Month: October 2025

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Lessons from an Adopted Grandmother

L.M. Hosler

I never knew my actual grandparents. I saw my grandmother on my mother’s side a few times but never really knew her. It’s sad that I never really had grandparents in my life.

I made Madeline my adopted grandmother when I went to work for her as her caregiver. We sat and talked for hours when I had everything that was needed done. She told me some wonderful stories of her life. Madeline had grown up during the depression era and World War II. She had been a teacher and she told me about her college adventures and romances. She shared with me stories of the other man she almost married. Madeline lived away at college and came home on weekends by train. Madeline had a talent for music and she became a music teacher. Although her family couldn’t afford for her to go to college her church stepped in with a scholarship.

When Madeline came home as a teacher, one of the first things she did was form a school band. I remember her story of how she had friends, neighbors and other community members searching through attics for instruments for her students. And she managed to construct the first band for that high school.

Madeline married and had two children but continued teaching. But her family always came first and she raised two great children. She was loved by her students who still dropped in to visit with her when her health declined. Madeline was very active in church and community activities. At one of the town’s parades, Madeline was the Grand Marshall of the parade.

Madeline also did a lot of traveling after her retirement. When her sight failed, I would sit and read her the notes she had written about her travels. One evening we got out boxes of valentines from her grade school days. It was amazing to see old valentines with movable arms and legs. They don’t make valentines like that anymore.

I spent many hours with Madeline and I enjoyed every minute. She was a beautiful, unique woman who gave her time and love to so many others. I will never forget some of the lessons I learned from her. I always remember her kindness to everyone. I learned to be more tolerant of people. I offer find myself repeating something she would say. When asked if she liked a new food, she would either say she did like it. Or she would say “I wouldn’t walk around the block for it”.

Madeline died when she was 102. Her last unselfish act was to donate her body to science. She hoped that doctors would find cures for some of the problems that she had suffered.

Daily writing prompt
Describe a family member.
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Grace Kelly: The American Princess Who Captivated Monaco

L.M. Hosler

Don’t most little girls dream of being a princess? A princess costume is generally a favorite costume of girls for Halloween. But what are the chances of that dream ever coming true?

I imagine that Grace Kelly was at one time one of those little girls who dreamed of being a princess. But Grace Kelly loved the spotlight and truly wanted to be an actress. . As an actress she played the role of Princess Alexandra in her final film. Shortly after that Grace Kelly did indeed become the wife of Prince Rainier of Monaco making her a royal princess.

Young Grace Kelly Her Early Years

Grace Patricia Kelly was born in, “The City of Brotherly Love”, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1929. She was the third child for John (Jack) and Margaret Kelly. While athletics played a big part in the Kelly family, Grace was not much for athletics. She had more of an avid interest in drama and acting.

When Grace was about twelve, she became interested in acting. But at twelve many considered her to be an ugly duckling of sorts. She was small, thin, and she needed glasses because she was nearsighted. But Grace Kelly was destined to turn into a beautiful swan, an actress and eventually a royal princess.

Grace Kelly the Actress

In 1942, she appeared in “Don’t Feed the Animals” which was a small theater group near her home. In the fall of 1947, she enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, located in New York. It was during this time that she became a successful model. She appeared on covers of many women’s magazines, while also making appearances on TV dramas.

In 1949, Grace made her debut on the Broadway stage. Shortly after that Grace made the move to Southern California and motion pictures. Her first motion picture was “Fourteen Hours” in 1951, which also starred Gary Cooper and Lloyd Bridges. She starred in the movie “Country Girl” in 1954 with Bing Crosby. Her performance won her the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for best actress.

Grace Kelly Movies

  • The Swan 1956
  • Fourteen Hours 1951
  • High Society 1956
  • Dial M For Murder An Alfred Hitchcock thriller 1954
  • Mogambo 1953
  • To Catch A Thief 1954
  • High Noon 1952
  • The Country Girl 1954 Won the Oscar for Best Actress
  • The Rear Window 1954 Another Alfred Hitchcock movie

Grace Kelly was a highly talented, beautiful, and sought after actress of the 1950s.

The American Actress Meets her Prince

In May 1955, Grace met Prince Rainier of Monaco, the richest bachelor in the world. She had agreed to attend the Cannes Film Festival and to be photographed with the Prince. Grace was just twenty six and the Prince was thirty two. After the photo session ended, the Prince took Grace to visit the gardens and his zoo. Over time, the Prince and Grace began a courtship that would lead to marriage. It was a union between the beautiful American actress and the Prince of Monaco. Marrying into a royal family, a bride must meet certain conditions like providing a dowry to the husband.

Grace’s family was required to send a sizable dowry in the amount of $2,000,000. Grace had to take a fertility test to ensure that she could produce an heir to the throne. It was also agreed that Grace would give up her acting career. She would move to Prince Rainier’s home in Monaco, which was a 235 room palace that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. The hardest thing for Grace to accept was the possibility of giving up all rights to her children. If the marriage did not work, then Prince Rainier would have custody of any children the couple produced.

Wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier

The Wedding

On April 18, 1956, Prince Rainier Grimaldi and Grace Kelly exchanged vows in French in a civil ceremony.  On April 19, 1956 the couple were married again in a religious ceremony officially making Grace Kelly Princess Grace of Monaco. Princess Grace would give birth to three royal children. Princess Caroline was born in 1957, Prince Albert born in 1958, and Princess Stephanie born in 1965.

The Prince and Princess Of Monaco

Tragedy Strikes

Tragedy struck the royal couple on Sept 13, 1982. Princess Grace was driving with her daughter Stephanie on a steep curving road and her car went over one of the steep curves. While Stephanie only had minor injuries, Princess Grace’s injuries were more severe and would claim her life two days later.

There have been many rumors about what caused Princess Grace’s car to plunge down the cliff, akin to the rumors surrounding Princess Diane’s death. However, Dr Louis Chateline, the physician who treated the princess at Monaco states that Princess Grace suffered two strokes. The first stroke struck her while she was driving causing her to lose control of her vehicle. A second stroke took her life.

Grace Kelly will long be remembered for many things. Her movies and her timeless beauty are among them. Her family remembers her as a wife, mother, and daughter. She will also always be known as the American Princess Grace of Monaco

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Success: Different Versions

L.M. Hosler

When I think of a successful person, the first person I think of is the late Charlie Kirk. I was stunned when I heard about his assassination. It happened during one of his events at Utah Valley University on September 10 of this year.

Charlie Kirk was a month away from his thirty second birthday when he was gunned down. Although he was very young he accomplished more in his short life than many of us, including me, will ever achieve.

Some of Charlie’s greatest accomplishments:

  • Started a non-profit organization named Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was only 18 years old
  • Was the author of a book “The College Scam”
  • Was the host of his own radio show
  • Was the speaker at the Republican National Convention 2020 and 2024
  • Was a proud follower of Jesus and talked with many young people regarding faith and family
  • Met with many world leaders

Those are just a few of the reasons I think that Charlie Kirk was an extremely successful person. It was Charlie’s faith that I most admired. His commitment to his faith, family and our country were a joy to hear. He traveled around the USA promoting freedom of speech, Christian values, and conservative values. He chose to debate and listen to other points of view. I have watched many of his videos of him challenging college students. He was always kind and showed so much common sense, which is so rare today.

I think Charlie was so successful in his life due mainly to his unfaltering faith in Christ. He was also very successful in his relationships. He had a beautiful, loving wife and two children.

I saw people mourning this young man all over the USA and countries overseas. You had to know this was a very special man who had touched millions of lives including mine even though I never met him. Charlie has been called to heaven, but now it’s up to us to carry on his faith and values.

Daily writing prompt
When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?
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Exploring Pottery: Essential Tools for Beginners

L.M. Hosler

I would really like to try doing pottery. Pottery is a form of art to me. I have seen some beautiful works of pottery and would like to give it a try.

I do have a family member who does pottery but I don’t know if she would have the time to teach me. If anyone in my area were to give lessons I would sign up.

I am not sure just what all equipment I would need besides a pottery wheel. I believe I would need something called a kiln, not exactly sure what it does. I assume it’s needed for heating and drying pottery. The equipment sounds like it could be an expensive investment.

Making Pottery

Even though I would enjoy learning a new skill, pottery equipment will probably keep me from trying.

Daily writing prompt
What could you try for the first time?
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The Journey of Adulthood: When Do You Really Feel Grown Up?

L.M. Hosler

What is a grown up adult supposed to feel like? I am old and still don’t know that feeling.

Was it when I took my first job or when I graduated from high school? Is that when you are supposed to feel like an adult?

Does graduation make us an adult?? Harrison Keely

Are you an adult when you become a parent? I have grown children and I still am waiting to feel like an adult. I act like an adult. I pay the bills and take care of the house. I have a job and do everything that is supposed to make a person an adult.

Perhaps I felt like an adult when I went through rough times and had to make difficult decisions. That is probably the closest I ever came to feeling like an adult. I never really gave it much thought.

But I still don’t know the feeling of being an adult. What is that supposed to feel like? Is it supposed to be when we do what we have to do to make hard decisions?

It’s been a tough journey reaching adulthood. I guess I made it but I still can’t describe when it happened.

Daily writing prompt
When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?
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From Education to Homeownership: My Goal Achievement Story

L.M. Hosler

I think that I have achieved a lot of personal goals in my lifetime. Some were easy goals and some were hard goals. But with determination and a little support from family I achieved the goals I set.

I first completed my goals of going back to school while raising my children. The boys were older but still in school. They often times did not get along or got in trouble when left on their own. With my sister’s help I managed to complete a computer programming course. I still couldn’t program but I graduated. Never got a job in computer programming and programming has completely changed now.

After I moved to Florida, I also went back to school for something different. I got an associate degree in accounting. Education is never lost even if you don’t go into the field you studied. Today everyone is expected to know how to use a computer. Accounting is used everyday as we manage our finances.

Beautiful Colonial Home Similar To Mine WhisperToMe

My biggest goal, perhaps not the hardest goal, has been buying my own house as a single woman. The hardest part of buying the house was getting through the mortgage process. Banks and government regulation can make things harder. I bought my house ten years ago and I love being a homeowner on my own. I don’t like renting although I have done that. When you rent the owner gets to keep all the equity in the house. Meanwhile, all you get is a stack of receipts. Owning my own house, the equity if I ever have to sale the house, the equity will allow me a good retirement. Owning a house is a smart investment.

So I have met several of the goals I set for myself over the years. Now my goal is to continue making improvements to my house. My final goal is to have something to pass on to my children. I guess I will never achieve my goal of becoming filthy rich.

Daily writing prompt
What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself?
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Exploring the Beauty of Realism in Art

L.M. Hosler

First, I an not much of an art expert. Some art just really goes over my head and I wonder what some paintings are supposed to be. To be honest, I know of two artists for only one reason. Their work has been made into puzzles and I do enjoy their puzzles. Those artists are Charles Wysocki and Thomas Kinaide.

My favorite artists are ones who do realistic paintings. I like pictures of old times. Old buildings, bridges, farms etc. I like beach pictures and cabins in the woods in the fall.

George Losch is one of those that have captured scenes like I described. Not only that but George Losch was a local artist. Before his death, George Losch owned Heartland Galleries in Juniata County. He displayed his own art there and encouraged other artists. He has done many paintings of local bridges, railroad stations, covered bridges and farms. Two of his works I would like to have are “The Rockville Bridge,” or “Evening at the Station.” I don’t own any of his works yet but perhaps someday.

Just a country scene Ron Shawley

Charles Wysocki is another favorite for the reason that he also does realistic paintings of another era. His paintings depict life as we will never know it again. That’s why I enjoy doing his puzzles so much.

I also like Thomas Kinaide. His works are also usually a country time setting. His art shows cottages or other buildings and outdoor themes. They often times also show running water of some type. I believe, he has been referred to as the painter of light. I enjoy his puzzles also.

My last artist was a lady I took care of before her passing. When she was younger she did a lot of painting and had her artwork on her walls. She never pursued a career in art because she was a farmers wife and mother of several children. Her work was showcased in a few local fairs and she usually won the best of the show. No one will ever know her name but I admired her talent.

These are the artists I like. They paint outdoor buildings and scenery. I love cabins in the woods, old houses, barns, covered bridges and flowing water. These artists give me that sense of peace and a remembrance of times gone by.

Daily writing prompt
Who are your favorite artists?
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Why Reading is My Favorite Hobby

L.M. Hosler

I have so many hobbies I enjoy that it’s hard to choose.

I enjoy reading, writing, playing cards, quilting and puzzles. So which one do I choose as my favorite.

I spend more time reading than any of the others. So, I will say reading is my favorite pastime. When the weather is nice, not too hot or cold, I will be sitting on my porch with a good book and a cool glass of lemonade. When winter comes I will be sitting on my sofa all bundled up with a good book. Television programming is rather lousy these days. So thank goodness for authors and great books.

Some of my favorite authors include:

  • John Grishman
  • Mary Higgins Clark Never pass one of those up
  • Tami Hoag Just finished her latest one
  • Johanna Lindsey
  • Jude Deveraux
  • Nora Roberts
  • Sandra Brown
  • Linda Castillo

That’s just a short list. I keep adding other authors I like to the list.

Thank goodness for the library and it’s book sales. I can get as many books as I can fit into a bag for a small fee. They keep my shelves full so I always have a book handy.

Book Collection Vyacheslav Argenberg

I belong to a local book club in my area. We each buy one book and in two weeks we pass the book on to the next member. This is a very old book club. It was started before cars and libraries existed. The members of the first book club actually took out loans to buy a book. We have come a long ways from that first book club.

I picked reading as my favorite pastime but I enjoy all my hobbies. I am so glad to have hobbies so that I am never complaining about being bored.

Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
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Navigating Social Gatherings with a Hearing Disability

L.M. Hosler

Just about my whole life, I have felt out of place. I have never liked parties or groups of people I don’t know well.

I think over the last twenty years I have been feeling that more. It probably has to do with my hearing disability which has gotten worse over the years. It’s hard to be in a noisy group when you can only hear parts of the conversation. At most gatherings I am the one standing or sitting alone. I don’t care much for idle conversation. Now if there’s card games or board games to entertain me that makes a difference. Otherwise, I am usually the first out the door heading home.

I usually feel out of place in groups of people who are dressed well. I really have no fashion sense. This is everywhere I go with others. Weddings, funerals, dinners, whatever, I always feel like I have the wrong clothes on. I compare myself to how others are dressed and I generally feel inadequate.

I feel that I am getting better at social situations. Or maybe I am just finding more excuses not to be involved in those situations where I feel so out of place.

Daily writing prompt
Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.
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The Impact of Computers on Daily Life

L.M. Hosler

How quickly our world has become accustomed to using computers in our daily lives. They have changed communication, shopping, reading, games and so much else since computers early days.

Without my computer, it would be much harder to get information. I am constantly telling people, “just let me look it up on the computer”. A computer has become what a set of encyclopedia used to be a generation or so ago. We can even use our voices to ask questions and get an answers.

Using the computer has changed my shopping habits. I do a lot of my shopping online now. Now most brick and mortar stores also have an online store. At the moment I am waiting for my latest order from Amazon. I also buy pet food online. It’s delivered right to my porch without me having to go to the store then drag it home. Without the use of a computer, I would be spending more time shopping. I don’t do all my shopping online. It’s hard to find clothes that fit without going into a store. Groceries can now be ordered online and delivered. I prefer doing my own grocery shopping and picking out what I want myself.

An Old Typewriter Life magazine 1891

I would be using a typewriter or even a pencil and paper if I didn’t have a computer to do my writing. I would be spending a lot of time sitting in a library doing research. Letters and cards would still have to be handwritten and mailed through the unreliable post office. Now with a computer, I can send an email and get a reply within minutes.

Using my computer, I communicate with people all over the world. Social media helps to keep us in touch with near and faraway friends and family. I get a lot of news and information from those social media sites.

With the use of my computer games, music and movies all entertain me. Not that I do much of those but they are a nice diversion at times. Computers can do so many things in our lives today.

So what would my world look like without a computer? Honestly, my world would look a lot like the simple life I grew up with. Reading would require trips to the library. Writing would be done on typewriters. Information would come from books and other sources. Letters would be handwritten and sent through snail mail. I would be getting together with friends and family more often. I would be using a house type of telephone instead of a smart phone. And I would still be lugging home big bags of pet food and cat litter from the store.