What We Can Learn from God’s Littlest Creatures

Posted by Barbara Techel

So, this is one of the most touching video’s of a baby bird who fell from his nest and into the hands of two very caring people. Thank you, Mary at White Feather Farm  blog for sharing this story and video. This is the link to the story, Baby Bird Cradled in My Hands.

What I especially loved about the story is how Laura said they are learning ways in which to communicate with the little bird. Isn’t it amazing how when we don’t even speak the same language that if we really listen and are open, the ways in which we can connect with another species? Fascinating- just fascinating.

Every Woman Should Have Their Own Little Piece of Heaven

Posted by Barbara Techel

I was moved by a recent blog post by artist, Maria Wulf and how she felt when she was cleaning out a barn to make it into her artists studio.  She said, “It wasn’t just that I had a space of my own to work in when I chose to and to do with exactly as I pleased.  It was as if I was finding a part of myself that had been hidden, even from me, my whole life.  It seemed I had tucked the artist I was, safely away in a deep pocket within me and now it was re-emerging.  My whole life I had given pieces of myself away, and moving into the Studio Barn was my first step in becoming whole again.”

I could relate to every word of what she said. I experienced this same thing when my husband built my 10 x 12 studio for me a few years back. I had gone through almost three months of life coaching before that, discovering myself and realizing that I was entitled to live a joyful life. Keeping myself front and center can take work at times, but my studio is always my reminder. It helps to keep me balanced and believing in myself and my dreams. It gives me strength to keep being who I am. It reminds me that self-care is so important. When I take care of me, I can give my best to those around me.

Every woman should have their own little piece of heaven. Maybe you can’t have a whole room, but make a corner in a room somewhere that is all yours. Fill it with things that make you smile and things that you love. Just sit and be in the space even if it is only once a day and only for five minutes.

My studio is filled with all things that make me smile. Most of it found through second hand shops. I love to shop at thrift stores! Even though I do the majority of my work in my studio, it is also the place I seek silent refuge from the outside world. A place I come and just sit and be grateful for all my many blessings. A place I hug Frankie close… just us girls.

Do you have a space of your own?  I’d love to hear about it. If not, get started right away and create your very own piece of heaven. You won’t regret it… I promise.

PS:  My studio is named MySpace.Calm. Wish I could take credit for it, but my hubby, John actually came up with the name. I’ll never forget when he said this is what I should name my studio. I realized in that moment that he truly understood how important this was to me. What a nicely added bonus. 😉

 

 

 

 

 

I Love Anything Cottage-y!

Posted by Barbara Techel

I love small spaces – never been one that would need a large home.  And I’m very good at getting a lot of pretty things within a small space – just ask my hubby. He is always jokingly telling me that if I die before him he will be putting out a sign in front of our house that says, “Open.”  Should that ever be the case I hope other cottage-y like minded people will shop to their hearts content!

I find a lot of joy in my little home that I call my “cottage in the village.” I love to decorate for each season – moving the furniture around, etc. I also love to peruse cottage style magazines. I was actually truly sad when my favorite magazine, Cottage Living was cancelled a few years ago. I thought I’d never get over it. I looked forward to it each month and would always save it for a weekend – late in the afternoon. I would pour myself a glass of wine, curl up in my big red chair, Frankie nestled in my lap, and get lost in the pages.

Last year I discovered a new cottage magazine and I was thrilled!  Though it only comes out four times a year – it is extremely nicely done.  It is called Cottage Journal Seasons – one comes out in spring, summer, fall and winter.  It is relatively new.

You couldn’t get a subscription last year and could just buy it when an issue came out – not inexpensive at $9.99, but well worth it.  I was so excited to learn today that you can now get the yearly subscription for only $19.98! Click here  if you’d like to check it out.

There’s also a new blog I recently started following that is all about cottage’s and cottage life and thought I’d share that too.  It is Mockingbird Hill Cottage. While there check out Claudia’s Etsy store and the beautiful scarves she makes.

So are you a cottage person too?  If not, what’s your style?