Saturday, January 28, 2012

Maggie Plays Volleyball

Down at the park on a sunny afternoon,
Maggie came along whistling a happy tune.
She looked all around for something to do,
She spotted a volleyball that looked brand new.
She stared at the ball and started to dream,
She saw this vision. She was playing on a team.
The coach called her name and she dashed on the court,
Maggie was playing her favorite sport.
She picked up the ball and held it in her hand,
She swung her arm and served it underhand.
The ball flew over and the serve landed in,
Maggie felt so good that she served again.
It was only a dream but she wanted to play,
So she raced to the gym to sign up today.
Maggie went inside and she stood on the court,
She saw all the players who'd come for the sport.
The coach came out with a whistle in hand,
He picked up a ball to serve underhand.
He stood behind the line and showed how it was done,
Then Maggie yelled out "I'll serve the first one"
She hit the ball high and it soared in flight,
It flew over the net. Then it veered to the right.
Maggie walked away and heard the coach shout,
"Swing your arm straight. Then the ball won't go out."
She stepped behind the line to serve once again,
She hit the ball hard and the ball sailed in.
Maggie flashed a smile when she heard the coach say,
"It was a very good serve, the best one today."
The coach yelled out, "Let's try something new."
"How to dig a ball and pass it high too."
He stood on the court to show how it was done,
The coach made it look easy. It sure looked fun.
Maggie took her turn and stood at the line,
She waited for the serve. Then she shouted, "It's mine."
She ran to the spot where the ball was coming down.
She bumped the ball high before it hit the ground.
A big crowd gathered for Maggie's first game.
They clapped and cheered when the coach called her name.
She stood by the line with her heart pounding fast,
It's the game winning point, her chance at last.
She hit the ball high and it flew through the air,
The players all gasped when the ball hit a chair.
The crowd stood silent and Maggie looked stun,
The other team served and took game one.
She walked off the court with a sad droopy face,
Her head hanging down. She felt out of place.
The players gathered around and heard the coach say,
"Just give me your best and you'll be okay."
It was game number two. The coach sent her in.
Maggie was happy and flashed a big grin.
She hit the ball straight with no trouble at all,
he other team stared as they watched the ball fall.
The crowd gave a cheer when the ball hit the floor,
It was Maggie's first ace. She tried for more.
She served every point, and they won by four.
The crowd stood up and gave a big roar.
The coach took time before the next game,
To announce the starters and Maggie heard her name.
He tossed the ball to Maggie to serve game three,
The players clapped their hands and chanted "Maggie."
She stepped up to serve with a gleam in her eye,
She took a big swing and watched the ball fly.
It sailed past the net, it sure looked fine,
The crowd cheered again when the ball hit the line.
Her team won the game, and Maggie was proud,
She flashed a big smile and waved at the crowd.
She ran to the stands and greeted each one,
Then she shouted with glee, "Volleyball's fun."   






Sunday, January 22, 2012

What will you be?




The school bell rang, the students headed for the door.
 Except for Toby, he sat down glued to his chair.
 He stared at the chalkboard and gazed at the words
 the teacher wrote down. "What will you be when you grow up?" 
Toby's mind was filled with many choices.
 Ms. Harper leaned over and  urged him to pick the one he enjoyed the most. 
But Toby loved more than one vocation. 
He walked home wondering what to do. 
The young boy dashed to his kitchen and called to his mother. 
Toby's mother suggested he visit the library.
 The young boy decided to check out four books at the library.
 He scanned every page and found he had more choices. 
On the way out the young lad met his friend Laurie.
 Laurie explained she wanted to be a librarian.
 Toby imagined himself in that role. 
He pictured himself reading to the children. 
Toby agreed it was a great choice. 
Fred walked by and announced he wanted to be a fireman. 
Toby recalled when the whole class visited the fire station. 
He was so excited when  he tried out the fireman's hat.
 "That's a good idea," Toby replied. "Maybe I'll choose to be a fireman."
Barry came along and explained he wanted to be an astronomer.
 Toby recalled the nights he watched the stars in the dark.
 He pulled out his telescope and gaze at the starry night 
"That's another great idea," Toby admitted. 
Toby walked home with his head hanging down.
 He sat down next to his mother and explained his frustration. 
"I keep changing my mind," Toby said, "it's hard for me to choose one." 
Toby's mother suggested he select one that his heart desires.
 Then Toby had an idea. He prepared his speech before the night was over. 
The next morning, Toby arrived at school with a big smile on his face. 
"OK, class," Ms. Harper announced, "let's get started." Dolly went first.
 She proudly told the class she wanted to be a doctor. 
David explained he wanted to be an engineer. 
Finally, it was Toby's turn. He pulled out a book and displayed it to the class.
"If I can't decide on one vocation," Toby began, 
I can always write a story."
 So Toby stood in front of the class
 and  proudly announced, "I want to be a writer."



Tuesday, January 17, 2012

A Ticket To Happiness

I am going to be happy today.
Even though the skies are gray.
No matter what trouble come my way,
I am going to be happy today.
We can post the above words on our fridge
and believe in it. But it means nothing unless
we do our part. It all starts inside of me.
I can create in my mind a feeling based
on the thoughts I hold inside.
What thoughts do you keep in your mind?
Are your thoughts positive or are they negative thoughts?
Do you carry hate inside or do you carry thoughts on love?
Our thoughts can have a tremendous power over our mind and body.
It carries on to our actions, and the words we speak.
It also effects how we feel. 
So ticket to happiness starts with a positive outlook in life.
So keep your heart free from hate.
Keep your mind free from worry.
And fill your heart and mind with love and laughter.
That's your ticket to Happiness.


Life can be so much fun,
If you know how it's done.
And you can do this part,
If you open up your heart.
So if you really know how,
You could do this now.
Put a smile on your face,
Every time you go some place.
Share it to everyone you know,
Then your gloomy day will go.
So when your smile comes out,
There can be no doubt.
When you do this one thing,
It will make your heart sing.
Put your fears to rest,
Make you feel the best.