happiness

I Wish I Had a Dollar for Every Time…

Posted by Barbara Techel

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I’ve been trying to get out for a bike ride around our small town as often as I can. I try for every day, around mid-day, but that does not always work out. But I do get an A for effort!

I really enjoy this time with Gidget – a special time for her and I to bond and be together. I love watching how curious she is.

Today as we cruised past the lake and a Dad, little girl, and pregnant Mom headed down to the beach, I heard, “Oh look, how cute! A little dog in the basket.”

The little girl squealed with delight.

I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard this. It always makes me smile and I do enjoy making others smile in this way, too.

But today I thought, “Gosh, if I had a dollar for every  time someone said this, I could….” and I began filling in the blank with different answers.

While money can’t buy happiness I did think it would be nice if one could earn a dollar for each time someone said this. But then again the reward is truly in knowing you made another person happy.

And as fast as I’d earn a dollar for every time someone said, “Oh look, how cute!” I realized I’d be losing that dollar just as quickly as I tend to say the same thing quite often myself!

If Today Was My Last Day on Earth

Posted by Barbara Techel

If Today Was My Last Day on Earth

If today was the last day on earth where would you want to be?

I’ve heard that question on and off over the years. I thought about it again today.

And this is exactly where I’d want to spend my last day. Right here at home, on my deck with my Prince Charming, Kylie and Gidget. This is, without a doubt, my happy place – my sanctuary.

When I got up this morning, I opened up the patio doors and could here the birds singing. Summer is in full swing and it is absolutely glorious.

My heart burst with contentment and joy as I thought about how much I love my life. And it’s truly all the simple things that make my heart sing.

Flowers blooming, birds chirping, Kylie and Gidget snuggled in their favorite spots, the quietness of the morning, the hum of a lawnmower in the distance, birds splashing in the bird bath, the smell of fresh air.

Life is good.

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Mornings Always Hold Promise

Posted by Barbara Techel

g snuggle bugAs I walked into my writing cottage this morning, Gidget wobbled toward the big wicker chair as she always does. There she stands, looking up at me with her soulful black eyes, and waits for me to pick her up and place her in her bed. Just as I did that, I felt a warm flood of joy fill me up.

It is bitterly cold today, but the sun is streaming through my windows and my petite gas stove is aglow. The holidays are just about behind us. A New Year is on the brink of breaking through.

Mornings and a New Year ready to make its entrance fills me with hope. Just like every morning we get a fresh new start, so is the New Year.

I especially took notice today after reading in the paper that a friend passed away on Saturday. She was 54 years old and had been battling cancer. She was a very gifted metal artist with her work known around the country.

I remember many Saturday mornings being across from her at our local Farmer’s & Artisans Market when I was set up there with my books. She always had a smile on her face.

Only three years older than me and she is now gone. “Awe, Chris, I’m so sorry,” I heard myself say out loud after reading her obituary.

So as I sit at my desk in my writing cottage this morning, the sky a brilliant blue and the sun filling my room with light, I’m thankful for mornings. I’m thankful for the chance at a New Year. I’m thankful for those that love me and those I love.

I’m thankful for Joyful Paws Journal and you, my dear readers, who look forward to my thoughts. I’m thankful for new avenues I’ll be exploring in 2015.  I’m thankful for the life I’ve been given.

And I’m thankful for the sun that rises each morning as a reminder to live each day the best that I can.

PS:  I published a new page to my website called Offerings. There you will find a new audio program on Self-Publishing I just released, plus other workshops in the works.

As always, feel free to comment…I welcome it!