Category: Sweet Moments

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

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.

So Many Books, so Little Time

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant4 Comments
Bloganuary writing prompt
What books do you want to read?
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  1. Occasional Thoughts in Reference to a Vertuous or Cristian Life by Lady Damaris Cudworth Masham
  2. The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
  3. Unbreakable Dolls of Colorado by Julie McDonald
  4. The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
  5. Every Breathe by Nicholas Sparks

Photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments
Bloganuary writing prompt
Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.
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When I was a child, I enjoyed our holiday traditions. My sweet mother, Dotty Allen, made sure our childhood days were the best that they could be. Each holiday we spent together held so much magic and warmth and I have missed those days.

For every holiday and a few special Sunday mornings, Mom would make us those Pillsbury Orange Rolls to go along with our breakfast. We thought they were heavenly! As a child, my bedroom was right off the kitchen, and I loved to wake up to the sounds of mom singing in the kitchen while preparing breakfast. 

The day before Easter, we would dye eggs, a family tradition my brothers and I looked forward to each year. Mom would buy the Paas Easter Egg Dye kits, grab coffee mugs from the cabinet, and make the colorful concoctions. I loved how the dye stained the inside of the cups, and I was always a little sad when the colors finally faded. 

In the evenings after the boys went to bed, Mom and I would hide eggs in the house or in the backyard. On Easter morning, it was fun to watch my little brothers find the colored eggs. We even filled plastic eggs with jelly beans or chocolates and hid those little gems too.

Mom always made a special dinner for Easter too. She always made a ham with all the fixings. I loved it when my grandparents could visit too. Now, one year, I will never forget was when my Grandpa came into our kitchen laughing with my Grandma. When we heard their laughter, my brothers and I ran to greet them. On that rare occasion, they were affectionate with one another. It was the first and last time, I ever witnessed them kissing. Grandpa leaned down and sweetly kissed my Grandma. Then he stood up, wrapped an arm around my Grandma, and asked, “Isn’t she a sweet Honey Bunny?”

I have always cherished those special moments with my family. 

Photo by Євгенія Височина on Unsplash

Furbabies

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant4 Comments
Bloganuary writing prompt
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?
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If I could make my pets, my Max and Mitzi, understand one thing it would be for them to know how much I love them. This furry pair has brought so much joy to my life. Dogs should really live long lives….

Ann Marie

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant5 Comments
Bloganuary writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
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“There’s such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I’m such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn’t be half so interesting.”

Anne Shirley

My parents named me after two great-grandmothers, Anna Strassberg (Annie) and Tamer Anna Payton (Ann). My name is a shortened version of Hannah, meaning “grace” or “God’s grace.” The Latin variation means “year,” and the Celtic version means “priceless.” In Turkish, Ann means “mother.” And if my family followed our German roots, I would be called Anja, meaning “eagle.”

Ann found popularity in 1934 and again around 1987. My nickname, Annie, remained center stage during the years 1896 and 2019.

And finally, while people spell Ann/Anne differently, this old-fashioned or should I state, this timeless name dropped in popularity over the years. According to the Babycenter, in 1961, the year I was born, my name ranked in 54th place out of 100 girl names. 

Yet, this proud Grammie must admit, I have found pride in the fact that “Ann” has wiggled its way into the names of two sweet granddaughters: Jessica Ann and Kylie Ann. And Marie has found its way through several generations: Elva Marie, Dotty Marie, Ann Marie, Leslie Marie, and Sierra Marie.

So as far as names go, my parents didn’t do such a lousy job, and after all these years, well, it’s kinda grown on me.

Photo by Nong on Unsplash

Beau

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments
Bloganuary writing prompt
What is your favorite animal?
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For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins.

Melissa James

From an early age, this former city girl has always loved horses. I grew up with the narratives of my mother and grandparents and loved the Western tales of ranch life, which, of course, included stories of horses. Generations of my mom’s family owned and raised these wondrous creatures. It’s in the family DNA. In fact, my grandfather was not only a rancher but also a horse trader. When he served his country, he broke horses for the Army and used his own saddle so he could do the job right.

While growing up in California, I had a few opportunities to ride. One favorite place was the stables at Half Moon Bay, and a spirited horse named Rowdy. He lived up to his name, and I loved racing him along the sandy shores. I looked forward to these fun-filled adventures but still dreamed of owning my own horse one day.

In time, that dream became a reality when I received Beau as a birthday gift. He was the perfect horse for this former city girl, and I loved my “baby.” He and I quickly bonded, and my Beau stayed right by my side. Even while working in the yard, I would often let him out of his pen, and my pal stayed close to my side. 

Throughout the years, he became a best friend and a confidant. He knew secrets that I never spilled to anyone, but my horse had a knack for listening and providing reassurance when my world turned upside down. Even all these years later, I still miss my friend.

Nowadays, I am no longer allowed to ride since I have a back injury and balance issues. But I still love to visit with these creatures whenever I get the chance. And sometimes, when I dream, I ride a black beauty with a white-blazed face and four white socks. We ride in companionable silence until we hit the open lands near Brush Hollow. Then, once more, we soar along prairie trails, flying as one with our manes flowing in the wind.

Photo by Lindsey Bidwell on Unsplash

Key West

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant3 Comments
Bloganuary writing prompt
Think back on your most memorable road trip.
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One memorable road trip was my trip to Key West. I made the trip with a childhood friend, and it was a fun day of sand and sea. I enjoyed everything about that special day from the sightseeing to drinks on Duvall Street. Someday I would like to return with my buddy in tow.

Photo by Braden Egli on Unsplash

Globetrotting Grammies

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
Come up with a crazy business idea.
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Jetsetting grammie-style would be my idea of a a crazy business plan. Hear me out. I would travel the world, visit ancient wonders, and view the Renaissance masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Albrecht Dürer, and Raphael. During these travels, I would lounge on the soft sands of the Mediterranean and walk along the cobbled streets of Circus Lane. I would finally visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Okay, you get the idea. And how would I pay for it all? Well, that’s the glorious part of my crazy business plan. I wouldn’t have to shell out a single dime. Hotels and restaurants would be calling me and sending me invitations to stay at their luxurious accommodations and dine at their extravagant eateries just so they would be mentioned in my world-famous travel blog. 

Sigh. Well, one can dream.