🕺 Dancing with Gary: A Look Back
Ever wonder what it was like to fall in love with someone who could’ve stepped right out of an episode of Happy Days? This story is a walk down memory lane—back to my wild twenties, a whirlwind romance, and the unforgettable man who loved Elvis, danced like nobody was watching, and lived life on the edge.
“Dancing with Gary” is a reflection on young love, messy years, and the lessons that stick with you long after the music fades. It’s a story for my grandkids, for anyone who’s ever loved a little recklessly, and for those of us who still get up and dance when the right song comes on.
🤖 Me and Scribbles: My AI Sidekick
Meet Scribbles—my AI sidekick who helps me write stories, untangle thoughts, and remind me why I started this journey in the first place. He doesn’t always get it right (and sometimes drives me nuts), but together we make a pretty good team. This post is about how I use AI to help tell my stories—and why it’s not as scary as it sounds.
🩺 Letting Go of the Fear: Choosing Joy Over Worry
A routine colonoscopy got me thinking about how I stopped letting fear take over. This story’s about choosing joy, trusting your gut (literally), and believing that what you think shapes what you feel.
💌 A Letter to My Younger Self
In this deeply personal letter, I take a walk down memory lane and offer some hard-earned advice to the girl I used to be—the one who thought she wasn’t enough.
I talk about self-esteem, following your own path, and learning to trust your gut (even when it’s whispering instead of shouting). I also sprinkle in a few road signs I’ve picked up along the way—like knowing when to rest, when to reroute, and when to stop listening to those traffic cops who never move an inch themselves.
Whether you’re 20 or 70, the message is the same: it’s never too late to open a new door and start walking your own road.
🌿 Annie Brulotte: A Legacy of Love, Hard Work, and Resilience
I didn’t grow up knowing my grandmother Annie very well—by the time I came along, she already had 24 grandchildren and had just welcomed her first great-grandchild.
She was 61 when I was born, and to be honest, grandkids were popping out faster than she could keep track.
But that didn’t stop her story from making its way to me.
🤔 How Many Walters Does It Take to Confuse a Family Tree?
Too many Cecils. Too many Walters. Not enough sticky notes.
This is what happens when tradition meets baby name exhaustion. A tale of recycled names, mistaken identities, and one poor kid nearly named after a car. If you've ever gotten your cousin's name wrong at a reunion—this one's for you.
🛠️ William Ellis Sweet: The Man Behind the Forge
Some legacies come from loud voices and big personalities. Others, like my grandfather Ellis Sweet’s, are built quietly—with calloused hands, a steady heart, and a deep sense of purpose
A little update
Just a quick update from the woman behind the stories—no big plot twists, just a peek at what I’ve been working on (and maybe a little muttering at the computer).
Driving a car with no keys
We drove all the way back to the shop, feeling pretty proud of ourselves—right up until we realized we didn’t have the key. Turns out, modern cars don’t mind if you forget it… as long as you don’t shut them off. Lesson learned.
What makes me happy
Just when you think it’s safe to plant flowers and ditch the boots—Montana reminds you who’s boss. A story of false hope, snow shovels, and muddy lessons.
Dad and His Garden
Dad’s garden wasn’t just rows of beans and tomatoes—it was a battlefield, a sanctuary, and sometimes a comedy show. This one’s for the man who planted more than seeds.
Why Teenagers Shouldn’t Be Trusted Near Fire and Beer
Let’s just say mixing hormones, campfires, and a six-pack never ends quietly. A tale of smoke, regret, and a burnt something I still haven’t forgiven them for.
Not So Fast Spring
Just when you think it’s safe to plant flowers and ditch the boots—Montana reminds you who’s boss. A story of false hope, snow shovels, and muddy lessons.