living simply

Sweet Flower Teaching Moment

Posted by Barbara Techel

The rain came down in waves of sheets yesterday. This morning the ground is well saturated and more rain will be on its way.

While sitting at my vanity this morning I glanced out the window to see this sweet, delicate flower gently dancing in the breeze. I could only see it from the back and was anxious to get dressed and get outside to see it from the front.

As I was enjoying this lovely and welcome moment of beauty a chipmunk type critter ran up to the plant, stood on its hind legs, and reached up with its tiny paws…to yes, try and eat the flower!

Tap, tap, tap, my fingers went on the window pane. Okay, it was more like bang, bang, bang (!) because I really wanted to get his/her attention to not eat that sweet flower before I got to take in its full beauty. I did have a moment of guilt for doing that. But I told myself once I saw the flower and could take a picture, I’d allow nature to take its course.

After I took the photo and looked it at on my phone I realized that along with the blessing of the flower that came from all the rain, there are also many weeds that made themselves known. I’d have to address pulling them over the weekend.

Just then I heard, “But where will you choose to focus?” The delicate and lovely flower was sharing a teaching with me. Right. I chose to stay in the beauty of that flower for just a bit longer.

I then thought more about that critter who was anxious to partake in enjoying that flower. Will I focus on the sadness of the flower that will eventually be eaten by that critter, or will I be happy that he/she will get to experience the flower in its own special way, too?

Where will I choose to focus? I decided I shall be happy for that critter when he/she will no doubt return and take great delight in enjoying that sweet flower as a delicious snack. And this, this is learning to live in harmony with nature. A little for you and a little for me…and all of us then shall be as happy as can be.

P.S. If anyone knows what type of perennial this is, will you let me know? I bought it last year and didn’t save the tag, so I’m curious what it is. Thanks!

XO

Barb

                  

My Word for 2015

Posted by Barbara Techel

magicalI’ve been giving thought for about a week to what my word for 2015 will be. I had read some postings about it on Facebook and another author who encouraged her readers to think about a word they wish to carry them through 2015.

Last week I also did some new SoulCollage (R) cards because I had run across an image of “dancing trees.” I just knew it had to go on a card, which I did above and then added the other elements as you see.

Then yesterday someone mentioned the word magical. In in instant, I knew that was my word! And I knew just which image represented how I feel about it. Don’t you love it when things like this come together?

As I look at this image I collaged and think about the word magical, for me it represents something that is bigger than me in this world. The places and spirits I can’t always see, but know they are here for me to lean on as my guides.

The magic in a simple and meaningful life which brings me so much joy. The magic in the wisdom Gidget and Kylie share with me not in words but in feelings of deep love.

The magic in the sun setting and rising again. The magic in being authentically me – that when I am, I feel just like the dancing tress – free to be me!

The magic in listening to my inner wisdom and oh, the beautiful places it takes me when I pay attention.

Another word defining magical is enchanting. While we can’t just twitch our noses and hope for magic to appear in our lives, we can look for the magical in simple pleasures, and that I find, so enchanting.

Because it is how it makes me feel inside when I take the right path on this adventure, just “a tourist passing through” (as author Rick Warrens says) — it’s in those moments when I just know my life is right and the days flow with ease. That to me, is magical.

Early on in my life, I didn’t understand this, and my life was all about striving, achieving and proving my worth. But now that I’ve become a bit wiser and see the magical in the ordinary, it is what I want as I move through the rest of my years and days on this planet.

Have you thought about a word you want to be yours for 2015?  If not, I hope this encourages you to think of one. When you do, let me know what it is. I’d love to hear!

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Speaking of magical!  Magic happens for me when I create, and I’m busy behind the scenes updating some sections of my website. I hope you like my new banner, which I decided to share right away as I just couldn’t wait until the rest was updated.

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

30 Years Ago I Said Two Words I’ve Never Regretted.

Posted by Barbara Techel

wedding day0002

“I do.” Two words I said 30 years ago on this my wedding anniversary with John.

A part of me is somewhat in shock that we are actually celebrating a 30th wedding anniversary. How did all that time go by so fast?  Will the next 30 fly by just as fast?

As we were driving to a restaurant last night to celebrate, John said that he’d like to try for another 30 years. That made me smile and my whole insides melted in love. While I know he loves me, when life has been hard, he has talked about not wanting to live past 65 or 70.

Not that we have any control of when our day on this earth will end, but when life feels difficult we can sometimes lose sight of what is important. Imagining John at 85 years old and me at 81 should we hit that 60 year mark is certainly something I can’t quite picture. But I’d sure love to see it happen.

I consider it a great honor and gift to have been together this many years. It’s been work. Hard work. But the rewards are truly precious.

We are so much more at ease in our lives together, worry about less stuff, love living simply with dinner out once a week, weekends playing Yahtzee or hanging out around the woodstove in winter and the chiminea in the summer.

Loving our dogs, loving each other, getting lost in conversation and laughing. There has never been a shortage of laughter in our house. We love to laugh and find it is the key to happiness.

So I say once again “I do” to the man who is my rock. My soft place to land. My sweetheart. My love. My forever. Love you, Johnnie!