My First Teacher

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant4 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What’s the first book you ever finished and still remember to this day?
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Mama read to me every day, and before long, books became as essential to my life as sunshine and fresh air. From the very beginning, Mama laid the groundwork for my lifelong love of reading. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting next to her, my head resting against her arm, listening as she turned the pages and brought stories to life with the gentle warmth of her voice.

She never simply read the words. She acted out each page. The characters came to life with different voices, and more often than not, she would have a fit of the giggles, laughing until she cried. In those moments, she would stop reading until she gained control. I am not sure what I enjoyed more, her laughter or the stories!

When I was about three years old, my mother began teaching me the alphabet. She would sit with me at the kitchen table and patiently point to each letter, repeating its name and sound until I could recognize each one.

Soon, I was copying the letters onto paper with a chunky pencil, gripping it tightly in my small hand, while she gently guided my fingers. I carefully practiced forming each letter as she showed me. By the time I was four, I could proudly read simple books by myself.

However, Mama did not simply teach me to read; she made learning come across like a game.

One of my favorite activities was the treasure hunt.

Mama hid small treasures around the house and left clues written on little slips of paper. These clues helped me learn some of my first sight words—go, to, and the. Sometimes, she would draw simple pictures of objects around the house with the word written underneath.

Lamp.

Couch.

Mailbox.

Each clue guided me to the next location until I finally found the hidden treasure, usually a small treat, a colorful barrette, or a new ribbon for my hair. I remember the thrill of sounding out the words and realizing that the message on the paper was meant for me to solve.

These small games turned reading into an adventure.

As my vocabulary grew, my mother began instructing me to read using the Dick and Jane Primer series. I can still remember the excitement I felt when I finally read Fun with Dick and Jane all by myself. I couldn’t wait to show my dad.

With all the pride a four year old could muster, I climbed into his lap and read the pages aloud. I still remember the look on his face as he listened, half surprised, half delighted, as the words on the page suddenly made sense to me.

From that moment on, my world expanded with each new book.

As I grew older, so did my small library. Mama always ensured that I had something new to read. Some of my favorite childhood books included James and the Giant Peach, Where the Red Fern Grows, Charlotte’s Web, Little Women, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. I also devoured book series like Dr. Seuss, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Little House on the Prairie, Nancy Drew, and The Hardy Boys.

Each book opened a door to a new world—one rich in adventure, mystery, courage, and imagination.

Looking back, I realize how busy my mother must have been raising us, running the household, and caring for our family. Yet, somehow, she always found time to sit beside me with a book in her hands.

She never rushed through these moments.

Instead, she supported my curiosity and made learning feel joyful and exciting. Long before I stepped into a classroom, my mother had already given me the greatest educational gift I would ever receive.

She taught me that books are more than just stories.

They were the keys that could unlock entire worlds.

Cubs, Canes, and Graduation Gowns

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant4 Comments

I didn’t think I worked that hard this week, but apparently my body has filed a formal complaint. Everything hurts, my cane has made a dramatic comeback, and on Thursday, I came home from work and immediately powered down like a laptop at 1%.

What a crazy, busy week at school! I packed up my classroom, sorted through the end-of-year clutter, and even started working on lesson plans for next year. But the true highlight of the week was watching my eighth graders graduate.

It is always bittersweet watching them move on to high school. I feel like a proud Grammie cheering them on, but at the same time, it feels as if my little cubs are wandering off into the big wide world. They are ready, of course, but that does not make it any easier to let them go.

This graduation was especially heartwarming because I had the chance to visit with a former student from my very first year teaching at the middle school. His niece was in my class this year, and somehow, we did not make that connection until graduation night. Seeing him all grown up, with a sweet wife, two adorable little boys who look just like him, and a business of his own, truly touched my heart. I was so proud of the young man he has become.

Now I have two more days of school left. I will spend them attending meetings, finishing up odds and ends, and working on lesson plans for next year. After that, I am looking forward to summer, rest, and some much-needed time to recharge before another school year begins.

I am also excited because I have made a few plans. I am looking forward to camping, visiting with friends, and enjoying a slower pace for a while. And underneath it all, I feel a little spark of anticipation, as if something new and exciting is just around the corner.

Life is good. Oh and go Panthers!

Ten Years of Stories: An Anniversary Series

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant4 Comments

This year marks ten years since Katie and I began sharing our stories, our memories, and our writing journeys. To celebrate, we decided to create a special anniversary series together. Every other week, we will reflect on where we started, what we have learned, how our writing has changed, and why storytelling still matters to us.

Meet the Writers

So enjoy this introduction, and get to know us, Annie and Katie, two writers who value family, home, history, and stories, and who can’t wait to share that love with you.

A Virginia Writer’s Diary

Katie’s Introduction: The Milestone

Introduction: The Milestone

Blogging can be a lonely pastime. Or, it can connect you with other creators who inspire you, support you, and encourage you. You’ll read their stuff, comment, get to know them and root for them. And you’ll wonder sometimes, is anyone out there reading my stuff? Should I keep writing and posting? And even though you feel uncertain, you will, because it means something to you, and because you love it. You’ll keep putting your stories out there, sharing your world, and one day you’ll look up and realize it’s been ten year

Ten years of blogging, and of building your community of writers and readers.

They say tin for ten years, in marriage. But as far as we know, there is no standard gift for ten years of blogging. So, we made one.

When we realized we’d both been at this for a decade, we decided to collaborate and write a series. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be looking back together on our ten years – why we started, what we’ve learned, our best posts and memories. It’s going to be fun, and we’ll learn a lot and hopefully inspire some of our other creator friends and colleagues to reflect on their own journeys.

Annie’s Introduction: A Decade in the Making

Ten years ago, I stared at a blank page with a heart full of stories, not knowing where this journey might take me. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved the quiet magic of writing, the way it guides me to gather up the pieces of family tales and history and create family stories. Tales of a Family: Finding My Home became more than a collection of memories; it became a place where my own voice settled in alongside the voices of the women who came before me. 

Their love and encouragement influenced me and touched my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined, and I think of them often, especially when I write. They gently reminded me of the value of our history, the comfort of belonging, and the importance of sharing. 

And over time, as my blog grew, I am grateful to my readers, family, and friends who quietly walked beside me on this journey. Your loving encouragement has carried me through this adventure, page by page. This ten-year milestone isn’t just a number. It feels like coming home again and again, to a life shaped by stories, laughter, and the unexpected beauty found in everyday moments, the beginning of a new journey I never saw coming.

Part One: The Beginning of our Journey

Every writing journey begins somewhere. For both of us, the reasons we started were personal, meaningful, and deeply connected to the stories we felt called to tell.

Katie’s Part One: Why We Started

I started A Virginia Writer’s Diary back in 2016 when I was in a major transition.

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I got a degree in literature and started my working life as a children’s librarian. But we don’t always end up where we expect, and through a series of unexpected moves and turns and decisions of various hiring managers, I found myself instead working in corporate Human Resources. I stayed in that field for almost a decade, and it was killing me. Truly, it was not where I was meant to be, and I think my soul was rebelling.

So I quit. Looking back, it’s the second-best decision I’ve ever made. (Having Lucy, my smart and brave and spunky and mischievous toddler is the best. Marrying Graham, who has supported me every day of our seventeen years together, also ranks pretty high. But I digress.)

I decided to try my hand at writing a novel for a year. I started my blog as a way to just write something, to practice and to keep at it and to hold myself accountable. I wanted to feel connected to myself and my work. And then I took a break for a while. Something just wasn’t working, writing-wise, and Graham and I used that time to find and purchase a 200-year-old home and start building a life out in the countryside. I came back to WordPress in 2020. That’s when I started with short stories and the poems, and I feel like that’s when I really came alive as a writer.

Graham and I have since sold that house, and now my family lives in coastal Virginia and I’m learning to be a beach person. We’ll see how A Virginia Writer’s Diary evolves in this new place, but I know that no matter what, and despite the busy-ness of mom life, I will always keep writing.

Annie’s Part One: Why We Started

From a young age, I have always loved to write. I kept journals, wrote poetry, scribbled a few short stories, and even tried my hand at music. Words have always been a part of me, but I never really truly settled into writing until I went to college. 

While working on my English major, I began to find my voice and a real outlet for my writing. I had poetry published in college magazines and chapbooks, articles published in the college newspaper, and an article published in a collegiate book after attending a college conference that included professors from Ivy League schools. During my senior year, I was one of only seven students invited to share my poetry with faculty and students, and I was the only student not currently pursuing a master’s degree. 

That experience should have given me the courage to keep going, and for a while I dreamed of doing just that. But as the years passed, everyday responsibilities slowly moved to the front of my life, while my writing quietly slipped into the background.

After graduation, I worked for five years in the prison system, teaching mainly General Education and Adult Basic Education courses. Later, I found a teaching job at a middle school in a semi-rural community in Colorado. And I squeezed in time to work on my Masters Degree in Cultural Diversity. For the past 22 years, I have taught language arts, transitional reading, creative writing, and humanities. I love my job, and I have spent much of my life helping my students find their own voices as they create and write.

During my transition, somewhere deep inside, my own stories kept waiting.

One summer ten years ago, an old back injury put me on bed rest. Suddenly, I had time, more than I wanted, to be honest. But in that stillness, I began writing again. And it felt like an old friend had returned.

And yes, I can type while lying flat on my back! I’m talented that way.

As I rested and recovered, family stories started tugging at me. I thought about the memories passed down through the women in my family, the old tales, the bits of history, the funny moments, the heartbreaks, and the everyday pieces of life that might disappear if no one wrote them down. And I knew I needed to save them.

That is how my blog, Tales of a Family: Finding My Way Home, began.

At first, those stories were simple, heartfelt, and rooted in memory. Some came from family history, some from genealogy research, and others from the voices of loved ones who shaped my life. I wanted to preserve those stories, not only for myself but also for my daughter, my grandchildren, my family, and anyone else who understood the deep pull of family, memory, and belonging.

What I did not understand then was that starting a blog would become more than a way to save family history. It would become a doorway back to myself. Page after page, story after story, I began to remember who I was as a writer. And in many ways, that unexpected journey began with one long summer, one old injury, and one blank page waiting for me to begin once again.

My Mountain Hamlet and My Muttley Crew

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant5 Comments
Daily writing prompt
If you had to describe your ideal life, what would it look like?
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In a perfect world, I would choose a life that feels gentle and full, one where serenity and mountain beauty settle in like an old friend, one where purpose hums quietly below the surface. Each morning, I would wake up with a grateful heart, ready for the day’s adventures.

Tucked away in my mountain hamlet that I have loved for years, life lives in gentle moments. Breezes smell of pine, and the world feels calm and sheltered. Mule deer drift through the yard, pausing to graze on wild grass, while hummingbirds linger above bright blooms in the garden. They, too, have discovered a quiet retreat among my little haven.

Inside, my cottage would be snug and inviting. On cool evenings, a fire would crackle in the hearth and chase away the chill. Soft, warm throws would drape chairs, just in case someone needs extra warmth and comfort.  Nooks and crannies would be the perfect spot for curling up with a book or creating the next tale as it spilled onto the page. Most mornings, I carry my coffee onto the porch, wrapped in a favorite throw, while watching the sun rise and its lights dance and sparkle between the pines.

And, my Muttley Crew, my partners in crime, would be in the thick of things. My scruffy, joyful souls, who fill my house with muddy paw prints and so much laughter. They would be with me for woodland rambles and explore the yard as I created new tales on the porch. Their presence would be the soul of my home, showing me that the best kind of life is one shared with those you love, fur and all.

Wild Angels and a Restless Colorado Sky

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant7 Comments

As a child, I loved hearing stories about my Momma’s childhood. Her exciting tales often made me laugh until my sides hurt. Others kept me wondering how she survived childhood at all. I imagined she must have had some wild angels watching over her, and I thought she must have possessed just a wee bit of Irish luck. Still, one story she told made me shudder whenever she told it.

At a young age, my Momma began helping with the chores on her parents’ ranch in Hotchkiss, Colorado. Ranch life on Rogers Mesa kept the family busy, and since her older sister, Barbara, had allergies, she helped with the outside work. One of her chores was to help her Mother, Elva, care for the cows. She would milk them in the morning, take them to the pasture to graze, then round them up again so she and my grandma could milk them in the evening.

This routine was something she did every day; it was part of the daily rhythm of ranch life. One evening, after milking the cows, my Momma and Grandmother started for the house, milk pails in hand. The skies darkened as a storm rolled into the valley. The fragrance of rain spread through the air. Lightning flashed, and thunder roared across the mesa.

As my Momma walked, lightning struck her milk pail. It knocked her unconscious, and she dropped to the ground.

Once she opened her eyes, she didn’t remember the incident. Her parents had to piece the story together for her, pointing to the burns on her hand. She also had dark circles under her eyes. After that day, she always had faint circles under her eyes, as if the storm had left a small shadow behind, tucked just under her skin.

What are the chances of being struck by lightning? About one in 960,000, or so I’ve heard.

And yet, somehow, lightning found its way to my Momma.

Still, I can’t help but believe that Someone was watching over that little girl on the ranch that day. Maybe it was a bit of luck, maybe a bit of grace, and maybe a handful of stubborn angels who refused to let go until the storm had passed.

And for that, I will always be thankful.

Always in my Heart

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant14 Comments

On this Mother’s Day, I find myself thinking about my two favorite ladies, my mama and my grandmother. Their love and warmth guided me and created the gentle paths I often travel, and even today, I feel their presence at every step.

They made my world a better place and filled my days with so much laughter and sweet joy; they turned ordinary days into something magical and precious. And even now, I find myself missing them in the quiet moments, when memories flood, and I smile, so thankful and blessed to have had them in my life.

In the past, Mama always wanted the three of us to take a family photo. We kept promising that we would have more time, another visit, another holiday, another chance to gather for that family picture. But time slipped by too quickly, unnoticed, gone before we had our chance.

So, to honor my mother’s request, I gathered two cherished photos of my favorite girls from the seventies, and I found one of me from high school. I went to Chtagpt and requested a watercolor of the three of us together. When the picture emerged, it took my breath away. Seeing the three of us side by side, even in a picture that never quite happened, felt like a wonderful gift from my past. I will always adore this little treasure.

Happy Mother’s Day, you two!

You are always in my heart, forever loved, forever missed, and forever the best part of me.

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
Do you vote in political elections?
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Yes, I do vote in political elections. I believe voting is an important responsibility and a way to have a voice in the decisions that affect my community and country. Voting is important because it gives people the power to choose their leaders and influence laws and policies. When people vote, they help shape the future and make sure their opinions are represented. By participating in elections, I can support what I believe in and be an active citizen in the democratic process.

Grandpa

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

Recently, I updated a photo of my grandfather for a family story I wrote about him, and then I added it to my growing collection of family stories. I used a background picture of the ranch he once owned, added a favorite photo of him, and then used AI to add a horse with a soft sunset glowing behind the mountains.

I love how it turned out. The finished picture captured more than just his face; it captured the feeling of him. The ranch, the horse, and the Colorado sunset all came together in a way that felt warm, nostalgic, and true to the man I remember. It looked like a piece of family history brought gently back to life, one more treasured image to go with one more treasured story.

I also came across a a photo prompt, called The Numbers Game #120. To play along, go to your photos folder and type 243 into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find.

Sunshine Blogger Award

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant7 Comments

Sunshine Blogger Award

This week I had a heartwarming surprise. A fellow blogger, Sheryl Craig Russell nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award, and I was truly touched.

Sheryl maintains a deep love for family, storytelling, and keeping precious memories alive. She is a country girl at heart, and although she now lives in a small town, her writing often reflects the rural roots she still holds dear. Her stories are filled with faith, warmth, strength, and devotion. You can feel her love for family, her appreciation for the simple things, and her desire to honor the people and places that shaped her.

I hope you will take a moment to visit Sheryl’s blog and read her stories. To me, her writing feels like a warm hug, a gentle reminder of faith, family, home, and the things that matter most in this world.

Thank you Sheryl for your nomination.

Guideline Directions

  1. Display the Sunshine Award’s official logo somewhere on your blog.
  2. Thank the person who nominated you.
  3. Provide a link to their blog.
  4. Answer their questions
  5. Nominate up to 11 bloggers
  6. Ask you nominees 11 questions
  7. Notify nominees by commenting on their blogs.

Sheryl’s questions for her nominees.

1. What is your favorite way to spend your day off?

My favorite way to spend a day off is by doing the things that bring me the most peace and joy. I love having time to write, whether I am working on a blog post, a family story, or a piece of fiction. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains, where I can breathe in the fresh air, take in the beauty around me, and feel grounded again.

And of course, the day is even better when my pups are with me. There is something extra special about wandering through the mountains, watching them explore, and soaking up a quiet day away from the busyness of everyday life.

2. What season is your favorite, and why?

Fall is my favorite season. I love the beautiful colors, the crisp, cool air, and the cozy feeling that seems to settle over everything. There is something magical about watching the leaves turn shades of gold, orange, and red while the air begins to smell like cinnamon, woodsmoke, and fresh-baked treats.

I also love the simple comforts of fall with pumpkin spice lattes, warm fires, soft sweaters, and quiet evenings that invite you to slow down and savor the season.

3.What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear? Besides spiders sneaking up on me? Probably leaving important stories untold. I want the people I love to know they mattered, their stories mattered, and our family history mattered.

4. Were you raised in the city, a small town, or in the country?

I was born and raised in the city, but my heart has always belonged to the country. After high school graduation, I moved to a small town in Colorado, where I could enjoy the outdoors and all its beauty. Small-town life suits me best. It felt like finding the place where my heart knew I belonged

5. Do you enjoy watching sports or participating in them, or neither?

My family loved the Oakland A’s, and we loved going to the games. It was a wonderful part of my childhood.

When I was younger, I played softball with the local park leagues, and I always enjoyed being part of a team. During the summer, I spent a lot of time outside swimming, playing basketball, or hitting tennis balls around with whoever showed up. But I would not say I was ever a serious athlete, but I did enjoy the fun, casual side of sports. I loved the laughter, the sunshine, the friendly competition, and just being active with friends. Other than that, though, I have never been a huge sports fan.

6 How long have you been blogging?

For ten years this month, I have been sharing family stories, memories, reflections, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. What began as a simple place to preserve family history has grown into something far more meaningful than I ever imagined. Along the way, I have connected with family, met new friends, and found a community of readers who have encouraged and supported me.

7. Do you have any other writing endeavors, books, poetry, etc?

I do have other writing endeavors. Over the years, my blog has grown and evolved beyond family stories. I now also share poetry, flash fiction, and short stories, which have given me new ways to explore memories, imagination, and the heart of storytelling.

And yes, I have started a book—or two, or three. I have a few stories waiting patiently for their turn. My hope is to finish one someday soon and finally bring one of those long-held dreams to life.

8. What is your favorite meal and dessert?

My favorite meal is a medium-rare steak, a baked potato, and asparagus. It is simple, hearty, and delicious, especially when the steak is cooked just right and the potato has plenty of butter and fixins’.

For dessert, my favorite is Black Forest cake. There is something wonderful about the combination of rich chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream that makes it feel extra special.

9. Are you a traveler, and if so, where have you traveled:

I have been blessed to travel to beaches in Texas, California, Florida, Delaware, and North Carolina. I have watched sunsets over the San Francisco skyline and stood in awe of the glowing sky in Key West.

I have hiked and camped beneath the towering redwoods, explored the Rocky Mountains, and wandered through dusty deserts painted with wondrous colors. I have lived on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, where I came to love the beauty of the desert, the richness of the culture, and the warmth of her people. I have walked the streets of Santa Fe, and I have witnessed the Kansas plains covered in sunflowers stretching as far as the eye could see.

I have walked along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and I was humbled by the Vietnam Wall. Standing there felt almost sacred, akin to being in church. I have also seen the White House at Christmas, a memory that still feels magical.

Although some dreams of visiting Quebec, Scotland, and Ireland have not yet come true, I am grateful for the places I have seen and the memories I have gathered along the way. And still, there are so many beautiful places right here in my home state of Colorado that I have yet to visit.

10. What kind of music do you like?

I enjoy all kinds of music… Christian worship or rock, country, soft jazz, rock, and oldies. Over the years, music has been the soundtrack to so many memories.

The funny thing is, I do not listen to it as much as I used to. These days, I find myself enjoying the quiet more and more. There is something peaceful about stillness, about hearing the wind, the birds, or simply the hush of an ordinary day.

I guess I am getting older. Or maybe I am just finally learning to appreciate the sound of peace. lol….ummm….I will say it’s the peace thing….

11.What is you all time favorite movie and actor?

My favorite actor is Sam Elliott. The voice, the hair, the mustache….what can I say? Whew!

And as for my favorite movie? Well, that would be just about anything he stars in. He brings that rugged charm, quiet strength, and unmistakable presence to every role. Heavy Sigh!

I would like to nominate the following bloggers:

My questions for my nominees:

  1. What inspired you to start your blog?
  2. What is one post or story you have written that means the most to you?
  3. Where do you find inspiration when you are not feeling creative?
  4. What is one lesson blogging has taught you about yourself?
  5. What do you hope readers feel when they visit your blog?
  6. What is one place that feels like home to you, and why?
  7. Who has been one of the biggest influences in your life?
  8. What is a simple joy that always brightens your day?
  9. If you could sit on a porch with anyone, past or present, who would it be and what would you talk about?
  10. What is one dream you still hope to chase?