Green rolling hills with stone walls and farmhouses under cloudy sky

Location! Location! Location!

The WordPress Daily Writing Prompt for July 7, 2026, invites reflection on where one would choose to live. The author highlights four beloved locations: Pierport, Michigan, known for childhood memories; Ireland, with its lush landscapes and folklore; New Zealand, inspired by the beauty seen in The Lord of the Rings; and Kurzach, Germany, a nostalgic family home.

Tabby cat sitting on windowsill looking outside at autumn garden with orange leaves

Whirl-A-Gigs and Watching Cats

The post introduces Mr. Duane Hunt, a gifted genealogist and writer from Bear Lake, Michigan. The author reflects on their long-standing friendship that has grown through social media. It features Duane’s unpublished poem, “Whirl-a-Gigs and Watching Cats,” capturing moments of childhood wonder and appreciation for life’s small joys.

Person sitting on wooden bench beside mist-covered lake during sunrise

From there to here.

A journey from what I dreamed my life would be to what it actually became.

A Christmas Eve memory.

On Christmas Eve 1985 in Frankfurt, a young American soldier on guard duty experienced a heartwarming moment. A jovial group of German locals, slightly inebriated, offered him a bottle of wine while singing festive wishes. This unexpected gesture transformed his cold, lonely night and left a lasting impression.

Older, smiling, well-dressed man wearing a cowboy hat at a party.

Be happy you knew him.

The author reflects on the remarkable life of her father, Bernard “Bud” Earl Ware, Sr., who lived from 1923 to 2020. Emphasizing his hard work, community service, and love for family, the message encourages others to celebrate his life rather than mourn his passing, highlighting the importance of helping others and expressing joy.

My favorite sounds.

A few months ago, while dinking around on Facebook, I came across a question. Readers were asked to name their favorite sound. A single sound. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t pick just one. So, off I went on a fun little project for myself, making a list of favorite sounds. Here’s what I came…

I am grateful for my first china cup.

#ProjectZen #Day20 #GratitudeProject I was five years old when my mom presented me with my first official fancy china cup! I was thrilled! It’s such a small cup, festooned with happy creatures (a duck, a frog, and two mice) flowers, butterflies…..in cheerful colors. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy this cup made…

I am grateful for Bear Lake Schools.

#ProjectZen #Day8 #GratitudeProject   Day 8 of my gratitude project has me walking the halls of my school, where I attended Kindergarten through High School. I’m also frustrated that so many years later, names escape me, despite some of these people having a huge impact on me, and shaping my young mind. I feel compelled…

Making peach jam sent me back in time.

I grew up on a produce farm in Michigan, and was the only daughter of five children. Many of the chores and duties we kids were responsible for were uniform across the board (everyone did them), and some of them were more specific. As the only girl child, I spent a lot of time helping…

Love From My Kitchen

Today I caught a baking bug. It’s been a while since I baked, and it so happens my husband perked up quite nicely when I mentioned it. He asked for apple, then pumpkin, then apple, then faltered and just looked at me. I suggested both. He grinned like the Cheshire Cat, quite pleased. Pie crusts…