When I began what I call my spiritual awakening back in 2000, I never imagined I’d have this darling little space of my own.  After going through some life coaching in 2005, I decided I wanted to write and write about dogs in particular, but also about the human-animal bond and what animals teach us. It is amazing how that has morphed over the years.

From my love of animals, writing, and Frankie becoming paralyzed and ending up in a dog wheelchair, I grew in ways I never imagined. My little writing cottage has always been a  place to come to and center myself, or find encouragement from the whispers of my heart.  Though I call it my writing cottage, it is so much more to me. Yes, I write and blog here within this space. But I also sit and ponder, read, have tea or wine with friends, learn from webinars and seminars, and last but certainly not least, cuddle with Joie.

My cottage is just ten short steps from my bedroom patio door and across the deck. Most days I arrive to my periwinkle and lime green screen door by 9:00 am.  Joie tucked under one arm and my large glass of water or cup of tea in the other.

Each and every time I’ve opened my cottage door, no matter the season and no matter what is going on in my life, I feel this warm hug from this space that welcomes me. Accepts me for who I am. Never tires of my endless head chatter. Supports my hopes and dreams.

In the summer the birds sing up a storm for most of the day- a radio station like no other.  Or a Robin splashes away in the bird bath right outside my screen door. Then there is the buzz of hummingbirds as they flit back and forth from the feeder to the birch tree’s next to my cottage.

In the fall, I am surrounded by the colors of warm yellow and orange as all the trees around me begin to change. Looking out my window’s on fall days can sometimes bring me to tears. It is so gloriously beautiful it often takes my breath away.

In winter my petite gas stove keeps me warm.  The first snow fall is always pure delight as I watch the flakes fall so gracefully outside my window. Snuggled in my cottage I feel safe and secure.  Then comes spring once again, and the rain showers wash away any signs of winter. The flowers in my little garden outside my window begin to bud, along with the tree’s. New life begins once again, as new projects, ideas, writing, hopes and dreams emerge for me too.

My favorite thing about my writing cottage is that it was built by the strong hands of the one I love so dearly- my husband, John. Not only did he build this beautiful place for me, but he understood what this space would mean for me as a woman following her heart.

Each evening as I close the door behind me, Joie tucked once again under my arm, I take the ten steps back to the patio door and enter my home with my soul fed and feeling so blessed for all that I have.