Category: Sweet Moments

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 listening to the stories of my mother and grandparents, especially the Western tales of ranch life filled with wide-open spaces, hard work, and loyal horses. Generations of my mother’s family owned and raised these wondrous creatures; a love for horses ran through our family like a shared inheritance. In many ways, it felt woven into our DNA. My grandfather was not only a rancher but also a skilled horse trader. During World War I, he served his country by breaking horses for the Army, relying on his saddle and steady hands to prepare them for service. His father and grandfather before him also raised horses, proudly earning ribbons at county and state fairs throughout Ohio.

Growing up in California, I had only a handful of chances to ride, but I cherished every one. One of my favorite places was the stables at Half Moon Bay, where I rode a spirited horse named Rowdy. True to his name, he was full of energy, and I loved racing him along the sandy shoreline with the ocean breeze in my face. Those moments felt like freedom itself. I eagerly anticipated each visit, even as I quietly dreamed of owning a horse of my own someday.

In time, that dream became a reality when I received Beau as a birthday gift from Leslie’s dad, David. Beau was the perfect horse for this former city girl, gentle yet strong, patient and loyal. I loved my “baby” from the moment I met him. We bonded quickly, and he became a constant presence in my life. Even while I worked in the yard, I often let him out of his pen, trusting him completely. True to his nature, Beau stayed close by, content simply to be near me.

Over the years, he became far more than a horse. He was my best friend and my confidant. He knew secrets I never shared with anyone else and seemed to understand when words failed me. Beau had a quiet way of listening, of offering comfort and reassurance when my world felt uncertain or turned upside down. Even now, after all these years, I still miss my faithful friend.

Today, I am no longer able to ride due to a back injury and balance issues, but my love for horses has never faded. I visit them whenever I can, drawn to their gentle strength and familiar presence. And sometimes, in my dreams, I ride again, astride a black beauty with a white-blazed face and four white socks. We move in companionable silence until we reach the open lands near Brush Hollow. Then, once more, we soar along prairie trails, flying as one, our manes flowing freely in the wind.

Beau and Leslie , 1988

Brush Hollow Reservoir – Penrose, Colorado

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.

The Piggy Bank

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant3 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
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When I was a little girl, I lived in my mama’s hometown, Hotchkiss, Colorado.  On my first birthday, I celebrated the day at my grandparent’s house, a small cabin situated on Roger’s Mesa.  One of my gifts from my grandparents was a little piggy bank.  It was a pig in a barrel.  I still have that little bank, and it means the world to me.  According to my mom, my grandparents fussed over this gift before they decided on this little guy. 

Sweet memories.

This little bank is a patchwork of color, and the details even resemble stitching.  The adorable face has large dark eyes and long eye lashes, and he glances to the side.  A cute smile and rosy cheeks also provide an oomph of charm. Piggy bank collectors would pay up to $20.00 for this little gem; however, I could never part with this chubby little guy! Currently, this little fella resides on the top cabinet in my kitchen.

The Greatest Gift

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant1 Comment
Daily writing prompt
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
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“Can we just skip to the part of my life where I travel the world?” – Unknown

The greatest gift for me would be to travel the world. I want to visit astounding landmarks and experience diverse cultures. I want to see it all.

However, I’m still a realist and will “settle” for a cabin among Ponderosa Pines in a mountain hamlet in Colorado….a little slice of heaven on earth.

Photo by Alexander McFeron on Unsplash

My Muttley Crew

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
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Any time spent with my pups is playtime. No matter how exhausted or stressed, my Muttley Crew never fails to make me smile. I enjoy their silly antics and how they love to cuddle. Each has such a huge personality for one so tiny. And this lively pair has wiggled their way into my heart. I can’t imagine life without my tiny posse.