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It all began on ….MY BLOG, that is….April 7, 2024
EMBRACE YOUR CRAZY!
Welcome to my BLOG… My name is Patty Arnold! I have always loved to write…and always encouraged my first graders to take risks as writers…write a book, write a letter, write a poem, write in a journal…so why not write a BLOG! My BLOG is my little way of teaching, helping, healing, inspiring, creating, reinventing, sharing, laughing and EMBRACING MY CRAZY! Random posts with thoughts and inspiration to shop updates to ideas and tips….Scroll down to the BLOG ARTICLE INDEX for inspiration, helpful tips, decorating ideas and much more or read my recent posts below.
Spring Rebuilding…Planting Seeds…March 30, 2026
Spring is a time for new life, a resurrection, rebuilding, rebirth and planting seeds! The Calendar may say it’s Spring but the weather is teasing us with with glimpses of warm weather…But there is more to Spring than just warmer weather. Spring is a great time to rebuild, reinvent, renew and refresh and plant seeds!…It’s a great time to take a look at our New Year Goals and perhaps edit, add and revise our list. Our journey or story through life is forever changing and it’s up to us to edit, add and revise our story, as well!
1. At my six month check up my blood pressure was higher than normal and I soon learned that it was increasing rather than decreasing…with a slight med update and a reminder that I need to take my diet and exercise plans seriously after a long winter’s nap… More exercise and better diet…became my first revised goals for my Spring Rebuilding List. Plant Seeds of energy and self control and watch your health grow!
2. With Easter quickly approaching…Jesus did the most selfless act and died for our sins! What acts of kindness can we add to our journey that will benefit not only others but bring us joy? A simple hello! Birthday texts or GIF’s sent daily! Helping a neighbor! Reconnecting with a lost friend or family member? Baking for someone! Give someone a special gift…Knick Knack Patty Shack is a great place to find inspirational and personalized gifts. Plant Seeds of Kindness this spring and watch the LOVE GROW!
3. Projects, projects project…Spring is a great time to start a project or 2 or 3…I have already cleaned out my garage. But I already see my project list growing…clean the shed, paint the deck, plant new flowers, mulch, weed, redecorate and create new inventory. Sounds like I will be busy! Plant Seeds of hard work and Ideas and watch your creativity grow.
4. Hope and Harmony were two things I planted in my heart at the start of this new year…Hope that our country and world could some how find a common ground, meet each other half way, build each other up rather than tear each other down, or at least have civil conversations rather than live in ignorance… with Harmony and Peace being the ultimate results to our efforts. Plant Seeds of HOPE and HARMONY and watch as we rebuild our broken world.
5. For me PRAYER probably should have been Number 1 on my list but maybe it will remain in our brains longer if it is last. Prayer has always been a huge part of my life. But this year I am rebuilding, renewing, and reflecting through my Prayer journey. Growing deeper into prayer by…listening to and reflecting on Bible in a Year , praying daily reflections with Jeff Cavins and Father Mike on Hallow and taking the prayer challenges that help provide insight and make me rethink my faith and prayer routines. I invite you to join Hallow or find a Prayer reflection app or podcast that will help you Plant Prayer into your life this Spring. We each have our own journey our own story and maybe your spring goals will be different than mine…What seeds will you plant this spring as you rebuild and grow?
MY JOURNEY IN PRAYER… Part 1… March 22, 2026
In November, I accepted a challenge to join the Hallow app and joined the Advent Challenge…little did I know …this prayer app would change my life and start me on this prayer journey. This post is not to convert or to push religion on anyone but see how prayer has changed my life and made it richer. But my journey started way before this present time… a little background info… I was raised Catholic…went to 12 years of Catholic school, attended church weekly, prayed and talked to God daily, was surround by my Catholic family support system and tried to live a good Christain life. I married after college to a Catholic boy( non practicing) and let him know my desire to raise our children as Catholics and believed a family that prays together stays together. Our kids attend CCD and weekly church and I tried to instill Christain, moral and values with my children. But life rarely goes as planned and I soon found out that my convictions were not shared by my family and that the perfect life I built in my head was not the life I lived. Without going into the gory details… the life I planned fell apart and I found myself reaching to God for support and answers. I prayed often and leaned on God to get me through the difficult events that occupied my life and my brain for nearly two decades… a divorce, selling our family home, a series of unhealthy relationships, and starting over in my new life. As well, I became an empty nester and watched my children choose different paths, different beliefs and create their own lives. In fact, I found that the Catholic Community that surrounded me was forever changing and that the world I knew was not the same faith based generation I grew up in. …For so long, I was emersed in my own struggles and saddness, that I only had so much to give to God. I prayed, went to church and leaned on God for anwers but felt something was still missing. Fast forward to the present…I retired from my teaching career, I started a new business, I found my life partner, my children became established adults with new lives, good jobs and relationships, I started praying more and saying the Rosary on a regular basis and God continued to be my rock… But something changed …Perhaps because life slowed down …no that’s not it! Perhaps because I retired and I now could make my own schedule. Perhaps with age my own mortality became a closer reality and the fear of the unknown shook me. Or perhaps my own questions about faith, life and prayer led me to the Hallow app. Whatever the reason, my life has changed and my journey in prayer is just starting.
MY JOURNEY IN PRAYER… Part 2… March 23, 2026
Inspite of the hustle and bustle of the holidays I found the time to take the advent challenge on Hallow…gaining a deeper understanding of the Christmas story and getting a real reminder that we need to take time in quiet and stillness to find peace and calm and to pray. I started my prayer journey learning to pray deeper and be more present with God. Now I have to admit…my ADHD brain often wondered and I had to rewind but perhaps that double dose of God’s word is even more powerful. I developed a daily routine with the advent challenge and a Daily Reflection with Jeff Cavins and Fr. Mike. Through scripture and daily reflection my prayer journey grew. The advent challenge ended and in the New Year I added The Bible in a Year with Father Mike…this added a whole new look at the study of scripture and the Bible. It was and still is often confusing and amazing how many stories in the bible that I never heard or just didn’t understand. Father Mike brings clarity and honest interpretation of the scripture into my life each day. Still confusing at times but meaningful. In March, I added the Advent 40 Challenge which added a new layer of prayer… with scripture, prayer and a look at the Brothers Karamazov and the story of the Prodigal Son. Now…although sometimes difficult to find the time, I oten pray an hour each day…following scripture, listening to other Catholics and their stories and seeing life under a whole new lense. The stories, prayers and reflections have opened my eyes and heart to so many lessons that have stirred something inside me and have left me wanting more…more clarity, more understanding, more prayer. I have learned that even the holiest and most knowledgable religious leaders have their own prayer stories…often coming back to their Faith after rediscovering God’s love. I have learned my own story is not that different from others. And I have learned it is never too late to strenghten your relationship with God.
MY JOURNEY IN PRAYER… Part 3… March 23, 2026
Perhaps you are wondering why I chose to write 3 posts about prayer??? Well I truly believe that the missing piece to our chaotic world is… God. Without prayer, without God, without a belief and support system…we are missing the mark. 61 years ago my parents chose God to be present in my life…today as an adult I continue to choose God. God has been with me through many difficult times and has blessed me my entire life with many happy times. I have never doubted God’s presence in my life…sometimes I may question why things happen??? but I know he has a plan for each of us and trust his love. So what take aways or ahh ha moments has my new found prayer journey brought to my life? Although not always new…many of the lessons confirmed what I have always believed or have given me a new lense to see them through. I have been so inspired that I often keep notes on my phone. Here are some of those take aways…. One thing that has really hit home is …that the Bible scriptures have been in existence for over 2000 years and have documented the story of the creator and creation, Jesus’ life and death…capturing the hearts and minds of it’s readers and teaching life lessons through its words. Like the Bible stories….Each of us has a story. Every life is a story! Every person is an author. Who will we become at the end of our story? What will be the title of your story? It is up to us who we will become at the end of our story. Will we spend our lives looking for joy and hope and love? Often we spend our days focusing on the negatives. We are biologically hardwired to look for the negative. 95% of our day could be filled with positives but we often dwell on the negative. We stand on the outside looking in but our brain often scans the negatives rather than looking for the joy. Suspicion often looks for what we suspect. God teaches us to steal the joy every moment you get! What we become depends on what we look for…look for joy, love and hope! It doesn’t mean that sadness and sorrow will not be present in our lives but that God is the master of putting together those broken pieces of our lives. Don’t hide the broken but highlight God’s presence in the broken. God makes it possible to hold grief and hope in the same heart. Gratitude grows when you trust and believe that something good will come out of all circumstances. God is not the God who leads us through those circumstances but he is the God going through it with us. Trust and believe in God. Prayer brings us closer to God. God made us each in his own image. When we actively live our life in the spirit to serve God…God will raise us up. “If you bear responsibility for all and live this life of humble active harsh love, you will see this ripple effect of love extend far beyond you! In return our sins affect those of others. Live a life in prayer and love. I could go on and on but this prayer journey is meant to be shared and for each person to grow in their own space and time… I can only share how it has changed me and has filled my heart with knowledge, love, joy and hope.
Welcome to my Beautiful Crazy Chaos… March 5, 2026
My brain is FULL! Full of Chaos…even though I am retired there is always something to do, somewhere to go and something to worry about. Full of Ideas…always searching for ideas for my shop and crafts to make! Full of Gratitude… for all my blessings…Randy, our children, our grandchildren, my family and friends, our good health and life! Full of Fear… instigated by a divided country, threat of war, and uncertainty where life will lead. Full of Faith…faith that where ever life leads that my faith will remain stronger than my fear and that God will provide blessings and comfort when needed. Full of Love…spilling over from my heart for all that I have been blessed with. Yes…if you could see inside my brain it would mostly likely be full of beautiful crazy chaos…my thoughts racing from one thing to another jumbled with a mixture of excitement, gratitude, worry and love! But that is life…and whatever challenges, joys and crazy chaos comes my way, I am happy that I am here on this planet to enjoy it, deal with it and live it ! Go out and make your own beautiful crazy chaos!
February 5, 2026 Junk Journaling
Did you every want to say something to a friend to help comfort or encourage them but you couldn’t find the words? Are you looking for a unique but meaningful gift for a friend? Junk journals are that uniquely perfect gift that says just what your friend needs to hear.
Junk journals are a type of art journal with pages and pockets made from various papers, fabrics, paper bags, envelopes and recycled materials that are used to create a unique and personalized book. It is often a form of vintage-style art journaling that blends scrapbooking and collage. I love creating, writing and inspiring and I hope my journals inspire others to reflect on God’s gifts, provides healing comfort during difficult times, help celebrate graduations, birthdays and special milestones and encourage you to embrace life and celebrate you! It is my passion to help inspire others and I hope my junk journals do just that…Please visit my shop or text me to order a personalize journal or see more samples.
Handmade cards and hanging cards are another way to send love and inspiration to a friend. Choose from a large assortment!
January 29, 2026 Social Media Influencer
I started this post with a totally different angle in mind but somehow ened up with this….My younger self did not have the luxury of a cell phone, the internet, online shopping, streaming, AI or Social Media. We had person to person conversations, sent birthday cards in the mail, watched 3 channels on t.v, went to the store to shop, engaged with our teacher and classmates and developed personal relationships beyond the screen. Fast forward to 2026 and my current self has new tools for communication, shopping, advertising, t.v. and news viewing, learning and building relationships. When used effectively social media, online tools, cell phones and technology can be beneficial but we also have to consider at what cost? Globally, internet users spend around 2.5 hours per day on social media and teen agers up to 4.8 hours per day. We have instant gratification from online shopping, to movie streaming, to news viewing, to social media. When used in moderation and for the right reasons the uses are endless but excessive use, inappropriate viewing and lack of social interaction can impact our sleep habits and mental health, increase our anxiety, and eliminate social skills. So what can we do to lessen the negative impact and make a positve change? Set Time Limits: manage screen time to reduce dependency and set news and t.v. viewing time limits. Limit screen time for children, teens and adults.
Monitor Content: Unfollow accounts that provoke negative emotions
Increase Face-to-Face Interaction: increase social interactions
Digital Detox: Implement boundaries and take social media and screen time breaks. Support small business: visit shops in person Get involved: go out and learn, observe and live new experiences.
January 29, 2026 Part 2: Inspiration Influencer
So what I originally wanted to chat about was…how can we make an impact? Be a positive influencer? Inspire others? Make a difference? Perhaps… I needed to address the root of some of our problems before looking at the solutions. So… I have always felt that God has a plan for each of us and that we were all put on this planet to impact others with our own personal talents, our own voice and our own magic…perhaps to build, to create, to heal, to preach, to protect, to sell, and in my case to teach and inspire. Using our gifts and talents for the good has always been God’s plan. But…In this age of technology, social media, division and chaos I sometimes feel that it is just easier to stay quiet, mind my own business and stay sheltered in my own little bubble…remove myself from the chaos and messiness of this world. But, in reality I am driven to educate myself, consider both sides of the equation and try to find alternative solutions… if we are not part of the solution…does that mean we are part of the problem? Perhaps if we spent more time in our circle of influence rather than in our circle of interest, would we? could we? make an impact and help heal our world? I learned from my Daily Reflection today… If we care, but we don’t care enough to act does that mean we’re indifferent? Do we live our life thinking… I see it! I care about it! But I am not willing to act upon it??? Perhaps by changing our mindest to include… I see it! I care about it! Then ask ourself… What do I have to offer to the situation? And then I act upon it…maybe then we can inspire, influence and make a difference. Getting back to my previous post…Technology, social media and all the resources that we find at our fingertips definitely have impacted our world…both positively and negatively…but when using these tools perhaps we need to consider…I see it! I care about it! And then ask myself…How can I use these resources to make a positive change? How can I let my voice be heard without tearing down others opinions and beliefs? How can I be an Inpiration Influence rather than a Negative Influencer? Some additional things to consider (with the help of AI): If you want to make and keep friends on social media, avoid excessive posts about politics, religion or race. The 5-5-5 rule… dedicating 5 minutes daily to liking 5 posts, commenting on 5 posts, and sending 5 DMs or connection requests to potential clients. This method ensures active, authentic engagement rather than passive scrolling. The 7 C’s of social media marketing are community, content, curation, creation, connection, conversation, and conversion. And my favorite…The Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Being an Inspiration Influencer rather than a Social Media Influencer may be a step closer to making a positive impact on society.
January 2, 2026
It seems like it was yesterday when I was recapping 2024 and now its time to recap 2025 and start a new fresh year.
What a Year! As I reflected on this year I was amazed at how our world and our lives have changed… Loved ones no longer here, grandkids that are growing too quickly, adult children who amaze us and make us so proud, dreams that are now realities, and plans that have come and gone. But the one constant is the love we feel and the blessings we share each day with special friends and family like you! 2025 seemed to fly by perhaps without the big life events that 2024 held but with the same impact…we watched my aunt and uncle fight illness and sadly join my dad in heaven. We watched and found such joy as our grandkids learned to talk and walk and excel and reach new milestones. We celebrated with our grown children as they began new jobs and started new adventures. We celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company, Carnival, Randy’s re-election as Mayor, Randy’s 50th year as a volunteer fire fighter and 65 years on earth and our 4 year anniversary and 1 year in business with Knick Knack Patty Shack! Randy and I seem to always be busy working , creating , building, making or fixing something but we do find time to entertain, bowl in a bowling league(Randy just joined) , dine out, work on his tractors and decorate and redecorate the house and shop. Mayor Altemose wears many hats and is always busy at some meeting and Patty is always make new things, networking and advertising for Knick Knack Patty Shack, Norwex, or writing her BLOG. Thank you to all those who continue to support my small business. We are so grateful for our time with family and friends and look forward to a New Year filled with love, joy and hope!
January 2, 2026
Where will 2026 lead and what new goals are ahead?…
As we begin a new year it is important to hold onto dreams and happy memories, release the burdens and sadness that weigh us down and welcome new opportunities. Last year… it seemed division and turmoil had become the new norm. The influences of social media, outside distractions and noise and stress clouded our judgement and added to our already stressful lives. I made a conscience effort to set and follow goals through 2025 by reinventing and educating myself, networking more, praying more, living healthier, losing weight, building a business, making connections, and enjoying more grammy time. My BLOG and website became my canvas to map out that journey . I’d like to think of myself as a work in progress. My journey is far from over and there is still much to do in 2026… As I journey through 2026 I will continue to revisit many old goals and add new goals that will inspire and help me grow. Join me on my journey to see where 2026 leads.
2026 Goals Like me… this list is a work in progress and is open to editing.
Journey to Jesus…Spreading Peace, Joy, Hope and Love Dec. 23, 2025
Our journey through life is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, joys and sorrows…each experience shaping you into the person you were meant to be with God leading the way. This year I made a promise on that journey to strengthen my relationship with Jesus …so this advent I joined the Advent 25 Challenge on the Hallow app. Each day we reflected on scripture and prayed as I listened to Homilies with Fr. Mike, Reflections with Jeff Cavins and took time to be still and silent through prayer and scripture as we journeyed to Jesus and CHRISTMAS DAY. As I reflect on this month of prayer, my heart is filled with many take aways… a new found inner peace in a world that is in turmoil, a sense of hope when we put our trust in God’s plan, a sense of joy when we live in life’s simple moments and feeling God’s unconditional Love when we sit in silence and stillness and believe that God is present with us. May you be blessed with peace, love, joy and hope this Christmas and may your find time to sit and reflect in stillness, quiet and prayer in the new year that approaches.
‘Tis the Season… December 2nd
‘Tis the Season…for hustle and bustle, shipping and shopping, Black Friday Deals and Cyber Monday Steals, streets of white and all things merry and bright! In addition, we are surrounded by noise, notifications, social media and screen time. Often all the glitter and glizt blind us from the true reason for the season…the birth of Jesus. I am guilty as well…I run myself ragged to decorate, shop, make gifts and make the holidays perfect that I often forget to breath and enjoy the falling snowflakes and beauty in the season. This year, I am giving myself the time to reflect and pray and find the stillness and silence found in the quiet moments, twinkling lights and listening to scripture. I have joined the Advent: Pray 25 on the Hallow app and I invite you to join me. Maybe together we can and take a step back from the chaos of the holiday season , rediscover the true meaning of Christmas and take a step closer to God.
So Many Hats …October 30th
I love wearing hats! Both figuratively and literally. Even after retiring from teaching, I have managed to stay very busy with babysitting my granddaughter, my Gift Shop, Norwex, my blog, family, life, …I often juggle the amount of hats I wear each day to fit it all in. Starting a BLOG has been very therapeutic “hat” and sharing inspiration with others has been a lifetime passion of mine. The question is how can I connect my passions and limit the number of hat changes I make each day. I want to invite you to a WINGS Workshop: WINGS…
W orkshop …Make It Take It
I nspirational Message
N orwex Tip
G irls Night Out
S nacks
My way of sharing my passions for decorating, crafting, inspiring, Norwex, God, food and friends. Please join me for a Workshop on November 18th and/or December 10th…We will make two crafts(Round Door/Wall Decor and Hanging Inspirational Card. We will get inspired, learn a Norwex Tip and enjoy a Night out with the girls. Refreshments served. BYOB. Cost $35.00 Contact me if interested. 610-703-6600 Patty
WHY A WORKSHOP CALLED WINGS?
November 8th
Years ago I formed this group called WINGS…Women Inspiring ‘N Growing Strong… I formed a Facebook page and invited family and friends to my house for parties to encourage, inspire and support women. I never abandoned the idea of WINGS but over the years… Life(jobs, children, house, divorce) got in the way and I didn’t give it the attention it deserved. But, now that my children are grown, I am retired from teaching, I’m in a healthy happy relationship and home and my new business is off to a good start; I felt it was time to revisit WINGS and somehow revaluate my life’s purpose. As I continue to reinvent my-self on this journey through life; my love of Wings and passion for inspiring have remained constant…whether through writing posts or writing poetry, to my love for music, decorating, and fashion, to my obsession with quotes and inspirational reels…whether you are taking a tour of my house or shopping in my shop or peeking into my crazy brain or feeling my beating heart…you will find Wings and Inspiration oozing everywhere! It is my hope that by spreading Inspiration …from making inspirational cards, hanging cards, junk journals, painted blocks, and signs in my shop to posting reels and quotes, to creating my Blog, to sharing stories with other women, and hosting workshops; that I can further my own growth and inspire others to spread their WINGS and FLY.
So I invite you to spread your WINGS and join me for a night of inspiration and crafting… so we can inspire, support and create something wonderful together.
October, 2025
In 2024… I started a new business, created a new website, started this BLOG, became a GRAMMY, attended my oldest son’s wedding, took a cruise to Spain, Portugal, Italy and France for the first time and lost my 90 year old father. It has been a year of prayer, self reflection and reinventing. As we approach one year to many of these milestone events…I continue to self -reflect and re-invent my life, trying new things, challenging myself and organizing…always reorganizing something. Please check out my posts below and look into my crazy brain as I reflected on life…hope you gain some inspiration!
Where Does Your Path Lead? October 29th
“The world is so much larger than I thought. I thought we went along paths – but it seems there are no paths. The going itself is the path.”
This quote expresses the idea that life is a journey of discovery, and the experience of living is the path itself, not a predetermined route.
In Robert Frost’s Poem, the speaker is faced with two diverging roads and must choose only one. The speaker initially chooses the second path because it “was grassy and wanted wear,” but then acknowledges that the two roads were “really about the same”. In the end he will claim to have taken the road “less traveled and that made all the difference”. This contrast between the reality of the choice and the future is often seen as a how people look back on their choices; sometimes with regret.
I think we are all given the opportunity to make choices in our life whether we refer to it as the paths we take or the chapters we create on our own personal journey through life…I think it is important that we embrace the journey and if the path we take isn’t working that we change course and create a new journey.
About a year ago, I started this blog. I’m not sure if anyone reads it other than me, but it is acts as roadmap helping me maneuver in and out and up and down this journey called life … a journey of self-discovery…creating new purpose, making new memories, reinventing my best self. This past year has been a year filled with many emotions and many defining moments…watching my son get married, experiencing my father’s death, losing an aunt and an uncle in less than 6 months, building a new business, making memories with family and friends , navigating life with a partner that loves me and accepts me for who I am and watching my granddaughter learn and grow. Although the year had amazing moments, I was inspired to look at the path I was on and perhaps restructure the course. I started by establishing goals to improve my life and then committed to those changes. No matter what age we are… I think we often question our own mortality when we lose someone. After losing 3 family members, I decided it was time to make healthier life choices, which led me to lose 20+ pounds, start selling environmentally safe products from Norwex, change my exercise and diet routines and recreate my journey. THIS blog is my roadmap to navigating the journey as I continue on the path of self-discovery and continue to author the next chapters of my life to the fullest. None of us know where life is going to take us, but we do have choices …which path will we take and will we enjoy the journey … we may not know what our final destination might be but it’s the journey to that destination that’s most important… the experiences we encounter, the people we meet , how we influence and treat others along the way, what coping skills will we use to get through the road blocks and will God be along side us on the ride? I am not ready to reach my final destination, but I am determined to continue to embrace the beautiful chaos along the way. I am going to continue with my healthier lifestyle. I am going to try and inspire and help others as they navigate their personal course and I am going to continue to trust God and his path choices for me.
Life Is Short
October 29th
Life is so short…one year ago my hard-working, funny dad took his last breath and heaven gained an angel. This world was so lucky to have him here on earth for 90+ years. He was my rock and my role model and even dementia didn’t take his sense of humor and carefree attitude from him. Unfortunately, my mom is unable to embrace life like my dad did. She has spent her whole life worrying about what will happen rather than enjoying each moment. Memory loss, Parkinson’s and anxiety add fuel to the fire and she is unable to deal with minor day to day routines without getting upset. It is very hard to watch. Although, I inherited the worry gene I have learned coping skills to deal with the minor set backs in life and embrace the more frequent good moments. I pray that my mom learns to enjoy her remaining time here on earth…because life is just too short !
OCTOBER 9, 2025
WINGS…
Women Inspiring ‘N Growing Strong
Years ago I formed a group called WINGS…Women Inspiring ‘N Growing Strong… I formed a Facebook page and invited family and friends to my house for parties to encourage, inspire and support women. I never abandoned the idea of WINGS but over the years… Life(jobs, children, house, divorce) got in the way and I didn’t give it the attention it deserved. But, now that my children are grown, I am retired from teaching, I’m in a healthy happy relationship and home and my new business is off to a good start; I felt it was time to revisit WINGS and somehow revaluate my life’s purpose. As I continue to reinvent my-self on this journey through life; my love of Wings and passion for inspiring have remained constant…whether through writing posts or writing poetry, to my love for music, decorating, and fashion, to my obsession with quotes and inspirational reels…whether you are taking a tour of my house or shopping in my shop or peeking into my crazy brain or feeling my beating heart…you will find Wings and Inspiration oozing everywhere!
In a world of turmoil… we all need to know we are inspired, loved, supported and that God is present in our lives. So it is time I continue my journey of self discovery, boost my campaign to spread Inspiration, Hope and Love and actively help, support and inspire other women to grow strong! It is my hope that by spreading Inspiration …from making inspirational cards, hanging cards, junk journals, painted blocks, and signs in my shop to posting reels and quotes, to creating this Blog, to sharing stories with other women, and hosting workshops; that I can further my own growth and inspire others to spread their WINGS and FLY.
Join my Facebook page or contact me with your ideas and input.
October 9, 2025
Reinventing Patty
Two posts in one day! I was inspired! Even though we are approaching the end of 2025, I think it is important to always self edit and make goals for yourself. This year I have been working on growing my business and reinventing myself. Here are some additional goals for myself including some I set in Spring!
Pray more.
Take more walks.
Eat healthier.
Inspire others.
Post on my Blog.
Re-establish WINGS Group
Join Norwex Team
Be more patient. Spend time with family and friends.
Be present in the moment.
Make a gratitude journal.
Make a vision board.
Reconnect with old friends.
Make new friends.
Plant a garden.
Start a new hobby.
Grow my business.
Make new inventory.
Keeping living my best life.
Spread kindness and love.
September 30, 2025
Autumn Blessings
Happy Fall! I love all the seasons…each holds a special place in my heart…but for some reason Fall always brings me extra happiness…maybe it is due to the changes we see during this season like the leaves changing colors and the change in weather or perhaps its the calmness I feel knowing that I don’t have to worry about the back to school stress since I have retired. I can’t say this Fall is stress free…I scheduled 4 big craft events and preparing for them has occupied most of my free time with making items. But this Autumn I am especially blessed with the opportunities we have had and are still on the calendar for…spending time with our Families…our children and grandchildren… A trip to Massachusettes, a day spent apple picking and watching sports, an afternoon Phillies Game, a trip to the pumpkin patch and just time together. Find time this Fall to enjoy your family and friends and all of the blessing this season holds!
July 6, 2025
THE Inspiration
Influencer
I heard the term Inspiration Influencer many years ago at an Educational In-service and was immediately drawn to the word and the ideology behind it. I made it my goal that I would try and live my life by inspiring others( at the time mostly my students) and spreading inspiration any way I could…
An influencer is someone who can affect the behavior, opinions, or actions of others, often through social media. Inspiration, on the other hand, is the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially something creative. Influencers can be a source of inspiration, but the terms are not interchangeable. Inspiration is a more passive, internal process, while influence is an active, intentional one, according to some sources.
Years have passed and I haven’t given up hope or INSPIRATION…I have consciously made an effort to spread inspiration and be that INSPIRATION INFLUENCER. Here is a list of some things to try that I have done to keep HOPE alive!
1. PRAY…Pray daily! Pray often!… share your love for God in writing, on Social Media, by attending church, and through your actions. Follow our new POPE LEO XIV on social media. Be a role model for others and help others find how God can be a positive influence on their lives.
2. Connect with others…connect through letters, cards, lunch dates, texts, social media…reach out to others and be a beacon of inspiration.
3. Journals and Cards…my favorite things to make are journals and cards that inspire, provide comfort, teach and help others through the happiest or toughest of times in life.
4. Words… Words have power and can inspire and impact others more than we know…I love to create and write…from poems, to cards, to signs, to quotes, to passages to journals. Surrounding myself with words inspires me and hopefully gives others a sense of hope, comfort and inspiration when they need it most.
5. Knick Knack Patty Shack…well not everyone is going to open a shop but by following my dream I hope it influences others to go out and follow their own dreams. Also, I have been told more than once that my merchandise is very motivational and inspirational…which was my plan from the start to inspire others to inspire others.
More than ever we need inspiration. We need hope! We need love! We need God! We need to be the change we want to see in this world! Just one small action, word, card, post, text or sign can be just what someone needed to get through a moment, day or difficult time.
Happy Earth Day!
April 22
This Earth God made is filled with such wonder from the flowers sprouting from the soil under our feet to the blue skies and billowy clouds floating above our heads…do we ever stop to absorb all its beauty and enjoy this precious gift? Take a walk, pick up trash, smell the fresh air, plant flowers…plant lots of flowers, wiggle your toes in the grass or the sand or the water…enjoy this beautiful world but more importantly take care of it! Happy Earth Day Everyday!
March 21, 2025
HAPPY SPRING!
Spring is a time for bunnies, birds and blooms! But its a time for so much more! Springtime is upon us, which means it’s time to tackle those spring goals! Rains bring life and rebirth, plants begin to bloom, animals awaken from a cold slumber, and its a time to renew.
As we prepare for spring, clean up our yards, wash our windows, spring clean and plant flowers maybe we can also prepare our inner selves for Spring too! After a long cold winter, we may need to do a little refresh of our own bodies and minds to help us BLOOM and GROW this season.
My SPRING REFRESH LIST might look like this…
Make a list of Springtime goals.
Take walks in the park or around the block.
Make a gratitude journal.
Make a vision board.
Eat healthier.
Reach out to a friend or two and reconnect.
Pray more.
Plant a garden.
Start a new hobby.
And perhaps you might want to add…visit Knick Knack Patty Shack in the Poconos!
Here are some helpful Tips:
SPRINGTIME GOALS
GRATITUDE JOURNAL PROMPTS
VISION BOARDS
Ideas for Prayer Apps
Hallow (a Catholic prayer app), Abide (a Christian meditation and prayer app), Pray.com (a daily prayer and faith-based audio content app), or Echo (a prayer app to help track prayers and set reminders).
January 10th
Climb Aboard the Rollercoaster Ride through 2025!
If we thought 2024 was a rollercoaster ride….2025 came in with a bang ….My mom went into the hospital on New Year’s Eve and is now in rehab…but doing better , a flat tire led to 4 new tires on my Bronco, a Penn State loss left Randy sad and wind gusts and frigid temps keep us all snuggled under the covers as we await some sunshine….and it is only January 10th!
But isn’t that what life is all about riding the rollercoaster of life…with all its ups and downs and twists and curves….my whole life has been just that… a series of rollercoaster rides… riding through the fleeting childhood and teen years into my exciting and challenging days as a mom of 4, maneuvering through a shaky and turbulent marriage, winding through a crazy but fulfilling teaching career of 37 years, going backwards into the single dating world and then realigning and redefining my life as a retired teacher, new grandmother, new business owner and in a safe and loving relationship …and here I am still navigating through life’s twists and turns wondering how on earth did time fly by so quickly… BUT NOW WHAT?
A new year is always a great time to self reflect, set goals and realign our life and ourselves to be our BEST SELVES. But what does that look like? Well climb aboard Life’s Rollercoaster folks because you are in for a ride….we never know where life will take us but that is part of the thrill of the ride.
January 10
Saying Goodbye to 2024
The last 3 months of 2024 were an emotional whirlwind… a wedding, a funeral, a 3 week cruise to Italy, Spain, Portugal and France, a permit and Grand Opening for Knick Knack Patty Shack and then preparing for family and friends who were home for Christmas. …It makes me tired thinking about it. 2024 brought so many wonderful gifts from a new baby granddaughter to my son’s wedding, to Randy’s new Granddaughter to a dream vacation to creating and opening Knick Knack Patty Shack. But it also brought a sad goodbye …saying goodbye to my dad… although he was 90 years old and lived a good life…it is never easy to let them go. He will always be in our hearts! Although 2024 was exciting and crazy and emotional…it is time to close the door on 2024 and welcome in the New Year!
As the holidays approach it is often difficult to decide on gifts for our friends and loved ones. For as long as I can remember…I have loved gift giving! Each year I decide on a theme and then pick gifts that are appropriate…Over the years I have picked themes from inspirational words like kindness, harmony, and peace, to cute ideas like hearts, stars, trees, warm wishes like hot chocolate and blankets. Each year I love the challenge of finding gifts that fit into my theme and then I go all out look for gift ideas.
I am here to help you with those gift ideas from charcuterie boards, to trees, to kindness, to socks, to warm winter wishes, to personalized signs and canvas bags.
Just give me a call or stop in to Knick Knack Patty Shack and let me help you this gift giving season!
November 30th
Hello Friends and Family! Opening a small business is quite the challenge to tackle…from the financial investment, to the time making and purchasing items, to the advertising and marketing, to setting up, to acquiring permits, and lastly to building that business….the best way to get the word out is through social media and word of mouth. I want to thank you for sharing my posts and for visiting my little shop. Please… now that I am officially open…please grab a friend or two and stop up and see all we have to offer for Christmas and everyday gifts and decor. We are located 1 hour from the Lehigh Valley and 10 minutes from the outlets in Tannersville or 7 minutes from Mount Airy Casino…Make it a shopping day…so much to see in the Poconos! I am grateful for your support! Patty
October 11, 2024
Knick Knack Patty Shack is on Weekend #2 for our Fall Fest and Soft Opening! We had a great turn out last weekend and hope to see you here this weekend…great new Fall and Christmas inventory, snacks, some yard sale items and on Sunday look for our special attraction a Hallmark-style truck on display for your backdrop for your Fall and Christmas Photo.
September 22, 2024
After a successful day at Harvest Fest…Knick Knack Patty Shack is ready for our very own FALL FEST and Soft Opening…Knick Knack Patty Shack will finally be opening its doors for a 3 weekend FALL FEST… October, 4th, 5th, 6th, October 11th, 12th 13th, and October 18th, 19th and 20th…10:00-4:00. Come see my new shop filled with Farmhouse, Country and Primitive Decor and Gifts featuring newly added Fall and Christmas inventory.
June 11, 2024 It has been a while since I have added to my blog…I am patiently waiting for a Permit for Knick Knack Patty Shack and keeping myself busy with my new granddaughter, cutting grass, gardening and other projects…I will keep adding new entries below and hope to meet you in person soon at Knick Knack Patty Shack!
POSTS: BLOG ARTICLE INDEX
Where Do I Start?
Write Your Story!
How can I help you?…Essential Oils, Room and Linen Sprays, Essential Oil Rollers
Making Soaps
Microfiber EnviroCloth and Window Cloths
Decorating Ideas
Inspiration Influencer
The Reflection In Me
Growing Hearts and Minds
RE….
Planting Seeds…
Patience is a Virtue
This is What Retirement Looks Like…
So What Lies Ahead
Special Highlights
I Love Decorating
GIFT GIVING IDEAS
Where Do I Start?
We all have a story to tell and we all have a little crazy to share…in my case maybe a lot of crazy!
I have always had so much to say but often feared that no one would care … but what if I could change the world or maybe just the world of one person… through my words??? So my friends…no more what ifs….you are about to embark into an adventure inside my BRAIN!
Fasten your seat belt and come back often!
My brain never shuts down! Why is it that when our head hits the pillow our brain goes into over drive and we can’t shut it down? Or maybe that is just my brain…??? Regardless…we can only hope that when we wake up we will retrieve all the great ideas we had while drifting off to sleep. Often I find that isn’t the case and all those thoughts evaporate into the night air. As I contemplated even writing this blog the words just kept flowing through my brain to my fingers as if I was meant to write a story. So in order to hold onto my thoughts, whether lying in bed or driving in the car I write my thoughts in the NOTES section of my phone, until the rest of me is ready to debrief them. For years, I have said I wanted to write a book and I have kept notes and wrote down title ideas and planned illustrations but I always had so many ideas, I could never seem to limit them to just one… my mind would just keep going and going, making it impossible to just write 1 book. I believe we are each put on this earth for a reason…at least one! Some people were put on this earth to find cures for cancer, some to be athletes or coaches, some to build, some to grow, others to heal … my life has always been to teach! For 37 years my teaching took place in the classroom …but what if my teaching could go beyond the classroom? What if my teaching could touch lives with words? I have always wanted to change the world even if it was just in a little itty bitty way. So my BLOG is my little way of teaching, helping, healing, inspiring, creating, reinventing, sharing, laughing and EMBRACING MY CRAZY!
Write Your Story….
April 7, 2024
I think God has given each of us a book filled with empty pages…in this case maybe a BLOG… and with his help we’re given opportunities to fill up those pages and write our own special stories. So although my story started 60 years ago, it is far from over. We all know, life is short, and that it is filled with highs and lows, things to celebrate and challenges we face…we can choose to sit back and live our life with sadness, fear and regret, or we can choose to overcome the challenges, celebrate the joyful times, embrace the crazy and take advantage of the course God has set for us. If we feel like life is over, then life will be over, but if we make every effort to reinvent ourselves, and be our best self…that’s when all of the surprises life has to offer, will show themselves. Whether you’re young and just starting your story or you’re mid life and turning the pages to a new chapter, or you’re in your senior years reflecting and holding on to the joy or grasping onto the negatives… we need to remember life is precious. Sometimes we just need a simple reminder that life is pretty amazing. When we open ourselves up to new adventures, when we are willing to put in the effort or make changes where needed and when we remember to enjoy each moment, each page and each chapter life has to offer we will get all the benefits life has to offer. It’s so easy to get stuck in old ways and old habits. Sometimes we just need to reflect and reinvent ourselves! So as I closed the door of teaching and entered the world of retirement I decided God was giving me a gift to reinvent my world and start a new chapter . When one chapter comes to an end remember your story is not finished. Pick up the pencil and create the next pages!
April 15, 2024
Click here to watch: The Pencil’s Tale – a story that everyone should hear!
April 9, 2024
Essential Oils…
Essential oils are much better for you and the environment as air fresheners than commercial products; they cleanse the air by altering the structure of the molecules creating smells, rather than masking the unwanted smells. We are surrounded by harmful chemical…if we each try just a little something new we can help make this a healthier place to live. When we are looking for alternatives to toxic products in our homes and in our lives, essential oils are a convenient, practical and pleasant solution. [Worwood]
April 15, 2024
April 11, 2024
April 12, 2024
Decorating Ideas
April 14, 2024
Inspiration Influencer
APRIL 14, 2024
Growing Hearts and Minds
Growing Hearts and Minds was a collection of lessons and materials I collected over the years to teach my students social and emotional awareness and to help develop positive growth mindsets and good character traits. As we face the uncertainty in our world…promoting self- love and self- care and celebrating other’s strengths and differences should be a goal for each of us…but more importantly kids are not just born knowing about empathy or kindness…it is something we need to teach and model. I gathered these poems, books, videos and songs to help students grow, heal and develop a positive attitude through growth mindset and mindfulness but many of the videos have brought tears to my eyes and have impacted me as well. Hope you find something you can share! Click link below.
https://www.smore.com/n/5cdf6-growing-hearts-and-minds
“I Love Spring…a time to rejoice, a time to renew, a time to rejuvenate, a time to recycle, a time to refresh, a time to relax and it’s always a time to redecorate!”
Patty
April 23, 2024
Knick Knack Patty Shack
Planting Seeds… June 11, 2024
Planting seeds…For as long as I can remember, I taught my first graders to always “Plant Seeds”… whether they were Seeds of Kindness, Seeds of Hope, Seeds of Love…the possibilities are truly endless. It became my passion…we planted a kindness garden, created books, made cards, sang songs, made posters, and the planting seeds list went on and on. I think planting seeds of some sort was innately imbedded into my life…my parents, my grandparents, my brother, my aunt, my cousin…matter of fact 4 generations of my family on both sides of my family tree were in the business of planting seeds and flowers. It was as if I was destined to plant flowers, and seeds and in my case both figuratively and literally! I created a book as my tribute to my family who dedicated their lives to planting and my hope that you will plant seeds and continue the growth cycle. Ask me how you can get your own copy!
August 5, 2024
“Patience is a virtue!”
Something I have been saying my whole life…but when it actually applies to me the time waiting seems forever. My patience was tested the last few months and as I waited month after month for a permit and met denial after denial…I had to fill my time with good vibes rather than dwell on the waiting. It wasn’t easy but it was a necessity. Praying and spending time with my grand daughter helped make the time go by as we sorted through the permit red tape and hopefully we will have good news soon.
August 5, 2024
This Is What Retirement Looks Like…
It is so hard to believe it is August of 2024 and it is more than one year since I retired from teaching. And although I loved my job…I knew it was time for me to move forward and the transition has been better than I expected… with the exception of the dreams about school that I continue to have…all the time. And now after a year I have no idea how I worked full time and did everything I did. When do we ever take the time to reflect on the last year and all we pack into a year. This is what retirement looks like…. I hope you enjoy walking down memory lane with me June 2023 to August 2024!
The Goodbyes
After the sad good byes leaving my work friends and students…
Randy’s grandkids
We took a trip to Massachusettes to see Randy’s grandkids.
A trip to Charlotte
And a trip to Charlotte to help Alyssa move things into her new house.
Yard work
I had fun planting new herbs and flowers and creating new spaces.
Organizing
I spent many days organizing the house over and over.
Mom and Dad
Each week I visited my parents and also tried to take my mom on field trips when I could.
Refinishing furniture
I am obsessed with peel and stick wall paper and refinished some furniture.
Celebrating
Celebrating at a wedding with my family.
Time with cousins
Enjoyed time with my cousins!
Celebrating My Parents…
Happy 60th Anniversary!
We surprised my parents with an early party for their 60th Anniversary!
Prom King and Queen
Although it had nothing to do with me it is important to mention my parents won prom king and queen at the home.
Time with the grandkids and great grandkids
We surprised them on their Anniversary with a visit from the grandkids and great grand kids.
Said goodbye…
With sadness but much relief we cleaned my parents property and I had a yard sale and sold their house.
A new deck
Randy built a new deck…I helped a little. I handed him tools!
Decoration Time!
I decorated the new deck!
Handy “woman”
Being the handy woman that I am I built these cubbies.
My Shiner
But I managed to get this shiner while building…when the hammer handle hit me in the eye.
Potting Bench
Luckily no animals or people were harmed building this new potting bench out of wood we had around the house.
FALL
Fall brought decorating the house YAY!
More grandkid time
More time visiting the grandkids in Massachusettes.
Florida bound
A fun trip to The Villages in Florida with my cousins!
A Baby on the Way
Finally…my oldest child announced they were expecting their first child and my first grandchild.
The Inspiration
The inspiration for my shop started with making Christmas crafts… a lot of craffts!
Craft Fair
Which ended with a successful Craft Fair and pop up shop.
Trip to Lancaster
We took time to go to Lancaster for dinner and a show with my family.
Feature 2
Decorating for the holidays is always my favorite time of year.
All my kids were Home
I love when all my kids come home for the holidays…but this year I got an unwanted gift…covid!
Celebrating with Family
The new year brought time with family!
Wall of Fame
Andrew was inducted in the NL Wall of Fame with his team and for winning States.
Happy 90th
One of my favorite memories was celebrating my dad’s 90th birthday wih family and friends!
Baby on the way
We celebrated Emily and Andrew’s new baby with a shower!
The Transformation
I painted the garage and started transforming it into a new gift shop.
Making and More Making
I spent many hours painting, buiding and gluing new things for my gift shop.
My workshop
I set up and organized my workshop….which keeps changing and evolving.
Time with Friends
We managed some time with friends!
Bowling
Every Thursday I had bowling League with my friends!
Shopping Trip
In March, I took a shopping trip in Lancaster for my shop,
More Making
I continued to make items for the shop!
Setting up
Then the big job came! Setting up, pricing, making a website, setting up my Square reader and inputting all the items.
Welcome Sofia!
In the middle of all the chaos we welcomed Sofia Michelle into this world!
Rental
We also cleaned, painted and rented out Randy’s parent’s house. I wall papered and staged it.
Somebunny loves you!
We had a special Easter with all my babies or should I say bunnies home again
Sweet Sofia
I spend as much time as I can with our little wildflower. I am soooo in love!
Back to Mass…
We took 3 more trips to Mass celebrating a Christening, first communion and recital.
Communion
So proud of this guy!
Still no shop
I did not lose hope and continued to redo the shop.
Happy 60th
A surprise 60th birthday party was so much fun!
Grass Time
The summer brings lots of grass cutting 14 acres worth! I also cut our grass and two rentals.
Paint time
In spring I painted the new deck brown and we hung lights.
Another Visit
I have been so lucky this year to see Alyssa every few months.
Potting/She Shed
Randy and I built a new She Shed out of old doors and windows. I love it!
Flower Time
I spend lots of time planting and watering flowers.
Dance Dance Dance
We visited Mass again for a dance recital and helped the kids unpack in their new house.
A Fun Visit
The kids came to us for a fun visit of tractor riding, smores, reading books, singing and having fun!
Pocono Mountain Carnival
July brought lots of heat, lots of work and lots of fun during Carnival!
A Trip to NC
Back to NC… but this July we helped Randy’s daughter paint and fix things in her new house.
Baby Time!
Which brings us to August 2024…no permit yet but hopeful, but getting lots of time with my granddaughter and can’t wait to watch her grow.
So What Lies Ahead…
So what does the rest of 2024 bring? …Well hopefully a variance and permit for my shop, a grand opening and a new grandchild in Massachusettes. September will bring a wedding shower and mother of the groom fitting. A beautiful day in October will celebrate the wedding of my son and his fiance’ and a cruise to Europe and the holidays will end the year. Life is good …I am grateful for all the last year has brought and I look forward to a new year of adventures!
Special Highlights from the last month…
I LOVE Decorating for Fall!
September 23, 2024
Adding small touches of Fall decor throughout the house with wood accents, pillows, wreaths, florals and lots and lots of pumpkins adds that perfect touch of Fall color! I love adding small groupings of decor items that are inviting and fun!
‘Tis the Season to Decorate… and I love to decorate and I keep most of it up til January…Here are some fun tips and you can find some of these things at Knick Knack Patty Shack… *add decorative pillows and blankets to bed, couches, benches and chairs *use small and large trees throughout the house to add winter charm *create small areas that allow you to highlight your favorite decor pieces *add assorted tin signs, wooden signs and prints throughout the house…not just on walls *Don’t forget Vintage red trucks…you can never have too many vintage trucks!
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