My Manuscript is Complete. Happy Dance. Forward March to Editor.

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

I began Through Frankie’s Eyes manuscript one year ago- almost to the day. Today I’ve completed it and it is now ready to head to my editor, Yvonne. I’m doing the happy dance, but also feeling a bit surreal. I shed a few tears writing and then reading the last few pages of the last chapter.

Today I also officially announced to Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog fans that she is now semi-retired, so that chapter of my life and hers is making a slow transition to allow for the work that lay ahead for me in the editing process of my book, endorsements, cover design, marketing, etc.

It seemed like I was trudging through thick mud when I began this journey to write my story, and now here it is-complete and ready for the next step. But I am reminded again at how things all seem to sync and play out in their own time. Reminded again to trust the process.

It is somewhat bittersweet to know I am done. But now I will look forward to the exciting chapter of editing. I always grow and evolve through the editing process so I welcome it.

So…. forward march to the editor!

Reiki I Complete. A New Journey Begins.

Posted by Barbara Techel


The Japanese kanji in the center of the logo means Reiki, which is spiritually, guided life energy. The upward pointing triangle represents humanity moving toward God. The downward pointing triangle represents God moving toward humanity. Because the two triangles are united, and balanced, they represent humanity and God working together in harmony. The inner sixteen-petaled flower symbolizes the throat chakra or communication. The outer twelve-petaled flower symbolizes the heart chakra or love. The complete logo represents Reiki uniting God and humanity in harmony through the communication of love. 

Resource:  www.reiki.org

Yesterday evening I completed Reiki I with Reiki Master, Jay Burkgard. What a fascinating and enlightening afternoon of new found discoveries. It’s only the beginning and I’m looking forward my journey as it continues to unfold.

My attunement was a beautiful, amazing experience for me. For some when they recieve their first attunement there are miraculous things that happen. But for me, I felt this deep peace I’ve never felt before. I also kept seeing my yellow lab, Kylie’s face in my mind and her leading me to other pets to help them with Reiki. It made me smile, but also want to cry. I’ve always felt Kylie has some anxiety issues and I want to help her feel better and not be so, what I call, skittish at times. She is very unsure of herself. I want a feeling of calm and peace for her. 

As I’ve written about in previous posts, I’ve always known about Reiki, though didn’t really understand what it was. As I learned more, I discovered Reiki to help animals. The same principles apply for animals as humans… though intriguing, is animals can be more open to Reiki. Yet again, all that they teach us, I think.

So this 8th day of my River of Stones writing practice  and being open to the world around me and discovering new things- I can’t think of a better symbol to share than the Reiki symbol and it’s meaning. And how honored I feel to now be a part of the Reiki world.


Being Open and Trusting

Posted by Barbara Techel


I’m close to finishing the 2nd draft of my new book, Through Frankie’s Eyes: Lessons Learned from a Dachshund on Wheels. I’ve promised to have it to my editor no later than next Friday. This is my first adult nonfiction book. Writing it has been great therapy for me in some areas, as well as revisiting my journey and realizing how far I have come. I hope by sharing my process in being open and trusting and lessons I’ve learned from Frankie will help others once I publish my book.

I’ve felt a transition happening not only with myself, but with Frankie as well, for a good year. I’ve tried to resist the fact that I feel that Frankie wants to slow down a bit in her work. Because she has been my main focus for over four years with the children’s books I wrote about her, and the school presentations I do with her, and our therapy dog team work- This place of acceptance was a hard place for me to come to. My biggest fear has been wondering what my next path is…. as well as accepting she is aging.

I love my life and work with Frankie- she has brought huge, huge blessings to me . Too numerous to mention right now. But one of the recent lessons is learning to let go, be open, and trust a new path would emerge. I had to remind myself to not think so hard about it. Let it come naturally and authentically.

I had some sleepless nights worrying about “what’s next” and how do I transition? Change is a scary place to be sometimes. But it seems I have crossed that hump. One thing has led to another and I find myself taking my first Reiki class this Saturday with hopes of becoming a Reiki Master by year end with a focus on animals. I knew I wanted to continue working with animals, but just couldn’t find a picture in my head of what that looked like.

Reiki feels right to me and I’m excited to be on this new energy healing journey. It has led me to considering revamping my website with more focus on my brand, Joyful Paws, and myself as an author and all I want to evolve to in new areas of work with animals. I’ve been talking with my web mistress and hope to revamp my website in the next couple of months.

When I began my journey with Frankie after her paralysis, writing her books, and sharing her story with as many as I could, I remember having little confidence. My confidence steadily grew the more I got out there. Starting out, in theory, I felt myself standing behind her as my confidence grew. Then I found myself standing beside her as I grew more into me. Now I realize I must stand in front of her, on my own, as I move forward. This has been, for me, the hardest last step. Not because I don’t feel confident, because I do more than ever. But realizing there will be a day that Frankie moves on. But I’ve also come to really believe in my heart that when that day comes, her physical being will move on, but her soul will always be with me. There is a bond between us that will never be broken.

So being open and trusting now has me very excited about 2012 and my new adventures, plus a bigger vision of where I want to go (though will save those thoughts for another time- one day at a time here).

As I work in my writing studio today, I looked over to Frankie resting comfortably and she makes me smile. What a life of wonder, hope and joy that little dog has given me. We will continue to do our work on a more limited basis, and for as long as I feel she is comfortable, but I can finally say I find great peace and comfort in watching her nap and enjoy her senior years… and knowing everything is going to be just fine.

“Often in the stillness of the night when all nature seems asleep about me there comes a gentle rapping at the door of my heart. I open it and a voice inquires, “Pokagon, what of your people? What Will their future be?” My answer is: “Mortal man has not the power to draw aside the veil of unborn time to tell the futrue of his race. That gift belongs of the Divine alone. But it is given to him to closely judge the future by the present, and the past.” ~Simon Pokagon, from 365 Day of Walking the Red Road by Terri Jean