One tough decision I made in the past was to walk away from unfavorable relationships. It was not an easy decision, but one that was necessary for my own well-being. Although it was uncomfortable in the beginning, over time, I gained peace of mind as I left the unpleasant connection behind. Through it all, I have gained contentment and stability. Sometimes, no matter how hard a person tries, some relationships cannot be salvaged.
Author: Ann Marie Bryant
Kat’s
One favorite restaurant is a family sports bar and grill, Kat’s Pour House, which is located close to home. The food is wonderful, and it’s just a fun place to hang out with family and friends. I love their buffalo burgers, fish and chips, and quesadillas. But since I have to be careful with my food choices, I do not eat my favorites very often. But I do enjoy their salad selections too. It’s just a relaxing place to catch up with old friends and family.
High School
One of the best lessons I learned in high school was the joy of making friends and the importance of those lasting relationships.
The Adventures of Having Six Children
One of my favorite tales occurred after Leslie and Aaron started their lives together with their six children, who ranged in age from three to thirteen. The couple had their hands full with their sweet crew, but everyone pitched in when it came time to complete their chores. Still, the best-laid plans can still go awry.
One spring, my daughter did her usual seasonal cleaning, going through closets and donating items to the local thrift store. And yes, she made the kids help.
A few days later, while I visited with my daughter on the phone, she was shopping at this local thrift store. She was going through the clothes when she stumbled across her favorite denim jacket, which she could not find. One of the kids had placed it in the donation bag! She told me she had to buy it back! At that moment, I laughed until I cried. I couldn’t speak as tears ran down my cheeks. She hung up on me since I could no longer communicate because I could not stop laughing. The clerk witnessed her actions and chastised her for hanging up on her mama. When Leslie explained what happened and how the kids “helped” with the spring cleaning chore, the clerk told her to call her mom back and tell her, “Haha, I didn’t have to pay for it.” Good Times!
Yoga
One positive change that I have made in my life is incorporating chair yoga into my weekly activities. The stretches and poses have helped ease arthritis pain and the pain of my back injury, and it has helped me become more flexible. Some stretches and poses are so relaxing, that I even sleep better at night! Win Win!
Anne
If I could be a character from a book or movie, the child within would definitely be Anne of Green Gables. I loved the series of books and the movies. What a character, this Anne!
Plate facing p. 156 of the first edition of Lucy Maud Montgomery‘s Anne of Green Gables
Dogs!
I truly believe that dogs are a man’s best friend, or more precisely, a woman’s best companion. Each furbaby has its own unique personality, and most know how to wiggle its way into the hearts of a loving owner. Every dog that I have ever owned has loved unconditionally and has provided endless amusement and enjoyment. The only drawback is that our pups do not live long enough!
Photo by Hannah Lim on Unsplash
Post Covid
I am not sure if I have quite adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our world has changed in so many ways. We lost too many people, family, and friends. Unfortunately, people are angrier and more stressed. Our country is divided. Students are struggling academically, for many are behind due to the isolation. Corporate greed is out of control without regard for the well-being of our people. In general, while I try to remain hopeful, I worry about the quality of life people now endure.
Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash
Laughter 101
- Grandchildren
- My Muttley Crew
- Family
- Friends
- Jokes – usually inappropriate ones – can I blame it on a nervous response?
- Comedies
Photo by Stanisław Skotnicki on Unsplash
A Librarian
Once I discovered libraries, I wanted nothing more than to work in a building that actually allowed others to read such prized possessions! When I was about nine or ten, I even opened my own library with help from my parents.
Here’s the story.
Photo by Ishaq Robin on Unsplash










