Hi, Gang

I don't have a new story for you tonight.
Once again, I reworked an old story.
I wish I could provide a new story, but work is sucking my
hours away. I do have an idea for a new story, I hope
to present it to you this week. The idea just keeps
bubbling in my head.
No! I don't have a fever.
(I'm being silly)


Many of you commented on the dancing in my
story called, "Kick up Your Heels."
This is another story about dancing.

My first wife and I took dance lessons once.
We loved it. We also learned a few things.
Read about it below.

    If you enjoy a story, feel free to pass it on to
your friends. I only ask that you leave the link
at the bottom for them to join us.

    NOTE: IF YOU WISH TO STOP RECEIVING MY STORIES,
PLEASE USE THE UNSUBSCRIBE LINK BELOW. PLEASE DO NOT
MARK ME AS SPAM. MY STORIES ARE ONLY SENT TO THOSE
WHO SUBSCRIBE TO MY EZINE.

    I Love your comments.
    Send them to: msmith4@nj.rr.com

    Sadly, many of you are not receiving my stories.
Spammers are causing your ISP's to block ezines.
So many of my faithful readers are emailing me, asking
why they are not receiving my stories.
It hurts me.

    If anyone is interested in greeting cards or crafts,
Ginny belongs to a group of artists. They've teamed
together to market their products. Check them out at:
http://www.etsygreetings.blogspot.com


    Ginny's cards and other crafts are at:
http://www.ginginsgoodies.etsy.com


    Be sure to check out my collection of inspirational
sites at the end. There's something for everyone.


    Now for today's story.





                          Can You Dance

    I held my wife Georgia close. We swayed to the music and turned in
   
slow circles. Next to us, a couple twirled and spun in elegant

circles. Their feet and bodies moved in harmony with the music.

They were beautiful as they floated over the dance floor.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful to dance like that?" Georgia asked.


    My daughter, Vanessa, was in her junior year of high school.
   
She and her boyfriend planned to attend the prom. Georgia decided

to give them dance lessons for Christmas.


    Georgia found a dance studio and called them. "Are you sure
   
you and your husband don't want to take lessons with them?" the

gentleman asked. "There's a discount for a second couple."


    "Well…" my wife hesitated. "Why not?"


    We stood with ten other couples in the center of the floor
   
at Jimmy's Dance Studio.  I listened to the conversations. "I've

always wanted to do this." one woman said.


    "I hope I don't step on someone's feet." a man of about fifty
   
said to his graying wife.


    A  dapper gentleman of about sixty stepped into the room and
   
faced us. He was five foot two inch - if that. "I'm Jimmy. You're

here to learn to dance and you will. I promise you, by the time

you finish your first six weeks, you'll make your friends jealous."

he said. His toupee, obviously fitted many years ago, was slightly

off center and barely covered his spreading baldness.


    We started with the basic box step, a simple waltz for those
   
who know how to dance. We practiced the steps facing each other

but standing several feet apart. The men stepped forward with

their left foot; the women stepped back with their right. Our steps

were mirror images of each other. "One, two, three." Jimmy shouted.


    It seemed easy.


    "OK!" Jimmy said. "Watch how it's done." He took one of his
   
assistants in his arms. An Anne Murray song began to play. "Save

The Last Dance For Me" she sang, as Jimmy and his partner drifted

elegantly around the room.


    "We're going to start the music again. Take your partner in
   
your arms. Now let's give it a try." Jimmy smiled at us. "It's

easy. You'll see."


    Anne Murray sang the song that would haunt us for months. I
   
held Georgia in my arms. My right hand held her waist, the left

held her hand. The music began. I moved my left foot forward and

stepped on Georgia's toe. We stood firm, waited for the beat, and

tried again. Half way through the box, we faltered again.


    "Hold her firm!" one of the assistants came to our side. She

grabbed my arm. "Here! Put your arm around her waist! Hold her

hand with the other! Don't move it. Keep it firm! You have to

guide her!"


    The music began. We got through the full box without stumbling
   
or stepping on each other. Compared to the instructors, we looked

like two kids dancing for the first time.


    Several weeks later, something happened. The music played.
   
Georgia and I flowed over the dance floor. Our awkwardness was

gone. We were partners. We danced as one.


    It took a lot of practice and time, but we did it. We became
   
a team. We anticipated each other's moves and were able to

interpret the slightest signal from the other. What seemed so

hard before became natural.


    We looked at our relationship. We'd stumbled cooking together,
   
what our children should be allowed to do, when to mow the lawn,

how much to spend on a car, where our vacations should be spent,

and all things couples struggle with.


    We took what we learned and applied it to out lives.


    We danced.

    Michael T. Smith
   
         If you enjoy a story, feel free to pass it on to your friends.
   
My only request is that you include the link for your friends to

join our family.

To join our family, go to:

http://subs.zinester.com/86758/

    As promised, here is a list of great inspirational sites.

I subscribe to all of them. You will love these sites.

    A good friend of mine has a new book out. You should check
this out. Carol's been through rough times. She tells it all
in her latest book.

Carol Roach
M.Ed, B.A.
Publisher: Storytime Tapestry
Author: Angels Watching Over Me:http://www.lulu.com/content/644485
Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey: www.publishamerica.com

To join Carol's story site, go to Storytime Tapestry at:
http://archives.zinester.com/98907/

From my wonderful writing friend, Jan. She writes wonderful
stories about her life and losing her sight.
Janet Perez Eckles
Faith and Love with a Latin Flair
www.janetperezeckles.com

This is a great one
Tannia E. Ortiz-Lopés
"The Window to My Soul, My Walk with Jesus"
http://www.myspace.com/tanniaortizlopes
http://timewithtannia.tripod.com/


Here's a good one by Linda Della Donna
Freelance Writer
www.littleredmailbox.com
www.griefcase.blogspot.com
www.storybone.blogspot.com
"...and sometime when I wasn't looking, I got a new life."

By my good friend Keith in Australia:
http://www.agiftofinspiration.com.au/

My friend Phil runs http://www.peoplestuff.com.au/
Phil's awesome and brutally honest

Zev, yes another friend, runs http://empoweringmessages.com/stories/

Heart Catchers is a wonderful site.  www.DianeDeanWhite.com

www.Heartwarmers.com and www.petwarmers.com are two

wonderful story sites.

http://hodu.com/

http://www.mydailyinsights.com/

www.ripplemaker.com

http://www.sermonillustrator.org

http://www.SkyWriting.Net

Here's a newly discovered one I like:

http://www.archive.zinester.com/9516

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WarmFuzzyStories/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WithInSight/

If you, or anyone you know needs prayers for health concerns,
struggles,etc visit www.janetperezeckles.com
Janet's prayer group will respond.

That's all I can think of right now. If I come up with

more, I'll add them.

Enjoy!!!


I love your comments, Send them to msmith4@nj.rr.com.

I'll include some in every post.

Now for a few comments on my last story:

Sometimes, just a simple email is all it takes to make me
know I touched someone. Diana does it here.

Great story, thanks for sharing!
Diana

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





August 25, 2007

Dear Mike,

I loved your story today.  You sound like my husband.  He loves to dance,
and so do I.  In fact, our very first date was going to a Glen Miller
Orchestra in Des Moines, IA.  I had to learn to dance in order to go on the
date.  We had a wonderful time and I loved every minute of it.  We don’t get
many chances to dance, but do so whenever possible.  On our honeymoon (two
cruises to the Western Caribbean), we got to dance a lot and entered a few
dance contests.  One of them was a Twist dance.  Bob and I took first place.
  I still think they took pity on a blind woman doing the Twist.  My husband
is not afraid to make a fool of himself and has taught me to do so, too.  I
enjoy getting out of my “box” once in a while!

I am eagerly awaiting your new story in a couple of days.  I will pray that
God gives you the words that He wants your readers to hear from Him.  I pray
that God will grant you His favor in writing this story, that it will just
flow from your heart and spirit and will bless us all, including you.

I loved the link to the “Amazing Grace” song.  It made me cry.  God is SO
GOOD!

Praying that God will strengthen you during your busy schedule.  Praying for
you and yours!

God Bless!
Sandy

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

Hey, Michael, me-boy! How are ya? I loved Kick Up Your Heels. What fun you are!
 
I also wanted to say...
 
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
 
You're a growing boy! So glad to see your numbers going up!
 
Just as something to ponder...is it possible or time for another job? You sound
worn out! And not much time left over to spend with your precious bride! I'm still
praying for a computer. Pretty soon you'd better tell I don't need to any more!!!
 
With affection, Lynn
 
Oh, my gosh...I almost forgot...thank you, thank you, thank you, for the Wintley
Phipps site. I'm passing it along to everyone! What an awesome performance. He
came to our church one time. He is really blessed with talent!

Have a great and blessed weekend.


Lynn

Hi, Gang!!

I'd like our new members for joining. This week
our family topped 1400 members.

I wish I had a new story for all of you, but I don't.
Last week I worked 64 hours, not including my commute
time, which adds another twenty hours to my week.

Tonight I bring you an older story.

While writing my story about shopping for
"Things with Wings" I had an idea for a story.

I feel a great story building. It's a spiritual
piece. It's burning in my heart.

It will be my lesson to you from him.

Look for it in a few days.

Thanks to all our new members. I pray my words
keep you coming back.



Mike



    I Love your comments.
    Send them to: msmith4@nj.rr.com

    If anyone is interested in greeting cards or crafts,
Ginny belongs to a group of artists. They've teamed
together to market their products. Check them out at:
http://www.etsygreetings.blogspot.com


    Ginny's cards and other crafts are at:
http://www.ginginsgoodies.etsy.com


    Be sure to check out my collection of inspirational
sites at the end. There's something for everyone.


    Now for today's story.


            Kick Up Your Heels

    I hadn't been back to Ohio in more than two years. I missed my friends. An
invitation from my dear friend Deb came in the mail. It was for her 50th birthday party.
Ginny and I accepted.
    We drove ten hours, arrived late Friday evening, and helped decorate. I had the
privilege to meet many of my old friends and introduce my lovely bride, Ginny, to
those who hadn't had the privilege on our last visit.
    The next night, the DJ set up, the caterers brought in the food, and guests began to
arrive. There were a lot of new faces in the group. All the old gang was there, but new
people had moved into the neighborhood. They were quickly adopted into Deb's family
of friends.
    Deb is a huge fan of the Scottish heritage and its charm. She writes romance
stories based on that era. I had a surprise for her. Ginny and I went downstairs. She
helped me get into a Scottish costume. As we adjusted my belt and sash, I asked, "Do
you think I should go natural under my kilt?"
    "Not in this crowd." she was quick to reply.
    Ginny and I entered the room, where the DJ was set up. The guests were outside
eating, talking, and enjoying a wonderful evening. I grabbed the microphone, "Deborah, I
want to wish you a happy birthday.
    "For those who don't know me, my name is Michael. Deb and I have been writing
buddies and friends for many years. It's a real pleasure to be here on her special day.
    "Deb, if you will step in here, I have a little surprise for you."
    She walked in the room, saw me in my costume and started to laugh. She
walked up to me on rubbery legs. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She reached out
and wrapped her arms around my shoulders for support.
    She gained control of herself, "Michael! I love you! You're a nut! This is the best
birthday present ever."
    I huggd her back, "I love ya, sis."
    Cameras flashed as she lifted the back of my kilt for all to see. My Ginny is a
wise woman. Within twenty minutes, my kilt was lifted four times, by different ladies.
    I changed back. It wasn't safe out there in a kilt.
    The DJ played '50's Rock-n-Roll all night long. An hour went by. No one danced.
The DJ put on "The Twist." I rushed to Ginny, who talked to one of my old friends.
"Come on, Hun. Let's dance!"
     "Not right now, Hun. I'm talking to Ralph. How about in a little bit? Is that
OK?"
    "OK," I was disappointed, but I understood. She didn't want to be rude.
    I walked around the patio. The urge to dance was strong. I passed a group of
people. A lady standing with her husband caught my eye. She asked, "Doesn't anyone do
the twist anymore?"
    "They sure do!" I said. "Come on! Let's go!"
    I tossed my shoes to the corner - I can't twist in shoes. We twisted around the
room. I twisted low to the floor, spun in a circle, and twisted back up again. In the
background, I heard Ginny encouraging me, "You go, Baby! Go baby!"
    The song ended - another began. My partner and I continued to dance. Ginny
joined us. Soon, another joined us. I danced with five, then six, then ten to twelve ladies.
    We stood in a circle, danced, sang, laughed and smiled.
    Ginny strutted her stuff. My little gal sure knows how to move. We rarely get the
chance to dance together. It was only the third time we have had the chance to strut our
stuff together.  We made the best of it.
    Later that evening, the DJ called me over, "Mike, do you think you, Bruce (Deb's
husband), and a few other guys would be willing to act out 'The Village People's' song,
'YMCA?'"
    "I'm game." I replied.
    We gathered a group of guys together. The DJ handed us hats - I was the
construction worker. The music started. Guests flowed in from the patio and circled
the dance floor.
    Bruce hopped to the center of the room, spun in a circle, kicked his feet out,
and appeared to be a gypsy in a policeman's helmet, as the rest of us sang into inflatable
microphones. We took turns dancing to the center of the roomto show our moves, and
make complete fools of ourselves.
    I had the elegance of a walrus. My feet kicked out. My arms reached high. "At
the Y-M…" My arm hit my construction hat and sent it flying across the room. A lady -
it might have been my twist partner - jumped out of the way.
    The music came to a stop. The guests cheered. Bruce and I looked at each
other, "That was fun!" he said.
    I shook his hand. "Bruce, this is a great party. Thank you."
    Ginny and I like to have a good time and are not afraid to make a fool of
ourselves. We lie to have fun.
    I once waved out a window at passing cars and learned the magic of the clown
inside. That night was no different. By the time the party ended, Ginny and I knew
everyone there.
    After the kilt lifting, they knew me very well.
    Don't hold the clown inside. Let it out. Kick up your heels, have some fun,
and laugh. You won't have to find new friends, they'll come to you.

Michael T Smith
   

   



     If you enjoy a story, feel free to pass it on to your friends.
   
My only request is that you include the link for your friends to

join our family.

To join our family, go to:

http://subs.zinester.com/86758/

    As promised, here is a list of great inspirational sites.

I subscribe to all of them. You will love these sites.

    A good friend of mine has a new book out. You should check
this out. Carol's been through rough times. She tells it all
in her latest book.

Carol Roach
M.Ed, B.A.
Publisher: Storytime Tapestry
Author: Angels Watching Over Me:http://www.lulu.com/content/644485
Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey: www.publishamerica.com

To join Carol's story site, go to Storytime Tapestry at:
http://archives.zinester.com/98907/

From my wonderful writing friend, Jan. She writes wonderful
stories about her life and losing her sight.
Janet Perez Eckles
Faith and Love with a Latin Flair
www.janetperezeckles.com


Here's a good one by Linda Della Donna
Freelance Writer
www.littleredmailbox.com
www.griefcase.blogspot.com
www.storybone.blogspot.com
"...and sometime when I wasn't looking, I got a new life."

By my good friend Keith in Australia:
http://www.agiftofinspiration.com.au/

My friend Phil runs http://www.peoplestuff.com.au/
Phil's awesome and brutally honest

Zev, yes another friend, runs http://empoweringmessages.com/stories/

Heart Catchers is a wonderful site.  www.DianeDeanWhite.com

www.Heartwarmers.com and www.petwarmers.com are two

wonderful story sites.

http://hodu.com/

http://www.mydailyinsights.com/

www.ripplemaker.com

http://www.sermonillustrator.org

http://www.SkyWriting.Net

Here's a newly discovered one I like:

http://www.archive.zinester.com/9516

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WarmFuzzyStories/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WithInSight/

If you, or anyone you know needs prayers for health concerns,
struggles,etc visit www.janetperezeckles.com
Janet's prayer group will respond.

That's all I can think of right now. If I come up with

more, I'll add them.

Enjoy!!!


I love your comments, Send them to msmith4@nj.rr.com.

I'll include some in every post.

Now for a few comments on my last story:

Yes, I've already received some great comments on yesterday's
story.

Hey, Michael!

What a beautiful, encouraging story! It is the truth, we
take life for granted, and when we have some kilometers
behind us, we start worrying, but even then we don't live our
lives to the fullest. Thank you for reminding me that time
on Earth is not eternal, and that I should start doing the
things I enjoy, without dreading the end, which is going to
come either I want it or not. It's not about dying young or
old, it's about doing something meaningful with the time
you have been given.

Jessica.

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

I love this comment. I do try to write as if I am speaking
to each of you. Thank you, Pat.

Mike: Reading your messages, I am often reminded of a saying
that goes "when the student is ready, the teacher will come..." 
Thank you for being a teacher that keeps on coming, many
times unexpectedly , with messages that I am sure were written
JUST FOR ME.
 
God bless you in your ministry, your efforts, your work and
your life!
 
pat in DC

Hi, Gang!

I'm late with a story again.

There are many reasons for my late stories.
I'll soon tell you why. There are painful reasons
why I'm not able write them now.


I pray you understand.


Thanks to all our new members. I pray my words
keep you coming back.

Mike



    I Love your comments.
    Send them to: msmith4@nj.rr.com

    If anyone is interested in greeting cards or crafts,
Ginny belongs to a group of artists. They've teamed
together to market their products. Check them out at:
http://www.etsygreetings.blogspot.com


    Ginny's cards and other crafts are at:
http://www.ginginsgoodies.etsy.com


    Be sure to check out my collection of inspirational
sites at the end. There's something for everyone.


    Now for today's story.




                        On Two Wheels

    It had coaster brakes and only one gear. My two older brothers
used it before me. The twenty-inch, black frame showed its age. It
was scratched and nicked from years of use, but I didn't care. It
was mine now.

    In the front yard, I held the handlebars, swung my right leg
over, and settled myself onto the seat.  My legs weren't long enough
for both to touch the ground at the same time. I leaned to one side.
One foot supported me. I looked around, made sure no one watched,
and kicked off. My feet reached for the pedals and began to pump.
After a few wobbly yards, I fell off, landed on my shoulder in
the grass, jumped up, brushed myself off, got back on, and fell
again.

    A week later, I rode in circles around the yard, always to
the left. I didn't wobble or fall. I was steady, as I followed the
beaten trail I'd created in the grass. The wind created by my
movement cooled my sweat-stained face.

    I was free.

    I was flying.

    "Michael!" Mum called. "Supper's ready!" I turned toward
the front steps, wobbled and fell to the ground.

    I didn't know how to go straight or to the right. I'd learned
to travel in circles to the left.

    One day I became brave. "Mum, I'm going to take my bike to
Grandmum's."

    "Are you sure?" she asked.

    "I can do it, Mum."

    Grandmum lived at the bottom of a short hill from our house.
I'd walk there often, but when I sat on my bike at the top of that
hill, it seemed much higher than I remembered. I put my feet on
the pedals and started to roll. My speed increased. I pushed back
on the pedals, braked to a halt, stepped off, and walked my bike
to the bottom. On level ground, I got back on my bike, and pedaled
to Grandmum's.

    "Do you have any muffins, "I asked.

    She laughed. "You know where they are." I ran to her pantry.
In the cupboard was a plate filled with fresh baked muffins, smothered
in pink icing - my favorite.

    "Did you see me, Grandmum?" I mumbled, my mouth full. "I brought
my bicycle! Did you see me?"

    Grandmum hugged me. "I saw you, Michael. You did well, but I
saw you walk your bike down the hill. It's scary, isn't it? You didn't
have control, but you'll get it right.

    "You're getting big. When you're older, you'll be bicycling
all over the place. I'm proud of you.  You'll get control."

    A few weeks later, I rode my bike to the bottom of that hill.
I had my brakes on all the way, but I had control.


    I grew up and left home for a new job. That first week, I cried
a lot - lonely. Mom wasn't there. I fought through it. It was a
new hill to roll down. Over time, I learned to cook, clean, and take
care of myself. Grandmum was right, I learned control and to use
my brakes. I got through my fear and learned to survive and stayed
on my bike.

    Much later, I married and became a dad - more stumbles and
turns. There were sports and school functions to drive the kids to.
I sat my bike aside and taught them to ride theirs.

    I've wobbled, stumbled and fallen, but I've always gotten up,
brushed myself off, climbed back on the seat, and learned to turn
around the obstacles. I've always thought I had it under control,
but life  holds surprises. I've fallen many times: lost work,
moved, raised children, and held my first wife's hand as she took
her last breath.etc.

    The turns taught me to stay steady.

    Life is a series of turns, stumbles and getting back on the
seat. Life is learning to gain control.

Michael T Smith



     If you enjoy a story, feel free to pass it on to your friends.
   
My only request is that you include the link for your friends to

join our family.

To join our family, go to:

http://subs.zinester.com/86758/

    As promised, here is a list of great inspirational sites.

I subscribe to all of them. You will love these sites.

    A good friend of mine has a new book out. You should check
this out. Carol's been through rough times. She tells it all
in her latest book.

Carol Roach
M.Ed, B.A.
Publisher: Storytime Tapestry
Author: Angels Watching Over Me:http://www.lulu.com/content/644485
Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey: www.publishamerica.com

To join Carol's story site, go to Storytime Tapestry at:
http://archives.zinester.com/98907/

From my wonderful writing friend, Jan. She writes wonderful
stories about her life and losing her sight.
Janet Perez Eckles
Faith and Love with a Latin Flair
www.janetperezeckles.com


Here's a good one by Linda Della Donna
Freelance Writer
www.littleredmailbox.com
www.griefcase.blogspot.com
www.storybone.blogspot.com
"...and sometime when I wasn't looking, I got a new life."

By my good friend Keith in Australia:
http://www.agiftofinspiration.com.au/

My friend Phil runs http://www.peoplestuff.com.au/
Phil's awesome and brutally honest

Zev, yes another friend, runs http://empoweringmessages.com/stories/

Heart Catchers is a wonderful site.  www.DianeDeanWhite.com

www.Heartwarmers.com and www.petwarmers.com are two

wonderful story sites.

http://hodu.com/

http://www.mydailyinsights.com/

www.ripplemaker.com

http://www.sermonillustrator.org

http://www.SkyWriting.Net

Here's a newly discovered one I like:

http://www.archive.zinester.com/9516

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WarmFuzzyStories/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WithInSight/

If you, or anyone you know needs prayers for health concerns,
struggles,etc visit www.janetperezeckles.com
Janet's prayer group will respond.

That's all I can think of right now. If I come up with

more, I'll add them.

Enjoy!!!


I love your comments, Send them to msmith4@nj.rr.com.

I'll include some in every post.

Now for a few comments on my last story: