The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Photo by Mary Vee Bakery in Germany Amazing, but true.  John Chhan opened his shop in California at 4:30 a.m. then had to close the doors at 8:30 a.m. because of the community. What had the community done? The story started when a woman brought her daughter into Chhan's bakery. His wife had been there all the years the woman stopped in the shop in the past, but she wasn't that day. The woman discovered John's wife had an aneurysm and was home recovering from surgery. After the woman returned home, she thought about Mrs. Chhan. The couple came to the U.S. as refugees from Cambodia many years before and set up this bakery. Every day the couple arrived at the shop at 2 a.m. to make the donuts then opened the doors at 4:30 a.m. to sell the treats. When all the donuts were sold, the workday ended. They closed the doors and went home. The woman told neighbors and wrote a blog post about the Chhan's saying, if everyone went to the bakery early and bought in the...

Maybe the Internet has taken away the mystery or fear of meeting new people, I'm not sure. But this week, three cases leaped to my attention where new folk met new friends not on the internet. These weren't just superficial hi, howya doin' chance meetings. They had a deeper connection. Thanksgiving is a great time to talk about this topic. The first new unexpected friend I'll share happened at the local community college during a Citizens Police Academy class. BTW, this is a great class for everyone and is offered all around the country. My greatest take away was the strategies for driving on ice. Of course, I enjoyed the tour through the jail because of the unplanned riot in the women's wing, and sitting in the jury box for the first time while the judge gave her presentation on the courts.  The point being is I met classmates. We had a "graduation", a food and chat time during the last class hour. I took a handful of bookmarks with photos an...

I met Michelle through My Book Therapy. She is a regular instructor for the Monday night chats. I couldn't wait to meet this wonderful lady in person at the conference. She manned the My Book Therapy booth, reaching out to writers to encourage them. At the MBT Western Theme Pizza party she wore her duds and had fun, even took a pic with me. She is a cheerleader, a supporter, an encourager, and someone who knows how to make you smile...and today Michelle shares this with us: Childhood Stories Photo by Mary Vee If you’ve ever lived in a small town, you might understand how I began to love stories. Small town folk are required to have an active imagination if they're going to stay busy.  As a pastor’s daughter, I spent a lot of my years in small towns. I saw the stories of families told at local cafes and the exaggerated tales of giant fish, 12 point bucks, and big foot.  People can light up the room when they tell a story. Everyone is drawn closer to hear th...

ROAD TRIP! Older sister photo bombed in front, Younger sister behind her. Nieces in back. Mom to the right. No matter what our situation, I think we all like Thanksgiving food.  T o me, though, Thanksgiving is more about fellowship than the food. Let's change that to fellowship AND the food. ;) There are those, though, who have suffered tragedy on or around this day. The annual celebrations dig up hurt feelings. If you, reader, are one who is going through this trial, know that I am praying for you. Praying for peace, comfort, and a song in your heart. If you can, please join us for the rest of this post. You are loved. ~~ God wants us to get together. Adam wasn't left alone. God didn't even intend animals to be left alone -site two by two saved from the flood, (and all the pet lovers said Amen). Oh, and I AM setting aside all the biological reasons needed for procreation. :) God loves to fellowship with us. Yep. It's true! He ...

May the Lord Bless you and  Give you a wonderful time of celebration Photo courtesy Happy Thanksgiving!  See you Friday

photo courtesy I think the Great Orchestrator plans events tailored to each of us. God knows what sounds, sights, smells, textures, tastes bring the perfect affect to stir our hearts, or yank us away from someplace we should not be. God is so good, kind, loving, and caring. Happy November 25th! Whenever I see "25" as part of the date, my mind immediately leaps to thoughts of my favorite holiday. I love Christmas. Celebrating Jesus' birthday is an event I am willing to spend months in preparation.  This year, my extra efforts to celebrate and honor the One who came to save me involved making a unique Christmas card using an online company. I wrote a special message focused on Jesus, inserted special photos of my family and tailored cards for hubby's side of the family and cards for my side. It took two days on the computer to make them perfect. I can't wait to receive them in the mail then send them out to family and friends.  I kinda feel like the ...