Life Through the Eyes of a Three Year Old

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Lyla and me smooching Frankie

A couple of times during the year I have lunch with my friend Julie, and her daughter, Lyla who just turned three in January.

I love seeing the world through Lyla’s eyes. The photo above was taken in December when they came to my house for lunch. Lyla’s a very “busy” girl so wherever we go there has to be some entertainment for her. Frankie was her entertainment for this lunch date gathering. She had great fun smooching Frankie with me.

Today Julie picked up sub sandwiches and our plan was to meet at the children’s museum– so we could eat and Lyla could play and explore to her heart’s content.  But when we arrived, we discovered the museum was closed.

Since the library was close by we decided on that, but had a dilemma of where to eat lunch. So we had a picnic in the car in the library parking lot!

Afterwards we made our way to the third floor where the children’s library is so Lyla could play. I’m always amazed at how easy young children make friends. Lyla had no problem with playing with kids that were coming and going. She’d go right up to them and start talking to them.

It made me think about how as adults we tend to look away, or judge others. But Lyla was more than eager to share her version of what an elephant sounds like to each new child that came to the play area, as she bounced around with her puppet elephant.

One new little girl that came to play had Lyla introducing her mom and me to the little girl.  Pointing to us she said, “These are my friends, Mom and Barb.”

Boy, did that make me chuckle and warm my heart all at the same time!  I thought it was sweet how she called her mom her friend, as well as I was quite honored to be considered her friend too.

Thanks Julie and Lyla for some magical simple moments of pure joy and love today.

 

Our Recent Visit To Notre Dame Elementary School

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Elementary students from Notre Dame School of De Pere were treated to a visit from author Barbara Techel, right, and her inspirational pet — Frankie, the Walk ‘n Roll Dog — on Jan. 19. / Submitted

Reprinted from the Green Bay Gazette:

Notre Dame School of De Pere

The elementary students were treated to a visit by Frankie, the Walk ‘n Roll Dog, on Thursday, Jan. 19. Frankie and her owner, author Barbara Techel, shared their touching story with the students.

When Frankie, a dachshund, suffered a spinal injury, Ms. Techel had her fitted with a custom wheelchair. Frankie persevered and now volunteers as a therapy dog at local hospitals and nursing homes, spreading joy and hope wherever they go.

Their message to the Notre Dame students was threefold: think positive, make a difference and keep on rolling.

Students were able to purchase books about Frankie and have them signed by both Barbara and Frankie — with her paw print. A portion of all book proceeds is donated to various disabled animal charities.

Every Kitchen Needs a Bacon Assistant

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Frankie is a big help in the kitchen… as you can see. Whenever John fries up bacon (which is not often for those of you who may be aghast, that yes, I eat bacon now and then- please don’t hate me).

It’s a like a delicate ballet to remember that Frankie is underfoot. We’ve both tripped over her a couple of times while cooking in the kitchen. But it’s hard to shoo her away as she is just too cute- wanting to be of help- or err, I think a better guess is that should something fall to the floor, she will have scored a big prize for the day.

I can’t imagine my kitchen ever being without my dogs. It would seem so empty and lonely. Mornings like this, my Johnnie at the stove, Frankie helping, and Kylie snoring away at the front door, is what makes my heart sing. Such simple, beautiful moments of love and joy.