My boys Justin and Joe sit with me at our familiar wooden table, hands full of playing cards, laughter weaving through the room like a gentle thread. Glasses rest beside us, half-filled with favorite drinks, and a notebook—proof that this space is shared for both play and thought—lies open nearby. In the warmth of a cozy, memory-lined room, we carry on a cherished family tradition, our bond made stronger with every shuffle, every deal, every story that rises between turns.
There’s something about games—whether spread across kitchen tables or tucked into quiet corners—that stirs up stories long after the pieces are packed away. Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on the ones that linger.
Games have always had a way of stitching time together, haven’t they? A shuffled deck. The click of dice. The quiet strategy behind a Scrabble board shared between generations. This week, I’ve been reflecting on those simple moments—how Rummy with my mom, and brother Bob; Scrabble with Candy, or Monopoly battles that stretched late into summer evenings weren’t just pastimes. They were portals
When I think of my favorite game, it’s not just the play—it’s the atmosphere around it. There’s something sacred in the return to familiar games. My boyfriend and I often pick up Rummy or Yahtzee, laughing at the patterns we’ve come to expect. Lately, he’s been teaching me Chess—a quiet, strategic dance I never thought I’d learn. And on days when my mind feels foggy, a spirited round of Trivial Pursuit reminds me I still carry more knowledge than I give myself credit for. It’s cerebral, sure—but also communal. The kind of game that lets stories flow while hands move.
There’s comfort in these shared play spaces. A chance to be lighthearted, to compete with kindness, to revisit old jokes and make new ones. A card game, a board game, even a solo puzzle on a rainy afternoon—they all offer something essential: a rhythm that brings us back to ourselves and to one another.
I’d love to hear your favorites—whether it’s Uno or Euchre in the camper, Cribbage with a grandparent, or a video game that lets you build the world you dream of. Drop a comment or memory, and let’s stir a little fun into this week’s reflection.
🫖 What game brings joy to your heart or connection to your story? Is it one you grew up playing, or something you discovered more recently? What game lives rent-free in your memory? Is there one that connects you to someone you miss—or keeps you feeling sharp and seen?
Let’s stir up those playful stories this week—whether they’re rooted in nostalgia or the joy of discovering something new.
Until next time, Michelle 🌳
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