animal teachers

Ground Squirrels Remind Me of the Sacred Balance of Life

When I posted this photo (above) on Facebook in early July, I received many a dire warning about the potential damage the family of ground squirrels could do to my yard.  But, I couldn’t help but delight in watching them grow. I’d also come to learn  they are called thirteen-liners. I’m pretty sure by looking at them you can guess why.

Their tiny heads with flat ears and beady black eyes poking up from the holes on either side of our cement front stoop brought a smile to my face the many times I enjoyed lunch outside.

It wasn’t long before they felt comfortable with me. I enjoyed watching as they foraged out in the big world of the front yard while mama was no where to be seen and this had me silently cheering on their ability to make their own way.

Then one day I chuckled as three of them took turns rolling in the grass and then chasing after each other in circles. It reminded me of the antics of Larry, Curly and Mo of the Three Stooges.

Another day I spied from the corner of my eye as mama came near and three of the little ones ran to meet her and as if all at the same time saying to her, “Mama! Mama! Wait until you hear about all the grand adventures we had today!”

To then the mama making her way down into the hole with the curious little ones looking on wondering if they should follow or not. But alas, they stayed behind. I saw this as them honoring that mama most likely needed some time just to herself for a while. And a reflection I took for my own well being too.

Every day I’d anticipate seeing what they were up to.

They were my sweet little teachers reminding me to take time to just be, to take delight in the smallest and simplest of things, and most importantly, to remember to nurture myself when need be.

Then one early evening I spotted Stevie, the neighbors cat. Sitting on our stoop.  Head bent down. Staring intently at the entrance of where the ground squirrels come and go. 

My heart sunk.

I opened the front door slowly. “Stevie, what are you doing?” I said. As if I didn’t know.

This is the picture I snapped of her after I asked the question. 

She was looking at me as if saying, “You talking to me?” 

Indeed, I was. But it would be of no use. I had to accept this lesson – and one I’ve had numerous times before  – and the one I can still find challenging.

While I’d gained so much sustenance from those adorable ground squirrels in various ways over many weeks in July, the truth is I had to accept that they are also nourishment for other creatures we share the planet with. I’d learn that ninety percent of ground squirrels don’t make it to adulthood and thus part of their purpose to help sustain the life of others.

What started out as seven young ones, was then just three, and of late I’ve had no sightings of them. Though my hope is the three have made their way out into the world and are on more grand adventures.

While some may say that their name associated with the number of thirteen is bad luck, there is also another aspect of thirteen. It is that of the Divine Feminine representing the natural rhythms and cycles and remembering to come back into sacred balance.

We are here but just a short blip of time here on this planet. I take note of the fact the photo at the top with the ground squirrels in front of the welcome stone is to welcome all aspects of this one precious life we have. 

While I honored the sadness I was feeling that I no longer am seeing the sweet young squirrels, my heart is also still relishing in the joy I experienced with them on so many occasions.

And this…this is the sacred balance of life.

XO

Barb

                  

From the Inside Out: Views from Joyful Pause Cottage and Reflecting on Twelve Years.

This year marks twelve years since my husband, John, built me my special little sanctuary. A 10 x 12 space that sits off the southwest corner of our deck. Twelve steps from our bedroom patio door.

As I reflect on how this space came to be and what it means to me I will share a few photos of views looking out the different windows. This time of year is especially abundant and had me feeling so much joy that I wanted to share.

I started out calling it my writing cottage because this is where I began my writing endeavors. Twenty-four newspaper columns, two children’s books, three memoirs, and 2,701 (plus one including this one!) blog posts later it has morphed into so much more now. I guess you could say so have I.

Because I’ve evolved over the years and this space has welcomed me every day as I walked through the Victorian screen door and it’s supported me each step of the way, I now call it Joyful Pause Cottage. 

The word pause is a play on words with how my writing endeavors began and my love of animals and naming my website Joyful Paws. The dogs I’ve shared my life with were the inspiration behind my beginning to write about them which morphed into sharing a love of all animals. Then seeing animals as oracles – mentors/teachers – just like nature also is. Always reflecting for us some aspect that provides teachings that guide us on our earthly journey. Animals and nature have taught me that pausing often and reflecting on what really matters is what continues to bring me peace.

It was important for me, though I didn’t realize the full scope of it at the time, that I have many windows with natural light for my cottage. I wanted to feel like I was outside even though I’d be indoors. I wanted to feel connected even though I was also yearning for more solitary time.

Little did I know a trend would occur a few years later with what was dubbed “She Sheds” — more women seeking a space of their own to retreat to, to create, and/or to just be. My little corner of the world seemed to have led the way and made it onto the websites of some of the national news outlets. I’d also be invited to do an interview via satellite with a morning show out of Australia and I was interviewed by a local news station. 

Some thought it selfish that women would want a space of their own. “What’s a house for?” one person wrote and comments even more snarky than that. Though there were many positive comments, too. But I think back then how I’d be offended by the negative statements, but now, pfff, I don’t care. I know what having this space has done for me, and quite honestly, it has enriched my relationship with my animal friends, my husband, and most importantly myself. You see, we have to bust out of that conditioned pattern of thinking we don’t ‘deserve’ what our hearts yearn for.

All the attention has faded now, which is perfectly fine with me. This quiet corner of my world is what makes me thrive. Makes me happy to get up in the morning. What sometimes brings me to tears for how grateful I feel. Tears I have also shed and how Joyful Pause Cottage has held me when I mourned the loss of many dogs and a few friends. The joy I’ve experienced in this space also for how far I’ve come in so many ways.

This is also the space I’ve welcomed in via zoom interviews about my books and what animals have taught me, but it’s also where I do oracle card readings for others seeking guidance and for those struggling with challenges with their animal friends. I like to think of this space as a little respite and sort of like a safe cocoon for others who seek me out for some mentoring and support — even though most are done virtually I hope others can feel the love and empathy that not only comes from me but from this space that supports me in continuing my mission to be of service. 

It’s also morphed into a space that encourages me to explore a different creative medium of mixed media. Eventually, I’ll share more of what this is all about and what I’ve been working on. I hope you’ll stay tuned.

Lastly, I leave you with a final view, though this isn’t from the inside out. I rarely take a photo of what I guess would be considered the front of my cottage. But it’s a reminder that sometimes we have to take the time to look at life from a different perspective. I just love how I caught the sun dancing on it this morning. I felt like a fairy standing along the grown-in gulley which was behind me as I snapped this picture. Sometimes life is just so dang magical I feel like I could fly!

Wishing you each a magical week!

XO

Barb

                  

Forever Friends in Spirit. Puppy Picasso & Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. A Book Review & Remembrance.

It’s like Dee Dee Murry and her dog Hallie, and me and my dog, Frankie, lived parallel lives.

While my dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed and was ultimately fitted for a custom dog wheelchair, and learned to move through the world in a new way, and became known as Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, Hallie became blind and learned to navigate the world in her own unique way too and would become a star in her own right also and become known as Puppy Picasso.

Standing beside these two pint-sized dogs were two women— each determined to do whatever they could to help their furry companions live a quality of life. From that, each found a purpose and a calling they couldn’t deny. All four would ultimately positively affect the lives of thousands of others through the sharing of their stories to inspire and encourage young and old through difficult times.

When Dee Dee contacted me asking if I’d consider reviewing the book she was writing to share the story of Hallie— Puppy Picasso the true story of a little blind dog who could paint— I was beyond honored. The journey we each walked separately with our pups, but together in a bond that will never be broken, was something I wasn’t about to turn away from.

I knew reading Hallie’s story would bring back memories of my life with Frankie and would likely cause some tears to be shed, but I also knew that I’d likely be reminded of the joy, rewards, and love that can be encountered when we open to see our challenges in a positive way through the eyes of our animal friends.

And I wasn’t wrong. There were tears mixed in with smiles and giggles, but most of all, a depth of connection and understanding that I had relating to what Dee Dee and Hallie went through and how it ultimately and profoundly changed both their lives for the better.

The love between a human and a pet is an extraordinary experience that has the potential to change one’s life in unimaginable ways. Such is the deeply enriching and touching story of Hallie, the blind dachshund who learns to paint, and her devoted human and artistic mom, Dee Dee. Their story of triumph in the face of adversity will open a tender place in your heart. Not only do they each flourish despite obstacles, but they find a way in which to give back to dogs in need, and forever and positively change the lives of countless others—both canine and human. There is nothing the human spirit can’t do with a furry friend as your guide and champion!

Dee Dee and Hallie’s book is available here on Amazon.

To learn more about Dee Dee and her exquisite animal art and pet portraits visit her website here.

XO

Barb