Lately, I have been feeling a little out of sorts, so I have started looking for the little things that make me smile. Today, this post on facebook touched my heart, and I thought I should share.
Nine years ago, I started my blog Tales of a Family as a way to preserve and share my genealogy research and family stories. Over time, it slowly evolved—what began as a space for family history became a creative outlet where I could also share short stories, flash fiction, and poetry.
While I’ll continue to post family memories and adventures, this blog has truly grown into a reflection of my love for storytelling in all its forms. With that in mind, I felt it was time to update the site to better reflect that journey. I hope to continue to grow as a writer and discover new avenues to explore.
To my faithful readers—thank you. Your support and encouragement over the years mean more than I can express. I never imagined that a little family blog would grow into such a meaningful place of connection, creativity, and shared stories.
With gratitude and blessings,
Annie
It’s hard for me to choose just one favorite genre of music because I enjoy rock, pop, country, and R&B. Lately, I’ve found myself strolling down memory lane, revisiting the classic hits of my youth. I grew up on country western music, often listening to my parents’ old vinyl records featuring artists like Conway Twitty, Glen Campbell, and Charley Pride.
I also loved the heartfelt lyrics and acoustic sounds of folk artist John Denver, as well as the storytelling style of country crooner Kenny Rogers. At the same time, I couldn’t resist the energetic beats of disco—especially the music of Earth, Wind & Fire and the Bee Gees. Soft rock was another favorite, with bands like the Eagles providing a mellow, easy-listening backdrop to many of my teenage memories.
If I could draw and paint, I would love to illustrate a children’s book. I think it would be so much fun to create something colorful and magical, something that would make a small child smile.
I am blessed to have a circle of friends who are more like family than friends. I know who to call when I need advice, a shoulder to lean on, or just someone to laugh with over lunch. In this ever-changing world, it is nice to know some things remain the same.
So I will end with two of my favorite friendship quotes:
Good friends are like the stars, you don’t always see them, but you know they are always there. -Christy Evans
“Never let your friends be lonely — disturb them all the time.” -Unknown
Books:
Family Stories and Family History
Writing:
Working Out:
Favorite Day Trips:
Photo by Ryan Carpenter on Unsplash
I have several different ways to unwind after a demanding day. When the weather is nice, I enjoy walking my dogs, Max and Mitzi. Some days, I will work out at the local Y; other days, I will curl up with a good book.
This prompt makes me smile, for I try to be grateful for each day and all that it offers. For me, here are a few of my everyday things that bring me happiness.
For me, I love to exercise in the water! As a kid, I spent endless hours in the pool or at the beach. And since my old body often groans after exercising, I have found that water walking and water aerobics provide the perfect place to get in my extra steps and a cardio workout. Oh, and the Y also has a jacuzzie jets in the therapy pool, and a steam room in the women’s locker. Win! Win!
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~creating a legacy through story genealogy
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Tales of a Family 