The Jewel Story by Catherine Palmer Paton...shared to help us pull through the storms in life and in the world, and To Vote with Confidence!

The Jewel Story (audio) by Catherine Palmer Paton....dedicated to US all, adults and kids and those who have journeyed on...and initally to our children back in 1995 Linnea, Kaelan (and later when born, Shannon and Juliana)  who inspired me over twenty years ago to 'tell them a story from my own mouth" not read one from a book for a bedtime story. "...and a little child shall lead them" has been a guiding theme in our lives as it is for most who venture caring for children, having children of their own, adopting and otherwise reaching out to care for others...and even themselves and nurture their inner child. There's something magical about being human and living on earth.

There are blessings that come from on high, from nature, and others and again from within. The inspiration from this story came from being with our own children after the lifelong experiences of being a kid myself in nature and enjoying adventures in school in the country and the city, at college and then realizing 'the learning never needs to end' and the teachers are all the people, critters, places and ideas that come our way.

History can teach us 'what had come before' whether we hear of a local tale or a song about what happened that shaped people's lives or read it in books. We are our stories and how we tell them can determine our feelings about the past which technically 'no longer exists' yet which fuels our hearts and minds as well as our next ventures. Seeing the seasons of life from youth to becoming an adult and parent was like reaching a mountaintop.

The natural seasonal changes from growth in the spring, fruition in summer, harvest and dying off in autumn and rest and cold in winter were all about us in our country environment in the MA/NY CT corner area for a couple of decades before and after this story was written. More recently I am spending time in Brooklyn New York where nature is harder to find yet the people are so numerous the idea of a more powerful force is right outside my door and down the street with views of Manhattan that inspire me to realize the world is filled with magic and possibilities.

Seeing the progress in the world in terms of people becoming savvy about connecting with the use of the internet and more respect for women and children as well as men working together for common goals is exciting. With weather patterns changing due to climate change and burgeoning populations we need to think collectively and 'be there for one another', accepting that what happens to one happens to many on some level and to steer toward the 'greater care and friendship' that can help us face the future with optimism and teamwork.

The idea that 'there is life in the universe outside of the earth's sphere' is one that is discussed more openly online and in shows like Fire in the Sky about Travis Walton having an encounter long ago. The experiences shared on www.tomreed.info happened not far from where I grew up in Falls Village CT near the Housatonic River.

That small town setting for many of us made us feel secure and yet many strange experiences and sadly too many tragic ones occured in these small towns. Why not accept that if it happened there, it could happen anywhere, and likely did on larger scales whether acknowledged more publicly or not?

One of the first heart transplant recipients was from our area, along with a tragic case that helped transform the way police interviewed minors or others for a crime investigation. Catherine Roraback lived there and practiced law that allowed for birth control to become legal. The balance of being able to have more freedom and choices along with not abusing the privilege by not practicing good self-care and mutual respect is something we can help each other strive for. Many problems creep up when someone is stressed or falling behind or not clear about needs or goals

. We are all 'works in progress' and can share in shaping our world to be a friendlier place to live, grow, and network with a positive regard for the gift of life, family and friends. Thanks for enjoying this story as you can as it unfolds in a few segments usually when the jewel changes form or disappears...and use your 'creative thinking' to allow for the fantasy realism where animals can speak and magical treasures can be found and enjoyed. This was a first take and there's one small 'glitch' regarding the hundred once snowballs now being small jewels being on a field of grass or snow..it's grass. Okay, let your imagine drift back to a quiet night while kids were settling into bed and wanting a story before they fell asleep....

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-80MOFX6neEamlHdFVhdm84UGs/view?usp=sh...