Off On Our Adventure! Blog Break.

Posted by Barbara Techel

van

My sister, Paula, sent me this graphic saying it reminded her of John and my adventure we are embarking on in our van converted to a camper we have dubbed, “Second Chance – the Vamper.”

I love it and thought it was perfect to share with you today as I say so long for now… as we head out on a vacation for about twelve days.

And I’m reflecting on how my blog is what I call home, too. When I first began blogging back in 2007 because it was what I was supposed to do as a writer from all the marketing information I read – to build an audience and I remember how at times it felt like a chore I had to do. But it is something entirely different for me now- I want to do this – I have to for me and who I am – it’s one of my creative outlets that I enjoy so much.

While it’s hard to leave just as my physical home is, it’s hard to leave my blog too and you, my dear readers. But I look forward to the anticipation of return and catching up with you when I am back!

HAPPY TRAILS!!

 

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Autumn’s Last Whisper. Letting Go.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Autumn's Last Whisper. Letting Go.

I sat for a few moments early this morning, admiring the sun coming up after my yoga practice in my Zen writing cottage. 

Autumn is barely a whisper now – on its way out until next season. And likely the leaves left on these trees will be gone when I return in twelve days.

So I gave thanks for the view today – for my home sweet home – for my life – for the seasons that bring different gifts.

Letting go of autumn is a bit more challenging for me as it’s my favorite season – but in letting go, we open to new possibilities and that is what I remember now….

And packing for Second Chance – the Vamper, has begun today and I posted some photos on Facebook!

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I’m deeply honored to have had my article, Grieving the Loss of a Pet Through SoulCollage® featured in SoulCollage® Community Update newsletter this month.

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On Leaving. On Staying.

Posted by Barbara Techel

On Leaving. On Staying.

The other night I was gone for awhile so John was in charge of looking after Kylie and Gidget – not that they need much looking after. When I walked through the front door a few hours later this is the sweet scene I was met with. John said they snuggled like this the whole time I was gone, which of course melted my heart.

As we get ready to head out Wednesday morning to Tennessee for a long overdue vacation in our van we’ve converted to a camper (well, phase one is done!) I’m glad that Kylie and Gidget can make the trip with us. While it has caused some extra effort getting everything packed for them (meds, food, leashes, blankets, beds, kennels, etc.) and then adjusting as we make the trip, I’m sure, it reminds me to be patient, and go with the flow.

While I love going on vacation, I am a homebody also. It is effort to go on vacation, let’s face it, but I know we will have a good time, and I really am excited about this trip. But then yesterday afternoon I had the urge to re-arrange our living room, which I wasn’t planning on doing until we returned.

After it was arranged in what I call our “winter” look with the sofa and over-sized chair centered around our wood stove, I sat down and a delicious warm, cozy feeling overcame me. It felt like my little house was wrapping its loving arms around me, whispering in my ear, “don’t go.”

And I was torn about leaving and staying. But alas, I can’t be in two places at once. And this is the beauty of leaving…coming home again and appreciating even more what home means to me. But also in leaving and seeing what is happening out in the world that inspires me and refills my creative well.

I won’t be blogging while we are gone but will likely post some photos on my Facebook and Instagram pages if you’d like to check it out.

As for me, back to my list and last minute preparations while John finishes up making a make shift bed for us and getting everything in order so come tomorrow we can begin (creatively) packing the van, making the beds, and taking care of any last minute details. 

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