STORYTIME TAPESTRY

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

July 22, 2005 

Happy Birthday goes out to Alice Castro, Mary Beatty and Ashley Long

Today, we welcome, Carol Brosowske, writer # 227 to our fold of great writers.  Carol is a bit shy but I am sure she would love to hear from you.  Please let her know how much you enjoyed her story and you want her to submit many many more.

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

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

JACKSON

By,

Carol Brosowske

The second anniversary is coming up, and already I am starting to dread it.  It seems the time has gone by fast, and yet it feels like an eternity.  Will I ever get past this?  I??™m not sure if I will, but I keep trying.  I know I will never forget.  I have lost dogs before, but Jackson was different, he was just a baby and it was my fault.  Will the hurt ever go away?  I made a horrid, horrid error in judgment that day, and it will haunt me always.  Oh, if I could only live that fateful day over again, but alas I cannot.

It was three years ago when my husband, Jim, found an ad in the newspaper for a litter of Giant schnauzers.  We wanted another female to go with our Giant, Katie.  She was four years old and needed a playmate.  We already had the name picked out, and we were ready.  Shelby was a name the whole family agreed on.  And believe me, in this family we agree on few names for our beloved pets.  There was always someone who would disagree, but this time Shelby was perfect.  The name comes from one of our favorite movies, Steel Magnolias.  Shelby was the main character played by Julia Roberts.

Jim called the number to see if we could come look at the pups.  The lady on the other end assured us that would be fine.  She sounded so nice.  The minute he hung up the phone, the three of us were out the door, my husband Jim, our 10-year-old son, Jeff, and myself.  It took more than two hours to get there, but we finally arrived and we were the first ones, so we had pick of the litter.  There were three females and three males.  All were so adorable, so playful, and so very friendly.  The mama dog laid in the warm sunshine watching us carefully as we touched, talked, and played with her black fuzzy little pups.  One male stood out from the rest, he was so much bigger than the others and the only one with wavy hair.  His paws were massive, and you could tell he was going to be a very BIG boy.  Jeff said, ???Mom, I like this one." 

 I responded with, "Me too!"  Jeff and I had fallen head over heels in love with him.  Guess you could say that it was love at first sight. 

Jeff and I both looked at Jim, who said with a grin, ???he is wonderful, so if that is the one you all like best, let??™s go for it!???  We snatched him up to take home, even though we went for a female.  On our return drive, Jim came up with the name Jackson.  We loved it, so from that moment on it was his name.  The name Jackson was also from Steel Magnolias.  He was Shelby's husband.

Well, Jackson was a handful to say the very least, into everything from the moment that we brought him home.  He grew, and grew, and grew some more; until he made our female giant look like a miniature.  He was the most gorgeous dog I had ever seen.  When we walked him, people would stop to admire him, as he was a beauty.  He even pranced when he walked, as if he knew he were something special.  He was much more than just a challenge though; he was one tough cookie.  I knew that he would eventually outgrow his puppy hood, but until then, things were very chaotic.  He was into absolutely everything.  His mouth was a giant magnet, and he was fast, he could get into anything and everything faster than lightening.  We all tried to keep things put up, but that is not always easy.  He potty trained quickly and was very smart, but he just could not help himself when it came to getting into the garbage, Jeff's toys, or whatever happened to be around at the time.

Jackson just turned a year old, and he and Katie were great friends.  I was so proud of them both; they were outstanding together on walks.  Jackson was so affectionate too, just like Katie.  We were one lucky family.  Then one week to the day after his first birthday, I had left my embroidery thread out near my chair where I love to sit and stitch every evening.  Jackson got into it and slurped it up; he swallowed two skeins and a ball of twine before anyone knew it.  The next day he was in surgery to remove it, as it was tangled within his intestines.  He came through surgery fine, but was in a great deal of pain.  I went to visit him, told him how much I loved him, and that I would be bringing him home soon.  My sweet, wonderful, beautiful Jackson died that night in the vet??™s office.  It broke my heart that he was alone, in pain, and probably very scared.  What a terrible waste and what a stupid error in judgment on my part.  I will never forgive myself.  He was a bright spot in my life and in the lives of my family.  They never blamed me, but that's okay, I blamed myself.  I knew his passion for getting into things, but I just was not thinking when I left my sewing box open, and within his reach.

After a week had passed Jim said, ???I??™m going to call that lady where we got Jackson and tell her our sad news.???  She was sad for us, and sad for the pup she had entrusted to us.  She mentioned that she still had one male.  It happened to be Jackson's brother, and if we were interested, we should come see him.  I was unsure about it, but Jim insisted.  We were on the road within half an hour of the phone call. 

 When we arrived, the nice lady, Jackson??™s mother, and his brother greeted us.  Yes, he had Jackson's nose and he was so very sweet.  The moment we sat down, he put his sweet little head on my lap and looked up at me with his big beautiful brown eyes.  Well, that is all it took; I was hooked!  He was much calmer than Jackson, but at this point that was very necessary.  He was promptly named Andrew Jackson, Andy for short.  He does not replace Jackson by any means, but we still have a part of Jackson with us.  Andy is sweet and loving and very well mannered.  He has made a wonderful companion for Katie, and he has helped fill an empty spot in my heart.  I love him dearly.

?©2005

Carol Brosowske

 cab2821@comcast.net

Biography

I live in Plano, Texas with my husband, Jim.   I'm a mother to three children, two giant schnauzers and one miniature schnauzer.  Hobbies include quilting, cross-stitching, decorating, collecting antiques, gardening, and bowling.  I've dreamed of writing for years and finally decided to give it a try.  

~**~**~ 

When did I first know you?

Norma Liles

As I look back over my life, I often wonder; just when did I first realize who you were? When did I realize that you were the beginning and the end; the Alpha and the Omega?  Did I realize your power over all things or did I just know that you were there for me, my family and all my loved ones? 

You were there for me when I leaned my first words for our Christmas play, when I stood with my sister singing your songs and when I finally found you so tenderly and true.

Oh yes, I feel like I've known you forever; before my time on earth had barely started; within my Mother's womb, I felt your love; so overwhelming but within a child's grasp. 

My Mother saw we put you first and foremost in our thoughts and in our actions; a place of respect for you was well ingrained.  I feel like I have loved you for all time and always.  I just had to stop and tell you 'JESUS' I love you! 

I made a stand for you when I was older but somehow I feel you always knew my heart. I stood before the crowd when I was dipped in baptism; just showing others that You would take my lead; not of my will but yours be firmly held. 

Now in my age, I find you more inviting, so precious to my soul and when I write, you guide me with the words to enlighten others. Dear Jesus, I am so glad you are my friend!

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.

~**~**~ 

Grandmother's Home

Dianna Doles Petry

It was late afternoon when I went there the last time.

I sat in her chair and stared at the room in silence.

With my hands propping my chin up as I looked around,

I stared at my shoes and waited for her to call my name.

Soon the old house would be gone to me forever,

Yet, I had a feeling that I wasn't alone there that day.

I looked at the rose petaled wallpaper in the front room,

Once again, I was a child asking her questions in the kitchen.

I closed my eyes and I could almost smell fried onions,

I could almost hear her rattling pots and pans again.

She always grabbed her apron on the way to stove,

She didn't have time after church to change her clothes.

Her soul lived on in that old silent house that she had loved.

How many times had she "twigged" her hair up in that room?

How many babies had been born there to her and her daughters?

How could life go on unchanged without her presence here?

It was late afternoon when I went there the last time.

Sisters were deciding who would get the faded china,

Who would claim the knick-knacks collected through the years.

I wanted to be left alone with her thoughts and my tears.

This was her home, now it stood as an old weathered house,

Where the floorboards ached with eerie silence,

Where familiar smells mingled with the musty scent of emptiness,

Where she was always sitting there with a ready smile for me.

Dianna Doles Petry

?©4/12/2005

dianna59@charter.net

Proud founder of:
Women With A Unique Soul
www.womenwithauniquesoul.com
Webmaster of Short Stories
http://diannapetry.tripod.com
Webmaster of Poetry From Life
http://www.geocities.com/diannawv/
Poems By Dianna
http://members.tripod.com/~poemsbydianna/PoetryofLife.html

~**~**~ 

Poetry Section

~**~**~

Cauldron of Love

Jodi Flesberg Lilly

The magic in the miracle
Invokes a whole new world
A way of understanding
Imbued with rainbow light

A spiral of prisms
Climb toward the sky
From heaven a cauldron of love
Transforms us as we grow

From darkest night to daylight
Flow with the river of life
Fate rests on the moment
It beckons with the tide

Under shining sun or soft moon glow
The senses reveal
What the head doesn't see
Love is the secret of life

(c)2005 Jodi Flesberg Lilly

lightinmotion@yahoo.com

~**~**~

Waialua Sunset

Jodi Flesberg Lilly

Water as far as the eye can see

Horizon of blue on blue

Sky painting visions

With clouds passing by

Changing as fast as identified

Sun slowly sinking

Down to the sea

Colors the clouds in the sky

Fluid tones in motion

Play a rainbow lullaby

The glow of the sunset

Reflects on the sea

 Mother Nature??™s tapestry

Copyright ?© 2002

Jodi Flesberg Lilly

lightinmotion@yahoo.com

~**~**~

The Time of Your Life

Jodi Flesberg Lilly

Beyond the babies
Beyond the blues
Over the edge we go
Freefalling
Into
All that we are
What we feared we??™d never be

All along
It was a matter of time
Sand slowly sliding through hands
Through clinging fingers
Onto the earth
Finally enough to enjoy
Between the toes
To impress upon
Drawing our lines as we please

Now we say what stays
And sweep out what goes
With calm certainty

No longer is there
Then
Or when
Only now
Now and again

Copyright ?© May 16, 2005

Jodi Flesberg Lilly

Jodi Flesberg Lilly is a writer and intuitive astrologer living in San Ramon, CA.  She founded and leads the Creative Writers Network at www.Ryze.com (an online business networking site), as well as offering intuitive astrology readings, leading workshops, and teaching classes in spiritual and personal awareness.  To subscribe to her monthly Light In Motion, intuitive astrology newsletter please send an email to info@lightinmotion.net and write "subscribe" in the subject line.

lightinmotion@yahoo.com

~**~**~

Writers Feedback

 I love the poem by Debra Shively " When Grandma Rocks The Baby" because that is exactly what i do. There is no greater joy than to hold them a rock them and watch them as they sleep

  I also enjoyed"Wonderful Wrinkles " By Joseph Mazzella. I remember when Daddy had his and  I wished I had some just like his and lo I do  now. Nathalie

Thank you Joseph for your Wonderful Wrinkles.  You are so right and smiles and laughter are the greatest gifts that we can share.         Louise

Prayer Requests and Updates

To all;

My Mother is going into St. John's hospital tomorrow afternoon to outpatient surgery,

where they will stretch her esophagus, she has to be there at 2:P.M. and they will

start at 4:00 P.M.

Please pray that God will guide the doctor's hand so that he is able to clear the food

blockage and stretch her esophagus, and that God will keep her nerves calmed down!

She is loosing weight fast and shrinking away!

All of your prayers for her will be deeply appreciated and God bless you all!!!!

My son Richard II ( Rick ) is starting today or tomorrow from Waumsutter, Wy. and will be traveling here to Arma, Ks. Of course you know that is a long way to

travel all alone, he has just rebuilt the motor in his truck. So please pray God

will help him get from there to here safely, again I say God bless you all for your

prayers.

P.S. He told me that he would be going to church with Jackie and I, that's God

news itself!!!

Walking In His Loving Light!

Richard & Jackie Sims             Online Prayer Warriors!

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

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