Happy New Year And A Look Back

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Pat

Happy New Year by Thanasis Anastasiou

The New Year 2015 is upon us and, as 2014 pauses to say good-bye, I hope it was a good one for you as it was for me. I can’t say I’m one for making resolutions for the New Year or have accomplished all that I wanted in the past year. I’m having enough trouble learning how to be present with what’s now.

But, if I were to reflect, I would be happy with what I undertook and achieved. With this writing, I will have posted 40 stories for the year. I know it’s not a lot compared to most but with what I’ve shared in my life and what has inspired me, I hope it has mattered.

Here’s a little taste of 2014 and what I did around my kitchen table at “Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom”: Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: "Happy New Year" Photo by
Thanasis more...

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Pat

I can’t believe Christmas is almost here. It seems just yesterday we were celebrating Halloween. I love this time of year when there’s magic in the air. I feel the innocence of childhood looking back at me from the beginning to now, like two bookends.

It’s true what they say about growing old and that we become young at heart. We even take on a familiar semblance of our baby self with no teeth or hair. Haha ― no, I’m not there, yet, though my heart feels young.

Fun comes out and we get to play with the grandkids, see their eyes sparkle and revel in their joyful laughter. We take part in the hustle and bustle, singing carols, sending and receiving Christmas cards and worshipping in our different faiths.

But, oh! The magic of Toyland ― do you remember? As the song goes, “Once you pass its borders, you can never return again”. Continue reading →

Self-Help: How’s It Working For You?

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Pat

“Arrive” by Alice Popkorn on Flicker Courtesy of PhotoDropper (https://www.flickr.com/photos/14111752@N07/2949731451)

Hubby and I got to talking about self-help the other morning and it opened the door to a deeper discussion than originally expected. Thought I’d share my heart feelings with you.

When we’re stuck and things feel out of sorts, a lot of us go to friends/family for answers, seek counsel or look into self-help. At least, that’s the way I thought it worked. It seemed so easy when they’d say pray or just meditate and think positive thoughts.

I looked at how it’s been working for me down through the years and often wondered, “Why is it so easy for them and not so much for me?” Maybe, if I really, really tried . . . harder ― nope! I’ve never felt more stuck than what I feel right now at this stage of my life. But this time is different and I noticed it after our talk. I’m making it harder this go-around mainly because I’m no longer doing the dance fooling myself into thinking I’ve got it all figured out. This time, I’m finally getting it and it feels good. Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: "Arrive" Photo by Alice Popkorn on Fl more...

Greatest Gift of All: #Story

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Pat

Ah, it’s December and officially the time when we turn our attention to giving and the holy magic of love. Once again, in the spirit of Christmas, I’m honored to be Susan’s guest over at “Finding Our Way Now” with my final contribution of this month’s story.

I hope it will warm your heart and tickle your soul as I remembered a childhood gift of long ago and a special Christmas. Enjoy!

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Greatest Gift of All

In the U.S., we’re in the heart of the holiday season having just enjoyed the festivities of Thanksgiving. Now, it will soon be Christmas. The hustle and bustle is beginning as families around the world prepare to celebrate their special traditions.

Make no bones about it, somewhere in the middle of it all, no matter the culture, there’s bound to be a gift or two.

That got me thinking about gifts and the ones I’ve received down through the years. As hubby and I were talking about it, I tried to remember the gifts I received and only a couple came to mind from long ago. (read more)

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Thank you and I hope you’ll go over to Susan’s site and spread the love.

Pat from the ol’ kitchen table

Time to Give ― Be Grateful ― Reflect

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Pat

Time to give, time to be grateful, time to reflect ― it’s almost Thanksgiving in the U.S. and, like most, we’re busy planning and preparing. But, this year will be a quiet celebration for hubby and me. We’ll be hanging around home eating, watching football games and old Hallmark movies ― just the two of us.

Sounds traditional, but not really, I can already feel the closeness of home and energy of gratitude. I cherish these times together and remember it was just last year when hubby took ill suddenly and was in and out of the hospital a couple of times between Christmas and New Year’s. Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: John Koenig at "The Dictionary of Obs more...