It’s a Random Act of Kindness Kind of Day

Posted by Barbara Techel

2014-02-24 11.37.05As I mentioned in my last two previous posts, I cleaned out my writing cottage big time this weekend. Two garbage bags full that went into the trash, and two and a half garbage bags going to my local St. Vincent de paul tomorrow.  I also cleaned out many, many books.  I think close to 100!

I was on a roll and took my purging into the house and have another large bag full that I’ll be donating. I feel so light and free!  A whole new energy emerges when you can let go.  I do have to admit though that when I was done, sitting at the end of the day exhausted, but a good exhausted, I became a bit melancholy.

Frankie popped into my mind. I realized much of what I had let go of was attached in some shape or form to her. Writing my first children’s book to all the work we did together. At first I felt myself begin to tear up, but then I smiled. Frankie presented herself in spirit congratulating me on this step and also reminding me she will live on always in the one place that matters—my heart.

This morning I was excited to do my yoga practice in my cottage, and wow, that was amazing.  I can’t really describe the new energy I feel in my space, but it feels good and right.

So today I am doing two random acts of kindness.  A set of all my books is being sent to LoveyLoaves Special Needs Dog Sanctuary in Florida. I love what they do to help disabled animals and know they can always use raffle items for all the events they do. I’ll also be working with them next fall in presenting at their Arts for Carts event via Skype.

Two of the books by Jenna Wongrich I will be sending to a friend that I think will enjoy them as much as I did (I can’t say who though as she reads my blog now and then…. so shhhhh, it’s a secret!). I’m going to think about my other books too that I’m no longer keeping and giving thought to who may like some of the titles. Then I’ll send a special care package to those people as well. Tammy Stroebel from RowdyKittens does this and I think it is such a cool idea.

The other book, my book, Through Frankie’s Eyes is going to Lisa Smith Putnam.  Not a random act of kindness, but she will be interviewing me for her radio show Your Pets, My Dogs, next month. I’m looking forward to that!

Time to bundle up and head to the post office and spread some joy.

Joyfulpaws.com Writing Cottage Video Tour: Before and After of Inside

Posted by Barbara Techel

separate-sunroom-630x420This outside shot was taken a few summers ago.

On my blog yesterday I said I would be spending the day cleaning out and simplifying my writing cottage. I wasn’t sure I’d get it all done in one day. But I did!  This was the hardest room for me to do. So many sentimental things.

But in wanting to live with less stuff, which I’ve been clearing out of my house over the years, I felt ready to tackle my 10 x 12 writing cottage.  Twp large garbage bags went into the trash, two and a half large garbage bags full of stuff I will be donating to Goodwill, and about 100 books I’ll be donating to our local Friends of the Library for their used book sale this summer.

At the end of the day I felt elated!  I’m so excited about my new open, simplified look and I can’t wait to have my first yoga practice in my cottage, which was one of many reasons for clearing out stuff, organizing and cleaning.

Below is a BEFORE video of photos and an AFTER tour.  Hope it inspires you!

BEFORE

AFTER

Today is the Day. Wish Me Luck.

Posted by Barbara Techel

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I’ve got the itch. To clean, organize, simplify. The most challenging space of all. My writing cottage. So many wonderful things surround me in this place. But I need a change.

I also want to see if I can’t make enough room in this 10 x 12 room to include my morning yoga practice. That means a piece of furniture or two is going to have to go. I have an idea in mind of which pieces I will get rid of. One of which will be the pink and blue dresser you see in the right hand side of photo.

My writing cottage has morphed many times.  Though the photo is not exactly as it is right now, it is close. But you get the idea of how much stuff I have in this space.  And this is only half the room!

I shall began today to purge. I don’t think I’ll finish it all today, but will hopefully have it done by the end of the weekend.

It will be a challenge, but I’m up for it and feeling inspired, so best follow this impulse NOW.  And now that I shared this it will help keep me accountable! I’ll post updated photo when I’m done, so stay tuned.