maria wulf

Connecting with Artists, the Earth, and Something Bigger Than Myself

Posted by Barbara Techel

wearable earth jewelryWearable Earth Jewelry by artist, Kathleen Nohe

I love supporting artists. My heart just soars when I get the opportunity to do so. Maybe being a writer and others supporting me reading my work, and purchasing my books, might have something to do with it—I know how our hearts and souls go into our work. And I know how vulnerable that can be to put ourselves “out there.”

But it is something bigger for me too. Recently I saw a stone necklace that an artist, Maria Wulf was featuring on her site for another artist, Kathleen Nohe of Wearable Earth Jewelry – that alone I think, is so cool how so many artists support each other in this way.

I knew I had to have one of these necklaces. The fact that she uses different stones that are connected with different energies was intriguing to me. The longer I am alive, the more and more I want to connect with nature, the earth and animals as often as possible.

Having a custom made necklace by Kathleen (Hi Kathleen!) was something that called out to me. So I contacted her through her Etsy shop and told her what colors I’d like.

I was so thrilled my necklace arrived today (with a set of matching earrings!). I had no idea what energy this stone represented, but got goosebumps when I read Kathleen’s note she included:  “The stone you picked is Sodalite – it’s energy properties are to help unite logic with intuition.” Oh my gosh, that is me right now – working on more of my intuition and following it’s guidance. It couldn’t be more perfect.

To top it off, I just “happened” to be wearing the beautiful knit vest today, my dear friend Victoria, made for me – notice the colors? Could they match any better to my necklace?  I don’t know about you, but when synchronicity like this happens, my whole insides light up. Talk about feeling the energy!

The other part I love is that Kathleen took the time to include a personal note. We had connected via email when I ordered the necklace and also found out how we both love special needs animals, which was so cool. But she also said in her note that she feels like she made a new friend. I feel the same way and am grateful.

Our world so big in many ways, but yet when connections like these are made, you can’t help but just know there is something way bigger at work here. Way bigger.

Pretty Verses Beautiful… and P.S. I’m Still Here and Not Going Anywhere!

Posted by Barbara Techel

kylie looking out s

First and foremost, I just want to apologize for scaring some of you yesterday with my post that said I was saying goodbye and what sounded like I would no longer be here writing.

But, whew, as you did come to discover as you read my post, I decided to now call this place I call home for my writing on the big wide world web, my journal, instead of my blog. It really speaks so much to the heart of who I am and how I want to expand on what I share here with you.

I must say though, you all warmed my heart with your comments and your enthusiasm for my new beginnings in calling this my journal. A place where yes, I’ll continue to share what I learn from my animals, but also will delve into other topics that intrigue me, and yes, sometimes wake me at night and keep me awake all night long!

Like many, I have oodles of thoughts that go through this head of mine every day. Sometimes it is quite noisy in here, so writing helps me get it out. In the process, it is my hope to continue to inspire and encourage you and others to listen more often to your own inner voice and live from that place that is authentically you — because I believe that when you do, you create a meaningful life for yourself.

So without further ado, I wanted to share one of my random thoughts that came to me at five this morning.

Words can mean so many different things to so many different people. I was thinking of the word pretty verses the word beautiful.

What instantly came to mind is that beautiful seems to encompass so much more than the word pretty.  In some ways the word pretty seems superficial to me.

When I think of someone who is beautiful, being pretty can play into it, but most often it is who they are as a whole – when I can see someones inner light glowing from the inside, out. Someone whose character speaks to the truth of who they are. That they aren’t concerned with the outside worlds thoughts, but following what it is that brings them joy.  This is so beautiful when you get to see this in someone.

Thinking back to my younger days in my 20s and 30s, I so wish I had understood the wisdom of beautiful and hadn’t got so caught up in society’s standard of pretty, trying to achieve and maintain that. It was exhausting.

My English yellow Labrador, Kylie, is another definition of beautiful to me. While yes, I think she is quite pretty, but then I may be biased (grin), I also see her soul when I look into her eyes.

And even better?  I feel her soul which is all about gentleness, kindness, sweetness, forgiveness, and love. She exudes it every moment of every day.

But when I see someone who I know is living from the heart of who they are there is nothing more beautiful, I think. It makes me think of artist, Marie Wulf. I admire her greatly not only for her deep love of all animals, but how she moves to the beat of her own drum. Every time I see a photo of her, I can see her true, inner light. It makes me smile and encourages me to continue to be who I am.

My artist friend, Marie is another person I think is beautiful because she is so, well, so Marie! I also think of Kathryn Hepburn, artists, Katie Daisy and Brianna Brunsell, and so many more.

And then it surely does go to the saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” But I think it worth giving thought to what it is we find beautiful and when we do, I think it helps lead us down the path of what it is that matters most. At least this has, and continues to be the case for me.

The more I let the loud noise of society’s expectations and definitions of pretty and beautiful fade away, the more my inner world matches my outer world, and I see beauty in a way that adds to my definition of living a meaningful life.

Please feel free to leave a comment…

Your Heart Will Lead the Way. Stand in Your Truth.

Posted by Barbara Techel

It arrived today!!  My streaming pillow I ordered from artist Maria Wulf of Full Moon Fiber Arts – “Stand In Your Truth. Your Heart Will Lead the Way. Fly in Your Wisdom. The Crying Tree Knows Justice.” (close up shot of pillow below)

In 2005 I tried something new. I decided to follow my heart. As I began doing that I found myself standing in my truth (Frankie really helped me with that!!) and more I stood in my truth, the more the universe supported me. When I saw Maria’s newest piece of work called Stand In Your Truth which at the time was a potholder, I immediately emailed her. I just had to have it. I was quite disappointed to find out it had sold out. I asked if she would consider making a pillow. She agreed. I didn’t mention any colors to her, but let her go with her heart in what to create.

It couldn’t have been more perfect. The border of the pillow is blue and green – I love those two colors together!  And it matches the cushion in my wicker chair in my studio, perfectly. It was meant to be.