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.”

Reblog: At the end of the day . . . by Dr. Rex

I want to share this post with you, especially on this day ― Jan 1st ― New Year’s.

They are reflections from Dr. Rex on her site at “It Is What It Is” and, for me, I thought it would be a good way to start the year when I’m thinking about resolutions and setting goals.

I think I’d like to begin this year by making this conscious effort to find more ways to love and make this a better world.

How about you? Can you think of something you could do to make it a better world?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Continue reading

Tick Tock ― The New Year is Almost Here!

New Year's clock

New Year’s Eve Photo by Fire At Will [Photography] Courtesy of PhotoDropper

Tick Tock! The clock is winding down for us in the Rocky Mountains, USA, bringing 2013 to a close. The New Year is almost here with new hopes and fresh promises.  Continue reading

Sweet Sweet Spirit of Christmas!

I love this time of year with the jingle bells and corny holiday movies. Christmas will soon be here and I feel that sweet, sweet pureness of spirit.

Christmas Tree Lights

Christmas Tree Lights © 2013 Pat Ruppel

It’s quiet these days in the old homestead with just hubby and I.

Our daughters are now grown and married with families of their own. We are looking forward to seeing them over the holidays but it’s different these days ― not the same as when they were small children bouncing through the house.  Continue reading

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Pat Ruppel

Happy Surprises Nearing the End of This Year ― Blog of the Year 2013 Award

Blog of the Year 2013 AwardI’m honored! I’m happy! I don’t know what to say, except “Thank you, Sherri, from the bottom of my heart for this ‘Blog Of The Year 2013 Award’.”

It means a lot, not only to be acknowledged in the blogging community, but to be nominated for an award of the year takes it to an entirely new level.

My only wish is to share what’s on my heart with the hope others will read, identify and connect in some way.  This award warms my heart with a feeling that maybe I’ve been able to do that in some way this year.  Continue reading

Imagine

~Serenity~

Serenity Photo by JKDs courtesy of PhotoDropper

We’ve had a number of events happen lately, outside of the everyday news on the threats of war, civil unrest in many countries and unusual weather.

I don’t know, but I feel as if my heart, with all these memories and energy shifts, has been ramped up to a different level of pain, love and hope. It started last month with the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s death, then this past week on the passing of Nelson Mandela, yesterday, December 7th, the 72nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and today the anniversary of the death of John LennonContinue reading