Category: Living

Shop Til I Drop

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
Where would you go on a shopping spree?
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Although I do not enjoy shopping for most things, I do have a fondness for decorating. If I were allowed to go on a shopping spree, friends and family could find me browsing for furniture and antiques, and hitting decor stores searching for the perfect lamp and side table.

From a young age, I always enjoyed creating a cozy home with a variety of antiques and over-stuffed chairs. My taste tends to lean towards a cottage style with a mix of flowers and plants and a touch of whimsy spread throughout my spaces. This relaxed style always reminded me of my grandmother’s own sweet cottage, tucked behind an impressive Victorian in my hometown of Alameda. For me, it has always been the perfect combination of new and used, with touches of well-worn and much-loved treasures that provided a history of family and loved ones.

Photo by Shan Li Fang on Unsplash

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

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment
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

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment
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

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!

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment
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.

Little Miracles

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant1 Comment
Daily writing prompt
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?
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As a woman in my sixties, the way I view the passage of time has evolved. Each significant event or rite of passage provided memorable moments and offered wondrous memories. However, I look forward to a simpler lifestyle as I have slowed down.

Even my thoughts on travel shifted. I wanted to visit various countries and famous faraway cities when I was younger. Now, my take on holidays has presented itself with a different point of view. My idea of the perfect getaway shifted to quiet mountain cabins, redwood forests, trips to wine country, lazy country backwoods, and quiet sandy beaches. In truth, I have always enjoyed the outdoors, and any time I can spend in nature has always been a day well planned. The quiet and the beauty have constantly refreshed my soul. I love the sound of the wind in the trees and birds chirping, calling to one another. I love to watch the careful steps of deer with their graceful movements and spellbinding eyes ever on the watch while taking in their surroundings. Walks along dirt roads or sandy beaches have always been my favorite activities, and now, I have found those are the ways I long to spend my days.

For future holidays, I have longed for the sound of surf and the cry of seagulls as the sun sinks into the ocean. I want to laugh with my girls while enjoying a Chardonnay or an Aromella. I want to trek with my dogs along dusty dirt roads, explore old ghost towns, and witness all my state offers. One more time, I want to stand in a grove of redwoods with my head tilted to the skies while taking in the enormity and grandeur of ancient trees. At this stage of my life, I want to enjoy the simple beauty that nature so graciously has offered.

Time has altered my views, and even now, I look forward to my next mountain retreat. My days will be planned with an early morning coffee and writing on the back patio. I will take an afternoon hike around the lake with my pups in tow. In the evening, I will sit on the porch during the magic hour right before the sun sinks behind the Wet Mountains. In the evening, I will sit beside the fire, listening to an audiobook with my Muttley Crew curled beside me. Before I fall asleep, I will watch the dark skies and glimmering stars peer through the Pondorosas as pinecones fall and dance, their presence echoing on the rooftop. And in my sleep, I will dream of new adventures in my mountain hamlet.

Windows and other Frustrations!

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.
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Darn, those windows! I start out with the best intentions….but sadly…well, now I should just wait until Spring, right?

I hate to admit it, but I am a procrastinator. I need to finish a class for my teacher’s license. It’s easy but boring.

I need to organize my house and remove the things I don’t use anymore.

Most of all, I need to focus on my writing, and I’m trying, but the last bout of health issues and brain fog has created an unwelcome wall. Writing does not come easy these days, and this truth hurts. But I’m trying. I pick up the pieces, find writing challenges, and continue to type. All the while, I pray, the flow returns…soon.