The mere words of "Family Traditions" makes me smile and warms my heart. It is very rewarding to think of the traditions that my husband and I started when our boys were small to see them doing them today with their families. In this post I will list three of the traditions that come to …
Winter Has Arrived – Here – Finally!
I know that I might be a bit repetitive about the fact that I love snow, but I just have to say it again...I Love Snow. I can hear all of you naysayers out there - I realize that with any kind of weather that there are two sides. The loves and the loveless. However, …
I Have A Published Children’s Book!
I had a post up last month, but something went wrong. So, I am trying it again. In December of 2023, I had my first children's book published. The name of my book is Woodie the Oak Tree and The Big Red Barn: Learning That He's Not Alone. It's about a talking tree who was …
Lean In…
The other day a small phrase was brought to my attention. It has been rolling around my mind trying to find a place to grow. Again, today I was listening to some music and one of the band members said that we need to “lean in.” What does it actually mean to “lean in”? I …
The Sun Still Rises
There are some things in life that you can always depend on. The sun rising each morning is exactly one of those things. How reassuring it is for that first beam of light pouring through my bedroom windows inviting me to live another day. The rising sun does not dictate how the weather will be …
Burrrr…
I love cold weather and all that is associated with it. The crisp air. I especially love the snow. It blankets everything and it looks pristine. The quiet, oh my, the quiet is priceless. It's like you are transported into peaceful fairytale wonderland. The foods of cold weather warm you inside out. Delish soups of …
A Quote to Live By…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). This scripture is my battle cry. No matter what the world may throw at me, I’ve been given a promise on which I can stand. This …
Nervous – Not Much!
Daily writing promptWhat makes you nervous?View all responses I feel like being nervous is a waste of time. If I spend so much effort in worrying about what might be - I literally miss out on what is here in the moment. I understand that there are situations that come out of nowhere that can …
Learned In High School?
Daily writing promptDescribe something you learned in high school.View all responses Well, to be honest, I didn't like school much. I was terrible at math. My geography teacher only showed sports bloopers - so I don't know where the countries are located. I did like home-economics. I enjoyed the cooking and sewing. Well, the sewing …
Spring is Finally Here!
Spring has finally decided to grace us with its warmth and beauty. Small buds and tiny flowers are inching their way up into the bright sunlight. The birds are singing lovely songs as they soar high in the sky or as they fly from tree to tree or branch to branch. People are emerging from …
Exercise!!!
Daily writing promptWhat's the most fun way to exercise?View all responses Exercise and I are not on speaking terms. I don't like it. I realize I probably should, but it's one of those things that I can do without and not feel bad about it. I do enjoy walking outside with the breeze in my …
The Character I Would Be…
Daily writing promptIf you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?View all responses There is just something special about this little orphan girl that draws me into her web. The little girl is beyond imaginative. She sees the best in the most horrid of circumstances. Her stubborn streak …
Pets…
Daily writing promptWhat animals make the best/worst pets?View all responses I am not qualified to answer this prompt. I am not a pet person. I see the good it does for other people. I know there are those who are extremely important to their owner lives. I see the joy in the young ones and …
A Job I’d Do For Free!
Daily writing promptWhat job would you do for free?View all responses If money wasn't a concern, I would run a coffee shop for free. It would be a comfortable place for people to come, relax, and unwind from the daily grind (pun intended). Smooth jazz playing in the background and the smell of really good …
Olympic Sports?
Daily writing promptWhat Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?View all responses First, I am not a sports persons at all, but I can watch a few sports in the Olympics. However, I don't like summer Olympics, but the winter ones make me smile. I enjoy the ice skating, because of the freedom from …
Improve?
Daily writing promptHow would you improve your community?View all responses I really don't have any response for this prompt. I live in a wonderful place. Everything I want is near. Either business or wooded walk-way. Churches are plenty. Shopping and food is in abundance. So, I'm good!
Pandemic Changes!
Daily writing promptHow have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic?View all responses Honestly, I don't feel like there has been that many things I've had to adapt to in my life. However, there are a few things that has had to be tweaked. For example; I do stock up on …
Unique Quality!
Daily writing promptWhich aspects do you think makes a person unique?View all responses Unique! Well, let's break this down - shall we. We are all people. There's no difference there. Our skin may contain different pigment. That's obvious. We are all human beings that have the same features, but completely different. We are like snowflakes …
Named After Me…
Daily writing promptIf you could have something named after you, what would it be?View all responses That is a very difficult question to answer. I really don't want anything named after me. I'm not trying to be overly humble - just truthful. Things invented should be named after their inventor. Stars are named for the …
Laughter – Good Like Medicine!
Daily writing promptWhat makes you laugh?View all responses Laughter is contagious! Laughter is boisterous! Laughter lightens the load I carry. There is absolutely nothing like a genuine, heart felt outburst of laughter. It truly is like medicine. I wish we could bottle and give it to every living soul to use. Wouldn't that make life …
A Five Year Old’s Dream
Daily writing promptWhen you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up? View all responses I know I'm probably not counted among the normal when it comes to my dreams, but I'm totally alright with that- really! When I was five - until I was was 24, all I ever wanted …
Happy – Joy
Daily writing promptWhat’s something most people don’t understand?View all responses I believe that this question could cover a wide range of topics. However, the first thing that pops into my head is the vast difference between happy and joy. You may think that this is a trivial thought, but it is far from trivial. I …
Technology – Help or Hinderance?
Daily writing promptHow has technology changed your job?View all responses First, let me just say, I love my tech! I own many Apple products. I am one of those who desire the newest and shiniest piece to come on the market. I feel detached from the world if I don't have my phone. I literally …
Secret Skill – Ability?
Daily writing promptWhat's a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?View all responses This prompt isn't as easy to answer as some of the other ones. I guess it's because I really never pondered a question such as this. I honestly don't wish for a secret skill or ability. I am quite …
Easy Answer…Write!
Daily writing promptWhat do you wish you could do more every day?View all responses If I could get everything done - that needs to be done and still have ample time to do something. It most certainly would be to write. The ideas are there floating around in my head all day long. I replay …
Tattoo…
Daily writing promptWhat tattoo do you want and where would you put it?View all responses I have one tattoo. It’s just a tiny one. It’s only for my hubby. However, if I were to get another one, it would be an Ink Quill on the side of my foot. I haven’t gotten it yet, because …
That’s Easy…Encourager!
What is one word that describes you? Just like everyone else that has answered this prompt - only one word is difficult at best to describe a complex human being. However, if you boil it all down and look at the overview of my life; I would say without a doubt - Encourager. It is …
Best Compliment…
What was the best compliment you've received? First, I have to give some background before I can answer this prompt. My dear grandmother was a very religious woman. However, she lived a hard life with my grandfather. They separated, but never divorced. She went on to college to get her degree in teaching. She taught …
Cross-Country Trip – That’s A Bit Difficult.
You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike? I love to travel. I'm inspired by new places and adventures. However, I am impatient. If there is a specific destination - well, I want to get there as soon as possible. So, airplane would be my choice. That way I can be …
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Confidence – Got That!
How would you rate your confidence level? I must say that when it comes to confidence; I feel secure. I know without a doubt that I can do anything, if I put my mind in to it. I also am aware enough to know if I shouldn't even attempt certain things. I believe that confidence …
Revealing Insecurities…
What makes you most anxious? I am not a worrier. Most things I take in stride. God has always taken care of me. So, I find it hard to let things get to me. However, there is one thing that does plague my mind. My husband and I are getting older. Retirement has been talked …
Interesting Prompt!
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times? My watching interest are all over the place. The only reason I probably re-watch shows is because I get comfy, my eye lids get heavy and I'm off to dreamland. However, I do have some favorites. If I ponder the reasons for my …
Superstitious – ummm not at all!
Are you superstitious? Just like the old Doris Day song, "Whatever Will Be, Will Be" that's my motto. Life is far too full to be worrying about what will or won't happen if I do this or that. That's not living in my opinion. How can I enjoy all the pleasures life has to offer …
Which Animal…Easy!
If I were to compare myself to any animal; I would choose a Swan. They are graceful and beautiful. They are not too fond of the cold and will fly to warmer climates (that part doesn't fit me, because I love winter). They are territorial. They pick a mate and stick together for life. When …
I Suppose You Deserve This…
Write a letter to your 100-year-old self. Dear 100-year-old LaDonna, Well, you have made it to this monumental moment in your life. You have seen and heard so many things during your lifetime. You endured a pandemic, several crashes in the economic arena, and prices soaring above wages. You have seen your lineage grow beyond …
Shopping Spree…Great Question!
Where would you go on a shopping spree? I may not be normal. I can and do shop for myself, but I prefer to shop for others. It brings me the greatest joy watching my husband, my children and grandchildren open gifts I have bought for them. There's really no certain place I prefer to …
Learning New Things … At A Senior Age!
What is the last thing you learned? Learning new things is always an exciting adventure. Well, at least I think so! The last thing I have learned is to work with two computer screens, and a new leasing program for my job. Now, I have never had a desk job. I've been a retail lady …
My Autobiography…food for thought!
You're writing your autobiography. What's your opening sentence? Who would ever think that a country bumpkin like me could ever be so blessed to live the life I've enjoyed. (The journey has been grand thus far - let's see what the next!)
Three Things…Can’t Live Without?
What are three objects you couldn't live without? I'm seriously not a thing person. However, to answer this prompt, I suppose the list would go as follows... My faith. It is what get me up in the morning and keeps me going till my head hits the pillow. Just knowing for certain that there is …
Growing Experience…
What experiences in life helped you grow the most? When it comes to writing about the experience that has helped me grow in my life - I'm in a bit of a quandary. There is a plethora of stories I could write about that would answer to prompt for today. However, I will pick the …
Goodbyes come in different forms…
Describe the last difficult "goodbye" you said. I have lost many loved ones to death. My parents, a brother, and my grandparents. The list seems endless. They each affected me in different ways. My grief always played out in a painful way, but I managed. However, one persons death rocked my world. Her name was …
I’d Just Be Me!
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why? I have lived in this body for far too long to want someone else's oddities. I am comfortable with who I am and how I live life. I may not be the most beautiful, rich, or even famous, but I …
DYI – Never Again!
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you've ever taken on. I watched all the TV DIY shows. I felt I had a good handle on this renovation process. I went to the store and bought everything I needed to update my kitchen walls, front foyer floor, guest bathroom floor, my bedroom and bathroom floors. My …
I Suppose the Word… “Luck”
If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why? I have never liked the word "luck" - it gives the impression that everything that happens to us is a matter of chance. It can be a good or bad thing. My steps are ordered. There is a plan. …
Challenge is a “Bad Word”…
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months? The biggest challenge I will face in the next six months is (and the word "biggest" isn't nice either), to loose weight. I have been overweight all my married life. I've been married nearly 43 years. True I had four boys - …
Let Yourself Dream…
What advice would you give to your teenage self? If I had a chance to give myself any advice as a teenager I would certainly say don’t wait so long to spread your wings. I lived a rather sheltered life. I was very busy helping my mother with my siblings when they were very young. …
COFFEE!!!!
What is your favorite drink? I am a coffee snob, and I make no apologies. I will not drink just any coffee. I dislike (with a passion) coffee that has sat on the store shelf for an eternity. I drink fresh roasted, freshly ground, local coffee. I told you I was a snob. The very …
There’s no pondering – it’s My Family!
Who are your favorite people to be around? My family is my favorite people to be around, for sure. When all of us are together there is great joy and laughter. Each of our boys as they entered our lives, brought a special dynamic to our family. Love, Curiosity, Joy, and Compassion - that's what …
Those Shoes were made for…
Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you. Choosing my favorite pair of shoes is a difficult task, to say the least. First, I am really hard on shoes. They don't last long - or I tire of them. However, my very favorite pair of shoes were a pair of …
Best Gift Ever…
Share one of the best gifts you've ever received. I've been so blessed all my life with many treasured gifts, but the one that stands at the forefront is my family, my husband, four sons, and five grandchildren. From my earliest memories, I always dreamed of being a wife and mother. The wife thing happened …
Quandary…
There seems to be a bit of a problem with this prompt. I mean to pick “one” favorite season is difficult, to say the least. Each one holds a special place in my heart. Spring brings newness of life. Trees waking from their winter’s nap. Bird’s filling the air with song and flowers making their …
That One Luxury…
If I were to think about the one luxury that I don’t want to live without, the answer would be simple. It’s air conditioning. I do not like to be hot. I avoid it like the plague. I’m crabby when I’m hot. I don’t like feeling sticky and clammy all at the same time. I …
LaDonna Fridenmaker~Writer 