Tag: The Daily Post

My Favorite Problem Child

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant8 Comments

Three years ago, I had a little spitfire that entered into my sixth-grade class, and she was a teacher’s worst nightmare. Amelia had an infectious smile that was somewhat crooked in nature, for it veered off at awkward angles. When she was about to be naughty, her eyes would gleam, and she would give that crooked little smile. It was like a beacon to those around her that Amelia was about to rock someone’s world, and not for the better. That glimmer in her eye warned others to take a step or two in the opposite direction because one never quite knew what she was going to do next. Continue reading “My Favorite Problem Child” →

The Ranch

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

Hotchkiss, Colorado tugs at my heart as one of my favorite places.  To put it simply, Hotchkss feels like home even though I only lived there for a short time when I was younger.  Whenever I find my way back to this little town, I feel like I am right where I belong, and I often feel this is where my story begins.  This place holds precious memories and stories of family.  This mountain view is near the cabin where my grandparents, my mom, and my aunts once lived. Continue reading “The Ranch” →

Love’s Season

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

After leaving the taco stand at 12:15 in the morning, my part-time job made me question my sanity since I had to tackle my daytime job at 7:00 in the morning. Still, walking home always cleared my head and put the craziness of my shift to rest before I climbed into a hot shower that silenced my thoughts and helped me settle into a night of slumber.

But you caught me off guard this night, standing outside the door without your usual ride—just you. I instinctively scanned the surroundings, half-expecting to see your car, but you smiled. “Not tonight,” you said, your voice conveying mystery. “Tonight, I wanted to walk you home.”

At once, the day’s weariness vanished as you took my hand. The fall air was frosty, but even the cold could not diminish the warmth I felt whenever you were near. The past few months of flirting and spending time together brought me joy. Although we barely knew one another, I felt like I had known you all my life. We shared common interests and planned on attending school the following year. You even wanted to switch universities so we could go to college together. Sometimes, it felt like each step we took was a step to a future together.

Walking and laughing down Main Street in Canon City, we came upon the middle school. Earlier in the day, someone had raked the fallen leaves into a glorious pile, just waiting for someone to enjoy. You grabbed my hand, and we ran and jumped in the middle. As leaves rained down on us, you took my face in your hands and slowly kissed me. While we snuggled into the bed of leaves, my heart raced as your kisses continued. Once you stopped, you brushed my hair from my face and smiled. Looking into your eyes and feeling you close, I knew I had fallen in love with you.

Although we did not find our happy ever after with one another, I still often think of you. And even after all these years, I have often wondered about those precious days. In my heart, I believe that you still smile and think of a brown-eyed girl in the fall when you stumble upon a mountain of autumn leaves.

Continue reading “Love’s Season” →

Weathered

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant3 Comments
I always sort of swooned at the sight of the classic barn structures in central and northern Minnesota, where everything seemed rustic and weathered and made to age gracefully.

–Richard Dean Anderson

When walking through old towns, the weathered buildings and board sidewalks offer a glimpse into a time when life seemed slower and easier.  Often I wonder if I were born about a century to late…

Continue reading “Weathered” →