When I was a little girl, my mom would drag me to the stores while she shopped and I’d amuse myself by looking at stuff. I was just learning to read and was always thrilled to find items with “Pat. Pending” on the label. I didn’t know what “Pending” meant, and had no idea that the “Pat.” actually referred to patent applications, but I loved being able to read my own name on so many things!
When I was trying to come up with a name for this blog, it occurred to me that besides being kind of cute and clever (at least to me), Pat Pending is also the perfect description of where I was in my life at that time. A few years before, I had left a long-time job and career with no earthly idea of what I was going to do next. I was…pending. And the truth is, I probably always will be. Are any of us ever really finished? So, with that in mind, I offer some reflections and revelations that occur as I pend.
The other day a friend commented that a third, mutual friend “has the ambition of a…” something. A rock? A slug? The point being that this person is sadly lacking in an important trait to which everyone should aspire. I nodded with one of those tight-lipped smiles that indicate a knowing, yet rueful, agreement. But […]
Do you ever wonder if you’re on the right path in life? Wonder if you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing? If you’re headed in the right direction? I wonder about that. A lot. Especially since I left the traditional workforce almost three years ago. Rather than jump right back into the rat race, […]
There. I’ve said it. I read – and enjoy – the obituaries every day. I don’t read every single death notice word for word, but I scan them all. I read about people I know or have heard of, of course, but sometimes the obituary of a stranger grabs my attention. Often it’s the photograph, […]
I have a crush on a 98 year old man. I sing one-on-one to and with elders, most of whom have some degree of cognitive impairment or dementia. It’s one of the most fun and rewarding things I’ve ever done, and it’s an absolute joy to get to know people at such an intimate time […]
Just some thoughts on a rainy day and Monday when everything got me down. I’m going to try doing the math on my own happiness. Then I can objectively determine whether or not I’m leading a happy life. I guess that sounds crazy. It shouldn't be that hard to know. But I've discovered that emotions […]
In my Musical Memories service, I sing in assisted living/nursing facilities and private homes, one-to-one with elders, many of whom have some form of dementia. They are among my favorite people on the planet because they are so real, so pure, and, yes, childlike – but in the highest and most evolved sense of that word. […]
Lately I’ve been asked a very difficult question by a lot of people: “So, Pat, what do you do?” With old friends, it’s a variation: “So, Pat, what have you been up to?” or “What are you doing now?” This weekend I’m going to a 30-year reunion of a group of friends whom I haven’t […]
As regular readers have heard me say (probably ad nauseam), my goal is to be happy, peaceful and content…no matter what is happening in my life. Originally, what this meant to me was finding a way to feel okay even if the circumstances around me were not. To feel happy, peaceful and content even if […]
It seems that a lot of people in my life - myself included - are in a transitional phase where circumstances have changed in terms of relationships, employment, living arrangements, health, etc. Luckily, most of them are wise enough not to see these transitions as inherently bad, and recognize them as opportunities to lead more […]
Going through my archives, I came across this article I wrote when I was in my late 20s or early 30s. I still agree with what I wrote then…except the part about wanting stay up past my bedtime. What was I thinking???? When I was a little girl, there were two tables for the holiday […]