The Bonus




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" July 8, 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." To join, send an e-mail with subscribe written in the subject line to: subscribe-me @ write2theheart.com. Do you have a heart-touching or inspiring story to share? Send it in the body of a plain email, no graphic or colorful back- grounds please. Write 'submission' in the subject line. Don't forget to write a brief bio to introduce yourself to our readers. You may include your family friendly websites, information on your books, newsletters, and upcoming projects. Email your submission to: moderator @ write2theheart.com. We always love to hear stories from new, first time writers. There is a new writer’s appreciation gift. I will be sending pens to our writers, and what writer can’t use a handy pen to jot down those inspired ideas? There will be a limit of three per person. Get your stories in early and when I schedule them, I will mail all three at once! Those darling little babies grow up to be teens. You know, the offspring the sometimes make you want to pull your hair out. Then one day, without warning, you have Alison’s bonus. The Bonus By Alison Peters I enjoy shopping about as much as a two-hour dentist appointment. My youngest was born a professional shopper. Being a television commercial buff, like so many bright little kids, she would often share tidbits of advertising trivia her three- year old brain was absorbing. She loved the happy, catchy little jingles that accompanied the products. On one particular trip through the grocery store with me, she sat in the shopping cart, her green eyes intently scanning the products on the shelves. From her ideal vantage point, she suddenly pointed at one of the deodorants. "Mom! Let's get that one! It is pH balanced for the active woman's chemistry!" I was, somehow, raising a shopper. That may have been my first concrete clue. I had prayed for a normal, healthy baby girl for fourteen years. The little girl I envisioned now and then during that waiting time was one who loved softball, pollywog hunting, animals, maybe even tree-climbing. A Mini-Me, I suppose. I got one who loved shopping. And clothes. And (oh heaven help us) Barbie dolls. My idea of ideal décor is akin to denim and straw. Hers is silks and satins and ribbons and bows. I sport I-don't care-hair; she invests countless hours in perfecting hers. She once actually "complimented" my hair-do: "Your hair looks better than it usually does." I'm rough 'n' tumble, country and barns. She's city and pretty, Tiffany's and mansions. I'm Sunday school and Taco Bell, jeans and sweat shirts. She's Hollywood and halter-tops, and much to my dismay, a pierced belly button. While loving each other unconditionally, we clashed and clanged for years; rubbed each other the wrong way; got on each other's last nerve; I carefully chose my battles while she felt each and every one of hers was worth the fight. I stood my ground when I felt it was important enough: she stood hers no matter what. Comparatively speaking, I possess the patience of Job: she possesses the patience of her father. He was a man of many virtues, none of which was patience. We survived her father's untimely death when she was twelve. We went on to survive her lost love or two, a horrifying "C" on an exam, driver's training complete with a blown clutch, and the pierced belly-button tragedy. Thankfully, God granted us senses of humor along the same line. We can find solace there in the midst of just about anything life hands us or that we bring on ourselves. Take, for instance, her efforts to learn to drive: Danielle, the original clutch klutz! There were times we had to pull over to finish laughing our heads off. I am sure, however, that some of that hysteria was due partly to huge relief that we were still alive. Daughter Danielle and I have now survived two decades of putting up with each other. During those years, I don't think it even crossed my mind that some day down the road I would consider the term "my best friend" as an appropriate one for this daughter of mine. Recently, my beautiful, sensible young woman daughter casually mentioned she got tired of her belly-button rings and no longer wears them. Somehow, I have managed to begin enjoying shopping! Laughing together is still a shared pastime. It is as if God has handed me a bonus: A best friend ¦right under my nose. Alison Peters Sweetpetes3 @ cs.com I live in Florida and enjoy writing. I now have an "empty nest" yet somehow seem to be busier than before! My first book was just published and, of course, Danielle is a main character in many of the stories in that compilation! My book is called "Mercy Drops" and can be ordered at Publishamerica.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores. You can read more about "Mercy Drops" at: http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?Search=Yes I'm getting ready for my first book signing. Exciting but scary! 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 for my family to be able to call home when 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 HI, Cheryl! Just love each issue of Write2theHeart and look forward to receiving it twice a week. Thanks for sharing with us about your new "pet trainer." "Think Twice" by Angela Walker gives good advice for potential pet owners. She's a wonderful person for "fostering" Owen, and for taking the time to learn how to give injections to help treat him. I pray Owen's health continues to improve and that a loving family soon takes him into their home. Enjoyed the pics of all the border collies. I had a border collie pet companion years ago. Her name was Sage. She was quite intelligent. So Angela's story about Owen really touched my heart, especially since I am familiar with this loving and loyal dog breed. Have a great day! Patricia http://patriciaspork.blogspot.com/ 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 Ken Prieur Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly 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. Cheryl’s Corner I took grandsons Logan and Mason to my favorite pet store, the local bait shop. I let them pick out Koi and Goldfish for my water garden in the back yard. Their exuberance at their task of picking out what they considered the best fish had everyone in the store smiling. Logan, being the typical ten-year-old, went for size. Mason wanted unusual, so he chose an all white. With a few gold’s and spotted ones thrown in, we took our purchase home. These lucky guys will never be on the end of a fisherman’s line. They now swim happily in a water garden David made for me out of an old bathtub. Fun is where you find it. God bless, Cheryl 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.