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.”

Have You Heard This Story?

What would it feel like to have what you say valued ― to feel what you said was truly heard and considered valid? But, take it further ― what you said touched a heart and made a connection opening up an opportunity for change. In today’s fast-paced, hi-tech world is that even possible?

I believe it is and one way is through our stories and experiences. Stories can create a place of comfort with having found something in common with someone else. It may be a small incident yet powerful in how you feel once you’ve been brought together through a story. The perspective you’ve gained can change your life.

Here’s one of those stories I came across in Facebook that reminded me of my grandmother and the stories she shared with me.

The following story and photo are used by permission by Brigitte at Lessons Learned in Life Facebook Page:

~~~~~

Grandmother says… Carrots, Eggs or Coffee; “Which are you?”

grandmother at sink

Used by permission by Brigitt on Facebook Page “Lessons Learned in Life”

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Acknowledgements: Grandmother photo and "Carrots Eggs o more...

Shifts and Changes ― Being Real

Full Length Mirror Photo - MSN Clipart

Full Length Mirror Photo – MSN Clipart

I remember at the beginning of January, it became very clear in one of my
meditations that this would be a year of tremendous growth mentally and
spiritually for me.  Continue reading

TALKING ABOUT EMOTIONS AND THEIR TRIGGERS: Guest Interview with Brandon Pearce – Husband, Father, Truth Seeker and Internet CEO/Consultant

I first came across Brandon through his website called Pearce on Earth by way of a Tim Ferriss “Case Study: What Does a 4-Hour Workweek Look Like … With a Family?” Brandon had written a story on his site called “Do Emotions Affect the Body?” and I was immediately struck by his integrity and honesty.

Brandon Pearce at "Pearce on Earth" ~~ © by Brandon Pearce

Brandon Pearce at “Pearce on Earth” ~~ © by Brandon Pearce

I instantly felt a connection and thought, “this is a man after my own heart”, with how open and truthful he expressed his emotions in his acceptance of himself working through his own health issue. As Oriah Mountain Dreamer conveys in her poem “The Invitation”, Brandon came across as ‘real’ and I felt he would be someone I would enjoy having a conversation with.  Continue reading

Journey of Love

couples kissing

Couples Kissing at Sunset – MSN Clipart

With it being Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share with you our Journey of Love
through a series of stories I’ve written.  Continue reading

Just for Fun – Part 2

clicking heels

Clicking Heels – MSN Clipart

When I thought more on my last story “Just for Fun” and letting go, I realized there was more I could add ― a lot more. So, here is Part 2.

I want to tell you about 3 incidents and people I worked with who knew how to be loose and let go in a fun way similar to my grandmother but more removed with no attachments.  Continue reading