Humorous Stories from Heartland America – Havenwood School Life Lessons

Brand new peek at HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings

D.J. Houston, Author

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There were fourteen of us, the last of Havenwood Township’s Depression-era babies born in a flurry before America’s role in the war was sealed at Pearl Harbor . . .

Out In The Country by Paula Ford

And while none of us were the first young minds fresh off the farm to gather there, nor destined to be the last, the question as to how Miss Greenlee could captivate the attention of that motley gang of six and seven-year-old renegades I found myself surrounded by – much less ever teach us the same subject at the same time – might easily beg for a miracle. But two things were certain . . .

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Havenwood School Inspirations – Miss Greenlee’s Artistic License

From the coming novel HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings

D.J. Houston, Author

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One thing was sure: He was right to defend Miss Greenlee.

I imagined she had her artistic license framed somewhere at home, too, because she let us paint pictures of whatever we wanted. She encouraged us to render our art as we saw fit and never questioned our choices; you could draw conclusions in the dirt and call it art, for all she cared . . .

For those who would squash dreamers and their dreams, God had surely sent Miss Greenlee as the antidote . . .

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 CLICK for Story: “Dream Teacher and Witch“

Copyright©2008, 2013 D.J. Houston. All Rights Reserved.

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Visionary Fiction – Mystery Novel – Havenwood School – Special Teachers – Inspiring Stories

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Mother’s Day Musings – Havenwood Tales Nostalgia – Inspirations

A Mother’s Day Tribute from Havenwood Tales

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Who ran to help me when I fell,

And would some pretty story tell,

Or kiss the place to make it well,

My mother.

— Ann Taylor, poet — (aka Mrs. Gilbert)

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“Mother’s Day Inspirations from Heartland America”

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Coming of Age Story – Life Lessons – Wisdom – American Literature Treasures

~ From HAVENWOOD TALES Novels ~

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Havenwood Tales – McAfee Family Wisdom – Braids, Brains & Daisy Buds

New peek at the novel HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings by Author D.J. Houston

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My brother Timmy was another story . . .

photo by Karen Crowe

Timmy had to wear glasses from the time he was five, after Mama caught him aiming his BB gun at what he claimed was a bird’s nest and he ended up blowing a sizable hole in her garden shed window instead.

He’d have been in trouble either way — Mama’s name was Birdie and she was partial to birds. But other than the whipping she threatened to give him for the BB gun incident, he stayed healthy enough . . .

He did need those glasses, though, if only to make him look smart.

And naturally, he said he didn’t care how I looked, braids or no braids. Never mind those rowdies at the General Store who called me “squaw.” Mama brushed that off me easily enough. . . She said I was a perfect daisy bud . . .

C L I C K  H E R E  for More “Family Wisdom“

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Copyright©2007, 2013 D.J. Houston. All Rights Reserved.

Mystery Novel – Coming of Age – Life Lessons – Humorous Stories – American Literature Treasures

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Celebrate Spring in the Magical Mystery of Havenwood Tales

HAPPY SPRING from HAVENWOOD TALES !

“Rejoice in all that is glorious!”

— Author, D.J. Houston

Mystery Novels – Inspiring Stories – Historical Fiction – American Literature Treasures

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Magical Mystery – Life Journey – The Wisdom of Human Nature

A glimpse at the novel HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings by D.J. Houston

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Painting by Michael Lang

“I don’t want to believe in monsters and scary things in the night like other kids do, Mama.”

Her response was calm and earnest.

“There are monsters in this world, Trudie Beth.  That’s a fact.  But people don’t want to see them. . .

“The goodness of human nature makes it hard to look at evil’s face.  So people make up stories about monsters instead.”

While I cogitated that, she added, “Sometimes they do it for fun.”

That made me smile, so she went on . . .

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C L I C K  for “The Truth About Monsters”

Copyright©2010, 2012 D.J. Houston. All Rights Reserved.

Magical Mystery – Paranormal Stories – Social Commentary – America Literature Treasures

 

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Baseball Wisdom and Brotherly Love – American Tall Tales

A Fresh Peek at HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings

by D.J. Houston

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Baseball Wisdom . . .

Timmy kept pacing the front yard like a penned up billy goat, clenching his teeth and slamming a battered baseball back and forth with a stinging hand against his old stitched-up catcher’s mitt while he muttered out loud to himself.

He was obviously suffering his own case of walloping doubts about my having to start going to school.

In the first place, it was his school.  And the idea of his naïve, snot-nosed little sister attending that same school would never fit in with his master plan, even if he had one.  But it was the only school around so he had no choice:

It was high time to lay some ground rules . . .

C L I C K  H E R E  for Questionable Advice 😉

 D.J. Houston, Author

Copyright©2007, 2012 D.J. Houston. All Rights Reserved.

Funny Stories – Havenwood School – Social Commentary – American Family – Mystery Novel

 

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Father’s Day Inspirations from Heartland America

“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” – Clarence Budington Kelland

 

 A Note from Author, D.J. Houston  & MORE 🙂

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FATHERS — and our unique experiences and life lessons with them — are as varied as individuals themselves.

My own father’s common sense, persistent work ethic, a calm strength of character and endearing, almost corny sense of humor are traits I treasure and remember him for most.  But when I was a child, he could seem a bit mysterious.

His favorite song was “The Tennessee Waltz,” but I never saw him dancing.  He’d been to college, but never encouraged me to go.  He’d been a soldier, but he wouldn’t talk about the war . . .  

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Mother’s Day Inspirations – American Literature Treasures

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.”  ~  Mark Twain

♥

Portrait courtesy of Dave Thomson

For mystery, miracles and memories of MOTHER’S DAY from Havenwood Tales author, D.J. Houston

CLICK HERE

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Mother’s Day Inspirations from Heartland America

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to Moms  Mums  Mamas  Mommies and Mothers everywhere!

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– photo by D.J. Houston

How fitting Mother’s Day arrives when Spring is in full bloom!

A very Happy Mother’s Day to Mother Nature, too!

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 Havenwood Tales protagonist and narrator, Trudie McAfee, whose stories I write for you, forever celebrates her Mama Birdie and the mothers and grandmothers of her ancestry.

And as always with the Art of Motherhood, Trudie’s mother was her first special teacher.

For always it is true:

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“That best academy, a mother’s knee.”

– James Russell Lowell, poet

Mama Birdie McAfee was a great cook, too!

Trudie might say this was true of her:

“A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.”

– Tenneva Jordan

But this classic “fond remembrance” reminds Trudie most of Mama:

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.” 

–  Mark Twain

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We remember and honor our Mothers in countless ways . . .

You may be familiar with time-tested rhymes like this one:

“Nobody knows of the work it makes
To keep the home together.
Nobody knows of the steps it takes,
Nobody knows but Mother.”

– Anonymous

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Here’s a fresh, modern look at the ancient wisdom of honoring one’s parents that may be NEW to you:

What a relief it is to know that our lucky children and grandchildren have these common sense inspirations to help guide them through their coming-of-age!

View the entertaining video “Honor and Help Your Parents” from The Way to Happiness book:

CLICK HERE

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To Treasured Friends and Fans:

As I prepare to launch your ultimate gift of HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings – the first novel of the Havenwood Tales series – please know:

Your loyalty, feedback and the fun YOU bring to the party are valued and appreciated more than ever!

Have a very Happy Mother’s Day!

D.J. Houston, Author of Havenwood Tales

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Copyright©2013, 2014 D.J. Houston. All Rights Reserved.

Inspirations – Celebration of Life – Nostalgia – American Literature Treasures

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Wisdom from Secrets – Coming of Age – Inspirations

Excerpts from the novel HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings

by Author, D.J. Houston

“My mother spoke the wisdom of the Ancestors, secrets from beyond Earth”

My mother’s mother, Meda, left this world before I was born.

She was a full-blood Shawnee Indian, the daughter of my great-grandparents whose keen eyes still watched over us from a tintype photograph high on our living room mantle.

Inherently proud of my Native American heritage, I felt honored to be part of a ritual she had once shared with my mother on that giant rock, overlooking the stream in the hidden woods . . .

CLICK HERE for SECRETS

Paranormal Stories – Mystery Novel – Coming of Age Story – Intrigue

Copyright©2010, 2012 D.J. Houston. All Rights Reserved.

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4th of July – Common Sense Freedom – Heartland America

Happy Independence Day, America!

Happy 4^th of July!

from Author, D.J. Houston

Spirit of ’76 – Archibald M. Willard

Celebrating Liberty. . .

“Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.” –  Louis D. Brandeis

What happened on July 4, 1776?   Why celebrate?   

As Americans, we celebrate the fact that our God-given rights to live free of tyranny from any government were demanded and penned by key Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence.

Click for FUN FACTS

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Wisdom & Humor from America’s Founding Fathers

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“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.” 

– Thomas Jefferson

“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” 

– Benjamin Franklin

“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”

– Thomas Jefferson

“. . . it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.”

– George Washington

“In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress.” 

– John Adams

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From HAVENWOOD TALES:

“Before the second half of 20^th Century America happened to her citizens. . .”

Enjoy:  Inspiring Story – Common Sense Freedom

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A Note from the Author to her Fans and Friends

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“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.” 

– Erma Bombeck

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Thank you for enjoying this Celebration of Freedom with me!

I love sharing sneak peeks and updates with you from HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings — the first novel in my HAVENWOOD TALES trilogy.

D.J. Houston, Author

Spunky young Trudie McAfee, whose story I write, assures me subscribers are in for many “intriguing treats” to come 🙂

THANKS for all your friendship, inspirations and encouragement on our journey together!

Happy 4^th of July, America!

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Your Freedom-loving Friend,

D.J. Houston

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Copyright©2011, 2013 D.J. Houston. All Rights Reserved.

Inspiring Stories – Historical Fiction Books – Courage and Wisdom – Heartland America

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Holiday Stories and Celebrations – ST. PATRICK’S DAY – Luck O’ The Irish

Luck O’ The Irish To Ye from Havenwood Tales!! 

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

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‘Tis said that Saint Patrick’s Day brings out the Irish in everyone 😉

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A holiday originating in Ireland over a thousand years ago, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world each March 17th.

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And since Havenwood Tales’ young narrator, Trudie Beth McAfee, hails from English and IRISH ancestry. as well as Native American, I’d be remiss not to share some Irish adventure and wisdom with you 🙂

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Wisdom from Mystery – The Truth About Monsters

“When people are willing to look at evil deeds for what they are and forbid them, then evil can’t hide anymore.”

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CONTINUED from Life Lessons – Truth and Autumn Dreams

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“Your grandmother Meda used to bring me to this place when I was a very young girl.  We could talk about anything here.”

My mother’s mother, Meda, left this world before I was born.  She was a full-blood Shawnee Indian, the daughter of my majestic great-grandparents whose keen eyes still watched over us from their tintype photograph high on our living room mantle.

Instinctively proud of my Native American heritage, I felt honored to be part of a ritual she had once shared with my mother on that giant rock overlooking the stream in the hidden woods . . .

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Humorous Stories – Baseball Rules – American Tall Tales

From the novel HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings

by D.J. Houston

Baseball Wisdom . . .

Timmy was pacing the front yard like a penned up billy goat with his teeth clenched, slamming a battered baseball back and forth with a stinging hand against his stitched-up catcher’s mitt while he muttered out loud to himself.

He was suffering his own walloping case of doubts about my having to go to school.

In the first place, it was his school. And the idea of his naïve, snot-nosed little sister attending that same school would never fit in with his master plan, if he had one. But it was the only school around, so he had no choice:

It was time to lay some ground rules.

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Family Wisdom – Funny Stories – Uncles, Brothers, Braids and Brains

Excerpts from the novel HAVENWOOD TALES Beginnings by Author D.J. Houston

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Irish Family Wisdom in Heartland America

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The rest of my family never fretted about my looks in the least.

Unabashedly partial to all things Irish (or even part Irish, like me), my daddy’s brothers, Arthur and Chester, held an opposite view, in fact.

And while humble, homespun Uncle Chester might offer, “You’re cute as a button, darlin’,” regardless of how much dirt I had on my face, and Uncle Arthur might declare with typical exuberance, “Tis a pure perfect lass I’m beholdin’ here!” most any time he saw me, they both insisted I had Mama’s “cheery smile” and “wise, hazel eyes like your Irish daddy.”

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