STORYTIME TAPESTRY

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

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Aug 14, 2005? 

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Today we welcome Sandra Van Nocker, as writer # 231 to our fold of great writers here at Storytime Tapestry.?  Please encourage our newest poet to continue on her writing journey.

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Now on to the good stuff.......... 

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

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WHAT A REUNION

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Sharon Bryant

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Something George Ojeigbe said got me thinking.......about his description of a dog.?  He said a dog is the OTHER human being.?  I've always thought that myself.?  A little "human being" that just looks different than us.?  I mean, after all, didn't ET look different than us and look at all the things he could do!?  He could even phone home.

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How many of us would love to have neighbors all around us that would greet us when we came home from work daily.?  How many of us would smile and welcome a handshake or a kiss?

How many of us would feel so protected knowing that someone is watching our backs,? our? homes even when we sleep??  And would wake us if there was someone or something snooping around our house?

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I think about what my dogs give.?  No, they cannot speak like you or I.?  They try, but we don't always understand their language.?  So we watch eyes.?  We watch movements, and we learn as with a little child, who also cannot speak, what our "babies" want from us.

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I think of times I've scolded my pets when they've done something they shouldn't have.?  My Bob, who has eaten my Stephen King collection (just the book covers), and when he ate my purple onion, and when we had just put the lattice on our porch, he attacked it.?  I scolded him.?  He ran and hid, and those little ears laid back, and he knew "mom" was mad at him, and that he'd done something wrong.?  But what could I do when minutes later I watched as he inched his way towards me, reached me and kissed my hand??  He wanted my forgiveness.?  And naturally, I gave it.

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When he was eyeballing my new slippers, after he'd eaten his, I picked one up and said, "NO!?  This is MINE, not yours, you ate yours."?  He laid those ears back and he understood, he's never touched mine yet.

When we adopted Ladybug, we watched her when she was out in the yard removing every weed, and little tree and twig.?  She fragmented every single one of them.?  I thought it odd, but a few days later, when three boys came into our yard carrying a stick and Ladybug crouched and began shaking.......I knew.?  I knew she'd been hit with sticks from whoever had her before we adopted her.?  It took us a while to even be able to get a yard stick out in front of her without her hiding under the bed but eventually she realized that in this new home, no one was going to hit her with a stick.? 

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When I come home from work and I know I smell great because I'll have been making chocolates all day, both my dogs bark, circle around me and kiss my legs.?  They get so happy when I say, "How have my children been today?"

And at bedtime when I say, "It's time for bed", they beat me to the bed.?  Bob has to rearrange the covers every night.?  That's the one thing I've not truly understood yet.......why he bunches the comforter up, jumps on it, barks, and stays five minutes, then moves down to the foot of the bed where he spends the night next to Ladybug.

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When my husband is coming home, I'll say, "Guess who's coming?"?  Both dogs run to the window, Ladybug's tail is standing straight up with that curl on the end, and Bob's little "Nub" of a tail wiggles so fast.?  When hubby pulls in the yard, they both run to the door.?  Then he too gets covered with kisses when he comes through the door.

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All the love, all the protection, all the kindness a human can ask for, we are given by our pets.?  All they ask in return is to keep some water in their bowl, some food in their dish and let them outside when they need to go, and to love them.

To me, the things they ask for is small for what they give to us.?  And they're much cheaper than raising regular children.?  I don't have to buy any clothes.?  I don't need to buy school supplies.?  They don't beg at every commercial with "I want that for Christmas" when all the ads show a thousand different toys at the Holidays.

They lick their bowl clean, so you don't always have to wash it daily.?  They never spill their water.?  They don't need shoes thought they do ask that we clip their nails at times.

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They are happy? knowing we get them annual shots to protect them.?  They eat their little heartworm once a month and LIKE IT.?  Show me a kid who likes their medicine!? 

There is only one thing my dogs don't like and that's a bath.?  When they see me get a towel out and head for the middle bathroom, it's like they have radar and they must whisper to each other, "Run, she's getting the water and soap ready AND the towel!"?  Then the chase is on.?  I've yet to see either of mine go willingly into the bath tub.?  But when I take them to the park, they'll gladly jump into the cold creek and wade up to their necks.? ? ?  Clean water compared to dirty water? ? A nice clean towel to dry off with compared to shaking the water off, then rolling in the dirt??  Go figure.

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They love new toys.?  Our Bob loves to pull all the stuffing out of his.?  His little Santa he got last Christmas.....Santa looks like he's been on the low carb diet way too long and took it overboard.

Ladybug, on the other hand, keeps her stuffed animals intact.? 

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I could go on and on.?  All my life, I've had dogs that have left my heart with puppy prints and adult dog prints.?  And I know those who lived before are all waiting at that Rainbow bridge for the day I cross to their side.?  What a reunion it will be.

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Sharon Bryant

1946 @bellsouth.net

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About Me:

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? 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

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

Commemorating the 60^th anniversary, August 14, 1945 ??“ End of the Second World War, Bill Walker presents:

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This I Know

Bill Walker

wildbill6807@yahoo.com

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I was reading? something that seems to float about every year about this time. That is late July into August. It has to do with the dates of? 14Th of August 1945, and about a couple weeks before.?  The day of Japan saying we surrender.?  It is about the bad Americans.? ? You did know about the Bad Americans, didn't you?

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It is about, wrote by a bunch of young whips that never lived the times of World War Two. Has no clue what the times was, and can read nothing of the facts. All they care to do is tell about the Bad Americans.

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Now their story is about how we now know the dropping of the two atom bombs? on Japan was nothing but murder by order of President Harry S.? Truman.?  Japan was begging for peace long before those dates.?  What a bunch of hog wash!!!!

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Now I don't care what these people says now or ever. In fact I don't care if they can dig up some facts pointing to what some of what they say is true.

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I do believe there is some truth, some in Japan was putting out feelers about ending the war on their terms..?  Any nation or army that is beat, always looks for terms that is more to their liking. I mean sure we will stop fighting, but can we get better terms.

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Does any of these arm chair brains read the terms laid down by Japan to the commanders of Islands, and lands the troops of Japan had over ran?? ?  Let me tell you what the terms was.?  There was none.?  Just sign here on this paper. We will fill in the blank page later. And the butcher will do with what is left of the now non humans as he sees fit.

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Does any of these arm chair brains ever read about the rape? of Nanking? Do they every read about Bataan Death March? Do they ever read about the other crimes done? in the name of the god of Japan, the Emperor??  Hell no they can't read.?  But they set in their arm chairs and read and dream up crap about the Bad Americans.?  Let me tell you something, those people had this old Redneck American mad. I don't care what, nor how much, and how many damn college degrees they have.?  They don't have nothing between the ears but slush.

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Stand by, I am going to give you some history that is not in some Johnny come of late history book. Wrote by some little nit that never lived the times, don't check out the times, and a few other things.

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Now I was in Korea in the years of 1953 and 1954.? ? I also spent a little R and R time in Japan.?  At the time I? never thought what I was doing was learning facts for later use.? ? Could now say I was an investigator reporter. I would met and make friends with someone for a short time. I asked and was told the life and times of this person in the big war. These are just the little people.?  The man or woman on the street. The ones that paid the price for the hate, lust, and greed of the war makers.

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First off was a man in Korea. I have no idea now what his name was, nor just how old he was at the time I knew him.?  He was a strong, well built man I do know that. He told things that would make you cry. He told about inhuman acts toward others.?  Again you must remember any prisoner of war, is a non human.?  These was British, and American and others. Some was Koreans. Forced slave labor, any one that couldn't cut the mustard was killed. Ran though by sword. Ever so often these would be lined up. One pulled out of the lines. And head lopped off.?  That was to make the others work that much harder. Oh and we don't trouble burring them either. Let the animals and birds have something to chew on. This man told me that.?  He lived there, he seen that, he lived that.? ? I believe he told the facts. ?  These facts you are not going to get from some come of late arm chair brain college PhD.

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Then there was young boys that worked around the base. You could get those to talk. They told what their folks told them. And maybe they? too remembered, after all they ran the ages of 16 or so.?  They would have been? 6 or 8? at the time of Japan holding this land.

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Then there was the time I went to Tokyo. My last day of freedom before I checked in to make the long awaited trip home.?  The sky opened up and was dumping buckets of water.? ? I ducked into a place where I could stand? and be out of the down pore. A boy handed me a little paper, nothing new. I already had a pocket full. These are the size of the tracks one gets from church people. I bet the things are printed up by the same people.?  These tell what joys are to be found at some place up stairs near by. Well to make a long story short, ? I had just got my Dear Bill letter. I think I had been true to Miss Pat up to this point.?  I was also thinking why not see what goes on in these places.

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OK now I mushed up stairs and committed a great sin.?  I got to tell you all about this great sin. Here I can tell you, oh how I sinned. Oh Heaven help me, oh I sinned. Say this sounds just like some of them great television preachers don't it??  Well if setting and talking to some Japanese girl of something like 20 or so is a sin. I did it. Now for all that was getting to think young Bill did something,?  yes Bill did. She kept her clothes on, I was a nice guy, mine stayed on too. We talked.

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She told me about the fire bombings, the horrors of war on the home front. She also told about how the people was being told any day the hated Americans was going to wade in and take over, rape the women, the girls and so on. Take what they wanted, burn the rest. Now the young and old must take up arms of any kind and fight to the death, when these hated thugs come? on shore. This she told me.

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I must say I? have a lovely evening just setting and talking to this young lady.? ? When it came time I had to go, I told her I had no idea where to go to get the train to the base. She said that was no problem she would get me there. ? We went down the stairs, she got a taxi. We got in and was soon at a train stop. She even got a ticket for me.?  Of course I gave her the money, I am sure I gave her more then the ticket price. She gave me a good bye kiss. And we parted company. I guess that was the sin of the evening. I always will remember that evening with that then young lady. Who debunks this thinking of the arm chair brains that?  know nothing of the times and thinking of the Japanese people.

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These arm chair brain better think also about? something else.?  What if the tables had been turned? Japan landed troops on the west coast. They would have been met not only by our troops, but men, women, and even children with what ever weapon at hand.?  Japan knew that, the Americans do have guns in the house, that is the average American owns at least one gun of some kind.

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While the average person in Japan does not have a gun, they had other things. A sharpened stick will do if nothing else. There is an old saying. "I may not have a gun, till I take it from your? lifeless hand, then I have a gun to get more."

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Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write

http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-35741-5

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~**~**~? 

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When Love is lost

Norma Liles

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In 1952, I was a young immature 22 yr old bride who thought she and her new hubby had the world

by the tail; short on money but rich in love!?  I could not see the forest for the trees but as I

look back upon my life, alcohol was a problem which would loom over my married life.

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Looking back on my life, I well remember the pride that I felt when I would capture my new

love giving me 'that look!'?  We were so in tune with each other that it was not impossible for

the one to finish the sentence that the other had started; looking forward to his day's off from

work to be together as he worked away from home for five days at a time.?  We filled those days

with simple pleasures such as walks as we did not own a vehicle at that time; going to the

neighborhood bar for a few beers for him and a soft drink for me.?  Can you see the handwriting

on the wall?

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We did not go into this marriage alone; meaning that my husband had been the sole breadwinner

for his Mother and his crippled brother.?  His Mother cried very hard at our marriage as she saw what

the future held for us; one of heartache and disillusionment.?  My income was very necessary for our

maintain any semblance of a livelihood but when I became pregnant, I found it necessary to stop

working to keep from aborting my baby.

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It is with sadness that we moved in with my Mother-in-law and brother-in-law as we could not

support two households.?  The closeness that we had went right out the window as the home was

not that large which gave us very little privacy so the new daddy to be found solace in the bottle.

I was left to my own devices; ever the Pollyannist; that life would improve; being so happily

pregnant.

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In December 1953, I delivered a healthy baby girl who became the light of my life; a good natured

baby who adored her daddy and her being his little princess but once the shine of a new parenthood

wore dim; he turned even deeper into the bottle with the loss of jobs so he opted to go to the closest

city for employment.

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I was left to fend for myself and my extended family which I had married into plus the care of a delightful

little girl who had wormed her way into the hearts of her grandmother and uncle; so much so that when

my husband became ill and was hospitalized in said city, it was necessary for me to follow him there for

employment as our financial resources were depleted leaving us deep in debt.? 

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In 1956, I found low pay employment in that city but it was necessary for me to leave the care of my

baby to a sister who had other children.?  This was not to my liking but with this? city being strange to me

and without the knowledge of a good sitter who I could afford, I faced the daily challenges By this time,

my husband was out of the hospital and on sick leave but eventually, he returned to work.?  Within a few

months, we found ourselves debt free with the combination of both incomes.

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As I look back, I could see the consummation of alcohol seemed to grow by leaps and bounds and over

the years, his habit caused him to lose good jobs and more and more, we depended on my income for

sustenance.?  I was not your happy camper and my daughter was starting to feel the affects of a disturbed

working Mom who spent what time she could with her offspring but accepting any and all extra worktime

to pay the bills; homemade and bar.

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It was with a heavy heart that in 1971,? I walked into the office of an attorney whose office was in the same building

where I worked to start proceedings toward dissolving a marriage of twenty years.?  That was one of the most difficult

things that I have ever done as my husband was the love of my life but when alcohol controls the lives of

three people, love is lost, never to return.

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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.

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Poetry Section

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Remember Yesterday

Sandra Van Nocker

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Life was just there
It seemed all feelings were lost
Searching, praying, dreaming, hoping
All seemed in an endless circle
Around and around again
Not knowing how to cease
Was this all there is I screamed inside
I believe in so much more
Still a flicker of hope remained
Buried deep inside
Waiting to be ignited
Longing to live again
Surrendering to it all
It was out of my control
Suddenly a spark appeared
Gleaming through my eyes and
Flooding my heart with passion
A breath of life into my very essense
Came rushing through my veins
Overtaking every part of my body
Occupying every crevise of my being
All hidden and protected
Was now free to ignite
Released from its bondage
To forever remember yesterday
The beautiful gift of yesterday.

SamV678@msn.com

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Opening To Love

Sandra Van Nocker

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Entranced by his allure
Handsome and strong
Relishing him
Contently looking
Into my eyes.
A winsome smile
That takes your
Breath away.

Returning the gaze
Looking into his eyes
Endless wonder shone
From deep within.
A serene soul
Protected,
Hidden,
Unwilling to be
Vulnerable
But revealed
In his caress.

An overwhelming feeling
To open my heart
Revealing it is safe
To open his own.
Exposing my feelings
And taking that chance
On love.

SamV678@msn.com

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I live in Lansing, Michigan and am a mother of three boys.?  I just write when I'm inspired, so I have no "formal" bio.

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Submitted by Bob Shaw, author unknown to him

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Just Because"

Just because no one has been fortunate
enough to realize what a gold mine you are,
doesn't mean you shine any less.

Just because no one has been smart enough
to figure out that you can't be topped, doesn't
stop you from being the best.

Just because no one has come along to share
your life, doesn't mean that day isn't coming.

Just because no one has made this race
worth while, doesn't give you permission
to stop running.

Just because no one has realized how much
of a woman you are, doesn't mean they can
affect your femininity.

Just because no one has come to take the
loneliness away, doesn't mean you have to
settle for a lower quality.

Just because no one has shown up who
can love you on your level, doesn't mean
you have to sink to theirs.

Just because you deserve the very best
there is, doesn't mean that life is always fair.

Just because God is still preparing your
king, doesn't mean that you're not already
a queen.

Just because your situation doesn't seem
to be progressing right now, doesn't mean
you need to change a thing.

Keep shining,
Keep running,
Keep hoping,
Keep praying,

Keep being exactly what you are already - COMPLETE!

Author Unknown To Me

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Writers Feedback

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Robyn Cavalara ??“ Congratulations - YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT THE LEVEL OF BEING A SENIOR WRITER.?  MORE PROSPECT AHEAD TO YOU IN JESUS NAME ??“ AMEN!

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GEORGEWATERS OJEIGBE ??“ LAGOS, NIGERIA

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Carol,

? ?  I know what you mean about the heat my friend.?  I can't remember a summer in west virginia that has been this hot.?  We usually have comfortable temperatures in the mountains here in the summer.?  This year it has been day after day of over 90 degrees.

? ? ?  I hope that we both are feeling cooler and better soon my friend.

Until then we can both be thankful for soap and showers.?  Wishing you every joy, Joe

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? SENIOR WRITERS

Chief Writer: Sharon Bryant

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? Agee, Vance;?  Apted, Violet;?  Baker, Kathy;?  Batt, Al;?  Berry, Nell;

Boda, Ginger;? ?  Buhagiar, Victor; Cassady, B.J.;?  Cavalera, Robyn; 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;?  Shiveley, Debra; Shaw, Bob; Sims, Richard; Swarner, Ken; Vaknin, Sam; Verhoeff, Jan

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

Whirity, Kathy;?  White, Robert;

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STORYTIME TAPESTRY STAFF

Publisher: Carol Roach-founder

Moderator: Thelma Hartselle-co founder

Moderator: Clara Westerfer

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