The Friend Who Sat Beside Me

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant1 Comment

Some friendships become part of the way we remember growing up. Maybe it was the friend who sat beside you in class, saved you a seat at lunch, walked home with you after school, shared secrets on the playground, or made you laugh when the day felt hard. Sometimes the people who helped us most were classmates, teammates, neighbors, or quiet friends who made us feel less alone. This week, I invite you to write about a school friend who helped make growing up a little easier. What did you share together, laughter, trouble, encouragement, or unforgettable memories? Please share your story through the link, and I would be honored to feature it on my blog as part of our growing collection of family memories and life stories.

Freckles, Fire and Friendship

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For the prompt “The Friend Who Sat Beside Me,” I’m sharing a story about my sixth-grade friend, Barb. Our friendship began a lifetime ago, but the memories of those early days still bring a smile to my heart.

Freckles, Fire, and Friendship

The Muttley Crew Chronicles

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Pupdate: Guess who started walking last night!

She may still be a little wobbly on her feet, but there is no more scooting along. She is walking, wiggling, and wagging her tail again!

It may be small steps, but to us, it feels like a miracle. Max and I are so proud of our brave little girl. Mitzi is on the mend.

The Muttley Crew Chronicles

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

The Dachshund Daily

Special News Release: Mitzi Is Showing Her Fighting Spirit Again

For Immediate Release

The Muttley Crew would like to report that our sweet Mitzi has had another setback with her back injury. Recently, she woke up partially paralyzed again, making this her third round of this difficult journey.

While that sounds scary, and it is, Mitzi has proven before that she is one strong little girl. Each time this has happened, she has worked her way back with rest, medication, care, and a whole lot of love. We are hoping and praying that this third time will bring another recovery.

The good news is that after rest and medication, Mitzi is improving every day. Her vet is optimistic, and thankfully, she is not in pain.

Even better, her feisty disposition is still very much intact.

Mitzi still loves viewing the outdoors from the patio, keeping watch over her yard like the little queen she is. She still enjoys time outside when the weather is cool. She still loves cuddles, attention, and sleeping in “her” bed at night because, of course, it has always been her bed. The rest of us are just allowed to share it.

Max has been the most incredible brother through all of this. He stays close, watches over her, and makes sure her favorite toy, Lamb Chop, is nearby whether she is resting by the patio door or settling in for the night.

There is something tender and beautiful about the way he looks after her. He may be silly, dramatic, and highly suspicious of empty food bowls, but when it comes to Mitzi, Max knows exactly what to do.

One of the sweetest signs of Mitzi’s determination is that she still scoots to the door to greet me when I come home from work. She may be moving differently right now, but her heart, spirit, and love are as strong as ever.

So today’s official Muttley Crew update is this:

Mitzi is resting.
Mitzi is improving.
Mitzi is loved.
Mitzi is still bossy.
And Mitzi is not giving up.

We are taking this one day at a time, with medicine, rest, hope, patio views, cuddles, and Lamb Chop close by.

More updates will come as our brave little girl continues her recovery.

September Prompts

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September’s writing prompts are all about memories, keepsakes, and photographs, the little treasures that hold pieces of our family stories. An old picture, a recipe card, a handwritten letter, a quilt, a jewelry box, or even the sound of someone’s voice can bring the past back in the most tender ways. This month, I invite you to slow down, look through the memories you have saved, and write about the people, places, and moments they bring back to your heart. Please share your stories and link them here. I would be honored to feature them on my blog as part of our growing collection of family memories and life stories.

Of Crashes and Christmas

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Today, I’m pleased to share Gary A. Wilson’s heartfelt story, “Of Crashes and Christmas.” What begins with a frightening late night phone call becomes a touching reflection on family, unexpected friendship, and how a simple, thoughtful gift can leave a lasting mark on someone’s heart.

Of Crashes and Christmas

The Muttley Crew Chronicles

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The Great Squirrel Watch
A Neighborhood Surveillance Report from Max and Mitzi

At approximately 9:04 a.m., the suspect entered the yard without permission.

The suspect was small, twitchy, fluffy-tailed, and entirely too confident.

Max spotted the intruder first and immediately sounded the alarm. Mitzi joined seconds later with backup vocals and emotional intensity. Together, we barked heroically from the window, protecting the household from what was clearly a serious security breach.

Mom called it “too much.”

We call it service.

The suspect fled across the fence, paused dramatically, and then had the nerve to look back at us. This behavior has been documented and will be added to the official squirrel file.

Current status: yard secure, household protected, treats requested for bravery.

This has been The Great Squirrel Watch, brought to you by Max and Mitzi, neighborhood security specialists.

Conversations with Teddy

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