Month: February 2024

Why Me?

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant5 Comments

“I hate this stupid thing, and I am sending it back!”

Sigh! My first “real” cell phone was a nightmare, and I hated being stuck with this new contraption! In the past, I had cheap flip phones to take on vacations that I would pay on a monthly fee. They were simple to operate and nothing fancy. Sometimes, I would keep them for a short time until I forgot about them and stopped paying the bill.

One time, some of my sixth graders asked if I were a drug dealer since I had a burner phone. I shook my head, gave them the “look,” and told them, “They watched too much TV.” At that point in my life, I did not want a phone at my hip 24/7. And I still thought phones belonged on the kitchen wall; you wouldn’t lose them, and it was easy to ignore them. And I never worried about leaving home without it.

Well, nearly two years ago, circumstances changed, and my sweet daughter told me it was time to get a phone or she would get me a life alert. This Grammy was not a happy camper, although I briefly contemplated all the fun I could have if firefighters showed up at my door each time I pushed the button on the life alert. However, Leslie reminded me that, eventually, they would send the sheriff. For some reason, that didn’t hold the same appeal. Finally, as much as I hated to admit it, it was time for this dinosaur to move into the 21st century. Still, I didn’t have to like it. Besides, to add insult to injury, my stupid smartphone proved to be much smarter than me.

My family and my students laughed at my struggles, but they also helped this Grammy out when I needed help maneuvering this strange device. While we had issues in the beginning, I eventually came to like my phone. And even love it…just a little.

Who wouldn’t love to have a camera nearby or enjoy audiobooks at a moment’s notice? And forget the alarm clock; this one is easier. I now do not get lost as often when I am taking road trips. With a touch of a button, I have favorite tunes ready to listen to at a moment’s notice while driving or working out. And, of course, I love receiving texts from my kiddos, and I enjoy ….uh oh… it’s official…my phone has become my sidekick and companion. And well, what can I say? Nobody puts Baby in the corner, or in this case, back on the kitchen wall!

Photo by Mihai Moisa on Unsplash

Dear Annie

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Daily writing prompt
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
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Dear Annie,

Go to college as soon as possible; don’t wait! It will open doors and provide exciting opportunities. You will not regret going as soon as possible.

Save for a rainy day. Take a percentage of your paycheck, stash it away, and forget about it. One day, you will thank me.

Spend extra time with those you hold close to your heart. The time spent with them is precious. When they share family stories, ask questions, write them down, or better yet record them. Let them know just how special they are to you, and how much you love them. Trust me on this one.

Stay true to yourself, but be more adventurous. And don’t be so hard on yourself! You are one of a kind and a pretty awesome young lady with a huge heart. You can’t please everyone, so don’t even try!

Your life will not always be an easy one, but it will be a good one.

Laugh often! Don’t forget your veggies, and avoid men with blue eyes, blonde hair, and sweet lies. Seriously!

More than anything, enjoy your time. It flies by all too quickly. And never forget, you got this kid; I have faith in you!

My Girls

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Daily writing prompt
Who are your favorite people to be around?
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My favorite people are the ones who enjoy the simple things in life. I love spending time with my girls who enjoy a glass of iced tea on a back patio while viewing distant mountains and catching up on the latest news of family and grandkids. I love my girls who encourage me and remind me that a bad day does not equal a bad life. I enjoy my friends who never give up on me even on the days when I need to hurry home because I can’t take one more step. I don’t know what I would do without my girls who let me know tomorrow is a new day, filled with endless possibilities. I am blessed to have a strong tribe of dear friends who cheer me on in this life. My girls, and my family, make this life an enjoyable journey.

Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash

Boots

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Daily writing prompt
Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.
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One favorite pair of shoes, for a woman, can never have just one favorite pair, has been my old grey hiking boots. They have taken me on quite a few adventures while traveling around the countryside. I have been to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and Bent’s Old Fort in Southeastern Colorado. I have walked along dusty horse trails around my home with my pups.

I walked along the land of my grandpa’s old ranch, knowing all the while my steps covered the ground that he once walked. I stepped alongside the old train tracks and wondered how many times my mama had taken the old coal buckets and picked up the black chunks that had fallen off the train cars at the bend in the track.

I slipped on my shoes before sliding into old Ruby and heading for the mountains and trekking along trails that seemed to reach into the sky. I have strolled along quiet main streets, peering into shops or buying a cup of Joe to take on the road. I have walked along quiet streets of old ghost towns and marveled at old hotels and churches.

I have worn them while visiting grandbabies and viewing the newest members of the farm. I held little hands and walked to pens to witness the arrival of baby goats or laugh as I watched Princess Laya scurry towards an open kitchen door, hoping to steal food from the dog’s bowl. I wore them the day I saw Ember for the first time. The soft grey mare warmed my heart as I watched the wild Mustang scout her new home.

My old boots have carried me to many places as I enjoyed all that Colorado has to offer. And as the weather begins to warm, I can’t wait to pull them out, lace them up once again, and discover new places to explore.

Mitzi Moo

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant6 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received.
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One of the best gifts I ever received was my pup, Mitzi. My dear friend, Cathy let me pick out my special girl from a litter of pups; she was one of four. I wanted two, so Mitzi would not be alone, but at that time all the pups were spoken for. At the last minute, one pup, my Max, became available. The man who wanted him could not take him at the last minute, and I am so thankful. My little Muttley Crew has changed my life, and I adore this pair.

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?
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Quilting/Cross Stitch

When I was a stay-at-home mom, I used to love making quilts and working on cross-stitch projects. Now, that I am teaching, I have not had the desire to to start a project. With my busy schedule, I doubt I would ever finish what I started. This may change when I retire.

Baking/Cooking

When I was a stay-at-home mom, I loved to bake and cook for my family. Now, that it’s just me and the pups, I rarely cook. And I do not miss it – at all…lol.

Dating

Just one big nope! I love being single. I love the peace and quiet, well other than my yippy pups. I love the freedom and the luxury of coming and going as I please. I have found my happy place.

Nightlife

I still enjoy “my version” of nightlife: dinner with friends, an occasional drink out, or a movie. However, my tastes have changed. I no longer want to go out dancing or visit area bars and listen to local bands which is rather sad. But, times have changed and some establishments are too rowdy for my taste.

Photo by Nathan Bang on Unsplash

Chocolate, Please!

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Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite candy?
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When my sweet tooth begins to go into overdrive, I have found a healthier version of my old mainstream candies. Currently, my favorite go to candy is the Atkins Endulge Chocolate Peanut Candies. It satisfies my cravings, and since it is low in sugar, carbs, and calories, I have zero guilt when I indulge now and then. Pure sweetness!

Time Away

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Do you need a break? From what?
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In this crazy non-stop world, I need a break from my life. Honestly, I would like to have just one week of nothing to do…no papers to grade or lessons to plan…no committee meetings, conferences, or staff meetings…no housecleaning or yardwork… just some time outdoors…somewhere on a beach…or a mountain trail among the pines… a place where I can hear the wind and the surf… or watch a distant elk herd as they bugle to one another. When this teacher retires, she needs to find a cabin in the woods. Yep, I believe this woman would enjoy being a hermit for a time.

Round Three

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Grimacing, Taylor brought her hand to her head; it throbbed, and she felt herself sway. How long had she been out? Taking a deep breath, she placed one hand on the bedroom wall and steadied herself while trying to recall a mental checklist in her head.

The woman hurried to finish her packing. Time was not on her side. She stuffed her clothes into her open suitcase, grabbed her jewelry box and the stash of cash she had saved since the last time, and shoved the money deep into her pocket.

As she hurried to the foyer, doubts flooded, but she angrily shoved them aside. Glancing in the hall mirror, she winced. One eye was half closed and swollen as shades of pink and purple marred her puffy face; she ran her fingertips along the angry red welts raised along the base of her throat.

Taylor cynically laughed. “Third time’s the charm,” she said aloud, just before she slammed the door on the life she left behind.

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

For today’s prompt, write a story about a project left half-finished.