Good Life Project “Living Creed”

Posted by Barbara Techel

Last night on date night we ran into a friend struggling with finding hope for the New Year. Without getting into political points of view, it is part of her struggle. My heart ached for her and I wished I could help her feel better… and give her hope.  She told me that she loves going to my Facebook page when she needs a positive lift, which made me happy to know it helps her. I do try hard to provide as much positive and feel good things here and on Facebook as I can… after all, that is what Joyful Paws is all about.

So today I discovered this delicious goody below  from Good Life Project and just had to share.  I know there are many who feel like things are ‘not right’ in our country, but there are so many that want to keep believing in all the good…. and there is good… we just only ever hear the bad if we tune into that.  I believe we can be a part of a positive shift if we choose to be that and live it… and eventually I really do believe if we each contribute good and positive to this world, it will shift to more of that.  So this is my contribution today and sharing the “Living Creed” from Good Life Project.  I plan to print it out and hang it where I will see it everyday and help on those days when I may not be feeling so positive.

GoodLifeProjectCreed
Like this? Learn to build a better life at Good Life Project.

There is Much Good in the World

Posted by Barbara Techel

back shot in wheels looking out window

I don’t know why, but going into 2013 I just felt like it was going to be a great year. I have nothing to really know why, but I just feel something inside that says it is going to be a wonderful year.

We are almost done with January and good things are happening here at Joyful Paws Headquarters, a.k.a. my writing cottage. Last week I was contacted by a veterinarian clinic. They will be teaching relaxation massage classes in Feb., March and April.  Instead of charging a fee they are asking for donations.  They told me they would like the donations to go to the Frankie Wheelchair Fund.  Well, that just shot me over the moon!  There is much good in the world.

Today I met with Bookworm Gardens where Frankie’s legacy lives on in gardens in nature that connect with children’s literacy. They are planning their big kick off event for the season on May 4th when the gardens will open once again for the warmer weather. They’ve decided to do what will be called, “Walk, Roll and Read Day.”  The gardens are located across from our local University Campus, so the walk (or roll with strollers or tricycles) will be around the campus loop. It will be a family outing and walk/run and fundraiser for Bookworm Gardens who have graciously offered to donate a portion of proceeds to the Frankie Wheelchair Fund. There is so much good in the world. I’ll also be on hand for storytelling time and a book signing that day. And yours truly, the new ‘walk ‘n roll dog’  of my life will be making an appearance.

These two recent unfolding of events and generosity have me feeling on such a high of happiness. There is much good in the world and I’m loving my corner of the world and all the caring and kind people I am surrounded by.

Walking Down Memory Lane Today Preparing for My Book Launch

Posted by Barbara Techel

frankie legacy studios shot from behind

 Photo credit:  Legacy Studios

I’m preparing for my book launch which will be held at the Plymouth Arts Center in a nearby town only six miles from my home. It will be on Thursday, Feb. 28th.  Part of what I’m putting together is a slide show that I’ll have running on a loop for the evening on my laptop.  I’m planning on a short talk, selected reading, Q & A and then a book signing. Joie will also be on hand to meet everyone.

I’m happy to say that I’ve been smiling during the process of looking through photos to include in the slide show. I’m also amazed at everything Frankie and I did together. Pictures really do tell the story. I do wish I could have gotten more photos when we visited over 400 schools and libraries in person and via Skype. But it’s tough when you are dealing with kids and sharing photos via the Internet. So those memories I carry in my heart.

The above photo is one of my favorite and was taken by a local photographer. I plan to use this as the last photo of the slide show.  I believe Frankie has just moved on into another realm and that someday I’ll see her again. So this photo reminds me of that as if she is saying, “We will meet again one day. Have no doubt.”

I know many of you that follow along on my blog are not from the area and won’t be able to attend the book launch. I’m going to see about having the slide show available for you to see so you can feel like you were actually a part of the launch… and after all, many of you were very much a part of our journey. I’m so thankful for each and everyone of you for your support so I’ll see what I can do about sharing the slide show with you too.