friendship

Facebook Friends Not Real? I Beg to Differ and Say Thank You.

Posted by Barbara Techel

2014-02-07 19.41.26Kylie loves her toys. She usually has to have at least one of her toy friends with her on the sofa. If you look close enough you can see not only does she have her brown monkey friend with her, but also a little pink head is peeking out from under her too.  A bit squished under the weight of Kylie, I am sure, but none-the-less, quite loved as you can see.

Recently a friend shared with me that a friend of hers said that people on Facebook aren’t real— that they really aren’t our friends.

I was taken aback by this comment. It seemed this person had no idea how many wonderful communities are built because of it. As an author and writer, I really value the community I’ve come to know through my Facebook pages on my personal page and National Walk ‘N Roll Dog page.

I can’t imagine how much further behind I’d be in sharing my message if not for social media. But more importantly, the friendships I feel I’ve gained because of it.

I’ve been a strong advocate of Facebook ever since I started utilizing it many years ago. I see such potential and opportunity that we didn’t otherwise have.

While I value getting out in my own community and socializing, I feel having on line social media presence is another great avenue for me to connect with like-minded souls.

One of my joys is encouraging and inspiring others through my writing. What has come back to me through my blog and Facebook are wonderful people who find value in what I offer.

I often hear from so many of you who share with me how much my blog, facebook posts or books mean to you. How you’ve thought differently about how to approach your own lives, or how my writing brightens your day–brings you more joy.

While I don’t exactly know what that person truly meant regarding Facebook friends, I must say that I feel so lucky to have the friends and community I do in all of you who have been loyal readers and followers.

So instead of taking that person’s comment as negative, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for being my friend. For reading what I share. For reaching out to me with your own thoughts or a thank you. For being a part of my life. Each time I sit down to blog or write, I think about each of you and how I can add value to your day.

My friends, whether in person, or via Facebook, my blog, or through my books are as real to me as Kylie’s stuffed toys are to her. And I feel very rich in friendship for each of you.

My New Love Dog on Wheels Meets the Thein Family– Frankie Fan’s and Now Joie Fan’s.

Posted by Barbara Techel


cameron, joie and karinCameron and Karin with Joie– our friends from Illinois

As you all know, I’ve had so many blessings because of my work with Frankie.  People I would have never met, but now know because of my little love dog on wheels.

Three years ago I had the honor of meeting the kindest family. They were visiting our small village staying at the big resort in our town, the Osthoff.  They ventured off to the small shops one day. It was there that eight year old Cameron spotted the book about Frankie which the local shop, CottageWood, carried. It was perfect because he happens to adore dachshunds.

As he carried the book proudly in his arms he ran into my dear friend, Victoria who happened to be the manager of the shop at the time, along with the small complex of a grocery store and coffee shop.  She saw the book Cameron was carrying and said, “I just happen to know the author of that book.  I can’t promise anything, but just maybe I could see if she and Frankie could come meet you.”

These are the moments in life that sometimes feel unsure, but then turn out to be something that stays in your heart always.  Frankie and I ventured down to the shop and it was hard not to fall head over heels in love with the sweet little boy who was shy, but excited to meet his new hero of the book he just got.  As it would also turn out a TV station from the neighboring big city wanted to do a story about Frankie.  We arranged it that Cameron and his parents could be part of the interview.  A lovely and beautiful memory was made… but most importantly, a friendship began.

They visited again the following year and Frankie and Cameron were united once again… and little did we know for the last time. They grieved the loss of Frankie, along with so many Frankie fans.  But they were so happy to hear when Joie came into my life. Their third annual trip was in the making to once again visit our village this year, so they emailed to see if they could meet Joie.

We spent a lovely morning with Cameron grinning from ear to ear, happy to meet his new pal, Joie, and also Kylie. Dog stories flew left and right and my heart melted for the love of these special people and sweet son for their love of not only Frankie, but now Joie too (and of course, Kylie).

karin, joie and cameron 1

I couldn’t help but give the big stuffed Frankie toy I had gotten from “Build-A-Bear” to Cameron. I know he will take the best care of it and will add to his collection of stuffed toys who are no doubt very well loved.

I’ve had many grateful moments in my life because of Frankie and I begin them again with Joie… and the Thein family I count among those treasured moments.

Nostalgia… Friendship… Change

Posted by Barbara Techel

Friday evening I had my annual Christmas get together, which includes a sleepover, with my dear friend, who I call Sistah V. She calls me Sistah B. Frankie didn’t always come with me to our get together’s, but because my husband John is a bit uncomfortable in expressing her bladder since her diagnoses of IVDD, I am fortunate to bring her with me to Sistah V’s.

 

Frankie and I in front of Sistah V’s Christmas tree, which I am always green with envy over how beautiful she decorates.

Sistah V had a challenging year going almost one year without a job. She is not married so she solely provides for herself. It was a scary time for her, though she handled it with dignity and grace. It was also a time of a welcome change in discovering more about herself. It was a pleasure to watch her blossom.

Her home is the home of her grandparents which she bought a few years ago. She has many fond memories as a young child visiting there. The house was built in the 1930’s. Many things the way they were then, are still there. Cabinets, light fixtures, etc. It is quite nostalgic and comforting being there. Many touches of nostagia every where you look which I share in photos below.

Sistah V had quite the year of change and so I was delighted to have found the perfect gift for her to reflect her journey this past year. A print by local artist, Cassy Tully. Cassy has a collection of paintings called Growing Trees. I chose the Change tree for Sistah V (photo of it below).  And here is the saying on the back:

As the seasons evolve, change occurs in our lives as well. It is important to find a peaceful place to grow. Although a time of change is turbulent, we can always see our vibrant reflection in still water.

The print and especially its meaning meant much to Sistah V and I’m glad it touched her.

The evening and next morning was filled with much joy, deep thoughts and reflection. Her home and being with her is one of my peaceful places to grow… and when one of us can’t see our vibrant reflection in the still water during a turbulent time, we are there to remind each other.

Onward and forward with the photo tour through Sistah V’s home. Wait till you see where she made our morning toast!

 

I loved how the light streamed across Frankie’s face as she sat in the kitchen doorway

 

Sistah V has many vintage treasures! 

 

Frankie “helping” Sistah V open her gift from me. Such a good little elf.

 

A few tears later Sistah V granted me permission to take this photo of her with her Growing Tree print

 

Helping with final touches on Sistah V’s Christmas tree while we listened to Christmas music. I couldn’t help think John Boy Walton would soon be knocking on the door and asking the sisters for the family secret recipe!  If you saw the movie, The Homecoming, this will make sense.

 

Vintage bunnies tucked in an unsuspecting spot that brought a smile to my face when I discovered them.


Sistah V’s branch tree. I helped add final acorn ornaments, icicles, and the one special squirrel.

 

Original fireplace to the home… complete with plug in logs and added leaf string of lights to act as burning embers. I love Sistah V’s creativity!  And Frankie believes with all her heart that the fireplace is warming her buns.

 

An older home can present challenges with not enough outlets when one is cooking up a holiday breakfast treat. So the coffee perculated in the dining room on the buffet and our toast was made in the bathroom. Gotta love it!

Sistah V’s home complete with nothing less than a touch of vintage cardboard cut out santa.