks was delightful.  What a unique smell to write about and how well you brought your emotions into this.  Good writing, gal!

Hugs,

Barb D.

Bill,  Loved the philosophy of The Old Timer, great fun. 
   Gabrielle Morgan.

Announcements

My dear husband passed away last week after forty-five years together. I am devastated and probably not thinking very straight just now. However I have had so many wonderful emails I feel I must respond to you all.

I have always known how very important friends are at such times and you never failed me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me through this time.. A time when the rest of the world seems to march to a different drummer and life takes on a colour never seen before. The 'whys? what ifs? and what now? fill ones mind and memories flood over you like a tsunami wave.  I thank God for my family and the love therein. I also thank my dear friends for the light they gave to guide me through.

I nursed my husband through eight years of sickness and in my heart I know he is now at peace. God bless you all for your kind words and prayers. Violet

Prayer Requests and Updates

prayer request

I got this prayer request from my sister today. The lady that sent it to her is a friend of hers. Please keep TJ in your prayers

TJ seriously needs all the prayers he can get right now.  He is at Children's Hospital in critical condition.  The next 72 hours are very critical.  TJ completely lost his left and and will be blind in the other as well.  The handlebar went through his left eye socket.  It completely crushed his eye socket and went in about four inches.  Parts of his brain were protruding from the socket. There were bone fragments in his brain which they removed.  They also had to make a shelf to support the front part of his brain.  He also received second degree burns to his belly and side due to gasoline leaking from the overturned quad.  His clothing was completely soaked with the gasoline and had to be cut off him at the scene due to it being a serious fire hazzard.  TJ is on a respirator.  He is unable to talk but he is able to squeeze a hand to respond.  The doctor's at Children's are amazed he is able to respond at all.  Please pray for TJ and pass this along. 

Got this from a friend. TJ and his family need our prayers. God be with them.

Dr. lain Clayre;

This is Richard & Jackie Sims, We have a prayer for Jeremy.

Father we come to you in prayer to ask that you reach down your almighty

hand and touch Jeremy, Father we ask that you guide his way home or

at least make sure he is safe and sound. Father you know what needs to

be done. It is in the name of Jesus Christ the Holy Son that we pray!

Amen Amen!

A short e-mail to ask if you can again ask for prayers for my best friend
 Carol Donnelly. She seemed to be doing so well after receiving her bone
  marrow transplant and there was no sign of her Leuikemia returning. Her
  brother had been a perfect match. The doctor was so impressed with her
  progress that he let her leave the apartment she had to live in by the Ann
  Arbor, MI hospital. He told her she seemed to be the perfect candidate for
  this treatment as all was progressing so well. Every Tuesday she then made
  the trek back to Ann Arbor to have her blood tested. All was well until
  this Tuesday. Her blood showed 10% cancer cells returned. Today, Friday
  she was tested again and it showed 30%. The bone marrow biopsy they did
 today showed the same thing - that the bone marrow transplant had not
  worked and now she is in deep trouble again. The Leuikemia seems to once
  again be quickly invading her system. She will be discussing her options
  with the doctor and her family tomorrow. They are not good options at this
  point. God works in mysterious ways, but this I do not understand. I have
  not ever met anyone else as good and helping to others as Carol. She lends
  a hand to anyone who needs her, including myself many times over the 35
  years of our friendship. She is the best of the two of us, and always been
  the strongest person I have ever met. But this blow at this point in her
  recovery is more than she or her family seem to be able to handle. I
  cannot even speak to her myself yet as I know how this has devastated her
  after all she has been through, but have spoken with her husband, her dad
  and her daughter Jaimie. They need all the prayers they can get to get
  them through this. Thanks sis for anyone you can pass this along to that
  will say a prayer or two for Carol and her family. I know what the power
 of prayer can do from the last time she was at deaths door and prayer
  brought her back to us to the surprise of her doctors.
  I will let you know how she is doing.

Your sister Joyce

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

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