When Irish Eyes Are Smiling ... :) Shangy! .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. __, ,___) _____) _____ ,_) ,_) ______) (--|__| _, _ _ (--(__-|- (--|__)_-|-,_' _ |_/ ', (--| \ _, _| |(_||_)|_)(_| ____)|. _| (_|| | |(_ | \ /_) _|__/(_|(_| ( | | ,_| ( ( \_, ( ,_| .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. jgs Wishing Everyone a SAFE And BLESSED St. Patrick's Day Weekend! ===================================================================== >-->When Irish Eyes Are Smiling .-----. ()() / \ .'() |__...__|/ |_....._| .-' ___ '-. \_.-`. .`-._/ __ .--. _ (|\ (_) /|) .-;.-"-.-;`_;-, ( \_=_/ ) .(_( `)-;___),-;_), _(_ _)_ (.( `\.-._)-.( ). ) /` ||'-'|| `\ ,(_`'--;.__\ _).;--'`_) _ /_/ (_>o<_) \_\ // )`--..__ ``` _( o )'(';,)\_//| || : || |\\ \;' ````` `\\ '.\\--' |`"""""""`|// / ':.___// \___,___/\_( | '---'| |__|__| ; ; ;""|""; \ / [] | [] '. .' .' / \ '. jgs'-,.__ __.,-' `--' `--' (___/`````````\___) words and music Chauncey Olcott & George Graff, Jr. There's a tear in your eye, And I'm wondering why, For it never should be there at all. With such pow'r in your smile, Sure a stone you'd beguile, So there's never a teardrop should fall. When your sweet lilting laughter's Like some fairy song, And your eyes twinkle bright as can be; You should laugh all the while And all other times smile, And now, smile a smile for me. When Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring. In the lilt of Irish laughter You can hear the angels sing. When Irish hearts are happy, All the world seems bright and gay. And when Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, they steal your heart away. For your smile is a part Of the love in your heart, And it makes even sunshine more bright. Like the linnet's sweet song, Crooning all the day long, Comes your laughter and light. For the springtime of life Is the sweetest of all There is ne'er a real care or regret; And while springtime is ours Throughout all of youth's hours, Let us smile each chance we get. http://www.thebards.net/music/lyrics/When_Irish_Eyes_Are_Smiling.shtml Irish Eyes "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" is a lighthearted song in tribute to Ireland. Its lyrics were written by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr., set to music composed by Ernest Ball, for Olcott's production of The Isle O' Dreams. It was first published in 1912. It was used as the opening song on the radio show Duffy's Tavern. Background: The lyrics to When Irish Eyes Are Smiling were written by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. and set to the music of Enerst Ball for Olcott's production of The Isle O' Dreams. The music was published in 1912. Chauncey Olcott was born in Buffalo, New York. He produced several shows about Ireland for the New York stage. His other hits included My Wild Irish Rose. Ernest Ball was also born in America, but was devoted to Ireland. ========================================================================= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: >A 'Lil St. Patrick's Day History .-. .-. ( | ) .-.: | ;,-. (_ __`.|.'_ __) ( ./Y\. ) `-.-' | `-.-' | | hjw We celebrate Saint Patrick's Day each year on March 17th. The festive holiday has everyone wearing green (so they don't get pinched) and chatting of four leaf clovers, shamrocks, lucky leprechauns, and kissing some big rock called a blarney stone. Does it all sound a bit strange? It did to me too but after a bit of research it all made sense. Here's what I found out. Did you know that Saint Patrick's name at birth was Maewyn Succat? He was born somewhere near the end of the fourth century and took on the name Patrick or Patricus, after he became a priest, much later in his life. At the age of sixteen Maewyn Succat was kidnapped from his native land of Britain, by a band pirates, and sold into slavery in Ireland. Maewyn worked as a shepherd and turned to religion for solace. After six long years of slavery he escaped to the northern coast of Gaul. In Gaul, Maewyn became Patrick (a more christian name) and studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for twelve years. He came to believe that it was his calling to convert the pagans of Ireland to Christianity. St. Palladius was appointed to go to Ireland first but transferred to Scotland two years later opening up the door for Patrick. Patrick was about sixty years old when he arrived in Ireland and it is said that he had a winning personality that helped him win converts. He used the shamrock, which resembles a three-leafed clover, to help explain the concept of the Trinity (father, son, holy spirit). Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries and setting up schools and churches to aid in converting the Irish country to Christianity. Legend has it that Saint Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Evidently, they all went into the sea and drowned. The snake is a pagan symbol and perhaps this is a figurative tale explaining that he drove paganism out of Ireland. Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. He then retired to County Down and died on March 17 in 461 AD. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. The first year St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in this country was 1737 in Boston, Massachusetts. As the saying goes, on this day "everybody is Irish!" Over 100 U.S. cities now hold Saint Patrick's Day parades. -<>- >Pop by: Jacqueline Winters _ _ (_(_) /(_) (-----. |= | _|=____|_ (_________) 8" "8 (8 6 6 8) 8 7 8 88-=###, _ jgs "888"`##,|#| `###' "Stand tall. Remember you're Irish." I can still hear my grandfather speaking those words. He was a proud man who loved God, his family and his heritage along with his adopted country of America. Here is his story, my tribute to him on St. Patrick's Day when everyone is a little bit Irish! At 16, taking only the clothing on his back and hunger for a companion, Michael said goodbye to his homeland and stole aboard the ship heading for America. He crept quietly down into the hold and hid among the cargo. The days and nights melted together and finally, the waves of seasickness threw him into a feverish sleep where the draped, bent, hollow-eyed figure of Poverty wielding its sharp-edged sword of famine stood guard on Ireland's shore, preventing his return. Michael cried out in his sleep and was heard by the ship's captain. The usually stern captain took pity on the lanky half-starved boy and allowed him to work for his passage. Michael worked from dawn to dusk and spent his evenings befriended by the captain who marveled at the youth's quick wit and extensive knowledge of history and the poets. Michael came out west to San Francisco, as many Irish had done before him, lured by the open, friendly atmosphere and hope of employment. The sound and smell of the ocean mingling with the cool blanket of fog always reminded him of his beloved Ireland. By the time he was 30, Michael had married his tiny bride, settled in as a fireman on the fireboats and lost all his hair. He gained eight children who subsequently produced 23 grandchildren who also called him "Pop." My grandparents' large and friendly house was often filled with a mixture of relatives and friends when I was small. On any given night, the dining room table held a good hearty meal and there sat my grandfather, the head of it all. Quite often after dinner, "Jim Beam" paid a visit and if the company and mood warranted it, Pop got out the violin and filled the room with its sweet haunting music. When the uncles were there, they joined their thick deep brogue with his to produce a rich medley of sound, singing of Ireland's pain and beauty. Tears flowed as fast as "Jim" was poured and I often fell asleep wrapped in the warmth of it all. Oh, and the stories! Pop was always ready with a story. As he puffed on his pipe, he told of the leprechauns dancing across the fields in Ireland and how he came home one night and right away knew someone was dying because the Bean Si (pronounced 'banshee') was sitting on the gate combing her long dark hair. As he walked by, she began her high-pitched wailing cry. Then, stretching her arms outward, she flew up and through the nearby grove of trees, her hair streaming behind, a willowy wisp, blending with the wind swept branches. How his eyes twinkled as he spun his yarn! He painted pictures with words so vividly that I still almost believe in ghosts and goblins. Pop loved the Christmas holidays when he transformed the front room window area into a miniature village. He spread a white sheet over pillow lumps and bumps to form hills and valleys under the Christmas tree. Then, carefully unwrapping little wooden houses he had made in earlier days, he placed them here and there around a mirror laid flat to represent a pond. His large yet graceful hands arranged little bushes and trees and hung tiny lights throughout. He dusted the entire scene with artificial snow and with a flip of the light switch, brought the tiny village to life. In later years, Halloween became a favorite holiday also. Pop sat with a big bowl of candy in a chair near the front door so he could enjoy seeing the "wee ones" with their little painted faces. Pop loved to cover his face in mock fear of the scarier costumes as the children and parents laughed with him. Pop was always a gentleman. After grandma died and he retired, he enjoyed walking to church on Sunday properly attired in a suit and tie. With shoes polished to a brilliant shine, he walked proudly down the street, tipping his hat to the neighborhood ladies. Even in the midst of devastating family tragedies, Pop always stood tall. The invisible cloak of pain that rested on his shoulders in later life began weighing heavily, and finally, Pop's heart was failing. I rushed his first great grandchild, only four weeks old, past the startled nurses at the hospital and into his arms. His hands, thinner now, the deep nail beds a faint bluish color held the tiny baby girl close as he announced to the other men, "Look at this now! I turn around and they tell me I'm a father. Then I turn around again and they tell me I'm a grandfather. Now they're telling me I'm a great grandfather. Oh child, you're making me old before me time!" Pop came home, but only for a while. A short time later, I went to visit him and we talked again about the trip we would someday take to Ireland. Pop's face was almost translucent and I could hear the wailing of the Bean Si. His big heart, no longer as strong, quietly stopped the next evening as he lay down to rest forever. You'll always live in my heart, Pop, and as you walk the meadows of County Claire, "Go gcoinne Dia thu," (May God keep you.) ======================================================================= >-->Gonna Be at the pub for all those .__ _..._ /,-./'.--. ``\. /|/.--./`.o/ /`;\\ |||\ _ `-'_` o|/|| ||\\`.`.__`Y8P_,\|| GREEN Drinks? \\|| `"\"""/---'|| \\| ,-' `.||// \(-'_ `. ,-' [_] .-. \ ; `\| ||-'/ ` \ \ /`""-.`\ | ; | `.-|\_/ | ; ' | \-._ / | | / |`--'| : ;_\_ /| |/ /\|, ) __..; `----' :`.`|/ / / | | ; .' `\' ; \/ : _ : : / / : : _.'`.__.' | fsc \ _.' \ / | | / `---.._ | `\ `.____ \ / | `------' \__|_,' Be sure to have a designated driver. This will help explain why ;) >Unlocked From The Outside I've had a lot of friends in law enforcement.. And I've even had the opportunity to ride in the front seat with a police officer. But the experience I had recently had a totally different feel to it. I was speaking at a large youth festival, and I had to get across this festival's grounds quickly to my next speaking venue. Two police officers working security said, "Hey, hop in our squad car - we'll take you over there." Well, I jumped into the back seat of the police car and I quickly realized that I had never experienced a little of what it feels like to be on the custody end of things like that. There was this wall between me and the officers in the front seat. And when we arrived at our destination, I tried in vain to open my door. No way. My officer friend had a good laugh at this as he said, "Ron, there's no way you can get yourself out of there. You see, somebody has to let you out." I've decided I am not excited about being in the prisoner seat any more. "There's no way you can get yourself out of there." That's a feeling many of us have experienced, without ever being physically locked up. It's like there are these hurtful emotional and spiritual cycles that we just can't seem to get ourselves out of. Maybe you know what it is to be trapped in a cycle of destructive behavior, or of damaged relationships, or maybe you've been in a cycle of guilt and shame over repeated mistakes, or a cycle of slavery to a behavior you just can't seem to change, or even a cycle of unfulfillment, where one experience after another fails to give you the peace and the meaning you've always hoped for. There are no bars, no prison walls, but we know the feeling of being locked up in a way of living we can't get out of. Just like a prisoner in a cell - or me in the prisoner seat of a police car - somebody has to let you out. And for 2,000 years, "the" Somebody has been doing that for millions of us spiritual prisoners. In fact, in Isaiah 61:1, our word for today from the Word of God, He announced His reason for coming to earth this way: "The Lord has ... sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners." Jesus understands the powerful force that ultimately keeps us locked up in our destructive cycles. He said, "Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin." (John 8:34) Sin is simply our hijacking of our life from the God who was supposed to run it. And because we're away from our Creator, we're trapped in this self-run orbit where life just doesn't work right. It took the coming - and the dying - of the Son of God to break the enslaving power of sin. By taking the death penalty for what we've done, Jesus has the power, not only to save us from our own hurtful ways, but to save us from the eternal penitentiary the Bible calls hell. He's come from the outside to let you out, to set you free. But He waits for your invitation to do that - your invitation to Him to come into your life, forgive every sin, and change you from the inside out. That glorious freedom that so many have experienced you can experience, beginning this very day. It begins when you tell Jesus, "I'm Yours." If you've never really opened up your life to Him to do what only He can do - and you want to - I want to send you my boooklet, "Yours For Life", that I wrote about this new beginning. Just let me know that you want it. Jesus has been setting prisoners free for a long, long time. This could be your day to finally be able to say - "Free at last, free at last - thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!" Today's Daily Wisdom is written by Ron Hutchcraft, based on his popular radio broadcast, "A Word With You" which can be found at: http://www.gospelcom.net/rhm/awwy/awwymenu.htm -------- ... Romans 10:9,10 has a beautiful way of doing that for you - giving you true freedom! ===================================================================== __.--'"""""'--.__ __.--' '--.__ .-' '-. .' F R I E N D S H I P '. / L O Y A L T Y \ /` L O V E `\ / _______ \ / _.-'` `'-._ \ / .' .:. .:. '. \ : / ::::::::: \ : ; / ':::::::' \ ; | / ':::::' \ | | ; .:::::.:::.:::::. ; | | | ':::::::::::::::' | | | | .:::::::::::::::. | | | ; ':::::' : ':::::' ; | ; \ : / ; : .-"^`\ .:. /`^"-. : \ .' ___\ .:' ':. /___ `. / \ / /.---. O .---.\ \ / \ | // '-. _o/0\o_ .-' \\ | / \| ;| \ (0\|V|/0) / |; |/ \.:.|| |\_) \~_~_~/ (_/| ||.:./ jgs \` | \ . \ ; .-.^.-. ; / . / | `/ '\_\ \\ \ \ \ / ' \ / / / // /_/' \\ \ \ \ \ / / / / // `'-\_\_\ \ / /_/_/-'` ` '. .' ` ` The Claddagh is a visual portrayal of the eternal bond of friendship, loyalty, and love. The HEART symbolizes love, life's finest impulse. From it, generosity and compassion flow. The HANDS of friendship are clasped around the heart in a gesture of giving. As they cradle the heart gently, the hands are both protective and strong, like true friendship. The CROWN is symbolic of loyalty. It represents the reward of love, the highest achievement the human spirit has yet accomplished. To give the Claddagh is to forge the hands of love, friendship, and loyalty forever. =================================================================== >-->From The Irish Storyteller: Red Hugh O'Donnell (In Gaelic) Aodh Ruadh O'Domhnaill ________________________________________________________________________ The predestined boy had come whose advent a druid priest had foretold. With a countenance so appealing that none could look at him without loving him. On a May day in 1592, nineteen years old, valiant, but lame in one foot--the mark of his cruel captivity, he stood on the Rock of Doone, the white wand in his hand, symbol of authority, straight and true. He turned three times, from left to right, and three times right to left, in honor of the trinity. He viewed every point of his territory. The inaugurater called out, "O'Donnell!" And each man according to his rank, cried out, "O'Donnell!" And the hundreds of clansmen carried the cry, "O'Donnell!" ***Thus Red Hugh's star rose and shone high in the north over Ireland, and still shines in the dark sky of it's history. ----------- The O'Donnell name means World Mighty. They ruled the lands of Tyrconnell and were part of the O'Neill clan grouping, often their most powerful rivals. ----------- Read more about Red Hugh, The Eagle of the North http://www.irishstoryteller.com/contents.html Irish Stories ========================================================================== >-->From HeartWarmers: o (>, 8 oo |\ 8 "}| \ , ., ,' ('`')' )\____,<) / (__,_ | (-,/ .' ) / `._,\ '`- `\ -`' -- - - -- --- VK/ejm DANCES WITH HER HEART by Glenda Townsend On May 8, 1987, I gave birth to a beautiful blonde, blue eyed, baby girl. Minutes after she was born, the doctor told us she had "mongolism," a term I detest to this very day. I explained to him, that we no longer say that, but Down Syndrome. He told us not to expect too much of her. She may never walk, probably won't talk, or even play like other children. He said just to love her, for now, and consider putting her into an institution in the future. I said, no way, I would raise her just like my other children. She was the best baby ever! She only cried when she was hungry, and hardly fussed at all. I loved holding her and rocking her to sleep. She had a calming effect on anyone who held her. By the time she was 18 months old, she was walking and getting into all kinds of mischief. She and her brother, who was 1-1/2 years older, played together constantly and were inseparable. They seemed to learn together, although Kathy was the more inquisitive of the two. We had learned, by this time, that Andrew, too, was mentally challenged. Music for Andrew had a calming effect, but for Kathy, it was a chance to "shake her booty." She loved to dance. Even sitting down, if a song came on that she liked, she would wiggle, almost in time to it. When Kathy was 3, Don and I managed to get away for a very short three day holiday. On the way back, we stopped at a native gift shop and bought the kids some gifts. One for Kathy was a set of ankle bells. They were attached to leather and you tied them to your ankles and danced. She wore them every day for a week and danced her little heart out. When she was about 8 years old, I tried to get her into a ballet class but was met with so much indifference and indignation from the teacher that I gave it up. Two years later, another teacher opened another dance school and I met with her and asked what she thought. She said she would love to give it a try. She didn't know if she could teach Kathy anything but she thought it would be good for her. For the first year she put Kathy in a class with typical kids. Kathy did pretty well, but it was evident that she could not keep up. The next year she started up a class for special kids. There were three young girls and some older people from a local group home for mentally challenged adults. They were a hit at the year end show! Everyone loved them, and clapped along with the music. That same year a friend came with her son, who is a very good dancer. He also had Down Syndrome. The teacher invited him to be a guest dancer at the recital. She now had a goal for Kathy. When Kathy was 16, the teacher decided she would do a solo at the year end recital. Kathy did her solo and was a hit! There was not a dry eye in the place. During the last four years she has danced solos for the schools, and danced at a community show. She still loves to dance and her teacher is pleased with her progress. She has been invited to dance at the year end recital at another dance school, and has been invited to travel to Edmonton, Alberta, to dance at a school for special students. This will probably happen in May or June this year. Kathy is in college, now, in a different town, but comes home every weekend and has a dance lesson every Friday night. I do hope this continues, as she definitely connects with her dance teacher. She brings rave revues of her dancing wherever she goes and smiles and says "thank you" to all the compliments. She realizes she is different, but when it comes to her dancing, she simply dances with her heart. -- Glenda Townsend ___________________________________________ Glenda lives in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband. They have two children, and Glenda has two daughters from a previous marriage. You can email her here: mailto:gat1127@yahoo.ca ======================================================================= >-->My Wild Irish Rose ________ .##@@&&&@@##. ,##@&::%&&%%::&@##. #@&:%%000000000%%:&@# #@&:%00' '00%:&@# #@&:%0' '0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# "" ' " " ' "" _oOoOoOo_ .-.-. (oOoOoOoOo) ( : ) )`"""""`( .-.`. .'.-. / \ (_ '.Y.' _) | # | ( .'|'. ) \ / '-' | '-' jgs `=========` If you'll listen, I'll sing you a sweet little song, Of a flower that's now drooped and dead, Yet dearer to me, yes, than all of its mates, Tho' each holds aloft its proud head. 'Twas given to me by a girl that I know, Since we've met, faith, I've known no repose, She is dearer by far than the world's brightest star, And I call her my wild Irish Rose. My wild Irish Rose, The sweetest flow'r that grows, You may search ev'rywhere, But none can compare With my wild Irish Rose. My wild Irish Rose, The dearest flow'r that grows, And some day for my sake, She may let me take The bloom from my wild Irish Rose. They may sing of their roses which, by other names, Would smell just as sweetly, they say, But I know that my Rose would never consent To have that sweet name taken away. Her glances are shy when e'er I pass by The bower, where my true love grows; And my one wish has been that some day I may win The heart of my wild Irish Rose. My wild Irish Rose, The sweetest flow'r that grows, You may search ev'rywhere, But none can compare With my wild Irish Rose. My wild Irish Rose, The dearest flow'r that grows, And some day for my sake, She may let me take The bloom from my wild Irish Rose. written by Chauncey Olcott for his production of A Romance of Athlone. The music was published in 1899. http://www.contemplator.com/ireland/wildrose.html Irish Rose ===================================================================== >-->God Has Purpose God has kept me here for a reason. I survived because He has a plan for me. All my bad relationships, the consequences, the hard times, the sad times, the death of my loved ones, the back stabbing from my friends, the negative thoughts, or the lack of support; I made it because I am blessed! I release and let go of all past hurts, misunderstandings and grudges because I am abundantly blessed! I recognize them as the illusions they are, and sent from the enemy to kill my spirit, steal my joy, and destroy my faith; For God is all there is. All else is a lie! Now give yourself a hug, wipe your tears away and walk in victory!!!!!!!! I love you, but more appropriately God loves you BEST! Be blessed and know that you are at one with THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD! And may the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other. Genesis 31:49. Amen! Now since you are a true child of God, you know that with every blessing, a blessing is required! So be a blessing to another, by passing this on. Be Blessed "The Will of GOD will never take you where the GRACE of GOD will not protect you. ====================================================================== >-->DANCE WITH ME? $$$$$$$$$$$$R$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$V "Y .""**##%%$$$$$$$$$ $$$$# `$$N$$$$$$$$$mmmuuu:.""# $$R $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $! @$$$$$""R$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $> '$$$$$F $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $W $$$$: R$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$ $$8$$R:x@$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$ $$$$x$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$ $N$ "$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$ $$$$ @ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $` u$$$$$ R$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ N$R$$$$ R$$$$$$$$$$$$$ *$$@$$$f .i. `$$$$$$$$$$$$ k 9$$$. $$$$$$$$$$$ R M$$$$$. $$$$$$$$$ by Bob Perks $ 4$$$$$$$. $$$$$$$$ $ @$$$$$$$$$b-B>R$$$$ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ < $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $b $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$i $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$c #$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$R ?$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$ .i. #$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$R d$b M$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$r $$$$$$ 9$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$# X$$$$$$$od$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Bob Allison The music fills the air and he's the only one who hears it. Sitting by the tree this sunny afternoon, he is lifted by the spirit of the composer's intent and taken, if only for a moment, back to that time. It is a place you might remember, perhaps you were right there with him. The innocence, the "might-have-beens," the one that got away. The boys all gathered shyly, nervously to one side. The girls, giggling, chatting, pointing to "that one over there." He's the one they all want to dance with and he knows it. But this one stands ignoring the immature rantings of the rest of the boys. He feels himself ready and yet, in order to declare himself so, he must step across that line. You know, the invisible divider which has kept him this side of the gym. The night has gone by all too quickly. The pressure's on and he must make the move. The Deejay spins the record to a halt and before the next one begins announces, "This is the last slow dance of the evening." "Oh, no!" the young man says beneath his breath. With that startling news he dashes across the floor, his eye remains on her as he plows past the crowd of onlookers. They, still dreaming of the moment, stop suddenly to watch the master do his work. He screeches to a halt and the world stands still with him. The blue lights dancing in the middle of the floor, reflections in a dream, cause everything to move in slow motion now. This Romeo reaches for his Juliet and for the first time in his young life he utters these words nervously, "Dance with me?" Slowly she reaches out to him, awestruck and spinning with the moment, for she never thought he'd noticed her this night. The music, the last slow dance of the evening, begins its magic spell. The two of them move nervously unaware of anyone else. "My hands. Where do I put my hands?" his inner voice screams. Quickened thoughts of Mom's instructions, unappreciated at the time, come to save the day. The music plays on and on forever and still, not long enough. In the light of reality, this old man who leans against the tree this day, is longing for her one more time. In the remembering years of his life, eyes closed, he is swaying now without concern for others watching. Perhaps with the memory of it all he is dancing, still. But sadly, they danced their last dance just a month ago and now he sits longing, waiting for her once more this side of the gym. He knows that one day soon, God will interrupt his dream and call to him, "This is the last slow dance of the evening." There, just across the way, he will see her standing, waiting for him still. With his last breath he will ask once more, "Dance with me?" And the stars in heaven's ballroom will illuminate the night and the two of them will dance this dance forever. "Dance with me..." I Wish You Enough -- Bob Perks ======================================================================= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: Just Three Words Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another Often come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those Statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones And restore relationships that have cooled. The following three word phrases can enrich every relationship: I'LL BE THERE - Being there for another person is the greatest gift We can give. When we are truly present for other people, important Things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and Friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. 'Being There is at the very, very core of civility. I MISS YOU - Perhaps more marriages could be salvaged and Strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other, "I Miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, Needed, desired and loved. I RESPECT YOU - Respect is another way of showing love. Respect Conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. It is a Powerful way to affirm the importance of a relationship. MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT - This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an Argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of "maybe You're right" is the humility of admitting "maybe I'm wrong." PLEASE FORGIVE ME - Many broken relationships could be restored and Healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man Should never be ashamed to own up to he has been in the wrong, which Is by saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was Yesterday. I THANK YOU - Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who Enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't Take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their Friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, People whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not Have the attitude of gratitude. COUNT ON ME - "A friend is one who walks in when others walk Out." "Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is The emotional glue that bonds people. Those who are rich in their Relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, A good friend is there, indicating "you can count on me." LET ME HELP - The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When They spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being Asked, they pitch in and help. I UNDERSTAND YOU - People become closer and enjoy each other more if They feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting Others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is One of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. GO FOR IT - Some of your friends may be non-conformists, have unique Projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their Interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage Their uniqueness - everyone has dreams that no one else has. I suppose the 3 little words that you were expecting to see have to Be reserved for those who are special; that is I LOVE YOU. -Author Unknown -<>- >A BETTER LIFE _._ .' '. / \ ___ _.. _.--. | / |.' `'. ;-._ .' `\ .' `\ \| / \ .' `\/ ; / _ \.=..=./ _.' / | `\.---._| '. .-'-.}`.<>.`{-'-. / .--; . ( .' '. \ .---.{ <>()<> }.--..-' / _ \_ './ _. `-./ _},'<>`.{_ `\ ( = \ )`""'\;--. .' .-'/ )=..=;`\`- \ {= (| ) /`. ( / /| \ ) ( =_/ )__..-\ .'-..___.' : '.___..-' \ }/ / ;.____.-;/\ | ` | '--' | .' | \ \ /'. _.' \ ' / |\.\ ; /`--.-' ) .'`-. / \ \ |`| /__.-' \_.'jgs \ \ |-| By: Joseph J. Mazzella "I want a better life." That has become the slogan of our society today. Everywhere we look there are a thousand suggestions on how to live a better life. There are pills, exercises, and diet books to help us lose weight so we can live a better life. There are lotions, treatments, and surgeries to help us look better so we can live a better life. There are cell phones, computers, and televisions to keep us connected and entertained so we can live a better life. There are cars, clothes, and fancy homes to keep us feeling wealthy so we can live a better life. There are schools, classes, and colleges to get our kids ready to live an even better life than we do. There are also jobs, cash, and credit cards to keep us spending for all of these things so that we can one day, hopefully, have that better life we dream about. I want a better life too, but I don’t think that any of these things will help me to get it. I have tried a lot of them over the years and while they may make you feel better for a moment they don’t bring you the lasting happiness you want. I have found for myself that the only way to have a better life is to live a better life, and only way to give your children a better life is to show them how to live a better life as well. How do you live a better life? You start by living more for your soul and less for your wallet. You spend more time hugging and less time buying. You turn off the television and take a walk with your children. You smile more and worry less. You spend more time with your loved ones and less time at the office. You laugh longer and more often. You look in your heart more and in the mirror less. You make your first job spreading joy rather than earning money. You realize just how much God loves you and you spend your days sharing that love with everyone you meet. And you always remember that your life is a gift from God and how you live it is your gift back. Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ==================================================================== __, ,__) __,__) ,__) ____, __, ,__) (--|__| _ (--| ,_ ' , |_ (--/_| ,_ _ (--\ | _ __| |(_)(_|_) __|__ | |/_)| | / | | (/_ \_|(_)(_| ( ( |_, / (___| .-.-. ( : ) ~|~|_~(_~~|~ \|/~\| ||~) ~|~ /~\ ( IRISH .-.\ ' /.-. | |_ ,_) | |\_/\_/|~\ _|_.\_X. QUOTIENT ) (_.. 'Y' .._) ( /|\ ) jgs '-' | '-' .-. (_" \ 1. Why did St. Patrick drive all the snakes out of Ireland? / `\ \ ^ ) ) 2. Why do people wear shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day? ( ( .:. ) ) 3. _oOoOo Where does ( ( [_||||| green beer \ \ ||||| come from? `\| ~~~~~ 4. How can you tell if an Irishman is having a good time? 5. Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun? 6. What's Irish and stays out all night? _oOoOoOo_ (oOoOoOoOo) 7. How did the Irish jig get started? )`"""""`( / \ 8. Why do leprechauns have pots o' gold? | G O L D | \ / 9. What's an Irish windbreaker? `=========` 10. On St. Patrick's Day, while people are searching for tiny, little leprechauns, what are leprechauns searching for? @@ .##@@::;%%&&00' @><@ .###@@::;%%&&00' ________) .###@@::;%%&&00' | | .###@@::;%%&&00' _ _|===LI===|_ .###@@::;%%&&00' / \_(____________) .###@@::;%%&&00' \ / (88 6 6 88) .###@@::;%%&&00' \/\ 88: 7 :88` .###@@::;%%&&00' \/\ 888'=='888' .###@@::;%%&&00' \ \_'888888'_________.###@@::;%%&&00' \___<\""/>_____/_/_-'##@Oo@o%&&00' / >< \ .##oO@Oo@O@o&00' /__/--\__\ (oO@OoO@@o@oO@@o) '-.______.-' /`"""""""""""""`\ jgs _|_||_|_ | Happy | ___LI)||(LI___ | St. Patrick's | ( ~~ || ~~ ) \ Day! / `-----''-----` '.___________.' The ANSWERS: 1. He couldn't afford plane fare. 2. Real rocks would look funny. 3. Who cares? As long as it keeps coming! 4. He's Dublin over with laughter. 5. They're always a little short. 6. Pati O'Furniture! 7. Lots of beer and too few restrooms! 8. They like to "go" first class. 9. Someone who's had too much corned beef and cabbage! 10. 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