Sacred Flowers In the religion and mythology of almost every ancient nation in the world, a garden is portrayed as the dwelling place of the gods, or the first home of the parents of mankind. In Indian literature, the gods resided in the Garden of Indra, among fruits and flowers that gave immortality. The sacred meanings given to the plants that first grew in these marvellous gardens and have since been dedicated or symbolic to the gods and prominent figures of the world's religions, have been handed down through generations. Among the flowers dedicated to the Christian saints are; St. Hilary (January 13) barren strawberry St. Blaise (February 3) teasel, for the patron saint of wool-combers (thistles were used in lieu of them in England) St. David (March 1) leek or daffodil St. George (April 23) bluebell St. Dunstan (May 19) monkshood St. Swithin (July 15) Cape marigold St. Augustine (August 28) golden rod St. Giles (September 1) St. Giles' orpine St. Crispin (October 25) fleabane starwort St. Catherine (November 25) originally sweet butter burr, now changed to love-in-a-mist; it's surrounding foliage somewhat resembles the wheel by which she met her death. St. Nicholas (December 6) nest-flowered heath. Sprigs of the plant used to be left at the end of the bed on Christmas Eve to acknowledge his generosity. The lotus is so highly venerated as a plant that it appears symbolically in architecture, paintings, and held by Egyptian mummies. The Egyptians themselves grew three species of lotus, one blue-flowered, one white, and one red. It was sacred to the Greeks as a symbol of beauty, and in Hindu tradition, a golden lotus bore the god Brahma. The lotus is used as a symbol for Buddha in both India and China, and as the emblem of paradise in Japan; in it's different incarnations, it represents the spirituality of a large area of the world. The olive is believed to have been in cultivation from it's wild form for around 5000 years. Olive groves existed in Egypt and ancient Crete, and find ings by archaelogists have established that the culture surrounding the olive was an important part in these two civilizations. The virtues of the olive tree, which provided not only a better and varied diet, but lamp-oil, bringing primitive people from darkness into light, have made it the most valued and important tree in both Roman and Christian writings. Jesus Christ spent his last night in the Garden of Gesthemane beneath an olive tree, and anointment with olive oil is symbolic to a large part of Christendom. The olive branch became a worldwide symbol of peace due to the fact that in early harvesting, many years passed between planting the seed and gathering the final fruit, and no man who did not wish for a long and peaceful life would plant an olive grove. The dove is associated with the olive as the messenger who brought back an olive branch, or leaf to Noah aboard the Ark so that he knew the flood was drawing to an end and trees could be seen above the water. A German tradition says that this leaf came from the olive tree which had sprung from the grave of Adam. The vine also shares with the fig and olive trees the symbolism of peace, and was probably the first wild plant to be cultivated. In pagan times, it was the plant of Bacchus, and statues of the god were decorated with vine leaves and grapes. The Greeks and Romans grew more than sixty varieties of vine. A vine tree is said to have grown when the angel who was ordered to drive Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden stuck his staff into the ground and wept for them. He duly presented the tree to Adam. Noah also planted a vineyard when he emerged from the Ark and settled on dry land again. Passion flower Foremost among the Christian flower symbols of the New World, it's pointed leaf was likened to the spear, the tendrils to whips, the column of the ovary to the cross, and the dark circle of threads in the center to the crown of thorns, the whole flower being seen as a dramatic symbol of the passion of Jesus Christ. If the flowers were white, it denoted piety; blue, heaven, and the three days that the flowers' lifespan consists of meant that, "so shall the Son of man be three days and nights in the heart of the earth." Resurrection flower It grows in the sands of Egypt, Arabia, and Syria. When the flowers and leaves have died and fallen, the drying branches curl inwards, forming a round ball; after the roots die, the plant is blown around by the winds before lodging in a damp spot. The ball then expands again, and deposits it's seeds, which germinate. Once watered, the dried-up looking young plants soon begin to bud. The plant was thought to be favorable to nativity, and was also called the Rose of the Madonna. It was believed to have bloomed first at Christ's birth, and then closed at the Crucifixion, before blooming once again at Easter. It's other popular name is the Rose of Jericho. Briar rose The plant which formed Christ's crown of thorns. In the early days of flower symbolism in Christianity, it stood for the blood of the martyrs; later it was dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, the 'Mystic Rose'. Lily The white lily is dedicated to Mary in most Catholic countries, and has been a symbol of purity since the twelfth century. In the earliest paintings of the Annunciation, lilies usually appear, and her husband, St. Joseph, is sometimes also pictured holding a lily. The flower was also associated with St. Catherine, who converted her pagan father to Christianity when the previously scentless madonna lily produced wonderful perfume. Iris The Christian emblem of royalty, the future king of the world, depicted as a crown of irises over the head of the Virgin Mother, in the hand of the infant Christ, or blooming outside the stable. Columbine It's petals symbolize the seven gifts of the Spirit. The wild columbine has only five petals; early artists retained the meaning by painting seven flowers on one stalk. >From the thirteenth century, the tradition grew of displaying in churches and homes at Christmas time models of the stable, crib and Holy family. Nowadays in similiar decorations, the stable is filled only with hay or straw, but great care was taken in previous years when choosing every plant that would form part of the tableau. Each was chosen for it's fragrance or symbolism. Together, they were called cradle-grasses, or Holy Hay. Legends grew around the flowers, and appropriate names were given to them. In Lincolnshire, the name given to garden mint was Sage of Bethlehem. All the mints were dedicated to Mary, in Britain, France, Germany and also in Italy, where a smaller mint, given the name of Brotherwort, was chosen. It gave off a strong scent when trodden on, and was often used in processions or on the floors of banqueting halls. The old botanical name for the wild thyme is Cunilago, Cradlewort, and it is also one of the Nativity plants. The seeds of the sow-thistle supplied the down in the crib for the baby to lay on. It was called St. Marie's seeds, and is known to grow in Bethlehem.

Sacred Flowers In the religion and mythology of almost every ancient nation in the world, a garden is portrayed as the dwelling place of the gods, or the first home of the parents of mankind. In Indian literature, the gods resided in the Garden of Indra, among fruits and flowers that gave immortality. The sacred meanings given to the plants that first grew in these marvellous gardens and have since been dedicated or symbolic to the gods and prominent figures of the world's religions, have been handed down through generations. Among the flowers dedicated to the Christian saints are; St. Hilary (January 13) barren strawberry St. Blaise (February 3) teasel, for the patron saint of wool-combers (thistles were used in lieu of them in England) St. David (March 1) leek or daffodil St. George (April 23) bluebell St. Dunstan (May 19) monkshood St. Swithin (July 15) Cape marigold St. Augustine (August 28) golden rod St. Giles (September 1) St. Giles' orpine St. Crispin (October 25) fleabane starwort St. Catherine (November 25) originally sweet butter burr, now changed to love-in-a-mist; it's surrounding foliage somewhat resembles the wheel by which she met her death. St. Nicholas (December 6) nest-flowered heath. Sprigs of the plant used to be left at the end of the bed on Christmas Eve to acknowledge his generosity. The lotus is so highly venerated as a plant that it appears symbolically in architecture, paintings, and held by Egyptian mummies. The Egyptians themselves grew three species of lotus, one blue-flowered, one white, and one red. It was sacred to the Greeks as a symbol of beauty, and in Hindu tradition, a golden lotus bore the god Brahma. The lotus is used as a symbol for Buddha in both India and China, and as the emblem of paradise in Japan; in it's different incarnations, it represents the spirituality of a large area of the world. The olive is believed to have been in cultivation from it's wild form for around 5000 years. Olive groves existed in Egypt and ancient Crete, and find ings by archaelogists have established that the culture surrounding the olive was an important part in these two civilizations. The virtues of the olive tree, which provided not only a better and varied diet, but lamp-oil, bringing primitive people from darkness into light, have made it the most valued and important tree in both Roman and Christian writings. Jesus Christ spent his last night in the Garden of Gesthemane beneath an olive tree, and anointment with olive oil is symbolic to a large part of Christendom. The olive branch became a worldwide symbol of peace due to the fact that in early harvesting, many years passed between planting the seed and gathering the final fruit, and no man who did not wish for a long and peaceful life would plant an olive grove. The dove is associated with the olive as the messenger who brought back an olive branch, or leaf to Noah aboard the Ark so that he knew the flood was drawing to an end and trees could be seen above the water. A German tradition says that this leaf came from the olive tree which had sprung from the grave of Adam. The vine also shares with the fig and olive trees the symbolism of peace, and was probably the first wild plant to be cultivated. In pagan times, it was the plant of Bacchus, and statues of the god were decorated with vine leaves and grapes. The Greeks and Romans grew more than sixty varieties of vine. A vine tree is said to have grown when the angel who was ordered to drive Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden stuck his staff into the ground and wept for them. He duly presented the tree to Adam. Noah also planted a vineyard when he emerged from the Ark and settled on dry land again. Passion flower Foremost among the Christian flower symbols of the New World, it's pointed leaf was likened to the spear, the tendrils to whips, the column of the ovary to the cross, and the dark circle of threads in the center to the crown of thorns, the whole flower being seen as a dramatic symbol of the passion of Jesus Christ. If the flowers were white, it denoted piety; blue, heaven, and the three days that the flowers' lifespan consists of meant that, "so shall the Son of man be three days and nights in the heart of the earth." Resurrection flower It grows in the sands of Egypt, Arabia, and Syria. When the flowers and leaves have died and fallen, the drying branches curl inwards, forming a round ball; after the roots die, the plant is blown around by the winds before lodging in a damp spot. The ball then expands again, and deposits it's seeds, which germinate. Once watered, the dried-up looking young plants soon begin to bud. The plant was thought to be favorable to nativity, and was also called the Rose of the Madonna. It was believed to have bloomed first at Christ's birth, and then closed at the Crucifixion, before blooming once again at Easter. It's other popular name is the Rose of Jericho. Briar rose The plant which formed Christ's crown of thorns. In the early days of flower symbolism in Christianity, it stood for the blood of the martyrs; later it was dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, the 'Mystic Rose'. Lily The white lily is dedicated to Mary in most Catholic countries, and has been a symbol of purity since the twelfth century. In the earliest paintings of the Annunciation, lilies usually appear, and her husband, St. Joseph, is sometimes also pictured holding a lily. The flower was also associated with St. Catherine, who converted her pagan father to Christianity when the previously scentless madonna lily produced wonderful perfume. Iris The Christian emblem of royalty, the future king of the world, depicted as a crown of irises over the head of the Virgin Mother, in the hand of the infant Christ, or blooming outside the stable. Columbine It's petals symbolize the seven gifts of the Spirit. The wild columbine has only five petals; early artists retained the meaning by painting seven flowers on one stalk. >From the thirteenth century, the tradition grew of displaying in churches and homes at Christmas time models of the stable, crib and Holy family. Nowadays in similiar decorations, the stable is filled only with hay or straw, but great care was taken in previous years when choosing every plant that would form part of the tableau. Each was chosen for it's fragrance or symbolism. Together, they were called cradle-grasses, or Holy Hay. Legends grew around the flowers, and appropriate names were given to them. In Lincolnshire, the name given to garden mint was Sage of Bethlehem. All the mints were dedicated to Mary, in Britain, France, Germany and also in Italy, where a smaller mint, given the name of Brotherwort, was chosen. It gave off a strong scent when trodden on, and was often used in processions or on the floors of banqueting halls. The old botanical name for the wild thyme is Cunilago, Cradlewort, and it is also one of the Nativity plants. The seeds of the sow-thistle supplied the down in the crib for the baby to lay on. It was called St. Marie's seeds, and is known to grow in Bethlehem.

Sacred Flowers In the religion and mythology of almost every ancient nation in the world, a garden is portrayed as the dwelling place of the gods, or the first home of the parents of mankind. In Indian literature, the gods resided in the Garden of Indra, among fruits and flowers that gave immortality. The sacred meanings given to the plants that first grew in these marvellous gardens and have since been dedicated or symbolic to the gods and prominent figures of the world's religions, have been handed down through generations. Among the flowers dedicated to the Christian saints are; St. Hilary (January 13) barren strawberry St. Blaise (February 3) teasel, for the patron saint of wool-combers (thistles were used in lieu of them in England) St. David (March 1) leek or daffodil St. George (April 23) bluebell St. Dunstan (May 19) monkshood St. Swithin (July 15) Cape marigold St. Augustine (August 28) golden rod St. Giles (September 1) St. Giles' orpine St. Crispin (October 25) fleabane starwort St. Catherine (November 25) originally sweet butter burr, now changed to love-in-a-mist; it's surrounding foliage somewhat resembles the wheel by which she met her death. St. Nicholas (December 6) nest-flowered heath. Sprigs of the plant used to be left at the end of the bed on Christmas Eve to acknowledge his generosity. The lotus is so highly venerated as a plant that it appears symbolically in architecture, paintings, and held by Egyptian mummies. The Egyptians themselves grew three species of lotus, one blue-flowered, one white, and one red. It was sacred to the Greeks as a symbol of beauty, and in Hindu tradition, a golden lotus bore the god Brahma. The lotus is used as a symbol for Buddha in both India and China, and as the emblem of paradise in Japan; in it's different incarnations, it represents the spirituality of a large area of the world. The olive is believed to have been in cultivation from it's wild form for around 5000 years. Olive groves existed in Egypt and ancient Crete, and find ings by archaelogists have established that the culture surrounding the olive was an important part in these two civilizations. The virtues of the olive tree, which provided not only a better and varied diet, but lamp-oil, bringing primitive people from darkness into light, have made it the most valued and important tree in both Roman and Christian writings. Jesus Christ spent his last night in the Garden of Gesthemane beneath an olive tree, and anointment with olive oil is symbolic to a large part of Christendom. The olive branch became a worldwide symbol of peace due to the fact that in early harvesting, many years passed between planting the seed and gathering the final fruit, and no man who did not wish for a long and peaceful life would plant an olive grove. The dove is associated with the olive as the messenger who brought back an olive branch, or leaf to Noah aboard the Ark so that he knew the flood was drawing to an end and trees could be seen above the water. A German tradition says that this leaf came from the olive tree which had sprung from the grave of Adam. The vine also shares with the fig and olive trees the symbolism of peace, and was probably the first wild plant to be cultivated. In pagan times, it was the plant of Bacchus, and statues of the god were decorated with vine leaves and grapes. The Greeks and Romans grew more than sixty varieties of vine. A vine tree is said to have grown when the angel who was ordered to drive Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden stuck his staff into the ground and wept for them. He duly presented the tree to Adam. Noah also planted a vineyard when he emerged from the Ark and settled on dry land again. Passion flower Foremost among the Christian flower symbols of the New World, it's pointed leaf was likened to the spear, the tendrils to whips, the column of the ovary to the cross, and the dark circle of threads in the center to the crown of thorns, the whole flower being seen as a dramatic symbol of the passion of Jesus Christ. If the flowers were white, it denoted piety; blue, heaven, and the three days that the flowers' lifespan consists of meant that, "so shall the Son of man be three days and nights in the heart of the earth." Resurrection flower It grows in the sands of Egypt, Arabia, and Syria. When the flowers and leaves have died and fallen, the drying branches curl inwards, forming a round ball; after the roots die, the plant is blown around by the winds before lodging in a damp spot. The ball then expands again, and deposits it's seeds, which germinate. Once watered, the dried-up looking young plants soon begin to bud. The plant was thought to be favorable to nativity, and was also called the Rose of the Madonna. It was believed to have bloomed first at Christ's birth, and then closed at the Crucifixion, before blooming once again at Easter. It's other popular name is the Rose of Jericho. Briar rose The plant which formed Christ's crown of thorns. In the early days of flower symbolism in Christianity, it stood for the blood of the martyrs; later it was dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, the 'Mystic Rose'. Lily The white lily is dedicated to Mary in most Catholic countries, and has been a symbol of purity since the twelfth century. In the earliest paintings of the Annunciation, lilies usually appear, and her husband, St. Joseph, is sometimes also pictured holding a lily. The flower was also associated with St. Catherine, who converted her pagan father to Christianity when the previously scentless madonna lily produced wonderful perfume. Iris The Christian emblem of royalty, the future king of the world, depicted as a crown of irises over the head of the Virgin Mother, in the hand of the infant Christ, or blooming outside the stable. Columbine It's petals symbolize the seven gifts of the Spirit. The wild columbine has only five petals; early artists retained the meaning by painting seven flowers on one stalk. >From the thirteenth century, the tradition grew of displaying in churches and homes at Christmas time models of the stable, crib and Holy family. Nowadays in similiar decorations, the stable is filled only with hay or straw, but great care was taken in previous years when choosing every plant that would form part of the tableau. Each was chosen for it's fragrance or symbolism. Together, they were called cradle-grasses, or Holy Hay. Legends grew around the flowers, and appropriate names were given to them. In Lincolnshire, the name given to garden mint was Sage of Bethlehem. All the mints were dedicated to Mary, in Britain, France, Germany and also in Italy, where a smaller mint, given the name of Brotherwort, was chosen. It gave off a strong scent when trodden on, and was often used in processions or on the floors of banqueting halls. The old botanical name for the wild thyme is Cunilago, Cradlewort, and it is also one of the Nativity plants. The seeds of the sow-thistle supplied the down in the crib for the baby to lay on. It was called St. Marie's seeds, and is known to grow in Bethlehem.

Hi there SouthrnRoots, Glad you have joined us. I know you will enjoy the group of fine people here. Welcome, Elsie in CA At 12:36 PM 5/23/01 -0700, you wrote: >Hello and Welcome to Folklore SouthrnRoots~! :-) > Kath > Washington State

Hi there Donna, I'm sure glad you have joined us. I know you will enjoy it. Welcome, Elsie in CA At 12:06 PM 5/23/01 -0700, you wrote: >Hi Donna~! :-) Welcome to Folklore. > Kath > Washington State

ALWAYS HAVE A DREAM Forget about the days when it's been cloudy, but don't forget your hours in the sun. Forget about the times you've been defeated, but don't forget the victories you've won. Forget about the mistakes that you can't change now, but don't forget the lessons. Forget about the misfortunes you've encountered, but don't forget the times your luck has turned. Forget about the days when you've been lonely, but don't forget the friendly smiles you've seen...... Forget about the plans that didn't seem to work out right, but don't forget to always have a dream.

Hi AsaD, Hope all is well. Your mailed bounced back. Kath

Chief Mountain Many years ago, a young Piegan warrior was noted for his bravery. When he grew older and more experienced in war, he became the war-chief for a large band of Piegan warriors. A little while after he became the war-chief, he fell in love with a girl who was in his tribe, and they got married. He was so in love with her that he took no other wives, and he decided not to go on war parties anymore. He and his wife were very happy together; unusually so, and when they had a baby, they were even happier then. Some moons later, a war party that had left his village was almost destroyed by an enemy. Only four men came back to tell the story. The war-chief was greatly troubled by this. He saw that if the enemy was not punished, they would raid the Piegan camp. So he gave a big war feast and asked all of the young men of his band to come to it. After they had all eaten their fill, the war-chief arose and said to them in solemn tones: "Friends and brothers, you have all heard the story that our four young men have told us. All the others who went out from our camp were killed by the enemy. Only these four have come back to our campfires. Those who were killed were our friends and relatives. "We who live must go out on the warpath to avenge the fallen. If we don't, the enemy will think that we are weak and that they can attack us unhurt. Let us not let them attack us here in the camp. "I will lead a party on the warpath. Who here will go with me against the enemy that has killed our friends and brothers?" A party of brave warriors gathered around him, willing to follow their leader. His wife also asked to join the party, but he told her to stay at the camp. "If you go without me," she said, "you will find an empty lodge when you return." The Chief talked to her and calmed her, and finally convinced her to stay with the women and children and old men in the camp at the foot of a high mountain. Leading a large party of men, the Chief rode out from the village. The Piegans met the enemy and defeated them. But their war-chief was killed. Sadly, his followers carried the broken body back to the camp. His wife was crazed with grief. With vacant eyes she wandered everywhere, looking for her husband and calling his name. Her friends took care of her, hoping that eventually her mind would become clear again and that she could return to normal life. One day, though, they could not find her anywhere in the campe. Searching for her, they saw her high up on the side of the mountain, the tall one above their camp. She had her baby in her arms. The head man of the village sent runners after her, but from the top of the mountain she signalled that they should not try to reach her. All watched in horror as she threw her baby out over the cliff, and then herself jumped from the mountain to the rocks far, far below. Her people buried the woman and baby there among the rocks. They carried the body of the Chief to the place and buried him beside them. From that time on, the mountain that towers above the graves was known as Minnow Stahkoo, "the Mountain of the Chief", or "Chief Mountain". If you look closely, even today, you can see on the face of the mountain the figure of a woman with a baby inn her arms, the wife and child of the Chief. Chief Mountain is a mountain in Glacier National Park.

Blackfeet Tales The Blackfeet, sometimes called the Blackfoot, are one of the largest Algonquian tribes and one of the most powerful on the northwest Plains region. They are called "Siksikawa" (pronounced "sheek-sheek-ahwah"), which literally means "black foot". There are two beliefs on how the name came to be; the first refers to the blackening of their moccasins by walking near prarie fires, and the second refers to the black painting on some of their people's moccasins long ago. The Blackfeet are made up of three tribes; the Siksika, the Blood, and the Piikani (later corrupted to Piegan). The Piikani are mainly based in Montana now, while the other two tribes are in the Alberta area of Canada. One of the main figures in a lot of the Blackfeet legends is Napi, or Old Man. Napi serves two purposes; he is revered, and is the one that many people pray to, and he is also a trickster of sorts. In some of the legends, he is downright dangerous, and rightly so! He is supposed to be the son of the Sun and the Moon, and in some stories, is also one of the people who brought the Sun Dance to the people.

One More Room Written by Craig Dominey Jack's friends always told him he had the ultimate job. For fifteen years, he had been working as one of Hollywood's most trusted location scouts. Now, in movie lingo, a location scout is someone hired by a producer to find locations where a movie can be shot. Jack was a seasoned pro who could find even the most obscure locations anywhere in the world. One spring day in 1998, Jack received a script from a major Hollywood studio that sounded like an easy job. The film took place in the 1940s, and many scenes occurred in a ritzy downtown hotel. Since the script also called for scenes in a cypress swamp, Jack decided to take a journey through the American South to see what he could find. Jack had never been to the Deep South before. Since he had plenty of time and was on the studio's payroll, he took a leisurely train ride through the area to absorb this new world. After several weeks of searching, Jack boarded a train for Atlanta. He had found plenty of swampy locations in Louisiana and Mississippi, but still hadn't found the right hotel. Certainly in the so-called "capital of the New South," he could find what he was looking for. The studio made reservations for him at the Barrow Hotel; a historic downtown building that Jack had researched on the Internet, and figured might work for the film. Jack's train arrived in Atlanta that night in a pounding thunderstorm. Thick sheets of rainwater obscured his view of the city, and power had been knocked out on the streets. Jack waited in the empty depot for his driver, but no one arrived. The only car sitting outside was a restored, 1940s-era taxi with the name "Hotel Scofield" painted on the side. Sick of waiting, Jack marched up to the taxi and tapped on the window. The window rolled down, and Jack was surprised to find that the young driver was dressed in a 1940s-era cabby uniform. "Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you," said Jack. "But could you tell me how far the Barrow Hotel is from here?" "Why on earth would you want to go there?" asked the driver in an incredulous, though mannered, tone of voice. Jack explained that he was looking for a film location in Atlanta. The driver shook his head and replied, "You won't have any luck there. They just renovated it a few months ago. Now it looks like every other modern hotel 'round here." Taken aback, Jack replied, "But I saw their Web site, and it looked like..." "...I don't know what you're talkin' about, mister," interrupted the driver. "But that's the way Atlanta is. They tear down historic buildings left and right. A cryin' shame if you ask me. Now, I don't mean to push my hotel on you, but the Scofield may be what you're looking for. It's one of the few old hotels that's still standing. They're kinda busy this time of year, but they might have one more room." Cold and drenched, Jack quickly hopped into the cab. "You got a deal," he said. "Anything to get out of this rain." As the taxi rumbled through the dark Atlanta streets, Jack noticed that the interior of the cab was in great shape, but not overly so. It didn't look like it was restored as much as it was used carefully. Jack had worked on cars long enough to know that, from the sound of the engine, the Hotel Scofield must have taken great care of its taxi fleet. After what seemed like hours driving through the misty darkness, the cab finally pulled up to a brightly lit building. "Here we are, sir," said the driver as he pulled beside the doors. Jack got out, and his eyes widened immediately. The Hotel Scofield was a grand, 15-floor brick edifice very much in the style of 1940s luxury hotels. It was a solidly built, narrow building, with a golden awning, red carpet and gas lamps glowing warmly in the foggy night. The doorman smiled at Jack and opened the door into the lush lobby. Sparkling crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, red velvet curtains flowed over the windows, and plush chairs and sofas invited weary guests to relax in luxury. Jack smiled as he looked about ­ he had hit the jackpot. Like the taxicab, the hotel didn't look restored as much as it did looked after. The management seemed to take great pride in transporting its guests to another time. It would work perfectly for the film. Jack walked up to the front desk - which was made of deep blue marble with polished gold trim - and asked the manager for a room. The slightly plump man smiled warmly and replied, "Well, we tend to be busy this time of year, but we might have one more room." After checking the registry, the manager said, "You're in luck - we have a room available on the top floor. Best view of the city!" With that, he signaled a bellhop to grab Jack's bags. As Jack followed him toward the elevator, he noticed something strange. The guests in the lobby wore fancy eveningwear - the men in tuxedos, the women in long vintage dresses. There were also soldiers milling about in green, World War II-looking uniforms, grabbing the attention of the giggling single ladies. Champagne was flowing everywhere. Children in their best suits and dresses ran laughing around their parents' legs. All smiled warmly at Jack as he walked by. Have I wandered into a costume party, thought Jack. Or worse - is someone already shooting a movie here? Jack heard a piano player playing the standard "Auld Lang Syne" in the smoky cocktail lounge. Then he noticed the decorations ­ a giant Christmas tree glowing brilliantly in the main sitting area, a wreath hanging over the fireplace, greenery with red bows draped over the railings. Nothing unusual - except that it was mid-April. It was then that Jack froze in his tracks. Across the fireplace was a huge banner that read, "Happy New Year 1946." At the end of the hall, the golden elevator doors suddenly swung open. Inside was a car full of holiday revelers, all smiling warmly at Jack. One of the men reached out his hand and said, "Come on up, buddy. I think there's room in here for one more." Jack didn't move - something was definitely odd about this place. Better to stay somewhere where he felt comfortable. "That's alright," he said to the man. "You go on." The festive piano music suddenly stopped, leaving an eerie silence. Jack heard a rustling sound behind him. He turned and saw that the party crowd had gathered behind him, still smiling. The man in the elevator reached out again for Jack and said, "You don't understand. We have room in here for one more." The crowd suddenly closed in behind Jack. Jack was not an easily scared man, but he was impulsive. He whirled around and charged back through the crowd. Two soldiers grabbed his arms and dragged him back to the elevator. The room began to spin around them, and Jack could swear he saw the Christmas decorations starting to melt. The walls morphed into a sooty black color, and the stinging smell of smoke was everywhere. "Come on friend," said the smiling man in the elevator. "There's no need to fight - I told you, there's room for one more." Horrifying screams filled the room, but the revelers stood silent, the same silly grins plastered on their faces. The room heated up rapidly to an unbearable temperature. Black smoke now filled the air, and Jack's blood ran cold as he realized that the place was on fire - but no one wanted to leave. With every ounce of strength he had, Jack wriggled free of the soldiers and charged back though the crowd, knocking over anyone who stood in his way. Hands grabbed desperately at his clothes through the blinding smoke, the screams deafening. Suddenly, the ground dropped beneath Jack's feet. He tumbled down the lobby stairs, his head smashing against the marble floor. The room spun wildly around him, then went black. Moments later, Jack opened his eyes. He found himself lying on a dirty floor littered with garbage, chipped marble and broken glass. He sat up dizzily, wiped the trickle of blood from his forehead and gazed about the room. He was shocked to find that the ornate hotel lobby had fallen into ruin long ago. The windows were broken out, and the rooms were black and gutted. Vagrants had spray-painted graffiti on the walls. "Hey!" shouted a gruff voice behind him. Jack whirled around to find a police officer standing in the doorway, his hand on his gun. "What are you doing in here?" "I...I don't know," was all Jack could say. The policeman studied Jack for a minute, then helped him to his feet. "Did somebody attack you?" he asked. "No, sir," answered Jack. "I just checked in here a few hours ago and..." "...What do you mean 'checked in'?" asked the policeman. "This hotel ain't been open since the great fire years ago." Jack suddenly turned pale and asked, "What fire?" "Just the worst hotel fire in U.S. history," said the policeman. "Didn't you see the historic marker outside? Over a hundred people died in here. They said this place was fireproof - you know, kinda like they said the Titanic was unsinkable. But they were obviously wrong." Jack looked about the room in disbelief as the policeman continued: "Most of the folks who survived were on the lower floors. Our fire department didn't have ladders tall enough back then to reach the top floors. It was a horrible sight." "When did it happen?" asked Jack, almost afraid of the answer. The policeman scratched his head and said, "I believe it was New Years Eve, 1946." - THE END -

Green Tomato Pie 4 c. sliced green tomatoes 3/4 c. sugar pinch of salt cinnamon & nutmeg 2 T. flour 2 T. melted butter unbaked pie shell Add sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg to the thin slices of green tomatoes. Stir in the flour for thickening. Place the tomato mixture in an unbaked pie shell. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Weave a lattice top or cut a pine tree pattern in the top crust to release steam. Crimp the edges. Bake at 400 degrees until filling is bubbling hot and the crust is golden brown.

Prayers on the way! Mary ----- Original Message ----- From: "Judy Nisbet" <chipmush@direct.ca> ...a girlfriend of mine has just found she has an ovarian tumor...she goes into hospital Thurs morning for tests....please pray that everything is ok....she has no family except for her hubby out here...all her family is back east....thank you luvy'all chipmush

> > This memo is from an unnamed computer company. It went to all field > engineers about a computer peripheral problem. The author of this memo was > quite serious. The engineers rolled on the floor! > > > Mouse balls are now available as FRU (Field Replacement Unit). Therefore if > a mouse fails to operate or should it perform erratically, it may need a > ball replacement. Because of the delicate nature of this procedure, > replacement of mouse balls should only be attempted by properly trained > personnel. > Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls by examining the > underside of the mouse. Domestic balls will be larger and harder than > foreign balls. > Ball removal procedures differ depending upon the manufacture of the mouse. > Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop-off method. > Domestic balls are replaced by using the twist-off method. > Mouse balls are not usually static-sensitive. However, excessive handling > can result in sudden discharge. Upon completion of ball replacement, the > mouse may be used immediately. > It is recommended that each replacer have a pair of spare balls for > maintaining optimum customer satisfaction. > Any customer missing his balls should contact the local personnel in charge > O *    O *O    *   O O *      * O <º)(((((~((((((>>>< * <º)((((~((((>< kissy_fishy

http://html.mcwebber.net/script.html JavaScript Codes to add music and such to our web pages. Kath

Hello and Welcome to Folklore SouthrnRoots~! :-) Kath Washington State

http://www.hejoly.demon.nl/ World's largest hiking Trail Database. Search or browse!

> TRASHY TABLOIDS > May 23, 2001 > > > Matt LeBlanc was in a pharmacy waiting to pick up a > prescription when he heard an elderly woman ahead of him > getting upset because her insurance wouldn't pay for her > prescription. LeBlanc came to the rescue and put her $95 > prescription on his Visa card. LeBlanc laughed out loud when > the pharmacist told him what he had just paid for. What > prescription was the old lady picking up? Viagra......... > > > ? ? ? ? GUESS WHO ? ? ? ? > > > This generous singer just purchased 12 silver cellphone > earpieces studded with diamonds to give to her friends > at a cost of $2,000 each.......Guess Whoooooooooooooooo > > > Answer Below > > > > Elixabeth Hurley is the spokeswoman for Estee Lauder and > can't be seen purchasing any other line of cosmetics. She > took her girlfriend to Beverly Hills and told her which > Chanel products she wanted and handed her a fistful of money > to go buy her Chanel products....... > > > Ben Stiller still hasn't figured he is a married man which > has his wife a little upset. Ben still goes to all of his > favorite spots that he frequented when he was single. He sees > no reason to stop going there and invites wife Christine to > come along. She would rather stay home. They came to a > solution, he can go anytime he wants as long as one of her > friends goes with........ She thinks that's safe? > hahahahahahaha > > > > > Renee Zellweger gives autographs whenever she is approached, > including the sauna at the Four Seasons Hotel. Being nude > didn't seem to phase her as she signed away....... > > > *-*-*Guess Who*-*-*- > > > The generous star who is making sure her friends have a > classy looking earpiece? > > Madonna......... > »§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§« You're Just Jealous Because The Voices Are Talking To Me Richiele Sloan ICQ #63829109 (Missi) »§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«

Hi Donna~! :-) Welcome to Folklore. Kath Washington State

A Hedge of Angels Around her ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ missi > ...a girlfriend of mine has just found she has an ovarian tumor...she goes > into hospital Thurs morning for tests....please pray that everything is > ok....she has no family except for her hubby out here...all her family is > back east....thank you > > luvy'all >

haha ty sissy missi > > She responds, "You think your day was bad, the milkman dropped > dead > on the doorstep this morning." >