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.”

Guest Post: Let your Kids Lead the Life Adventure

I am so happy to bring to you a story written by Emma Lawson. Emma approached me a couple of weeks ago and asked if she could be a guest on my site. We share the same passions for our children, family and parenting and I couldn’t be more delighted than to introduce her to you.

So, without further delay, here is Emma’s story. I know she’s excited about it and we hope you will enjoy it as much as she did in writing it and with me posting it.

~~~~~  Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: Aeon Essays (https://aeon.co/essays/c more...

Where Is God’s Perfection?

Roof and Beer Bottle Photo - © Jim Ruppel 8-26-2012

Roof and Beer Bottle Photo – © Jim Ruppel 8-26-2012

There is a man who walked this earth over 2,000 years ago. He was God’s man ― a child, a Son and a brother ― just as we are today. He came to show us many things. We have created religions, built churches and established holidays in his honor in an attempt to follow his path. His name is Jesus and in the Christian faith we celebrate his life, death and resurrection this weekend through Easter.

Though we have come a long way over 2,000 years, humanity still struggles with the very same issues Jesus taught about and demonstrated. I may look at what’s going on in our world today and be tempted to think maybe his lessons and sacrifice were lost on us. But, I can’t, because I know too many times there are deeper lessons that can only be discovered when our hearts are ready and our eyes are open to truly see. I think that time is upon us.  Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: The Shaya Story by waynedyerfan on Yo more...

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

MacroMondays_Green 001 - leprechaun jewel in the woods

“MacroMondays_Green 001” by VinceFL of Flicker – Courtesy of Compfight. He says, “I *almost* caught a leprechaun in the woods by one of my favorite parks! As he slipped out of my grasp, this jewel fell from his hat!”

(Photo by VinceFL via Compfight)

I’m not Irish, in fact I’m half Scottish, but when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around this year, I’d like to join in and take part. There will be the smell of corned beef and cabbage cooking in the crock pot and I’ll be on the look-out for mischief and the leprechauns.

May you all have a special day with many Irish blessings coming your way.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

Pat from the ‘ol kitchen table

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Acknowledgements: "MacroMondays_Green 001" by VinceFL a more...

Brick By Brick

A Worthy Wall

“A Worthy Wall” Photo by Owl’s Flight – (Smithville Machining Factory – Smithville (Burlington Co.), NJ.

I’ve hesitated writing this because, first, I wanted to work through it and, secondly, I didn’t want my words to be misunderstood and sound like more rantings.

Hubby and I were talking recently one morning, when I became saddened by the latest news reports and political bashings. It’s the last thing I want to do is enter into that circus arena and add to the political and social opinions.

But, there comes a time when speaking out might help to give a different perspective. That’s what I found to be true for me when I worked through this. I found hope again and got a new outlook.

Owl’s Flight Photo via Compfight  Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: "A Worthy Wall" Photo by Owl's Flight more...

Reblog: “Action Stations 2 – Dream Advice” by Emma Capell

Thanks to another fellow blogger, Diane Reed, I came across this post I missed by Emma Capell she wrote back in 2013 at “Anyway I Digress“. It speaks a lot to what I feel and struggle with and she puts in all in perspective for me.

Emma and I have the same passion sharing these posts with you as part of our continual search of within and without. I can’t say it any better than this when she talks about what her vision and mission are:  Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: Emma Capell at "Anyway I Digress" at more...