A Poem for My New Friend: Tina Mann

A Poem for My New Found Friend:

                 Tina Mann         

Written by: Deneale K. McElhaney Williams

I'm glad I met you, 

I'm glad our paths crossed.

I remember never knowing you.

Then I even remember hating you.

Now I think of you often

And when I do....

A big smile comes across my face every time.

I wanted you to know. 

I wanted you to remember,

You are a great friend

That I'll never return to sender!

It's hard to believe I ever hated you,

It's hard to believe we just met!

But you make me smile through and through;

And to everyone else- I'll just bet!!!

So I wanted to write a little poem for you,

And let others know you're truly great;

Because now I'm glad to have met you:

And I want others to know you're great! 

Thank you for being my new found friend:

Tina Mann! 

Poem: My Daughter

My Daughter!

 

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network

This poem is dedicated to my daughter:

Drema Katherynne June Williams

  I have a beautiful daughter,
She's everything I dreamed she'd be-
She fills my life with laughter;
And reminds me a lot of me!
~
She's my best friend,
We love to be together-
She helps me understand;
And helps me feel better!
~
She is a loving girl,
And she's pretty too!
Although her hair doesn't curl;
Her eyes are pretty blue!!
~
She listens to my advise,
And gives me some of her own-
She's told her share of lies;
And loves to just stay home!
~
She makes me laugh out loud,
She can be down right crazy!
She stands out in any crowd;
And she definitely ain't lazy!!
~
Some may not understand her,
But that's ok with me-
She loves me that's for sure;
It's something all can see!!
~
God blessed me with a daughter,
And she's everything I dreamed she'd be;
And yes I'm glad she has her brothers-
My daughter completes my family!!!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Guide: to Pen Palling & Swapping!

A Simple Guide to Pen Palling & Swapping

 

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Aug 29, 2009

Have you ever went to the mailbox and wished there was something there other bills?

 

The other thing pen pal groups are also good for: FBs that you cannot get sent to their proper owner. Sometimes another individual may know where the person moved to, or even if they were now deceased.

 

 

There is a great way to make getting mail, and your life a little more entertaining. But! There are some things you need to know first....
 

Pen palling is a great way to meet new people, and learn about different states, as well as countries. It is also a good way to get more interesting mail!

To be a pen paller, I personally advise learning a few key factors first. You see, I personally jumped right into it, without advise, without the know how, and later learned. And it was over something as small as an FB.

Now you are wondering what "FB" means. Let me start by saying, "No, it doesn't mean 'facebook' in this case!" LOL

 
"FB" stands for "Friendship book." So what is a friendship book? It is a little booklet, sometimes made out of scraps of paper, sometimes out of notepads, or cards. They are made by individuals who want to see this little booklet travel from person to person, to show where all it has been. Once this FB is filled, it becomes like a souvenir. Individuals pass them from pal to pal, and attach their address label, or write their info on a small section. After doing that, they usually write more codes.

With these codes, they are making it known if they want more pen pals, or not; and what they are looking for- if anything at all. You do not need to be wanting more pals to sign this booklet. And it is best to date your entry, so that people can see where the booklet went and when. Many pallers, who have made these little booklets, may also put "return to maker, or to the person they made it for by such and such a date, or once the two year time frame is up."

Friendship booklets can be made for anyone, including yourself. I have known of a few people who even made them for cancer stricken children. It is up to the creator of the booklet. Just try not to make the booklets too thick, so they CAN be returned in a timely manner. If you print in the booklets, print so your writing can be read by others.
Once the booklet becomes full, simply send the booklet back to the individual it was made for. If the booklet ends up sent back to you because the person moved, simply send it to its maker. The reason and way you know who the booklet was made for and by is because you are "supposed" to put this information in the booklet when you make it. Here let me show you an example:

FB Made for:

Jane Doe
123 Number St.
Washington, DC
00123
NPW Female only please

Made by:

Jillian Smith
9090 W. Nothing Street
Nothing, Alabama
12345
SNNP

Now, as you can see,

I added some abbreviations.

Here are some of those continuously changing pen pal abbreviations:

NPW= New Pals Wanted
SNNP= Sorry No New Pals
SAHM= Stay at home Mom
No Cons= No Prisoners or inmates
A/A= Answers all
A/M= Answers Most
W/W= World Wide
LLP=Long letter Pals
DOB= Date of Birth
EPals only= Online pals only
Moms Only=This is where the swapper only wants other Mothers and no one else.
ICR= I can return (meaning the FBs, etc.)
US Only= Seeking pals/swappers in USA only

Now if the person states no men, no cons, or even no women; your best bet is to the respect that. And the reason people put no cons or prisoners, is because prisoners are bored with nothing to do, and they have wants and needs, and that's where a pen pal comes in. Please be cautious if you are willing or wanting to pal with prisoners and inmates.

Now as you see, I mentioned "Swappers." That is a person who swaps FBs back and forth; sometimes they will even mention they do so- in bulk. This means they will accept a large sum of them at one time, no problem. Some even accept boxes!

However, there are other things pen pallers swap. These include Deco's, slams, crams, label/sticker bags, and even stickers, rubber stamps, and coupons!

A Deco is a decorative FB where as people usually take a whole page to themselves and decorate it. They might stamp pictures onto it, and then color them. They may even use stickers. It all depends on the individual. This is where you can get creative. And these are much more awesome to receive back, because not only has the booklet traveled usually world wide, but everyone adds their own special touch to it!

A Slam is a question answer thing, usually. It has numerous pages, with a question or comment atop of each page. Then below it are usually numbers or alphas, where you as the receiver respond. Again, please write neatly. These are entertaining. And what is even more creative, is if each person uses a different color pen. They are fun to read once completely filled out and sent home. It also helps you learn about the individuals who filled them out!

A Cram is a very small FB. Usually people only attach a label, and send it on its way. If you write in it, remember it is small, so there isn't a lot of room. And most people make the crams to get a label attached and sent on its merry way faster!

A label or sticker bag, is something you ask others to put their labels and stickers into. If you are requesting labels, it is so once it is returned to you; you will in turn make FBs, slams or whatever- for those people. The stickers are to help you build up a collection. And sometimes they will say to take a sticker and add two more. Kind of like trading.

So as you may well enough see, pen palling is a bit more entertaining than just a simple letter. Or at least it can be, if you want it to be, the choice is completely and totally up to you.

There are groups online that can help you in ascertaining new pals, and "education" on the pen pal community. Sometimes they can tell you in advance if they think an individual is a good pen paller or swapper or not.

And most pen pallers are descent people who can give you advice and point you in the right direction, when you have wants and needs. I have even seen a baby shower VIA the pen pal community. It was a huge success, as well as a shocker to the expecting Mommy!

Pen palling is a lot of fun, educational, and definitely something you might want to consider if you are stuck at home, bored and watching too much TV! There are always people in need of a new pal, and a new long time friend!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Poem: I Can't Stand it When...

I Can't Stand it When......  

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jun 6, 2010

 

I can't stand it when people think they understand me,
I can't stand it when you pretend to be my friend.
I can't stand it when you act like something you're not;
And then ruin a friendship in the end! I can't stand it when you talk about me behind my back,
And act like I'm your best friend to my face.
You think I don't know whats going on?
But I can tell just by the look on your face!
I can't stand it when someone thinks you need--
Things like their friendship to survive.
There are more important things in the World;
Then friendship--like being grateful you're ALIVE!
Life is too short to waste it arguing and crying,
Worrying about drama and lies!
If that's all your friend has to offer---
Then it's time to say your good byes!
Thats why I cant stand it when people play head games,
I walk away just as fast as I walked in!
There is more to life then drama you know;
And drama, and jealousy are a sin!
I can't stand it when people lie,
I can't stand it when people toy with your heart....
I can't stand it when they want what you have;
And I cant stand it when people try to tear your marriage apart!!!
People can be pretty darn petty, and down right evil,
Unfortunately that is sometimes true.....
So always keep your guard up, and keep a look out---
Protect yourself, and your loved ones too!!!
I can't stand to have to tell you this,
But I have been down a lotta bad roads in my time;
And unfortunately that is how I learned all of my lessons......
And that is why I made this little rhyme!!!

PS: Look at this:
 

Published by Deneale K. Williams

For E-Pals or Snail Mail or Whatever!  

Creating Unique Stationery for Anything!

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jun 25, 2010

Letter writing has became a thing of the past lately, least wise through snail mail. And just in case you are wondering what snail mail is- that is the old fashioned way, with the mail man.

 

 

 

However, if you are into the Internet and emailing, you may still consider yourself a letter writer, and still keeping in contact with friends and family; just like it with the easier way- type, point and click!

Either way, did you know that there are still reasons to make and create your own unique designs of stationery, that can make your letters stand out just a little bit more? Not to mention, you can also use your stationery for other things such as letter heads and notes when slipping a note into the kids book bag, or whatever else you may deem necessary? Maybe even a fax cover letter, there's a thought!

And these unique designs can be scanned and saved into your computer and even used in your email!  There are so many things you can do now of days with technology, you would be amazed, if you aren't already!

For instance, if you have a favorite photo of you and your family, you can take it into a photo shop editor and fade it to a very faint, almost not even there picture, and use it as the background on the paper, or even fade it, and black and white it. Maybe not even the whole sheet, but maybe just the bottom corner. Trust me, it will get noticed and complimented.

Now if you don't want to fade your favorite photo, or even black and white it, you can shrink it and put it in the bottom corner, top or whatever. You can even design yourself some matching labels. Several photo shop programs have that option, and so does the Microsoft works word processor program.

Better still, here is a fun idea, that involves craft and your children. How about giving the kids some crayola paints and letting them do their own hand prints. (This requires washable paints, water, and doesn't even require paint brushes!) If you have several kids, give them each their own color, and let them do one print each, one after another, laying a hand, over atop of one another, letting the other hand show through by moving it over an inch or two depending on how many children you have. You can decide the width. Let this dry, thoroughly.
After it has dried completely lay it on the scanner, and scan it. This, you can also with whatever program you use, fade it and use as stationery. You can also print it, using "fast draft" which will use a lot less ink and appear lighter and you can write on it with a dark sharpie. Providing you used colors like yellow and pinks, and light blues. Something that is able to be seen through with a dark color and maybe a thicker marker.

This project is fun for your children, and they will enjoy using this project as paper to write "you" a note on. Every time they write you a note they might decide to say, "Hey Mom remember when we did this?" Especially if you save it to your hard drive, and later down the road when they are older, they can use it again.
Another fun project with stationery, is rubber stamping. And this to, you can scan and save to your hard drive on your computer. One advantage to rubber stamping, is you can also color them in after inking them onto paper first. There is even another step, where people emboss with rubber stamps, that however is something that cannot be saved to your hard drive, because embossing is textures and raised surfaces, with the stamps. (I however, have not yet learned how to do it, I want to. But have not yet been fortunate enough.)

 

Rubber stamps require ink pads, which come in a variety of colors, and sometimes even scents. You can get colored pencils or crayons too, and like I suggested color them after stamping, and letting the stamped section dry. Otherwise the ink will smear.

Imagine what all of your email friends and family will then think when they see all of your new stationery. They will be amazed, and in awe. You will be getting compliments for days! The kids will pull notes from their backpacks, and their friends will look at it, "Wow your Mom is cool." Just because the note looks like you put a lot of time and effort into it.

It's the little things that make the difference! Why not take the time to be different?

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Caring for the Morbidly Obese: Compassion is the Key

Caring for the Morbidly Obese: Compassion is Key

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Oct 5, 2007

I am writing this, because people need to reconsider how they look at things. Not all of us are perfect, and each person is an individual.

 

 

I have taken care of many people in my life. I have taken a few under my wing, including children and housed them. I have counseled and changed lives of those around me, even as I type this. I am a giver, not a taker.

I feel that all people need to know how to take care of an obese person. You can even help them to start dropping pounds-in the event that they ever have or want to. And with today, the way people are-humanity is larger then it has ever been. And I meant this not just in the population sense, but also in the body size department.

Before I begin though, since we as people are so very judgmental, I want to familiarize you with the term obese. Therefore I looked up the definition and found it for you: 

Obese:Well above ones normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and build. This definition was found online at MedicineNet.com and it continues with details. You see, a person who stands only four foot five, and weighs in at one hundred and eighty pounds, with the BMI index that they use, this person can be considered obese. Now to further familiarize you with BMI, on the same web sight, I looked up BMI, so that you can understand what it is.  




Body mass index:A key index for relating a person's body weight to their height. The body mass index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared. This should give you a clearer look and understanding now. In other words, the people that most of us consider are obese, are usually morbidly obese. Because what you and I consider fat, is obese. As you can see, there is a difference. If you have any doubts, ask your health care professional.

First, to take care of this person, whether they are obese or morbidly obese, you must learn compassion. This means not looking at them and laughing. And it also means, not looking at them and feeling sympathy for them either. The condition that they are in, did not just up and appear by itself. It had help. And yes, some of the help, came from the enabler. 

To take care of this person, you need not be an enabler; you must be a care giver. Also, let it be known-this could be an inherited condition or a medical condition-if you by chance- don't know the facts. The person you are tending to, is a person somewhere inside there. With a little help, you can find that person again. And I am going to teach you how.

This person, to which you are to now care for-needs enthusiasm. A reason to get up and move. Taking care of them in no way shape or form does not mean, waiting on them hand and foot. And yes, sometimes it will seem like you are a cheer leader, but trust me, in the long run it will help.

The worst thing that you will encounter, is the showering and bathing. They aren't going to admit that they need help, and they will tell you they can do it alone. But one thing you need to be aware, is that obese people, especially if they are morbidly obese-are not going to be able to clean every spot. And as time goes on, believe it or not-they will mold under the "fat flaps". This is where you come in. This is where you turn off your emotions and feelings, and simply want to clean them up, and see to it that they don't get what is often referred to as bed sores.

Bed sores, do not necessarily come from being in bed all of the time. They also grow because you are unable to reach and clean a certain spot. Make a simple sponge bath sound fun, and worth while. Even relaxing and refreshing! Make it sound like you have nothing better to do, and want to do it. Because if you are caring for a stubborn obese person, they don't care, and don't want you to know.
This is also where you can claim that in your studies, and/or that you have a relative who is just as big, and you help her- so it's not something new to you. Tell them there is nothing to be ashamed of, and draw up the sponge bath yourself, and just be a little pushy. Hopefully the person you are tending too, won't be irate and irrational.

For the sores, there is a Neosporin ointment that is good. No band aids! However with my own experiences I found that cleaning the sores, and putting the ointment on them, then putting a towel in the spot, keeping the medicine in the spot, and free of sweat and mold, the sores healed quicker. Part of the problem with the sores in the first place, is because the problem area is wet with sweat. After the sweat is there for a while, and the mold starts growing, then a rancid odor starts. When there are no sores, and you want to make a difference in the area, the smell and the fact that is always wet, this too, is where I discovered a towel helps. It gives that section of the body a break, so to speak.

Because obese people do not take care of themselves properly, and people are afraid to say something- this just keeps happening. With my friend, I told her I wanted her to change, and that I wanted her to be around longer. I also told her, because she was my friend, (hoping this would encourage her,) that she represented me. I also tried telling her, she was giving "fat" people a bad name. You know how it is, if one "fat" person smells, they all do. They label thing, I used whatever I could come up with to make this woman change. And I succeeded.

At first, the woman I took care of couldn't walk six feet without running out of breath, and sounding like she ran a mile. Winded and worn out. Think about this, the weight sits on the lungs and chest, so the heart is working much harder then it should have to.

So we started walking around the block daily. I figured if I made this a "we" thing, how could I go wrong? Everyone needs exercised. I also cut down her portions, and this woman was used to eating, and eating and eating. Refill after refill. I couldn't afford to feed her that much, and she did not need to have that much either! I would hear her belly growl constantly. So then I decided to do the dietary snacks; the rice cakes, I started reading calories, and everything. I put the change through the whole family. I made her start drinking water, and writing down things that were bothering her. I made her read, and focus on life. And then, I even made her get a job.
Fortunately, she had lost well over fifty pounds by the time the first job came to exist. So her breathing was less of a "show" and more discreet, so people were no longer staring at her for that. I bought her clothes that fit properly, and taught her how to match. I told her, that although you are fat, you don't have to look like you are a slob, and lazy. Make a statement, think positive and want to look good. I cut her hair, showed her how to do her make up, and trimmed her eye brows.

I was SO set on changing this woman, that I made sure to get the job with her, to be her support there too. The advantage, she now liked the way she looked and felt, and even the job.

Doing positive things to people, helps them to want to change. And you have to do this right, so it's not like you are nagging and complaining. "I want what's best for you!" That is your goal. If you can't cut hair, then style it, maybe even curl it with a curling iron or something. Show them how to improve with what they already have.

If it is a man, a hair style change is still an idea. Perhaps shaping a beard, growing a mustache. "Gee, Carl-I wonder what you would look like with a mustache. I bet it would look sexy!" That builds them up, and they will want to. Not just to please you either. And as far as men go, there are other things you can do. Pluck the unibrow; trim the nose hairs, the hairs in the ears, little things. And then make a big deal out of it when you are done. "Yeah, now that looks nice! Wonder what Debbie next door will think now?"

Your goal is to be the teacher, the instructor, the counselor, and the friend. All wrapped up into one. You can do it. You're changing someone, and helping them to live longer. And even if they quit doing it after a while, after loosing over one hundred pounds or so-you still made a difference. You made them change, taught them how to eat right, and taught them how to better themselves. Even if they go back to the way they were-they will still remember, and so will everyone else!

And if they walk away, or throw you to the wolves, and do go back to the way they were. Someone's going to ask them-"What?! You're putting that weight back on? I thought Sybil changed you. I thought you liked the way you looked. Why are you doing this??"

And after the day is done, when you go to bed at night, you deserve a pat on the back. And that pat isn't just coming from your conscience; it is also coming from the Lord himself. You did what was right. Don't give up. The weight is not going to fall off over night, either.

And if this obese person is you, and you need someone to help you-ask. I am sure someone would want to help you, support you, and be the leaning tower that you need. And if you have no one, and even if you do-I strongly recommend buying a journal. Take your anger out in the journal. Don't let your upset feelings, make you eat. Write. More often then not, THAT is how people put on the weight. No one would listen, no one except that bowl of ice cream. No. That's where you're wrong. That journal will always listen, and as you're writing, God is listening too. After you are done writing, pray to Him for guidance and support. That's what He is there for.

Never give up on anyone, especially yourself. We were ALL put on this Earth for a purpose. Just because you don't know, or "think" you don't what it is, doesn't give you just cause to decide to give up. Someone needs you, someone wants you. And believe it or not, God loves you. If you ever need moral support, don't be afraid to ask a Church, your family and friends. And don't hesitate to ask God.



If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, I am willing to help too.

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Poem: the Revolving Door!

The Revolving Door

 

 

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Nov 16, 2007

 

Dedicated to the many friendships that were lost...... 

Someday you will look back,
And hopefully you will see......
What you were doing your "act;"
You could have had a friend like me!!
~
But you thought you were too good,
Or "something" childish like that...
But when you need shelter or food;
Then you're ready to chew the fat!
~
I gave you all I had before,
And now I look at you and I see....
My heart is a revolving door---
And this friendship just ain't for me!
~

Published by Deneale K. Williams

I'm On TOP of MY Game THIS Time Around! A Poem!

I'm on TOP of MY Game THIS Time Around!

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jan 14, 2011

I'm On TOP of MY Game THIS Time Around

A Poem

You think you have me all figured out,
And that's just what I want you to think-
But I can assure you without a doubt;
That nothing is what you think!
~
You've taught me a lot from my own mistakes,
And from that I managed to learn-
That with every little step that I seem to take;
I can guarantee I'm not going to be the one burned!
~
I've let you in so many times before,
Always giving you chance after chance-
But this time I'm not the revolving door;
It's a different circumstance!
~
You want ME to change my ways,
You want ME to undo ALL the wrongs-
You want ME to be the one that says:
It's always ME saying the same old songs!
~
That's all it's ever been about,
YOU making a fool out of ME-
And then I'm the one who speaks out;
And I realized that's all it's ever going to be!
~
YOU want what is best for YOU,
YOU don't care WHO you hurt along the way-
It doesn't matter if anyone gets her too;
Just so long as you have your fame everyday!
~
You've made your peace with the Planet,
You're happy with your choices-
For you nothing can get better-can it?
Are you listening to your inner voices?
~
You have caused so much pain,
And not just to me and you know it-
But what else have you gained?
This fame is all you want to show for it?
~
I've never seen someone rearrange truths like you,
I've never seen someone survive on pain-
I've never seen someone who's been so blue;
And I've never seen someone act so insane!
~
But you've managed to pull it all off somehow,
Heart break, hatred, everything bad you can ever recall-
Turned into your own GOLD MINE-into your own lil show;
And made everyone else around you appalled!
~
You might think YOU have them fooled,
But everyone knows better by now-
They just don't want to be too cruel;
Because they know you will have a royal cow!
~
And if they open their mouth to you,
They know what you can be like-
So they'd just rather deal with you too;
Rather than create something that isn't right!
~
Your name should come with a warning,
Your fame is as fake as your friendship and love-
I'm sick of you acting like you're nothing but charming;
It's time reality gave you a shove!
~
You are nothing like you pretend,
For those that believe that you are-
Need a swift kick in the rear-end;
Because you aren't anything but a farce!
~
Someday word will REALLY get out,
And when it does I will be right there-
I will be the one laughing while you pout;
I will be the one smiling while you swear!
~
You might have ruined me once or twice,
But you will never ruin me again-
Your time is coming and it won't be nice;
And then it will be my name on your lips yet again!
~
But I promise you,
The next time you say my name-
It will ALL be TRUE;
Because you will not ruin my game!
~
:-P
YOU have put me on TOP of my game this time around!
If anything is going to happen-
It won't be ME landing on the ground;
I promise you, I will NOT lose to YOU this time around!
:-P
~

Published by Deneale K. Williams