Light is on its Way

Posted December 21, 2015 by Barbara Techel

Happy Solstice! Today marks the shortest and darkest day of the year. But it feels like a celebration of its own in that we now are heading to more light again as we head into the heart of winter toward spring.

I love this photo of Gidget wrapped up in tiny Christmas lights. While staying overnight earlier this month at my best friend’s house, we couldn’t resist putting these twinkling lights around her. She certainly didn’t seem to mind and hammed it up as usual for the camera.

But looking at the photo today it reminds me that after long, dark days, the light always returns….just like life itself with it’s ups and downs.

While I don’t mind these days of hibernating more, snuggled in reading many books with Christmas themes (on my sixth one in the last three weeks!) I have to say I’m actually looking forward to the days getting longer again.

It’s rather hard not to think about spring also because of our unusual winter we’ve had with only a dusting of snow which is now melted — rain today and and more rain predicted for Wednesday — so no snow for us this Christmas.

But the spirit of Christmas is in my heart as the days grow longer and bring in more light as we move closer to 2016.

Peewee Gains Mobility for Two Days…Before Rolling Off into the Sunset

Posted December 17, 2015 by Barbara Techel

As you know, it always brings me such joy to help a paralyzed dog gain mobility again which I’m able to do because of the generous donation from others to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

Peewee is the 48th dog the Fund had the honor of gifting the freedom to walk again….

even if it was only for two days. But it was the happiest of two days this little one had, his ears flying once again in the wind…before he rolled off into the sunset.

Because of complications with other issues, Peewee’s loving guardian did what was best for him and helped him cross to the other side.

Though I’m sad for his passing and for his caretakers broken heart… there is joy in that Peewee got to be all dog again and go for a few walks in his new set of wheels.

It’s such a beautiful reminder of enjoying each precious moment we have here on earth.

And the gift that Peewee received will now be passed on as a gift to another paralyzed dog in need. Bless you dear, Peewee.

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Peewee’s wheelchair custom made by Eddie’s Wheels and his wheelchair funded by The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

Drowning (happily) Myself in Simple Christmas Stories

Posted December 14, 2015 by Barbara Techel

During the month of December I treat myself to reading only Christmas stories.

This is the time of year I like to pause and give my brain a rest from self-help, memoir, educational and guru type books, and just lavishly linger in the spirit of Christmas through fiction books.

I was excited to learn about an author I’d never heard of before, Melody Carlson. She’s quite the prolific writer having written over 200 books. I’m guessing she is somewhere in her 50s so I am quite blown away by the number of books she has put out into the world already. I wonder if she ever sleeps? ha!

She has quite a few Christmas Novellas. So far I’ve read The Christmas Pony, The Christmas Bus and A Simple Christmas Wish. Currently I’m reading The Christmas Shoppe.

a simple christmas wish

They are all simple stories and quick reads. While some may consider the stories kind of sappy, I do like losing myself in a simpler world and time…even for just a little while.

the christmas bus

I don’t know if I’ll get to reading all her holiday books, but there is always next year. And it looks like she comes out with a new Christmas story just about every year.

But in case you are like me and enjoy these type of books this time of year, thought I’d share with you this author.

christmasshoppe

I’d love to hear of other Christmas stories you may be reading!

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