Saturday Spotlight: Pat from Gypsy Heart and Soul

Hi, everyone!   Kris from Junk Chic Cottage and I wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.

There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Kris's and my blog. 

      

I'm thrilled to have Pat from Gypsy Heart and Soul as my Spotlight guest today!

Pat is such a sweetheart, and although she's been through a terrible tragedy, she still has the best attitude!

Please sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know Pat better.

I can't begin to tell you how stunned I was when Susan asked me about doing this feature.Me?  My little blog?

She and Kris have some of the most incredible bloggers featured on the Saturday Spotlight. I am so grateful

to be here!  

I've been blogging for awhile and have met some of the greatest friends by doing so. I 

feature whatever comes

along ~ food, inspiration, crafts, DIY, decor, you name it. I'm a Native Texan and have always lived in this great

state. I grew up in a very small town south of Ft. Worth and, after marriage, moved to another small town. He

was transferred to Amarillo and my kids were raised there. My son was born in Ft. Worth and my daughter 22

months later in Amarillo. A lot of people have only heard bad things about the city but it was a delight!  Our

street was 3 blocks long and we knew everyone. The adults and kids were all about the same age. Since it was a kinder, gentler time the kids were able to play outside together. Of course, I must share that I was a "helicopter mom" and always had my eyes on them. I didn't go back to work until the kids were 6 and 4. I first worked at 

First Federal Savings & Loan and then Bell Helicopter. The Amarillo facility was the "repair facility" for the

ships (helicopters) returned from Vietnam. 

We moved back to the mid-cities area in '73 when the Vietnam war was coming to an end. In early '74 I started

my career with American Airlines. I had a wonderful career with many incredible opportunities. I/we traveled all the time and I feel so fortunate that I was able to take advantage of that privilege. I rode an elephant in Thailand, saw Niagara Falls, spent time in the Caribbean and Hawaii, enjoyed the tulips in Amsterdam, lived it up in Mexico and discovered so many wonderful places in the U.S. 9/11 was the most stressful time that you can imagine. I can't get into that ~ makes my eyes leak. I took advantage of an early retirement opportunity in 2003 and have absolutely loved being out of the stress. It hurts my heart to see what is happening today...the merger with USAir, customer service going downhill and AA employees being dismissed, just because.

I'm single and live with my roommate, Forrester. He's a Shih Tzu and a rescue that I adopted in 2005. He's

beginning to show his age and that is not something I want to think about. He's such a love bug and so much 

company!  His foster mom named him for a very special reason so I didn't change it.

Most of you know that my precious, beautiful granddaughter, Abby, was fatally injured in a freak auto accident

June 21, 2013. Another teen lost his life, another was critically injured and one just had a few scratches.  I have experienced many losses in my life ~ divorces, parents and step-parents, other family members and dear friends, however, this has been the worst thus far. I was having lots of problems at my old apt and in the process of trying to pack to move. My brother almost died the first week of June and then we lost Abby. I have not been the same since ~ nor has my family. Thank God, people from church took over the packing and moved me just a few days after Abby's service. I haven't cared about a lot of things but I do have brighter days now. The pain never leaves...it's just adjusting to a "new normal". Grief is different for everyone. God has been faithful even

though I don't understand His plan.

I don't want to appear as "Negative Nelly" so I'll try to share fun things!  I treasure my family and friends and

am always open to meeting new friends. I love to laugh and I think if we don't, we'll all go insane. A bit of 

Jimmy Buffett ~ :)  I love being at a beach as well as the mountains. Have to have my coffee first thing each

morning and iced tea in Texas is a must!  I don't do sweet tea though. I really enjoy being in nature, walking,

seeing a sunrise or sunset, having a glass of wine or a skinny margarita. Chips and guacamole are a part of

the food group as is all Mexican food!  I love to cook, especially baking. Have to have some bling and glitter

runs in my veins. I love movies, especially the classics and most all types of music. Pepsi is my vice and I'm

a candleholic. My favorite color is red although I do have to have my black and white!  I don't spend a lot of

money on bedroom or bath decor as I tire of it easily and ready to move on to other colors, etc.  I definitely

have to have color in my life and an eclectic, funky look in my home. I don't do white or neutrals although 

they look beautiful in other homes. I'm not a formal person, much more laid back. I grew up in a "sterile" home

where I couldn't have friends over or parties. I decided I'd never live that way nor would I have my kids grow

up like that. I love performing RAOK's ~ especially the anonymous ones. 

I hope that you will find a few minutes to come over and visit me at Gypsy Heart and Soul. You probably

know now why I consider myself a restless gypsy type, a bit bohemian and always looking for friends and fun!

Susan, it has been my pleasure to be here. I can't thank you enough for the invitation!

xo

Pat

Pat, thank you SO much for sharing so openly with us, about both the good and the painful times in your life.

Abby was so beautiful and you've given a sweet tribute to her!

Please visit Gypsy Heart and Soul then head to Kris's blog to read about Sandi from Wayside Treasures.

Have a wonderful day! :)