I Wanted to Say Goodbye

I was convinced I had said everything I created this blog to say but something keeps me holding on to it. I wanted to say goodbye and had imagined so many ways to compose my last post before shutting it down — even began copying and saving my posts before preparing to delete them. But, for some reason I’m still here.

Maybe, it’s a result of listening to an interview today that Adam Davis, executive director of Oregon Humanities, had with Barry Lopez that made me reconsider. Lopez spoke of being responsible, as part of a community, to share our stories with those younger and with social media. He said it was important not to give up and was something I didn’t want to do.

(I hope you watch . . . was very powerful and moving to me.)

Life has been good for hubby and I, up here in our mountains, putzing around and enjoying our golden years together. As each season comes and fades and the days unfold, I come to notice how precious life is and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

But, lately life has also become complex and fast paced. It’s hardly manageable to keep up, or frankly, I’ve wondered if it’s worth it to stay plugged into the internet. Just when I get caught up another update shows up with some asking for a little more money. So, who really wants to hear these stories, anyway, and my opinions or has the time?

But, I guess with this interview, along with a young lady I met at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles the other day, where she thought growing up in the ’60’s era would have been interesting, I think I’ll hang around a little longer.

Maybe, I still have more to say that would pique your interest and start a conversation. I hope so. I have enjoyed meeting those of you over here on the internet over the years and value your thoughts and our connection.

So, here we go. I’m still here.

Pat from the ol’ kitchen table

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Acknowledgements: Oregon Humanities exec director Adam more...

Brick By Brick

A Worthy Wall

“A Worthy Wall” Photo by Owl’s Flight – (Smithville Machining Factory – Smithville (Burlington Co.), NJ.

I’ve hesitated writing this because, first, I wanted to work through it and, secondly, I didn’t want my words to be misunderstood and sound like more rantings.

Hubby and I were talking recently one morning, when I became saddened by the latest news reports and political bashings. It’s the last thing I want to do is enter into that circus arena and add to the political and social opinions.

But, there comes a time when speaking out might help to give a different perspective. That’s what I found to be true for me when I worked through this. I found hope again and got a new outlook.

Owl’s Flight Photo via Compfight  Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: "A Worthy Wall" Photo by Owl's Flight more...

What If — Virtual Kitchen Table Talks?

My Kitchen Table

Around My Kitchen Table — Photo © 2012 by Jim Ruppel

It’s interesting how things show up at the perfect time.

I awoke this morning with some thoughts on connecting with my internet friends around the world. I thought wouldn’t it be nice to sit down, have a cup of coffee and chat with them around my virtual kitchen table?

It would be fun to hang out and see what’s going on in their world. I wondered if it was even possible with so many different time zones. How could this work — Skype?  Continue reading