inspirational

Update on Joie’s Film Debut in the movie, The Surface

Posted by Barbara Techel

sleeping joie

I love this photo of Joie. It was such a joy to welcome her into our home in October 2012. Even though we only had her for a short 10 months, to see her content and happy filled my heart with utter love and joy.

As many of you know, one week before I had to unexpectedly put Joie to sleep due to numerous complications in her tiny little body, she took part in a film that was being filmed in our area in August 2013 called, The Surface.

The movie makes its debut tomorrow night as the last film presented the past two weeks during the Milwaukee Film Festival. From what I understand, Sean Astin, who plays one of the main roles in the film, will be there for its opening debut, along withe the producer and director, as well as I’m sure many of the other people who played a part in bringing this true and inspiring film to reality.

Anyone can attend the film festival, but it does not feel right for me to attend in this way. I’m going to wait for it to come out in the theater as it feels bittersweet for me. I feel like I want it to be a more quiet, intimate, and private view (in a sense).

While I can’t wait to see Joie on the big screen, I am preparing my heart to see her, too. I want it to be a celebration of her life when I see her roll across the big screen. I want to soak it all in with all the joy and love that she brought to my life. And I don’t want to blink as it will be only about 15-20 seconds of her being on the screen, so I want to make sure I don’t miss a moment. I already am wishing they could play her part in slow motion… or over and over again!

So the update that I’ve recently learned through the film’s website is that the movie is being released in suburban Milwaukee areas in WI in selected Marcus theater’s Friday, October 24th. I’ll update more as I know specifically which theaters in Milwaukee if you are in the area, as well as when it may open in other markets in other states. But you can also stay updated by visiting their screenings page.

Like all of you, even though Joie played a small part in the film, I don’t have the “inside scoop” and learn like everyone else the updates through their Facebook page and website. I assume since it is a small independent film that like books, word of mouth, will drive the film to other theaters.  So please help spread the word!

Joie Getting Closer to Being on the Big Screen

Posted by Barbara Techel

Joie on set of the moviePhoto of Joie taken on the set of the movie, “The Surface.”

Hearing the news today that the film “The Surface” will make it’s debut during the Milwaukee Film Festival I feel a wave of emotion rise from my heart and flow out through my eyes. Tears of joy for the brief, small role Joie will play during a flashback scene – joy to know she is part of a family scene, living a happy life.  See, that’s the thing. Dogs in wheelchairs can live quality lives.

While the movie isn’t about a dog in a wheelchair, it is about (taken from website) “two strangers, both at the end of their rope, who suddenly meet in the middle of the unpredictable waters of Lake Michigan. As they confront the secrets and sorrows that brought them there, they find inspiration in one another’s struggle to survive.”

I was honored to have taken part in this movie with Joie, and that the film is about inspiration and ones will to struggle and survive. Oh, how my wheelie dogs have taught me that!

It is about one of the men who happened to have a dog in a wheelchair at one time in his life and this is when one of the flashbacks occurs.  To me, this speaks highly of character.

The film will first make the film festival tour before heading to the big screen. But stay tuned as I’ll be sure to announce here on my blog when it is in major theaters.

For now, you can view the movie trailer here.

What I Would Say to My 5-Year Old Self Today.

Posted by Barbara Techel

5 years oldAfter I posted this photo on my Facebook page today for what they call throwback Thursday, I wondered what I’d say to my 5-year old self today.

I’d first tell her I love her and how beautiful she is. How I can see that light in her heart shining so very brightly. I’d tell her to not ever let anyone dim that light.

Be you. Be brave. Be strong. Love you first and the rest will follow as it is meant to be.

Your heart will break, but know that when it does, joy will return again soon. You can’t experience one without the other.

I’d tell her that when boys tease you it’s because they like you (wish I had known that when a little boy named Mark would always pull my pigtails on the playground!).

I’d tell her life isn’t going to be fair, but that I’ll always have a choice about my attitude.

I’d tell her that wisdom will be shared with her through the great teachings of Dog.

I’d tell her she will feel odd and left out at times, but to stand tall in who she is. To own her authenticity. To never play small.

I’d tell her to always pay attention to what her heart is whispering and not let the loud noises of society drown out those whispers.

I’d tell her to always live from the inside, out.

I’d tell her she is safe and she is loved. And always will be.