Best of the Internet: Keeper

Keeper *************** I grew up with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it... A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away..  I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things.. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and  sometimes it made me crazy.. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more. But then my father died, and on that clear winter's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more. Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return.. So... while we have it..... it's best we love it.... and care for it... and fix it when it's broken......... and heal it when it's sick. This is true. for marriage....... and old cars..... and children with bad report cards..... and dogs with bad hips.... and aging parents..... and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we         are worth it.  Some things we keep. Like a   best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special........ and so, we keep them close! I received this from someone who thinks I am a 'keeper', so I've sent it to the people I think of in the same way... Now it's your turn to send this to those people that are "keepers" in your life.  Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.  Keep them close!

The Best of the Internet: What Love Means to a 4-8 Year Old

What Love Means to a 4-8 Year Old . . .
                                ...
Slow down for three minutes to read this.  It is so worth it.

Touching words from the mouth of babes. 

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?'

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined.

See what you think:

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. 
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'                              

Rebecca- age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'

Billy - age 4
                                

'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'

Karl - age 5

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6
                             

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'                                

Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7 
                                

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. 
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'                              

Emily - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7                      (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6         (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'

Noelle - age 7 
                                

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6 
                                

'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.  He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8

'My mommy loves me more than anybody.  You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'                         

Elaine-age 5 

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'

Chris - age 7 
                                

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'

Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'

Lauren - age 4 
                                

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.'     (what an image)

Karen - age 7

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'

Mark - age 6 
                                

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'

Jessica - age 8 
                               

And the final one:

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry.' 

We all need some kind of help in our lives. So, this is for family and friends…                                

 
Heavenly Father, please bless all my family and friends in whatever it is that You know they may be needing this day! And may their life be full of Your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with You. 
                                Amen.

Jacquie McTaggart: Dynamic Speaker, Writer, Teacher, and Friend

Jacquie is all of the above and more! In my book of “Best People” she is simply a wonderful lady. She could also be called a “humorist” which she labeled me when awarding her gold star of the month at…

http://consideratio.powweb.com/mctaggart/goldstar.html

Yes, she has a tremendous sense of humor, and she is a gifted writer and speaker. I will let her tell you why this former First Grade Teacher of forty-one years spends so much time speaking and writing. What follows is a partial list of the places and states that she visits to speak, copied from her website:

Jacquie's Itinerary

I'm often asked why I spend so much time speaking and writing, and my answer is always the same. I want to make a difference. And besides that, I love what I do. I get to meet new people (some in person and some online), see new places, taste new foods, and learn new things. And that, my friends, is what I believe retirement should be — making a difference and doing what you enjoy. I plan to ride this merry-go-round for a few more years, and perhaps one day I'll look out in the audience and see you. I hope so.

Following is a partial list of my scheduled speaking appearances. If you live near one of these locations and would like more information, just hit the Contact link and tell me how I can help. And if you attend one of these functions, please seek me out and introduce yourself. I'd love to meet you face-to-face.

• Fennimore, Wisconsin: CESA #3 - EDUConference 2010. "The Write Way." 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; July 28-29, 2010.
• Peosta, Iowa: Seton Catholic School Staff Development. Will meet in Shannon Hall, located in the basement of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; 10 a.m. - 12 noon on August 16, 2010.
• Rapid City, South Dakota: Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center. International Reading Association state conference. October 14-16, 2010.
• Hershey, Pennsylvania: Hershey Conference Center. KSRA conference. October 24-27, 2010.
• Oelwein, Iowa: Public Library. Northeast Iowa Reading Council. "The Write Way." November 10, 2010. 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Arkansas Reading Association State Conference. Little Rock Convention Center and Peabody Hotel. November 18-19, 2010.
• Springfield, Illinois: International Reading Association conference. March 17-19, 2011.
• Saskatoon, Canada: Saskatoon Reading Conference 2011. "Building Bridges Through Literacy" at Saskatoon Travelodge Hotel. April 7-8, 2011.
• Sugar Grove, Illinois: NIU Summer Literary Conference. June 21, 2011.

As for being a writer and person, this is copied from her website which is at http://consideratio.powweb.com/mctaggart/...

My name is Jacquie McTaggart. I have one husband, two sons, six grandkids, and 1500 former students. I'd love to brag about the whole tribe and tell you how great each of them are, but you might find that a tad boring. So...I'll simply say they are the best and let it go at that.

I live with my husband, Carroll, in Independence, Iowa. He is retired; I am not. Well, not in the truest sense of the word. I did accept an early-retirement package from the Independence School District in 2001 — following a 42-year teaching career. I did not, however, forsake my quest to help kids become the best that they can be. Fortunately, my husband supports my passion, and teachers throughout the country help me implement it.

My first book, From the Teacher's Desk, was released in December 2003. In April 2004 I was a featured speaker at North Dakota's International Reading Association state conference, and in April 2009 I returned to ND for my 50th IRA speaking assignment. And I pick up new ideas at every conference. Teachers are always willing to share, and I'm always eager to listen. It's a win-win combination.

My most recent book, If They Don't Learn the Way You Teach, Teach the Way They Learn, was released in August 2009. The book includes all of the materials, lists, methods, and practices that I talk about in the eight different presentations I give at IRA conferences, reading/writing workshops, library conferences, and teacher in-service training. You can see chapter reviews by clicking on the books at this site's homepage. Hint: From the Teacher's Desk is a treasure trove for parents, whereas If They Don't Learn the Way You Teach, Teach the Way They Learn is primarily for teachers.

I update the material at the Teacher's Desk on the first day of every month. Teachers throughout the country tell me what is working for them and what is not, and I have the honor of passing it on to you. I invite you to join our "For the Love of Kids" family. Sign up for the free newsletter, and if at any time you have a question or suggestion, just use the Contact link and shoot me an email. I'd love to hear from you.

As for being my friend, I am thankful that Jacquie and I can share laughs and inspiration online, since she lives in Iowa, and I live in New York. She is my BIF, Best Internet Friend, and an inspiration to many.

Check out her entire website at http://consideratio.powweb.com/mctaggart/goldstar.html.

You won’t be disappointed with her website or her books.

Written In Stone

This is another piece of writing that came across the Internet. I've seen it before, but I still like it. It's written in capital letters, and it is screaming good advice at you about friendship. If you're working on stone, maybe it's easier to write in uppercase letters. And thanks ahead of time to the friends that drop by and read this.

STONE  
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING  
THROUGH THE DESERT   . 
DURING SOME POINT OF THE 
JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN 
ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND 
SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE 
IN THE FACE  

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED  
WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT 
SAYING ANYTHING, 
WROTE IN THE SAND  ,  

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND  
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE  . 

THEY KEPT ON WALKING, 
UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, 
WHERE THEY DECIDED 
TO TAKE A BATH  

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN 
SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE 
MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, 
BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM. 

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM 
THE NEAR DROWNING, 
HE WROTE ON A STONE:  

'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND 
SAVED MY LIFE'  

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED 
AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND 
ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU, 
YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, 
YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?' 

THE FRIEND REPLIED 
'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US 
WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN 
IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF 
FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.     

BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES  SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, 
WE M UST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE 
WHERE NO WIND 
CAN EVER ERASE IT' 

LEARN TO WRITE 
YOUR HURTS IN 
THE SAND AND TO 
CARVE YOUR 
BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A  
MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL 
PERSON,     

AN HOUR TO  
APPRECIATE THEM,        

A DAY  
TO LOVE THEM,  

BUT THEN,  

AN ENTIRE LIFE 
TO FORGET THEM.  

SEND THIS TO 
THE PEOPLE YOU'LL NEVER 
FORGET.       

Three Things

Three Things

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -  Time, Words and Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person - Anger, Pride and Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose - Hope, Peace and Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable - Love, Family & Friends and Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain - Fortune, Success and Dreams

Three things that make a person - Commitment, Sincerity and Hard Work

Author Unknown

What Miracles Have Happened in Your Life?

What miracles have happened in your life? I'll get the magic rolling by mentioning several miracles in my life. First, falling in love with my soulmate and marrying her. Life for me could have turned out so differently and poorly had I not married Marilyn...Secondly, adopting Mary Lou was a miracle. It was meant to be. We picked her up from Catholic Charities on April 8, 1971 at 10:30 am. Exactly two years later at 10:31 April Marie was born, another miracle. Both girls were meant to be in our lives. Thirdly our oldest grandson needed a liver transplant and after a very long wait one came his way miraculously saving his life. That was four years ago. So, those are three miracles in our lives. There were more, but not quite as big as those.

The story ahead is about a miracle. You probably read it before on the Internet....This has been around for several years, but deserves, no requires, a re-issue at this happy and HOLY time of year. GOD BLESS!!

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.

Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing... She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't se en in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone.. 'He's really, really sick ... and I want to buy a miracle.'

'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?'

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs..'

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?'

'I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation... But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.'

'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago

'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly

'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'

'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled he man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. '

He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well dressed man was Dr Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle I wonder how much it would have cost?'

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost..one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.

A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.

I know you'll keep the ball moving!

Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you!

A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.

Today I pass the friendship ball to you.

Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you.

MY OATH TO YOU...

When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.

When you are scared....I will comfort your fears..

When you are worried......I will give you hope.

When you are confused......I will help you cope.

And when you are lost .... And can't see the light, I shall be your beacon .... Shining ever so bright.

This is my oath ..... I pledge till the end.

Why you may ask? .... Because you're my friend.

Signed: GOD

About the Book Festival (Part One)

I enjoyed the book festival very much. What in particular? It was a gorgeous, sunny day and all seemed right with the world. With the sun shining brightly it felt like Spring, not Fall. I couldn't wait to get my books set up on my half of my table, and circulate among the authors and illustrators before the crowd came scampering in.

Of course, I couldn't wait to see Steven Kellogg. When I did see him coming up the stairs, I had to hold myself back from charging up to him and introducing myself. I decided to be "mature" regardless of my propeller hat. I waited until he settled in at his table with a hot coffee cup at arm's reach and then I raced over to his table

Steven was busy the rest of the morning and afternoon signing books and adding charming graphics before actually signing each book. He was too busy for me to tell exactly how much his books meant to me as an elementary teacher and later as a parent of two girls. We loved his books, especially his illustrations. Besides being totally enchanted by The Island of the Skog, Can I Keep Him? was another big hit with me. The kids and I really liked the repetition in the story and the amazing illustrations. Years ago, when I tutored children at the RIT's Learning Development Center, I used a number of Steven's books.

When I left to do a writing workshop in the One Busy Bookworm Place, I also left my buddy, Chet Fery, behind to man the counter. He did an excellent job of spreading the word about "Silly" Sottile, and he sold a good number of books in my absence. Chet is outstanding at making friends and networking with others. I didn't worry about the "store" at all while I was gone making new friends on the first floor at MCC. It's wonderful to have friends like Chet that you can count on! I am a very blessed person. This shall be continued tomorrow.

Baking Friendships

This photo of my friend Chet and I was taken at the Rochester Children's Book Festival not too long ago. And the following poem is about friendship. Each letter spells out a quality of friendship. As I read it for the first time, I realized that it spelled out exactly what my friend Chet is like. Chet is one of the Good Guys who has many positive qualities and skills. Among Chet's skills is the ability to bake yummy bread. He loves baking bread and giving it out freely to family, friends, and even strangers. But once he gives you a loaf of bread you are no longer strangers to one another. The yeast in his bread encourages many new friendships for him. And throughout each month he delivers loaves of bread wherever he goes with a great big smile. This ABC poem personifies many of Chet's personality qualities. Thank you Chet for your friendship and keeping me on your delivery list. (Don't forget to read the poem below.)

The Alphabet of Friendship

Absolutely supportive of you

Beautiful on the inside

Caring and thoughtful

Delightful and charming

Excellent company

Fun to be around

Good natured

Happy to spend time with you

Interested in all that you do

Jolly and fun loving

Keen and sharp - they can tell you what mood in you are in just by looking at your face

Loveable and full of compassion

Marvellous at seeing the best in you

Nice when it comes to your needs

Openly honest with you

Positive about the good that of you do in your life

Quick to comfort you when you are down

Reliable and there for you at all times

Sweet and engaging

Terrific in lots of very special ways

Understanding of how you feel

Very kind to you when you are sad

Wonder and amazing in the counsel they offer you

Xtra special to you when you least expect it

Young at heart Zippy at helping you out

Author Unknown