Dear Reader:

As a history teacher I wasn’t overly concerned about my students memorizing historical dates….what was more important to me was their understanding of the incident on that date and how it changed the future…the present we now live in.

As long as students could put memorable incidents into historical time-frames  I was satisfied. The secret to teaching history is to turn the subject into one big story and teach it chapter by chapter….sorta like 1001 Arabian Nights.

And just like Scheherazade’s storytelling was saving her head, as well as the future of other palace girls’ heads…she became the heroine who stopped all the carnage by the dictatorial king.

So I must say that I felt an affinity for my nemesis as the contest progressed over 1001 days plus VS Day…Victory over Scheherazade Day! I had done it and was still here to tell about it . Life doesn’t get better than that!

But Jo Dufford added her wit and wisdom to my own reflection when I commented in yesterday’s blog-this statement:

“Today when I started this blog…I realized that I was now at 1002 stories since re-starting the blog back on November 25, 2014….but the first time it happened it was really cause for celebration…I had just out-told the fictitious Scheherazade, storyteller of  1001 Arabian Nights by one blog post! That date was May 29, 2013!”

I didn’t realize it but I was putting all the emphasis on the first 1002 day victory over Scheherazade and not giving much credence to the next 1002 day celebration. Jo said it so eloquently:

“Although that first record had to be beyond anything most could imagine, I think a celebration is in order again. Because you continued to write and then hit a big snag that would have stopped others. You didn’t let the adversity of some unkind person stop you, and you have again beat that fictitious Scheherazade. By doing this, you have inspired and blessed so many more people. Of course, while you were busy beating her record again, God was busy filling your life with weddings, births, championships, flowers and so much more. I have known many people that felt God had called them to their professions, and I feel you are continuing to answer a call from God.”

Wow! Thanks Jo! Don’t we all need another perspective on our own lives sometimes from someone else who sees things differently than us. Jo…you did nail it when you said this second VS (Victory over Scheherazade) celebration and remembrance…is just as important as the first. There have been many more hiccups and bumps in the road of life during this second “contest”…but through God’s Grace we are all still here together. Now that is something worth celebrating.

Here is a pictorial ‘down memory lane’ Victory over Scheherazade’ celebration party at the house. May 30, 2013

Jo and Colby showed up with the 1001 Arabian Nights Book….I have thoroughly enjoyed reading some of the stories I never read before…I have discovered there is a lot more to the book than just Aladdin and his magical lamp.

Then came food and treats….and look Honey more seeds of happiness!

All the Ya’s arrived and guess what they brought….my “Chicken Man” painting…I had forgotten this was the special occasion for that wonderful gift!

I realize what is so funny now….Mollie was expecting Rutledge, her first-born at this time and now here we are with baby number 3…I need to find Chicken Man and get him to add in all the new members of the family since this painting was done! *(But with little Eva Cate trailing Aunt Mollie in the painting…the symbolism is right this time…Mollie and a little girl in pink!)

Family and friends all arrived…life doesn’t get better! Honey was out of town…but even Honey’s daughter, Ashley stopped by!

Mandy made the banner and created a “Boo” Scheherazade in the making.

Too funny…and so many wonderful memories!

So until tomorrow…Thank you God for life, blessings, and the anticipation of another sunrise!

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

*I have decided to take the idea of the overturned tea cups at night… “righted” the next morning as a symbolism of the gift of life each day. It will remind me of the sacredness of life each morning.

I liked this analogy that Michele Robertson sent in:

…”I know God has the top of the puzzle box and I’m just here to fit the pieces together. When we force them, that’s when we get into trouble! Thanks for your words-you always inspire!”

I am so thankful that only God knows when it is time to gather all the pieces of the puzzle, put them back in the box, and close the lid. I just hope I have been able to figure out some of life’s puzzles before that happens.