Kylie a Therapy Dog After All?

Posted by Barbara Techel

kylie and cas 1 1200When John and I set out in 2005 to bring another Lab into our life after our chocolate Lab Cassie passed away, it was my hope my new Lab, Kylie, would become a therapy dog. As it would turn out, as many of you know, Frankie became my therapy dog instead. Kylie wasn’t meant to be one… or so I thought until recently.

I’d often think that if people would just come to our home, Kylie would offer love to those who need it. She does not like getting in the car. She does not like to be outside of her territory as it makes her anxious. Though she has gotten somewhat better at this when we have to make trips to the vet. She can also be a bit skittish if approached too quickly or if she senses someone is afraid of dog’s. Kylie also seems to be quite the homebody and loves her own home and space.

Early last week I shared that we took in my friend, Cassy who is going through a big transition right now. Years ago we fixed up our lower level which is about 1,100 square feet.  It was our family room for many years as well as another room that served as my craft/workout/catch-all room. There is also a bathroom with a whirlpool tub. Plans were to also add a bar, in a small area small we laid down linoleum. That that never happened.  We also have not really used the lower level for quite a few years.

With Cassy needing a place to stay as she moves through her transition it felt like the right thing to do to offer her part of our home. As she moved in, we added a small bar sink and some cabinets, (which we  tend to have handy since John is a carpenter), and now the lower level is complete with a small kitchenette. The craft room became her bedroom and the family room became her living room/art studio.

While the living space is a wonderful place for a young woman to bloom, it is nurturing and love that helps one’s petals to start to feel secure in unfolding. This is where Kylie has taken it upon herself to be there for Cassy in her own, unique way. I can’t tell you how this makes my heart stir with joy.

Cassy didn’t grow up with a dog so she has had to get used to Kylie, as well as, Joie. But something beautiful seems to be happening between Cassy and Kylie. There is this connection that only the two of them can know. Cassy is learning how to be around dog’s and Kylie is finding her way in being a therapy dog in the way that works best for her.

Watching Kylie step up to the plate, offering her support unconditionally to Cassy, has this “dog mama” so proud of her. As Cassy grows in new ways finding her full, authentic self, so does Kylie. A friendship that no doubt will leave a lasting impact on both their heart’s… as well as mine.

I never imagined all the blessing’s that would come our way having Cassy live with us. To know she has given Kylie a “job” she really seems to be enjoying, as well as a friendship that continues to deepen, is just another blessing that I feel so honored to watch unfold. Ok, I must sign off now and go hug that big ol’ bear of mine, Kylie!

A Sneak Peek Inside My Writing Cottage. Per Request.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1682 1200After my post yesterday where I shared a shot of the outside of my writing cottage and wrote about what my cottage means to me, I had some requests from others to see the inside. I also had someone ask what size it is. It is 10 x 12.

This morning I took some new shots, as things tend to change and move around in my cottage from time to time. This is part of my creative side that likes to rearrange.  Before you take a little picture stroll through my cottage, I wanted to share how I got my cottage, which I didn’t share yesterday, though I have shared in the past. But for those new to my blog I’m happy to share again.

When I was working in the corporate world full time, I always wanted a little sports car. A Mitsubishi 3000 GT to be exact.  Well, the day came when I could afford one and was so excited when I got my red, fast car. You see, for so many years I thought my sports car defined who I was. I got hooked into what society deems as “success.” As I went through my transition of really wondering what life is all about, suddenly that sports car didn’t mean as much to me anymore. I wanted my freedom and the freedom to be me.

I knew I wanted this writing cottage. But I couldn’t have both my car and this space. Also it’s important to point out that my car wasn’t worth all that much in terms of dollars. But it got me a nice little chunk of change to help pay for some of the materials for my cottage.  The value for me now comes from being my authentic self and not feeling pressured to live by societal “rules” as to what defines a person as successful.  This space defines who I am and supports who I am more than a silly car ever could.

I also think it’s important to point out that even if you can’t have a space such as mine, there are ways in which you can set aside a “room (or space) of one’s own” which I think is so important to feed our souls.  Perhaps a small room in your home- or a corner of a room. Perhaps it is an altar with some of your favorite things that encourage your creativity. For a summer I had a screen room set up on our deck which I decorated with a table and chair and would sit with my laptop on my lap as I wrote.

Now on with the tour. I hope you enjoy and I hope it inspires you to follow your heart’s desire…

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What My Writing Cottage Means to Me

Posted by Barbara Techel

separate-sunroom-630x420When I began what I call my spiritual awakening back in 2000, I never imagined I’d have this darling little space of my own.  After going through some life coaching in 2005, I decided I wanted to write and write about dogs in particular, but also about the human-animal bond and what animals teach us. It is amazing how that has morphed over the years.

From my love of animals, writing, and Frankie becoming paralyzed and ending up in a dog wheelchair, I grew in ways I never imagined. My little writing cottage has always been a  place to come to and center myself, or find encouragement from the whispers of my heart.  Though I call it my writing cottage, it is so much more to me. Yes, I write and blog here within this space. But I also sit and ponder, read, have tea or wine with friends, learn from webinars and seminars, and last but certainly not least, cuddle with Joie.

My cottage is just ten short steps from my bedroom patio door and across the deck. Most days I arrive to my periwinkle and lime green screen door by 9:00 am.  Joie tucked under one arm and my large glass of water or cup of tea in the other.

Each and every time I’ve opened my cottage door, no matter the season and no matter what is going on in my life, I feel this warm hug from this space that welcomes me. Accepts me for who I am. Never tires of my endless head chatter. Supports my hopes and dreams.

In the summer the birds sing up a storm for most of the day- a radio station like no other.  Or a Robin splashes away in the bird bath right outside my screen door. Then there is the buzz of hummingbirds as they flit back and forth from the feeder to the birch tree’s next to my cottage.

In the fall, I am surrounded by the colors of warm yellow and orange as all the trees around me begin to change. Looking out my window’s on fall days can sometimes bring me to tears. It is so gloriously beautiful it often takes my breath away.

In winter my petite gas stove keeps me warm.  The first snow fall is always pure delight as I watch the flakes fall so gracefully outside my window. Snuggled in my cottage I feel safe and secure.  Then comes spring once again, and the rain showers wash away any signs of winter. The flowers in my little garden outside my window begin to bud, along with the tree’s. New life begins once again, as new projects, ideas, writing, hopes and dreams emerge for me too.

My favorite thing about my writing cottage is that it was built by the strong hands of the one I love so dearly- my husband, John. Not only did he build this beautiful place for me, but he understood what this space would mean for me as a woman following her heart.

Each evening as I close the door behind me, Joie tucked once again under my arm, I take the ten steps back to the patio door and enter my home with my soul fed and feeling so blessed for all that I have.