Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness around the world.

May 18, 2006

Today’s announcements

Today we are welcoming Mary Carter Mizrany as writer # 326 to Storytime Tapestry.  Please email her a big welcome in the true Storytime Tapestry tradition.

Now onto the good stuff!

Today’s Mother’s Day Stories

~**~**~

"PRESHUS MEMORIES"
Sweet childhood memories
written by Mary Carter Mizrany©
musingbymary@aol.com

Growing up during World War II wasn't the easiest way of life for most citizens of America. Our family was no different in many ways. The main sacrifice was the absence of my daddy, who joined The Marine Corp the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese.

I was too young to remember very much about those months after daddy left. Oh, but I DO remember the nights brother and I slept with mother; the three of us crying until sleep overcame us.
Mother began trying to sort out just how things would be in our family with daddy away. It was decided that brother and I would go to live with grandmother and grandpa.

Although we missed our daddy and mother terribly, especially the first few months; life on the farm was DELIGHTFUL:-) There was no electricity, no indoor plumbing (if you catch my drift:-), and cooking & heating was on an old black iron wood~burning stove. We used kerosene lamps for lighting. Bath water had to be heated on that old stove, too. Grandmother bathed us in a number two washtub which was no small feat. Because of these circumstances, brother and I had only about two "real" baths a week. The other evenings we'd just get "wash~offs".

On the days we'd find an old cardboard box ~ flatten it out to make a sled . . . there you'd find us flying down the hill on our make~shift sleds having the time of our lives. Quite some years before television, but, we did have one oft hose old~fashioned radios. It was battery~operated, therefore,
time~rationing was very important to grandmother. Grandpa loved to listen to The Grand Ole' Opry on Saturday night and there was preaching both of them enjoyed hearing.

In preparation for a Saturday night's funtime, grandmother always provided delicious treats upon which to feast: caramel popcorn balls, apple fritters, roasted candied pecans and homemade cookies of all sorts. WHAT A FEAST !!! After radio~time, we'd gather around her upright piano for a sing~a~long. I recall Christmases she allowed us to help her make decorations for the Christmas tree. We strung popcorn, painted pine cones, dressed a cardboard angel for the tree top and grandmother would place a few candles upon the branches.
What PRECIOUS memories:-)

Warm, fuzzy feelings also often return to me when I think of those marvelous feather mattresses piled high with grandma's quilts and feather comforters in the wintertime. Cozy & snuggly were we as we enjoyed hot chocolate & homemade goodies with which grandmother tucked us in at night.
Ohhhh, we had our share of sulphur & molasses, too, when that was called for ~ plus a number of other good ole' "home remedies". Our grandmother just KNEW how to make an ailing child WELL ! Even THOSE times are remembered dearly.

In the summertime, grandmother thoughtfully sprinkled the beds with fragrance enhanced water to cool the sheets. After prayers, Brother and I drifted off to dreamland with the fragrance of heather, lavender, rose, rosemary, cinnamon filling our noses. Ahhhhhhhh, sweet memories:-)

I remember how grandmother and grandpa would "wake up with the chickens" ~ literally:-) They raised chickens, turkey, guinea, a few cattle, ducks and PIGS. Also, they farmed vegetables and operated a small dairy.

It was at the age of eight I fell madly in love with PIGS. The sows had several litters during our time on the farm. The hogs were OIC breed ~ totally white with pink noses and ears. I remember holding each little piglet ~ I was literally in "HOG'S HEAVEN" :-) I named each one and grandpa
would allow me to tag along with him down to the sty to tend the hogs. Even in his busyness . . . he would take time for me to hold the baby piglets (against their mother's better judgment, may I add:). Nonetheless, this was a childhood delight and very special time for me.

Brother had his chores ~ I had mine. Brother usually helped grandpa in the fields (although sometime I would get to tag along there, as well:-) Sugar cane ~ watermelon ~ cantaloupe &
every kind of vegetable you can think of ~ they raised. Row after row of corn ~ peanuts ~ potatoes ~ onions ~ beans and peas are just some of grandpa's crops. Grandmother also planted and tended her own "Victory" garden.

Churning was one of "my" chores ~ what a laugh ~ for I dearly  LOVED IT. It surely was NEVER a chore to me. I loved the sweet, creamy butter we received from my "labours". Also, delicious buttermilk with which grandmother taught me to bake buttermilk biscuits ~ not to mention
cornbread. I helped grandmother can whatever vegetables and fruit were in season. I remember the rows of brightly colored jars lining the shelves in the cellar. Not only were they lovely, but DELICIOUS. We also had a root cellar ~ home of onions, potatoes and such. Also, a smoke house for the meats.

One of my fonder memories was grandmother's brass bell. She'd get out on that back porch and begin ringing that bell ~ calling grandpa in from the fields. He would be dragging from hours
spent plowing. Here he'd come with brother bringing up the rear. Grandpa'd be awhistlin':-) How grandpa loved to whistle. Chores were long from over though . . . off he went to call up the
cows and herd them into the barn for milking. Cows had to be milked morning and evening along with all the other routine for dairying. Everyone pitched in on the milking in the evening
'cause it was near suppertime.

We LOVED suppertime. Grandmother knew how to prepare food fit for a king. Her meals were never haphazardly prepared. Grandmother took pride in everything she did.
She was a wonderful cook ~ a fabulous seamstress ~ artful gardener ~ supreme homemaker !!! Not only that . . .she was so well respected by everyone in that community. Her advice was often sought for all manner of things. Grandmother wasn't "educated" in college (few women were at that time) . . . but she had WISDOM. God given wisdom and good common sense gave grandmother gifts and talents for which she was greatly admired. Grandmother must have been kissed by angels:-) Grandmother would have quilting bees, in which several of our neighbor~ladies would participate. I recall the quilting frame was suspended from the ceiling and the ladies gathered round
to fellowship and quilt. Grandmother would prepare "special" treats to serve during "quilting" and taught me the finer points of "serving" guests. What a special time this was for all of us. I can almost smell the fragrance of fresh apple, cherry and blackberry pies baking in that old iron wood burning stove . . . YUMMY !!!

Blackberry pickin' was on the list of "favorite~things~to~do", as well. Brother and I carried our pails and off we'd go into the woods in search of those tasty blackberries.
To this day blackberry jam is my favorite biscuit and toast topper:-)

I shall never forget one disaster that occurred during our blackberry picking. There we were . . . just minding our own business, filling our pails with luscious berries, when to our horror, hornets began swarming all over brother (he'd inadvertently stepped upon a hornet's nest). Of all the hootin' ~ hollerin' ~ screaming & crying that went on as pails went flying one way and brother and I running the other as fast as our legs could carry us ~ hornets giving chase !!! Brother was stung quite a few places and in MUCH pain by the time we arrived at the house. I've often wondered why the hornets did not sting me. I thank the Lord they didn't !

Our darlin' grandmother "took the bull by the horns" and immediately began doctorin' brother. I shall never forget what she used to take the pain out of those stings. Of all things ~ grandpa's earwax ~ can you believe it? And what is even MORE shocking ~ IT WORKED:-) She told grandpa to dig out some of his earwax and he accommodated her. It seemed to immediately begin soothing those stings, for which brother was SO grateful. Blackberry pickin' would have to wait for another day.

Church is another very fond and sweet memory for me. Grandpa would hitch up the mules to the wagon and off we'd go dressed in our Sunday best. We were there every time the doors opened. Grandmother played piano for both The Methodists and Baptists ( shared the same church building). She also taught Sunday School.  It was an ole' wooden country church with wooden benches for pews. Ladies carried those old~fashioned fans and made good use of them throughout services.

I suppose there just WERE NOT any BAD cooks in that little country community:-) Sometimes we'd have all~day~singings with dinner~on~the~ground:-) My, my, my ~ ~ ~ what cherished memories are stored in my treasure chest. The tables would be set up with white tablecloths filled up with the most delicious soul food anyone can imagine. Fried chicken was always my favorite of the meats. Potatoes have always been my favorite tubers. One just can't ruin a potato as far as I'm concerned. Then every kind of vegetable cooked in a variety of ways ~ ALL just mouthwatering ~ not to mention DESSERTS ~ NOTHING store bought for SURE !!!

Praying~ preaching~singing~then outside to the other "goodies" !!! Babies tucked away in cradles with teens left to fan them to sleep ~ menfolk taking their plates to sit under a spreading oak tree to settle the problems of the world. Ladies fussing around with the food making sure everyone
had a plate. Then and only then would their plates be filled and a time to visit with one another talking over the sermon  (and lady~talk) while the children feasted and frolicked. Beautiful moments ~ beautiful memories that shall last me
a lifetime.

Dedicated to my loving grandparents: Oscar L. and Mary J. Bowlin now making their Home in Heaven

Mary  Carter  Mizrany
founder of On Wings of Faith Ministries
website: www.onwingsoffaith.com
resides in Humble, Texas 
email:  musingbymary@aol.com

Mother’s Day Poetry Section

~**~**~

"I PICKED A LOVELY FLOWER"
Mary Carter Mizrany

Grandmother's name was Mary
a sweet, old~fashioned   name . . .
The day that I was born
mother chose,   for me,   the same . . .

Her songs filled up my childhood
with heart   so young and   gay . . .
Pampering ‘n   petting   me
"You're my angel", she would say ~

I picked   a lovely   flower
‘twould be   the best   surprise . . .
As blue as Heav'n   up above
just like   my mother's   eyes ~

Guess   I was five or six by then
it   pleased her   I could   tell . . .
"You always choose the very best"
said she, as her  teardrops fell ~

Time flew on by (it always does)
I grew from child   to   teen . . .
The bond of love grew sweeter still
cherished memories we did glean ~

She picked a   lovely   flower
‘twas   on   my   wedding   day . . .
"You'll always be my angel"
I heard   dear mother   say ~

Throughout the   fleeting seasons
mother's songs still filled   my head . . .
With mistakes and consequences
each page of Life's book I   read ~

She helped   me raise my children
"Big Mama" was   their   delight . . .
They   received their share of pampering
were   prayed   for   every night ~

G G   her   great~grands called   her
as   each one   came   along . . .
In their voices I   still   hear
chords   of my   mother's   song ~

They each   picked   lovely flowers
as   I'd   done   so   long   ago . . .
Loved to pet   and pamper   her
oh my,   this   pleased   her   so ~

Mother shared my joys and sorrows
until   the   very   end . . .
As she drew   her final breath
I whisper'd, "Farewell my dearest friend" ~

I picked a lovely   flower
laid   it   upon   her   breast  . . .
God whisper'd, "She's with me now,  child,
I   ALWAYS   CHOOSE   THE  BEST" !

Mary   Carter Mizrany
Mother's    Day   2005

Dedicated to my precious mother,
RACHEL   LOUISE   CARTER nee BOWLIN
November 1, 1916 ~ January 20, 1999

She kissed our lives   with love !
You'll always be my angel, darlin' mother !!!
        I love you,
          Maryxo

~**~**~

MY GRANDMOTHER'S MAGIC APRON

Mary Carter Mizrany

To some it's just  an  apron
old  garment  of  no  worth . . .
but the memories it  holds for me
are the dearest ones on earth ~

Grandmother wore it  often
for  lots of things  she did . . .
seemed like a bit 'O magic
when  I  was  just a  kid  ~

I'd  see her in the chicken coop
as  chicken  feed  she'd  throw . . .
how she made that apron like a sack
I tell you  I  don't  know ~

Why  it held eggs she'd gather
the hens laid  every  day . . .
"I  just can't cook without it"
I'd  hear  grandmother  say  ~

If company was  acomin'
she dusted  with it,  too . . .
dried at least a thousand teardrops
'n  snot when, she, our noses blew ~

Into the garden there she'd go
with   apron held out  wide . . .
soon  peas 'n corn 'n beans 'n taters
were  carried  on  inside  ~

We'd sit awhile upon the porch
a mess of  beans  we'd  clean . . .
string 'em first ~ then snap 'em
awwwww~ you know what I mean ~

For the always hungry old~fashion'd stove
she'd tote  kindlin  from  the  shed . . .
"My apron sure comes in handy"
so worn out  her face all  red  ~

So much love 'n  comfort ~ tenderness
given to us for so many years . . .
just can't think about those precious times
without my eyes filling up with tears  ~

To some  just a worn~out piece of cloth
but, oh my,  not so  to  me . . .
My  Grandmother's  Magic  Apron
like her, lives forever in my memory !

Mary  Carter  Mizrany©
  March 27, 2006

In memory of my darlin' grandmother,
Mary Jane  Bowlin
Sweetest angel e'er  lived!

I love & miss you, darlin' grandmother,

Your  Maryxo


Mary  Carter  Mizrany
founder ~ On Wings of Faith Ministries
website:  www.onwingsoffaith.com
resides in Humble, Texas
email:  musingbymary@aol.com
" Mary  Carter  Mizrany©
  March 27, 2006
~**~**~

"PORTRAIT OF A MOTHER"

God places within a mother's heart
love that knows no end . . .
and paints in golden letters
"FOREVER FAITHFUL FRIEND" ~


Fills her tongue with wisdom
to instruct and gently lead . . .
with tender hands to minister
to her children's unique need ~


Her lips He fills with kisses
fashions hugs within her arms . . .
affection that lasts a lifetime
and many delightful charms ~


The courage of a lion He
implants within her breast . . .
to protect her babes at any cost
she gives her very best ~


Sculpts a lap shaped for sitting
to hold a child just right . . .
adds enough soothing lullabyes
to sing both day and night ~



Crowns her with deep compassion
breathes within her endless Joy . . .
to understand each struggle of
her offspring ~ girl or boy ~


Patience is her middle name
her prayers are bath'd in tears . . .
and every prayer a mother prays
Father in Heaven hears ~



Gossamer wings God craft'd not
yet one day children realize . . .
the precious one whom we call mother
is an ANGEL~IN~DISGUISE !



Mary Carter Mizrany
May 1, 2003
Protected by Laws of Copyright


Dedicated to
Carolyn Beltz Mizrany
our precious angel~heart mother!
She now resides in Heaven.
We love you, mom
Mary & G. E.

~**~**~

"SHE DIDN'T KNOW I LISTEN'D"

Mary Carter Mizrany

She didn't know I listen'd
as her soul~cry filled the air . . .
Oh, but this was not the first time
I'd heard my mother's prayer ~

For in her weariness & pain
each night on God she'd call . . .
Before her eyes would close in sleep
"Dear Father, BLESS THEM ALL" ~

Then she'd name us one by one
on His Altar our needs place . . .
She'd pray the strangest prayers
words time can ne'er erase ~

"Help me be a loving father"
I just could not believe my ears . . .
"I fear they're missing so much, Lord"
she'd whisper through her tears ~

"Lord, I can't throw a baseball
Nor tie a sailor's knot . . .
Can't whittle or shoot marbles, Lord
What he needs, Father, I ain't got" ~

"Strong arms is what my girls need,
Lord, so they'll feel so secure . . .
A daddy's point of view, sweet Jesus
You understand me, I am sure" ~

"Mother's can do only half the job
No matter how hard we try . . .
Their dad left so many years ago
Lord . . . I've never known just why" ~

"Before too long it's Father's Day
And I'll see their tear~dimm'd eyes . . .
They'll wait again expectantly, Lord
Disappointment they cannot disguise" ~

"OH, help us, Lord, to be thankful for
Our blessings" ~ I'd hear mama pray . . .
In the matchless name of Jesus Christ"
As she'd brush the tears away ~

Many years have passed since then
Mama's hair is no longer gold . . .
Her children left "the nest" years ago
but ~ what sweet memories we hold ~

God must have heard mama's prayers
'Cause He answered them one by one . . .
She's still the BEST mama AND daddy
Who e'er raised three daughters & a son !

Mary Carter Mizrany
June 6, 2003
Copyrighted. All rights reserved.

Senior Writers

Chief writer: Sharon Bryant

                                     Chief researcher/historian: Hartson Dowd

Agee, Vance; Apted, Violet; Baker, Kathy; Batt, Al; Berry, Nell; Blaine, Pamela; Boda, Ginger; Buhagiar, Victor; Cassady, B.J.; Cavalera, Robyn; Crider, Mark; Deming, Barb; Doherty, Maria; Gilbert, Robert, Jr.; Goodier, Steve; Braun-Haley, Ellie; Harris, Kathy Anne; Hunt, Sharlett; Hymes, Christina; Jacobson, Gary; Kiser, Roger Dean; Kerens, Claudia; Kevin, Tim; Jenkins, Pamela; Liles, Norma; Lily Jodi Flesberg; Lock, Joyce; Marlor, Janice Bumbalough; Mazzella, Joe; Morris, Deepak; Ojeibge, Georgewaters; Petry, Dianna Doles; Roberts, Susan; Shiveley, Debra; Shaw, Bob; Sims, Richard; Streidel, Saskia; Swarner, Ken; Vaknin, Sam; Verhoeff, Jan; Walker, Bill; Walker, Joe; Warner, Gordon, K; Walsh, Sue; Weymouth, Barbara J.; Whirity, Kathy;

Wainland, David; Westerfer, Clara; White Robert;

Storytime Tapestry Staff

Carol Roach - Founder/publisher

Thelma Hartselle - Co-Founder, Moderator

Clara Westerfer – moderator

Bob Johnson - moderator