The Storyteller | Mary Vee

What happens when twelve family members, most between the ages of 16 and 24 are accused of being hooligans in an airport? It started...many years ago... Scroll down to read chapter one, where the hijinks began. CHAPTER 2 Photo by Mary Vee The following moments in the airport must have been the inspiration for the opening of Home Alone. The family collage contained a myriad of ages from five months to twenty-four years plus an overwhelmed patriarch and a matriarch who knew to stay out of his way at this moment.  Although the packing limit allowed each person to take one suitcase, the chaotic moment resembled a failed football scrimmage after the whistle blew. The whys and wheres had not been explained, or maybe they had been, but the thrill blocked the tribe’s ears, especially since all, except two, had never flown on a plane, much less visited a foreign country. The patriarch was affectionately called Dud, even when he was in a frantic, sour mood.   His s...

Happy New Year This year starts with a tale, one that may last the year, I'm not sure. But I think you will really enjoy it. AND if you do, please invite others to read this story as well. Where Good Memories Are Kept It started once upon a time. Dud began his story this way because at times you, reader, might find portions of this tale highly impossible. But in full disclosure, this 1970's story was proven true. Not in a history book or even in a diary. The words had been hidden in the secret place where good memories are kept to cherish. Two months had passed since Jane and her husband said their wedding vows. They had the typical basic apartment furniture, a dining room table, recycled chairs, a hand-me-down sofa, and a bedroom set. The kitchen cupboard contained the usual minimal married-couple-in-college ingredients. On this crisp October day, they longed for a delicious big meal, no dessert required.  This was not the first time they'd popped in at ...

Photo by Mary Vee Probably my favorite of the year. No, I didn't forget you.  I kinda hoped you would be busy with family, new Christmas gifts, cookies, etc. I hope you are. Let's meet again next week...are you thinking about your resolution for this year? I am. Will I keep it? Probably not...but I most likely will for the first few weeks...or at least days.

Photo Courtesy I love celebrating the new year cresting the midnight hour. Tonight I'll drink lots of coffee and stay up with the family to celebrate. My son will set off his elaborate firework display he's been working on for months. Yes, safety is paramount. This is so exciting. Starting a new year is like opening a gift. Yah never know what is going to happen. I always hope for something amazing. This year is no different. I have my 2015 wish list. Do you?  Here is your assignment: think about what you would like to have for your one-word for this year. I have mine...and the post to go with it, inspired by someone special. I'll post this next week. ALSO--I'll make certificates again this year for any of you who want to play along. We'll start the year with a book give away. I have so many wonderful books to share, so plan to stop by and enter. Tell your friends so we can get these books into readers hands. AND I have some good news to shar...

At times, especially in the beginning of a New Year, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.  Perhaps a resolution has become too big to manage, expectations have grown more than expected, duties at work have increased, the daily schedule allows no rest, etc. While the children may be back at school, their activities have also restarted, and you've become taxi mom or dad.  Wouldn't it be nice to slow down a bit? When Jesus called His disciples to apprentice with Him, He tenderly addressed each one's specific need. Jesus instructed, modeled, and guided the them from their individual point of understanding to a collective representative of an important work He would assign. For a first practicum, Jesus instructed his disciples to go only to the cities and homes of Israelites. By keeping them close to home, Jesus gave the disciples an opportunity to practice His teachings where they knew the customs, speech, and dress.  Jesus never wants us to feel overwhelm...