MountainWings: The End of a Season

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9365 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The End Of A Season
====================

It is the last day of the month.
It is the last day of the year.
It is the last day of the decade.
It is the end of a season.

~from the sermon, The End Of A Season~
www.theonlineword.com/mp3/5460.mp3

Remember, the end of one season is the beginning of another.
I was born on the last day of the year a few decades ago so
today begins another year of celebrated life and health.

It is the end of a season
and a beginning.

~A MountainWings Original~

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http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9365.htm

ACB Radio covering the Rose Bowl Parade

We are happy to carry the following listening opportunity announcement from ACB Radio.

It is with great pleasure to let you know that ACB Radio will be streaming the Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, 2010.

The coverage will begin at 15:30 UTC, which is 10:30 A.M eastern and 7:30 A.M pacific.

The coverage will be streamed on ACB Radio world.

Ken Metz will be providing the coverage from the home & garden TV booth.

Also there will be full audio description provided on the stream so you won't miss a single movement in the parade!

So mark your calendars!

• Date: Friday January 1, 2010.


• Start time: 15:30 UTC 10:30 A.M eastern and 7:30 A.M pacific.


• Where: ACB Radio World

Hope to see you there!

Larry Turnbull

ACB Radio Managing Director

MountainWings: 46

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1365 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

46
===

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully
2. Memorize your favorite poem
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have,
or sleep all you want
4. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
5. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married and get
your parents approval.
7. Believe in love at first sight
8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt, but it's
the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slow but think quick.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to
answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve
great risk.
15. Call your Mom.
16. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for
others; Responsibility for all your actions.
19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps
to correct it.
21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it
in your voice
22. Marry someone you love to talk to. As you get older,
their conversational skills will be as important as any
other skill.
23. Spend time alone
24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26. Read more books and watch less TV
27. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and
think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
28. Trust in God, but lock your car.
29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all
you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the
current situation; don't bring up the past.
31. Read between the lines.
32. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
33. Be gentle with the earth.
34. Pray -- there's immeasurable power in it.
35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36. Mind your own business.
37. Don't trust someone who doesn't close their eyes when you
kiss them.
38. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others
while you are living. That's wealth's greatest satisfaction.
40. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a
stroke of luck.
41. Learn the rules then break some.
42. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love
for each other is greater than your need for each other
43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to
get it.
44. Remember that your character is your destiny.
45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
46. Realize that as you get older, you are not approaching death,
but heaven.

~Author Unknown~

Make your own list.

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

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MountainWings: Meltdown

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9363 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Meltdown
=========

Sitting in the barber's chair, the memory flooded back.
I could almost smell the smell of it, yet for some reason, I am
just getting the revelation.

I have a BMW RT1100 motorcycle. It is nine years old, but it
only has slightly over 4,000 miles on it. It still looks and
runs brand new. I just don't ride it very much now, but I've had
motorcycles since I was 14.

When the BMW had less than 1,000 miles on it, I did a very
stupid thing. It wasn't the first or the most recent very
stupid thing that I've done, but it was a very stupid thing.

I left it on high idle to warm up in the shed (I kept it in a
shed at the time) while I went inside for something and then I
forgot I left it idling.

Now that may not sound like a big deal, but it is a big deal for
an air-cooled motorcycle like mine. Sitting still with no air
moving around it on high idle is a formula for mechanical
disaster.

When I finally remembered an hour later that I had left my
motorcycle running and rushed back to it, it had shut down.
It wouldn't crank and there was the awful smell of something
burnt filling the shed.

I knew the engine had overheated and burned up who knows what.
I felt it was really bad. By bad, read very expensive to fix.

I had it towed to the dealership and after a couple of weeks I
got the news. It was only minor damage. Some type of safety
fuse had blown (or melted) and shut the engine down.

I went to pick the BMW up from the dealer and got on the
expressway headed home.

I didn't drive the same. It was different. It was very
different.

It was a LOT BETTER! The engine seemed more powerful and
quicker to respond. It didn't even seem like the same bike.

I called the dealer and talked to the mechanic. "Did you tune
up my motorcycle or something?" I asked. He explained to me
that they hadn't done anything beyond replacing the melted fuse
and that the excessive heat had simply broken the engine in.

It's been years since that event and only now does the full
revelation of it hit me, sitting here in the barber's chair.

We are often like that BMW RT1100. It takes some heat, some
strain, even the melting and breaking of some things to "break
us in" and get us ready to handle the road ahead.

After a traumatic event, for a truly well-engineered person,
we are stronger, faster, and more responsive. In a word, we are
better simply because of what we have been through and overcome.

Yes, it's scary and yes it's often painful but sometimes it is
the required break-in for the long haul.

Had any good meltdowns lately?

~A MountainWings Original~

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Heartwarmers" A HUMBLE LOAF OF BREAD/IN THE NAME OF CHRISTMAS

A HUMBLE LOAF OF BREAD
by Bobbi Hahn

It seemed like the perfect gift for my father.
You know how hard it is for adult children to select gifts for
their parents. After all, what do they want and/or need, really?
Flannel shirts and ties had been given in abundance over the years,
and since he'd retired, shopping became even more difficult.
He was passionate about photography, but I wouldn't have had the
slightest idea of what sort of equipment he might like.
He was a marvelous gardener, but the tiny garden at their row
house in Philadelphia (before they were known as town homes) had no
need of plants or seeds in December!
I had discovered a wonderful cookbook called Visions of
Sugarplums, by Mimi Sheraton, and decided to make something for him
from it because it contained recipes from all the countries that
celebrate Christmas. He was of Czech descent, and the recipe for a
sweet, braided bread containing almonds sounded perfect because he
loved anything I made, and he also had a sweet tooth.
We purchased all of the ingredients, and my husband numbered the
braids in the illustration so we'd be able to keep them straight. It
smelled divine as it baked, and I was thrilled with its crusty golden
color when I removed it from the oven.
We were living in Ohio by that time, so I packed it carefully
with their other Christmas gifts and sent it off to Philadelphia.
I was not prepared for its reception. My father called with
lavish praise for the bread, saying he couldn't believe his eyes when
he opened the aluminum foil. With great emotion, he told me that
when he and his brothers were very young boys, it was traditional for
the bread -- called vanocka -- to be prepared every Christmas Eve.
I had given him back a beloved childhood memory, all without
thinking! Legend said that every living being in the house had to
partake of the bread before midnight of Christmas Eve, for luck. So
all the dogs and cats, the occasional mouse, and whatever other
creatures lived under their roof had to have a morsel.
That year, my husband and I began a tradition for our sons by
preparing a vanocka for our home, as well. Cats and dogs were
treated to a bite, much to the delight of our young sons.
I made the bread each Christmas until my father died. That
year, I just couldn't bring myself to make it because it brought back
memories of how happy I'd made him with such a simple gift, and it
broke my heart that he would no longer enjoy it. I haven't made it
in the several years since.
But this year, I'm going to have flour dust all over my kitchen
again, and the scent of baking bread and roasted almonds will fill
the air.
Our youngest son and his wife will be sharing Christmas with us,
and it's time to remember the joy a humble loaf of bread unwittingly
brought to my daddy.

-- Bobbi Hahn <fancywriterbobbi at aol.com>

__________________________________________________
Bobbi is a freelance writer, poet and calligrapher who lives with her
husband and two cats beside a lagoon on a barrier island off the
coast of South Carolina. She says, "The book is still available, so
if you're looking for some marvelous, traditional Christmas recipes,
find a copy! It's amazing how similar some of the recipes are from
one country to another, differing only by a few ingredients. One
country might use almonds, another walnuts. I love these traditions!"

You can find a copy of the Visions of Sugarplums book Bobbi refers to here:
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060140364/heart>

__________________________________________________

IN THE NAME OF CHRISTMAS
by Maria Harden

Sometimes people amaze me, for different reasons, but recently
it was a good kind of amazement.
As a group, our office at work does a couple of Christmas Cheer
hampers, targeting families in need. This year, it is two families
from a Women's Shelter. One is a mom with five children, the other
mom has four children. They live in suites at the shelter because
it's a safe haven for them -- a life away from the abuse they have
endured at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends.
Donations to the hampers have been rather sparse so far,
although we still have several days before the delivery date. It
will pick up. It always does.
One of the men who works on my floor came to me with an $80 cash
donation. It was money, he said, that had been given to him in
memory of his mother who passed away last December 21. He had saved
it while pondering a suitable charitable organization to donate it
to, and decided on this women's shelter. A very generous and kind
man to think of this. His mother would have liked it, he said. The
money will be used towards gifts or clothing for the children, and
gift cards to grocery stores.
Meanwhile, our office receives a daily newspaper, delivered in
any weather by a faithful carrier. Yesterday, we got a card from the
newspaper carrier wishing us a Merry Christmas and advising us of his
contact information in case of a delivery problem. He also enclosed
a self-addressed envelope if we should wish to provide him with a
gratuity. My first thought was, "Oh yeah. Merry Christmas, and
where's my tip?" But then I realized he delivers to downtown
businesses and most likely never gets a thank you, let alone a
gratuity. My workplace pays the invoice but I have never seen
anything additional included.
It made me think of that movie "Pay It Forward" that came out a
few years ago.
When I get my paper delivered at home, my paper carrier gets a
much deserved gratuity at Christmas, so I thought I would surprise
the office paper carrier and send him one myself. After all, 'tis
the season, right? I slipped a twenty dollar bill into the envelope
and mailed it off with an unsigned note of appreciation. I know it's
not much but I hope he at least appreciates the thought.
The man at work who made the generous donation in the name of
his mother made me think of passing it on. Maybe the carrier will be
inspired to do something for someone else too. I'd like to think so.
In the spirit of Christmas, I encourage you to pay it forward or
pass it on if you are so inspired. Do it because you want to,
without expecting anything in return.
Do it in the name of Christmas!

-- Maria Harden <mharden at mts.net>

__________________________________________________
Maria has written for Heartwarmers in the past, as well as other
on-line publications and anthologies. She is not afraid to say those
two words that seem to be banned from daily vocabulary these days --
Merry Christmas!
__________________________________________________

Petwarmers: THE AWAKENING

THE AWAKENING
by Kathleene S. Baker

Shiloh awoke ever so rested. She stood, stretched, and the lush
meadow of clover beneath her paws felt velvety.
She did not understand. Nor did she grasp the beauty all around
her -- she'd been sightless for five years, although images did return
in dreams. She'd often awake saddened, yet never gave up hope that her
vision would return.
Woofs, yaps, song birds, and even unfamiliar sounds echoed
in the distance. A babbling brook nearby summoned Shiloh's thirst.
She ambled that direction.
Shortly, overcome with confidence, she picked up the pace,
exhibiting confidence she'd not had in years. She sprinted towards
the rivulet. What joy to run again!
Now and then she completed circles at full speed simply for the
thrill. Shiloh's vision had returned! Her reflection in the sparkling
water was proof! Lapping the cool water, she viewed beautifully hued
fish playing chase several feet below the surface.
Shiloh gazed about for mom and dad. She'd only enjoyed free rein
in the backyard and felt uncertain. What if she wandered into danger?
As anxiety escalated, two snow-white doves alit beside her. Finally,
something familiar! Trees at home teemed with cooing doves when she
meandered about her yard. She'd never understood their callsS but now
she did. They beckoned her to follow.
Looking up as they hovered above her, a rainbow glistened as if
each color was configured of precious gemstones. Soon an old-fashioned,
arched, stone bridge appeared glinting with gold and silver. The woofs
were closer and Shiloh realized the birds crooned Christmas carols!
Only a few paces onto the bridge, Shiloh was astonished -- Josey
raced to her side with a shower of kisses. A red ribbon about her neck
with tiny Christmas bell attached tinkled with each movement. Momentarily,
games of chase and wrestle ensued -- favorites they'd enjoyed before
Josey departed her earthly home.
Shiloh instantly understood, this was Rainbow Bridge!
Mom had described it in detail for weeks as her health
declined. Josey introduced Shiloh to family members who had come and gone
before her. Her folk's first Schnauzer, Festus, greeted Shiloh with a
high five! Tiffany, Schnauzer number two, offered kisses. Maggie and
Jack, a mom and son duo, approached with wagging tails. Unexpectedly, two
tiny Yorkies appeared -- Fang and Fancy! Yorkies, my folks had Yorkies?
They greeted her with gestures of love.
Lastly, cousin Greta excitedly arrived. Shioh's angst began to
melt in the midst of a loving family. Still, she'd forever miss mom,
dad, and her Schnauzer pal Hank. He'd guided her through the darkness
and gave her life meaning.
The pack revealed that Rainbow Bridge was eternally glorious. And
Christmastime was breathtaking to behold as they celebrated Christ's
birth -- the creator of domestic pets. He gifted them an inborn ability
to develop remarkable bonds with humans.
With holiday preparations underway, Shiloh was in awe. Red birds,
blue birds, and white doves perched in trees -- live ornaments! All sized
spiders spun golden webs of garland 'round and 'round the trees and fire
flies twinkled in branches. The weather was mild, sunny, and the few
clouds shimmered silvery, yet trees were veiled with snow.
For Shiloh, confusion reigned! In unison, the group proclaimed,
"All things are possible at the Bridge." Every tree was decorated,
none in the same manner. Covered with iridescent snow, a stately scotch
pine stood embellished with butterflies, wings aflutter, displaying a
magnificent array of color and creating swirls of snow that enshrouded
the tree with luminous motion.
Knowing her mom's love of poinsettias, Shiloh took special note of
a huge fir tree filled with vast red blossoms, goldfinch, and thousands
of fire flies. All about were gardens of poinsettias.
Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. Shiloh could only imagine what wonder
lay ahead. After a hearty warm meal the pack showed her a new fluffy
bed adjacent to theirs. It was plush beyond imagination. The family
told of how grand golden eagles soar into the skies to select the proper
sized cloud for each new arrival.
Shiloh snuggled in.
Once comfortable, an angel approached whispering, "I'm Dana and
will always be nearby, Sweet Girl." She gently placed a coverlet, adorned
with pink lace, across a now-healthy, restored body and silently vanished.
Shiloh thought to herself, "Dana! She's my aunt and mom's niece.
Greta was her puppy. Oh, I am truly safe." She sighed.
Shiloh drifted into sleep while song birds softly sang her mom's
favorite Christmas carol, The Littlest Angel. She knew it was meant
for her first night at Rainbow Bridge. Mom had always called her a
little angel.
Shiloh slept well, stirring only once to roll over.
She dreamt of the day she would sprint to the bridge and joyfully
escort mom, dad and beloved Hank to the other side.
Until then she would play, and rest, and romp, and nap, and wait...

-- Kathleene S. Baker <Lnstrlady at aol.com>

__________________________________________________
Kathleene says, "This is dedicated to sweet Shiloh. She made our
lives richer! My hope, and Shiloh's as well, is that her story might
bring comfort to those who have lost a beloved pet, a family member,
during the holiday season." You can visit her website at:
http://www.txyellowrose.com

MountainWings: The Second Verse

#9356 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The 2nd Verse
==============

We were singing Christmas songs in a staff meeting at our
family business. We have a devotional service before the
business portion starts. The current song was "Joy to the
World."

Everyone chimed in heartily as we sang the first verse.
Then the second verse began.

Bright energetic voices changed into muffled and muted hums
and babbling. My mother was standing beside me. Only her
voice punched through the disharmonious ramblings of the
crowd. She knew every word and sang it strong and clear.
It is also amazing how one person who truly knows punches
through the confusion.

I didn't know the second verse along with the rest of the
crowd, but mother has always been different.
It was a MountainWings Moment.

Most of us know the first verse. Few of us know beyond the
surface and the general knowledge of the crowd. It is true
with Joy to the World. It is true with true joy.

That which separates you from the crowd
is always deeper than the surface.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Joy to the World by Pastor Isaac Watts (1719)

That which separates you from the crowd
is always deeper than the surface.

~A MountainWings Original~

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****************************************************************

The True Story of Rudolph

Hello,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone! :) Happy Holidays,have a fun
but safe one. Best wishes for the new Year for you all. I think that 2010
will be a great one for us all. I certainly hope so. I am glad this one
will be over soon,has been an extremely challenging one,one thing after
another: first,lost one of my front crowns,had two oral surgeries before
that was all done. While that was going on, was ill with sinus infections
and pneumonia.
In the fall,we changed platforms at work and I had access issues. I am
still on a learning curve with the office application.
and,if that isn't enough, just yesterday made the final decision to retire
my 10 year old Golden Retriever Guide dog Douglas . I love Dougie very much
and looking for a home for him. I want the perfect place for him. He
deserves the best.:)
Tomorrow,I am having another test,a bronchoscopy. I have had two visits at
the Mayo Clinic and the results are inconclusive.
So,having this surgery tomorrow morning. The test itself will not take
long,about 30 minutes but does involve,IV,local anesthesia and a few hours
of being in recovery at Mayo Clinic Phoenix Hospital.
Within a couple days we should have results and finally, I should,hope I can
get my health on track.
Well,need to do some housework,drink a ton more water for the IV and get to
bed,will be up at 6 to go to the Hospital.
Hope you enjoy the messages I am posting here,the Mountain Wings,the Nethug
messages,Heartwarmers,petwarmers and this special one about Rudolph.
I love this,a wonderful,special story. It was sent to me by Darrell. he
received it from a mailing list he is on .
Take care and stay well. I hope while I am off the next few days that I
will be able to compose a KDd. I wonder if it would be easier to write,while
still in a bit of a brain fog after Tomorrow's procedure? :) lol
Again, I am sure the above MountainWings as well as this post will make
you think,smile and laugh. Until then
**True Story of Rudolph**

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his
Drafty apartment window into the chilling December
Night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing.

Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.

Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come
Home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked,
"Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's
Jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.

Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It
Had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be
Different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other
Boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often
Called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was
Different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married
His loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at
Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with
His little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with
Cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter
were
Forced to live in a two-room apartment in he Chicago slums. Evelyn died
Just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he
Couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy
A gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created a
Character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little
Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story,
Embellishing it more with each telling.

Who was the character? What was the story all about? The
Story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The
Character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the
Character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.

Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on
Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little
Storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the
Rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in
their
Stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than
Six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted
To purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the
Book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of
Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller.
Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried
With a growing family, became wealthy from the story he
Created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end
There either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to
Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists
As Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing
Cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in
1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any
Other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter solong ago
Kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May
Learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being
Different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

*MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009 *

MountainWings: 13 Important Classes for Men lol

#9350 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

13 Important Classes for Men
=============================

Classes for men at the local learning center for adults.
Registration must be completed by November 15th.

Note: due to the complexity and difficulty level of their
contents, class size will be limited to 8 participants maximum.

Class 1: How to Fill Up the Ice Cube Trays. Step-by-step, with
Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at
7:00 p.m.

Class 2: The Toilet Paper Roll. Does it Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday at 12:00 for 2
hours.

Class 3: Is It Possible to Urinate Using the Technique of
Lifting the Seat and Avoiding the Floor/Walls and Nearby
Bathtub? Group Practice.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours. (Note: this class
meets at Irish's Brew Pub on 16th Street)

Class 4: Fundamental Differences Between the Laundry Hamper and
the Floor. Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meetings are Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5: After Dinner Dishes. Can They Levitate and Fly Into
the Kitchen Sink? Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at
7:00 PM

Class 6: Learning How to Find Things - Starting with looking in
the right places instead of turning the house upside down while
screaming.
Open Forum. Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours

Class 7: Health Watch - Bringing her flowers is not harmful to
your health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes Three nights; Monday, Wednesday,
Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 8: Real Men ask for Directions When Lost. Real Life
Testimonials.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Class 9: Is it genetically impossible to sit quietly while she
parallel parks?
Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 10: Learning to Live - Basic Differences Between Mother
and Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing

Class 11: How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion. Relaxation
Exercises, Meditation and Breathing techniques. Proper
techniques for holding her purse.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at
7:00 PM at the outlet mall food court.

Class 12: How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy - Remembering
Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling
When You're Going to be Late. (Sending Christmas cards will be
offered in an advanced course this Fall.) Cerebral Shock
Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 13: The Stove/Oven - What it is and How it is Used.
Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be
determined.

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9350.htm

MountainWings: W

#9353 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

W
==

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful
experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -
extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even
overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to
appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true
meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an
exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been
memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't
have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with
his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the
morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that
evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas
seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes
early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down.
Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering
to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the
room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-
legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to
perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to
the Holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than
fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus,
snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was
slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in
fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their
heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large
letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As
the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold
up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until
each child holding up his portion had presented the complete
message,

"CHRISTMAS LOVE."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed
her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter
"M" upside down totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a
"W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this
little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at
her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the
laughter Continued until the last letter was raised, and we all
saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began
to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were
there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why
even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud
and clear:

"CHRIST WAS LOVE"

And, I believe, He still is.

~Author Unknown~

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MountainWings: Sleeping At your Desk

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1297 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Sleeping At Your Desk
======================

Ten Best Things To Say If You Get Caught Sleeping At Your Desk:

10. "They told me at the blood bank this might happen."

9. "This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in
that time management course you sent me to."

8. "Whew! Guess I left the top off the White-Out. You probably
got here just in time!"

7. "I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission
statement and envisioning a new paradigm."

6. "I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance."

5. "I was doing a highly specific yoga exercise to relieve work-
related stress. Are you discriminatory toward people who
practice yoga?"

4. "Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a
solution to our biggest problem."

3. "The coffee machine is broken..."

2. "Someone must've put decaf in the wrong pot..."

And the #1 best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at
your desk.....


1. " ... in Jesus' name. Amen."

Of course, this is only a joke.
Don't sleep at your desk, and don't tell fibs.
Yes, that needed saying.

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

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http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1297.htm