Milliron Monday: Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith 1938-2021

"A bit of my life together with Grandson Grant Wendel Smith" 

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and  Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017). A graduate of Colorado State University and a well-known veterinarian in southeast Ohio, Dr. Smith continues to motivate and inspire. 

Somehow, it was not serendipity or chance that I ran across this poem that Jody had saved since 1964...

Return

by Beulah Fenderson Smith

Frostfire: Poems of Love

If I come back - and well I may, my dear -

You will not find me in a summer rose,

Nor in a twisting, withered copper leaf

That spirals from a naked tree and goes;

You will not find me in a swallow dipping

Through chiffon April curtains of the rain;

You will not find me in the rippling wind

That stirs a sea of golden August grain;

I shall not be a cheery hearthside cricket,

Nor sing from plaintive throat of whippoorwill;

But when the hunter's moon rides to the west,

If you should hear a fox bark on the hill -

Then turn you in your soft, smooth bed a bit,

Knowing, with shuttered eyes, the moon is bright - 

Knowing a vixen runs, alone with stars,

Down all the frosty ridges of the night.

 

Virginia Joyann “Jody” Smith (Haley), age 83, passed away May 9, 2021. She was born on April 2,1938 in Toledo, Ohio, daughter of the late Peter Franklin and the late Virginia Wurl (Rhonemus) Haley, sister of the late Dr. Gary Haley DDS. Jody was a 1956 graduate of Mansfield High School, Mansfield, Ohio, and received her Bachelor of Science and Arts, majoring in English, from Colorado A&M (now Colorado State) in 1960. Jody was a member and served as chaplain of her sorority, Tri Delta, member of Pi Delta Epsilon (National Honorary Journalism Fraternity), Phi Kappa Phi (National Honorary Scholastic Society) and Lambda Iota Tau (Literature Honorary). Jody was a member of the Aggie All-Girl Mounted Quadrille precision riding team, president of the French Club and served as an editor for “The Collegian”. At Colorado A&M, she met the love of her life, the late Abbott Pliny “Pete” Smith III DVM. They married on September 4, 1959. Jody is survived by daughter, Jessica Smith (Richard Fox) and son, Abbott Pliny “Pat” (Karen) Smith IV; grandchildren Abbott Pliny “AJ” Smith V, Grant Smith, Noah Fox, nieces and nephews. In 1963, Pete and Jody moved to Ohio establishing Milliron Farm, eventually opening Milliron Veterinary Clinic. Knowing Athens was the place they would spend their lives, added stability for the Smith family to grow and be of service to their community. Jody is remembered fondly by her grandchildren as a strong-willed woman who taught them many life lessons, including farm life – passing on her love of animals, rescuing many from danger. Jody’s love for horses, all animals, served her well as a veterinarian’s wife. Her many accolades included winning the 1976 AKC National Specialty Best of Winners with her beloved Belgian Sheepdog, The Magic Dragon V Siegestor CD/TD, “Puff”. “Everything in moderation” and “No thank you helpings” were her constant refrain with her children and grandchildren. Jody liked to share her opinions and beliefs, even when no one asked, but it would be hard to find a more genuine, friendly, and helpful person in a time of need especially when it came to her grandchildren. Rooted in faith, reading Bible verses every morning at the breakfast table and attending church, every Sunday, is how the grandchildren remember their Smith grandparents. Jody was an active member of The Church of the Good Shepherd (CHOGS). Jody’s body was donated to the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Willed Body Program. A memorial service to celebrate her life is being planned, 9/4/2022, at CHOGS, followed by a 7-8 pm evening “Athens Social Pack Walk” (Ohio, FaceBook) on “The Ridges”, lower parking lot, Kennedy Museum, with Jody’s beloved rescue and companion dog, Coco (www.AthensConservancy.org and www.FencesforFido.org donations collected). Jody will be deeply missed by her community, family, friends and pets. Contributions can also be made to NAMI,100 Hospital Dr., Athens, OH 45701, www.namiathensohio.org. 

Connect with Gina...

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

Milliron Monday: Trunks & Closets 5 24 2021

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and  Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017). A graduate of Colorado State University and a well-known veterinarian in southeast Ohio, Dr. Smith continues to motivate and inspire. 

When you lose someone who is able to live in their own home until the very last, they leave a lot behind. Keepsakes, pictures, knickknacks, papers, baubles, etc. They have an essence of the person who once treasured them, now for a family member to sort through. 

This last week, after Jody left this earthly plane, her family has been going through her things. It is a difficult task, at best. Closets full of photos, clothes, and memories. Desks, cabinets, drawers - all hold the essentials for living. From her laundry in the hamper to her toothbrush in the bathroom, her keys, her books. A reminder of a dear life is everywhere.

Jody loved her historical farmhouse. It was a part of the Underground Railroad and had a fantastical past. Like listless cobwebs and collected dust, the farmhouse is weary and tired. Once a hub of activity, it leaves full memories for the Smith family. 

Now, after going through piles (and piles) of living, the farmhouse is changing hands to someone else. It's a sign that we're only here for a short while, and that material objects are not as important as the non-material ones. I really don't think Jody was into material things. All she wanted was a good horse to ride, a loyal dog, and a canopied trail.

Going through dead people's houses

Wonderful things they have collected

Open the drawers and trunks and closets

Don't leave a corner uninspected

• From Estate Sale
• Words And Music By:
• Cheryl Wheeler

Connect with Gina...

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

  

Anna Elizabeth Judd, Western Novelist

 

Anna Elizabeth Judd

About the Author

Anna provides it all as if you are in the saddle along for the journey. Her rare books bring the readers joy from nearly every genre they can appreciate. She exuberantly brings the image and sentiments of the west to full life throughout the storyline. Yet, at the core of Judd’s work is a black stallion who engages life into every aspect of the book. Haystack fills children’s mind with wonder as he interacts with Marshal Spur and the Outrider Gang, to the mild minored young steed who brings Adam to new levels of learning in his life. Then he is brilliantly portrayed as a beautiful Appaloosa stallion in the Broncobuster as Cash.

Anna Elizabeth Judd includes a vast trove of Western Novels depicting the “Cowboy Way,” Horse Whispers, Gunslingers, and the Wild West, but very few scratch the surface relative to the vibrant depictions through which Anna takes this storyline in The Hourglass of el Diablo.

In her newest edition, The Handbook of Horsemanship Ann shows her extended knowledge in the art of horse training. As she originally wrote the book for her clients, so after the training with her was complete they would have a guide to take home. It ensured their continued success in the world of horsemanship.

Anna has many other books planned in the future, so stay tuned for the next adventure of Marshal Spur and the Outlaw coming winter 2020. But…… don’t think she has left us longing…. Dive into her new music album for all the young cowboys and girls in the world. Spur Up! Marshal Spur and the Outlaw.

Websites:

thewesternnovelist.com

annaelizabethjudd.com  

Amazon Author Page

Reverb Nation Music Album 

https://www.reverbnation.com/annaelizabethjudd/song/31976038-the-hourglass

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/thewesternnovelist/

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/westernsbyjudd/

Twitter:  twitter.com/westernsbyjudd

Milliron Monday: Remembering Jody 5 17 2021

 

Jody, her mother, and brother
Photo courtesy the Smith family archives.

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and  Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017). A graduate of Colorado State University and a well-known veterinarian in southeast Ohio, Dr. Smith continues to motivate and inspire. 

It is with great sadness to report that Dr. Smith's widow, Jody, passed away in the early morning of Mother's Day, May 9, 2021. We talked on the phone the Thursday before and she sounded good and excited to get together soon, but only after she felt better. Usually a long conversation, we talked briefly. A good friend and mentor, she will be missed. 

Thoughts return to Anne Bronte's poem...

Yet, though I cannot see thee more,

'Tis still a comfort to have seen;

And though thy transient life is o'er,

'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;

To think a soul so near divine,

Within a form, so angel fair,

United to a heart like thine,

Has gladdend once our humble sphere.

Athens, Ohio: Virginia Joyann Smith, 83, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother left this earth to be with her husband, Abbott Pliny Smith III DVM and her beloved animals on May 9, 2021, at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. A celebration of her life will be held on September 4, 2022, at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Athens, Ohio. Donations in memory of Jody Smith can be sent to NAMI, 100 Hospital Drive, Athens, Ohio 45701 or through PayPal website: namiathensohio.org. Virginia Joyann (Jody) Smith

Connect with Gina...

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

  

Feast of Pentecost (First Fruits of God’s Harvest)

 

Today, May 16 is the Feast of First Fruits. The following is an excerpt from my new book due out later this fall, Larry Teaches the Children, and explains this celebration.  
 
Feast of Pentecost
(First Fruits of God’s Harvest)
 
“Mizzur Perry,” said Lucas, one of the children visiting Eloise and I one day after school. “My friend in school was talking about Pente.. something in the Bible. “What is Pente...something and First Fruits?” he asked.
 
“Oh, your friend was probably talking about the Feast of Pentecost or the Feast of First Fruits,” I said. Continuing, “the Feast of Pentecost or First Fruits is celebrated 50 days from the day Jesus was crucified each year.”
 
“Whatiszat,” asked Julie another of the children.
 
“Well a long time ago most of the people were farmers or sheep herders. As farmers they planted the seeds of vegetables and fruits in the spring so that they would grow for the summer and fall,” I explained.
 
“You mean like the farmers in our country do today?” asked Lucas.
 
“Exactly,” I replied. “In the Bible days there were 7 Feasts or we would call them celebrations today.”
 
“Oh, you mean kinda like Christmas or Easter?” asked Julie.
 
“Why?” asked Michael another of the children.
 
“These festivals were reminders of the people of important events in history. Kinda like a link between the past and the present,” I explained. “In the Bible, God told everyone to celebrate these Festivals.”
 
“Why, are they important today?” asked Michael again.
 
“ Some people today believe these Festivals were only meant for the early Biblical times and that the need for them stopped when Christ was crucified on the cross. Believe it or not the Bible itself clearly contradicts this view,” I said.
 
“Whatdoya mean?” asked Julie.
 
“Well, these festivals are called God’s Holy Days and He wants us to celebrate them, because He wants us to know about our future. He tells us his great purpose for our lives and reminds us how to live them. When we celebrate God’s festivals He explains His plan for our future. The biblical festivals and the Holy Days within them fall during three harvest seasons of the year…early spring harvest, the late spring harvest and the late summer to early fall harvest in the biblical countries of a long time ago,” I explained.
 
“Then why do we need to celebrate these today?” asked Michael.
 
“We need to celebrate these today to show God’s spiritual harvest of all of us to eternal life by Jesus Christ,” I said. Continuing I said, “ God’s Holy Days help us to understand His master plan…the way to truly become His people and to be with Him when we die and go to heaven.”
 
“Hey,” asked Lucas, “you said there were 7 festivals in the Bible.
What are they?”
 
“Good question, “ I said, “They are Passover, Feast of the Unleavened Bread, Pentecost that we are talking about today, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, and the Eighth Day. We’ll talk about the others later, but for now let me try to explain Pentecost.”
 
“Why 7,” asked Michael. “Why not 10 or 12 or some other number?”
 
“Seven is a very strong biblical number meaning ‘complete,” I explained.
“Anyway these Holy Days have meaning that build upon each other. Together they reveal how God works with us and guides us to be
with Him when we die.
 
Let me tell you a story,” I continued.
 
“This is a story about a great miracle that happened on the first Pentecost Festival way back in bible times. Remember Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, but He didn’t go straight to heaven. The Bible teaches it was 50 days from when He rose from the dead. During these 50 days His disciples or students started telling people about Jesus and all that He did and said. In this period the Bible tells us there were 120 believers that His disciples had taught and who believed in Jesus. But on this 50th day Jesus wanted to pour out His Holy Spirit to these new believers before He went to be with His father in Heaven. So these new believers from all over the biblical world came together in one place, even though many spoke different languages and could not understand each other, they joined together in celebration of Jesus. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled the whole house where the 120 were sitting. They were filled with God’s Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them that ability. The interesting thing was that the people who were speaking in different languages were gathered together hearing and understanding the speech of the disciples. This demonstrated the presence of the Holy Spirit.
 
At first the people who saw this miracle were astonished and some thought the statements made by the disciples as being drunk. Then one of the disciples named Peter, now filled with the Holy Spirit, explained the event to the crowd as a fulfillment of the prophet Joel’s prophecy, when he said, ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all.’
 
God used these miracles and Peter’s preaching to add 3,000 more people to His Church in one day! These people were converts and were all baptized and received the Holy Spirit! The day of Feast of Pentecost is an annual reminder that God poured out His Holy Spirit to establish His Church, the group of believers who are led by His Spirit.”
 
“Whoa,” said Lucas. “What is the Holy Spirit?”
 
“The Holy Spirit is how God talks to us or His power if you will. Think of the wind. Can you see it? No. Can you taste it? No. But you can feel it, right? That is how God talks with us, through the Holy Spirit. We can’t see it, we can’t taste it, but when we read the Bible or learn from a religious leader we can feel it. So it is one way that God guides us,” I answered.
 
“Remember that God’s way of thinking makes peace, happiness and concern for others. Jesus once complimented a religious scholar who correctly quoted the basis of God’s law: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,, with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ The man quoted from two books in the Old Testament, Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
 
Jesus confirmed in the New Testament book of Matthew that the Old Testament scriptures are based on these two great principles of love. Because after Jesus’ resurrection, God lived in the Church, its members could express genuine love for one another. Jesus said, ‘ A new commandment I give you…that you love one another as I have loved you…’ . By this all will know that you are My disciples, ‘if you have love for one another.’”
 
“So what does all this mean the Festival of First Fruits or Pente…what did you call it?” asked Lucas.
 
“Well remember that Pentecost or First Fruits are the first farm products to mature and open. Throughout the Bible, God uses stories of the harvest--- particularly on First Fruits or Pentecost to give examples of His plan to get us to heaven. This spring harvest of wheat and barley was the first fruits of the yearly agricultural cycle. One of the first harvest lessons of the New Testament is that Jesus Christ ‘is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.’ Pentecost serves as an annual reminder that God still works miracles, granting His Holy Spirit to those called to be the first fruit of His spiritual harvest, giving them the power to carry out His work in this world. In this world we are simply at the beginning of the harvest for the Kingdom of God.”
 
“So-o-o-o-o what you are saying is that God wants us to love each other as we love Him, and that He talks to us through the Holy Spirit and we celebrate that on First Fruits or Pentecost to remind us of all that.” said Julie.
 
“ I think you’ve got it,” I said, “now lets get some milk and cookies Eloise has made for us.”
 
 
*****
May God Bless and keep you and yours!!!
 
Larry

NOTE: This letter is sent to anyone interested in receiving these inspirational notes. There is no charge and you are encouraged to forward these to anyone you think would benefit from reading them. If you would like to receive them direct, just send an email to me at larryperry@att.net and ask.

My Journal: Lion of God - Cover Art by David Christian Perry

 

A place to write your goals, dreams, stories, and much more! Filled with 130 lined pages, each with a positive word that inspires and motivates your life. Keep writing.

Available in Paperback Here!

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com/journals

May Featured Author: Patricia L.H. Black, Children's Literature

 

May Featured Author: Patricia L.H. Black, Children's Literature 

        Who am I?  Answering this question could take volumes and the answer would differ with each person of whom it is asked.  The straightforward answer is:  I am Patricia L.H. Black.  I live in the United States.  I’ve lived here most of my adult life, since 1963.  But set out that way, for those of you who do not know me personally, it tells you nothing.

I am an editor and a poet.  I primarily edit academic papers, I’ve edited some books and, here of late, I’ve edited a few memoires and some children’s books.  I am a formal poet in the sense that my poems usually adhere to some accepted poetic form – an ode, a cinquain, a ballad, a sonnet.  Don’t assume from that that my poetry is solemn, weighty, profound.  Sometimes, yes; usually not.

I come from a wordy family that finds the English language one of the best toys in the world. Puns are a way of family life but we’ve developed some pretty high standards. Straining too hard for a pun is likely to earn one the comment, “You’re reaching and I’m retching.”  I believe that if I have to explain a pun I’ve failed, either pushing the association too far or having misjudged my audience.

It is unfortunate that people think they don’t like poetry.  They like popular music, country music, gospel music; they love rapping.  If you take the music from any of these you’ll find poetry, usually rhyming poetry but not always.  And words do not need to rhyme to be poetic.  Read the King James Version of the English Bible to see what I mean.  With no instrument in sight, the words literally sing off the page.

Word choice can make or break a poem or can greatly improve it.  I have learned to let a poem I’ve just written sit for a week or more after I think I’ve finished it.  When I go back to it, after the  flush of creation has dissipated, I find ways to tweak it that really make a difference. 

For example, I have a poem “Don’t Go There” which originally had the line The jays and the grackles and the big black crows… which is acceptable and the alliteration of big and black is a good poetic device.  But I think the line really benefited from being changed to The jays and the grackles and the great dark crows….  It sounds more ominous and fits the poem’s tenor better.  Later in that same poem is something that I love about poetry – the creating of an impression or atmosphere without being implicit.  The lines are and the moss hangs/ grey as a dead man’s clothes.  Obviously,  a dead man could be dressed in the brightest of colors but the lines suggest a darker picture.

                     Twilliby Pond @ Barnes&Noble     Amazon

Horse Coloring Book by Kim W. Hunter

This 40-page HORSE COLORING BOOK is one you or your friends can enjoy individually or share with the WHOLE FAMILY! The images range from simple line drawings to images created from actual photographs and can be brought to life with an EASY SHADING TECHNIQUE! Most appropriate for ages 7 through adult. Favorite images could be selected and colored by different members of the family to create an interesting family keepsake. It's best to use COLORED PENCILS for the easiest and most beautiful results! Puppy, cat, and butterfly themed coloring books--and more--are also available from this creator!

Available in Paperback HERE! 

See all of Teacher Kim's Books Here!

 Kim W. Hunter Amazon Author Page

Teacher Kim Amazon Author Page

Facebook@Teacher-Kims-Books-and-Journals

 

About the Author 

They've been a long time coming and now it's time to get the poetry, ancestry stories, and more bilingual children's books out there! (Be sure to search for my "Teacher Kim" Author Central page for a look at some simply designed journals for recording your ancestry research and preserving your own stories and memories for future generations!)

I'm currently hunkered down in Cambodia during the CoViD-19 Pandemic after teaching English most of the past 8 years in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. I'm from the United States and have a deep appreciation for my time in Hawai'i. My Master's Degree is in Social Work. Most of my experience is in the fields of hospice, aging, LGBT advocacy, homelessness, HIV education, teaching, and serving people facing life-challenging illnesses like cancer and hemophilia.

All sales from books help me to assist students and young people from the rural and mountainous areas of Cambodia, Laos and, hopefully soon, in the Philippines. I am extremely grateful for your support.

The Author with Khmu kids in a village in Northern Laos

Nature's Testament by Kevin Samuel

Nature’s Testament

by Kevin Samuel

Nature's Testament makes the mind of its readers course the beautiful, florid boulevard where the soul is in union with Nature, Love and the very essence of our existence here on earth, through meditation.

This piece allows us to recall that death is inevitable, and that the phenomenon is a reminder that we are not permanent residents on earth.

Available in Paperback & eBook HERE!

 

About the Author

Kevin Samuel enjoys Italian opera including Verdi, Donizetti and Bellini. He draws inspiration from classical music and Nature, especially by the sea side. His highly imaginative mind is laid bare in this piece. He is also an avid reader of literature that cut across different subjects.

Milliron Monday: Well enough 5 10 2021

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and  Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017). A graduate of Colorado State University and a well-known veterinarian in southeast Ohio, Dr. Smith continues to motivate and inspire. 

We are in May. May 2021. How did we get here so quickly? Days are long, years swim by. And I think about opportunities, people, and Milliron Monday. I always look to Jody for Milliron Monday inspiration - new stories, poetry, or maybe something she's told me ten times before. I have them all recorded, you know. That's what a good writer does, I guess. Records. Journals. Keeps the record so we don't forget. We all should have someone to do that for us.

Recordings from long car rides, afternoons at the barn, lunch dates, friendly visits, and more, are kept in a safe place. To and fro creates a lot of time for talking, laughing - and stories. Some stories can be shared and saved in the archives. Some can't. Nonetheless, the hours of conversation are enough to fill many Sunday afternoons when I have quiet time and feel the need to hear it again... and again. There is always something new that I missed, or a stirred emotion that drives inspiration; intangible, intellectual property that is mutually shared. Posterity, I call it, to honor those who loved life and tried to live their life's purpose and fulfill their destiny. We can learn a lot from their stories.

Sometimes I wonder if I ask too many questions. But, you have to know what you don't know if you want to keep the record. 

First, I always ask, "Jody, how are you today?" and she always replies, "Well enough." And that shall be my reply henceforth if you ask me how I am today. Well enough. 

Connect with Gina...

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.