Love Story Antony and Cleopatra

 One of the most famous love stories by William Shakespeare, the love saga of Antony and Cleopatra is a truly a fable of worshipping your beloved. Antony and Cleopatra epitomize that love is another name for sacrifice. Their love story is among the most tragic ones, where both the lovers die instead of living ‘happily ever after’. ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ is among the most popular plays by Shakespeare. Enmeshed in the spirit of undying love, the tragic love story of Antony and Cleopatra is an example for all the modern lovers. It teaches them about selflessness in love and giving the ultimate sacrifice for a loved one.

Love Story Of Antony And Cleopatra
One of the most famous women in history, Cleopatra VII was the brilliant and beautiful last Pharaoh of Egypt. She was proficient in nine languages and a skilled mathematician. She is often considered to be a stunning seductress though she was studying to be a nun. She became the mistress of the famous emperor Julius Caesar. After he was slain, she saw his best friend Marc Antony, one of the rulers of the Roman Empire, and fell in love almost instantly. Their love affair progresses, but Antony returns to Rome on being informed that his wife is dead, and the pirates are raising an army to rebel against the triumvirate. Pricked by a sense of duty, he feels compelled to share his part of responsibility for the Roman Empire.

Back in Rome, Antony is forced to marry Octavia, while his heart still rests with Cleopatra. When Cleopatra gets to know about Antony’s marriage to Octavia, she is enraged in the beginning. However, as soon as she learns that Octavia is plain and not as beautiful as Cleopatra herself is, she feels secure and confident of winning back Antony once again. After settling for a truce with pirates, Antony returns to Egypt and crowns himself and Cleopatra as the rulers of Egypt. He is angry with the other triumvirs for not giving him a fair share of Roman Empire. He raises an army to fight against Octavia’s brother, Octavius Caesar, one of the triumvirs.

Enraged by Antony’s treatment of his sister, Octavius also prepares for the battle. The battle begins at the sea and Cleopatra pledges to assist Antony with her fleets. Cleopatra, however, leaves Antony in the middle of the battle and flees with her ships. Antony goes after her leaving his army without a commander. However, their differences are soon resolved and Antony pledges to fight another battle for Cleopatra, this time on land. Fighting all the adversities and despite all the threats, Anthony and Cleopatra married in 36 BC. While fighting a battle in Actium, Antony got false news of Cleopatra's death. Shattered, he fell on his sword. When Cleopatra learned about Antony's death, she was shocked and committed suicide by getting herself bitten by a poisonous snake.

Source : http://festivals.iloveindia.com/valentines-day/famous-love-stories/antony-cleopatra.html

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582 words essay on Friendship

A friend is one of the rarest blessings of man's life. A true friend is one who stands by another through thick and thin, in all weather. He is equally ready to share the joys of prosperity and the pangs of adversity. He is not a summer companion who fades away in the frosty days of winter. He is not a soft-spoken flatterer who says what will give pleasure only. He is not afraid to speak out the honest truth, however unpalatable it may be. He is always a sincere well-wisher, never a honey-tongued flatterer.

Naturally, in this hard world, it is always good to have a friend. In life prosperity and adversity come and go like sunshine and cloud. The companionship of a good friend heightens our joys and lightens our sorrows. Men may gather round our festive board when we are well-off, but they will melt away, leaving us severely alone when adversity darkens our life. Our true friend will step in then and he will be with us to cheer our drooping spirits, and share our misfortunes.

Since such are the uses of friendship, it is one of life's choicest blessings to have a few sincere friends. But it is not as easy as it may seem. To attract friends, one must oneself be attractive. For this, the first thing necessary is to have a trustful nature. Confidence alone begets confidence.

One must open one's heart to a friend, holding back nothing. Secondly, one must be tolerant and forbearing. No man is all-good, and if one is always fault-finding, it will produce a feeling of natural disgust. This leads to estrangement. It is only when friendship is tested by the trials of life that faults may be pointed out.

Thirdly, there can be no true or abiding friendship between men of unequal status or worth. Real friendship is possible between equals. It is the disinterested commerce between equals.

In other words, there must be no intention on one side or the other to make friendship a matter of gain or convenience. In Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice' Antonio and Bassanio are unfaltering good friends. You keep your mind clear; it will be filled with the delicate air of love and goodwill. It has been said that a friend is a person who not only shows us the way but walks paces of the road with us. So friendship has to be kept in good repair.

If to make friends is a science, to preserve it is an art. It depends on cultivating a spirit of harmony and proportion. One must not be too exacting. Having won a friend one must nurture him with love and affection like a delicate but useful plant. Friendship must not be taken for granted. The aim must be to serve more than to receive. And what is given must be without reserve and ungrudging; what is received must be recognized as a privilege. To quote Dr. Johnson, "A man, Sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair."

Though friendship is, no doubt, a great blessing, yet it is not without its drawback. For one thing, friendship may make one rather uncharitable in one's judgment to the rest of mankind. It is also easy for friends to become conspiratorial, to join in designs, against others for securing mutual benefits, Cassius, a friend planned while drawing Brutas in the conspiracy against Julius Caesar. It is good to make friends, it is bad to use them against others.

Source : http://www.preservearticles.com/201103184616/friendship-essay.html

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Joke Story

- I was in the restaurant yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately
needed to pass gas. The music was really, really loud, so I timed my
gas with the beat of the music.


After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my coffee,
and noticed that everybody was staring at me....


Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.


- Little April was not the best student in Sunday school. 
Usually she slept through the class.


One day the teacher called on her while she was napping, "Tell me, April, who created the universe?"


When April didn't stir, little Johnny, a boy seated in the chair behind her, took a pin and jabbed her in the rear. "GOD ALMIGHTY!" shouted April and the teacher said, "Very good" and April fell back asleep.


A while later the teacher asked April, "Who is our Lord and Saviour," But, April didn't even stir from her slumber. Once again, Johnny came to the rescue and stuck her again. 'JESUS CHRIST!" shouted April and the teacher said, "very good," and April fell back to sleep.


Then the teacher asked April a third question. "What did Eve say to Adam after she had her twenty-third child?" And again, Johnny jabbed her with the pin. This time April jumped up and shouted, "IF YOU STICK THAT F*****G THING IN ME ONE MORE TIME, I'LL BREAK IT IN HALF AND STICK IT UP YOUR ARSE!"


The Teacher fainted. 


- An 85-year-old man was requested by his doctor for a sperm count as part of his physical exam. 
The doctor gave the man a jar and said, "Take this jar home and bring back a semen sample tomorrow." The next day the
85-year-old man reappeared at the doctor's office and gave him the jar, which was as clean and empty as on the previous day.
The doctor asked, what happened and the man explained.
"Well, doc, it's like this--first I tried with my right hand, but nothing. Then I tried with my left hand, but still nothing. Then I asked my wife for help. She tried with her right hand, then with her left, still nothing. She tried with her mouth, first with the teeth in, then with her teeth out, still nothing. We even called up Arleen, the lady next door and she tried too, first with both hands, then an armpit, and she even tried squeezin' it between her knees, but still nothing."
The doctor was shocked! "You asked your neighbor?"
The old man replied, "Yep, none of us could get the jar open."


Just for fun 


Source : http://www.jokes-best.com/

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Her Story ( The ones who love us, never really leave us )

A/N: The one moral growing up, the only one that ever stuck, was, 'The ones who love us, never really leave us.' I hope you understand that moral too.

In the beginning, when asked if she missed her son, she said yes. She said yes, because her son had been murdered, violently, overseas, in a place she couldn't protect him. She said yes, because he had been so young, so willing, so brave. She said yes, because your child isn't suppose to go first, that's just not the way it was meant to go. She said yes, because her son, who had been her pride and joy, was gone, never to return, until the haunting memories of his memorial, swept into her dreams.

She had said yes, maybe a thousand times that first week, over and over, as the neighbors, friends, family, and others stopped by. Her house must have been stocked with so much food, enough to feed a third world country for a year. Maybe two. Perhaps three, if it was a small country. She had flowers, lots of flowers and chocolates; so many, she didn't know what to do with them. She had cards, ones that carried sadness and pain, and some that carried the fondest memories. Everyone that had known her son, they had all written to her, sending their smiles and happiness, even some money. She also had awkward conversations with the little boys and girls that lived on her street, forced bye their mothers to check up on her.

The next week was her son's memorial. She wanted to be the only one there, so she set the time late, telling everybody. And she got a secret memorial, before everyone showed up. The first time she had cried. The second time, she kept her tears to herself. When it came time to bury her son, she picked a shady spot, somewhere privet, and quiet, and somewhere he would be blessed with knowledge. It was his thing, knowledge.

Time would pass, slowly, and the woman, turned older, and older, but every year, on the same day, she would make the journey to the spot she had picked for her son. Every year, she would leave flowers, his favorite ones, and talk to him. And then, she would go back home, another year accomplished, another year set. She never broke her tradition, no matter what was happening, and nobody ever asked. They all knew, without having too.

When asked many years later, in an interview for the local newspaper, she was asked once more, for the final time, 'Do you miss your son?' She said no. She said no, because he had been murdered overseas, doing what he loved, and what he wanted, knowing the risks. She said no, because he had been young, and happy, brave and strong, willing, and wanting, and that's what made him who he was. She said no, because, even when your kid isn't suppose to go first, they do, but you have to trust them, because they know. She said no, because, after so many years, she finally understood, 'The ones who love us, never really leave us'.
By Enya Rodriguez
Published: 8/6/2011


Source : http://www.buzzle.com/articles/her-story.html

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Home really is where his heart is

“I’ll see you Thursday night, Jess,” Jack Maguire said to his wife. He wiped a smudge of baby food from her cheek before pressing his lips to hers.

It was their usual Sunday night routine. Saying goodbye.

Their youngest, baby Ella, bounced in her mother’s arms until her dad leaned over and planted a raspberry on her cheek eliciting squeals of delight.

Jessica’s lips curled despite the heaviness in her heart.

As a pharmaceutical sales person, travel was a part of Jack’s job description that she’d grown to accept. But it didn’t make saying goodbye any easier.

After smothering their other two kids in hugs and kisses, Jack hopped into the waiting hired car with a wave and a smile. Jessica’s stomach clenched as she thought about how exciting his life on the road must be—business meetings with doctors, dinner at new restaurants every evening, nights spent in luxurious hotels.

After their oldest, Connor, was born, Jessica made the decision to quit her job as a nurse and stay home full time. Now with three kids under five, she still loved every moment of her time at home. But that was her. Whenever she said goodbye to Jack she couldn’t help wondering if he found their home life dull compared to his travels.

Did he look forward to getting back on the road?

Jessica felt a tug on her pant leg pulling her back from her worries.

“Can I have a drink?” asked three year old Zoë.

“Of course, Sweetie,” Jessica replied as she patted the girl’s curly blonde head. She grabbed three plastic cups from the cupboard, and as she poured a round of apple juice for the masses her concerns about Jack were quickly forgotten.

On Monday night, the phone rang at precisely six o’clock. Jessica’s heart pounded with anticipation. Whenever he traveled, Jack always managed to sneak away and call home at the same time. No matter what.

When she picked up the phone, Jessica could barely hear him over the raised voices and clinking of silverware on dishes. He was at dinner with clients.

The kids jumped at her legs anxious to talk to Daddy. After each had their turn, Connor passed her the phone. “It’s your turn, Mommy.”

But as soon as she raised it to her ear, she heard Jack say, “Sorry, hun. Gotta go.”  He was practically shouting to be heard. “Dr. Watts is about to leave, and I haven’t gotten a commitment from him yet. I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.”

She let out a heavy breath but told herself she could wait until tomorrow to tell him about Zoe’s attempt to dress the cat in a princess gown and tiara.

But on Tuesday evening, Jessica returned home at six-ten following what was supposed to be a quick stop at the grocery store—an impossibility with three kids in tow—to find a message from Jack.

“I won’t be able to call back tonight,” his voice rang out. “The only time Dr. Bryson can meet with me is this evening. Kisses and hugs to everyone.” He sounded distracted, as though he was in a hurry to get off the phone.

Her heart sunk.

The tiara story really isn’t that exciting anyway.

On Wednesday evening, six o’clock came and went with no phone call. Even though she knew he was due home the next night, disappointment weighed heavy in her chest. Her first instinct was to worry. He’d never missed a call before. Had something happened?

Calm down. He’s probably busy with a client, her common sense told her.

But then that meant he’d gotten too busy or just forgot to call.

Either option caused her heart to tighten uncomfortably. But she tried to ignore the sensation as she joined in the kids’ lively dinnertime conversation.

A few hours after the kids were asleep Jessica heard a noise at the front door. Her heart thudded in her chest. Who could it be? She wasn’t expecting anyone.

Wiping her dish soapy hands on a towel, she walked cautiously to the front window to check it out.

But before she reached the foyer, the door swung open and Jack walked into the house. Jessica’s breath caught in her throat, and she rushed to her husband throwing her arms around his neck.

“You’re early!” she mumbled into his shoulder. Her heart sped like crazy—partly from surprise but mostly due to the thrill of seeing Jack.

“I couldn’t stand the thought of being away for another night, so I squeezed all of my appointments into three days. That’s why I’ve been so busy.”

And he couldn’t call tonight because he’d been on a plane, she realized. A pang of guilt gripped her stomach. How could she have doubted him?

He dropped his small suitcase and returned her embrace with both arms. “I’ve had enough stuffy business dinners and lonely hotel stays to last a life time.”

“I thought you liked traveling,” she said tentatively.

Jack pulled back and looked into her eyes. “The only part I like about being away is coming home to you and the kids.”

A wave of relief washed over her leaving a warm glow in its wake. Feeling closer to Jack than ever before, Jessica leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

When she pulled away, she couldn’t help smiling. “Do you want to hear what Zoë did to the cat on Monday?” she asked.

And as they cuddled up on the couch together, the sparkle she saw in Jack’s blue eyes as she talked about their life, their children left no doubt in her mind.

Home really is where his heart is.

The End

Source : 

http://www.read-a-romance.com/contemporary_romance/home-is-where-the-heart-is-2/

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Romance story

There was a girl named Becca and a boy named Joe. Becca was in a burning house. None of the firefighters could get in the house because the fire was too big. Joe dressed in one of the fire suits and got into the house. When he got up the stairs, the steps fell off behind him. When he got into her room he sealed the door up behind him. He held her tight, kissed her, huged her, then said that he loved her. She asked what was wrong, and he said that he was going to die. Her eyes widened as she began to cry. He picked her up and jumped out of the four story house. He landed on his back with her on top of him. He died to save her life.


Source : http://www.romanticlovemessages.com/cat/stories1.htm

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THE LOST DIARY

It was by chance that Tuqa found a small diary lying on the ground outside the public library. When she picked it up and opened it to the first page, she read the following lines:

4.8.87

“Am I strong enough to hold onto these tiny threads of hope? Can I continue in spite of these difficulties and reach the source of light behind these clouds? Who can give me a helping hand so that I can endure this cruel life? Oh God, what darkness surrounds me!” Tuqa read another page:

26.8.87

“Again I resort to my diary to complain about my suffering. I feel as if my nerves are about to shatter …I have no one to talk to; no one at all. Oh, why can’t I sleep? The moon and the stars gaze upon me as if mocking my dreams.”Tuqa looked for an address in the diary but she could only find a name-Huda Najafi. She went into the library and asked to see the list of book borrowers of the past week. Finally, she found the name she was looking for. Huda’s address was written next to her name, so Tuqa decided to pay her a visit to return the diary and see if she could help this troubled sister.

The next day, Tuqa went to Huda’s house. As she rang the bell, she wondered if she was doing the right thing. But since she knew that her intention was pure, she was at ease. A young girl opened the door, and Tuqa asked to see Huda. The girl asked her to enter and showed her to Huda’s room. Huda was surprised to see an unknown visitor, but she welcomed Tuqa with a warm smile. They shook hands and sat down. Tuqa took the diary out of her purse and gave it to Huda, who was very happy to see it. She held it close and said, “Thanks God I have it -at last! Thank you for bringing it to me!”

Tuqa introduced herself and said, “Please excuse me for reading a few pages of your diary. I found it yesterday on the ground, near the library.”

“There is nothing to apologize for! I have suffered greatly since I lost it. I was nearly heart-broken when I realized that my diary was missing.”" Why should you be so upset at the loss of a few pages?” asked Tuqa.

“These words reflect my innermost feelings; they are like apart of my soul,” replied Huda.

“But such reflections are but a small part of a person’s thoughts, since life is an enormous theatre comprised of countless images. Life is like a wild garden wherein various kinds of flowers fill the air with their fresh scent. Yet there are also trees and thorny weeds in the garden, which may hurt a person. The earth from which flowers emerge nourishes weeds as well.”

Huda listened attentively, and then said, “Thorns cause one to bleed, and weeds hinder the growth of blossoms.” “It isn’t always so,” replied Tuqa. “Hopes and disappointments follow each other in turn. This is a natural law of life. However, great one’s sufferings are, one still hopes for the dawn which follows even the darkest night.”

In a weary voice, Huda said, “But this dark night may be so long that it causes one to lose hope.” “You can counter feelings of hopelessness by having true faith in Allah’s help and guidance. A life of hardship is of no value if one forgets about Allah and His Compassion. Master yourself, and you can direct your thoughts and actions towards the right path.” “But some things are beyond a person’s control and cause pain and disappointment,” Huda persisted.

“Still”, said Tuqa, “Disappointment is not in itself evil. If a believer has strong faith, a new door opens when another is closed. Never give up hope.”

Tears formed in Huda’s eyes and she said, “I don’t know. Perhaps Allah has sent you to save me from my despair.”

Tuqa recited a verse from the Holy Qur’an:

“…and despair not of Allah’s Mercy; surely none despairs of Allah’s Mercy except the unbelievers” (Yusuf, 87)

Then Tuqa stood up, saying it was time for her to leave in order to reach home and perform the evening prayer. Huda begged her to stay a little longer and suggested that they pray together. After praying, they resumed their discussion and Tuqa reminded Huda of the Qur’anic verse:

Do people think they will be left alone saying: We believe, and not be tried? And certainly we tried those before them so Allah will certainly know who are true and He will certainly know the liars. (al-Ankabut, 2 & 3)

Tuqa added, “I all that we experience during our brief lifetimes prepares our soul to control itself through using good will. Some losses are considered to be disasters while, in fact, they are disguised blessings. A calamity which disrupts a happy life may be a means to crystallize thoughts and can direct a person towards faith in Allah and obedience to His orders.”

“My dear friend Tuqa, I thought that I was a good believer in Almighty Allah, but I was about to fall apart.”

Tuqa firmly stated, “Faith will defeat earthly concerns through submission to Allah and acceptance of His Will. Failures can teach us many useful lessons. Hardships can make a person wise if they stand firm.”

Thinking that she had given enough advice for one afternoon, Tuqa tried to change the subject, “Aren’t you going to ask me how I found your home?” Huda replied, “I believe Allah sent you to me, no matter how you found you way.”

It was time for Tuqa to leave, and Huda made her promise to visit again soon. The next meeting between Tuqa and Huda took place a few days later. This time, Tuqa decided it was better to let Huda do most of the talking. Huda talked about her younger sister, whom she said had a great desire for learning. Huda said, “She studies continuously, but I fear that she may one day give up her studies.”

Tuqa asked, “What makes you think so? I think that she may become even more interested in acquiring knowledge as she gets older.” “But life is not generous enough to help one achieve one’s dreams and wishes,”

Huda replied. “Pessimism should not dominate anyone’s thoughts. If evil has an effect on a person’s life, goodness is still more effective. Rays of sunlight can penetrate the thickest clouds,” Tuqa said. She felt that her friend still needed encouragement, so she added, “Muslims know the origin of life, the story of creation. Almighty Allah gave all human beings the opportunity to perform good deeds in this life and has given them the chance to worship Him. This worshipping of Allah gives us the opportunity to evolve into more, which will benefit us in the next life, the Hereafter. Therefore, if one comprehends the aim behind this worldly life, the death of a dear one can be tolerated.

“As for suffering due to material poverty, a wise person should know that true poverty is embodied in spiritual shortcomings, which can bring about various illnesses,” Tuqa concluded.” Nevertheless, poverty can cause one to be ashamed,”

Huda said, “There is nothing shameful about poverty,”

Tuqa told her. “One should be ashamed to be rich and dishonest. A poor man who remains virtuous and rejects dishonest means of living enjoys self-respect. Poverty not only is not a source of shame, it is an aspect of the lives of righteous believers. As Allah states:

And We will most certainly try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits,’ and give good news to the patient. (al-Baqarah, 155)

Tuqa continued, “A Muslim is not envious of another’s good fortune. He feels optimistic that he will have his r turn one day. A wise believer has a strong will, and if he is betrayed by a friend he will not regret the loss of such a person. Perhaps such an experience will cause him to choose his friends more carefully.”

“But one can be hurt by ingratitude or even aggression when one tries to help another.”

Tuqa answered, “This is not the case with a true Muslim who does not trade his good deeds. He is ready to help purely based on his good faith and expects nothing from anyone but Allah. It s better that good deeds be rewarded in the Hereafter.”

“What you’re saying is true. You have been so kind and helpful to me that I can hardly find a way to express my gratitude”, Huda said.

Tuqa told her, “There is a narration from our Prophet (s) ‘If one cares for a fellow believer, one should manifest one’s concern.’ The best thing you can do is to respond to Islamic ideals and think over my words. As material concerns bring about unhappiness, so do spiritual values lead to happiness. Imam Ali (a) says: ‘If a man behaves properly in matters concerning himself and Allah, Allah keeps proper the matters between him and other people; and if a man keeps proper his affairs for the next life, than Allah keeps proper for him his affairs of this world…’ ” (Nahjul Balagha)

Feeling much better, Huda said, “Due to your helpful words, I feel optimistic about the future. I shall never feel hopeless again. I will use my faith like a weapon to confront hopelessness and to strengthen my will.”

Tuqa happily replied, “Faith produces security and calmness. Faith itself is obedience to Allah’s commandments. Through faith, earthly concerns are shaped and invested with various meanings. Hence, sickness can alleviate sins and disappointment can lead to victory. The Qur’an says:

Surely We have made whatever is on earth an embellishment for it, so that we may try them (as to) which of them is best in work. (al- Kahaf, 7)

“We are tested by Allah throughout our lives. Now that you have helped me out of my difficulties, will you remain my friend?”

Huda asked. “Of course! Our common faith has sealed our friendship. The best sort of friendship is based on spiritual harmony and righteous ideals. Such a foundation is unshakeable. The faith that floods a believer’s heart is enough to flood the entire universe with mercy and compassion.”

“Have you noticed how few establish relations based on faith and common ideals?” asked Huda.

“Yes that is precisely why the majority fail and friendship so often turns into enmity. But since we are inspired by faith and we have good intentions to reform society, Allah will surely help us.”

By : Martyr Bintul Huda

source : http://moralsandethics.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/the-lost-diary/

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Why God Created Friends

And after all had been created and was neatly arranged,
He looked down upon the people of the earth and said;
"I cannot be there to comfort them in their sorrow,
I can't be there to wrap my arms around them.

I am here and yes, they will feel my presence but they'll need something more."
He paused for a moment and then said:
"I will create for them someone they can see and touch,
I will make this person understanding and compassionate, thoughtful and caring.

She won't need to be overly intelligent, just sensitive to others needs.
She will have a warm heart and gentle hands and all the time in the world, or so it will seem to those she comforts.
Time will mean very little to her it will never be too late nor too early.
She will be a very blessed individual and many will love her and come to her door often.

She will have to be something very special to take my place because I love my children very much.
I want them to have only the best for they will have many trials and will need a strong shoulder."
And so he created this individual after much thought and time.
Then he said, "I must give her a name," he paused for a moment more and then said:

"One of my greatest creations, I shall call her a Friend."

Source : http://www.brosia.com/AFriend.html

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The Invitation by James R. Muri

 Helen, Sunday 5 June 1942
   Jake was over for supper again.
 Daddy likes having him around.  "Why don't you just move in, son?  We got a extra room now that Carl's killin' Japs.  You could be a big help around here until you have to go back to college.  I'd pay regular pay, too.  What do you say?"

I was shocked at this wildly unexpected offer, but Jake knew Daddy was just being hospitable.  "Well sir, that's the best offer I've had in a long time, but I can get here from home pretty easy. Maybe I could work here from time to time, help out, though.  I've been looking for some work."

So it was settled.  Jake's going to be working around here, helping out.  Then Jake asked me, right there over pie and in front of Daddy and Carrie, if I would like to see the college campus this week.

"I'll give you the tour, Helen.  Take a few days, you can stay in the girl's dormitory, I have a friend there with an empty bed in her room.  Look it over, talk to people, see if you might like to go there in a couple years.  We can go dancing, or something, evenings.  We could leave tomorrow, come back Thursday night, maybe."

My mouth fell open at this second shocker in less than an hour, and Daddy's eyebrows went up alarmingly.  "Well, now, that's -"

Carrie interrupted Daddy.  "Jake, why don't you and Helen take a walk around the garden, see what's getting ready for picking.  Helen's dad and I will talk about your trip to the college."

So we went for a walk.  We all knew that nothing is even close to ready for harvest yet.  "Tell me about college girls, Jake.  Are they fun?"  Simple conversation, just filling the pounding silence.

"Yep.  Lots of them, too.  More than guys.  Probably because so many guys like Carl are off fighting."

"They kept you pretty busy, I guess."

He reached down and took my hand, held it while we walked.  "I thought we were exclusive, Helen.  So I didn't take any of them out."

Well you can imagine how that made me feel.

"It's OK if you dated once in a while.  I'd understand.  You don't have to try to make me feel good."

"I just thought we were still exclusive, is all.  Spent a lot of time studying, getting good grades.  Even weekends, most of the time.  They want you to do lots of writing and reading in college, Helen.  Takes lots of time if you want to get good marks."

We walked along some more.

He brought it up again.  "What do you think about going to Lawrence with me, Helen?"

"You really intend to show me the campus, Jake?"  I was suspicious of what he really had in mind.  I wasn't sure what I felt about that suspicion, but I did want things clear.

He nodded.  "Yes.  I said so."

"How long will that take, really?"

"Oh, three, maybe four hours."

"You mentioned staying until Thursday."

He turned and looked at me.  "I want to make sure we have enough time for plenty of research, Helen.  There's lots to find out."

I blushed.  "Do you really have a friend in the dormitory with an empty bed?"

He stopped and faced me, took my other hand.  "I might."

I looked up into his face.  "Or you might not, right?"

"I promise you that, one way or another, you'll have a roommate, Ice Cream Girl."

Well that certainly made it clear.  "One way might be better than the other, Jake."

"That's what I think, too."

I was blushing something fierce, Clara, and Jake was standing there, a nice smile on his face, waiting for my next question.

"What's happening, Jake?"

"Why don't we finally find out, Helen?"

"In Lawrence?"

"Yes.  First."

"My folks won't let me go, Jake."  My voice carried disappointment thick as sorghum, and I cast my eyes down, away from the affectionate heat of his gaze.

"We'll let them tell us that.  Do you want to go with me?"

I looked up again, felt the smile spread itself across my face.  "Yes, Jake.  I do."  And suddenly I felt a little dizzy, then free-soaring and deliciously naughty and terrifically happy all at the same time.

Someone was taking me seriously for a change!

source : http://blizzardguy.com/invite.html

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Memories in the Rain by Julie Dye

The door slammed behind me once again, as I ran from the world I knew all too well.  I needed an escape.  I felt as if my mind and my soul were being smothered.  I jumped in the car and started down the long drive, not knowing where I would end up, but knowing anywhere would be better than here.


Night had begun to fall, and as the miles that separated me from home increased, I began to relax.  It seemed as though my car knew where to take me, because the drive was effortless. I ended up along the narrow road adjacent to the river.  It was one of the roads I had driven daily as a teen.  I hadn't been on this road for years.  My life now, as an adult, was too busy to take time out for joy rides.  I had deadlines to meet, PTA meetings to attend, bills to pay and a husband to pacify.


I smiled as I drove past the places that I'd spent so many evenings, parked with friends along this road.  I had lost touch with some precious memories, but they seemed to be flooding back, filling my heart.  I pulled over underneath a familiar gnarled tree and got out.  The wind had started blowing and I could smell the impending rain.  Pushing my hair out of my eyes, I ran to the tree and searched the trunk.  It didn't take long for me to find what I was looking for.  Julie and Danny, True Love Always. Time and weather had faded the words, but they were still there.  Tears came to my eyes as I traced the words lovingly with my fingers.  This was Danny's favorite spot.  I turned and walked towards the river and my tears seemed to act as a cue for the rain to start falling.


I sat on a rock, eyes closed, listening to the sound of the raindrops meeting the river.  I felt his hand cup my cheek and his lips gently touch mine.  His scent was mixed with the smell of the fresh rain and I could feel his warmth next to me.  I didn't dare open my eyes, instead, I slid my arms around his neck and kissed him the way I'd kissed him two decades ago.  Tears slid down my cheeks as we embraced. I had spent years trying to forget how his arms felt around me, and here they were again, stronger than ever.  I could feel the need in him and I wondered if he knew how badly I needed him, too.


The rain was coming down in torrents now, but it didn't matter.  I could feel his warm breath against my skin as he kissed my neck.  I ran my hands over his strong chest, and through his blonde hair.  Even soaking wet, I remembered the feel of it, the feel of him.


A loud clap of thunder forced me to open my eyes and I realized that I was alone with my memories.


The accident hadn't happened far from here.  The road winds along the river and the girl driving Danny's car that night wasn't the first to miss the hairpin turn.  The car rolled and the driver's side was crushed.  They said the driver died instantly, but Danny held on for a few hours.  Those few hours seemed like an eternity. He had been so young, and I hadn't known how to say good-bye. 
  
For twenty years I've tried to replace the memories of that night with memories of better ones, memories of his smile, his kiss and of the wonderful person that I had come to love. I closed my eyes again and remembered Danny introducing me his friends as "the one." I wondered what my life might have been like had Danny not died that night, so many years ago. Would I really have been "the one?"


As I got up to leave, I felt a warmth envelope me.  I blew a kiss to that old gnarled tree as I climbed, soaking wet, into my car and began my trek home.


Thank you, Danny.  You were always there when I needed you. 


source : http://blizzardguy.com/memories.htm

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Work Hard Story

One day, a train was approaching the small town of Cheekyville. On the train was a strange guy with a big suitcase. He was called William Warbler - the man, not the suitcase - and he looked very common indeed. What made him most unusual, though, was the fact that whenever he needed to communicate he did it by singing opera. It didn't matter to William whether it was simply a matter of answering a brief greeting, like 'good day'. He would clear his voice and respond,

"Gooood dayyy to youuuuuuuu..... tooOOOO!"

It wouldn't be unfair to say that almost everyone considered William Warbler a massive pain in the neck. No one could get a normal, spoken, word out of him. And, as no one knew how he made his living - and he lived quite simply, always wearing his same old second-hand suit - they often treated him with disdain.

They made fun of his singing, calling him 'Don No One', 'Poor-Rotti', and 'Lazy Miserables'. William had been in Cheekyville for some years, when, one day, a rumour spread round town like wildfire: William had secured a role in a very important opera in the nation's capital, and there were posters everywhere advertising the event. Everyone in the capital went to see it, and it was a great success. At the end of its run - to everyone in Cheekyville's surprise - when William was being interviewed by reporters, he answered their questions by speaking rather than singing. And he did it with great courtesy, and with a clears and pleasant voice.

From that day, William gave up singing at all hours. Now he did it only during his stage appearances and world tours. Some people suspected why he had changed, but others still had no idea, and continued believing him to be somewhat mad. They wouldn't have thought so if they had seen what William kept in his big suitcase. It was a large stone, with a hand-carved message on it.

The message said: "Practice, my boy. Practice every second, for you never know when your chance will come."

Little did people realise that he only got the role in the opera because the director had heard William singing while out buying a newspaper.

Source : http://freestoriesforkids.com/children/stories-and-tales/opera-singer

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Love Story - Blind Girl

There was a blind girl who was filled with animosity and despised the world. She didn't have many friends, just a boyfriend who loved her deeply, like no one else. She always used to say that she'd marry him if she could see him. Suddenly, one day someone donated her a pair of eyes.
And that's when she finally saw her boyfriend. She was astonished to see that her boyfriend was blind. He told her, "You can see me now, can we get married?" She replied, "And do what? We'd never be happy. I have my eye sight now, but you're still blind. It won't work out, I'm sorry."


With a tear in his eye and a smile on his face, he meekly said, "I understand. I just want you to always be happy. Take care of yourself, and my eyes."

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Love Story 2

Love Means... (a girl and guy were speeding over 100 mph on a motorcycle)
Girl: Slow down. I'm scared.
Guy: No this is fun.
Girl: No its not. Please, it's too scary!
Guy: Then tell me you love me.
Girl: Fine, I love you. Slow down! Guy: Now give me a big hug. (Girl hugs him)
Guy: Can you take my helmet off and put it on? It's bugging me.
In the paper the next day: A motorcycle had crashed into a building because of break failure. Two people were on the motorcycle, but only one survived. The truth was that halfway down the road, the guy realized that his breaks broke, but he didn't want to let the girl know. Instead, he had her say she loved him, felt her hug one last time, then had her wear his helmet so she would live even though it meant he would die.

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Love Story

One night a guy and a girl were driving home from the movies. The boy sensed there was something wrong because of the painful silence they shared between them that night. The girl then asked the boy to pull over because she wanted to talk. She told him that her feelings had changed & that it was time to move on.
A silent tear slid down his cheek as he slowly reached into his pocket & passed her a folded note.
At that moment, a drunk driver was speeding down that very same street. He swerved right into the drivers seat, killing the boy. Miraculously, the girl survived. Remembering the note, she pulled it out & read it. "Without your love, I would die."

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Learn and Earn

Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company together just after graduation. Both worked very hard.

After several years, the boss promoted Jing to sales executive but Chuan remained a sales rep. One day Chuan could not take it anymore, tender resignation to the boss and complained the boss did not value hard working staff, but only promoted those who flattered him.

The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard for the years, but in order to help Chuan realize the difference between him and Jing, the boss asked Chuan to do the following. Go and find out anyone selling water melon in the market? Chuan returned and said yes. The boss asked how much per kg? Chuan went back to the market to ask and returned to inform boss the $12 per kg.

Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same question? Jing went, returned and said, boss, only one person selling water melon. $12 per kg, $100 for 10 kg, he has inventory of 340 melons. On the table 58 melons, every melon weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South two days ago, they are fresh and red, good quality.

Chuan was very impressed and realized the difference between himself and Jing. He decided not to resign but to learn from Jing.

My dear friends, a more successful person is more observant, think more and understand in depth. For the same matter, a more successful person sees several years ahead, while you see only tomorrow. The difference between a year and a day is 365 times, how could you win?

Think! how far have you seen ahead in your life? How thoughtful in depth are you?

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Learn from Mistakes

Thomas Edison tried two thousand different materials in search of a filament for the light bulb. When none worked satisfactorily, his assistant complained, “All our work is in vain. We have learned nothing.”

Edison replied very confidently, “Oh, we have come a long way and we have learned a lot. We know that there are two thousand elements which we cannot use to make a good light bulb.”

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Short moral story on True Friendship

Once upon a time, a lonely hawk lived on a tree by a riverside. He was young and handsome. Yet, he had no friends. One day, he saw a beautiful she-hawk sitting on a tree. He wanted to marry her. But, the she-hawk refused to marry him, as he had no friends. “Will you marry me if I make three friends?” he asked her. She said that she would definitely marry him if he made three friends.

The hawk then went looking for friends. While flying, he saw a tortoise. He lived on the other bank of the river. The hawk flew down to him and said, “Dear tortoise, will you be my friend and help me in my hour of need”. The tortoise agreed to become his friend and said, “Call me whenever you need me and I shall come to your side”.

The hawk also promised him his help at any time and then flew in search of the second friend. Soon, he came upon an osprey. The hawk went to it and asked her if she would be his friend and help him in time of his need. The osprey very gladly accepted his friendship and offered her help whenever he needed it. The hawk was glad that he had made two friends.

Now, he went in search of a third friend. He flew over the jungle and saw a tiger. Fearless as he was, he went near the tiger and requested him to be his friend. The tiger readily accepted his friendship. The tiger said, “From now onwards, I am your friend. Nobody will harm you. If anyone tries to harm you, call me and I will be there to help you”.

The hawk was very happy. He thanked the tiger and flew back to the she-hawk., “I have made three friends- a tortoise, an osprey and a tiger. Will you marry me now?” the she hawk agreed to marry him. Soon, their marriage took place. The three friends attended the hawk’s marriage.

After some-months, she-hawk gave birth to two baby hawks. The parent hawks were very happy to have cute little babies. They lived happily in their nest.

One day, two hunters came and sat under that tree. They were tired and hungry. They had not been able to hunt any animal. They decided to catch some fish. But, they couldn’t catch even a single fish.

It was getting dark and the hunters decided to spend the night under that tree. To keep themselves warm, they lit a fire. The fire soared high. The hawk- babies on the tree could not bear the heat and smoke coming out of the fire. They started crying. The Hunters heard their cries. One of them said,” There are birds on this tree. Let us catch them. We shall roast them on the fire and eat them”. The other one agreed.

The hawks heard them and were really worried about the safety of their babies. The she-hawk suggested that they seek help from their friends. The hawk went the Osprey and told her his problem. The Osprey said, “Go home and protect your babies. In the meantime, I shall tackle with the hunters”. The osprey divided into the river and then flew over the fire. The water from her wet feathers fell on the fire. She repeatedly dived into the river and flew over the fire. The water from her feathers put off the fire.

The hunters decided to light the fire again before getting the hawk babies. They started collecting the leaves and the twigs. However, as soon as they lit the fire again, the osprey put it off by diving into the river and letting the water from her feathers fall into the fire.

In the meantime, the hawk went to get help from the tortoise. When the tortoise heard about the hawk’s problem, he said to him, “Do not worry dear friend, I will be there in no time and tackle the hunters in my own way. In the meantime, go and protect your family”.

The hawk flew to the tree and the tortoise reached the tree. He went quite close to where the hunters were sitting and trying to light the fire again. The hunters saw the tortoise and one of them said, “Look there is a huge tortoise. Let’s forget about the hawks and catch this tortoise”.

The other hunter agreed and said, “Let’s tear our shirts and make a rope. We shall tie its one end to the tortoise and other to our waists. Then we will pull the tortoise with all our strength”. The other hunter liked the idea. Soon, they make a rope out of their shirts. They tied one end of the rope to the tortoise’s legs. Then, trying the other end to their waist, they could not pull the tortoise. The tortoise’s strength was much greater than the two hunters were together. It was tortoise who pulled the two men into the water.

Once, inside the water, it was very easy for the tortoise to drag them. Thus, the two hunters fell into the river. With great efforts, they cut the rope that was tied to their waist and swam back to the bank. They were now feeling very cold. They had lost their shirts. They thought of making a fire again.

Seeing those collecting leaves and twigs, the hawk was worried again. Now he flew to the forest and called his third friend, the tiger. He found the tiger at the edge of the forest. When the tiger heard the hawk’s problem, he immediately walked towards the riverbank.

The hunter had now lighted the fire and one of them was preparing to climb the tree to get the hawk babies. Just then, the tiger reached the tree. Seeing the tiger, the hunters ran from there and never came back again.

The hawk thanked all his three friends for their kind and timely help. He also realized that it is very important to have at least a few friends. The female-hawk had been very wise in advising the hawk to make friends before marrying him.

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The Important Things In Life

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”

“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.

The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.

Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

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A Blind Boy

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.


A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. 


Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were u the one who changed my sign this morning? What did u write?" 


The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what u said but in a different way."
What he had written was: "Today is a beautiful day & I cannot see it."


Do u think the first sign & the second sign were saying the same thing? Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective? 

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