Something Magical Happened Over the Summer

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

This past weekend as I was sitting with John and Kylie enjoying our evenings on our deck in front of our cheminia, I realized something magical had happened over the summer.

My bond with Kylie became stronger and deeper.  Without Frankie with us now, I’ve been able to devote my full attention to Kylie. I feel like I can see a change in her because of this. She seems to want to be with us more, even though she is still quite the independent dog. But she does seem to relish in the extra attention.

I used to feel bad that Frankie got so much more attention because of the extra needs she required, but as I’ve moved through the summer without Frankie, and took more time with Kylie, I know now I was never a  bad dog mom.  Kylie is Kylie.  She loves her independence and I’ve always tried to respect that and admire her for that.  But I’ve also seen her come around to hanging out with John and I more– wanting to be near us, and wanting to be pet even more than before.

It’s a good feeling.  I’ve promised Kylie that when a new dachshund joins the household, which have no fear, one will, I promise to give her the undivided attention she needs too, and when it is right for her.

Gosh, I can imagine just like mom’s to children, of which I never had any, the same issues we face with our pets and mom’s with kids, trying to always give each of them what they need and when they need it.  But when the bond grows deeper, as it has this summer with my Kylie girl, I must say my heart has felt a deep joy in connecting with her in a new way.

She’s been here for me this summer as I grieved the loss of Frankie- in her own sweet, independent, loving way, and I can’t thank her enough for that. Love you, Kylie girl.

The Breakfast Face

Posted by Barbara Techel

I could look at Kylie’s face all day long.  I think she is one of the most beautiful Labs I’ve ever seen.  Okay, I know I’m a bit biased cause she is mine… but I really do love her face.  This is her “breakfast face” waiting for me as a I get her food ready in the morning.  I could just squeeze and hug her with this face, but she simply has no time for that.  I know she wants to eat and that is all that is on her mind.  So as I got her food ready I had to have my camera in the other hand and do both at the same time so as not to disturb her morning routine or make her wait one moment longer.

 

We Can’t Fix Each Other

Posted by Barbara Techel

Last night I started a 12-week course based on “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron.  This book is about ten years worth of classes Julia taught helping artists get past their blocks.  She wrote the book so other’s could facilitate the workshops in their area.  I’m thrilled this is taking place at a local arts center near me so I can take the course.  It promises to be challenging, yet hold promise for new paths of creativity to come through.

There are 13 women and one man in our class—I sure give that one man lots of credit!  And one of the gals is in high school and she really wants to be a writer.  I give her kudos also for doing her full schedule of school and adding this class at night.

Years ago I helped facilitate a women’s winter retreat with a friend.  I remember we shared with the group of women that we were not there to fix their problems, but rather to just listen.  This same concept was shared last night in our class. I love that. How often do we just want to be heard and not have our challenge fixed?  Chances are if we can either talk it out, or as encouraged in this course, write three morning pages, we can come to the conclusion that is best for us?

We all experience life differently, so what may work for one person and their challenge may not necessarily work for us.  Instead of holding it all in, we either need a caring and kind ear who will just listen, or we need to take paper to pen and let it all go. I think at times too we don’t voice our concerns or challenges because we don’t want anyone to “fix it” but we just want a safe place to voice it.

It’s a practice to not want to fix someone else’s problems, but one of the kindest gifts I think we can give is to listen or encourage the person struggling to write it down- get it all out.  And if they have fear of someone finding what they write- well then how about a private little ceremony of burning what you wrote and releasing it completely?  I’ve done this in the past with certain issues and am amazed at how much it has helped me.

It will be interesting to see what comes from this class for me.  Have you done “The Artist’s Way?” If so, I’d love to hear any thoughts you’d like to share about it.