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Recent Reviews for Patricia C Behnke
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Tortoise Stew (Book) - 12/30/2007 11:23:41 PM
I think we ought to sign Patricia Behnke to speak at our next League of Idaho Writers workshop. Funny Lady!
A Victorian Justice (Book) - 7/16/2006 10:31:23 AM
An intriguing book indeed. I will most definitely have to get this book.
Tortoise Stew (Book) - 2/19/2006 8:28:15 AM
Makes me want to find out whether the town ended up with a landing strip, or not.
What was I thinking? (Short Story) - 1/5/2009 9:07:08 PM
A beautiful story. I, too, have a daughter. Fortunately she settled in within a hundred miles of me. I can certainly relate to your story, it is very touching. Thank you for sharing.
Why I Volunteer with a hospice (Short Story) - 11/16/2008 9:37:20 AM
Dear Patricia and Authorsden members and readers,
As I approach my 76th birthday, the only way you can understand how much I value life is to read my posted poem, "Oh, Dear God, Tell Me Why!" It is an amazing story that fills me with wonder even to think about it. That poem tells of my miraculous beginning in life and why I can hardly believe that I am even here and, further, strengthens my belief that there is a purpose for every life.
In the years since, I have shared much of what life has to offer, including an astounding calling one morning when I was paddling my red canoe on a nearby lake. Suddenly, I knew that I should visit my only aunt a thousand miles away that I hadn't seen for fifty years. And so I did. When she saw me, she clutched my shoulders and sobbed, "Oh, I thought I would never see you, again. I just knew that I had been totally forgotten, even by God!"
In the next three months, I made the trip to see her many more times and talked with her by telephone every single day, which acts I was told later became the highlights of her fading life. This dear woman died peacefully in the kind environment of a caring hospice. Ever have I been thankful that I took the time to heed "the call."
It is from this perspective that I believe in my heart, my dear Patricia, that you are one of God's treasures on earth. Bless you for your volunteer work with the hospice. Acts of unselfish kindness do not go unnoticed by God. When we live with God in our heart, our future is to live in the heart of God.
Richard
Another New Moon in Africa (Short Story) - 8/8/2008 2:17:12 PM
I am in suspense over this story! How does it end and what is happening with the Swan's today?
Sea Turtle Love (Short Story) - 10/9/2007 6:46:33 PM
I felt like I was there with you.
How I Became a Freelance Writer (Short Story) - 6/27/2007 9:18:09 PM
This story is music to my ears. I no longer have the fear to write full time.
I will continue untill i'm publised; I'm not ready to be famous yet.
I'm also glad you mentioned your struggle to sell the books on your own and not give up. When it becomes my turn I will wear flats and carry a back pack. Thanks
Why I Volunteer with a hospice (Short Story) - 6/27/2007 8:58:00 PM
God Bless you. I am a caregive in Michigan. My maternal grandmother used the services of Hospice as she passed from a rare form of Melanoma Skin cancer. My paternal grandmother used a hospice agency in Florida as she slowly allowed God to take her. She passed away April 26, 2006 from a terrible relaspe in Breast Cancer that had spread all over her body. when ever a person has the pleasure of preparing for death Hospice services are the best way to go.
No One Ever Knows (Short Story) - 5/2/2007 12:03:57 PM
A wonderful write and so much heart of yours there. You do never know. Good write here. Lady J
No One Ever Knows (Short Story) - 5/1/2007 7:06:28 PM
O, my, Patricia, what a wonderful and stirring story, all the more so because it came not from your imagination but from the reality of your own life.
I am reminded of my Aunt Maxine. She lived alone in a small house in a little town in Oregon, all by herself from 1938 to 2003. Her choice. I hadn't seen her for fifty years, though I talked with her by telephone two or three times a year. One day I sensed things had changed for the worse for her. Believing she might need some assistance, I traveled nearly a thousand miles to visit her and found her suffering from cancer with only weeks to live. On the bed she had not risen from for eight years, she clutched me, sobbing her gratitude that I had come to see her when she was sure that even God had forsaken her.
On my Den site under the poem Be Still and Hear My Voice, there is a picture of me coming in from an early morning lake-paddle in my bright red canoe named Mickey II. "Mickey" was the childhood name of my dear aunt. The woman I thought was destitute and needing help died, leaving me an astounding inheritance. When she was alive, I went to visit her. In her passing, I remember her now by naming my little boat in her honor.
This event was the lead story on the front page of the newspaper in Salem, Oregon, complete with pictures and bold captions.
What drew me to her is because I heard the admonition: Be Still and Hear My Voice. I did and I acted upon it. And that's what generated my poem.
Patricia, in your attention and care for your aunts in their final days, I believe you were indeed a messenger from God, just as I believe that I was in coming to visit my lonely and dying aunt.
As I explained in my review of your short story Acts of Kindness, God works one person at a time. I suggested one reader at a time visit a nursing home and a lonely, forgotten person there. And I believe such an act of kindness does not go unnoticed by God.
Your acts of kindness have not gone unnoticed, Patricia. Bless you.
And bless you for bringing us this wonderful, personal story from your own life. Kindness is its own reward.
Richard
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/28/2007 6:25:09 AM
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. I have believed since I was in high school, that what I send out comes back to me. If I want kindness, love, respect.... I must send out the same.
My religion is kindness, and I say thank you every day.
Your story is very touching to me. I wish you much peace.
Love,
Mary Lynn Plaisance~
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/26/2007 12:47:05 AM
Now faith is the substance of things not seen, evidence of things not yet heard. . . .love that word NOW, and glad to share this message with others Sis. Patricia. God bless you, keep on doing little kindnesses and writing wonderful thoughts like this. Amen to NOW!
blessin's,
cynth'ya lewis reed
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 12:43:32 PM
A touching story with an important message Patricia. As Nancy says, the world would be a much better place if we all took the time to do someone a kindness each day.
All the best
Jessica.
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 11:25:51 AM
Very well said. Many little acts of kindness can change a world. Lady J
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 11:04:55 AM
If only everyone would do one act of kindness each day;what a wonderful world this would be. Acts of Kindness is like a boomerang; it always comes back. Very good Patricia.
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 10:57:15 AM
OH Wow... truer words have not been written, life has taught me this lesson again and again, and you feel so much better when you step outside of yourself and do for others! I think I have finally matured enough (it took a long time) to accept that people are who they are and that it isn't my job to make them agree with me or to withhold my love because they don't share my view. I love this story... thank you Patricia... for the inspiration & reaffirming message/truth!
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 10:14:04 AM
Patricia, I agree with you 100 percent about even little acts of kindness. There are so many people that I wish I knew how to contact that I'd like to thank for making even small impressions in my life. I have had a hard life and regardless I still find the time to reach out and do even little things for others no matter how bad my day goes. It always makes me feel better because I feel like I've pleased God in some way. I had even written a poem many years ago about how simple acts of kindness can affect people. I called it INFLUENCE
If you drop a pebble in the water
And it's ripples reach out far
The moonbeams dancing on them
May reflect them to a star
If you give a smile to someone passing
It may make their morning glad
And it may great you in the evening
When your own heart may be sad
So like the pebble in the water
When it's ripples reach out far
We must be careful of our friendships
We must know who our real friends are
Are they like wolves are to a sheep?
Are they like hunters are to rabbits?
Remember 1 Corinthians 15:33
Bad association spoils useful habits
Like a body without spirit
Faith without works is dead
Do no let your hand rest
That's what wise King Solomon said
So we must continue reaching
Yes the reaching must go on
Because we never know
Who it might have influence on
So do a deed of simple kindness
Although it's end you may not see
It can reach like widening ripples
Down a long eternity
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 9:28:52 AM
This story is not only wonderfully written, but the message it gives us is one that we should live with every day. You don't know how many people you influence in a single day, and by showing one single act of kindness you can change a whole life.
Thank you Patricia for writing such a wonderful and timely article.
Maura Clegg
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 9:25:45 AM
I've been sitting back and evaluating the moments in my life when one person made the difference for me. Perhaps I didn't have people intervene at all the best times; but there are one or two souls I can think of who took the time to stoop in front of me as a child, and look to me eye-to-eye, and make an impression that would remain with me until this day.
-A fifth grade teacher; who showed me how to write, and opened the world of writing and creativity to me.
-An older woman with agoraphobia and the sweetest heart in the world helping me through my darkest times.
-The random people who I run into every day who give me reason to believe that pretty much everyone is inherently good.
-My sister.
These people have shaped me. They've made me understand that kindness can be the thing that binds us together.
Thank you for the lovely article, and thank you Richard for pointing me to it. :)
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 9:09:13 AM
Hi Patricia and thanks so much for your e:mail. I'm always receptive to new and smiling faces. I love your photo, referencing the water; It is my weakness so I am always on my friends boat. "Acts of Kindness" is a wonderfully told, true life story that should not go unnoticed. There is a significance in self-expression, as you have shown in your own act of kindness, by sharing such a wonderful story of thought. Just a words come to life, I believe that acts of kindness do, as well.
Many blessings to you.
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/24/2007 3:07:52 AM
beautiful words so Spiritual Kindness is healing not just to those who were kind to but it is healing to our Souls thanks for this beautiful write. Hugs to you
Angela
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/23/2007 8:22:07 PM
Hi Patricia, these are wise words. Often forgotten in a world where hurry is often the state of mind. In the briefiest of moments as you've reminded us here, a simple act of kindness can completely transform the mindset of another. Thank you.
Acts of Kindness (Short Story) - 4/23/2007 7:30:38 PM
My dear Patricia,
We really must do something about getting the word out about you. You've been a member of AD since "before 2003," and this article was posted over two years ago, yet I'm only the third person to pause to read your message and to leave a review.
First things first:
Acts of Kindness is thoughtful, well organized and well written. It delivers a powerful message for all of us.
I want to build on what you suggest and invite everyone to do this act: Visit a nursing home and take the time to visit with someone who is sitting alone in a room waiting for an old friend or a relative to stop by, even though they know it has been so long ago that someone visited that they've given up hope.
The person at the front desk will know who to guide you to. You don't have to know that person. Just take them a flower and tell them that God asked you stop by and say hello. Then share with them something of yourself. Read them one or more of your poems. Wish them a happy day and ask if you can come back again sometime to visit.
That, my friends, is an act of kindness that takes a little doing on your part but, O, the reward is so much bigger! That old, lonely person will be forever greatful, and you'll feel so good inside!
And when your time comes to meet God face-to-face and He asks what you did in your time on earth to justify His gift to you of life, you tell Him you heard his message that He wanted you to visit that special person in the nursing home. And you did!
And you know what? God may well have placed that person in that home on that day, just to give you a training ground for the bigger plans He has for you now that you are going His way.
Patricia, thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful and meaningful article. If for nothing else, it triggered me to climb up on my soap box, which I am wont to do.
And now that I have done what God asked me to do, let's see if we have any visitors wanting to review your work or just leave their name and that they were here. God works one person at a time. Don't keep score. Just watch Him at work!
My love and best wishes to you,
Richard
Sperm Across America (Short Story) - 10/17/2006 3:51:47 PM
Funny story, loved it!
Sea Turtle Love (Short Story) - 10/5/2006 3:01:14 PM
Good story. It makes you want to follow the turtle into the water to see what happens.
Sea Turtle Love (Short Story) - 10/2/2006 8:16:41 AM
Patricia,
Very good and unique story; very well done! BRAVA!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
What was I thinking? (Short Story) - 9/2/2006 4:43:15 PM
Enjoyed the story. Kids, wish them luck when they leave, welcome them back when they return. Take a deep breath and count to ten both episodes. At least that's the way it happened, three kids, in my house. s/henry
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 4/25/2008 1:29:35 PM
Thank you for taking the time on this subject. Whether someone be "insane" or "lazy" it is completely beside the point. Even if I were fool enough to believe these people inferior to me, I still wouldn't want to confine myself to a beautiful prison on a hill to escape the real world effects of desperate people left to fend for themselves. It's impossible to see the logic in that, even with a cold dead heart.
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 2/26/2008 3:36:31 PM
Estimated 43 To 50 Million USA Citizens Live Sleep In Your Our Streets,Most Little Children Starving = Being Raped, Killed By Pervert Child Molesters-----Can't Believe It -HUH!
I Was Homeless For Over 5 Months Slept in My Car Los Angelese Sleazy Mexifornia Streets--NOBODY BUT NOBODY GIVES GOOD SHIT...
US.Gov Polticians "Satans Puppets" Try Tell You Homeless Are Mentally Ill---I'll See Them You All In Holy Hell Long Before I Ever Get There!
What Makes Any Of You Think You Are INFALLIBLE!
Credit For Illuminating Write!
TRASK
Friendly Fire and Other Absurdities (Article) - 11/19/2007 7:14:33 AM
I just suppose it's a nice way to say "we ****** up"
As a combat veteran "friendly fire" was actually a great thing.
It made us aware of who really had the fire power-
It's a world of noise- You just have to be careful and approach the noise with caution. In the heat of battle mistakes are made for several reasons. To reason with death is truly a struggle of the mind.
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 7/9/2007 8:08:05 AM
A timely reminder of things not yet done ... a refresher course in life, liberty, and humility.
Warmest regards ...
Reginald V. Johnson
Florida's Connectivity (Article) - 6/28/2007 3:54:20 PM
I have lived in Florida for nearly 30 years and agree what you say. Keep up the good work. My site might interest you as two of my novels take place in a fictional town (based on a real town) in Florida. Ned
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 4/24/2007 7:42:40 PM
I enjoyed reading this wonderful article. Yes we are....
(Any one of us has the potential to become homeless. Kicking them out of our churches and off of our park benches and away from our homes will not make the problem disappear.
The only way to make it disappear is to fight for living wages and to insist on services for the mentally ill and for veterans, and children must become a first priority. Working together to solve the problem means God has graced us all.)
Your words ring true. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Pier
Florida's Connectivity (Article) - 4/24/2007 2:28:59 AM
Wow! what a powerful write! Sadly many of the problems that we as a nation are facing today, could have been avoided. But, maybe if more communities, cities, and states would work together we could still make a difference! Humans selfish attitudes and greed of the past and today have nearly destroyed our earth and our families future of tomorrow! Great article!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Florida's Connectivity (Article) - 4/23/2007 8:32:25 PM
multiply that by every state, every country, and continent and we have the general consensus we've done some damage to the planet...however I believe in humanity's evolution and in mother nature's most amazing ability to survive...
Another View - Sticks and Stones (Article) - 1/1/2007 2:34:06 PM
This is soooooo true. I have the same feelings when I am in the classroom trying to control the behaviors, the schedule, and the constructive lessons for the day. It really makes one wonder what is being taught in the homes of each student.
Florida's Connectivity (Article) - 4/2/2006 9:41:07 PM
Dear Patricia;
As a south Floridian (north of Miami Beach), I am acutely aware that unchecked "development" by draining of the Everglades wetlands will leave the Biscayne Aquifer (our SOLE underground source of fresh water) a dried-out, cracking sponge. Also, the bladderwort (an innocuous little Everglades plant) is how our water is filtered and cleansed of harmful substances as it percolates down into the aquifer. The "drying-out" of Florida would be our ecological doom (the numerous sinkholes are an indication of what could come). Processed & delivered water could become as expensive as gasoline. Good article.
Doc
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 2/27/2006 2:17:21 PM
So true! It doesn't help when we cut programs designed to help them; it only makes a problem all the more dire! Powerful, much needed write; thank you!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 2/27/2006 11:49:53 AM
A very good article! You are absolutely right, the wages are a joke, too many have to try to get two and three jobs to make ends meet, if they are lucky enough to find that much employment, or any at all. Children, mentally and physiacally ill, as well as veterans should be supported in better AND friendlier ways. Thanks for sharing this article.
Birgit and Roger
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 2/25/2006 12:53:38 PM
I have mixed feelings toward your article. As a recovering OCD {Obcessive Compulsive Disorder} I almost ended up homeless.
However, unlike the majority of homeless I worked my ass off to get better. I tried many different drugs, therapy, and applied for jobs. I accomplished more inspite of my OCD than some healthy people.
I dont doubt some homeless really do need help and could lead a productive life but most are lazy.
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 2/23/2006 1:26:49 AM
Thank you, so much. You've touched on a topic very close to my heart, and I'm grateful to you for this thoughtful, enlightening article. The 'assumptions' people make are astounding, lack logic and compassion, and are more common than I want to believe. I've written a few short stories, focusing on ways in which people become homeless through circumstances that are no reflection on who they are. I've also written an article 'There, But For the Grace of God, Go I' that I think points out faulty thinking.
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 2/22/2006 7:33:12 PM
Thank you for not forgetting those less fortunate. It only takes one disaster, natural or man made to put us in their shoes. I've been there. Thank God, no more...but I have these niggling fears that it could happen again. It could. A powerful, thought provoking write, well penned.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 2/22/2006 7:13:12 PM
I loved this. As a fellow Floridian I too see the homeless everyday. Not so much as a nuisance but as you say “There but for the grace of G-d go I.” I find myself saying that more and more lately.
Over the past twenty years I have embraced my Native American culture more and more. In our tribe, the elders, widows, children and those who cannot care for themselves are fed and housed first. Then the able bodied women, children then men.
We care for our own. The problem we have as a native race is we have started to pick up the general public’s thoughts about homeless and insane. We do need to help them. They are our responsibility and when given the chance to give back most, not all, will take up the mantle of responsibility and try to help.
When I was growing up my dad befriended a bum. He would stop by when traveling through Rochester NY in the summers and stay a few days. He had the greatest stories. But one thing he said to my six or seven year old mind stuck with me for the past forty-five years. He used to tell us that no one gave to a down and out person like another bum. He would say, “When a well off person gives you a dime they don’t think so much about it. They know they have ten more in their pockets. When a bum gives you a dime it is often all he has in the world. It may be the difference of his eating that day or not. Whether or not if he sleeps in a flophouse or under a bridge. That person gave you ALL they had.
They can sleep in my park or church anytime.
Inaugaration Blues (Article) - 2/22/2006 3:35:49 PM
I remember getting pretty much the same treatment at a pro-gun militia rally back in the early nineties. The media celebrated it. I don't believe this is what the nation was founded on, its just what it's devolved to. They dangle the chimera of liberty and freedom out to blind the sheeples. The debate amongst the Republicrats and Demicans of power is whether we should have a kinder gentler police state or a plantation with a human face. There is ultimately only two forms of government; one that holds the people in utter contempt, and the one which lives in abject fear of the people.
The Homeless are Everyone's Problem (Article) - 2/22/2006 2:32:09 PM
Patricia, Another good article. One of my last column's "Karen's Commentary" was also about homelessness. You can read it at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=28955&id=20570
Here's some more food for thought from http://www.rtpnet.org/rulisonm/cfl/production/hsngstat.html
From: Housing Statistics
The National Low Income Housing Coalition Releases Out of Reach
The 'Housing Wage', defined as the hourly wage (at 40 hrs/week) needed to afford the US Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom unit is $12.47, more than twice the federal minimum wage, which continues to languish at
* A 1998 HUD report found that the number of very low income renter households with "worst case" housing needs has remained at an all-time high of 5.3 million families. "Worst case" is defined by renters who receive no federal housing assistance, earn less than 50% of the local area median, and pay more than half of their income in rent or live in severely substandard housing.
Take care and keep up the good work!
Karen M Hale
Friendly Fire and Other Absurdities (Article) - 2/2/2006 5:09:30 PM
Outstanding work! Well-written, concise, makes the point, couldn't be better. And I completely agree.
Resolutions (Article) - 1/27/2006 7:42:34 AM
Giving up red wine and chocolate? How did that even make the Resolution consideration list? :)
Silencing the Dissenters (Article) - 12/31/2005 10:40:49 AM
Thank you. I hope this article reaches many, and ask your permission to circulate it. < <instead of attending this conference, he held a press conference at a retirement community with a handpicked audience>> This is so typical of Bush and his administration, and indicitive of their lack of concern for the people in this country and their concern for anything other than making false appearances.
Silencing the Dissenters (Article) - 12/30/2005 10:57:23 AM
Patricia,
Thank you for describing a very serious development, which has been growing for a long time. I too have become evermore frustrated by my own experiences and what has been happening in many parts of the world: Growing incivility and suppression of free expression, especially when it's the truth. I have even been "punished" for telling the truth about illegal actions, which could have had serious health consequences for a lot of people.
My parents lived in Nazi Germany, and I still have a letter, which my father wrote to my mother in 1933. He encouraged her not to talk about politics with anyone. Because he was afraid that they might be punished for speaking out. Now we must learn from this and stand up for our constitutional rights, or ... history will repeat itself. Need I say more?
Inaugaration Blues (Article) - 11/13/2005 10:04:37 AM
Dissenting can be hazardous to your health these days. This article should be a sidebar in future history books when they write about this presidency.
The African Problem (Article) - 11/11/2005 5:06:17 PM
powerful
Katrina and Blame (Article) - 11/11/2005 5:05:14 PM
interesting article. I'm stocking up on saltines
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