Poppy the Country Girl at Heart

The Girl Who Carried Moonlight

2026-09-24T10:45:05.167-07:00

There was once a girl who wore a blue dress the exact color of a robin's egg, and a scruffy brown cat who believed he was a lion.

Every morning, the girl would stand in the meadow behind her cottage, close her eyes, and listen.

Not with her ears. With her wild soul.

One morning the meadow was golden. Butterflies stitched the air with yellow thread, and the sun poured down like honey.

"Shall we go today?" whispered the cat.

"Not yet," said the girl, holding him close. "I'm still gathering my courage."

The next night the same meadow was indigo. The moon was a thin yellow smile. Fireflies rose like small lanterns, and the stars blinked awake.

"Now?" asked the cat.

The girl smiled with her eyes still closed. "Now I have a little magic, too."

She had learned something the grown-ups had forgotten: courage isn't loud. It isn't a roar. Sometimes it's just standing still in a field, holding a cat who thinks he's a lion, and deciding, yes, you'll follow the tiny bright dream that tugs at your heart, even if you don't know where it leads.

So she stepped forward. The flowers opened for her. The moon lit her path. And the scruffy little lion-cat purred.

"We're finally on our way."

It takes courage. A little magic. And a wild soul to follow your dreams.

And she had all three.

-Poppy
 9.9.26

#shortstory #poppytheauthor.  #storyteller #storytime #cats #catlovers. 

If you enjoyed this story. Below is a link to another whimsy story. 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1699061528894621&id=100063723712176&mibextid=wwXIfr

Sunny and the Flower Meadow

2026-09-24T10:39:43.285-07:00

Sunny woke up with her hair shining like the sun.

"Today is a meadow day!" she said, and skipped out the door.

The meadow was full of flowers, purple, blue, yellow, and pink. They nodded hello.

Butterflies fluttered by in every color. "Come play!" they said, dancing in the air. Sunny twirled with them, round and round.

She found tiny mushrooms under leafy patches, like little red umbrellas. She counted them: one, two!

In the soft grass, she found lucky clovers. "One for you, one for me," she whispered to a ladybug sitting on a leaf. The ladybug waved her little antennae.

Sunny looked and looked. "I wonder where the brightest flower is?"

She peeked behind the tall grass. She looked under the clover. She asked the butterflies.

Then she saw it, right where she had been standing all along. A little yellow flower, shining just like her hair, surrounded by all her meadow friends.

Sunny smiled her big dot smile. "The brightest flower is where my friends are!"

And she sat down in the meadow, with butterflies, mushrooms, clovers, and ladybugs all around, feeling sunny all over.

The end.

Poppy
9.15.26

#shortstory #poppytheauthor. #storyteller #storytime

If you enjoyed this story. Below is a link to a few other whimsy stories. 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1698554682278639&id=100063723712176&mibextid=wwXIfr

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1702791528521621&id=100063723712176&mibextid=wwXIfr

Poppy's Good News!

2026-09-24T10:30:19.858-07:00

I am thrilled to share some wonderful news—I have officially signed a publishing contract with Nightingale Books!

This is such an exciting new chapter in my journey as an author, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has encouraged me, read my stories, and followed along as my little worlds and characters have come to life.

There is much more to come, and I can’t wait to share this next adventure with all of you.

Thank you for believing in my stories and for walking beside me on this beautiful journey.

With love and gratitude,

Poppy

POPPY

2026-07-07T19:29:12.478-07:00

Dream Walker - Poppy Dodson

This book follows a young girl named Sophia who loves space and dreams of traveling to the Moon. In her dreams, she floats through space, lands gently on the lunar surface, and explores craters, moon dust, low gravity, and the stars above. Along the way, she learns real science about the Moon, astronauts, gravity, and space travel. By the end, Sophia returns home inspired, with an even deeper love for discovery, science, and the wonder of the universe.

Excerpts from the book - Dream Walker

The moon hung high above the neighborhood. Bright. Silent. Waiting. Sophia smiled. "One day, she whispered, I'm coming to visit." A few minutes later, she drifted off to sleep. At first, everything felt normal. Then came the tingling. Tiny sparks fluttered beneath her eyelids like fireflies.

Sophia's boots touched the Moon. For a moment, she simply stood there. She had imagined this moment hundreds of times. Maybe thousands. Yet nothing had prepared her for how it felt. The ground beneath her feet was soft and powdery, like fine sand. Her boots sank slightly into the pale dust before settling. A footprint remained behind.

Now available on Amazon - Kindle and Paperback

https://a.co/d/01Tb1LQJ

2026-07-07T18:53:15.641-07:00

Thankfulness and Gratitude

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts. - Henri Frederic Amiel

Rest and be thankful. - William Wordsworth

A Spirit of gratitude indicates a heart attuned to all that is good in the universe.

Written by Poppy - MARGARET

2025-10-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

COMING SOON:

MARGARET

Written by Poppy Dodson

Book details:

The story "Margaret" by Poppy Dodson is a poignant tale of resilience, friendship, and the quiet strength that can be found in shared human connection. The story centers around a farm and is character-driven. Margaret and Thomas are married, and Thomas falls ill. Margaret is caring for the farm and her husband's needs and encounters Eleanor. This is a turning point in Margaret's life. Eleanor's intuitive understanding and steady support help Margaret rediscover her own strength and resilience.

People who will resonate with my story include caregivers, those living in rural areas, those who value friendship and support, individuals who have faced personal challenges, and, last but not least, those who enjoy positive and uplifting endings.

Artist - Book Cover by Poppy

The Radiating Vibe

2023-01-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

Thank you for coming to visit Poppy's Blog.

Last year, I decided to participate in the NYC Midnight 250-word Microfiction challenge. 5,439 writers participated, and there were 125 groups, with approximately 44 writers per group.

The challenge is where you are assigned a genre and what needs to be in your story. Well, if you know me, I am a hopeless romantic, but I have never written a romance short story or story, so this was a challenge for me.

"The Radiating Vibe" Written by Poppy

Coralee had a bad day at work because she was written up, so she decided to stop at her favorite watering hole. She walks into the bar and hears Todd Rundgren playing, hello, it's me. Coralee finds an empty bar stool and plops down. She continues to sing; I've thought about us for a long time. As she looks to her left, a big athletic guy is smiling at her with piercing blue eyes like hers. Coralee smiles. The bartender comes over, and Coralee orders a drink. The athletic man introduces himself as Louie and says, may I buy your drink? Coralee says yes. When the drink appears, she takes a sip. Louie then says bad day. Coralee says working in an office with all ladies can drive you crazy. Louie says I work with grown men who whine all day. Coralee says, touche!

As they continue chatting, mostly small talk, Coralee notices she is finishing his sentences, and he is finishing hers. They order more drinks, and they are laughing. Coralee likes his laugh; it's contagious, just like hers. But his vibe was something else. It was radiating around her body. Coralee adjusts her skirt, smiles, slowly crosses her legs and swings them towards Louie. You could see Louie looking at her legs. Louie then smiles as he puts his hand on Coralees thigh nonchalantly. Coralee does not flinch and allows Louie to touch her thigh. Louie then reaches over and whispers in Coralee's ear. "I want you."

Below is my feedback. This was definitely a challenge for me.

Dear Poppy,

The feedback from the judges on your 1st Round submission from the 250-word Microfiction Challenge 2022 is below. We hope you find the feedback helpful and are proud of the story you created for the challenge. Thank you for participating. The numbers are judges.

"The Radiating Vibe" by Poppy

WHAT THE JUDGES LIKED ABOUT YOUR STORY

{2256} I thought Louie working with whiny men was really funny.

{2253} This story does a great job of adding mystery and a build up of sexual tension. I particularly like the ending when the scene seems to slow down a bit as the narrator is describing Coralee as she adjusts her skirt and Louie looking at her thighs—slowing this scene down shows how much the characters themselves are focused on these movements, thus building the tension and heat of the moment.

{2281} Coralee and Louie meeting feels natural and at the whim of chance. There's something inherently romantic about just that kind of meeting. The idea that Coralee randomly deciding to stop for a drink could alter the course of her love life is a timeless concept.

"In the end we all become stories." - Margaret Atwood

Self-Love

2022-10-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Poppy’s Blog.

I have not written in a while and felt the need to write today.

I feel blessed to share my life journey. I hope my story resonates with some of you, gives you hope, and inspires you to be the best version of yourself.

Poppy has come full circle. She made a comeback by healing herself from the inside and out. It’s been four years since my husband’s death, and I miss him dearly. I made a mistake. I went into a relationship while I was grieving. I don’t know how I managed to be in a relationship. But one day, I had an epiphany, packed my bags, and left. Now, this is when the real healing started.

Taking care of myself was my number one priority. I was depressed, lost, and lonely. So, I went into hermit mode, which is solitude. I cried, worked in my garden, started swimming at the gym, and wrote short stories. I meditated and listened to Sarah Blondin- accepting change. I learned to give back all the love I gave out, so I started filling every hole in my body with self-love.

I have been reborn and given a new life experience. I am “the phoenix rising from her ashes.” I have become resilient and allow life to spill into me, not on me. I have become more of an observer. I started a new job and returned to my original profession as an Accountant. I landed a stellar job, and I love what I do. I have the best co-workers and clients.

I am blessed to have a daughter and granddaughter who helped me through this difficult time. I am enjoying each step of my life journey, and I still wear my heart on my sleeve.

Let me end with this quote.

“A life without cause is a life without effect.”

Poppy sends love and light.

A New Year means new Beginnings

2022-01-04T21:45:00.011-08:00

Welcome to Poppy's Blog.

A New Year means new beginnings. I hope you wake up and find the place where everything feels right, your heart is calm, thoughts are positive, vision is clear, and beauty fills your soul with mystery.

This year I figured I would try my hand at pitching a Comedy. I wrote my pitch thinking about my life. As I look back on my life, I’ve had many feelings like sadness, anger, joy, stress, and excitement. I have learned a lot about myself and realized I am a strong-willed person beautiful inside and out. I don't know where I am going, but I promise it won't be boring.

The quote that comes to mind is:

I am strong because I was WEAK, fearless because I've been AFRAID, and wise because I've been FOOLISH.

"REALLY" is my first Comedy Pitch.

I entered it into the ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch (Spring 2022)

Logline: A woman enters the dating scene via a dating app after the death of her husband. She finds most of her dates are in need of a sympathetic ear, so she sets up a chatline. She meets the most boring, broken, selfish, and inconsiderate people looking for love and somehow heals herself from the chaos and drama that unfolds in front of her eyes.

Happy New Year's - Poppy

Just remember to make happiness a priority.

The White Feather

2021-12-28T16:56:00.001-08:00

After my husband's death, the physical and emotional pain I suffered opened a hole in my heart to see and feel things on a deeper level. I found myself noticing strange and subtle occurrences.

While I sat at a stoplight, a white feather descended from nowhere and landed on my windshield. I jumped out of my car and was determined to grab the white feather and hold it in my hand. Another day, while walking in the park, I sat on the bench I shared with my husband, birdwatching. A little bird came and perched next to me and stared at me. I carefully examined the bird as it moved its head back and forth. It was as if the bird was talking to me. I believed it was my husband sending me a sign from heaven. Though I thought I was going crazy, I was not. Then again, maybe I was. Another time I felt blue and decided I would use what energy I had to dress and go to my favorite restaurant to have lunch. I drove to the restaurant sat in the parking lot, afraid to go in and sit alone. But, somehow, I summoned the courage to walk through the doors alone. I sat near a window, and the table had a beautiful floral centerpiece. As the waiter took my order, I felt something hit my ankle. When the waiter left, I slowly bent over, and there was a nickel near my ankle. I picked it up and smiled. I knew then it was my husband telling me I would be OK.

There are signs everywhere. We need to learn to stop our busy brains and acknowledge the signs our loved ones are sending us. I have become a witness to seeing and acknowledging these signs on my life journey. It has made my faith stronger and resilient. I remember my mother saying, "seek adventure everywhere you go, but remember, you must see and feel with your heart to experience it." Most of us just exist daily. Some of us have not learned to leave our baggage behind, and it has become a security blanket that holds us down. Some are blind and unable to visualize the world differently because they were trained only to see in front of them. I will never allow myself to root in one place, the world is so big, and there are so many adventures waiting for me.

It's been three years since my husband's death, and I have learned to love every part of myself, the quirky side, birdwatcher, wildflower pod picker, nature lover, and writer. I also have learned to be patient with myself, go to a restaurant, movie, and park alone. Take my country drives and picnics every Sunday as I did with my husband. Though he is gone, he will always have a special place in my heart. Whenever I think of my husband, I know he will send me a sign from above to guide and protect me because he is my angel in heaven.

To read more of Poppy's short stories, click on the link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Poppy-Dodson/e/B09NJGV325?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1639416095&sr=1-5

Friday’s Quote – a Gift

2021-12-23T19:57:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Poppy's Blog!

Deep down inside, we know that the best gifts don't come from a catalog or shopping mall. They don't come in brightly colored packages or fancy envelopes, and they're not hiding in a closet for you to open on Christmas morning. They come when we look at each other, REALLY look at each other, and say:

"You mean a lot to me, or I'm glad you are part of my life." It is a gift that will never go out of style or be forgotten or returned for a different size.

A gift like that can make someone's day or change someone's life.

- Ron Atchison

Merry Christmas

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THE STORY OF RUDOLPH

2021-12-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Poppy's Blog!

Today I will be reading a story published January 11, 2011, Reader's Digest - CANADA.

THE STORY OF RUDOLPH

Once Upon a time, there lived at the North Pole, a young reindeer named Rudolph. He was a lively, happy reindeer and loved playing in the snow. But one day, the other reindeer noticed that he had a large, bright red nose, and they teased him about it without mercy.

Rudolph was sad because it was Christmas Eve, and he was afraid that he would never be chosen to pull Santa's sleigh because of his shiny nose. He visited Santa and the elf, who were getting all the presents ready. Santa and the Elf were always kind to Rudolph and never mentioned his funny nose.

At last, Santa boomed, elf, I must go. Let's load up the presents.

When all was ready, Santa asked, where are my 8 reindeer? I need Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen's strength to pull my sleigh. Then Santa looked around and noticed how foggy the night had become. He worried that he would not be able to see his way. Suddenly, he noticed Rudolph with his bright red nose, and then he had a very bright idea! "Rudolph," he cried, I want YOU with your shiny nose to light the way from my sleigh tonight!"

All the reindeer made way for Rudolph. Everybody loved him and said what a
special reindeer he was from then on. They never teased Rudolph. Rudolph would always be Santa's first choice every Christmas Eve.

Let me end with this quote – The magic of Christmas never ends, and the best gifts are Family and Friends.

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Twas the Night Before Christmas

2021-12-17T09:31:00.002-08:00

Welcome to Poppy’s Blog!

Since the holidays are upon us, I will be reading Christmas Stories my mother read to me as a child. Let us spread the Holiday Cheer!

Here is a little history of the story I will read today. Enjoy!

Twas, the Night Before Christmas, was first published in 1823 as “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas” in the Troy Sentinel, later attributed to Clement C. Moore and renamed.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care and hope that Saint Nicholas would soon be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. Went out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the newly fallen snow gave a luster of mid-day two objects below.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick. More rapid than eagles his courses they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

But I heard him exclaim, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2021-12-13T11:23:00.004-08:00

Welcome to Poppy’s Blog!

Today I will be reading a short version of Dr. Seuss’s 1957 children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Every who down in Whoville liked Christmas. But the Grinch who lived on top of Whoville DID NOT. He hated Christmas the whole Christmas season. Now, please do not ask why, and no one quite knows the reason why! It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. It could be his head was not screwed on exactly right.

But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. But, whatever the reason, his heart, or his shoes, he stood there on Christmas Eve hating the Who’s. Staring down from his cave with the sour, Grinchy frown at the warm lighted windows below in their town. For he knew every Who down in Whoville beneath was busy hanging a hollywho wreath and their stockings, he snarled with a sneer, Tomorrow is Christmas! It is practically here!

Yes, tomorrow all the Who boys and girls will wake up bright and early and run to their toys. Then all the noise. All the noise, noise, and noise. He then got an idea an awful idea. The Grinch got a wonderful AWFUL IDEA! I know just what to do about Christmas. He made a Santa Claus hat and coat. He laughed in his throat. With this coat and hat, I look like Saint Nicholas. He made a sleigh, and all he needed was a reindeer. If I cannot find a reindeer, I'll make one instead. He named the dog Max and made a big horn on top of his head.

He went to Whoville, and he came back with lots of packages, boxes, and bags. And in Whoville, it was not sad it was HAPPY VERY HAPPY. Then what do you know? The Grinches heartbeat three sizes that day. He brought the toys back and the feast's food, and he himself carved the roast beast. The Grinch enjoyed Christmas and the wonderful Christmas Season.

Let me end with this note - What if Christmas Perhaps Means a little bit more.......

Merry Christmas

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Exciting News!

2021-12-12T15:10:00.005-08:00

Today, Poppy published her first story on Kindle ebook short reads.

WHERE AM I - Written by Poppy Dodson

This story is shared through the eyes of a woman whose husband died. One evening she falls into a deep sleep, and her husband appears. He reassures her she is not going crazy and says she has a special talent to share with the world and must go home. She looks at him, confused, and he disappears. She awakes in an ambulance, where she flatlined. As time moves on, she realizes a piece of her is gone, and grief has tucked itself into a special place within her heart where she will carry it forever.

Poppy looks forward to reading your comments. Make sure to click the "Follow" button, so you don't miss any of my new releases. Cheers to exciting times.

Poppy

A Note from Poppy

2021-10-07T11:12:00.007-07:00

Welcome to Poppy's Blog!

My Reader

I want you to know that I am grateful to you for being here even if I’m sure that sometimes there are better and more important things you can be doing.

I know, I don’t have a lot of traffic and there aren’t hundreds and thousands of readers and users checking my blog every day but there are a few of you who are reading it. To you I say, “Thank you."

It means a lot to me that you read my blog and that you sometimes share my articles. I was raised to say please and thank you for everything and to write thank you notes all the time.

When someone gives you a present…write a thank you note.
When someone acts as your reference….write a thank you note.
When someone takes the time to help you….write a thank you note.

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Poppy

Poppytheauthor a Country Girl at Heart

"Thank you for your part in my journey."

Make a decision

2021-10-05T22:34:00.002-07:00

Welcome to Poppy's blog.

Decisions, Decisions, and Decisions. Every moment of every day, we make decisions. Our lives are mostly defined by the sum of decision-making and the actions that we make along the way. Most of us are programmed to make decisions based on fear, low self-esteem, and lack of willpower.

The problem is that many people have a "deer in the headlights" moment when faced with a decision. Afraid of making a wrong decision, they end up not making a decision. However, not making a decision is a decision in and of itself - and it's almost always the wrong one. The inability to make a decision can leave you frozen in place when changes are necessary. It can also wreak havoc on your confidence, your happiness, and your overall emotional well-being.

If you overthink your decisions, you can end up going in circles. Even after days of analyzing decisions, you may be unable to effectively weigh the pros and cons, determine what you want, or settle on what you think is best. Moving out of your comfort zone; fear creeps in along with anxiety. Try to push past your fears and doubts. Be brave when stepping out of your comfort zone because it can entail positive change, new skills, and worthwhile risks. You will stretch and grow. After all, if a decision is important enough to change your life, it's understandable that you'd want to make the right decision. Listen to your heart, meaning you should try to listen to your feeling and emotions, too.

Learn to train your mind to stay focused, confident and optimistic. Stop and think about your options. Let them percolate in our mind and take stock of your strengths and talents, as well as your genuine interests and desires.

What you do is not as important as who you are. Strive to be trustworthy, responsible, and kind, and you will attract like-kind people.

Let me end with this quote:

Why do we have to listen to our hearts?" the boy asked. "Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you will find your treasure."

A couple of years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, you didn't settle for it.

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JOE BOOTS

2021-10-05T12:38:00.006-07:00

Poppy is pleased to announce:

JOE BOOTS

has been entered into

Screencraft Cinematic Short Story Competition (2022)

The haunting of a confederate soldier in a farmhouse in Silicon Valley in the early 60s.

THE FLOWER BOX

2021-10-05T12:13:00.008-07:00

Poppy is pleased to announce:

THE FLOWER BOX

has been entered into

Screencraft VIRTUAL PITCH Competition

FALL 2021

The flower box is about a girl who grows up in a dysfunctional family. She fights many addictions, alcohol, drugs, and sex. One day she comes home from an alcohol bender and pulls the flower box down from the closet. She opens the flower box and finds a locket her mother gave her, pictures of her mother, and the newspaper clipping of her mothers' death. She becomes so overwhelmed with the items from the flower box and tries to take her life. She ends up living, fights for her life, and frees herself from her past. She receives a job offer from a prestigious advertising agency and accepts. At the Agency, she flourishes and finds her self-confidence.

What resonates with you?

2021-09-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, Poppy here.

Thank you for joining me. I have been busy editing my cinematic short story "Joe Boots" and its coming along. I am quite happy with it. Here is something I wrote while watching the birds this morning and sipping my coffee.

Being outside in nature always provides me with a sense of joy and satisfaction. I also receive energy when something resonates with me because I feel lighter, alive and connected.

I often let my joy and happiness bubble up into talking and singing to my flowers in the garden or riding my bike. Joy is definitely contagious. Pay attention to what resonates with you and you will move closer to alignment with your life's purpose. Remember what resonates for you may not resonate for another. It is that simple.

"She did not need much, wanted very little. A kind word, sincerity, fresh air, good cheese, crackers, grapes, clean water, a garden, birds chirping, kisses, sheltering arms, a cozy bed and to love and be loved in return.

What replenishes your energy? What resonates for you? I would love to hear from you.

I hope your week is filled with Happiness, Joy and Love.

Poppytheauthor a Country Girl at 💜

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Trust your Journey

2021-09-09T17:56:00.006-07:00

Hi, it's Poppy here. Thank you for joining me.

Today I decided to share a short story I wrote. I think we all, at one point in time in our lives, need to recreate ourselves. Like the Byrds song, to everything (turn, turn, turn), there is a season (turn, turn, turn) and a time to every purpose, under heaven. As I become older, I am more curious and adventurous. I want to learn as much as I can while I am on this earth. How about you? I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please feel free to leave a comment on where you are in your life journey.

Here I am at the crossroads of my life, needing to change due to feeling bored. Work has not been stimulating enough, so I am investigating reinventing myself. I have been writing, and it invigorates me, and I feel joyful. But I have noticed I don't want many people around, and silence has become my friend. I like being out in the country where I can birdwatch and work in a garden. So today, I have decided to take a country drive and have a picnic. As I drive the country roads, I start to reminisce about all the fantastic things I have done in my life. I can't believe I am only in my late 50's, and the universe bestowed upon me many great opportunities that I eagerly took. I had several professions. I worked as a Nurse, Accountant, Trustee/Fiduciary, President of a Land Acquisition Company, Forensic Accountant, started a few businesses, and now I am a writer. I thank the universe with a big smile. I then turn the volume up on my radio and roll down the windows to let my hair blow in the wind while singing out loud.

As I start going up hill, I notice a hitchhiker. Should I pick the hitchhiker up? I pull over and roll down the window. The hitchhiker leans in and says he is going to the next town and is hungry. I said, sure, hop in. I reach for my picnic basket and pull out a bread roll and a piece of cheese, and he gladly accepts. The hitchhiker begins to tell his story. He was married for 20 years, a loyal husband, and loved his wife, then one day, she decided to leave. All the damn years I worked to give us a comfortable life, and poof, it's all gone in a split second. After she left, I went through a low self-esteem issue. Then one day, I woke up and had an epiphany. I realized I only needed to take care of myself. I started reading self-help books and taking yoga, then thought I didn't need such a big home, so I sold it. I am now beginning a new journey in my life, even though I am in my late 60's. As I listened, I thought I was the only one recreating my life. I said as I was driving; I am reinventing myself too. We have to remember we are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream. I chuckled and said, I now have an accomplice. We both smiled. I continued driving down the country road.

We drove into town, and we said our goodbyes. As the hitchhiker jumped out of the car, he turned and said, it was nice meeting you, and I hope to see you around. I turned and said, trust your journey; no matter how many detours you take or delays you encounter, you will always be led back to where you are meant to be. Cheers, and I drove off.

Poppytheauthor a Country Girl at 💛

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Continuing with the Byrds song - A time to gain, a time to lose, A time to rend, a time to sew, A time for love, a time for hate, A time for peace, I swear it's not too late.

Self-Growth

2021-08-07T12:31:00.001-07:00

Hi, Poppy here. Thank you for joining me on this beautiful Saturday. Here is a short inspirational quote for the day. Enjoy!

Self-growth is a continuous journey of trial and error. The process will test your strength, reveal your weaknesses, and empower you to put yourself first. Keep going, no matter what. Dive deep into answering questions no matter how much the answer hurts. Be honest, open, and be less critical of yourself. You deserve respect and understanding in the process of self-discovery.

Today, I hope this reminder serves you well. Though we may grow at different rates through different experiences. Remember, we are all in this together. In a couple of years, you will look back and be so proud of your growth. Let me end with this quote.

Let us live like flowers.

Wild and beautiful and drenched in sun.

- Ellen Everett

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Unfair Criticism

2021-08-03T09:34:00.002-07:00

Hi, Poppy here!

Thank you for joining me. Here is a short inspirational quote for the day.

Don't take unfair criticism to heart. People see your actions and motives through their own lens, and sometimes that lens is scratched by the harsh experiences they have endured.

Remember, it's not about you; it is about them.

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Evolve or Remain

2021-07-30T16:16:00.002-07:00

Hi, it's Poppy here!

You are being presented with a choice: evolve or remain. If you choose to remain unchanged, you will be presented with the same challenges, the same routine, the same storms, the same situations, until you learn from them, until you love yourself enough to say “no more,” until you choose to change. If you choose to evolve, you will connect with the strength

within you, explore what lies outside of your comfort zone, awaken to love, and become who you are supposed to be, according to you. Remember, reinvention is your choice. You have everything you need; it's inside of you. Choose to evolve. Choose LOVE.

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Choose Happiness

2021-07-29T13:49:00.003-07:00

Hi, Poppy here.

Welcome to Poppy's Blog.

Be happy on purpose. Look for the rainbow when it's raining. Find hope even when it's bleak. Choose forgiveness even when bitterness is easier. Choose love even when it feels impossible. Make it a habit to choose joy as much as you possibly can because life isn't meant to be lived in disappointment or frustration. It's not meant to be lived in hatred. It's meant to be lived laughing so hard your belly hurts. Its meant to be filled with soft moments of love. It's meant to be filled with tight hugs that last a lifetime. Life is meant to be lived happily.

- Walk the Earth

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