Open Your Mind to Prosperity

Wishing all of you a Happy Chinese New Year!

Year 2008 is for us to start afresh to enjoy, grow and face new challenges.

Wish Everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

SECRET SANTA
by Kathleene S. Baker

The man had just filled his car with gas; he was cold, wet, and ready to head for home. He opened his car door and bent down to climb inside.

“Sir, sir.”

He glanced in the direction of the frail voice to find a well-dressed, elderly lady attempting to get his attention.

He closed the car door and walked towards her. “Can I help you, ma’am?”

The older woman explained that the gas pump was not working properly, and asked if he knew what she was doing wrong.

“These are new pumps and very touchy-even for me. I’ve found the easiest thing to do is forget locking them while I fill; they keep shutting off for some reason.”

“Oh my! I can’t keep pressure on that handle until my tank is full. My hands don’t have much strength in them anymore.” She cast her blue eyes to the ground in frustration.

“I’d be honored to fill your tank for you!” The man’s Texas accent was gentle and he gave her a little wink. “By the way, I love your British accent.”

“Yes, a British accent in Texas.people always notice!” She smiled. “We just came to the States a few years ago. That’s my husband in the car.” She paused for a moment, “He has Alzheimer’s now.”

“I’m so very sorry.for both of you.” After a slight lull the gentleman continued. “Why don’t you get back in the car while I do this; the snow is picking up and you’re going to get wet.”

She was a lovely woman with snowy-white hair; her attire was prim and proper as one would expect from a Brit. “I’d rather visit if you don’t mind. Our son is out of town for Christmas; he’s with his wife’s family this year and I’m feeling a bit blue.”

A knot formed in the Texan’s throat and he hoped to change the subject. “Just what are the two of you doing out in this weather? I hope your drive home is a short one. You know these Texas drivers aren’t the best when it comes to snow and sleet,” he teased.

“We’re on our way home from a Christmas party. The medical center has one each year for the Alzheimer patients. They are rather like children’s parties-and they have Santa visit. Oftentimes patients will have moments they recall things from their past. Some sing along to Christmas carols when they haven’t carried on an actual conversation in quite a long while.”

“Did anyone recognize Santa today?”

“Oh, yes, my husband recognized Santa and tried to steal his hat! He even said, ‘Ho, ho, ho-Merry Christmas.’ His recollection was rather brief but it was the highlight of my day.” She grinned.

The gas pump clicked off, the woman swiped her credit card to make payment, and turned to thank the man who had been willing to help her. The two were saying their farewells when the squeal of brakes, a thud, and breaking glass at the intersection caught their attention.

“Oh, my!” The lady whimpered with a distressed expression. “It’s getting so slick. I’ve got to hurry and get home.”

“Ma’am, I’d be honored to follow you in case you have problems.”

She hesitated momentarily and then appeared relieved, “Oh, I’d be so grateful. I can’t thank you enough. And by the way, my name is Margaret.” She reached out to shake hands with her new friend.

“Margaret, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Ray.” He patted her hand gently before they released their grasp. “You just drive slowly; I’ll be right behind you.”

When Margaret pulled into her garage Ray stopped curbside. “I just want to be sure you get inside safely,” he shouted.

Margaret waved and asked him to wait for a moment-then nodded and spoke to her neighbor hanging Christmas lights. She guided John into the house, quickly reappeared in the garage, and motioned for Ray to pull into the driveway.

She thanked Ray again and soon mentioned this being the first Christmas she and her husband had ever spent alone. Ray, always a soft touch for older folks, was happy to listen. She spoke fondly of traditions her family adhered to when she was a child in England and revealed an interesting glimpse into her past.plus a taste of her cherished memories from across the pond.

“You know mistletoe is very traditional in England. My first “real” kiss was under the mistletoe when I was a teenager. Oh, what memories I have.” For a split second, Margaret looked like a young girl again.

Several minutes passed before Margaret began to shiver and they were forced to say farewell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas morn found Margaret peeking out her front door just as the sun crested the horizon. She stepped outside, instantly clasped her hands like a small child, and peered up and down the street. With not a soul in sight she began to examine the items discovered on her porch.each one dredged up memories of years gone by in Merry Old England.

Just above her head hung an arrangement of mistletoe adorned with elegant lace; she touched it gently. Bedecked with Victorian ornaments, a small, lighted Christmas tree sat in the corner-beneath it a homemade mincemeat pie wrapped securely and tied with golden ribbon. The card attached said only, “From: Santa.” Hanging from the doorknob a brilliant red Santa Claus hat with tag, “To: John.”

Margaret called to John; he slowly made his way and stepped outside. Nothing on the porch sparked his interest until Margaret placed the Santa hat in his hands. After staring at it and stroking the velvety softness, he plopped it onto his head. It sat askew but John’s face beamed as his voice rang out across the neighborhood, “Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parked several houses away, a Secret Texas Santa sniffed and wiped at a lone tear… a happy tear. “Merry Christmas and God Bless.” He smiled and drove towards home.

©2007Kathleene S. Baker
Lnstrlady@aol.com
www.txyellowrose.com

Chinese celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival. Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as “Moon Cake Festival” which is one of the most well known Chinese Festival. The date of Mid-autumn Festival is on the 15th moon day of 8th Chinese lunar month. This year’s Mid-autumn Festival is on 25 September 2007.

This day is for family members to gather to eat moon cake, Pomelos and drink Chinese tea. The round “moon cakes” eaten on this festival are symbolic of family unity and closeness. There are a lot of favors like durian, lotus, green tea, green bean, red bean favors to choose from.
Pomelos are also eaten on this day. The Chinese word for pomelo is 柚, which is homophonous with the word for “protection”. 柚expressed the hope that the heaven give them protection. Moon gazing is another essential part of this festival. On this day, the moon is at its roundest and brightest. This is also a time for lovers to tryst and pray for togetherness, symbolized by the roundness of the moon.

Children are happy on this day because they can eat sweet moon cakes, play with candles and their friends. They can carry lighted lanterns and walk around during the night time.
Moon Cake Festivals symbolize unity, joy and harmony. Let’s wish that all nationals will unite and our world will be full of joy and harmony.

In Singapore, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 1. Students often make use of this day to express their gratitude to their teachers, such as paying them a visit or sending them a card or giving them a small gift as a show of appreciation.

Teaching in Singapore is not easy. Phyiscal punishment is not allowed in School. Teacher cannot cane the student even if he/she is mischievous. More and more youngster do not respect their teachers as teachers have lost their authority (a lot of restriction). If they are unhappy, they will complain to their parents, Principal and even MOE (Ministry of Education).

Teaching curriculum are more focus in academic rather than moral education. Students with good academic performances do not mean that they have high moral values. If people do not value moral values, sooner or later, the society will face a lot of problems.

It is a pity that some young people joined teaching for the sake of job security or high salary instead of a passion in teaching. Teacher is a sacred and important job because he/she mould/teach the younger generation. The younger generation will be the next elite force to our nation and the fate of our nation. If they are not mould/teach properly, in future our nation will have more problems to face.

A good teacher should be able to pass his/her knowledge including moral values to his/her students and is able to answer their doubts.

We should be grateful to all the teachers that came to our life to teach us. Without them, we will not be what we are today. Happy Teachers’ Day to all those whom have teached us.

Nevertheless, we should honors teachers’ virtues, pains, and also their contribution not only to their own students but also to the whole society. Hope that all teachers can impart their knowledge including their moral values to their students. Happy Teachers Day!

Singapore is 42 years old.
Happy Birthday to Singapore!
Prosperity to Singapore!
A bright future to all Singaporeans!

Year 2007 is coming to an end. Hope that all of us have a fruitful year. If things do not turn out well in year 2007. It should turn out well in year 2008. Things that we have not achieved in 2007, we should achieve them in year 2008.