dachshunds

This Gift Captures It All

Oh, the depth of heart within this artwork!

I cried hard as a smile slowly came across my face. This precious gift is from my mom and now hangs on my living room wall.

The picture in its entirety – I had to crop top one for Facebook requirements

Sometimes it’s hard to believe this is a complete chapter in our lives that lasted almost twenty years. A path I didn’t plan on taking but that I would end up caring for three special needs dachshunds.

I love gazing at this as a reminder to reflect on all the beautiful memories and profound teachings I gained from three sweet souls. I know with absolute truth that I wouldn’t be who I am today without Frankie, Joie, and Gidget. Nor would John.

I feel blessed to have captured the teachings of each of them in three memoirs, Through Frankie’s EyesWisdom Found in the Pause – Joie’s Gift, and the one I’m currently finishing, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.

While I don’t know what the next chapter in my life will be, looking at this picture brings me into a space within my heart that feels gratitude…so much gratitude.

There’s really not much more I can say about this special gift because this is definitely a case where a picture speaks a thousand words (times three!!).

XO,

Barbara

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Signs of Spring. There’s a Dachshund in Here Somewhere Too.

Signs of Spring. There's a Dachshund in Here Somewhere Too.

This past Wednesday, the first official day of Spring, I was brought to tears when I pulled the goddess Gaia from the Power Goddess Oracle deck. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. A swirl of emotions spiraled through me.

This card couldn’t have been more perfect. Not only for the changing of the season and one of re-birth but also the self I’ve given birth to over the past year. I saw myself in Gaia and I liked what I saw.

A year ago this time was quite different as I was moving through such an intensely emotional time. As I continue editing my latest book, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am, I’m able to witness through the words I’ve written and of how far I’ve come. 

This spring feels and looks quite different to me. The light is absolutely freeing and brilliant. The smells and sounds, from birds singing, to the church bells ringing, and children playing in the park have me feeling enthusiastically alive. And so very grateful that I am.

The second card I pulled Wednesday morning from a deck called Moonology fit beautifully with Gaia. As I saw it as a reflection of when we do the hard work of working through what isn’t always easy, it truly is a re-birth that occurs, as we can’t help but be changed.

And in being honest, I had a brief sad moment, of which I’ve had before, especially the older I get, that I’ll never experience giving birth to a child. But I allow it to surface and acknowledge it. And then I remember all the different ways I have given birth. This was my journey to walk. I have no regrets.

And it’s in the simple pleasures of gathering up the bedding this morning and once through the washing machine to hang it all on the line, I find grounding and a peaceful space within. I never tire of this. It feels like a ritual from long ago and echoes of others who enjoyed this too, though I can’t quite hear, but yet I feel them near.

It also may only be in the mid-40s as I write this to you, but I just couldn’t help but put a pair of flip-flops on. I’m most happy in either boots or flip-flops – nothing in-between. As silly as it may sound, there would have been a day I’d not felt comfortable in sharing a photo of my feet without my toenails painted. It feels so freeing to let go of some of the inhibitions that can make life more complicated than it needs to be.

The sun streams through the bedroom windows at new angles with the changing of the light and the season. And one not to miss out is Miss Gidget. And add to her sweet spot soaking up the sun is burrowing her way into the sheets that lay on the floor before they found their way to the laundry room.

And this…this provided me another simple pleasure that made my heart happy. And as promised in the title of this blog post, I did say there was a dachshund in here somewhere. Anywhere there is sun and blankets or sheets in this case, is the perfect place for a wiener dog to nestle.

Signs of spring abound. And it’s understanding the darkness as a gift that makes the light all the more profound and beautiful.

XO,

Barbara

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Dachshunds as Teachers, Healers and Guides. My Interview on the Wiener Dog Lover Podcast.

Dachshunds as Teachers, Healers and Guides. My Interview on the Wiener Dog Lover Podcast.

I’m so honored to share this interview with you! Just click on graphic above to listen.

Three Dachshunds I’ve shared my life with have been pivotal in helping shape me into who I am today – each one serving as a reflection of the inner work I needed to do at different phases in my life in order to grow and evolve.

It was an honor to share some of the insight I’ve gleaned from each of them with host Lori Smashnuk Ludec of the Wiener Dog Lover Podcast

It’s an honest inside look at some of my struggles this past year, that with a dedicated inner focus and guidance from a short-legged dog with a big personality and wise soul I was able to expand in awareness and shift in perspective in ways I never imagined.

Because of Gidget, and my two doxie’s before her, I now do the work I do today as an Oracle Guide, guiding women to look within and discover for themselves what truly matters- so they can get on with living a life that is meaningful as they wish to define it.

I hope you enjoy the interview!

XO,

Barb

P.S. I was truly honored and the discussion that unfolded during this interview that I’m offering a special discount on my Oracle Guidance Sessions. Normally $75 for one hour, they are now $60. You can learn more and book a session here: https://joyfulpaws.com/intuitive-oracle-guidance-sessions/ Good through December 21st, 2018.

P.P.S. You don’t have to be a dachshund lover to enjoy this interview!  🙂