Pilots to the Rescue – 2025’s Recipient for a Portion of My Art Proceeds – Plus New Bird Art!

Posted by Barbara Techel
Kingfisher – Explore – Mixed Media Collage 6 x 6 on birchwood

I’m happy to announce, in collaboration with LaValley Home and Garden, this years recipient for a portion of my art sold will benefit Pilots to the Rescue.

Their Mission:

The mission of Pilots To The Rescue is to prevent at-risk animals from being euthanized by transporting them via air and ground transportation to give them the best chance at adoption.

Volunteer pilots fly animals from critical situations to safety, ultimately saving lives.

Not only has this organization helped dogs and cats, they’ve also helped ten foxes and four wolves. Catch a video below to learn more about them!

And to kick off this announcement I have five new pieces of art available for purchase through LaValley Home in Garden in Howards Grove, WI. No worries if you aren’t local, as they will ship upon request!

My mixed media Animal Oracle Art thoughtfully blends together chosen images of animals that have inspired and/or captured my attention in some way! Each image and corresponding backgrounds are enhanced with a variety of pastel chalks, pencils, markers, and paint. My collages include dried florals, leaves, and natural elements I discover on my walks such as acorns, feathers, stones, and tree branches, along with bits of discarded/recycled ephemera. Animal image and supporting images are then curated and adhered to create a dimensional effect that is gently and lovingly nestled with care on birchwood.

Check out this heartwarming video of the mission of Pilots to the Rescue who have helped over 4,000 souls to date!

xo

Barb

    

How Much is that Doggie in the (RV) Window & Hello Studio!

Posted by Barbara Techel

One of the things I enjoy when traveling in our RV are the dogs we see along the way. Especially those traveling in a motor coach like we do.

As we pulled into a rest stop on the way home, we pulled alongside an RV with this corgi in the window. He/she was just the sweetest! It cracks me up how the small dogs are the perfect fit to sit on the dashboard, and this one had their pillow too. Living the good life for sure!

For the past few years we’ve taken time away for seven weeks in the warmer climate of the south. This time around I was the most relaxed I’ve felt in a long time. And I felt torn about staying and returning home. But alas, it was time to come home. And we are so grateful to have missed the storms in KY and TN as we made the route back home, though sad for the loss of life and damage the area received.

I was so happy to unlock my studio, which as you know, sits outside our house on the corner of our deck. As I walked through the door I couldn’t help but say out loud, “Hello, Studio! I missed you!”

This space still brings me so much joy and comfort. Though I’m feeling a bit slow of how and where to begin since I’ve been away for almost two months, I know in time, a flow will begin again. For now, I remind myself to trust the unfolding.

But it feels good to just be in this space. On solid footings after traveling back home through rain and strong winds, plus our campground at our last stop that flooded. I captured a short video here. Luckily, our site was on the higher part and we didn’t have flooding on our site.

It’s so nice to be able to travel and just as nice to return home! And thank you to all the doggie’s along the way and in our campgrounds that brought smiles to my heart.

And how much is that doggie in the RV you might wonder? Well, of course, PRICELESS! 😊

XO

Barb

    

The Donkeys of Gypsy Gold Horse Farm. And my Favorite Heart Bursting Moment!

Posted by Barbara Techel
Sweet Patrin obliged this donkey-loving girl to hug her!

In my recent monthly letter and my last blog post, I shared a bit about my time at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm.

It was the last part of the tour that really set my heart soaring when Dennis, the owner of the farm, invited us into the corral of mini donkey, Patrin, and her adorable month and a half old baby, Wisdom.

Patrin and her baby, Wisdom

Wisdom, his fur just as light and fluffy as it looks in the photo. And don’t you just love the hedge of fur on his sweet face?!

Being Patrin is a mini donkey, and her baby a mini of her mini self, I just had to squat down to be closer to them. Wisdom was happy for the pets until his mom, Patrin wanted in too. While I happily gave Patrin some loving, Wisdom’s curiosity got the best of him as he walked around behind me and began to try to get into my backpack!

I was in donkey heaven being so close to these two! Giving a quick kiss to Patrin’s forehead she moved closer and allowed me to give her a hug. I don’t know who was happier in that moment, but it’s a memory of pure joy now burned into my heart. Squuuueeeeeee!

As we’d learn during the tour, Dennis, now 77, still has many dreams for the farm and one of which is to turn it into an educational center, expanding on the animal-human bond and connection.

Many of these dreams began before Dennis’ wife, Cindy, sadly passed away after only fourteen years of marriage due to an unfortunate accident in their barn while foal watching.

One of the dreams they had set the groundwork for is a concept for the Gypsy Vanner horses called, Gypsy Gold ‘n Geldings and bringing joy to others. Their first Gypsy horse named Misto became the first to be given to Wild Rumpus children’s bookstore to be of service to young readers. Part of Misto’s service is that he pulls a cart of books during visits to inner city schools.

They have also established The Cushti Bok Foundation to increase awareness and knowledge of British Gypsies and their selectively bred “Vanner” horses through innovative concepts based on goodness of people and animals. During Dennis’ talk he is very passionate about setting the record straight about the big hearts and kindness of the Gypsy culture as they’ve been given such a bad name for so long.

And his dream for the donkeys? To name new donkeys born on the farm after human virtues – Wisdom, Empathy, Compassion, Kindness, Compassion, etc. And to educate children through these donkeys in order to help instill these virtues in generations to come. Something that really spoke to my heart because of the similar work I did while my special need dachshund, Frankie, was alive.

While I’d had this vision dance through my head that I’d move to this area and become a volunteer for the farm, I know in reality I don’t want to leave my home in Wisconsin. But, I am now following Gypsy Gold Horse Farm via their newsletter and looking forward to monetarily donating when I can to help the dream of continued education and the gift of sharing animal wisdom with all ages.

XO

Barb