Tag: dailyprompt

I added to my fictional story today. My wings are clipped since my car is in the shop until tomorrow, but I enjoyed staying at home, curled up with the pups, and writing to my heart’s content.

Here’s a small portion of what I added…

Pine Creek

I exited the bus at Pine Creek Square and looked around the small mountain town. The large fountain graced the plaza’s center, just as I had remembered. Some children sat on the edge with their feet dangling into the cool water. I smiled as I remembered how Dallas, Jayden, and I would sit around the fountain. Sometimes we would throw in spare change and make a wish, and we always believed that, eventually, those wishes would come true.

It was just a few minutes past 4:00; I knew I would have to hurry to my grandmother’s flower shop before it closed for the day. It was nearby, for the town’s main street jutted to the west of the town’s square. I stayed in the back of the line as travelers waited for the driver to pull luggage from the undercarriage bin. People gave me sideway glances and sympathetic stares. My swollen eye looked painful, and the bruises even made me gasp when I first looked in a mirror. I tugged at my hoodie, trying to block the stares around me. I sighed since I just wanted to get home. Home, the thought made me smile. I could not wait to see Gram and move back to the little cottage that had brought me so much joy over the years.

As I lingered, I silently rehearsed what I would say to my grandmother. I hadn’t seen the woman since I was thirteen years old. It had been over four years, and I wondered how she would react when I showed up on her doorstep unannounced. 

Gram and Mama had a falling out the last summer we visited. Mama never told me what had transpired. I just knew Mama walked away and never looked back. Before we left, Gram hugged me close and whispered that she had slipped something into my bag. Later, I found a floral notecard and the locket her grandmother gave her when Gram was just a girl. She had placed five one hundred dollar bills inside the card and told me to save the money for an emergency. I pulled the note from my bag and unfolded the worn card. The ink had faded, but the love from my grandmother still made its mark. Tears welled in my eyes when I read; Your room will always be ready when you decide to find your way home.

Instinctively, I reached for the locket I had worn over the years. I ran my fingers over the worn antique pendant. I could feel the raised edges of the mother bird swooping in to sit on her nest of bird eggs. Inside the antique locket was a picture of my Gram and her grandmother, Anna. It made me smile. From the moment I opened it, I treasured this token from my grandmother. It was a constant reminder of her love.

Staring around Pine Creek’s plaza, I remembered all the times Gram and I ventured into the shops and cafes of this quaint mountain town. When I looked at the mountains, I recalled our hikes and picnics. I deeply breathed in the cool mountain air, catching a hint of pine. For the first time in a long time, I relaxed. Soon, I would once again return to the only real home I had ever known.

Photo by JC Bonassin on Unsplash

Every year after the heat of summer, I look forward to the cooler days of autumn. For me, it’s a magical time of the year when leaves turn gold, orange and red. I love to watch the spectacular display as trees showcase fall’s colorful brilliance. During this time, the warm scent of burning leaves or logs in the woodstove fills the air and provides a sense of coziness and well-being. At home, apple and pumpkin-scented candles remind us of the upcoming holidays. Extra layers of warm clothing and soft quilts provide warmth and the comfy sense that all is right in the world.  

The days become shorter and life less hurried. The hallmark of this season reminds rest and contentment offer the perfect time to reflect and honor the blessings in our lives. Family. Dear friends. Children. Furbabies.

During this time, sweet, creamy concoctions of pumpkin and spice provide the perfect seasonal treat for coffee lovers. I love to create my own healthy versions of this timely sweet treat. And I look forward to this fall tradition each year. (See my recipe below)

I always try to plan a mountain visit during this time, and after a relaxing getaway last fall, I will now make this an annual event. I enjoy basking in the outdoors at this time. I love to walk in the woods with my pups, listen to the crunch of leaves below my feet, and hear the wind gently rustle the aspen trees as they change to yellow and gold. I love to sit on the porch in the morning, wrapped in a blanket, drinking my fall coffee, and wait for the sun to shine through mountain pines. I love to watch my pups explore the mountain areas, always on the lookout for new scents or mountain wildlife. This time of the year delights my senses as I slow down and enjoy all life offers.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee (low carb)

• 8 oz. brewed coffee or even 1-2 shots of espresso. I personally love to use k cups (the recyclable single servings pods). I play with the different types of roasts, and I just discovered a Pumpkin Carmel version from Crazy Cups! I just ordered some! And yes I know summer has not yet officially arrived. I need to experiment, don’t I?
• About 1 1/2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream – 76 calories; 0.6 carbs
• A dash of Jordan’s Skinny Girl Syrup (so many flavor options Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Caramel, Vanilla Bean Pumpkin, etc). – 0 Calories; 0 Carbs
• 2 tablespoons of Sugar free whipped cream – 20 calories; 0 carbs
• Jordan’s Sugar free Pumkin Spice Sauce or Jordan’s Sugar Free Salted Caramel Sauce p 0 Calories; 0 Carbs

Calories (about) 96

Carbs – 0.6

Options:

• Lowfat milk or almond milk

Photo by David Rupert on Unsplash

Depending on the Day…

Dream the impossible and write to your heart’s content!

Or

Watch it or you might end up in my next story!

Photo by Muhammad Daudy on Unsplash

Most of my time, I spend with my two mini dachshunds, Max and Mitzi. From the moment I wake up, the pair follow me around the house and stay close by my side. They even sleep in my bed! Who knew two pint-sized pups could occupy so much space in my bed and my heart?

On my days off, we take walks or run errands together. It’s funny when I show up in places without the dogs; the first thing folks want to know is where the babies are.

We have even gone on road trips together during my breaks and vacation times. They sure have been great company and a lot of fun. They keep me active and make my days more enjoyable.

After a weekend at home, they fuss about my return to work, and this mama feels guilty when I have to leave them behind. I love my pups to no end, and I think it’s true when my daughter says, “It’s official. You have become that crazy doxie mama.

If I were going to change my name, I would change it to Aimee Marie. My mom wanted to give me this name in honor of a dear cousin who married a man with the surname Aime. My mom adored her cousin Mildren Allen Aime. Mildred’s parents were Samuel L. Allen and Mabel Vernice Trickel Allen. I still have the baby blanket my Aunt Mabel crocheted for me. Mabel lived across the road from my grandparents, Tom and Elva Allen, and my grandmother always stated that Mabel was a dear friend.

For the history of my name, click on the link.

Ann