Nothing to say, yet
Transcription
Maya lives in Coconut Cove and is surrounded by love. She enjoys being outside and helping her father in their garden. Maya is excited to visit her grandmother in Persimmon Village, a peaceful and friendly place. Maya and her mother decide to bake Grandma her favorite cookies. While baking, Maya remembers her grandfather and their fun memories together. They talk about missing loved ones and the blessings they bring. Maya is also excited to see her dog, Hazel, and her friends in Persimmon. They enjoy the smell of freshly baked cookies and sing a song when they're done. Maya goes to bed, looking forward to the day ahead. Shalom. Welcome to Storytime at Bedtime with me, Ima Marie, where the righteous imagination has a home and a place to roam. As you settle in and relax, come with me on a journey that will tickle the mind and warm the heart. Do you know that acts of kindness are of the most high and can take you far in life? When was the last time you were kind to someone or someone was kind to you? How did it make you feel? I'd like to tell you about a story called The Kindness Garden, where we will explore the power of kindness and friendship and how it can transform even the simplest places into something extraordinary. In this episode, it starts with a young child named Maya. She lives in a city called Coconut Cove. The city is big, fun, and inviting with lots of things to do. There are many parks, museums, musical events. Multiple times a year, the city holds an event called Praise in the Park. People from all over gather to express their gratitude to the Most High through songs. The people are very socially kind. Maya likes where she lives. She is surrounded by so much love. She is full of energy and curiosity and is known for her beautiful smile, laughter, and ongoing personality. She loves being outside, especially when it's sunny. When she is not rolling down a grassy hill or examining a newly discovered insect or in awe of the flight of birds and butterflies, she is pretty busy helping her father in their garden. Also, Maya is homeschooled by her parents, but mostly by her mother, Shira. All winter long, they have been tending to and maintaining their garden. Now that it's beginning of spring, things are truly developing into something great. As her father steps out of the house with garden tools in his hands, he looks over and sees Maya in the yard. She is carefully touching and smelling some of the beautiful flowers that her and her mom planted to help attract bees. Everyone enjoys the look, smell, and colors of flowers. Maya, her father calls, yes, Albert? Do you think some of the vegetables are ready to be picked today? Her father smiles and says, I was thinking of some chard and kale, hollow greens, cabbage, and peas. What we don't use, we can bring to our community stand at Graham's. Hop, hop, hop. She enters the garden by hopping on the path of stones leading to the garden area. That sounds great, Dad. Maya's father is six feet tall, very handsome, with a beautiful, smooth, dark chocolate skin tone. His smile is like a warm hug, and his personality is inviting and calm with much wisdom. Her father kneels down in front of a bright green bush. Maya, do you see this plant? Do you remember when you thought it was dead? Maya laughed. Yeah, because it has no leaves on it. Doesn't that mean a plant is in trouble? She replied. Her father smiled in his heart at her efforts to understand and said, that is a good guess to make with most plants, Maya. I am proud of how you are thinking about this. However, some plants do go dormant, meaning they look like they have no life, but it's more like they are sleeping, simply waiting for their season to shine. I want you to remember that even though something looks bad, it does not mean there is no hope for it. Soon enough, we will be feasting on pomegranates, your mother's favorite fruit. Maya tilts her face forward towards the sky, stretches her arms out like an airplane, and begins to twirl around the garden. I won't forget, promise, she replies. On this particular day, Maya could hardly contain her excitement because winter is over and spring marks a very special time for her. This spring, she gets suspended with one of her best friends, her grandmother, and she can hardly wait. Her grandmother lives in a village called Persimmon. Persimmon is a quiet place, full of shalom, and a safe place, especially for children. No one in Persimmon Village worries or goes a day without their basic needs provided for. The people in this village are friendly and always greet each other in passing. It's the kind of place most people would choose to raise a family. Maya's parents grew up in this village, and they like to visit whenever the opportunity presents itself. Maya was born in Persimmon Village, which is about a seven-hour drive from Coconut Cove. In fact, her grandmother, as a midwife, helped bring her into this world. She helped raise Maya as she grew. They have a strong bond and connection till this very day. Baba, Maya says, yes. Her father answers, I'm happy. We're going to see Grandma. I love her so much, and I love spending time with her. I know, her father says. My mother is a wonderful woman. Growing up, I enjoyed spending time with her and my father. Today, I'm more than grateful for them being in my life. They truly cared for me. Maya's grandmother is a great cook. She also gives best hugs and likes to cuddle with Maya. Since Maya was a baby, her grandmother has been there every step of the way, helping her and making her feel like she can do and be anything. Maya's dad asked her, tell me, Maya, what is it that you like best about spending time with Grandma? After some thought, she replies, she is always kind to me, even when I make a mistake. I don't know anyone who don't like Grandma. Just then, Maya's eyes widen and lit up like the sun. Daddy, Daddy, I have an idea for when we go to see Grandma. I'll go talk to Mom. I'll see you later. See you later, baby girl. I'm sure it's a great idea. Her father, he chuckles. She runs from the garden towards the house and finds her mother in the kitchen cooking. Ima, Ima, I have an idea. Let's bake Grandma her favorite cookies tonight. She's going to be so surprised. Her mother looks at her with a cooking spoon in hand and says, Now, Maya, that's a great idea. I'm down. Go ahead and gather all the ingredients so we can start making these brown butter, pecan, oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies right after dinner. Maya straightens her stance with her arms at her side and salutes a mother's saying, Yes, ma'am. And they both start laughing. After dinner, Maya's mom looks at her and says, Are you ready? Maya replies, I sure am. Can I brown the butter this time? I promise to do it like you showed me. Her mom replies, Sure. I'll be right here with you because Grandma sure don't like black butter cookies. They both giggle. Shira, her mother, is a beautiful, tall, and slender woman. She has a cinnamon skin tone with a golden personality. She likes to style her very thick, shoulder-length hair in big twists. She is very outgoing and funny at times. Her smile is just as big and beautiful as her daughter's. Her presents feel like the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Her mother's cheek is on. Her mother checks on her progress. Wow, baby girl, you browned that butter just right. Maya smiles and says, Thanks, Mom. That's because I have a good teacher. Her mom pauses and says, Sprinkle, speaking of teaching, how are you enjoying fifth grade? What's your favorite subject so far? Maya thinks for a while. I like reading the most because we learn so much together from it. I also like gardening class with Dad. Math is okay, but what I like the most is being the cashier when we play supermarket games. They are halfway through mixing the batter before it rests in the fridge. Her mom says, This will surely put a smile on Grandma's face. We are doing good. Maya looks down, lowers her head, and speaks softly. Mom, I still miss Grandpa. Her mother faces her, gently places her hand on her chin to lift up her face and looks her in the eyes. It's okay, baby. I miss him, too. It's okay to miss your loved ones and be sad and cry sometimes. Make sure to remember all of the good times you shared together. They are a blessing in your life that will always bring joy. Praise God for that. What is it that you miss the most about Grandpa? I miss his bedtime stories and his jokes of puppet shows we would put on for Grandma. He would have us laughing all night. Her mom replied, Ah, Maya, those are great memories. I remember some of those puppet shows, and it was really cute. I was amazed at how you could get your grandfather to do anything with you, and it sure was hilarious. They both laughed. After putting the first batch of cookies in the oven, Maya remembered a few more things. Oh, Mom, do you think Hazel will remember me? It's been a while. Shira replied, I don't see why not. Dogs have pretty good memories. Maya continued, She is the cutest dog ever. Me and my friends would run around with her in the yard for hours. Maya said, laughing, One time, we smeared peanut butter all over the inside of a bowl. She must have been licking that bowl for hours. I took a nap and everything. She said, laughing, But when she was done, things were super clean, and she still wanted more. Shira said, laughingly, Maya, now you know y'all wrong for that. They both laughed. I told my friends I'm going to miss them, but I will be. Great, but I will be glad to see my friends in Persimmon for a while. Her mother replied, Me too, baby. I like reuniting with my friends. It's always great to catch up and reconnect. Maya sat on the stool in front of the oven watching the cookies bake and enjoying the sweet smell. Shira noticed that the time on the cookies has only a few seconds left in the analysis. And the countdown begins. They both began. Five. Four. Three. Two. One. The stove alarm began to sound. Off. Beep. Beep. Beep. As they began to sing, Cookie time. Cookie time. They both laughed and sang while taste testing at least one cookie. After they cleaned the kitchen, it was time to get ready for bed. Lila told sweetie, I love you. Rest well, her mom concluded. Good night, mom. Love you too, Maya replied. Early the next day, Maya woke up to the sun peeking through her window. She got up and sat on a cushion in her window and closed her eyes. She hears the wind blowing and shaking the leaves on the trees and the birds chirping in the trees nearby her window. She wondered what the day would be like while observing the activity of the birds. Birds are her favorite because they can fly. Sometimes she would love to have the ability to do something she would love to have the ability to do. They are so cute the way they hop, play, and come in so many different beautiful colors. Birds also make Maya smile because on the Sabbath day, her mother and father tell her how she is important and loved by them and Yahuwah. Maya closes her eyes and remembers her parents talking to her in her mind. Maya, when you look at the birds, do you see how the Most High cares for them and gives them all that they need? Are you not much more valuable than they are to us and the Most High? She smiles. Every now and then her father says to her, are you not? To remind her of this truth, she smiles. Maya! Her mother sang from the kitchen. Go ahead and brush your teeth and wash your face. Breakfast is near about ready. Maya gets up and goes straight into the bathroom, grabs a toothbrush, and begins to brush her teeth while humming a happy tune. In her thoughts are flowing memories of her at her grandparents' house and how much she looks forward to visiting them. As soon as she is finished with her hygiene, she skips down the hall to her bedroom and gets dressed. Her outfit was laid out that she picked from the night before, a beautiful sundress that her grandmother bought her last summer. Grandma also bought a matching one for herself. It is purple and yellow, which are their favorite colors, and printed with flowers and butterflies. As Maya enters the kitchen, she looks over at her mother's beautiful smile. Maya, you look so beautiful today. Maya replies, thanks, Mom. You're welcome, says Mom. Come and have a seat. I made your favorite breakfast this morning. Maya's eyes got real big, almost as big as the smile on her face, and she said, wow, I can smell it. You made big, fluffy waffles. Yup, with caramelized banana slices, toasted maple pecan, and fresh fruit. Maya, along with her mother and father, gave thanks to Yahuwah and enjoyed a lovely breakfast together. A mother reaches over the table, grabbing Maya's empty plate, and reminds Maya that they will need to pack for her spring vacation with Grandma. Later that day, Maya hand-picked every outfit with her mother's assistance. Maya also packed the leftover seeds from the flowers her and her mother recently planted, so she could bless Grandma with them. After they were all done packing, her mother said, Maya, your father and I will pack the car. I want you to use the bathroom before we head out, and let's not forget your umbrella, because it could rain while you're there. Maya replied, okay, Ma. Ran to the restroom, then grabbed a few quick snacks for the car ride and headed out the door, but just in that short period of time, she hopped into the car, completely forgetting to grab her umbrella. As they began to drive away from the house, Maya observed her surroundings. She loves looking at the different trees, lakes, rivers, schools, parks, people, and buildings, because they all interest her imagination. While she is taking in the view, her father says to her mother, Chode out, Shira, for agreeing to take this trip with me to help out my mom. This means so much to me and to her. I really appreciate it. After the loss of Dad, things have not exactly been the same. Shira replies, you are welcome, my love. I am happy to be a part of this. Your mom is like a second mother to me. She has always treated me with love and respect. I would do anything for her, and I couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law or husband. Maya is familiar with the route back to her grandmother's house. Since they moved, they traveled often, so the distance never felt too great. Recently, this last gap of time has been the longest that they haven't seen each other. Maya reflects on her friendship she created near her grandmother's house. Aba, Ima, when I see my friends, I will have so much to tell them. Maya's mother tells her, I appreciate how well you listen to your friends and the bond you all have with each other. Friends are special. I'm glad you care for them the way you do. Maya smiles and notices that music is playing very low in the background and asks her father to turn it up. Her father exclaims, every road trip needs some good music. So he turned up the volume on one of their favorite instrumentals. From the melody of the tunes and the relaxing effects of a car ride, it eventually put Maya to sleep. Not long after, she slowly wakes up to her father's voice. Maya, wake up, sweetie. We are finally here. Calmly expresses her father as they pulled up into the driveway of her grandmother's house. Maya quickly adjusts herself and looks around and exclaims, hallelujah. Her parents laugh and say, go ahead, sweetie. We'll let you be the first to greet her at the door. She would love that. Maya hops out of the car and runs to the front door and rings the doorbell twice. Ding dong, ding dong. She hears her grandmother's footsteps and then her voice saying from within the house, I'm coming. I'm on my way. Maya feels her heart is thumping with expectation. Bump, bump, bump, bump, bump. She sees the door knob turn and the door slowly pushes open wider and wider. And Hazel runs out of the house, jumping on her leg and wagging her tail, barking with excitement, turning her away from the door. Then Maya turns back around and looks up. Grandma! Grandma! Open her arms with a big smile on her face. Come here, baby girl. And Maya ran into her loving arms. I hope you all enjoyed the first episode of The Kindness Garden. Thank you for being good listeners and join us next time because there will be many more adventures for Maya and her grandmother's house. Do you have a family member that you really like spending time with? Have you ever been on a long road trip? What do you think? What do you remember? Oh, wow. What do you think will happen in the next episode? As you lie in your bed, I want you to always remember how special and valuable you are to Abba Yahuwah as his chosen people. Until we meet again, may Yahuwah bless you and keep you and grant you his peace. Shalom. Rilat Tov Yaladim. Rest well. Yay. I was like, you have to read so much. I don't know how I'll ever read this without making a fun bloop.
