How My ‘She Shed’ Helped Me Reach a Higher Calling- My TV Interview with CBS 58.

Posted by Barbara Techel

CBS 58

If you weren’t able to catch my interview on CBS 58 this morning, here it is as a replay.

My best friend, Victoria, called me this morning after she saw the interview. And what was lost on me for a moment, came into full view when she mentioned the fact that she was reminded of our friendship and the loss of my chocolate Lab, Cassie Jo, ten years ago when she caught the photo of her in the interview.

I wrote about Cassie Jo in a post yesterday. She was the one who inspired me to find the courage to look into my heart to discover I wanted to try my hand at writing….follow my heart…and see where it would take me.

The fact that this piece about my writing cottage, my writing, my books, my animal advocacy, and encouraging others to follow their hearts aired today, a decade later of some pretty pivotal moments in my life…. well, it would be hard to convince me that spirit is not working magic in my life.

It took me many years and lots of hard work on myself to come to a place of acceptance of who I am. I am proud of this story that Reporter Marshanna Hester & Photojournalist, Brian Urbanek, captured so beautifully….and I’m so grateful.

It truly is my hope that this will inspire other women to know it is more than okay to stop each day and find quiet and creativity for themselves.

Maybe a space of one’s own isn’t quite in the cards yet, but a dream for the future — but to find a way in which to honor yourself and your needs right now, in the way you can best fit it in at this time — this is my hope.

I truly believe that when we do, we are better for it — and that is what you take out into the world — and everyone around us benefits.

We all need to find a way to shine our inner light and I encourage you to shine yours starting today.

What a Difference a Decade Does Make

Posted by Barbara Techel
What a Difference a Decade Does Make
Cassie and Frankie

I remembered earlier in the week, but then forgot again.

And it didn’t dawn on me until I caught the date on my Daily Word booklet today.

July 11th.

Then something warm flowed through my whole body and the tears came.

Not sad tears really, but good ones. I walked to the painting I have of you and stroked your fur, talking to you.

A whole decade ago since I said goodbye to my chocolate Lab, Cassie Jo. Bone cancer took her body away from me, but her spirit resides in my heart to this day.

Ten years ago that I also took a leap of faith and hired a life coach (I love you, Diane!). I was 41 years old. The question looming large in my mind then was, “What do I want to do with the rest of my life?”

If only I could have known then what I know now. I wouldn’t have worried. I would have trusted in my faith more.

Though the last ten years have had some very sad moments and hardships, the wisdom I’ve gained, and the journey walked, has been remarkable.

Cassie Jo started it all for me. Her diagnoses of cancer had me examining my own mortality.

I didn’t want to leave this world without making a difference. I wanted to experience more joy and live with more intent and integrity. I wanted to live from the heart of who I truly am.

All because of a dog. Wow. How blessed I am and continue to be.

Thank you my beautiful, brown girl, for being my teacher and now my angel. I rejoice in your life and all the lessons I carry with me that you taught me as some of my greatest treasures.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: My CBS 58 TV Interview Airs this Sunday – Talking ‘She Shed’ and so much more.

Posted by Barbara Techel

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: My CBS 58 TV Interview Airs this Sunday - Talking 'She Shed' and so much more.

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to be interviewed by reporter, Marshanna Hester of CBS58.com out of Milwaukee, WI.

With all the talk about a “new trend” called the ‘She Shed’ they found me and my writing cottage and asked if they could come see my special space and talk with me.

I have to be honest and say that at first I thought it was just going to be part of a news story at 5pm or 10pm–not that this would be bad, because it would be great!

But after Marshanna and the camera man were here for over 2-hours interviewing me and doing video camera shots of my cottage did I learn this would be part of their Sunday Morning programming.

It was a terribly windy afternoon when they did the interview because a storm had just passed through. So if you don’t recognize the ‘wild woman’ with her hair flying all over the place – trust me – it’s me. <GRIN>

It airs this Sunday for those of you that are local.  For those of you who aren’t, there will be a link available on their website shortly after it airs. This is the link to check it out afterwards.

The program begins at 7am, though I don’t know the exact time my segment will air. But I’d love if you can, to catch it live this Sunday!

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