BILL WALKER
by: Joseph J. Mazzella

Several years ago I got to know an amazing person. His name is Bill Walker. He has done many things over his life, but now spends his time writing and caring for his "Little People."

The Little People I am writing about are his Pekenese dogs. In fact, he got them into writing as well. Many of his wonderful stories come from the view points of his wonderful dogs Tink and Poo. Now both passed to the rainbow bridge, they still send us messages of wisdom, hope, love, and joy. Every dog lover out there is a bit happier after reading a story from the boys. They are a fountain of canine wisdom and Bill has been so great about sharing them with us all.

Bill, however, doesn't let his dearly departed pups have all the fun. He also writes great articles on faith, common sense, and the view point of the average man. His midwestern, small town wisdom comes through in all of his stories. His folksy style makes us smile while his insights make us think. Most of all he
touches our hearts. Be it a story from his long experience, an essay on What He Believes, or a delightful story from Tink and Poo on the rainbow bridge, Bill never fails to reach our souls with his simple words.

Take the time then to read some of Bill's great work. You won't be disappointed. It is food for the heart, soul, and mind

Sentiments from the Dollies

Mary Ann
He is a sensitive man and certainly a good writer. I hope he knows that he is loved even by people whose face he has never seen.

Marie Welch
Bill and I have been online friends for a few years now. Our mutual friend Kathy Harris introduced us. Bill is a charming gentleman who definitely has a way with words.

My three dogs were in his early Rainbow Bridge gang stories, Rowdy, black Missy and Gracie. In June of this year we lost our heart dog, our golden Missy, and he wrote a beautiful piece about her.

Bill is one of a kind. Some of his writing is controversial as you all know but that is OK. Everyone has a right to their opinion. Most of the time I agree with him entirely.

Bill is always there with a word of sympathy or encouragement when needed. He is happy when we have good news.

Bill I feel privileged to be a part of this project. Teri wants to honor you and we are happy to do that.

Stay safe and happy my dear friend. I hope this continues for many years.

Sharlette Hunt

I sort of wanted to say that I always wondered how many Dollies he has. I know he sometimes refers to "the Dolly Grapevine". He is such a character and I love his funny way of describing things. I also enjoy his rants and raves when he takes issue with some injustice and gets on his soapbox. He always makes so much sense.

Leeuna Foster
When Gizzy my litttle Peke died, Bill was there for me. He wrote a special memorial for Gizzy and after reading the beautiful picture he painted of The Rainbow Bridge and learning that my beloved Peke was happy and well, I smiled and wiped away my tears. I sent a thank you note, but somehow this seemed insufficient for all the peace he had brought me.

I don't remember how I met Bill. I think it may have been through StoryTime Tapestry, an ezine that we both wrote for now and again. But I count each day a blessing since I met this wonderful friend to all dogs. And Bill is that and more. He is also a friend to the 'dog parents' as well. I look forward to hearing from him each day. May God bless Bill Walker and make His Face to shine upon him and bestow on him the desires of his heart and great health and happiness to him and his little four-legged fur children. Some how a simple "thank you Bill" just isn't enough for all he does for all of us.

Mary Jane Rizzella
Bill, I have known you through your stories for only a short time. You were kind enough to write a story about my Golden Retriever, Gus, when he went the The Bridge last March. That story meant a lot to me at a time when I was full of grief and I am sure it means a lot to others when you write about their fur babies at The Bridge. Thank you so much. You are a treasure to all who come in contact with you.

Lynne Stevenson
I have never met Bill in person, but I consider him to be a long lost uncle I have found online. Most of my biological family is dead and I have adopted 'family' online here and there along the way and I think of Bill as being extended family. He is one of the sweetest, and most loving and caring people I have ever met. He has been a true God send to me these last couple of days, especially since I had to have two of my fur babies, Missy and Samantha, put to sleep within a 48 hour period.
He and many of his online friends who I have never met either, have rallied around me and sent me their love and support during my time of grief. I have never known so much unconditional love from anyone other than my animals before now. It has amazed me how many total strangers, even from the other side of the world, have taken time out of their busy schedules to console me and talk about their similar losses. If it wasn't for Bill and his group of friends, I would have never known any of these wonderful loving people. I am just sorry that it took such devastating losses to find them. There is no way I could ever repay Bill for all that he has done for me.

Sharlett Hunt
I remember the first time I was referred to as one of Bill's "Dollies". Now that was a proud moment that made me feel so special as Bill has a way of doing with people. He makes us all feel that way. I think he treasures each and every life whether it is two or four legged.

His sense of humor shows itself in some of his stories, especially those about his little fuzzy kids. His deep love of God and country comes through in others. He knows more about our History than anyone I have ever met. Some of it he has lived as he has fought for this country himself. He also knows so much about Biblical history and I know he reads his Bible and stands on it. He puts this and more together into a fascinating storytelling ability that is not found anymore. He is, indeed, one of a kind and I am so honored to be his friend.

Merry Christmas, my friend, Bill Walker, and hope you and Little Girl have a great one!

THE FUNNY FARM MEETS TINKER AND POO
Janice Price

Percy finds an interesting web site while reading Jan’s email. “Hey, Buddy,” he calls, “Merci, come here! You won’t believe what I found.”

Buddy races into the room, yelling, “It it’s edible, it’s mine!”

Merci walks carefully into the room behind Buddy, who has nearly knocked her down in his haste to reach Percy.

Percy is so excited he can barely sit still in Jan’s chair at the computer. “Look at this.”

Merci stands with her paws on the desk to see the web page displayed on the monitor screen. Buddy rests his head on the desk and reads the encouraging messages on http://heartswithsoul.com/book_boyswrite.htm for The Boys Write by Bill Walker. “The boys write what? And who cares?”

“We care!” Percy exclaims. “Especially you, Buddy. You have been driving us all crazy trying to come up with a scheme to make money so Jan can afford to keep you. This is it!”

Buddy is perplexed.. “What is it? I don’t get it.”

“The boys,” Percy says slowly and deliberately, “are named Tinker and Poo. They’re dogs. You know, dogs, like you and Merci. Dogs that wrote a book that is being published.” Buddy’s face is still blank. “For money,” Percy adds.


“Oh,” Buddy begins to see Percy’s point, “you mean they write, just like the Funny Farm

Writing Club members do, only they’re going to make money on their stories. Let’s see, if their stories sell for $100 each, they’ll make - How many stories are in the book, Percy? Never mind, it doesn’t matter. If I could sell just one story at that price, that should feed me at least one day. Jan will have to keep me if I can pay my own way.”

“I don’t think that’s how it works with a book,” Percy says. “I think people pay a one-time fee to read the book. The club has seven official members and one honorary member. If the seven members write one story per week, we could put out a new book each week, but at the rate you eat, you would only have grocery money for three of the seven days. You’d have to moonlight to make meals meet.”

Merci scrolls down the page. “Wait a minute. There’s no price listed for the book. Don’t get your hopes up. What if the stories are only worth a dollar each? That wouldn’t keep you in water for the day.”

Cameron leaps onto the desk and joins the discussion. “I heard the club mentioned. Are we going to write another story for Jan? If so, as the club Treasurer, I must warn you that you’ll have to pay your dues first. You’re all in arrears.”

“Forget the dues. We’re going to help Buddy,” Merci tells him. “That is, if all the members agree.”

Percy calls the other cats into the room. “Crystal. Cotton. Cyndi.”

They all groan when they learn the topic. “You mean we work and Buddy eats?” Crystal gripes.

“Stop complaining,” Percy insists. “Buddy is family.”

“I’ve been reading some of their stories while you guys were talking,” Merci says, thoughtfully. “They aren’t bad. Not as good as ours, of course, but then we learned by Jan’s mistakes, so we had a prolific teacher. This Bill probably didn’t make as many mistakes for Tinker and Poo to learn from After all, Bill didn’t start writing until he was seventy years old. By that time he must have been all out of mistakes. Maybe we can do something to help these guys.”


Percy is triumphant. “I knew the club would want to help! We four-pawed writers have to stick together.”

“So what do we do?” Buddy asks.

“I found the link in the Hearts With Soul Newsletter. It’s from someone named Teri who wants folks to post a message on http://heartswithsoul.com/book_boyswrite.htm about the book. And Tinker and Poo have some sample stories posted there.”

“What do we say?” Cotton wants to know.

Cyndi suggests, “I think we should say we’re proud to share a writing heritage with these guys. Who are they again?”

“Tinker and Poo,” Percy reminds the club. “Teri wants us to write about whether we enjoyed the sample stories and whether we would buy the book. I think we should offer to buy seven books, one for each of the club members, to help further the canine/feline writing cause. Jenny’s blind, so it wouldn’t do any good to buy her a copy, but we can read the stories to her.”

“But we don’t have any money,” Buddy protests.

Cameron begins to laugh so hard he rolls off the desk. “I knew it! I knew the day would come when you guys would regret not paying your club dues.”

Crystal sighs. “I hate to admit it but Cameron is right. We should have paid our dues.”

“How are we going to buy seven books without a treasury?” Cyndi wants to know.

“That’s easy,” Buddy interjects. “We’ll just use Jan’s credit card.”

“Jan doesn’t have a credit card,” Merci reminds him sadly.

Percy sags in Jan’s chair momentarily before coming up with a solution. “I know. The Funny Farm Writing Club will apply for its own credit card. And when we get it, we can buy Jan a copy of the book too.”

“All in favor?” Cotton asks.

Crystal nudges her hard. “I’m the President of the club. I’ll take the vote, thank you.” He looks around at the club members. “All in favor?”

“Aye,” the club responds in unison.

“Motion carried,” Crystal says happily. “So where do we get a credit card application?”

Percy whips a stack of papers out from under the keyboard. “I’m glad you asked. I just happen to have one handy.”

Note to self, Percy: Email Bill our thanks for sending the photo Cherlyn used to design the book cover for The Boys Write. Her site has music and so many graphics that I typed the entire meeting minutes while waiting for her home page http://www.itscherlyn.com/ to load. Now, that’s cooperation!

Percy,

Secretary of the Funny Farm Writing Club

mercyandpercy@gmail.com

http://www.jansfunnyfarm.com

Spokesman
kathy pippig harris

Bill truly has a gilded heart for all the furry ones
for the many souls whose time on Earth is done
and of the tales they tell, this gentle spokesman sends

and, lo, many a human ear awaiting news will listen in
through tales, he shares their tidings--heartfelt and dear
they bid Bill tell their loved ones, how in spirit they are near

and Bill knows what the treasure is our Creator gently holds;
for in God's hands the many joyful beings, are the truest gold
those innocent creatures waiting, in the land at rainbow's end

some of the new arrivals--the forgotten, neglected, and abused
those who knew no tender touch, and on lonely streets had roamed
shall be warmly welcomed now in their new sun-glistened home

in the bluest skies, the stars twinkle, and there is never a dark night
while younguns romp in meadows, others gambol in rainbowed hues of light
and as God watches their keeping, Bill begins to write...

copyright 2007 kathy pippig harris

Bill Walker is a man who has spent his life giving to others. He has brought tremendous joy with his stories about the beloved pets of others through the love of his children, Tink and Poo! Read more about Bill through his writings Author, Bill Walker

"CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR LITTLE GIRL"
Copyright © 2007 Kathleene S. Baker

~~ Dedicated to a Little Girl fortunate enough
to have been rescued by Bill ~~

No one knows how long the cute, little girl wandered the streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Judging from her appearance, it had been awhile, for her hair was a dirty, tangled mess and she was on the lean side, although not terribly skinny.

Finally she attracted someone’s attention and ended up in a shelter, but not for long. A Pekinese lover from Nebraska heard her story and immediately headed south! It was love at first sight.

She was aptly named Little Girl, and she had a lot to teach her new dad. He’d had several pekes, but they had been males. What is more, he had never been married. Yes, Little Girl had her work cut out for her … explaining that girls were
not like boys and things would be changing around the house!

No longer would it be a bachelor pad.Little Girl and her dad came to visit me while I was in Kansas
the following summer. From the moment they came
through the door, my fur babies wanted nothing to do with a strange dog in their grandpa’s house. I must admit, I was embarrassed that they shunned her. Shiloh was in the process of adjusting to her rapid onset of blindness, Hank was still a pup, and I think he was following Shiloh’s lead. If Hank had been a mature male, he’d surely have been attracted to such a beautiful, fluffy, and feminine guest.

While we visited, Little Girl busied herself investigating the house and collecting every dog toy she found. Actually, she located some I’d been looking for! By the time our chat ended,
she had amassed a tower of toys at her dad’s feet. Just as they were stepping out the front door, Little Girl was busted!

One of the treasures she had found was a stuffed dragon, and she had it wedged between her teeth. Yep, she was trying to sneak out with a new plaything, and I can’t say I blame her after the lousy welcome from my schnauzers.

Within a few months the holidays were upon us. I’d been thinking about Little Girl and decided to send her a toy for Christmas. An apology of sorts for my uppity critters! All reports from her dad indicated that stuffed toys were definitely her preferred choice, so I bought a stuffed, red velvet, squeaky bone that looked very “girly.” I wrapped the gift and slipped it into a box for mailing. Just as I was about to tape the package shut, I thought about the
dragon Little Girl tried to snatch. My pooches had not touched it in months; it was hardly a favorite. Into the box it went, too! You guessed it—when Little Girl got her package, the
dragon won out over the beautiful, velvet, squeaky bone. Knowing she still loves that ugly dragon puts a smile on my face when each Christmas season rolls ‘round …

Please visit my website: www.txyellowrose.com

Bill Walker, the Missouri Sage
Carol Roach

A teacher once told Bill he would never be a writer. I say this person could never be a teacher. What she taught was to destroy the spirit within. To rob a person of whom he or she should rightfully be.

Writing is more than technical rules and regulations; writing is all about feeling and spirit and love. If a writer cannot convey any of these things, how can you call him or her a writer? You can call this person a collector of data, a historian, researcher, expert of this or that, even a pusher of words, but not a writer. A writer is a special breed of person. One who can take a group of random words and thoughts and put it together in such a way that somehow it makes your heart skip a beat.

Bill is one of the people who can do just that. Bill can take his stories and bring them to life. He can make you feel what it is to be in somebody else’s shoes. He can make your heart yearn; he can make your heart laugh or cry. He can take you from anyplace and transpose you into something or somewhere totally different, and that my friend is a writer.

When you read a medical article, does it make you feel like a doctor? – Hell no. When you read about a dog that Bill has chosen to write about do you feel like a dog owner? – Absolutely. Bill’s rainbow bridge series has touched the heart of many. Not only does he make us feel like a dog owner, he conveys the love he has for his dogs, he shows by example that loving animals is one of the highest qualities we human beings can share. More so he goes beyond the sharing of experiences and feelings, he transposes us from the human world into the animal kingdom. He brings us into the hearts and minds of our dogs and opens up a world for us that we would never have known before.

Bill is a writer, he takes us into the world of the unknown and he creates pure magic. Bill is also a teacher. He shows us through his writing, what it is to be human. He teaches us to look for the simple things in life, to see into the hearts of others, to appreciate the humble and less fortunate of the world. But the best lesson in life is in the living and the Missouri sage is well aware of that. He lives the life he writes about.

So many people love Bill and I am not quite sure even the sage himself has figured that out yet. Since he has come to write for me at Storytime Tapestry Bill has become a favourite writer. My members want to hear his stories, they want to know about the old hermit up the road, or the forgotten veteran, or the lady that everyone laughed at. They even want to know about the fake preachers that gets up his dander every once in awhile.

Yes,our Missouri sage is also Wild Bill and never you forget it. He has a temper and he is not afraid to show it. He will let you know just what he thinks about this or that and he can sometimes get quite cantankerous. But you know what, he never loses his belief and love in humanity. He will get hot under the collar and then he will cool down. He still loves you no matter what.

I am proud to be one of his dollies whom he loves so very much. I am proud to be his publisher and help spread to his word to the world, and I am proud to be his friend.

So is Bill Walker a writer? The answer by now should be obvious. He is a writer, a teacher, and a friend.



M.Ed, B.A.
Publisher: Storytime Tapestry
Author: Angels Watching Over Me:http://www.lulu.com/content/964306
Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey: www.publishamerica.com

A man Named Bill
Jene' Lind

I once knew a man, name of Bill
He was kind and a true trusted friend
He always did what he said he would do
This man who was always a friend

Bill had a heart full of gold
He loved everyone very much.
His main love was his doggies
With them he had that perfect touch

Compassion this man had a plenty
He loved with all of his heart.
If you are his friend, he's a friend to the end
So to have him for a friend was smart

I know this man name of Bill
He has been very loyal to me
He is sweet and kind, this friend of mine
He's my friend for eternity.

"Billy Boy"
Teri Wilber

I refer to the people who come into my life as angels, perhaps you have your own name for the people who touch your heart. I adore "pet names", and I always find it so interesting the words people will use as "terms of endearment!

When Bill Walker, one of my most challenging angels stepped into my life, his term of endearment for me was, "witch"! For months I’d wake up, pour my cup of coffee, turn the computer on and within moments an IM would come across the screen proclaiming, "WITCH, good morning" ! I’d sit and smile at the screen, knowing he had been waiting for me, and was ready to share another one of his exciting adventures with me!

Bill stepped into my life In November of 2000 due to the efforts of a most wonderful friend and writer, Lynelle Dawson. Lynelle had taken one of Bill’s stories and "cleaned it up"! I saw Bill’s amazing potential as a story teller so with Lynelle’s permission and encouragement I wrote to Bill encouraging him to send more stories….Whoooaa Baby, I had no idea how much Bill had stored up to share with the world.

Bill began sending stories faster then I could read them, no less edit them! Many times, the stories were so fabulous, but a person would have to know Bill’s style to make sense of where it was going to edit them. This was going to take time and Bill was going to be a challenge!! For more then a year now, the "Witch" has played teacher with Bill. I was determined to teach him basic lessons in grammar! Such as im is written I’m and "Bill capitalize those I’s!!" I know he knows, but he likes to pull my strings, just to see how far I’ll push! Hmmmm, no wonder he calls me "Witch"! While Bill’s writing skills progressed due to his own desire and determination to write, and at the same time his "pet names" for me changed!

As Bill began to warm up to me I became one of his "Dollies"! Not all women are Dollies to Bill, so I knew I was moving into his heart! Shortly after I received my new ranking Bill came to visit me. We had been chatting online one afternoon, when Bill announced he had been doing laundry and preparing food for "the boys", Tink & Poo! Before I knew it Bill announced he was coming to Dallas!! Well, I understood that he had to see if I was real, so I told him to "Come on Down!" No, this is not the "Price is Right"!!

At 9 am the next morning I was awakened by a call from the office of the complex where I live, "Teri…. ummm, there’s a man here uuuummmm , his says his name is Bill, do you want us to let him in?" I could hear the question in their voice, I quickly replied, "Oh yes! He is Billy boy one of our writers, he’s driven from Nebraska to see if I’m real, let him in!" I rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth and threw some clothes on! I walked downstairs and low and behold, there was Bill and his two traveling companions, Tink and Poo! Bill, the boys and I had a wonderful visit, It was during our visit that I was able to discover his warm and loving sense of humor, that I had imagined through the Internet.

Two friends Bill & I went to dinner, or as Bill would have it super at a Barbecue place, and yes, Bill, it doesn’t hold a candle to Gates Place! Bill is very loyal and very enthusiastic with anything and everything that is important to him! I’ve got to get to Nebraska to dine with Bill and the boys at Gates!

That night I took them to the infamous Ernie’s! Yes, Tink and Poo went with us. Bill left them in the car, motor running and air conditioner going to keep "the boys" comfortable! Bill had a beer and left, I think there were just too many short skirts there for him!! When Bill returned home, I had a new "pet name", I was now, The PentHouse Princess! Along with a new pet name, Bill had new tales to tell, hence, The PentHouse Princess Series!

Bill has written more then one hundred stories, and he’ll be more then happy to tell you that most of them are in "The Witch’s Dumpster"! He copies them and passes them out on his travels, whether it be to Princeton or to Dallas, Bill is out there promoting Hearts With Soul! Well, he’s out there lookin’ for that "one very special Dollie"! At this time Lynelle is Dollie #1 and I’m thrilled to be Dollie #2, and one day I hope to move into Dollie #3, yet, I believe I will be the only PentHouse Princess in Bill’s little black book!

Bill, through your stories and your actions I have learned that you are a most amazing and Loving man!

Thanks for sharing your joy with me! I Love you Billy boy!

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