Coincidence? I Think Not.

Posted by Barbara Techel

snailLast week late one afternoon, I settled onto the bench in front of our house to begin reading a book I got from the library by Elisabeth Tova Bailey titled, The Sound of a Snail Eating. It’s the story of a woman who becomes deathly ill, bedridden and her friend brought her a snail she had found in her yard, placing it in her friends potted plant next to her bed. Not able to do much of anything, Elisabeth begins to watch with fascination the life of the snail and shares what she learns about her own life because of this snail.

A few moments later I looked down and on the sidewalk was a snail (technically, a slug which is a snail without its shell). I’ve never seen a snail around my house before that I can recall.

Now if you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know I’ve been opening myself more and more to the messages of all animals around us. While the name of my blog is Joyful Paws I had to chuckle to myself seeing the snail thinking, “Joyful slime?”

But I don’t believe it was a coincidence that I just happened to be reading a book about a snail and snail appeared before me.

I looked up what snail’s message is and I share in part here what it said:

A snail symbolizes:

  • bridging the gap between the element of Earth and Water
  • the spiral or cycle of life, death, and rebirth
  • the earth’s rotation around the sun
  • carrying one’s home with them
  • taking one’s time and enjoying life at a slower pace
  • Amun – ancient Egyptian ram-god
  • Tecciztecatl – ancient Aztec god
  • Fertility, abundance, things coming to fruition

Taking one’s time and enjoying life at a slower pace resonated with me, as that is where I am right now, though I find it challenging at times. It was a reminder to me to allow my life to unfold as it is meant to be.

I also felt called to “the spiral of life, death, and rebirth.”  We have many rebirth’s in life as we go through season’s of our lives and new experiences come to us. If we don’t let go of what isn’t working anymore, rebirth can’t take place.

As I read further, I especially loved this lesson snail offered me:  The snail is a rather slow creature, taking its time going where he pleases. While some see the snail as being lazy, there is a positive trait behind taking one’s time. If we are to rush everything in life, how will we be able to appreciate the small things? The snail is slow and steady and appreciates the path that he is on…not solely focused on where he is going.

It makes me smile and feel comforted with the message of snail. I’m also so excited as this Friday and Saturday I’m hosting a 2-day animal communication workshop with my friend, author and animal communicator, Dawn Baumann Brunke. It will be fascinating to learn more and to see how the 2 days unfold.

Miss G & Marie. Best Friends.

Posted by Barbara Techel

g and marie 12A few weeks ago I wrote about my friend, Marie, who I’ve been getting to know better. She used to be the mysterious, artsy lady to me that lived on the corner downtown in the big white house. My fascination with her began quite a few years ago.

But I got to know her when I took the workshop “The Artists Way” and then getting together for tea last year, and then again this summer.

She makes the most beautiful fabric pillow and handbags. Miss G and I stop at her white tent every Saturday when we visit our local Famer’s and Artisans Market where she sells her one of a kind hand sewn treasures.

This past Saturday Marie asked if she could hold Gidget. She bent over to pet Gidget exclaiming  “Gidget is my favorite dog!”

So as you can see, they are becoming best friends. I love how their salt and pepper hair/fur matches each other. Gidget such a wise and contemplative dog, so much like my friend, Marie, which makes me feel so lucky to be in the presence of both their company.

Joyful Pause Moments: Weekly Recap.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_2098Pansies I picked and placed on my kitchen windowsill for a few days of smiles each morning.

20140731_144747Discovering a new book to read from recommendation from a friend. I just love the title!

20140730_131509 12After cutting back my potted pansies, which I hate to do, but it is best so they don’t get so leggy – then the next day discovering that one little bloom pushed its way into the world!

20140728_110021 12Painted these rocks that I placed in my writing cottage. A reminder to pause often, listen deeply, and capture the whispers of my heart.

IMG_2101 12One word for doing my yoga practice outside on my deck:  DIVINE!

10391040_10203366441974996_2120839486587811405_nSupporting new, and upcoming artist, Megan Winter and purchased her “Bug” piece during her first art show at Cassy Tully – Fine Art.

10505395_10152183127316854_5469003331276816674_nWearing my new skirt I purchased from a vendor at our local Farmer’s and Artisan’s market and stopping by her booth today to show her. She was very excited to see me wearing one of her designs and asked if she could take this photo.