Nearing The End of Summer ― A Kenosha Pass Walkabout

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Pat

Kenosha Pass overlooking South Park in Colorado

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 →

Guest Post — Sweet Days of Summer: #Story

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Pat

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

Sweet Days of Summer: #Story

A Happy Tune

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Pat

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

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Pat

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

Happy Happy Happy ~ Guest Post by Pat Ruppel

Shine Little Glow Worm

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Pat

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 →