Are you Rich?

This is a story that my Mom typed up (yes, actually typed) a long time ago and I have had it for years and love it. I just ran across it again and wanted to share it with you.

Are you rich? Author Unknown

They huddled inside the storm door--
two children in ragged outgrown coats.
"Any old papers, lady?"

I was busy. I wanted to say no--
until I looked down at their feet.
Thin little sandals sopped with sleet.
"Come in and I'll make you a cup of hot cocoa," I said.
There was no conversation. Their soggy sandals left marks upon the hearthstone.

Cocoa and toast and jam to fortify against the chill outside.
I went back to the kithcen and started again on the household budget.

The silence in the front room struck through to me.
I looke in.
The girl held her empty cup in her hands, looking at it.
The boy askd in a flat voice:
"Lady. . .are you rich?"

"Am I rich? Mercy no."
I looked at my shabby slipcovers.

The girl put her cup back in its saucer. . . . carefully.
"Your cups match your saucers" she said.
Her voice was old, with a hunger that was not of the stomach.

They left then, holding their bundles of papers against the wind.
They hadn't said thank you.
They didn't need to.
They had said more than that.
Plain blue pottery cups and saucers. But they matched.

I tested the potatoes and stirred the gravy.
Potatoes and brown gravy. . . a roof over our heads. . .
my man with a steady job. . .
these things matched too.

I moved the chairs back from the fire and tidied the living room.
The muddy prints of small sandals were still wet on my hearth.
I let them be.
I want them in case i ever forget how rich I am.

BBGT Frap

I have a new favorite drink at Starbucks. I would have it everyday if I could, but I'm trying not to because of my weightloss efforts, so I wrote this poem one day when I was trying to decide if I should stop at Starbucks or not. Enjoy:

BBGT Frap by Melissa Black

I learned about a product at Starbucks the other day. It's called a Blackberry Green Tea Frappicino they say.

I ordered a Venti not realizing it was bigger than a Grande. I walked out the door, drink in hand it was early Monday.

I got in my car and headed to work, took a sip of my drink and my taste buds went berserk.

I couldn't believe this light green creation. It was the beginning of a taste bud sensation.

I knew this was love at first taste, so I savored every sip, I didn't drink it in haste.

I knew that something had just begun. It was a love affair with this flavor upon my tongue.

BBGT Frap is what I nicknamed my new favorite drink. "When's my next trip to Starbucks?" is now what I think.

I'd go everyday if I could, but I'm trying to lose weight, so that's no good.

So, once a week is where I'm at, "I'll see you next week my dear, sweet BBGT Frap."

Becoming A Teacher

I am a student at Trinity International University in Deerfield Illinois. I am studying to become a teacher and graduate in the spring of 2008. I just started classes a month ago and am a little overwhelmed. Here is a poem I wrote to get my thoughts down. Enjoy!!

Becoming A Teacher by Melissa Black

I thought my love of kids was all I needed to teach.
To be there for them, love them into their hearts I would reach.

So, I'm taking classes to be on my way.
They are a little overwhelming, that's the least I can say.

I'll have to join a union, maybe strike a time or two
know which laws protect me, so I know them when I'm sued

I don't want to make parents mad or make a student fret
if I do I'll be called into the principal's office I bet.

I have to be conscience of all cultures and race
if not I'm sure I'll be put in my place

I've just scratched the surface, I've only begun
of all the worries I have, all the worrying I've done

So, I stopped, took a breath and began to pray
and this is what the Lord told me today:

"I'm making it clear, this is where you need to be.
I want you to be a teacher, yes indeed.

You'll learn all the rules and all the regulations.
Just take your time with the process and keep working on your patience.

Stop telling yourself you will not succeed.
I'll be with you ever step of the way, you'll see.

Just trust in me, lean not on your own understanding
and in your field you'll be outstanding."

So, I've quit my worrying
put aside my fears

I'm trusting the Lord
to become a teacher in the next 2 years.