About Pat

Here is a place where you can come to get a lift for the day, perhaps, a little insight to carry you through onto the next adventure of your life. A place where I’ll share a story, perhaps a thought and some reflections and we’ll meet somewhere in the middle. I like to think of it as a gathering around the kitchen table late at night when everything is still and the world has quieted down to rest. Occupation: Writer, blogger, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and one learning and sharing stories in my life. Location: Bailey, CO Introduction: 2007 Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom came out of Wisdom for the Ages, which was born in the corporate world where I gave workshops and facilitated talking-stick discussion groups. When my employer closed their site in 2002 and relocated back East, I took it outside corporate giving presentations as a speaker at Kiwanis, Mile High Sales Professionals, CWEE (Center for Work, Education and Employment) and Business Honoring Spirituality meetings. I also led weekly discussion groups at Morningstar Assisted Living Center. I am passionate about creating a safe environment where people can put aside their differences, share their experiences and wisdom without being right or wrong and benefit from truly listening to one another. It all started with inspiration from a quote from Ram Dass in his book, "Still Here": ….”when there is true surrender and service between people, the roles of helper and helped and the boundaries between those in power and those who are powerless begin to dissolve.”

Nearing The End of Summer ― A Kenosha Pass Walkabout

Kenosha Pass overlooking South Park in Colorado

Kenosha Pass overlooking South Park – Photo © 2014 by Pat Ruppel

Ahh, the long Labor Day weekend has come and gone. It’s the holiday that falls on the first Monday of September when many families in the U.S. celebrate by barbecuing, camping or going to the beach for one last time before the seasons change. For me, it has always signaled the end of summer.

As I look back over the past few months, I can’t help but reflect on what I did and wonder where the time went. It was a beautiful, cool summer with more showers than usual keeping everything green. We didn’t do much this year except take a ride now and then. I thought I’d share one of those rides with you as another walkabout.  Continue reading →

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Guest Post — Sweet Days of Summer: #Story

cousin and Pat as children

Cousin and Pat when they were children – Photo © by Pat Ruppel

Hi everyone — I’m honored to be Susan Cooper’s guest over at “Finding Our Way Now” with my contribution of Sweet Days of Summer: #Story. It was taken from my free e-book and begins like this:

Here’s a little story I wrote back in 2012, in reflection, as the sweet days of summer wound down and cooler nights were soon to come.

It had been a rough year having come through the loss of my mother-in-law, not to mention an outsourced job along with catastrophic statewide news. I guess you could say my heart wanted to feel happy and safe. What better way than to recapture some childhood moments.

I hope you’ll drop by Susan’s site, leave a comment and share the love.

Thank You!

Pat at the ol’ kitchen table

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A Happy Tune

Embracing the Rain

Embracing the Rain Photo by AdriaanC – Courtesy of PhotoDropper

You know how music can set the tone for your emotions and change your whole day?

Well, here’s a little ditty for you. I just came across this tune this morning by Shakey Graves aka Alejandro Rose-Garcia. He plays all the instruments himself, together, and it made me light and happy, clapping my hands. Put a smile on my face and a foot-stomping spring in my steps. Who would have thought — I had never heard of him before and I’m lovin’ it.

I hope it does the same for you, my friends.

And, here’s more on Shakey Graves, a one-man band . . . you gotta see this. So talented. Enjoy!

Continue reading →

Guest Post on Finding Our Way Now

Grandpop and Grandmom

Personal Photo – Grandpop and Grandmom © Pat Ruppel

Hi everyone — sending a quick note letting you know I’m honored to be Susan Cooper’s guest over on “Finding Our Way Now” with contributing the following story.

Happy Happy Happy: #Story

I hope you’ll drop by Susan’s site, leave a comment and share the love.

Thank You!

Pat at the ol’ kitchen table

Shine Little Glow Worm

Fireflies

Fireflies by <ahref=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/65699349@N00/2620635133/”>Rex Sorgatz — Courtesy PhotoDropper

“Shine little glow worm, glimmer . . . glimmer.” How many of you remember that old tune and seeing lightening bugs (or more commonly fireflies) growing up back east? I do. We knew we were deep in the middle of summer with the first signs of lightening bugs blinking off and on in the night sky. Off we’d go giggling and laughing as we chased them around our backyard.  Continue reading →

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