Tag: Books

Sunshine Blogger Award

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant7 Comments

Sunshine Blogger Award

This week I had a heartwarming surprise. A fellow blogger, Sheryl Craig Russell nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award, and I was truly touched.

Sheryl maintains a deep love for family, storytelling, and keeping precious memories alive. She is a country girl at heart, and although she now lives in a small town, her writing often reflects the rural roots she still holds dear. Her stories are filled with faith, warmth, strength, and devotion. You can feel her love for family, her appreciation for the simple things, and her desire to honor the people and places that shaped her.

I hope you will take a moment to visit Sheryl’s blog and read her stories. To me, her writing feels like a warm hug, a gentle reminder of faith, family, home, and the things that matter most in this world.

Thank you Sheryl for your nomination.

Guideline Directions

  1. Display the Sunshine Award’s official logo somewhere on your blog.
  2. Thank the person who nominated you.
  3. Provide a link to their blog.
  4. Answer their questions
  5. Nominate up to 11 bloggers
  6. Ask you nominees 11 questions
  7. Notify nominees by commenting on their blogs.

Sheryl’s questions for her nominees.

1. What is your favorite way to spend your day off?

My favorite way to spend a day off is by doing the things that bring me the most peace and joy. I love having time to write, whether I am working on a blog post, a family story, or a piece of fiction. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains, where I can breathe in the fresh air, take in the beauty around me, and feel grounded again.

And of course, the day is even better when my pups are with me. There is something extra special about wandering through the mountains, watching them explore, and soaking up a quiet day away from the busyness of everyday life.

2. What season is your favorite, and why?

Fall is my favorite season. I love the beautiful colors, the crisp, cool air, and the cozy feeling that seems to settle over everything. There is something magical about watching the leaves turn shades of gold, orange, and red while the air begins to smell like cinnamon, woodsmoke, and fresh-baked treats.

I also love the simple comforts of fall with pumpkin spice lattes, warm fires, soft sweaters, and quiet evenings that invite you to slow down and savor the season.

3.What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear? Besides spiders sneaking up on me? Probably leaving important stories untold. I want the people I love to know they mattered, their stories mattered, and our family history mattered.

4. Were you raised in the city, a small town, or in the country?

I was born and raised in the city, but my heart has always belonged to the country. After high school graduation, I moved to a small town in Colorado, where I could enjoy the outdoors and all its beauty. Small-town life suits me best. It felt like finding the place where my heart knew I belonged

5. Do you enjoy watching sports or participating in them, or neither?

My family loved the Oakland A’s, and we loved going to the games. It was a wonderful part of my childhood.

When I was younger, I played softball with the local park leagues, and I always enjoyed being part of a team. During the summer, I spent a lot of time outside swimming, playing basketball, or hitting tennis balls around with whoever showed up. But I would not say I was ever a serious athlete, but I did enjoy the fun, casual side of sports. I loved the laughter, the sunshine, the friendly competition, and just being active with friends. Other than that, though, I have never been a huge sports fan.

6 How long have you been blogging?

For ten years this month, I have been sharing family stories, memories, reflections, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. What began as a simple place to preserve family history has grown into something far more meaningful than I ever imagined. Along the way, I have connected with family, met new friends, and found a community of readers who have encouraged and supported me.

7. Do you have any other writing endeavors, books, poetry, etc?

I do have other writing endeavors. Over the years, my blog has grown and evolved beyond family stories. I now also share poetry, flash fiction, and short stories, which have given me new ways to explore memories, imagination, and the heart of storytelling.

And yes, I have started a book—or two, or three. I have a few stories waiting patiently for their turn. My hope is to finish one someday soon and finally bring one of those long-held dreams to life.

8. What is your favorite meal and dessert?

My favorite meal is a medium-rare steak, a baked potato, and asparagus. It is simple, hearty, and delicious, especially when the steak is cooked just right and the potato has plenty of butter and fixins’.

For dessert, my favorite is Black Forest cake. There is something wonderful about the combination of rich chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream that makes it feel extra special.

9. Are you a traveler, and if so, where have you traveled:

I have been blessed to travel to beaches in Texas, California, Florida, Delaware, and North Carolina. I have watched sunsets over the San Francisco skyline and stood in awe of the glowing sky in Key West.

I have hiked and camped beneath the towering redwoods, explored the Rocky Mountains, and wandered through dusty deserts painted with wondrous colors. I have lived on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, where I came to love the beauty of the desert, the richness of the culture, and the warmth of her people. I have walked the streets of Santa Fe, and I have witnessed the Kansas plains covered in sunflowers stretching as far as the eye could see.

I have walked along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and I was humbled by the Vietnam Wall. Standing there felt almost sacred, akin to being in church. I have also seen the White House at Christmas, a memory that still feels magical.

Although some dreams of visiting Quebec, Scotland, and Ireland have not yet come true, I am grateful for the places I have seen and the memories I have gathered along the way. And still, there are so many beautiful places right here in my home state of Colorado that I have yet to visit.

10. What kind of music do you like?

I enjoy all kinds of music… Christian worship or rock, country, soft jazz, rock, and oldies. Over the years, music has been the soundtrack to so many memories.

The funny thing is, I do not listen to it as much as I used to. These days, I find myself enjoying the quiet more and more. There is something peaceful about stillness, about hearing the wind, the birds, or simply the hush of an ordinary day.

I guess I am getting older. Or maybe I am just finally learning to appreciate the sound of peace. lol….ummm….I will say it’s the peace thing….

11.What is you all time favorite movie and actor?

My favorite actor is Sam Elliott. The voice, the hair, the mustache….what can I say? Whew!

And as for my favorite movie? Well, that would be just about anything he stars in. He brings that rugged charm, quiet strength, and unmistakable presence to every role. Heavy Sigh!

I would like to nominate the following bloggers:

My questions for my nominees:

  1. What inspired you to start your blog?
  2. What is one post or story you have written that means the most to you?
  3. Where do you find inspiration when you are not feeling creative?
  4. What is one lesson blogging has taught you about yourself?
  5. What do you hope readers feel when they visit your blog?
  6. What is one place that feels like home to you, and why?
  7. Who has been one of the biggest influences in your life?
  8. What is a simple joy that always brightens your day?
  9. If you could sit on a porch with anyone, past or present, who would it be and what would you talk about?
  10. What is one dream you still hope to chase?

Just Dance

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant1 Comment

As an inspiring writer, I find great joy in discovering wisdom from published authors. My latest read, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, has been a truly sensational experience. I love how she intertwines her life experiences with insights about writing. Her sense of humor and creative teaching style have given me the freedom to let go of perfectionism.

Having grown up in a household that often demanded 110 percent, it’s been challenging to write without the looming pressure of getting everything “just right”—a mindset that often kills inspiration. Thanks to Lamott’s guidance, I’ve learned to simply type to the end, no matter how imperfect the words may be. Later, I return to my work, carefully revising and perfecting those phrases that once frustrated me. This shift in my approach has been transformative.

Years ago, a college professor recommended Bird by Bird, but I’m only now getting around to reading it. It’s been lighthearted, encouraging, and deeply impactful. One of Lamott’s quotes resonates with me: “Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.”

I’m finally learning to dance without looking at my feet—a liberating and joyful experience.

My Writing Journey

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant7 Comments

From an early age, reading and writing were essential to me. My mom taught me to read when I was four because I loved books. Writing quickly became just as natural. I kept journals, wrote poetry, and found joy in crafting words. But the real magic began when I started college. Professors encouraged my writing, I earned scholarships, and poems and articles were published. That period marked a turning point in my life.

After college, however, life took unexpected turns, and my writing was set aside. It wasn’t until one summer, when an old back injury forced me onto bed rest for weeks, that I rediscovered my passion. With only so much Netflix to watch, I turned to researching my family tree. I uncovered fascinating stories about my ancestors and decided to put it all into writing.

Shortly after, I started a family blog. I wanted a safe place to preserve my stories and memories—and honestly, I knew it would be the best way to keep my writing organized (something I’m not always great at). Since my daughter was homeschooling, I often wove the stories of our ancestors into her lessons. It was exciting to add our ancestors to her history lessons.

Over time, my blog grew beyond what I’d ever imagined. I found myself enjoying writing again. I joined writing challenges and began experimenting with poetry, flash fiction, and short stories. Today, I have over 1,500 subscribers.

Last year, my daughter gifted me a subscription to Storyworth, prompting me to share even more family history and personal stories. Soon, I’ll have a family book filled with these memories—an experience that gave me the push I needed to keep writing.

Alongside blogging, I began working on a novel, though progress has been slow. Frustration crept in, and I found myself hitting pause. During this time of reflection, I decided to pursue another master’s degree. This summer, at the age of sixty-three, this grandmother will return to school to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. It’s a dream I’ve had for years.

Last year, a new language arts teacher joined our school, and we quickly became friends. She shared her excitement about her MFA program in creative writing, and her passion was contagious. Inspired by her enthusiasm, I decided to take the leap and finally pursue my long-held dream.

So, this summer, I will follow my heart’s desire once again and return to the classroom—not just as a teacher, but as a student of creative writing.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

The Perfect Place

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?
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If I could build the perfect space for reading and writing, I would design a room with large windows that let in soft, filtered light from the nearby pines. The trees would sway gently outside, casting a peaceful, natural glow throughout the space. On one wall, a fire blazes in the hearth, providing warmth and an inviting ambiance. In the corner, a plush, overstuffed recliner would beckon, its cushions soft and cozy. I’d settle into it, pulling a warm comforter over my legs, ready to start the day. Balancing my laptop on my knees, the soothing crackle of the fire would be my backdrop as I begin my writing, the words flowing as the world outside quietly fades away.

Next to the chair, a small side table would hold my morning coffee, the rich aroma of the brew sparking creativity. It would sit within arm’s reach, a comforting ritual to help me ease into the day’s work. With the fire’s warmth, the calming view, and my trusty coffee by my side, I’d be perfectly equipped for whatever thoughts or stories might emerge, ready to write the day away.

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