Hot Chocolate

Daily writing prompt
What’s your go-to comfort food?

Well, now that I am living a healthier lifestyle, I have changed my daily menu. Now, I eat well-balanced meals and tend to stay away from some of the sugary concoctions I once enjoyed. Refined sugars create havoc and pain and lots and lots of brain fog. Still, I like to partake in a sweet treat, so I have found a hot chocolate treat that comes loaded with collagen, vitamins, and protein. I add a dash of sugar-free whipped cream and drizzle sugar-free caramel sauce on top. Since it also incorporates ashwagandha, it’s the perfect bedtime snack that helps me relax before I retreat for the night.

Without a doubt

Daily writing prompt
List 10 things you know to be absolutely certain.
  1. The sun always rises.
  2. Dark clouds do not last forever.
  3. Each day is a gift.
  4. Grandchildren make the world a better place.
  5. Never try coloring your own hair.
  6. Take that long weekend.
  7. Stay in touch with your girls.
  8. Journal.
  9. Every now and then a shot of whiskey is good for what ails you.
  10. Always find a reason to smile.

Photo by Yuyang Liu on Unsplash

Dogs

Daily writing prompt
Dogs or cats?

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.

Great Teachers

Daily writing prompt
What makes a teacher great?

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

― Theodore Roosevelt

Great teachers…..

  • provide care
  • value students
  • encourage respect and understanding
  • help others
  • offer a passion for learning
  • instill creativity
  • listen carefully
  • demonstrate empathy
  • manifest patience
  • share knowledge and experience
  • instill a joy for lifelong learning
  • display humor
  • guide through honesty
  • make a positive impact

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

A Love List

Daily writing prompt
What’s your definition of romantic?

  1. Write a love letter and notes.
  2. Make your love breakfast in bed.
  3. Always kiss your partner good morning and good night.
  4. Reflect on your fondest memories together.
  5. Be your love’s biggest cheerleader.
  6. Celebrate milestones.
  7. Compliment your partner.
  8. Hold your partner’s hand when in public.
  9. Write poetry about your love.
  10. Have meaningful conversations.
  11. Special date nights every now and then.
  12. Be present.
  13. Plan a romantic getaway.
  14. Make your love coffee in the morning.
  15. Pray for your partner.
  16. Brag about your love.
  17. Make a special playlist of songs.
  18. Bake their favorite dessert.
  19. Take long walks together.
  20. Cuddle.
  21. Flirt with your love.
  22. Try something new together.
  23. Go on a picnic or fly a kite.
  24. Take a road trip.
  25. Express your love for them, often.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Retirement

Daily writing prompt
How do you want to retire?

As retirement looms closer than ever, I look forward to the day when I slow down and enjoy each new day doing the things I love to do. I want to spend more time with those I hold dear, and I want to travel, relax, and write.

In this crazy hectic time in which we live, I want to be able to slow down and spend time with my loved ones. I long to attend my grandkids’ sporting events. I wish to spend more time playing with them and be present for those memorable moments. In addition, I would like to spend time with dear friends while relaxing at a favorite pub, cafe, or winery or watching a favorite movie.

Of course, I would love to explore my world, especially in Colorado. I have started a bucket list of places I want to visit in my state. It has so many beautiful and unique places to explore. In fact, I started my bucket list at the start of summer vacation. Two weeks ago, I visited two locations on my list, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site in Kiowa County and Bent’s Old Fort in Otero County. And I look forward to seeing more places this summer.

Although I enjoy teaching, once school begins, days of relaxation come to a screaming halt! My job consumes more hours than I care to admit! With lesson and unit plans, grading, researching, and so much more, my days blend together with ongoing work and responsibilities. And once again, my content area has shifted, so I must develop new lesson plans and ideas to meet Colorado State Standards. Thankfully, I have a jump start on my responsibilities and lessons planned into October. But I still have three more quarters to focus on this year. Since I still have so much work for this upcoming year, I want to start going into my building once a week to prepare for the new year’s lessons.

And, of course, I want to continue to write and then write some more! I would also love to find time for some creative writing workshops or classes to hone my skills. But I know I will continue researching, writing, and adding to my blog. Writing has provided a sense of adventure for me. It is one fun-loving activity that has kept me engaged and sane in this wild and hectic world in which we live.

Photo by Claud Richmond on Unsplash

The Heart of my Grandmother

Daily writing prompt
Describe one of your favorite moments.

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.

Pumpkin Caramel Spice Coffee

Daily writing prompt
What notable things happened today?

Vanilla bean, pumpkin caramel spice, whipped cream, pumpkin sauce… just a few of my favorite things…

A few days ago, I blogged about my favorite season; fall of course, and how I discovered pumpkin caramel spice coffee from Crazy Cups, which I quickly ordered. Well, it arrived, and it’s amazing! I brewed my coffee in my single-cup coffee pot. I added Jordan’s Skinny Girl Vanilla Bean Syrup and a dash of heavy whipping cream. After stirring my creamy concoction, I added sugar-free whipped cream and then drizzled the last of my Jordan’s Skinny Girl Pumpkin Spice Sauce over the whipped cream. And well, it’s pure heaven. I decided this new version will be my go-to pumpkin spice coffee. It’s a healthier version and a lot easier on the pocketbook.

Bonus: Southern Colorado has received lots of rain and the weather has remained springlike around my little house on the prairie. This morning’s temps hovered around 54 degrees. While sipping my coffee on the patio, wrapped in a cozy throw, it felt like a fall morning. I was in my happy place. And my pumpkin spice coffee was that added delight.

Calories: (about) 96

Carbs: 0.6