Humbled

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Pat

Underwood No. 5 keys Photo by Pat David Courtesy of PhotoDropper

I was humbled today in a very tender way. So much so, I felt embarrassed and was moved to tears. It led me to write this post to capture what I felt so I would remember.

As is the case, I’m grateful in not having to plan most of my days. Instead, I enjoy watching them unfold. I found myself this morning watching this day unfold by attending to techy, computer work. Hubby had gotten another external hard drive with more space to back up our files as I had run out of room on the other drive. I tend to accumulate stuff and have difficulty purging. That’s a topic I’ll save for a different time.

It seemed simple. Create a new folder on the new drive and copy and paste files over from my laptop. As he was giving me the instructions on the new drive, I found my chest and throat tightening to a point where I was having trouble talking. I was panicking about something new to learn and afraid of messing up something I believed to be important. I know it sounds crazy.

I’ve felt this before when I’ve had difficulty understanding, afraid of losing something or screwing it up beyond repair. I don’t know why I get myself so worked up with computer stuff. Lord knows I’ve worked my way through so much in creating a blog, videos, and e-book, even worked as an administrative assistant for some 25+ years. So, on it went with the banter back and forth until I just copied the ‘dang’ files over . . . and then it happened. Continue reading →

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. 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.