simple life

Spring at My Writing Cottage

Posted by Barbara Techel

Spring at My Writing Cottage

Spring has arrived at my little sanctuary in the backyard that I call my writing cottage. Though I’m seriously giving thought to renaming it my writing and creativity cottage as I do so much more these days than just do my writing here.

Soon I’ll be playing in, and exploring the world of, art journaling. I’ve gotten most of the supplies, but have yet been able to experiment with this due to my sprained back and only being able to sit for short periods of time. But I’m looking forward to my first dive into this creative process soon!

At any rate, this is my little hub of a haven. It may sound odd, but this space of my own has been instrumental in developing a space of my own within my heart that I grow more proud of everyday. This being “middle-aged” has its perks that I’m definitely enjoying.

New this year to my landscaping along the side of my cottage in this photo, I’m going to try and grow ranunculous. It is my all time favorite, favorite, favorite (did I mention it’s my favorite?) flower! I prepped the area early this morning as it is expected to be in the upper 80s today (where did spring go?). After the bulbs soak for the day, I’ll pop them in place early evening or early tomorrow morning. I can hardly stand the anticipation to see them grow!

But this flower I think such a favorite of mine because it reminds me of the beauty of being a woman and the many layers we have. Opening layer by layer of who we are in our own due time, appreciating each layer for all it’s gifts, even when it may feel challenging, reveals the intricate and uniqueness of each of us. I also love how it appears like a spiral in ways and how important it is to continue to move inward when need be, and then back out again.

Thanks for stopping by!

XO,

Barbara

Friends in Low Places and Rodent Lover

Posted by Barbara Techel

Friends in Low Places and Rodent Lover

Just the other day I was so excited telling John that Mr. Squirrel, a.k.a, Hank, finally found the new feeder I put out for him that holds a cob of corn. It took him awhile and that first cob sat there for about two weeks. But then one morning I got up and noticed not one speck of corn was left on the cob!

Of course, Mr. Chipmunk seems to love it too, as I’ve witnessed them scurrying down the birch limbs I have leaning up against my cottage as decorations.  In my excitement sharing this with John, he smiled and said, “My rodent loving wife.”

Yup, I guess that’s me. I love critters. And many of my friends reside in low places, just like this sweet little bunny that was mindfully munching away.

On any given day I can be perched in my writing cottage, working away, and take a moment to look outside my windows to discover a friend or two is nearby.

It’s comforting to me. While I love time alone, I don’t feel alone. And while I adore the people friends I have, I must say a girl sometimes just needs those friends who have no advice to give or any troubles to share.

Aren’t animals and nature grand?  Thank you Mother Earth!

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Let’s Hygge! Are you with Me?

Posted by Barbara Techel

Let's Hygge! Are you with Me?

No, that is not an error in spelling of the word Hygge in my blog post title. Though I have found different versions on line of the definitive way to pronounce it. One resource says “HOO-gah” while another says “HEU-gah” and yet another says “HUE-gah.”

Well, no matter how you say it, I’ve been doing it a long, long time. I’ve been attracted to it way before I knew about this term. In fact, the older I get, the more I crave it and need to have much in my life as possible because it helps ground me and keep me in balance.

It’s a feeling, really, like no other.

And until recently, while I knew the name for it here in the states, I didn’t know the Danish had a name for it, which they call Hygge.

What is Hygge, you may ask?  Well, once you know, I know you will want to do it too!

According to the book I read while on vacation, The Cozy Life by Pia Edberg, the Danish concept of coziness is…

the art of creating warmth, comfort, and wellbeing through connection, treasuring the moment, and surrounding yourself with things you love.

I’ll bet you want to join in and Hygge with me now, now don’t you?

I LOVE TO HYGGE!

Some of my favorite ways to Hygge:

  • Snuggle up to the woodstove with a good book and cup of tea or glass of wine (and not to be left out, a wiener dog curled beside me)
  • Decorate my home with vintage, nostalgic, upcycled furniture and treasures.
  • Nap in the winter with the sun streaming on my face (which I just did today!)
  • Create altars in my writing cottage from items in nature, animal totems and oracle/SoulCollage(r) cards
  • Listen to music that stirs my emotions.
  • My favorite person to Hygge with is my hubby John, whether we are nestled in our small living room around the woodstove catching up on the day’s events, sitting around the chiminea on our deck, or out at a restaurant on date night. 
  • Watch my dogs, Kylie and Gidget play outside.
  • In spring, summer and fall, my newest favorite Hygge since getting new landscaping, is walking around the house checking out my flowers and shrubs.
  • A soak in the tub and then slipping into my flannel pajama’s.
  • Spending time at my Sistah V’s home — her house oozes Hygge!
  • Slowly peruse Cottage Journal magazine.
  • Mindfully walk through piles of fall leaves.
  • Sit in silence and gaze out the window.
  • Light candles

I could go on and on, really. So many Hygge things to relish in.

And this time of year…so perfect to Hygge…winters gift of slowing down, getting cozy, and going inward.

Do you have a favorite way to Hygge?

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