Time to Be Like Bear

Posted by Barbara Techel

While the guidebook is in layout production I’m taking advantage of this freed-up time to work on photographs for the pre-order sales page for my Animal Reflections Healing Oracle deck coming in early 2023.
 
I took advantage of the snow we got the last few days to get this shot with the Bear card and the message of Introspection. It really does feel like January instead of November with about 4-5 inches of snow on the ground and temperatures expected to be in the teens and twenties with windchills. Brrrrr. But by Monday and into Thanksgiving we will be back to more normal temps in the mid-40s.
 
But perhaps Bear is here to remind us that while this can be a season of hustle and bustle we are now approaching, it is also, and I think, more importantly, a time to go within our inner sanctuaries. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the feeling of joy and festivity that is in the air during the holiday season. But, I also appreciate and identify more closely with the winter solstice on December 21st the older I get.
 
A time of tapping into the stillness within and reflecting as we wind down the year. What have I learned? What do I want to focus on in the New Year? How can I bring even more of my best self not only to others but first to myself? What do I want to let go of and what do I want to make more room for?
 
And Bear speaks to me also of creating the coziest of my own den within the walls of my home, but also to continue to strengthen and nurture my inner home that goes with me no matter where I go.
 
Bear also dreams of spring with the symbol of Bee present on the card and the promise of more sweet things to come when we take time to be in introspection.
 
Here’s a sneak peak of an excerpt from Bear’s message from the guidebook of Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

Bear invites you to nestle in and lightly ease into your subconscious. Do this by slowing down your breath, letting go of hurry, and intentionally shifting your focus inward. It’s this exquisite, and sometimes uncomfortable, space of in-between worlds where wisdom patiently awaits.

This is a call to respect all cycles and seasons of life. It is then your awareness can shift with ease, and your ability to see the gifts of each season expand tenfold.

When you honor the call of the inner voice holding your truth, you are awakened to new levels of understanding the self.

Being grounded in appreciation for all aspects making you unique, you stand mightily and lovingly in your power, ready for new adventures. Life feels so much sweeter as you step with the utmost confidence into your continued and evolving becoming.

Happy weekend to you…

XO

Barb

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The Joy of Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel
Cleo

This past August, I wrote a blog post about this sweet and magical dog named, Cleo. She has been keeping John company most of the summer as he did a big remodeling job for Cleo’s family. Most mornings for the duration of the summer and into early fall I’d say to John, “Are you working by Cleo today?”

I’d met Cleo mid-summer when I had to run John’s shop vac over to Cleo’s house.  When Cleo leaned into my leg as I pet her, well let’s just say, my heart exploded. She is such a sweet girl!

Seems John has become smitten with Cleo also as he has often talked about her and taken a few photos of her that he texted to me. I do believe it is also the magic of Cleo that got him to think he was ready now to bring another dog into our life. This is something we’ve been talking about and thinking early spring/summer of 2023 is when we will begin our search for a dog in rescue. We first want to make our big six-week trip to Arizona with our new-to-us RV in March.

As the weeks have wound down with this remodel job I have a feeling John is going to miss Cleo. I know I will miss hearing about her through John also. It got me thinking about getting a little gift for Cleo to remember John by and to thank her for all the love and joy she brought to John and myself.

I was so excited when I found this toy in the shape of a hammer. Seemed fitting, don’t you think?

Territory Natural Leather Hammer Tug Dog Toy

It’s tough as nails – pun intended (!) – and made out of natural leather.

John only has a day or two left at Cleo’s job site, so today he took the toy hammer with him to gift to her. 

And this is the short video Cleo’s mom sent to John. It was a hit and Cleo approved! Oh, the joy of a dog and a new toy!

And oh the joy Cleo has brought John and me…and paved the way for us looking forward to bringing a dog into our life sometime next year!

XO

Barb

    

New Critter Camera. My First Capture On This Our First Snow of the Season.

Posted by Barbara Techel

This past weekend I finally bought a new camera which also does video. I’d been thinking about it for well over a year now. It was a big decision as cameras aren’t inexpensive. But I finally made the plunge and I’m happy I did. Though I have a lot to learn about my camera yet, which is really just a ‘starter’ one as the helpful man at the camera shop stated. But that is all I need.

I think it’s pretty evident by my Facebook page that many of my photos are of critters. So I’ve dubbed this my critter camera. Though I’m sure I’ll take some photos of other things too. Maybe. ha!

Today was my first critter capture! Squirrel finally found the pumpkin that I cut open the top for just this reason and in hopes, the squirrels or chipmunks (if not nestled underground already) will enjoy it.

Filling up his cheeks with seed!

Taking a moment to digest before he scrambled back down the railing for more!

Will see what else I can capture with my new camera and share it with you here. Critters – oh, the enjoyment they provide!

XO

Barb