Happy New Year and a Wonderful Life

Happy New Year

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

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The Season of Love and Giving

christmas-star-from-msn-clipart

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

I See Them Dancing

Moonlight Over Alaska

Moonlight Over Alaska — © MSN Clipart

“I see them dancing somewhere in the moonlight”. Those are the words that sparked an interesting talk with hubby and me the other night. Funny, after over 48 years, how in a moment’s notice love and romance show up and lets you know they’re always there.

That’s what happened to us and it was lovely when we found ourselves dancing in each other’s arms. Continue reading

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Ho! Ho! Ho!

Christmas Bears

Christmas Bears Photo © 2014 by Pat Ruppel

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

ornament

Ornament Photo © 2013 by Pat Ruppel

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

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