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...

Poppies Honor Lives They Would Have Led

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Pat

Every year, on the 11th Month ― 11th Day ― and the 11th Hour, we pause to honor and pay tribute to those who now serve and those who have paid the ultimate price for keeping our countries free and safe.

Poppies I Photo by Charlotta Wasteson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/46202322@N03/5108010636)

It is fitting that some 4 million people have visited the Tower of London to view a sea of 888,246 erected ceramic poppies, one for each fallen British soldier of World War I. It was supposed to be the war that ends all wars.

From the NBC National News comes a report by Brian Williams on “Tower of London Poppies Honor ‘Lives They Would Have Led’” Continue reading →

Little Things: #Story #Poem

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Pat

We’re moving right along into the heart of the holiday season not being too far removed from Halloween. With gratitude and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m honored to be Susan Cooper’s guest at “Finding Our Way Now” with the contribution of this month’s story.

I hope it will bring you home to the things that are important in your life. Please enjoy:

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The Little Things

What is one thing that you still remember to this day that warms your heart and puts a smile on your face? I’ll bet it was something spontaneous and incidental but you still remember it as if it was just yesterday….where you were, who was with you, the sounds and smells.

It’s not anything big – you tune into the little things. It may be a twinkle in the eyes of a loved one as they tell you some exciting news or read something to you that inspired them.

My husband wrote a poem years ago that is one of those special little things that means a lot to me. I have it hanging on the wall.

He was taking some classes in college at the time and not long before we had left our roots in Toledo and Cape Charles, VA and headed west.

It was 1969 and our trek was similar to a modern-day wagon train except we were in our Volvo station wagon with 2 dogs pulling a U-Haul. . . (read more)

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Thank you, Susan, for the opportunity to share my story with your readers. It is my hope this will kick off the month with love and gratitude and carry throughout the holidays.

Blessings ~ from Pat at the ‘ol kitchen table (also see “You Were There“)