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.”

Yes, More Love ― That’s What We Need

Lovers at Orval

Lovers at Orval by Alexandre Dulaunoy — Courtesy of PhotoDropper

I’m dedicating this post to Valentine’s week and love. Hubby and I will be married 48 years this year and we’re getting close to that Golden Anniversary. We’ve seen so many changes over the years not only in us but in the world around us. Through all of it, I can truly say I’m still in love and happy. I’m so grateful for the journey we’ve had together.

I wrote a story back in 2012 about when we first got married and how it all started. It’s called “Young Love to Old Love”.  It’s amazing we’re still here and together, after the interesting beginning we had. But what did I know. I was only 19. I hope you enjoy it. Continue reading

A Talking Stick and a Poem

Talking stick and Oriah Mountain Dreamer's book "The Invitation"

My Talking Stick and Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s book “The Invitation” by Pat Ruppel © 2014

A post I read today from a fellow blogger, John Cali, started me thinking. He was asking the question, “How Do You Know If You Are Making a Positive Difference in People’s Lives?” Have you ever thought of that or, maybe, you’ve thought, “What’s the point to what I’m doing?” I remembered, one time, when I was shown how a talking-stick and a poem can make a difference. Here’s my story. Continue reading

Peace ― You’re Exactly Where You’re Meant to Be

backyard snow

Backyard Snow by Pat Ruppel © 2013

I struggle with this time of year ― cold and snowy. Everything slows down and it’s smart to stay off the roads, if I no longer have to be anywhere or commute.

When I’m warm and comfortable at home, I fight the urge to withdraw and drop-off-the-radar.

Funny, how we dream of different things. Then, when they change to what we dream, we look for something else. I wonder, “Why is that?”  Continue reading

This Moment Matters

water drop splashing

Water drop splashing — MSN clipart photo provided by NVTOffice Clips

THIS MOMENT MATTERS . . . even in the writing of this story, I notice moments as fleeting, difficult to observe and yet compelling. My thoughts want to bounce around, sort, try to understand and decide what to do next. Herein, I believe, lies the secret that matters most in our lives, our happiness, and that is to take time and notice the moment.  Continue reading

Beyond The Dream

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Free Image Photo ― Tony Spina/The Detroit Free Press ― Courtesy of Mia Watkins Author – Alabama Blogs and Bloggers (http://www.al.com/blogs/)

Monday, we remember Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his commitment to freedom and equality of every human, no matter color of skin, gender, what you do or from where you come. He sacrificed his life proclaiming freedom, not with violence but with love. I believe we have made progress, since I was a kid growing up in the ‘40’s, ‘50’s and ‘60’s. But, it has been painfully slow.

It brought it all home to me on the severity of cruelty and hate, when I watched an old documentary on Turner Classic Movies the end of last year on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. It was directed by Frank Capra on WWII and why we fightContinue reading

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Acknowledgements: Martin Luther King, Jr. I Have A Drea more...