Reflections. Starting Fresh. Bring on 2013.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1009[1]

I love decorating for the holiday. But I must say, I also love putting it all away and starting fresh.

I did just that in my writing cottage today. Christmas decorations are now down and packed away. I also sorted through paperwork from 2012 and organized files, piles, etc.  I always find it amazing when we do this, how it opens the path for new things to find us. I’m excited to see what 2013 will bring in terms of creativity and where my new book will lead me.

As I went through old files I came across a file I had tucked away of stories, photos, etc. that had been done about Frankie.  I had a scrapbook started for her when we began our work together over six years ago, but some of it had piled up for “someday” to be added to her book of memories. Today was that someday. Through a few tears and smiles I placed the last of the photos and stories in her scrapbook. I’ll forever cherish the time and work I did with her. I will count it among some of the happiest times of my life. A blessing I will always be so grateful for.

Frankie is not gone, but forever preserved in my memory and in my heart. And from the journey her and I shared, it is time to move forward on the path that God has in store for me. I don’t like living in the past, and as much as I miss Frankie, I am eager and excited to move into 2013.

Not only does this feel like a new year for me, but it really does feel like a whole new beginning– almost as if the last six years were wrapped up in one as I begin a whole new adventure and period in my life. I don’t know yet what it all holds, but I remind myself to relax, be open, live in the moment… and enjoy the ride.  The perfect lessons that Frankie taught me, as well as Kylie and Joie continue to.

Two Horses- A Beautiful and Special Friendship

Posted by Barbara Techel

I just got back from a walk with Kylie and Joie, and even my sweet hubby joined us. What a special treat.

I was sitting here thinking how happy and grateful I am to have Joie with us this Christmas.  Six months ago losing Frankie, I couldn’t imagine going through the holiday or winter without another little doxie to love.  And having Joie to take care of fills me up in a way that sometimes I find hard to explain in words.

So I opened my email and found an email from my auntie Gail saying when she read this (below), she thought of me.  What a special gift and I just had to share with you, my dear blog readers.  Merry Christmas.

Two Horses
Author Unknown

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two

horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks

like any other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by,

you will notice something quite amazing….

 horse 1

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that

he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him

put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and

listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.

Looking around for the source of the sound,

you will see that it comes from the smaller

horse in the field.

 horse 2


Attached to the horse’s halter is a small bell.

It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is,

so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends,

you’ll see that the horse with the bell is always

checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse

will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to

where the other horse is, trusting that he

will not be led astray.

 horse 4


When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the

barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back,
Making sure that the blind friend isn’t too far behind

to hear the bell.

horse 5
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw

us away just because we are not perfect or because we

have problems or challenges.

 horse 6


He watches over us and even brings others into our lives
To help us when we are in need..

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by

the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to

find their way….

hourse 7
Good friends are like that… You may not always

see them, but you know they are always there..

Please listen for my bell and I’ll listen for yours,

and remember…

Be kinder than necessary-
Everyone you meet is fighting
Some kind of battle.

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly…….

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT

Merry Christmas to a Special Soldier

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1001

 

Today and tomorrow while I am home, this candle will remain lit.  This is my way of sending a  light of love out into the world, beamed straight overseas where my brother, Keith continues to serve our country.  He has been in my thoughts each and everyday since he’s been away, but more so now as we celebrate this beautiful season.  To one special soldier, my little brother, and all the soldiers, I say a deeply grateful thank you for the sacrifices you have made.