It’s warm enough to wear flip flops!

It’s warm enough to have the door to my studio open!

It’s warm enough to have my periwinkle adirondack chair out!  And you can bet I’ll be eating my lunch in it!

I recently discovered this resource, the Face Foundation and have added it to my resource page, but wanted to share it here too.

Face Foundation:  Many sick and injured pets are abandoned or euthanized because their owners are unable to cover the cost of their emergency or critical care needs.

The FACE Foundation provides financial assistance to animal owners who are unable to cover the full cost of their pets’ critical or emergency veterinary care.

If Face Foundation is unable to help you they have also provided a download-able pdf of other financial resources.

Update:  And another financial resource someone shared with me after I posted about Face Foundation (love my community!!)  Fairy Dog Parents

While I was cooking dinner last night my husband, John was talking about how his crew will now be working steadily once again (he own’s and operates a remodeling construction business). Business is picking up once again, and with the exceptionally nice weather we are having here in Wisconsin, jobs he booked during the winter, they are getting a jump start on because of the warmer weather.

I chuckled and said, “What is normal?”  We often say that when we catch ourselves commenting on something being “back to normal.” Is there really a normal? I’ve come to believe there is not. At first that was hard to deal with. When things are not as we think they should be it can throw us off- making us feel insecure, unsafe, uncomfortable, or fearful.

But I’ve learned to roll a lot better with whatever normal is or isn’t.  John’s business really helped me with that. We’ve definitely had our ups and downs with his business – and still do now and then – but I’m much better at keeping my faith and trusting we will be provided for.  Then everything I went through with Frankie taught me that if you cling to things being normal, you’ll never learn new things or grow and evolve. When you are “normal” I don’t think you can build character. John and I often joke we are truly quite the characters!  But you know what? We kinda like it that way.

So no normal here at the Techel Homestead.  Just a dog on wheels, two middle-aged characters, and a yellow Lab that sits like a donkey. Life is good and not normal.

Dodgerslist has saved thousands of dogs lives that have been diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)—Let’s Celebrate!!

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog and I are so grateful for Dodgerslist.  In 2006 when Frankie was diagnosed with IVDD, finding Dodgerslist on the Internet gave me such hope… and peace of mind. I can never thank them enough!

To celebrate their ten wonderful years of saving lives and educating thousands about IVDD they are having a dog photo contest. Do you have a dog with IVDD?  Then share your photo!  Three wonderful prizes are being given away to the top three winners of the contest.

If you don’t have a photo to submit, stop by and vote for your favorite by “liking” that photo. The photo with the most likes will win first place.  You must first “like” Dodgerslist Facebook  page to vote for your favorite photo. Once you “like” their page, head over to vote!

And if you’d like to vote for Frankie, we’d appreciate that too!  Here is the direct link to her photo:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.341184545931886.101583.183943344989341&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=341487285901612&set=a.341184545931886.101583.183943344989341&type=3&theater

To see Frankie soaking up the sun warms me from my toes all the way to my head…. And my heart catches in my throat. Did you ever notice that often when you don’t speak, but just observe and appreciate, the depth of the bond between you and your pet deepens?

We communicate our feelings about our pets to others through words or writing and so this is what my heart was feeling as I sat and looked at Frankie enjoying the sun:

My little trooper, we have been on an incredible journey, you and me. All the lives you’ve positively impacted with your inspirational story. How honored I am that you chose me to be your messenger. Every single moment is a deeply rewarding experience with you.

In the beginning when you were first diagnosed with IVDD it was so hard. I yelled at God, “I can’t handle this! I don’t want to take care of a handicapped dog! I don’t know how! Why me? This is so unfair!  God, don’t you understand?—I love animals deeply!”

Ah yes, He did understand. Frankie would turn out to be the blessing for me to grow and evolve in ways I could have never imagined for myself. Today I can say: I like me. I love taking care of my special needs dog. I love my life. I am honored to have been the chosen one to be called, “Frankie’s Mom.” I am full up with Frankie love. I am beyond the word grateful. No words to describe what it has meant for me and you to travel this road together. You are my light. My guide. My sunshine. My heart.

To see you soaking up the sun, enjoying your semi-retirement has been a new lesson of appreciation of what the golden years mean. The connection between you and me that keeps deepening to a new level is a beautiful experience- A knowing in my heart that we will always be connected…. no matter what.

“You are my sunshine… my only sunshine… you make me happy when skies are gray… “ and might I add you bring me joy every single solitary moment of my days?

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.

Kylie

This past weekend I completed my Reiki II training. It was fascinating and intriguing. For those of you unfamiliar with Reiki it is a Japanese method of energy healing. Rei means universal (or higher source, God, etc) while ki means energy. I took my Reiki II training from Ann Noyce who studied with Kathleen Praasad, founder of Animal Reiki Source.

Kathleen’s book Animal Reiki has many wonderful stories of how Reiki has helped animals with anxiety, healing from injuries, and transitioning.  Ann shared the beautiful story of how Reiki helped her when her dog, Amanda was dying. Though a challenge at first, Ann was able to focus on being there for Amanda recalling all the joy she had brought to her life, instead of getting lost in the sorrow of the impending death of Amanda.

One thing I found so intriguing about Reiki is letting go of expectations. Reiki knows where to send the energy to a person or animal and goes where it is needed most. As someone who just trained in Reiki, I can tell you letting go of expectations is something I’m going to have to work hard on. For those of us who love animals so deeply, we want the very best for them and will do all we can to make sure they are happy.  Reiki teaches us to let go of what we think the animal may need and trust that Reiki will do the healing.  I especially found this difficult when thinking about Reiki for my dog, Kylie.

We learned how to do remote Reiki healing and I chose Kylie to do this with. I had a picture of her with me as we began the remote healing. Letting go of what my expectations were that I thought she needs healing on was hard. For a long time I’ve felt guilt on and off for the abrupt change in our relationship when I had to care for Frankie. I’ve felt like the bond we had been developing broke then. Little by little I’ve been trying to rebuild that with her.  But I still see signs that I think contribute to us not being as close as Frankie and I are. I’ve thought a lot about his since the weekend and I keep going back to accepting what is with Kylie and letting go of what I think should come of the Reiki healing with her.

When I took my Reiki I training, I was told that Reiki is truly all about your own healing. I couldn’t grasp that. Now I get it. It is about my own healing. How often in life do we have all these expectations of ourselves, or family, or friends, or our pets?  I’ve been better at letting go of expectations of others and learned some great lessons of that this past holiday season – but now realize I must also apply that to Kylie.

When I think about the pets in our lives, I feel concerned for them and the expectations we have put on them. They often endure a heavy stress load, which is really our very own stress that we put on them. I don’t think most of mean to do this – but Reiki, as well as what I’ve learned the past few years from my own pets, has taught me to be more aware – and when we are aware we can give them a better life – and let go of expecations – which in turn deepens our bond with them.

Did it work???

I’m often asked how to write a book. The simple and short of it is, just start. Sound too simple?  Well, you really don’t need to make it complicated. We tend to do that. At least I did it – and still have to remind myself. At the beginning I would search for ways in which to make my writing easier.  A schedule, certain time of the day, shortcuts, read how other writer’s did it, etc. But having just finished another major edit to my new book Through Frankie’s Eyes I can say without a doubt that the answer to writing a book is unequivocally, just start.

I scheduled one to two hours every other day at the beginning of writing my new book.  I scheduled myself into my appointment book the writing times I would adhere to, which was before I did anything else. This worked for me. As I got into writing my book I found myself going back to it other times during the day – near the end, I couldn’t stop and would write more often.  The process is going to be different for everyone – but just start.  Maybe you only have 15-minutes a day or perhaps 30-minutes.  Maybe you can only write 2 or 3 times a week or just on the weekends – but no matter what – just start.

It was quite the high when I had my manuscript printed out at my local printers and realized I had written a whole book – my first (well, nonfiction that is)!  It was exhilarating!  It is one thing to see your typed words on the computer, but to actually hold the manuscript in your hands is a feeling I’ll long remember.

Just like anything in life we can be our own worst enemy. We think there may be a shortcut or better way to do something so we put things off.  And this morning as I went to print off my grocery list which I thought I had saved after I put it together last night on my computer, I realized I didn’t save it.  Oh man, now I have to start all over again. I hemmed and hawed in my head about it and then reminded myself to just start – and before I know it I will have it done once again.

I’m a big fan of writing coach, Cynthia Morris and have taken advantage of many of the services she has offered. Being a writer can feel lonely at times as well as sometimes frustrating – or can leave you feeling inadequate – at least these have been my challenges.  Every time I’ve taken a class or read a book or ebook from Cynthia it is a shot of just what I needed to keep going.

I wanted to share with those of you who are writer’s and looking for help in developing a daily habit of writing… a wonderful course with Cynthia. She has an excellent 6-week course that will set you on the right path. And with her kind and honest feedback you will find yourself growing by leaps and bounds.

Information about Make Writing a Happy Habit course:

If you’re tired of struggling to get to your writing projects, Make Writing a Happy Habit is what you’ve been waiting for. This online course goes where other classes don’t: straight to the heart of why you write, so you can build a solid foundation to continue writing even when class is over.

If you are:

• Full of ideas but lack the discipline to focus, follow through and finish
• Isolated and yearning for the support of a writing community
• Lacking the structure and focus you need to stay with your writing projects
• Unable to make time for writing, always pushing it aside for other demands…

This is the class that will put writing where it belongs: at the heart of your creative life so you can feel great about seeing your brilliant ideas take shape.

Click here for more information and to sign up

Full disclosure:  I am an affliate for Cynthia Morris’ company Original Impulse. Please know that I only recommend products/services of those that I have personally used and completely trust.

I, for one, am eternally grateful to have discovered Dodgerslist when Frankie was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease on April 15th, 2006. They gave me hope and peace of mind that despite Frankie’s diagnoses she could lead a quality life. And boy, has she ever!  IVDD is not a death sentence – education is key.

Dodgerslist is celebrating 10 years of saving lives through their website and educating others.  Join them in the fun for prizes and heartwarming stories, plus a photo contest.

Here is their offical announcement:

Thank you to Pet Blogs United and Pam and Oskar for sharing my story to help educate others about Intervertebral Disc Disease - education is key and saves lives.  Stop on over and check out my story and leave a comment on the blog post for your change to win a set of my fun dress up magnets!  HURRY- ends Wednesday, March 7th, 2012.

WIN a set of my Frankie magnet Dress up Sets!!

About a week ago I ordered this hand made silk, crocheted scarf (on left) from Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage.  Isn’t it pretty? All this week I dreamt about what I would wear it with when it arrives!

Today my scarf arrived! I was just as tickled to see the way it was presented in the box. The scarf was wrapped in this lovely lavender tissue paper. Once opened, the scarf was pretty as could be tied with a lovely chiffon ribbon and dainty flowers attached.  The darling floral card was attached with a thank you from Claudia written on the back – and included was Claudia’s whimsical business card.  Now, how can this not make you smile and make you feel like you were just treated to an exquisite moment of joy?

I can’t wait to wear my scarf!!  Thank you, Claudia – you do absolutely beautiful, lovely work!

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons

This weekend I’ll be taking my Reiki II training. My Reiki I training I took with Reiki Master, Jay and enjoyed it very much. For Reiki II I will be training with a woman who trained with the founder of Animal Reiki, Kathleen Praasad. While Reiki is Reiki whether you practice on humans or pets, I’m looking forward to more hands on experience with animals— so I chose to train with someone who has had those particular experiences. At this point I’m not sure where this is going to lead me, but I’m staying open to the possibilities!

For our training on Sunday we’ve been asked to bring a photo of a human or pet we’d like to practice sending remote Reiki to. That was such a toss up for me whether to choose Kylie or Frankie – but I decided for this training to practice on Kylie. She is still in recovery mode from her recent knee surgery, so I’d love to help her with that with some Reiki healing.

To learn more about Reiki I invite you to check out this wonderful article from a fellow writing friend of mine, author Ingrid King who is also a Reiki practitioner for pets and humans.  I especially love her success story about Reiki she did for a cat.

Yesterday I finished another complete edit on my manuscript, Through Frankie’s Eyes. As I looked up from my computer, happy to have made it this far, I looked up to see Frankie looking at me. I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes. She is the inspiration that keeps pushing me forward… even when fear tries to invade my thoughts.

The photo above was taken last January and I couldn’t help but take note of that as well. That is when I began writing my new book. My first adult nonfiction, and I guess you could say it is my memoir. Wow, I thought, a whole year has passed. I said to Frankie, “Hey sweetie, we did it. You helped me write this book. If it wasn’t for you I don’t know if I could have done it.” I got up from my chair and went over and kissed and hugged her. My heart was oozing with gratefulness.

It’s scary to write your story and share you thoughts with the world. I’m a constant work in progress reminding myself to follow my heart, my inspiration, and bull doze past the fear of what others will think or say about the book. I remind myself that those it needs to help, it will. Those that it does not, will never ever even read it. That’s okay. But I do hope it helps others in so many ways… to follow their own hearts, to be open and listen to the messages of our animal world, to step into their own truths, to live with more joy.

33 more pages to go. Then my manuscript goes back to my editor. While in full editing mode I try to make the process as enjoyable as possible. Either I go to a nearby cafe’ or another favorite spot is curled in my big wicker chair in my writing studio. It helps to have a great view, as well as a “helper”….even if she is sleeping.

I’m always so grateful to people who take the time to share with me the impact Frankie and the books I wrote about her have had on them and their children. Today I received this wonderful email from Stacey Blecher in Creame Ridge,NJ. As you can imagine I was very touched. She kindly gave me permission to share her email.

My son, Hayden Blecher (10), Newell Elementary School, Allentown, NJ, just enjoyed a SKYPE visit from you and Frankie last week – as well as an autographed book.  Hayden brought the book home and talked up a storm about Frankie being a girl and so cute and needing help to walk.  Probably a conversation held in many households of Newell 4^th graders that night, but my son is profoundly deaf and hears with the assistance of cochlear implants.  The parallels to Frankie weren’t lost on either of us – and I admittedly bawled like a baby when I quickly read the book my son was so excited about receiving.  Truly one of the most inspiring children’s books I have ever read!  Having a special needs child, many people say that these children find their way to the “right” parents that will love and care for them with all their beings.  I thought of that several times as I read your book – Frankie found her way to the parents that do indeed love and care for her with all their beings.  So I just wanted to thank you for authoring such a wonderful book, being such a wonderful mom to Frankie and sharing your story with my son and others who will value most from Frankie’s message!!!  ~Stacey Blecher

To learn more about the Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series, click here.

To learn more about having Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog visit your classroom via Skype or in person (in WI) click here.

I was really touched by this story from life coach Cheryl Richardson’s newsletter today. I just had to share.

“I lost both my beloved kitties a year ago to renal failure.  From following your weekly stories, I know you love your little one as much as I loved mine.

This week I decided I would start slowly picking up cat supplies for my new kitties “to be”.  You see, although I absolutely adore the companionship of cats, I had been stalling, as the pain of losing “my boys” was still very much with me.

I just happened to be coming from a medical appointment in a part of town I’m rarely in and saw a small pet shop.  As I walked in, I noticed a cage with a couple cats in it but I went to the back of the store looking for litter pans.  When I came back to the front, one of the sales people was struggling – she was trying to clean the cage while holding a kitty.  I quickly offered to hold the kitty for her.  Well, this little tabby melted into my arms…. he purred right away, he nuzzled, he just seemed to “fit.” I held him for about 10 minutes and when I put him back in his cage, he actually leapt from his cage onto my shoulder.  Yes, this was a sign!  And he had a brother…. and I wanted two boys.

But, there is a bit more to this story.  I was still hesitant as these boys were 6 month-old rescue kitties and I wanted babies.

The next morning I met with my financial advisor who I hadn’t seen for a while.  I was telling her that I wanted to get a full-time or “real” job, as I was tired of the ups and downs of working as an independent.  But, I was encountering “ageism.”  Despite my exceptional qualifications, employers seemed to want someone younger.  As I was driving away from the meeting, I suddenly realized what just happened.  I connected the dots.

I drove straight to the pet store to pick up my 6 month-old little boys.  They are here now – safe, secure, loved, and (unfortunately), climbing my curtains.”

And Cheryl commented:  Mary’s story is a beautiful lesson in being willing to give what we most hope to get. 

When you reach the end of your life do you want to be one of the people who are glad they did, or one of the people who wish they had? Start doing the things today that will matter tomorrow. Don’t leave this world without giving it your all. The best inheritance you can leave your kids is an example of how to life a full and meaningful life. Live your life so that your children can tell their children that you not only stood for something wonderful – you acted on it! ~Dan Zadra

As I did a new Yoga DVD today I was reaching for my yoga strap to do a leg stretch.  Just as I placed it around my foot I saw a big, black, creepy, crawly spider! I screamed and threw the strap to the side- chills ran down my spine. I don’t like spiders.

For those of you who practice yoga you know you have to concentrate not only on the poses but the breathing too. I tried to center myself back into the stretch- minus the strap. My mind kept wondering, “Where could that spider be?” I continued on with my practice, with my eyes scanning the floor every few moments.

Frankie was sitting next to me as I did Yoga and she was busy sniffing the strap.

Soon enough I was able to let the thought of the spider go. I figured he likely scampered under the table and was now long gone.

As I was finishing up the last pose which had me standing and stretching my arms forward and opening my hands out in prayer, centering myself for the final pose, I felt something crawl down my arm!!  OMG- it was the spider!  Was he on me the whole time?  I swung my other arm around and wildly swatted the spider from my arm (I can only imagine if someone was looking in wondering what this new yoga pose was all about).

The spider fell to the floor and Frankie took off like a shot towards it. I grabbed my pretty purple yoga block… and yes, I must say, he met his fate from the block coming down on top of him. My whole body shivered with goosebumps to think he had been along for the ride the duration of my practice.

Still creeped out by the event I walked back upstairs, feeling a bit guilty I killed him so quickly. But then I chuckled as I thought, I dare a spider to do the downward dog—good luck with six legs, fella.

Another day in the life of the semi-retired Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog… a.k.a. the bum.  I guess a dogs gotta do what a dogs gotta do, right?  Some days I wish I was a dog… one with a life just like Frankie. Lucky, lucky dog.

Another day in the life of the semi-retired Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog... a.k.a. the bum.  I guess a dogs gotta do what a dogs gotta do, right?  Some days I wish I was a dog... one with a life just like Frankie. Lucky, lucky dog.

Meet Marley, the new addition to my dad’s family.  Isn’t he adorable?  He’s a teddy bear puppy or also referred to as a ragdoll puppy.

He had his first haircut today and is soft as can be. Somehow he has already got my dad wrapped around his little paw. Hard to imagine how he did that. <GRIN>

Nice to have you in the family, Marley!  You’ve already got a place in my heart, that is for sure.

Meet Marley, the new addition to my dad's family.  Isn't he adorable?  He's a teddy bear puppy or also referred to as a ragdoll puppy.

He had his first haircut today and is soft as can be. Somehow he has already got my dad wrapped around his little paw. Hard to imagine how he did that. <GRIN>

Nice to have you in the family, Marley!  You've already got a place in my heart, that is for sure.

Watch Frankie’s Inspirational Video!!

HOW WOULD YOUR LIFE BE DIFFERENT
IF YOU COULD TURN EVERY CHALLENGE
INTO A BLESSED STEPPING STONE?