Happy New Year and a Wonderful Life

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Pat

Happy New Year – © PinkWhen Courtesy MSN Clipart

I’m not in a crisis, nor do I have an angel called Clarence calling on me; but, I can say with no uncertainty that it’s been a wonderful life, with what I’ve experienced so far.

Now, on the eve of another New Year and just yesterday celebrating 49 years of marriage with hubby, I’ve been doing my fair share of reflecting. Not only for 2015 but through all the years that have gone before.

If you read any of my stories, you’ll know that it hasn’t been all peaches and cream. There have been many challenges along the way. But, you know, I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. It’s the challenges that tap into the depth of my soul and give me a feeling I can take with me out in the world. Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: Happy New Year Photo - © PinkWhen Co more...

The Season of Love and Giving

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Pat

Christmas Star © MSN Clipart

For Christians all over the world, the season of Christmas is upon us. It’s a holy time when we’re reminded of the birth of Christ, as God’s gift to the world. We celebrate it in many ways, as more of the spirit of love comes alive when we get together and give. I can see it in the acts of kindness, the glee and laughter of a child or a twinkle in the eye of a giver in anticipation of the opening of a gift.

Christmas! What makes it so magical compared to the rest of the year. It’s like the innocence of the child within me is born and, once again, I remember believing and looking for something beyond my imagination. Continue reading →

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 →

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

Sweet Sweet Spirit of Christmas!

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Pat

I love this time of year with the jingle bells and corny holiday movies. Christmas will soon be here and I feel that sweet, sweet pureness of spirit.

It’s quiet these days in the old homestead with just hubby and I.

Our daughters are now grown and married with families of their own. We are looking forward to seeing them over the holidays but it’s different these days ― not the same as when they were small children bouncing through the house. Continue reading →