"Little Red"

Little Red

It was folded very neatly
Inside an old, dear trunk
At first I thought that it was
Just another piece of junk;
Then I saw the colors
Like an old faded rainbow
I held it close to my face
And thought of long ago.

It almost smelled like you did
Back when I watched you
And though there is a bit of pink
Most of it's baby blue;
As blue as I feel right now
Recalling your sweet smile
Wishing you were small again
Just for a little while.

I close my eyes and reminisce
I see your bright red hair
"Hon, you want some too?"
Your favourite thing...was share;
Every day you'd go to sleep
This blanket over you
Curled all up in a ball
My baby, my Andrew.

Years have gone so quickly
My, you're all grown up
World traveler, piano man
No drinks from training cups;
I hug the blanket closer
As tears fall down my face
A special boy, my "little Red"
Another time and place.

YODELING COWBOY

YODELING COWBOY

I heard he was our cousin
Guess he might have been
Daddy first told me that
When I was almost ten;
"Wilf Carter's your cousin"
But I'd not heard him sing
So Daddy turned the radio on
And I heard "Montana Slim".

Born down in Guysboro
1904, I'm told
His daddy was a Minister
Baptist, loud & bold;
At 8 years old he went to work
At 12, he ran away
Returned until he was 16
But he just could not stay.

At first he was a Hobo
Then he worked for CPR
He said he loved the railways
But had to catch a star;
Adept at breaking horses
Self-taught on his guitar
He rodeo'd and yodeled
Places near and far.

One of nine children
He never did look back
Sang once on the Opry
That's a proven fact;
He was the Yodeling Cowboy
Nova Scotia's own
"When It's Springtime In the Rockies"
He still missed his home.


In 1940, I have read
He had a car accident
Home-bound for 9 years
When time slowly went;
But he wrote & toured again
He died at aged 91
After he'd made millions
And his yodeling was done.

My cousin, Wilfred Arthur Charles Carter.........

THE GUITAR

THE GUITAR


It was just a home-made musical instrument and he had sold many more just like it. It was a hobby that he had learned and when he discovered that they could bring in a dollar, he was proud.

This particular Saturday, a friend and neighbor was bringing in a brother and sister to look at his guitars, the few he had left to sell. The man was from Nova Scotia and his sister was too but residing down South in the North Georgia area.

They couldn't believe the fine quality and workmanship of his home-made guitars. The brother strummed one or two and remarked of the great, true sound and vibration. He obviously could play!

They bragged on the styling, the wood, the grain, the look! They each bought one and left very happy with the price. The brother returned to Canada with his and the sister took guitar lessons. When her fingertips bled, she gave up. She'd stick to song writing!

On her next trip to Nova Scotia, she took her guitar home with her. Her brother loved his and asked to have his friend see hers. He did and ended up buying it. (Her brother has passed away now but his beloved guitar is still in his home with his harmonica.)

She, the sister, now lives very near her old guitar as it's owner still has it. She wonders if he strums it these days and does he still love it? Did he ever name it? Does he have different guitar straps for it? Is it in tune? Is it inside a guitar case?Does it have any broken strings? Does it have it's own sweet, special melody? Does he ever pick it up in the middle of the night or when he's home alone and lonely or sad or sick.

She compares their lives to her old guitar that she never kept. Fingers bleed; our (heart) strings sometimes break; often, we are out of tune with our loved ones or the rest of the world. We name our children, our pets, our homes but seldom name our musical instruments. At times, we cannot hear the melody but then it returns, just like the seasons. We often keep ourselves inside a case instead of joining the rest of the world.

She misses hearing her brother playing his guitar. And she wishes she had ignored her bleeding and sore fingertips. But she is secretly very happy that her guitar and its owner are still together; that they both are close-by her home on the Island.

She knows that they are all in tune with God and the Universe. She has named the guitar "Dr. Pepper" after the friend & neighbor who introduced them all to the guitar maker. After all, without him, that guitar might still be on a shelf in a small, sleepy southern town.....instead of with an amazing guitar picking-friend of her late brother's.

HOLD ME

HOLD ME

I dreamed last night that you had died
And oh, it was so bad
The choir sang very beautifully
But everyone was sad;
You just laid there smiling
I know that you couldn't see
Still I asked the question:
"Baby, who's gonna hold me?"

Who will hold my hand someday
When I lose you forever?
And how can I carry on
In any kind of weather?
You walked with me in sunshine
And when the fog rolled in
We slid around in the snow
And fell down in the wind.

We only had each other, babe
It always seemed enough
And when you're gone I'll sob
And sob; feeling so damn rough;
At least it was just a dream
And you're still around to need
And I'm here to hold your heart
Should it stop or bleed.

I drifted back to a deep sleep
And this time it was me
Inside a coffin lined in red
How I wished that I could see;
You bowed your head in silence
Your hand upon my knee
As you whispered with a sob:
"Baby, who's gonna hold me?"

Then I awoke to bright sunshine
The radio was playing
I smelled bacon in a pan
A Dj was just saying:
"Rise & shine, get outta bed!"
And as I did just that
You walked in to hold me
With our two dogs and cat.

It's all the simple things I love
That you do for me
Like reading me the paper
And bringing me my tea;
When it's scorching hot outside
Or when it's freezing cold
Come to me and I will always
Be here for you to hold.

Hold me.......

AN ANGEL

AN ANGEL

He blew into town like the train he came in on. Jumping off as it slowed at a crosswalk, he arrived with just the clothes on his back. His hometown seemed another world away and though it was just a few thousand miles, he felt as if he'd traveled around the world.

"Get out and stay out!" his step-father had yelled at him as he spat on his old faded sneakers. "And take this old mutt with ya!"

At just seventeen, he'd walked and walked and thought and thought; bought some sandwiches and water to carry along the way. Then the old train came ambling along and stopped to pick up some cargo. That's when they climbed aboard and waited until they had come to a town he'd never even heard of. It's name was "Locust Grove."

His dog was ready to run off to relieve himself and he waited, looking at the small town in front of him. It was springtime and everything was in bloom; he smelled honeysuckle and saw rhubarb stalks right in front of his feet.

The dog needed a drink and he cupped some of the water in his palm as Rex lapped it all up. That was the end of their supplies. But he knew there would be a brook somewhere for them to drink from and after walking just twenty-five minutes, they found one.

In his backpack, he'd placed a small pup-tent and if need be, they'd sleep in it tonight. He wasn't afraid anymore. He'd taken the last beating he was ever going to take and he was now a man. He brushed a tear away and started to hum a tune his mother sang to him as a child: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine......."

He thought of his mother as he walked along, Rex running just ahead in the fields of clover and daisies. She was small and yet she was so strong. She'd never have died if she had a choice as she loved living and loving and laughing. His step-father had never laid a hand on him while she was alive.

But one day she was in the barn when lightening struck and by the time the firemen had put out the fire, she had suffocated. Life was never the same for him after that and he was just 10 years old.

Rex was part of his salvation and along with a favourite school teacher, life seemed to make some sense. Then his step-dad started drinking......

As he walked along the road of this new place with Rex at his side, he was hopeful. He wouldn't look back; he'd be strong like his mother; he'd make her proud! And he pulled down his sleeves to hide the many scars from too many whippings.

Night time came and they had not seen the town yet so he pitched the tent and they slept under the stars. Their bellies grumbled from hunger but they snuggled together and quickly fell asleep.

"Who said you could sleep on our land?" A voice awoke him and Rex growled. He looked up into the face of a woman who was frowning and waiting for an answer. He stood up to introduce himself and shake her hand.

"Well, no-one but we were tired and had gotton off the train......"

She listened and nodded, patting Rex's head to calm him down but the old dog was already licking her hand. "Why don't you join us for some breakfast?" she asked and before he could respond, she was walking towards her place at the bottom of the long hill. He hadn't seen the place last night in the dark.

She was a recent widow who lived alone with a farm to run and after they'd eaten bowls of hot oatmeal and home-made bread, toasted, she hired him to help clean up and repair a fence. He worked all day long and earned $100.00!

That night she gave them supper and asked him his plans. Since he had none, she offered him lodging there until he decided what to do. A year later, she was still offering him a place and a job for as long as he wanted it. She had seen the scars; she had seen a boy become a man right in front of her own eyes.

When he left to join the Air Force, she agreed to keep Rex who was already 12 years old. He cried as he drove away in the cab but knew Rex would be happy with her just as he'd been. She was like a mother to him and she was his special Angel.

He hadn't been away for four months when he received the telegram. His guardian angel had a stroke and was in the hospital! Shocked and saddened, he arranged to take leave and flew to her bedside. But it was too late; he helped bury her and returned to the farm to pack their few belongings.

He had no-one to leave Rex with and was sitting in the porch swing when a big car pulled down the lane. He recognized Mr. Swanson as her lawyer and friend.

"I'm leaving soon, Sir. Just wondering what to do with my dog here before I call a cab."

"Come back inside, Alex; I've something to say."

What he heard surprised, shocked and caused him to let out a sudden sob. "Mrs. Locust wanted you and Rex to never have to jump freight trains and drink from brooks ever again. She's left everything to you and your animal....the cars, the tractors, the animals, the land, the farm and over a quarter million dollars."

After he'd been given the keys and paperwork, Mr. Swanson stood to leave. "Ya know, Mrs. Locust was never the same after she buried her boy. You brought back the spark and twinkle in her eye....."

"You mean, lost her husband, don't you Sir?"

"Nope; she was never married; had a baby and we were never told who the daddy was. Her son joined the Navy and was lost at sea; she withdrew from life 'til she stumbled on you and Rex that mornin".

Late that night, he sat outside his new farm and listened to the cows mooing and the birds chirping. Rex lay at his feet, a big bone half-chewed on his paw.

It was a very star filled night; as he looked up he saw the man in the moon. Or was it a woman?

a Hank Snow song........

I like the lyrics in this song:

WHEN JIMMIE RODGERS SAID GOODBYE

There's an old guitar that's lonely

Since the master's gone away

But he's singing to the angels

Way up in Heaven today.

He left a blue song for the brakeman

And to the kiddies a lullaby

To all sweethearts he left a lovesong

When Jimmie Rodgers said goodbye.

He left a yodel for the cowboy

They sing it now with tear dimmed eye

And he left every prairie lonely

When Jimmie Rodgers said goodbye.

They miss him down in Alabama

Across the world you can hear them say

Mississippi lost their blue yodeler

When Jimmie Rodgers said goodbye.

Although the freight trains keep on running

He caught a fast one on the fly

But he left his guitar behind him

When Jimmie Rodgers said goodbye.

Blue Yodeler

'Blue Yodeler'


He was born some years ago
1897, I do believe
Bet he would have liked to meet
Another singer, Jim Reeves;
They called him many things
Like "blue yodeler" I recall
He was quite a Cowboy
Though he wasn't very tall.

The 'father of country music'
Jimmie Rodgers was his name
He enjoyed entertaining
And found joy in fame;
He worked on the railroad
Like his brother & his dad
And yodeled while he did so
His songs were often sad.

But when he contracted a disease
He moved to a warmer state
Away from Mississippi
And there he took a mate;
He sang "T For Texas"
And "IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW"
"ANY OLD TIME" was a hit
Then he took his final bow.

In 1933 he met his fate
And took our hearts with him
He died much too early
Just like another Jim;
Maybe they sing together
Mr. Rodgers & Mr. Reeves
Waiting for us in Heaven
Now that's just what I believe.

Yodel-e-d-o-Yodel-e-d-o-

Yodel-e-a........

BABY'S GONE

BABY'S GONE


"Hi honey; glad you're home
How was it in the city?
Sales must be booming
You've been so very busy;
Sit down and rest your feet
I know you're tired, baby
Supper's almost ready
Let me make the gravy."

She was standing at the stove
When she heard him make a call
And what she heard him whisper
Traveled all down the hall:
"I'll only have an hour
But I'll be there later on
We'll finish what we started
Wish I could stay 'til dawn!"

There was little conversation
As he ate very fast
She served him extra gravy
Mostly all ex-lax;
He said he had to go to town
For something he'd forgot
Her heart stopped in her tracks
As she washed all the pots.

He wasn't gone very long
Just long enough for her
To pack his few belongings
And a note to "Dear sir;"
"Don't waste your breath explaining
Just leave with your old car
Be glad it's only the trunk and back
I've filled high up with tar."

"So now you have your freedom
Good-luck and all of that
Too bad you can't see the kids
You won't be coming back;
Oh, I have all our money safe
Good riddance and good night
And on your way out the door
Please turn out the light."

MUSIC

MUSIC


Blow out the candle, turn on a song
Play my suffering music loud
All I care about tonight
Is how to avoid this crowd;
I want to cry into my beer
While I sit all by myself
Wondering where he is tonight
And if he's by himself?

Suffering music's what I love
It's truly the best kind
From the bottom of a broken heart
Exactly just like mine;
My eyes are suddenly very dry
I have no tears to shed
I stare into an empty glass
And wish that I was dead.

The place is now quite empty
They're sweeping up the floor
Outside it is all quiet
Except for one lone whore;
The traffic stops to stare at us
As I wait for a yellow cab
"If you'll play some suffering music
Sir, I'll double pay the tab!"

The radio plays on my way home
"He Stopped Loving Her Today,"
And as I stumble in our house
I sob loudly all the way;
I sleep down on our leather couch
Still in my jeans so tight
And dream I am a Hooker
And he's my shining Knight.

THE WIDOW

THE WIDOW

She's played his favourite songs tonight
She's waited by the window
She's worn his favourite faded shirt
Black, now she's a widow;
She's watched as the sun went down
And ate all by herself
She put away the dishes
High up on the shelf.

She's watched a little television
She's taped some special shows
She's listened for the phone to ring
Fed the birds and crows;
Just at dusk she changed into
His favourite black negligee
Perfume between her bosum
And ended her long day.

She climbs into the feather bed
And lies there in the dark
A candle on his side of the bed
Seems to light a spark;
A car pulls in the driveway
She hears a familiar cough
She smiles as she asks him:
"How was your game of golf?"

HEAVEN OR HELL?

HEAVEN OR HELL?

You told me many times, my love
That you'd come back home
When men walked on the Moon!
Or Indians lived in Rome;
You said you'd return to me
"When Hell freezes over!"
Well, darlin', let me tell you
All about my lover.

He may not walk on the Moon
But he's racing through my heart
And though it's snowing up in Nome
And we are so far apart;
We share the same hobbies
Dogsledding is our sport
Hell isn't frozen yet, but
I'm holding down the fort.

He'll be back tonight with gifts
And in my waiting arms
He'll be happy and content
Because of all my charms;
You used to love me once a month
Instead of every single day
But we just can't get enough
So now it's twice on Sunday.

Now men have been on the Moon
And Indians visit Rome
It's hot as Heaven with my guy
Frozen Hell when you were home;
I've nails to paint and wine to pour
'Cause baby's almost here
He'll be kissing my sweet lips
But you may kiss my rear!

COLLECTOR

COLLECTOR

It was in the early 1990's, I believe, that I first started to 'collect' things. I once thought it immature to go into one of my relative's homes and see their "frog" collection. There were frogs on the towels, on the fridge, big frogs, little frogs, talking frogs, singing frogs, etc.

I entered another relative's house only to see pigs! They were all over the house; she also collected ducks. No, not the real kind but ormanents of duck replicas.

Someone else once collected unicorns! And butterflies....even big ones nailed to the outside of their home. It was all very distaseful to me; childish, a waste of money, silly.

So I surprised myself when I suddenly found myself collecting something too.

It was a warm, spring Saturday and I was living outside Atlanta, Georgia. My new house was in a subdivision of 500 homes in which we were not allowed to have a clothesline. So on this lovely day, I was fuming to a neighbor about having to use our clothes dryers.

She asked me if I was going to the Civic Centre to view the Amish show. Well, I had a real interest in them and their way of life. I knew they resided in Ohio and Indianna and found it strange they would be here.

Out of curiousity, I went with her. Of course, the Amish themselves were not there but their sales representatives were. As I walked around looking at their beautiful workmanship, artistry and foodstuffs, I was amazed because not one salesman approached us.

I gathered my many things together and paid on the way out the door. That was the very beginning of my spring surprize. How I looked forward to that special weekend every year until I moved back to Canada.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to bring much of my 'collection' with me but I still have a few things. I shall always cherish them!

After studying books about the Amish and their gentle, humble way of living and loving one another, I pray that I might return in my next life as the wife of one of them. They are very supportive of one another's neighbors and live for their faith and their families.

They love their children and their pets but believe in managing their lifestyles without modern conveniences. They are a simplistic, healthy, Holy and generous people and I believe that is how God intended all of us to be.

And I'd always have my clothesline!!

'OUR PAUL'

OUR PAUL

He's not just any Frenchman
He's not just any man
He's more than a guitar picker
In a small country band;
He's more than a gourmet cook
Inside a fancy mall
He's a diamond in the rough
He's 'our Paul'.

When he's frying pork scraps
Or when he's driving fast
He is always genuine
Does not live in the past;
Sometimes it's a struggle
To find an English word
Don't try to teach him:
"What do you mean by 'verb'?"

He's had his health concerns
But is always optimistic
Pickin', cooking, shopping
Never seen him go ballistic;
He's not just a Bluenoser
He's everybody's friend
And he'll be there for you & I
Until the very end.

So we are blessed to have him
Even in small increments
Especially on the radio
Playing his instrument;
He should be on the Opry
Or playing major league ball
But we are really very glad
That he is just 'our Paul.'

MY SUNSHINE

MY SUNSHINE

I guess you'd say that I once was
A "tom-boy" in my youth
Because I'd sooner set rabbit snares
And read about Babe Ruth;
Than play dolls with my sisters
And dress up in Mommy's shoes
When Gene Autry hit the screen
That was the greatest news!

He made my days & my nights
He had so many songs
"You Are My Sunshine"
I always sang right along;
Gene was born in Texas
1907 was the year
In his saddle on "Champion"
Oh, nothing could compare!

Schooled out in Oklahoma
Then wed in 1932
He made 100 Westerns
Had his own TV show too;
He was a singing cowboy
A country western star
He almost loved baseball
As much as his first guitar.

He was ranked just one
Of the 400 richest men
But still he mainly loved
To play guitar and sing;
Wearing his white cowboy hat
He yodeled into my heart
And when he died in '98
He tore my world apart.

"You were my sunshine
My only sunshine
You made me happy
When skies were grey...
You'll never know, Gene
How much I loved you
Please don't take
My sunshine away."

He's "Back In the Saddle Again".........

GOODBYE

GOODBYE

No sooner had you driven off
When I ran after you
But you sped away so fast
There was nothing I could do;
You didn't forget your guitar
You packed your favourite tie
But baby when you left me
You forgot to say goodbye.

You used to forget to take
Your medication before bed
And I'd have to remind you
So you wouldn't wake up dead;
You always forgot your wallet
So I'd bring it to your job
Along with your lunchbox
I'd tuck love notes inside.

I noticed you forgot the dog
And left the bills for me
You even left your wedding ring
And a whole set of keys;
One fit that old brass safe
Remember your dad died?
There's a million silver dollars
He left to us inside!

So I guess you're alone now
But maybe not for long
If my memory serves me right
You're with that bottled blond;
I'll be flying over in a plane
Winking with both eyes
On my way around the world
I just wanted to say goodbye.

Au Revoir.....

SEE YA' TOMORROW?

SEE YA' TOMORROW?

The sun had just set for the day
They walked home together
A teen and his best friend
He thought of as a brother;
He said: "See ya tomorrow?"
And walked on alone
While his very best buddy
Headed towards his home.

No-one knew what happened
He was never found
And just like that it ended
No-one heard a sound;
Years passed and he grew up
But always felt the sorrow
Wishing he'd said more than
"See ya' tomorrow?"

A girl visits her grand-dad
And sits upon his lap
When she leaves he gives her
His old railroad cap;
"See ya' tomorrow, grand-dad"
She hollers from her bike
As she rides into the sunset
To get home before night.

They find him the next morning
Still sitting on the lawn
In his hand he's holding
A picture she had drawn;
A family mourns his passing
He was just fifty-five
She wishes she'd said "I love you"
When he was still alive.

He takes her out to dinner
It's their Anniversary night
And just as soon as they get home
In separate rooms, out goes the light;
Before she locks her bedroom door
He hears her say aloud
"See ya' tomorrow, Tommy
40 years; the kids are proud."

He's dead before he hits the bed
And as the family gathers round
They all look for their mother
But she cannot be found;
Then she returns with flowers
Wishing she'd said more
Than "See ya' tomorrow"
Before she closed her door.

He goes home from work early
Just glad to leave the place
"See y'all tomorrow"
A big smile on his face;
The place burns to the ground
With everyone inside
As he drops to his knees
He wishes he had died.

"See ya' tomorrow?"

IF I ACT LIKE YOUR WOMAN

IF I ACT LIKE YOUR WOMAN

Baby, you've been tellin' round
That you're gettin' set to go
Away where you are wanted more
And you want them to know;
That it's all because of me
So here's a new found plan
If I act like your woman
Will you feel like my man?

I'll quit my job to wait on you
But you'll have to go find work
And this time watch your mouth
Don't call your boss a jerk;
I'll quit going every Monday
To clean your father's house
And you'll need to buy some clothes
Quit wearing my skirt & blouse.

You will need to get some wheels
You said someone took your truck
When you needed money fast
From gambling and 'bad luck';
You should probably sell the bed
In which you lay to tan
If I act like your woman
Will you feel like my man?

So I'll stay home and just keep house
While you find work and money
You won't be there to call me names
And when you are, it's "honey";
You can play my old guitar
I'll still be your only fan
If I act like your woman
Will you feel like my man?

Ahh, come on, baby....don't go
We could start a band
If I act like your woman
Will you feel like my man???

Ahh, gee whiz, wait...........come back........

THE WEDDING

THE WEDDING



The sun was just going down over Cape Sable Island as the eighty invited guests slowly walked to the candle lit, decorated gazebo near the boardwalk in Clark's Harbour. The late summer was perfect to hold this special event and the weather was co-operating. They marveled at the many beautiful flowers stretched far inside the gazebo like a lovely sun-drenched rainbow. There were buckets and vases of many wild flowers. They heard the soft but happy music of a bagpiper down near the sea; what a spectacular sunset!

Jade's dog, Lex, was on a leash with a bow tie around his neck and being attended by a friend; he was attentive and watching for her as she made her way along the lit shell-lined path. She reached out to pat him as she slowly walked by and smiled broadly at him. He seemed to know not to misbehave and was quiet and obediant.

As the sky settled on cirrus clouds and a huge orange ball of fire for the ceremony, the seated guests lowered their murmuring to gaze at the bridal party. The very handsome groom, wearing a new gold watch Jade had given him, took his place beside the best man, his own grown son who was just as handsome as his Dad. They smiled nervously at one another. Their crisp white jackets and dark pants were in stark contrast with the array of colorful flowers, tastefully surrounding the archway. The pathway was lit with tiki torches and lined with hundreds of shells and starfish.

When the music to "HERE COMES THE BRIDE" began, the groom followed everyone's eyes to watch his darling approaching him. Her arm was casually draped through the elbow of her black haired son, who was so happy for his mother that he had already had to wipe a tear away. She was smiling broadly and beaming from ear to ear! She wore a knee length ivory dress, trimmed in the front and (very low) back with hundreds of beads covering the bodice. The attached skirt was tightly fitted to just below her derriere but then hung in semi-wide pleats. The long tapered sleeves hugged her arms as the sheath hugged her body. Her auburn hair was unadorned and soft as the evening air blew through it. Her satin ivory pumps matched her gown. Jade carried her favourite white Bible that her late parents had given to her. Her only jewellery was her gold earrings, a gift from her husband-to-be. A new French manicure showed off her gloveless hands.

Will could not take his eyes off of her; he had never seen such sparkle illuminating from her brown eyes before. She caught his stare and looked lovingly into his face. That's when he winked at her and her tears began; tears of sheer happiness. She was remembering the first time he had done so. He had to swallow hard but had promised her he would not cry if she did so. Jade gathered her composure, straightened her shoulders and bowed her head to pray with the others.

With the Ocean for a background and the sound of the foghorn, the ceremony proceeded, guided by their religious beliefs. It was a double ring ceremony and the groom's small grandson came forth with the rings on a satin pillow shaped like a ship's wheel. Wills granddaughter was the flower girl and did a wonderful job of it. The groom beamed with pride as his daughter and Jade's daughter held hands during the short service. They had become fast friends during their parents three year courtship.

When 'AVA MARIA" was sung, not one breath was exhaled and if it was, it wasn't heard. The traditional vows were exchanged and another song sung; this time it was one of their favourites called "THE POWER OF LOVE" ("I am your woman, you are my man"). There weren't too many dry eyes left in the house after that rendition. The friendly Minister pronounced them "husband and wife" and Will swept her into his arms for a sweet, tender kiss. Cheers erupted; they left the Gazebo arm and arm to walk along the Boardwalk for some photographs to be taken there by the calm and deep waters of the Atlantic. Then they took a private stroll by the sea, his arm around her waist, while listening to just the rapid beatings of their own hearts. It was obvious to everyone that they were very much in love! Of course, Lex was at their side.

People were leaving to attend the small Reception in a nearby hall where her friend's band was performing after a meal of steak & lobsters with all of the trimmings for their invited guests; no alcohol was served. The bride changed into a pair of black palazzo slacks and a white silk blouse with her pearls, to enjoy the evening with her new husband and her new family(s). Happiness was written all over her face as she hung on her husband's every word. He, too, had changed into a pair of tan slacks with a white (tieless) shirt. They were beaming!

The delicious chocolate cake was a huge brownie, decorated and big enough to feed an Army. Their first dance was to Bob Segar's "IF I HAD YOU BABE, I'D BE SATISFIED." Then they slow danced to "BOARDWALK ANGEL", the bride's favourite song by her old friend, Billy Jo Royal. As he winked at her; her heart stopped. Everyone cheered and clapped as balloons were popped and cofetti and rice were thrown at them. Hugs and kisses were exchanged by all in attendance on this very happy night. Lex left with his dog-sitter and seemed very happy too!

As the new "MR. AND MRS" left for their home inside Blue Haven, there appeared a real rainbow above them, spectacular to the human eye. When her husband carried her over the threashold in his strong arms, she felt like Cinderella. She finally had THREE FIRSTS: a "Diamond" , a "Wedding" and for the very first time in her life, a "Man" who was her best friend, her partner and her lover. The combination took her breath away! Blue Haven anticipated the long, wonderful night ahead as they closed its door on the outside world to enter their own majic kingdom.

THE WEDDING NIGHT

THE WEDDING NIGHT


No sooner had they shut the door to Blue Haven, when Jade's shoes came off. Her husband smiled to himself as he thought what women put themselves through. He had never felt better in his whole life!

It appeared that someone had prepared Blue Haven for company; it sparkled from top to bottom. The new hardwood floors downstairs glistened with fresh wax; lovely flowers in every room; a fully stocked refrigerator with all of their favourite foods; white scented satin sheets awaited their excited bodies.

He embraced her, calling her by her new last name and she smiled happily and hugged him tightly to her. They sat down together and while they talked about the wonderful wedding down on the boardwalk just a few hours ago, he lit a few candles and she continued talking in her animated fashion.

They both had been up since early dawn but each had wisely taken a short nap in the early afternoon before their baths so were not overly tired. She went to freshen up in the bathroom while he went to see what some of their many wedding presents were. Upstairs, Will found a CD to play for her and popped it in. She smiled downstairs as she heard the beautiful love songs of one of her favourite singers, Daniel O'Donnell.

His turn to use the bathroom arrived and when she came out he saw she had changed into a lovely pale peach negilegee which was so sheer he could see matching bikini panties with little draw strings on each side. Her high-heeled slippers were also peach colored with feathery tops. Her dark skin shone and she looked very "touchable" in her new set of wedding rings. He winked at her as he hurriedly went inside.

They had not had sex or spent a night together for a full month as she wanted their wedding night to be "special". He went along with it but it was certainly the longest month of his life! As he went to the fridge, he stood there thinking what he wanted to eat. But he knew that he was only hungry for her; for her love. In fact, he was starving! He fixed them some cold drinks to take upstairs. He had wanted to take her to a fancy hotel someplace away but she only wanted to be inside Blue Haven on this night.

She waited upstairs and was turning back their bed when he came into their bedroom. They stood together looking outside at the sea, the water, the wharf and together thanked God for this marriage and asked Him to bless it. She had tears in her eyes as did he when a slow, love song came on. He gazed into her brown eyes and asked:

"May I have this dance for the rest of my life?"

Together, they slowly danced until the song ended, her husband's lips softly brushing her bare neck, his hands low on her back and hers wrapped around his thick neck. He whispered "I love you so very much, Jade" and held her tightly to him. She echoed her love to him and he carried her in his arms to their bed, lit only by one scented candle. He reached to remove her nightgown and took off his boxers; they stood as close as two could stand and she stepped out of her heels, undid the drawstrings of her sheer, peach colored panties as he watched in awe. Their bodies touched; he pushed her gently back onto the bed, facing him.............his wife now.........

As the night sky darkened and the moon caressed two lovers wrapped in one anothers arms, sleep overtook their nakedness and unity. Morning would come soon enough and he would take her again for his own; their rings worn for the first of many long and exciting nights and mornings. All of her dreams had finally come true and she felt euphoric, happy and complete.