1157th Transportation Company. Saying Goodbye.

Posted by Barbara Techel


So proud of my “little”brother, Private 1st Class, Keith Pipping. Today was the official send off for 1157th Transportation Company. His mission was originally Kuwait, but now they head for Afghanistan.  It was hard to say goodbye today. But it was wonderful attending the send off ceremony. The commitment, dedication, and team work was palpable in the air. It is something everyone should experience.

I thought about all the soldiers that have gone before Keith– those that had no choice but to go to war– and those, like my brother, who have made the choice to serve their country. I’m especially proud because he chose to serve his country but also the fact he did this later in life, at the age of 38.  Made it through boot camp and now is being deployed at the age of 39.  He will turn 40 while overseas.

Keith was one of the soldiers interviewed for Fox 11 News and being his big proud sister, I had to share:

EAA hosts 1157th send-off ceremony: fox11online.com

Will You Help Me Choose Cover Image for My New Book?

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

It’s been an exciting week here in the Joyful Paws Studio!  I FINALLY have a new title for my book which I am absolutely thrilled with- thank you to my marketing consultant, Mary Shafer.

Through Frankie’s Eyes: One Woman’s Journey to Her Authentic Self and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way

So as you can see the new title is above. Now I need your help!  Which image would make you more likely to make you to want to buy my book? The one of the left or the one on the right? I would sincerely appreciate your input.

Thank you!

 

This Thing Called Life. Changes. Expecting the Best.

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

We have been experiencing a warmer than usual January here in Wisconsin. All this week it has been in the 40’s. I’m loving every moment of it.

I am struck by people who comment on our wonderful weather and then the next statement out of their mouth is, “But we are going to pay for it.” Really? What does that mean?

Instead of just enjoying the here and now of this glorious weather why do we think something bad is going to happen next? Why do we automatically go to thinking we are going to be in deep trouble for having such nice weather?  It’s all going to end seems to be the impending dread.

Things end. Life changes. Isn’t that what this thing called life is all about?

I caught myself in a sad moment of endings as I looked at the above photo of Frankie. On Tuesday we visited Shepherd of the Hills Catholic School and a teacher sent me this shot of Frankie. This is right before I throw a treat for her so the kids can see her walk in her wheelchair.

But I felt this twinge of sadness start to envelope my heart. As I made the decision to semi-retire Frankie this year, I see each school visit as even more precious- not knowing when will be our last. But I stopped myself. I reminded myself to be grateful for each moment with Frankie– enjoy the here and now- don’t look forward- that will come all on its own. And when it does, I’ll then move through it- but not now. These days are just too precious.

I looked at the photo again and was reminded of how my heart feels when I throw the treat for Frankie and she runs after it. The kids excitement of cheers and clapping always makes my heart swell with pride. I am reminded again of all the blessings Frankie is to my life… how far we have come together… the lives we have impacted… the joy and love she has brought to so many.

So no doom and gloom here- but living in each precious moment of each precious day… whether it is 40 degrees, or 40 degrees below zero. This is life and I plan to keep living it.