ScentNostalgia




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" November 23, 2004 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the e- cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." Take a moment to browse our new bookstore at: http://www.write2theheart.com/html/book_store.html You will find wonderful books written by, or that include stories by many of our talented writers. You will also find books that aide the budding writer. I highly recommend “Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Guide,” and “2005 Writer’s Market.” Both are must haves for all serious writers. They are great tools to find that perfect market for your writing, or would make great gifts for the writer in your life. You expect to find great and unusual merchandise in a Christmas catalog. Kathy found more, precious memories. A Scent Of Nostalgia In The Air By: Kathy Whirity With the Christmas season fast approaching the mailbox has been flooded with catalogs containing gift giving products galore. As I lug the stack in the house I remind myself it's my own fault since I've done my share of patronizing these merchandise laden companies. Sitting down at the dining room table I began flipping through the ones I was most familiar with. After skimming through the umpteenth book I noticed a smaller than usual pamphlet with an old fashioned Santa Claus face on the front. Curious, I picked it up. Little did I know I'd be taking an unexpected trip down memory lane. It featured gifts and novelties from yesteryear; oldies but goodies from eras gone by Among the treasure trove of golden oldies was a doll that had been on my wish list some 40 years ago. Patty Play-Pal, I would've recognized her anywhere. Oh how I loved that doll! That, long ago, Christmas morn I found her in front of the tree, long brown hair and wearing a red velvet dress. Years later my mom would relay the story of how my Gram lugged that doll home, from downtown, on the train. It seems Patty Play-Pal was a popular doll that year and my dear Gram had been at the right place at the right time. The following summer I gave my most favorite doll to Sam, the milk- man, for his little girl, who was disabled. I guess it was my way of putting a good deed to action. My walk down memory lane was just beginning. A few more pages, and another familiar face, Gizmo from the 80's movie, Gremlins fame. Our Jaime wanted that fuzzy little creature so bad but, as was the way with Cabbage Patch dolls that year, there were no Gizmos to be found. For her recent 23rd birthday, her ever-thoughtful boyfriend, Dan, surprised her with the Gremlins DVD, which brought to mind her fixation with the furry elusive Gizmo. I quickly wrote a check with merry thoughts of surprising our first born with a blast from her past. My journey was almost over, but not quite. Flipping through the final pages I found something I had only heard about in years gone by. It was about 20 years ago, right before the holidays, just as it is now. I sat across the table from my Mother and we were discussing popular perfumes through the ages. In Mom's hey day the scent she remembered wearing the most was called Tailspin. Unfortunately, the flowering fragrance had been discontinued. That's all I needed to hear. I was on a mission that year to surprise my Mom with the scent of her youth. I called all the fine stores and even some perfume outlets, but it was no use. They all stated the same message: Tailspin was no longer on the market. Looking through this catalog of, of dated items, my eyes grew wide at the sight of a page advertising Tailspin perfume. Tears of remembrance stung my eyes as I realized I had finally found the much sought after surprise, though my mom was no longer here to receive her precious present. It was I who received a grand surprise within the pages of this unique mail order magazine, three generations of unforgettable memories, sharing space all in the same place and time. For Mom it was a floral scent that had lingered in her recollection of youth. For me it was a doll that stood 3 feet tall, and for Jaime it was a furry, big-eared alien creature, cute as a big-eyed bug. Life changes, we all grow older, leaving in our wake much to reminisce about. We will all have opportunities to bring joy filled surprises to friends and family members The anticipation of being able to gift my daughter with a prized possession from her child- hood days is but a tiny fraction of what motherhood is all about. I could almost feel my mother's calming presence floating on a beautiful scent of sweet smelling memories, putting my thoughts in a tailspin of love and gratitude for all the love and happiness that is mine to remember. Kathy Whirity kathywhirity @ yahoo.com Kathy Whirity lives in Chicago where she shares her life and love with her husband of 28 years, Bill, their two daughters, Jaime and Katie, and two rambunctious retrievers, Holly and Hannah. Kathy is a family life columnist for two area newspapers. For more of Kathy's writings you may visit her web page: 'Kathy Whirity’s Musings From The Heart’ http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members?kathyw You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator @ write2theheart.com Write 2 the Heart now has an affiliate program with Cognigen. They have several long distance plans to chose from. I personally use the PowerNet Global 4.5¢ Per Minute Plan. I love having my own toll free number without the monthly fee; I only pay for actual calls. My family can call home whenever they are out of town. I have used it more times than I care to remember over the last three years in emergency situations. Cognigen has more than just great long distance rates; they have calling cards, internet access, web hosting services and much more. You can check out all of their telecommunication products and services at http://ld.net/?cbspeir. Looking for an affiliate program? You will be surprised at all the products and services you will have access to. Letters From Our Readers Kathe, I laughed until I cried at "Boondoggle." Being the cook and baker in our house , I've had my share of accidents, but nothing like yours. You're very brave. Pete Hall Hi Cheryl, What a treat in the latest Write2theHeart. First I get to read a marvelous story from the renowned Kathe Campbell, who always knows just how to keep the reader interested from the get-go. Then on its heels was your own story about fibro cystic breast disease. While I wouldn't wish that on anyone, I must say I laughed out loud at your dilemma and your comments on it. Keeping a sense of humor is the best way to deal with life's little aggravations. I am so glad that you found a way to get rid of the pain. Keep these stories coming, both yours and others, because I look forward to reading them. Maria Harden Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Robert Henderson David Habighurst Tonia Melissa Bair Matthew Nutter Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.