Thank You … in Reflection

Rainbow Photo by Pat Ruppel

Rainbow Photo by Pat Ruppel

I felt especially thankful this morning for a new day, my family, my health, home, my life. I thought about the “ins” and “outs”, “ups” and “downs” ― considering all of it. I thought about the places I’ve been, people I’ve known and things I’ve done. If any of it had been a little different, would I be who and where I am today? Probably not.  Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: Louie Schwartzberg - Nature, Beauty, more...

IMpossible!

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible and suddenly you’re doing the impossible” ~~ St. Francis of Assisi

coastal bridge

Coastal Bridge – MSN Clipart

I’m possible and impossible. What a difference a little spacing and punctuation makes in perspective. It’s like tuning in a station on the radio ― the perspectives are so close, yet worlds apart in meaning.

When I awoke this morning, before I got up, I lay there for awhile picturing my day, listening to the sounds outside and feeling the gentle, cool currents of the morning air with the windows ajar.  Continue reading

Am I Where I Want to Be?

Winston Churchill quote from "Reflecting a Life" by Elle Sommers

No….but having said that, “I’m happy”. I just haven’t totally arrived yet.

As I look back through my life, I can honestly say I’ve come a long way.

There are places I could have been stuck, places where I wish I never ventured and places I wish I’d had the courage to go.  Continue reading

Top O’ the Morning to Ya ― Happy St. Patrick’s Day ― and the Rest of the Day to You!

Cloverleaf by MSN Clipart

Cloverleaf by MSN Clipart

I hope you’re having a happy day! Whether you’re Irish or not, it’s a fun day for laughter and celebration.

Spring is around the corner, a lot to look forward to and be thankful.

Maybe, today you’ll fix up a pot of Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage or attend a parade. I can hear it bubbling and smell the brew.

However you spend today, whatever you’re facing or have come through, I ask to send you an Irish Blessing and wish you happiness and love.

Pat from the ol’ kitchen table

It Was One of Those Moments

My heart was touched today. It was one of those moments I wish I could capture and hold not letting it slip away. Sometimes memories are triggered from an old song or the smell of fizzing Coca-Cola transporting me to a safe place of love. That’s what happened today when I read this little story from an old friend. I guess I needed a jump-start, feeling dull and bored, second-guessing my purpose and worth in the world. You know the tapes.

And then a little whisper of inspiration came my way and tears bubbled up. In listening to this song and reading the story, I felt a flood of mixed emotions ― sadness, disregard, old, withdrawn, shame, guilt, innocence, discovery, forgiveness, love. What a piece of work we are as humans.

I saw myself playing all the parts. I was the son, daughter-in-law, the grandfather and the child and felt the emotions of each one as they played it out. I’m glad they played it to the end and didn’t get stuck on one part. That’s what it feels like sometimes.

The story triggered a genuine, tender love for my fellow humans and me. We mess it up a lot ― BIG TIME. But, when we get it right, it’s just as monumental. As I reflect on that moment I still feel the tenderness of forgiveness and love given freely as you would to a young child.

My heart was touched ― “Oh, how I wish this tenderness, love and forgiveness for the world.”

Pat from the ol’ kitchen table