Hello All, I just recieved an e-mail from "request@rootsweb.com" In the subject it says Director. It has a file to download that says "New.zip" Could someone please tell me what this is? Thanks Patti P.S. I didn't download it.

If I wanted to hire a genealogist to do some work for me, how much is the going rate? I don't want to be caught off guard, by not knowing the ballpark range, and get myself in the "over charged" range !! I would like to include someone looking up my history to see how many branches of my family qualify me to be a DAR. I know of one already, but would like a pro to put the whole shabang together for me. Thanks for any advice. Cece

Tonight from 6-9pm local time, Baskin-Robbins will be giving away free scoops of ice cream. As if we needed an excuse to eat free ice cream, for every scoop they will make a donation to buy books for underprivileged kids. http://www.baskinrobbins.com/promo/index.shtml My apologies to those of you who don't have a store near you.

Someone's opinion : Instructions for Life: Eat plenty of whole rice. Give people more than they expect and do this willfully. Learn by heart your favorite song. Don't believe everything you hear Do not sleep as much as you would like to. When you say, "I love you", say it truthfully. When you say I'm sorry, say it with eye contact. An engagement period of six months is crucial before marriage. Believe in love at first sight. Never mock other's dreams. Love deeply and passionately.You may get hurt, but this is the onlyway to live life at it's fullest. Deal with discontentment, fight fairly, but do not offend. Do not judge others because of their relatives. Talk slow, think fast. When someone asks you a question you do not want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?" Remember that the greatest love and the greatest success also hold many risks. Call your Mom. Bless a person who has just sneezed. When you lose, do not lose the lesson. Remember: respect for yourself, respect for others, and responsibility for your actions. Do not allow a small disagreement to hurt a great friendship. When you notice that you have made a mistake, take the appropriate steps to correct it. Smile when you answer the phone. Those who call can "hear" your smile. Marry (or be with) the person you love talking to the most. When you get old, conversation will be more important than anything else. Spend some time alone. Accept change with open arms; yet do not give up your values. Remember that sometimes, silence is the best answer. Read more books and watch television less. Live a good, honorable life. Later, when you grow old and remember the past, you will enjoy them once more. Believe and trust God, but securely lock your car. An atmosphere of love at your home is most important. Do all that you can in order to create a calm home full of love. Do not bring back the past. Read in between the lines. Share your knowledge. It is the way to live forever. Be gentle with our Earth planet. Pray. Prayer has incredible power. Never interrupt someone who flatters you. Take care of your problems. Do not trust a man or woman who does not close their eyes when you kiss them. Once a year, visit a place you have never seen before. If you make a lot of money, channel it so as to help others while you are alive. This is the greatest satisfaction a treasure can reward you. Remember that sometimes, not getting what you want is very lucky. Learn all the rules, and then break some. Remember that the greatest relationships are the ones in which the love between two people is greater than the need one has of the other. Judge your success in light of what you had to give up in order to obtain it. Relate to love and to the kitchen completely.

Someone on another list found this. I got a kick out of it. :-) Sounds like my kind of "grandma".. <G> :-) kath Kath, I don't know if this is what you are looking for or not, but, I found some info at this URL.... http://www.cc.utah.edu/~jay/grandma.html Hulda Wright Deuel Spencer March 1, 1899 to August 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------- We remember her: Stories (see below) Huckleberry Pie Home Made Rolls Sugar Cookies ------------------------------------------------------------- The wisdom she shared: "I don't care if any of my grandchildren are as ugly as a mud fence, I tell them all that I love them!" "If you play in the fire, you'll pee in the bed." One day she got tongue-tied and said, "If you pee in the fire, you'll play in the bed!" When asked why she was sitting in the middle of the auditorium (at her 90th birthday party) she replied, "The chair smiled at my bum, and I sat down..."

Thanks Janis, I saw this too. There was a message board where it came up too, but just said a grandfather used the expression. I'll write and ask mom where she heard it from. Kath ----- Original Message ----- From: "Turk McGee" <turkm.turkmcgee@verizon.net> To: <FOLKLORE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 7:23 PM Subject: Re: [FOLKLORE FAMILY] play with fire, pee the bed > YOU KNOW YOU'RE A GUYANESE, IF... > > You know how much is "Jonah Crown", and only "big eye" people tek dat much. > You know when is "Dig Dutty Day". > You can play "naable" with a "taw" (iron taw is de best, because you can bus de > Awara and Curu seed taw when you "beefing" after getting you taw in de > "gulley"). > You play wid fire you gon pee you bed. > You know dat an "English Duck" is not an animal. > You know how fo play "Taga". > You know that a "dam bed" is not furniture in de house. > You know " Coolie water rice, poke-n-spice, wash u-b-t with dhal-n-rice." > "Black man sala, pound massala, thief e mumma choka 'n' run a koka." > You know bout Half A Head Man, Dutch Man Pan Eh Horse, Fire Rass, Ole Higue, And > Jingle Lady. > > > Kath wrote: > > > Helloo, > > My mom used to say this to us kids, and I'm trying to find out where it > > came from. > > Has anyone here ever heard this expression, and if so, do you know where it > > originated? > > HUGS, > > kath > > PS. not an ounce of truth to it by the way, honest. :-)

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A GUYANESE, IF... You know how much is "Jonah Crown", and only "big eye" people tek dat much. You know when is "Dig Dutty Day". You can play "naable" with a "taw" (iron taw is de best, because you can bus de Awara and Curu seed taw when you "beefing" after getting you taw in de "gulley"). You play wid fire you gon pee you bed. You know dat an "English Duck" is not an animal. You know how fo play "Taga". You know that a "dam bed" is not furniture in de house. You know " Coolie water rice, poke-n-spice, wash u-b-t with dhal-n-rice." "Black man sala, pound massala, thief e mumma choka 'n' run a koka." You know bout Half A Head Man, Dutch Man Pan Eh Horse, Fire Rass, Ole Higue, And Jingle Lady. Kath wrote: > Helloo, > My mom used to say this to us kids, and I'm trying to find out where it > came from. > Has anyone here ever heard this expression, and if so, do you know where it > originated? > HUGS, > kath > PS. not an ounce of truth to it by the way, honest. :-) > > ==== FOLKLORE Mailing List ==== > To Subscribe or Unsubscribe: > send email to FOLKLORE-L-request@rootsweb.com for List or > FOLKLORE-D-request@rootsweb.com for Digest. > Leave the Subject line blank, and in the message write only "subscribe" > or "unsubscribe" without quotation marks.

The subscribers to this list have always come through for me. Hope someone can help me with a tough one. I'm looking for a calendar list of all the special events and holidays. Not just things like Christmas, Fourth of July, Mother's Day and Grandparents Day. Of course, the calendar includes those holidays, but it also has the more esoteric ones like: Best Friend's Day, Chocolate Lover's Day, International Friendship Day, etc., etc. I think you see what I mean. Years ago I had a hard copy of a calendar that listed all of these special events. There was at least one event recognized on every day of the year. Some days had more than one event. I spent at least an hour searching the web. The best I could come up with was one e-greeting card web site that had some of the more unusual events recognized in May & June. Can anyone help me? I need the information for a creative writing class I am attending. Thanks as always. Regards, Phyllis

Hello all, I am hoping someone knows what I am looking for and can resend it. Last week in one of my lists.... I only do a couple so I think it was this one, someone sent the message about dealing with problems and people and something to the effect of: 'even when others don't treat you well and you want to respond, or things don't work out here or there and you want to quit..... don't'.... and it concludes... it doesn't have anything to do with you and them.... it never did.... it's always been between you and God. How is that for grammar?..... two sentences..... Anyway, I accidentally deleted it and now I need to send it to a friend. If anyone has this could you please resent it? Thank you very much..... and my friend will thank you too! Cathie

"love grows where my Rosemary goes" <la-la-la> :-) *Grilled or Baked Rosemary Chicken* 4 chicken breasts, halved 4 tsp. fresh rosemary leaves, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 T olive oil salt and pepper to taste Mix together the minced fresh rosemary leaves and minced garlic. Loosen the skin from the chicken breasts and slide the rosemary/garlic mixture under the skin. Brush the olive oil onto the breasts and sprinkle with salt (preferably coarse Kosher salt) and pepper (preferably freshly ground). The breasts can now be grilled over a medium-hot fire for about 30-35 minutes or until done or baked in a 375°F. oven for about 30 minutes. Yields: 4 servings Preparation Time: 40 minutes

Helloo, My mom used to say this to us kids, and I'm trying to find out where it came from. Has anyone here ever heard this expression, and if so, do you know where it originated? HUGS, kath PS. not an ounce of truth to it by the way, honest. :-)

>>>Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the Surgeon come out of the >>>operating room. She said: "How is my little boy? Is he going to be >>>O.K.? >>> >>>When can I see him?" >>> >>>The Surgeon said, "I'm sorry, we did all we could." >>> >>>Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer, doesn't GOD care >>>anymore? GOD, where were you when my son needed you?" >>> >>>The Surgeon said, "One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes >>>to let you spend time with your son's remains before it's >>>transported to the university". >>> >>>Sally asked that the nurse stay with her while she said Good-bye >>>to her son. >>> >>>Sally ran her fingers through his thick red curly hair. >>> >>>The nurse said, "Would you like a lock of his hair?" >>> >>>Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of his hair and put it in a >>>plastic bag and handed it to Sally. >>> >>>Sally said, "It was Jimmy's idea to give his body to the >>>university for study. He said it might help somebody else," and >>>that is what he wanted. >>> >>>I said, No at first, but Jimmy said, "Mom I won't be using it >>>after I die, maybe it will help some other little boy to be able >>>to spend One more day with his mother". >>> >>>Sally said, "My Jimmy had a heart of Gold, always thinking of >>>someone else and always wanting to help others if he could". >>> >>>Sally walked out of the Children's Hospital for the last time now >>>after spending most of the last 6 months there. She sat the bag >>>with Jimmy's things in it on the seat beside of her in the car. >>>The drive home was hard and it was even harder to go into an empty >>>house. >>> >>>She took the bag to Jimmy's room and started placing the model >>>cars and things back in his room exactly where he always kept >>>them. She laid down across his bed and cried herself to sleep >>>holding his pillow. >>> >>>Sally woke up about midnight and laying beside of her on the bed, >>>was a letter folded up. She opened the letter, it said: >>> >>>Dear Mom, >>> >>>I know your going to miss me, but don't think that I will ever >>>forget you or stop loving you because I'm not around to say I LOVE >>>YOU. I'll think of you every day mom and I'll love you even more >>>each day. >>> >>>Some day we will see each other again. If you want to adopt a >>>little boy so you won't be so lonely, he can have my room and my >>>old stuff to play with. >>> >>>If you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like >>>the same things as us boys do, so you will have to buy her dolls >>>and stuff girls like. Don't be sad when you think about me, this >>>is really a great place. >>> >>>Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me >>>around some, but it will take a long time to see everything here. >>> >>>The angels are so friendly, I love to watch them fly. Jesus >>>doesn't look like any of the pictures I saw of Him, but I knew it >>>was Him as soon as I saw Him. >>> >>>Jesus took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on >>>GOD'S knee and talk to Him like I was somebody important. I told >>>GOD that I wanted to write you a letter and tell you Good-bye and >>>everything, but I knew that wasn't allowed. God handed me some >>>paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter with. I >>>think Gabriel is the name of the angel that is going to drop this >>>letter off to you. >>> >>>God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you >>>asked Him about. Where was He when I needed him? God said, >>> >>>"The same place He was when Jesus was on the cross. He was right >>>there, as He always is with all His children. >>> >>>Oh, by the way Mom, nobody else can see what is written on this >>>paper but you. To everyone else, it looks like a blank piece of >>>paper. I have to give God His pen back now, he has some more names >>>to write in the Book Of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table >>>with Jesus for Supper. I'm sure the food will be great. >>> >>>I almost forgot to let you know - Now I don't hurt anymore, the >>>cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain >>>anymore and God couldn't stand to see me suffer the pain either, >>>so He sent The Angel of Mercy to get me. The Angel said I was >>>Special Delivery! >>> >>>Signed with love from: >>>God & Jesus & Me. >>> >>>Take 60 seconds & give this a shot! Let's just see Satan stop this >>>one. >>> >>>Send this on to five other people. Within hours, you caused a >>>multitude of people to pray to God for each other. Then sit back >>>and watch the power >>> >>> »§««:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«<*}}><FI§HY><))*>«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§« Think positive. If you fall in the creek, check your pockets for FISH Richiele 'Marie YAHOO Messenger kissy_fishy »§««:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«<*}}><FI§HY><))*>«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«

Janet Konttinen IT'S CRYING TIME AGAIN I'm not the type who cries when our stock portfolio crashes. I don't shed a tear when the dog sits on my best aazalea, smashing it into a lifeless pancake, and I hardly flinch at the hair salon when my golden highlights come out purple. And, quite honestly, I couldn't care less when we're not invited to a party -- especially when the person hosting the event is so damned boring she might as well be having a slumber party, because as soon as she opens her mouth, she's going to put everybody to sleep. Whether I bang an elbow or twist an ankle, I don't bat an eye. Take the time I mistakenly erased a whole computter file -- hours of work, never to be retrieved -- I didn't bawl, though I'll always know it was the best work I'd ever done. Even when our van was brand-new, I did no more than cringe when it got its first dent. The same holds true for the first time it got permanent stains on the upholstery, the dog pooped in it, I found old food conducting its own science experiment under the back seat, and all my friends got cool SUVs. In fact, if a wrecking crane dropped an iron ball on that vehicle, I'd laugh -- the hard laughter of a woman who's sick and tired of driving a big, green, smelly, dented, stained van. For me, tears come at unexpected times, like during the knight parade at our son's preschool. His class had beeen working on it for weeks -- making shields, helmets and stick horses. As we parents waited in the play yard, knight music came over the P.A. system, and a man dressed like a real knight led a procession of enchanted 4-year-olds. When they marched past, my eyes overflowed with unexplained tears, which I hid behind my camera, lest my son reconsider my invitation to the spring sing. I'm not sure if anyone could tell I was crying, but certainly they questioned why I held a camera in front of my face the whole time we all talked afterward about the new flower garden, walked together to the parking lot and said goodbye. One day at our elementary school, I watched a little girl running across the playground to class. She was late.. Her dress was too big for her, as was her tote bag. Something about the combination of her innocence and determination got me all choked up. Luckily I was alone, since once you get a reputation for walking around in the middle of the day caterwauling, you get asked to switch carpools. I remember watching an old TV game show called "Let's Make A Deal." When the final contestant chose tthe right curtain and found out she'd won a car, she was so happy, she bowled over Monte Hall, jumped onto the stage, climbed on top of her car and rolled back and forth on the hood. I wept. At a school meeting, the principal began her opening comments by saying, "Welcome, parents. We're sure havving a great year with your wonderful kids"; I had to fight the urge not to jump up and bawl, "Oh god, and you should have seen the little girl with the big tote bag!" Movies? Forget it. I cried in "Honey I Shrank the Kids" when they made friends with the ant. And in &"Babe" when the pig herded the sheep into the pen. As far as commercials go, I can't take anything in slow motion. Recently my kids and I visited a retirement home offering some of the children's artwork as decorations for thee dining room. An old toothless woman sat alone, and the kids silently moved in beside her. What an unexpected surprise it must have been for her to look up from her quiet meal into the faces of my four beauties. She smiled a big, big smile, and a tear rolled down her cheek. I knew just how she felt. (Janet Konttinen is the mother of a son, 8, and triplet daughters, 5. You can reach her at notes2Janet@yahoo.com.)

>>1) Flies or bees bothering you? Spray them with hairspray and >>they will take a quick dive. >> >>2) Sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide >>a >>knife under the flap. The envelope can then be >>resealed.(hmmmmmm...) >> >>3) Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It >>keeps >>them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it >>belongs >>to. >> >>4) For icy door steps in freezing temperatures:get warm water and >>put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it.Pour it all over the steps.They >>won't >>refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 60 years!) >> >>5) Crayon marks on walls?This worked wonderfully!A damp rag,dipped >>in baking soda.Comes of with little effort(elbow grease that is!). >> >>6) Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops(like store receipt >>BLUE!) >>rubbing alcohol on paper towel. >> >>7) Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads,I immediately take a >>pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves.After years of having >>to >>throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided >>that this would be much more economical. And now a box of S.O.S >>pads last me indefinitely!In fact, I have noticed that the scissors >>get >>sharpened this way! >> >>8) Opening brand new jars can be a feat in itself. Well, I have >>found a way to make it the easiest thing to do.Instead of banging a >>jar of jam, pickles, etc., with a knife until it loosens up, I >>simply reach >>into the drawer and pull out the handy nutcracker.It adjusts to the >>size of the jar and I simply give it a good twist and off pops the >> lid! >> >>9) Blood stains on clothes?Not to worry!Just pour a little peroxide >>on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood..Works every >> time! >> >>10) Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and >>horizontal for inside windows.This way you can tell which side has >>the streaks. >>Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean.Don't wash >>windows on a sunny day.They will dry too quickly and will probably >>streak. >> >>11) Spray a bit of perfume on the lightbulb in any room to create >>a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.Place >>fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will >>smell >>freshly washed for weeks to come.You can also do this with towels >>and linen. >> >>12) Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at >>least 3 hours prior to burning. >> >>13) To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag >>and add the flowers.Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all >>the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like >>new!Works like a charm! >> >>14) To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a >>drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of >>pan,and bring to a boil on stovetop. >> >>15) Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before >>pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains. >> >>16) When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit >>of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on >>the >>outside of the cake. >> >>17) Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator >>and it will keep for weeks. >> >>18) When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help >>bring out the corn's natural sweetness. >> >>19) Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on >>your forehead.The throbbing will go away. >> >>20) When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before >>resorting to tweezers or a needle.Simply put the scotch tape over >>the splinter, then pull it off.Scotch tape removes most splinters >>painlessly and >>easily. >> >>21)To get rid of itch from mosquito bites,try applying soap on the >>area and you will experience instant relief. >> >>22) Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never >>cross a chalk line.So get your chalk out and draw a line on the >>floor or >>wherever ants tend to march.See for yourself. >> >>23)Use air-freshener to clean mirrors.It does a good job and better >> still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine. >> >>24) Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer.* Clean a >>toilet.Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes,brush >>and flush.The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous >>China.*Clean a vase.To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass >>vase or cruet,fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer >>tablets.* Polish jewelry.Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass >>of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.* Clean a thermos >>bottle.Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer >>tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).* >>Unclog a drain.Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer >>tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White >>Vinegar.Wait a few minutes,then run the hot water >> > > > »§««:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«<*}}><FI§HY><))*>«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§« Think positive. If you fall in the creek, check your pockets for FISH Richiele 'Marie YAHOO Messenger kissy_fishy »§««:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«<*}}><FI§HY><))*>«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«

Subject: Bottle of Merlot A man enters his favorite ritzy restaurant, and while sitting at his regular table, he notices a gorgeous woman at a table nearby, all alone. He calls the waiter over and asks for their most expensive bottle of merlot to be sent to her, knowing that is she accepts it, she is his. The waiter gets the bottle of merlot and quickly sends it over to the girl, saying, "This is from the gentleman." She looks at the wine and decides to send a note over to the man. The note reads: "For me to accept this bottle, you need to have a Mercedes in your garage, a million dollars in the bank, and 7 inches in your pants." After reading the note, the man sends one of his own, and it reads: "Just so you know, I happen to have a Ferrari Testarossa, a BMW850iL and a Mercedes 560SEL in my garage; plus I have over twenty million in the bank. But, not even for a woman as beautiful as you, would I cut off three inches. Just send the bottle back, honey." »§««:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«<*}}><FI§HY><))*>«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§« Think positive. If you fall in the creek, check your pockets for FISH Richiele 'Marie YAHOO Messenger kissy_fishy »§««:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«<*}}><FI§HY><))*>«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«

"FOOTPRINTS" (A New Version) Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns. For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends! This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one. This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints they have become one. This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends. Now you pray: "Lord, I understand the first scene with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But you walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You. "That is correct." "And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps; followed You very closely." "Very good. You have understood everything so far." When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way." "Precisely." "So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first." There is a pause as the Lord answers with a smile in His voice. "You didn't know? That was when we danced." To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, A time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1,4. Funny how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny isn't it? Are you laughing? Are you thinking? Spread the Word and give thanks to the Lord for He is good! Funny isn't it, when you go to forward this message, how many on your list are not receiving it because you're not sure they believe in anything?? ...Sad. It's not WHAT you have in your life, but Whom you have in your life that counts.... Think about that. "I ASKED GOD" I asked for a flower, He gave me a garden. I asked for a tree, He gave me a forest. I asked for a river, He gave me an ocean. I asked for a friend, He gave me "YOU." Send this to whomever you think of as a friend..... "I did". »§««:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«<*}}><FI§HY><))*>«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§« Think positive. If you fall in the creek, check your pockets for FISH Richiele 'Marie YAHOO Messenger kissy_fishy »§««:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«<*}}><FI§HY><))*>«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«

ROAD SIGNS It had been a very difficult trip. The week started out with a death in the family that would require my wife, Marianne, to travel to Denver, Colorado alone. I left on Monday and headed out to western Pennsylvania for a scheduled presentation. At the exact time that I was to begin my talk on Tuesday, my wife would be landing at the Pittsburgh airport just 20 miles from where I was but we would not see each other. One hour later she would be off to Denver. We're not good at stuff like this. Yes, we've been apart for a few days, being a professional speaker requires it. But under this stressful situation we were both on edge. The drive back home was even worse. Traffic was terrible and road construction didn't help. I must have had a target on the back of my car, because every aggressive driver on the road that day was behind me. So close, in fact, that I could not see their front bumper in my rearview mirror. I'll admit I was in a hurry, too. But not enough to put anyone's life in jeopardy. My five hour trip was only interrupted long enough for me to drive through a local fast food restaurant. I had just returned to the highway when someone approached my left side in the passing lane. I didn't even want to look. That is, until I saw the car pull up ahead a few yards and then slow down. Then, once again, he did the same thing. Now I thought this was some wise guy taunting me. I was determined not to look, but finally on the third pass I glanced over. In the rear passenger side window I saw a young lady holding a sign hastily scribbled on what appeared to be a napkin or envelope. Much to my surprise and delight it read, "Heartwarmers". In an instant my hectic, challenging, stressful day turned to a little bit of heaven. It wasn't that the passengers recognized me. They saw my license plate, IBLEVNU, and remembered the story of mine that had appeared in a recent Heartwarmers story, "A License to Believe." What were the odds? Checking my email upon arriving home, I found a message from the woman who saw me. It turns out we both needed this chance encounter. Here is what she wrote: Hello there Mr. Perks: I am the one that held up the sign "HEARTWARMERS" today on the Interstate. I just wanted you to know that God must of been working through you again today. Isn't HE wonderful! I mean what were the chances of me noticing your license plate from the backseat. My husband and I were taking my father to the doctor and hospital. Needless to say, I was daydreaming. Whatever made me look your way at that very moment, and then to even notice your plate? WOW! It could not have been coincidental. I have been receiving Heartwarmers for about two years now. My computer has been down for a short time and I deleted a lot of mail but saved all my Heartwarmers and just read the one you wrote about your license plate. Life has been hard for me the last two years or so, but I won't go into details. I try to keep a positive attitude, though lately, I have become very drained and tired. Being a caretaker I know that God keeps fueling us with needed inspiration. Today you were His messenger angel. I just really felt like I got a GREAT BIG HUG. I still can't believe I noticed your plate. I'm not a writer but I hope you can understand what I am saying here. It is not my nature to write such a personal note like this but I had to share with you what I felt today. You certainly made my day a better one! Hope you are enjoying this part of Pennsylvania. May God bless you. Love you too! -- Stephanie The power of Heartwarmers is not only in the stories you share with the world, but in the connection your members have with each other beyond the Internet. All the road signs pointed toward home, including the one that said, "Heartwarmers". .·:*´¨`*:·..·:*´¨`*:·. *: * Richiele * * *·. .·* `*·-:¦:-*´ ³´`*:»§«:*´`³

PREGNANCY OUTBURSTS After spilling cherry soda on my new, light beige Berber carpet the other day, I spent the next hour and a half crying like a baby. I couldn't stop the tears, blubbering, "I've ruined our carpet... it's all my fault..." Even when my husband tried to calm me down, I still kept sobbing. "It's only a carpet," he told me. "Why are you crying?" My response, which seems all too familiar in our house lately, was "I don't know." And honestly, I did not know. I have only one excuse to give. I'm pregnant. Just beginning my second trimester, I have been blessed with no morning sickness, no nausea, no frequent trips to the bathroom, no anything. My only complaint is that I'm exhausted, and my eyes don't want to stay open past 9pm. In fact, if I didn't hear the baby's heartbeat for myself and I didn't see my waistline disappearing, I would question if I was pregnant at all. So when people ask me how I'm feeling, a question that is frequent in my circle of family and friends, I always have a positive response. "Great," I'll say. "So far, so good," I often add. What I hadn't realized until recently is that my emotional state has changed. I do admit that I've always been a passionate person. I cry when I'm sad, even sometimes when I'm happy. I yell when I'm angry. Pre-pregnancy, I was able to control these emotions. But now, my hormones soar and dip like a roller coaster ride. I only have two words to say about that: "Watch out!" When I blew up at a client recently about something as silly as a telephone number, I didn't recognize the person I had become. "Just admit that you're wrong!" I kept yelling. He looked at me with wide eyes and a dropped jaw, not knowing how to respond to my sudden outburst. What is happening to me? I don't treat people this way. Even when they deserve it, I'm usually able to bite my tongue and look the other way. Luckily, this client knew I was pregnant and was graciously willing to forget the incident. I should have been prepared for this. My friend, who recently had her first baby, warned me that she threw a chair across the room during her pregnancy. That won't be me, I remember telling myself. I can keep my cool. But I had no idea what was going to happen to my body or my mind. According to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth, as the reproductive hormones suddenly kick in, levels of a brain neurotransmitter called serotonin will drop, causing irritability, tension and tears. It's biological, not psychological. At this point, unless I reveal the good news, nobody can tell that I am expecting, and I'm not sure what I should do to warn people. Should I wear a sign around my neck that says, "Beware: Expectant Mom"? I certainly don't want to offend anyone with my emotional, and sometimes, irrational behavior. Because this is my first pregnancy, it's all new to me. I can only hope people understand that this sobbing, irritable woman isn't the "real" me. The books assure me that the old, familiar, keep-it-together, pleasant person that I usually am will return in about six months. Until then, I will ride this roller coaster with every bit of energy that I possess and hope that my friends and family don't jump off mid-ride. .·:*´¨`*:·..·:*´¨`*:·. *: * Richiele * * *·. .·* `*·-:¦:-*´ ³´`*:»§«:*´`³

> One Sunday morning, the preacher noticed little Billy was staring up at the > plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. It was covered with names and > small American flags were mounted on either side of it. The seven-year-old > had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the preacher walked up, > stood beside the little boy, and said quietly: "Good morning, Billy." > > "Good morning, Preacher," replied the young man, still focused on the > plaque. "Preacher, what is this?" > > "Well, son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died while in > the service." Soberly, they stood together, staring at the plaque. > > Little Billy's voice was barely audible when he asked: "Which service, the > .·:*´¨`*:·..·:*´¨`*:·. *: * Richiele * * *·. .·* `*·-:¦:-*´ ³´`*:»§«:*´`³

Let's Go Daddy By Marty Appelbaum "Has it only been six months since he started at my child care center?" It felt to me more like six years since the day Jay Brewer came through my door for the first time. Even though it was his birthday, Jay was still his typical self. It was only 10:00 A.M., and he had already bitten Sarah twice, completely knocked over the art easels with a deafening crash, kicked Cedric and screamed loud enough to be heard in another time zone. And now he was attempting to run out our back door while repeatedly yelling, "See you! Wouldn't want to be you! See you! Wouldn't want to be you!" After hearing this over and over, I was beginning to think he had a point. My day started with the alarm ringing at 4:45 A.M. The next ninety minutes, like every day, were like a whirlwind of dressing, preparing and helping my wife Carol. Good-byes were finally said, I searched for my car keys, finally found them, got in my car, and left for work. Even though I arrived fifteen minutes early, there were already three cars with parents and children waiting in the driveway for me. One of the early arrivals was Jay Brewer. I asked myself, 'Why does Jay always arrive so early? Why does Jay always stay late? Why does Jay Brewer never, never, never ever miss a day? Is it just my imagination, or is it true that Jay Brewer seems to always be at my child-care center?' I got out of my car and walked into the center with the parents and children. Jay's father reminded me that today was Jay's birthday and handed me a cake and a present. He whispered that he couldn't come to the party I had planned for Jay this afternoon. He had a meeting tonight so a sitter would be picking Jay up this evening. He asked me if it was okay if he left his present with me to open at the party. Before I could respond, he said, "Thanks," and left. Now, several hours later, I was standing by the back door listening to Jay say, "See you! Wouldn't want to be you! See you! Wouldn't want to be you!" I remembered how Jay's birthday morning began. I eased Jay from the back door to calm him down. He looked up at me and asked, "Is my daddy coming to my party today?" I said, "No, Jay, he can't. He is very busy." Jay turned and ran a few steps and suddenly stopped, sadness plainly written over his entire body and face. That moment was the first time I actually saw the depth of his pain. Yes, I knew that his mother had died during his birth. Yes, I knew how often his daddy was busy with work. I surely knew how much difficulty Jay Brewer caused me. But now I saw something different - a fragile child in need of approval, trust and love. I decided to call Jay's father at work. It took all the courage I could muster. This wasn't going to be easy for me. I dialed the number and talked softly as I asked to speak to Mr. Brewer. My heart beat hard. 'Don't blow this' I told myself. The twenty seconds it took for him to come on the line seemed like an hour. Then I heard my voice say, "Mr. Brewer, this is Marty Appelbaum. I'm not sure how you see my role and what my place is with you, but I hope it's okay if I tell you this. Your son needs you today." I went on, "I know you're busy with work and meetings, but Mr. Brewer, you are important in the life of your child, and it is not going to be a party if you are not here to celebrate with him." There was a silence. I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. I heard labored breathing. In a trembling voice, he softly said, "Thank you." I could tell he was sobbing. He said, "I'll be there," and there was click. I put the phone down and decided not to tell Jay his dad would be coming to the party. What a great surprise I hoped it would be for him. And what a great surprise it was! As Mr. Brewer entered the room, Jay ran to his father's open arms and was swept into a giant hug. There were tears of happiness in their eyes and in mine, too. What a good time we all had with each other. Jay told me this was his "best birthday ever." As the day ended, Jay went to say good-bye to the other children one more time. Mr. Brewer came up to me and said, "Thank you for your phone call. Today meant a lot to Jay and to me." His voice trembled. "I have missed my wife so much. We had such plans. I never got a last chance to tell her I loved her. After hanging up the phone with you today, I realized that I've been running from life ever since her death. I am so thankful that you called and helped me to remember how much my son needs me." Jay finished saying good-bye to the children and returned to his dad. He looked up at him with adoring eyes and said, "Let's go, Daddy," and so they did. .·:*´¨`*:·..·:*´¨`*:·. *: * Richiele * * *·. .·* `*·-:¦:-*´ ³´`*:»§«:*´`³