Little Buddy

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Pat

Bird on Shoulder - Photo © by Jim Ruppel — Bird on Shoulder – Photo © by Jim Ruppel

This little buddy landed on my shoulder one morning, and I was surprised he stayed long enough to snap a picture. He seemed content and not afraid as I kept real still. It felt good and I liked having him there and the connection no matter how fleeting. Makes me wish I could hold onto the moment longer.

Those times are precious to me as they are happening now and as I look back on them. But isn’t that how life is – unpredictable? We never know how each day will unfold. It’s a gift – all of it, the good and the bad, and as I get older, I’m even more conscious of that. It’s a choice really, how we see it and respond. And as I look at this picture, I’m reminded how much there is to still see and enjoy right there in front of my eyes.

I’m glad there are stages in life and it’s funny, as I look at old pictures over time. You would think we were different people as little girls and boys, compared to our teens and 20’s, mid-life, and (if fortunate) the golden years. Birds don’t change as dramatically as that, nor other wildlife, that I know of. If they get older, there’s a change but not where they look so different that you wouldn’t recognize them. Maybe it’s because they’re not as protected when enduring the elements, and most don’t live as long.

I remember I could feel this little guy’s feet as he moved and shifted. He was close enough to where I could see his face as he twitched his head back and forth. Maybe, he was somewhat puzzled by this big object near him. Then, he finally flew off. So tiny, delicate and light as a feather. I marvel how they take off in flight without hardly any effort. Wouldn’t it be fun to launch and fly like that?

Hubby and I watch all types of fowl, insects and critters in our backyard, and it gives me appreciation of life and its different forms. We don’t see all the makings of it on the ground and in the sky – the intricacies and interactions. Only a small portion of it as they enter our world. What does their home look like perched up in a tree or under a bush? What do we look like to them? Do they feel things like we do or is it us trying to apply human emotions? Some things must be similar as they care for their young and compete for territory like we do. But on a different vibration? I have no idea but it’s beautiful with what I do see.

I look forward to more moments like that. You never know what each day will reveal. Maybe another little buddy will come to visit again. I hope so.

Pat from the ‘ol kitchen table

Lone Camper

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Pat

Looks like the perfect spot – what a view! We would often take rides up in the mountains, not far from our home and especially in the Fall, to see the aspens change. This was on one of those rides years ago when hubby got this shot. It stands out amidst the surrounding beauty and in its own way fits in.

That lone camper, how long has it been there? Does a hunter own it and use it, as a type of command post while he’s out for the day hiking all over the mountain? So many questions and none matter, really. It’s serving its purpose, and wonder how many critters have passed by and checked it out? What were the storms like that passed through – blowing, thundering, and lightning? How many stars shot through the sky in the heavens above? I’ll bet it’s been a stunning display of nature as it sits there all alone.

The aspens are beautiful in the Fall, and we would drive up and explore. It would feel like you’re in another world captured by their bright, shimmering beauty. Nature was giving its last hurrah before it would settle in and go to sleep for the winter.

Fall Colors in the Rockies – Photo © 2013

Their leaves would gently waver and quiver, as if winking at you as they catch the light in a golden glow. It can take your breath away at their beauty in the crisp, cold mountain air. And, if you’re lucky enough, as you hike on the mountain trails, you may catch a glimpse of a moose or hear the distant sound of an elk bugling.

A number of years ago, we went on one of those drives in the summer, and I recorded it. Maybe you’d like to take a ride with hubby, Abby and me as we explore these Rocky Mountains, our home.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing these moments with me. It’s getting to be that time of the year again when seasons change as we bring our world to you, and I hope it brings joy to your heart.

Pat at the ‘ol kitchen table

If I Was Little Again

Posted on April 25, 2017 by Pat

Here is a little poem I wrote inspired by a short dream I had this morning where I was a child crying and being comforted. Hope you enjoy it.

**********

If I Was Little Again

Patsy (me as a child) © Pat Ruppel

If I was little again and crying . . .

I’d want to be picked up
and held . . .

Tears to be gently wiped
away and told it would
be okay . . .

If I was little again
and crying . . .

I’d want them to say to listen
to what my heart is feeling and to what
it has to say

I’d listen real hard and hear it tell me I’d
feel good and
soon would be out to play . . .

If I was little again
and crying . . .

I’d hear my heart say, “I’m here
and will never leave you ―
it’s what you can count on everyday”

If I was little again
and crying . . .

I’d hear my heart say, “I
love you” and I’d say, “I
love you, too. Will you come
out and play?”

**********

(Also see a related post I wrote called, “It’s a Love Story . . . Discovered”)

Like A Blue Sky

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Pat

Sky Puzzle – WikimediaCommons – Courtesy of MSN Clipart

Do you remember putting puzzles together or painting by the numbers, when there was mostly sky? It was hard to find the pieces to put together, as there was nothing with which to match them up; or, in painting the sky, the same color got tiring ― maybe, even boring. It was how I was thinking about my life the past few months. Things slowed down to a halt with not much happening and I got to wondering what this was all about. Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: "As It Should Be" - Michael Monroe at more...

All Is Well?

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Pat

I read a post today from a fellow blogger, John Cali, a world renowned channeler. He titled it, “Why Is the World So Screwed Up?” I have to say I’ve wondered it a number of times, too, especially these days. So, I was curious what message Spirit might say to us through John and it helped put things back in perspective for me and remember that feeling of ‘all is well’. Here is a small portion of what Spirit said: Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: "Why is the World So Screwed Up? by J more...