Family Stories – Page 8 – Tales of a Family

My Mini Me

Published on July 25, 2023July 25, 2023 by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

For Mother’s Day, Leslie always surprises me with the most thoughtful presents, and this year, my daughter gave me the most amazing gift from a company called Storyworth. Once a week, the company sends me writing prompts. These prompts vary. Sometimes I will write stories about my life, or I can write narratives about my family. If I struggle with a prompt, I can choose a different one. The goal is to complete 52 tales by the end of the year. In turn, they will produce a family keepsake of our family tales. Last week’s prompt asked, “Who are the funniest people in your family?” So I decided to write about my grandchildren. I will share some of my comical stories about them.

Sierra Marie

When Mathew, Sierra, and Jessica lived in Poteau, Oklahoma, I often spent time with the family during school breaks. Summers were the hardest for me because I struggled with the hot, humid weather. It was miserable. After one wretchedly hot summer, I told Leslie, “I don’t know what you did to make God angry, but you need to fix it because you live in hell.” Leslie and the kids loved the area, so my sweet daughter just laughed at her mother’s outburst.

Several years later, after Leslie married Aaron and my family moved to Kremling, Colorado, I visited my family over Christmas. Some of my crew complained about the longest winter of their lives. The little town received an overabundance of snow that year, and everyone had cabin fever.

Of course, this gramma had to be onery and put in her two cents, so I told them my horror story about Poteau. My spunky Sierra, who was eleven years old at the time, delighted us all in her true sassy form. She simply stated, “Well, If Poteau was hell, then Kremmling is when hell freezes over.”

One of the best moments ever, for I realized my baby girl did not fall far from that family tree. She maintained that delightful DNA that was quick on its toes. At that moment, I knew my mama was smiling down from the heavens, enjoying her great-granddaughter’s wit and sarcasm.

It wasn’t long after that event when Leslie told me she was raising her mother. She also stated, “Sierra Marie s truly your ‘Mini Me.'”

I chuckled at that response.

Now when my feisty Sierra has pulled a good one, Leslie always begins with, “Oh, let me tell you what your Mini Me has done this time!”

Yep, some of my proudest grammie moments ever!

Sweet names

Published on July 24, 2023July 24, 2023 by Ann Marie Bryant7 Comments

Daily writing prompt

What’s the story behind your nickname?

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Well, I have four nicknames. When I was little, my dad called me imp. Click here to read that story. At times, when my mom was being extra sentimental, she would call me Annie. Most of my friends call me Annie too. And one of my all-time favorite nicknames has to be Honey. When my oldest grandson was about 15 months old, he started calling me Honey, and yes, my heart melted. Since that time, the name has stuck. All of my grandkids call me by that name, and I love it. My middle school kids call me Ms. B. And one year, some of my sixth-grade students asked what my grandchildren called me. Some of my kids asked if they could call me Miss Honey, and of course, I consented. A few combined the two and called me Ms. Honey B. Over the years, I have loved every single one of my nicknames, for each has a special meaning that I hold dear.

Photo by Meggyn Pomerleau on Unsplash

The Goun Girls’ GetAway

Published on July 20, 2023November 24, 2023 by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

What are your future travel plans?

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Since sixth grade, I have been blessed with a dear friend and sister, Barbara Lesesne Medlock. We hit it off from day one when she broke an extra-large pencil over the head of Chipman Middle School’s biggest bully after he called her “Freckles.” This pint-sized tornado made her mark on her first day of school. And we have been the best of friends since sixth grade.

Over time, we became literal blood sisters after slicing open our thumbs one night. We slept out in my backyard. My dad had set up a camp stove and after a round of s’mores, we started yapping, and I am not sure who even brought up this idea of blood sisters for life, I just remember, going to the kitchen and finding a sharp knife. Once settled next to my friend, we each took a turn slicing our thumbs. Pushing our bleeding thumbs together, we made our oath, blood sisters for life.

We also called ourselves, “The Goun Girls.” I am not sure who came up with the name, but Barb came up with the spelling. The Goun Girls were inseparable, and after school, we had many adventures. We walked the shore along the Alameda coastline, writing our names and messages on the sand. We played under the pines at Crown Memorial State Beach. We were regulars at the nearby Woodstock Park and Washington Park, and of course, Ballena Bay Isle. We also rode our bikes all over the tiny island. We rode to distant parks and visited my grandparents, often stopping by for a cold glass of water before our adventures took us to new places.

In fact, once, we just about gave our parents a coronary when we decided to ride through the Posey Tunnel to Oakland. It was not one of our most brilliant moves since the tiny sidewalk and railing did not offer an opportunity to turn our bikes around. We were stuck and had to ride our bikes for almost two miles in the underwater tunnel. It was loud as cars zoomed through the underpass, and what was even worse was the smell of the auto exhaust! The emissions made me queasy, and I wasn’t sure if I would make it. At any moment, I thought I was going to lose my lunch!

We were never so happy to reach fresh air! Still, our eleven-year-old brains realized we had not made the wisest choice, and we knew we had better turn around and race through the passage one more time. When we came up for fresh air in Alameda, we breathed a sigh of relief. Seriously, we knew we could not tell a soul, and I thought the massive headache from the fumes should be punishment enough.

However, as it often transpires, parents discover their children’s lapses in judgment. Although this transgression occurred over fifty years ago, Barb’s mom discloses our misdeed with the same amount of shock and dismay to this very day. And I know if my mom were still alive, I would still receive a scolding even though Barb and I are now grandmothers! What a crazy and wonderful childhood we shared on that little island. And I am so pleased that we have remained friends for over fifty years

Oh, but where was I… travel plans…well, of course, my friend and I have made future plans. We have considered returning to Key West, Punta Gorda, Florida, or the Rocky Mountains of my home state. We also have our sites in faraway places like Italy, Quebec, and even our old stomping grounds in Alameda. But know this, we have learned our lesson. If we end up in Alameda, this time, we will not ride bikes through the tunnel. Promise, Mrs. L!

Hmm. I wonder. Thinking about our antics when we are together, is it still possible that two grown grannies can get grounded? Updates to follow!

A Little Distraction

Published on July 19, 2023July 16, 2023 by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

What do you listen to while you work?

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When I am at work, I sometimes like to enjoy music. Still, the music genre depends on the current activity or lesson plan that requires my attention. If I have busy work, I like loud rock…Nickelback, Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name a few. However, if I need to focus, I choose country or soft rock. I also enjoy listening to Christian music too. And now that I have been enjoying audible books, I often listen to books during my plan time.

Photo by Simon Noh on Unsplash

Dogs

Published on July 16, 2023July 16, 2023 by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

Dogs or cats?

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At this moment in my life, I can’t imagine not having a dog around the house, especially now that I am older and my life has slowed somewhat. Without a doubt, my furry companions minister unconditional love and comic relief and keep me moving, whether I want to or not.

After a long day at work, they greet me at the door. My furbabies yip, jump, and stay close to my heels as I move about the house. Their excitement as I come through the door makes me smile. At night, when it’s time to settle down and prepare to sleep, my pups come running, for they love to cuddle at night. They paw at the blankets, waiting for me to lift the corners, so they can curl up next to me. These two are sweet companions that enrich my world.

Often Max and Mitzi make me roar with laughter, for their antics keep me on my toes. Sometimes my Twinkies fuss at each other and tell each other off for some minor misdeed. And if they feel slighted, these two will pout if they believe I am paying more attention to the other sibling. Mitzi is more demanding, so if she feels aggrieved, she just wiggles onto my lap and refuses to take no for an answer. On the other hand, Max lies quietly and gives puppy dog eyes. Of course, his actions melt my heart, so I call him, but sometimes the little stinker makes me wait and refuses my calls to make me atone for my neglect.

Max will also take Mitzi’s stuffed “babies” and throw them off the bed or down the stairs into the basement. While he scurries about creating havoc, Mitzi whines, chases after her toys and tries to corral them back into hiding. It’s not uncommon to find her toys hidden under my blankets.

Although they sometimes fuss with each other, these two hate to be separated. When this occurs, Max and Mitzi stick close to each other’s side as soon as they are reunited. While it’s hard to round them up after they make an escape, I still have to laugh as I watch the partners in crime race about the neighborhood. Side by side, they rush into the prairie chasing birds or some poor unsuspecting rabbit. Life is never dull with my two escape artists.

And finally, they keep me active. We take walks and explore hiking trails around my home, or sometimes, we head for the hills or local park. And on the days when time is limited, we play in the backyard. My sweet pups keep me moving and provide a lively form of entertainment. Life is just better with a dog. Guess it’s true, as the saying goes. Dogs really are a woman’s best friend.

The Heart of my Grandmother

Published on June 17, 2023February 21, 2025 by Ann Marie Bryant7 Comments

Daily writing prompt

Describe one of your favorite moments.

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Every moment spent with my grandmother, Elva Bryant, was a cherished memory, a golden thread woven into the fabric of my childhood. Her home, with its inviting porch and small garden bursting with life, was more than just a place—it was a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. The cozy charm of her tiny green cottage was only surpassed by the quiet grace of the woman who lived within its walls. With her boundless love and gentle spirit, my grandmother had a way of making each of us feel like the most special person in her life.

Visiting Grandma was always a treat, and I treasured every opportunity to spend time with her. Often, I would stop by to see her, eager to lend a hand with housework or simply bask in her company. Dusting was one of my favorite chores—not because I enjoyed cleaning, but because Grandma’s collection of knick-knacks was a trove of stories waiting to be told. Each delicate figurine, each well-loved trinket, had a tale attached, and she delighted in sharing them with me.

In the kitchen, she had a small collection of ceramic chickens, their bright colors standing out against the warm hues of her home. Those little hens always prompted stories of the ranch, of flocks she had cared for in another time and place. She would chuckle as she described the pint-sized bantams—tiny but full of attitude—strutting about the chicken yard as if they were in charge of the entire coop.

Her green Victorian-style sofa, its fabric soft and welcoming, was adorned with a sheepskin—a quiet nod to her deep love for animals. The mere mention of her lambs would bring a twinkle to her eye as she reminisced about their playful antics and soft, trusting faces. Even her cows were more than just livestock; they were beloved companions, their gentle eyes and familiar routines etched into the landscape of her memories.

Grandma’s kindness extended to all creatures, no matter how small. When neighborhood cats had kittens, she would leave out food for them, and before long, they made themselves at home. Some remained in the yard, sunning themselves on the porch, while the more adventurous ones ventured inside. It never failed to amuse her when a kitten leapt onto her lap, curled up, and purred contentedly. She would stroke their fur absentmindedly as she watched her afternoon soaps, a variety show, or chatted with guests who had come to visit.

Afternoons were often spent on the porch, where she would sit with me as I weeded the strawberry patch and tended to her flower garden. Grandma adored her pansies and Johnny Jump-Ups, their cheerful faces peeking out from the rich soil. She also loved hens and chicks—the tiny, clustered succulents that thrived in the nooks of her flower beds. As I worked, she would share stories of Colorado, her voice filled with longing for the place she once called home. Even as a child, I could sense the beauty of the land she missed so dearly.

But my favorite stories were those about life on Roger’s Mesa. I swelled with pride knowing that my family had real cowboys and cowgirls—men and women who rode horseback, herded sheep, and lived by the rhythms of the land. Grandma spoke of moving the sheep to the mountains in the summer, of long days spent shearing wool, and of neighbors coming together to lend a helping hand. Through her words, I understood that family was the heart of her world, and she made certain we never forgot just how much we meant to her.

Decades have passed, and still, I bask in the glow of my grandmother’s love, even though she has been gone for over forty years. The warmth of her devotion lingers, wrapping around me like the softest embrace. I miss her, but I find peace in knowing that one day, I will sit beside her once more. And when that moment comes, I will lean in close, eager to listen as she tells me about her heavenly homecoming and the new adventures she has found in the arms of those she loves.

Writing

Published on June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

What are you passionate about?

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I added to my fictional story today. My wings are clipped since my car is in the shop until tomorrow, but I enjoyed staying at home, curled up with the pups, and writing to my heart’s content.

Here’s a small portion of what I added…

Pine Creek

I exited the bus at Pine Creek Square and looked around the small mountain town. The large fountain graced the plaza’s center, just as I had remembered. Some children sat on the edge with their feet dangling into the cool water. I smiled as I remembered how Dallas, Jayden, and I would sit around the fountain. Sometimes we would throw in spare change and make a wish, and we always believed that, eventually, those wishes would come true.

It was just a few minutes past 4:00; I knew I would have to hurry to my grandmother’s flower shop before it closed for the day. It was nearby, for the town’s main street jutted to the west of the town’s square. I stayed in the back of the line as travelers waited for the driver to pull luggage from the undercarriage bin. People gave me sideway glances and sympathetic stares. My swollen eye looked painful, and the bruises even made me gasp when I first looked in a mirror. I tugged at my hoodie, trying to block the stares around me. I sighed since I just wanted to get home. Home, the thought made me smile. I could not wait to see Gram and move back to the little cottage that had brought me so much joy over the years.

As I lingered, I silently rehearsed what I would say to my grandmother. I hadn’t seen the woman since I was thirteen years old. It had been over four years, and I wondered how she would react when I showed up on her doorstep unannounced.

Gram and Mama had a falling out the last summer we visited. Mama never told me what had transpired. I just knew Mama walked away and never looked back. Before we left, Gram hugged me close and whispered that she had slipped something into my bag. Later, I found a floral notecard and the locket her grandmother gave her when Gram was just a girl. She had placed five one hundred dollar bills inside the card and told me to save the money for an emergency. I pulled the note from my bag and unfolded the worn card. The ink had faded, but the love from my grandmother still made its mark. Tears welled in my eyes when I read; Your room will always be ready when you decide to find your way home.

Instinctively, I reached for the locket I had worn over the years. I ran my fingers over the worn antique pendant. I could feel the raised edges of the mother bird swooping in to sit on her nest of bird eggs. Inside the antique locket was a picture of my Gram and her grandmother, Anna. It made me smile. From the moment I opened it, I treasured this token from my grandmother. It was a constant reminder of her love.

Staring around Pine Creek’s plaza, I remembered all the times Gram and I ventured into the shops and cafes of this quaint mountain town. When I looked at the mountains, I recalled our hikes and picnics. I deeply breathed in the cool mountain air, catching a hint of pine. For the first time in a long time, I relaxed. Soon, I would once again return to the only real home I had ever known.

Photo by JC Bonassin on Unsplash

The Sweet Joys of Autumn

Published on June 11, 2023June 12, 2023 by Ann Marie Bryant3 Comments

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite season of year? Why?

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Every year after the heat of summer, I look forward to the cooler days of autumn. For me, it’s a magical time of the year when leaves turn gold, orange and red. I love to watch the spectacular display as trees showcase fall’s colorful brilliance. During this time, the warm scent of burning leaves or logs in the woodstove fills the air and provides a sense of coziness and well-being. At home, apple and pumpkin-scented candles remind us of the upcoming holidays. Extra layers of warm clothing and soft quilts provide warmth and the comfy sense that all is right in the world.

The days become shorter and life less hurried. The hallmark of this season reminds rest and contentment offer the perfect time to reflect and honor the blessings in our lives. Family. Dear friends. Children. Furbabies.

During this time, sweet, creamy concoctions of pumpkin and spice provide the perfect seasonal treat for coffee lovers. I love to create my own healthy versions of this timely sweet treat. And I look forward to this fall tradition each year. (See my recipe below)

I always try to plan a mountain visit during this time, and after a relaxing getaway last fall, I will now make this an annual event. I enjoy basking in the outdoors at this time. I love to walk in the woods with my pups, listen to the crunch of leaves below my feet, and hear the wind gently rustle the aspen trees as they change to yellow and gold. I love to sit on the porch in the morning, wrapped in a blanket, drinking my fall coffee, and wait for the sun to shine through mountain pines. I love to watch my pups explore the mountain areas, always on the lookout for new scents or mountain wildlife. This time of the year delights my senses as I slow down and enjoy all life offers.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee (low carb)

8 oz. brewed coffee or even 1-2 shots of espresso. I personally love to use k cups (the recyclable single servings pods). I play with the different types of roasts, and I just discovered a Pumpkin Carmel version from Crazy Cups! I just ordered some! And yes I know summer has not yet officially arrived. I need to experiment, don’t I?
About 1 1/2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream – 76 calories; 0.6 carbs
A dash of Jordan’s Skinny Girl Syrup (so many flavor options Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Caramel, Vanilla Bean Pumpkin, etc). – 0 Calories; 0 Carbs
2 tablespoons of Sugar free whipped cream – 20 calories; 0 carbs
Jordan’s Sugar free Pumkin Spice Sauce or Jordan’s Sugar Free Salted Caramel Sauce p 0 Calories; 0 Carbs

Calories (about) 96

Carbs – 0.6

Options:

Lowfat milk or almond milk

Photo by David Rupert on Unsplash

Depending on the Day

Published on June 10, 2023June 10, 2023 by Ann Marie Bryant4 Comments

Daily writing prompt

If humans had taglines, what would yours be?

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Depending on the Day…

Dream the impossible and write to your heart’s content!

Watch it or you might end up in my next story!

Photo by Muhammad Daudy on Unsplash

Double Trouble

Published on June 9, 2023June 9, 2023 by Ann Marie Bryant3 Comments

Daily writing prompt

Who do you spend the most time with?

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Most of my time, I spend with my two mini dachshunds, Max and Mitzi. From the moment I wake up, the pair follow me around the house and stay close by my side. They even sleep in my bed! Who knew two pint-sized pups could occupy so much space in my bed and my heart?

On my days off, we take walks or run errands together. It’s funny when I show up in places without the dogs; the first thing folks want to know is where the babies are.

We have even gone on road trips together during my breaks and vacation times. They sure have been great company and a lot of fun. They keep me active and make my days more enjoyable.

After a weekend at home, they fuss about my return to work, and this mama feels guilty when I have to leave them behind. I love my pups to no end, and I think it’s true when my daughter says, “It’s official. You have become that crazy doxie mama.