transition

New Beginnings. More Time Alone.

Posted by Barbara Techel

10383947_10154383231150607_2098441628179649764_nSo many new beginnings have occurred lately. Along with beginnings, this is oftentimes accompanied by endings, which aren’t always easy.

For years, John had a crew of three working for him in his construction business. Last year we lost two of our employee’s.  One ready to move into another line of work and the other left to work for another contractor. Both had been with us for over ten years.

Then a month ago our third employee, who is one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever met, gave his notice. The construction field can have its challenges. We can’t afford to pay employee’s health insurance and an experienced carpenter caps out on the pay scale at some point.

Time for a new beginning for John, but actually what feels like a full circle moment for us. When he began his business over 20 years ago he was on his own. But when things got so busy, he brought on employee’s.

Then the economy crash of 2008 was very rough.  I’m not complaining, just saying how it is and how you come to new points of view in your life.

While it has not fully recovered in some ways, John has decided to go it on his own again. He has worked hard to build a great name for himself so he can now take jobs that he wants, while not always having to chase for more sales to keep a crew busy.

With everything there is adjustment and John is in transition as our employee’s last day is tomorrow.

As I was thinking about this the other day I all of a sudden felt lonely.  I’ve been home since 1994, having started out helping John in the business working in the office. I ventured out on my own in 2007 with my writing and my school visits with Frankie.

Even though we were coming and going out of the house, about once or twice a week we’d have lunch together at the kitchen table, or steal away on a Friday for a bite to eat.

As I think about this new beginning, John will be on the job site often, which means much more less time at home. While I always try to focus on the positive, I did have a moment of sadness and feeling this impending loneliness of not seeing him as often.

But I believe that all is working out just as it should be. For years John has been giving thought to this transition as we get older so you just have to think that the Universe is working to help him make these changes.

And if I find myself impending the new change and sad about not seeing John as much, I remind myself that he is still here with me on this earth.  This reminder all too real as my mom lost her husband a little over two weeks ago. She is in a transition of her own with no one coming home at the end of the day.

So while it is normal to grieve what was and move through those feelings, it is also important to be thankful for what we have. My mom and her recent loss is my tap on the shoulder and call to my heart to give thanks for the many blessings that I have.

And as my mom says often, “There is a season for everything.” In many ways it feels like a welcome slowing down in our lives as we move into this new change, and a new season to see what gifts they will bring.

And last but not least, I’m never alone, as I’ve always got my sidekicks Gidget and Kylie to keep me company – two huge blessings that I love!

Announcing A New Book by Barbara Techel-coming 2012

Posted by Barbara Techel


This is only a mock-up of a cover for my new book- this won’t be the finished cover- but it serves as my visual to keep me inspired as I write my new book

I’m officially announcing, that yes, I’m working on a new book. I’ve given a hint or two about it on my Facebook page, but other than that, I’ve kept it pretty much to myself. I’ve had to build my confidence that I could write this book. I’m still working on that part- but getting stronger every day.

“Through Frankie’s Eyes- Lessons Learned from a Dachshund on Wheels” right now, is the working title and could change, but for now this is what it is. The title and a mock-up cover are great visuals for me to keep me encouraged to keep going.

As many of you know, to date I’ve written children’s books about my special needs dachshund, Frankie, as well as many articles on animals, and articles on book marketing, etc. To write a nonfiction adult book is a new challenge for me. A bigger challenge yet is that the book is about me- my transition in my early 40’s which had me seriously contemplating what this thing called life was all about after my chocolate lab, Cassie was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. This led me to hiring a life coach, which led me to begin writing, which led me to Frankie’s diagnoses of Intervertbral disc disease (IVDD)… which ultimately shaped my life in a way I would have never imagined.

Over five years ago when I decided to pursue writing, I had all intentions of writing this book, then. But after attending a writing conference in 2007, 11-months after Frankie’s IVDD diagnoses, I realized I was meant to write Frankie’s children’s books first. This book would have to wait… or maybe it would never be written. But in January of this year, the thought began to dance in my head and it wouldn’t let me rest. So following that call, I figured now was the right time to begin this book. I have so much more to share now about all I’ve learned because of my dogs, and mostly from my little dog on wheels who has taught me some of life’s greatest lessons.

I was excited to begin this book but found myself struggling greatly at the beginning as if I was trudging through mud. Sharing me with the world seems a daunting, scary task. What to share, what not to? How to say it- how not to say it? But I’ve been very inspired lately by Jon Katz and his blog post writings. This encourages me to keep going.

I will keep going, and find myself these last few weeks feeling like I am not trudging through mud anymore, but looking more forward to my writing sessions. Looking forward to a book that I hope will help others live a more joyful life- one with meaning, balance and purpose. I personally still work on the balancing part and think I always will. But I’ve become so much more aware of living my life in balance, so when things get of a whack, I seem to recognize it sooner and it helps me get back on track. I also sometimes worry about my purpose and what it will look like when Frankie passes on. But writing it all down the last few months has made me stronger and gives me faith that new adventures and purpose awaits me at some point… so we shall see what comes of this book as I continue to fine tune and move forward.

So far I’ve written 52,217 words which I think is a big accomplishment. I feel myself getting closer to finishing the first draft and then will send it off to my editor… but for now I’m taking this step of making this announcement which feels right to me now. It means I’m making progress in my confidence department. 🙂

Before I began writing this book almost 10-months ago I picked a card from Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Inspiration cards (he is my all time favorite motivational/spiritual teachers), which I keep next to the mock-up cover of my book cover. When I let fear creep into my writing and sharing my book with the world, I refer back to this card and it reminds me, just as it says, “Expect the Best.”


For updates about my new book you can subscribe via email on right hand side of my blog or sign up for my newsletter. As well as follow me on Facebook or Twitter.