joyful paws

Every Kitchen Needs a Bacon Assistant

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Frankie is a big help in the kitchen… as you can see. Whenever John fries up bacon (which is not often for those of you who may be aghast, that yes, I eat bacon now and then- please don’t hate me).

It’s a like a delicate ballet to remember that Frankie is underfoot. We’ve both tripped over her a couple of times while cooking in the kitchen. But it’s hard to shoo her away as she is just too cute- wanting to be of help- or err, I think a better guess is that should something fall to the floor, she will have scored a big prize for the day.

I can’t imagine my kitchen ever being without my dogs. It would seem so empty and lonely. Mornings like this, my Johnnie at the stove, Frankie helping, and Kylie snoring away at the front door, is what makes my heart sing. Such simple, beautiful moments of love and joy.

Joyful Paws Website Is Getting A New Look

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

I hesitated in sharing my new website design so soon… as it will be a while yet before my new site goes live… but I’m just so excited that I wanted to share. I’m pretty sure this is very close to what the design will ultimately end up to be. I still have work to do in brainstorming a tag line… but I’m well on my way and working with my marketing consultant, Mary Shafer in regards to a tag line.  Caryn Newton of Lantern Glow Design is the wonderful designer who came up with my new look based on our conversation of my vision.

With my new, first nonfiction adult book coming out late 2012/early 2013 it was time that my website be re-done to reflect a new vision for Joyful Paws going forward. While I will still have a big focus on Frankie and my work with her, I also am excited about planning for future ideas/projects.

As my new book is going through the editing process I have also not felt comfortable with the title of my book so my consultant, Mary is helping me with that too. We are very close to having a new title that seems more fitting and I’m really excited about sharing it once we have that nailed down.

Sometimes I sit here, in my little writing studio, looking out into my neighborhood, and my heart swells with pure joy. I love my life. Sure, it has it’s ups and downs and doubts, but I could have never dreamed I would have written a children’s book series or be on my way to publishing my first adult nonfiction book.

I remind myself daily to listen to the whispers in my heart… to follow those whispers… to live my authenticity… and look for the good all around me. There is much good to be found. And so often in the simplest of things and moments. And two sweet dogs, one loving husband, caring friends and family, and one loving and supportive mom, are my reminders of how much I have to be grateful for.

So while I welcome your thoughts on Joyful Paws new look, I also know to trust my heart and my heart feels so at home with the new look of my website. Life is good.

 

My Dachshund Thermometer

Posted by Barbara Techel

I need not ever look at the outside thermometer or watch the weather channel to know if it’s cold outside. I knew it had to be quite cold today when I saw this scene on my bed this morning…

Yup that’s Frankie’s butt after she schnuffled under the bed pillow (schnuffle may not be a word in the dictionary but it is one in our household)…. and scroll down for proof that this is the butt that belongs to Frankie.

 

 

Seems like when you are a L O N G dog one can never get both ends tucked in!

We had a great visit to Notre Dame Elementary School today where one of my favorite questions was asked again. It’s usually a boy who asks, and yup, a young boy asked today:  “Does Frankie’s wheelchair ever get a flat tire?”  I told him that she has never had a flat tire, but one tire did come off once, so she was tipped to the side on her axel in the living room, whimpering till I came and jacked her back up again.  Kids always love that story!

Cold, frigid day here in Wisconsin today, but my heart was warmed with how excited all the kids were today to meet Frankie. It was a good day.