As a National Holiday Approaches Shady Pines Wonders What Would Martin Say?
Get Ready For an Important Day
I don’t know what January is like where you live dear reader, but here in Shady Pines Story Town this first month of the year can be really cold. Sometimes we even get snow.
Today is one of those dark, dreary days. 
You need a bright outfit and a buddy to find a palyful activity to keep you busy.
Or maybe, a cup of hot chocolate helps you beat back the winter blues.
I like to sit by the fire in a comfy chair and read stories on days like this. What about you?
Well. Would you lookey there. It seems that’s just what Edna is doing at the Sanders’ house. With her husband, Harold by her side, she delights in reading out loud to her four legged children.
Of course Boomerang, the Australian Shepherd dog and Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat, have no idea what she’s saying. Or do they?
“Hey Halley,” says Boomer. “Who’s this Martin guy?”
Halley yawns. “I have no idea. Mom’s making him seem important.”
Boomer stretches from the tip of his bobbed tail to the top of his floppy ears. “Sounds like he was a really big deal.”
Halley tilts her elegant gray head. “What’s a national holiday?”
Why, of course. Edna is reading to the kids about Martin Luther King. That national holiday they’re talking about is in his honor. This year it falls on Monday, January 19th.
Who Is Martin Luther King, Jr?
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. made it his life’s work to bring compassion, fairness and equality to all Americans.
The truth is, not everyone believed the way he did in the 1950’s and ’60’s. To bring about change, Dr. King became a social activist and civil rights leader.
He lived in the South. Back then, he saw that Black (Colored) people did not have the same rights as White people.
King led peaceful marches and nonviolent protests chanting, “We Shall Overcome.”
Guided By Family, Faith and The Constitution
Martin became a Baptist minister. His faith guided him to believe in justice and the United States Constitution.
That one-of-a-kind document says that all people in this country have the same rights no matter the color of their hair, skin, religion, age, disability or nationality.
Dr.King was married to Coretta Scott King. She helped him lead the way during the civil rights movement. They were married nearly 15 years.
Together they devoted their lives to his Dream of Equality for All.
Thousands of people crowded together for his famous speech on the mall in Washington DC where he declared that dream.
Sadly, not long after that, Dr. King was shot to death by an assasin on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Dream Lives On
Monday at the Shady Pines Community Center our Director, Rita Mallena, will lead our celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
Children will be asked to think about their dreams. What inspires them? Or who?
They’ll also be asked to share their ideas about ways we should treat people with kindness and respect.
Ray Robinson will be there. He’s been learning about Dr. King in school. He’ll talk about ways kids and their families can make the world a better place through peaceful change, just like Dr. King did. 
What Would Martin Say?
As we look around at our country today, what do you think Martin Luther King would say to us if he were here? Would he be happy about the way we act around people who are different from us?
Just something to think about this Monday, January 19th as we celebrate a man who tried to make positive change for us all!
Welcome dear readers and thank you for visiting Shady Pines Story Town. Can you hear it?
As her list gets longer, Boomerang paddles into the kitchen and lays his handsome head on her lap.
“Pipe down Halley,” growls Boomer. “Mom and I are having a moment.”
Edna retrieves Boomer’s bone from the floor and gives it to him. Next, she point to the ground. “Boomer, down. Now!”
Boomer crunches his bone then looks up.” Yeah, that was nice of them. I got the stuff that was hidden down low and you found the goodies up top.”
Edna turns to hug him. “Hi sweetheart. Let me take your coat.”
“Good point,” says Edna. “Paying attention to even the smallest gesture makes me want to do more to make other people feel better.”
that often reminds me to reach out when someone is sick, or in the hospital. Sometimes just sending a card of some flowers can make their day.”
We see it coming. There’s always a countown as another year comes to an end. What’s the old saying dear reader? “Time Waits For No Man.” It doesn’t wait for any of us – man, woman or child.
They say it’s because our close knit community is dedicated to treating one another with kindness and caring.
We believe in conversation, not confrontation and that by working together we can overcome most challenges. Our neighbors respond to this in a good way and we think our kindness connection makes this small Southern town special.
Let’s face it. Most of us begin each morning thinking about what we ‘Have to Do.” I bet you do, too.
The teachers at the Shady Pines Elementary School got together and came up with game.
One person did something kind and other people saw that and wanted to do the same sort of thing.
Oh good. You made it. You’re here for the holidays. I’m so happy to see you. Glad you chose to visit Shady Pines Story Town during this lovely and hectic time of year. 
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to you.
Watch out! Oh, no! Whoa!
Why that’s just being neighborly, right? When I delivered the mail to her office yesterday she told me about all the people who have sent her holiday cards and thanked her for doing such a good job. It really makes her feel good. Isn’t that nice? She says she’s so grateful.
of weather – hot or cold – making sure our neighbors stay safe. After a big storm, there he is telling us about power outtages and clean up efforts.
Sometimes he and Zulah are down at Town Hall letting us know what the mayor has in mind for road repairs or other improvements around town. Why, I once saw him interviewing a group of folks who didn’t want the big oak tree on Main Street to be torn down.
feels it’s a privilege to make sure people feel their voices are being heard.
He feels good when he can do something to improve the life of a person or a family in need.
Rita says she’s had help from an army of volunteers. By coordinating with the school she’s been able to keep kids entertained and engaged in ways she would never have thought up on her own.
I know the Sanders family will have a thing or two to say. As I park in front of their home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane, I hear voices shouting and laughing. I open the latch to the gate and join the family in the back yard.
So as I finish up my rounds today, I want to deliver this message that my mom told to me. Take time to cherish the people in your life. Time is precious. Count your blessings and be thankful for the good things you do have. Be kind, even when it’s hard. Give people the benefit of the doubt and hope they will do the same for you.
Edna nods. “I really didn’t have a choice. You saw how bad things had gotten. Repairs weren’t being done around town. Potholes in the streets; paint was peeling off of buildings and park benches; why even the dog park was closed.”
Edna giggles. “Remember how Boomer and Halley got involved?”
became a meeting place.”
If you get discouraged about anything feel free to pay us a visit. Because Kindness and Caring Lives Here in Shady Pines Story Town. And you’re always welcome.
If there’s one thing you need to know about Shady Pines is that our quaint Southern town is charming both day and night.
Well, you should know dear readers, this New Moon will not be big and bright like you might imagine. That’s because it will be located between the earth and the sun 
“Oh I know. Most people think the Harvest Moon or The Pink Moon are a big deal. But this moon is unique. For one thing, because the sky won’t have moon light we’ll be able to see other stuff.
It turns out t
Edna is wrapping one of her award-winning chocolate chip cookies along with a positive note and tying them up with plastic and a ribbon. The Shady Pines Elementary school kids will get these little positive gifts when they do projects at the community center each Friday. Then they’ll take them home and put them on the refrigerator to make sure the message “Sticks.”