DAGGER DOGVINCI "THE DO GOOD DOG"
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june blog 2023

6/1/2023

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Barney's Journey Continues...

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​I had never been to Vermont before.

A dear friend of mine asked me one day if I had ever been to
Dog Mountain in ​St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
Not only had I never traveled
to Vermont before, ​but Dog Mountain?  
I quickly Googled up "Dog Mountain"
to find that it was a place
​to good to be true!!

The web site says that "Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres on a mountain top location in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs. This unspoiled haven is covered with hiking trails and dog ponds. Dogs are not just welcome here, they are cherished!" That was so inviting to me. A place that you can take your dog to run free. Amazing...Simply amazing!
But, the "greatest thing since sliced bread" to me was when I learned that on the grounds situated on the top of a hill is a chapel. Now, this chapel is unlike any other chapel I had ever been to. Built by hand, by artist Stephen Huneck, it's a chapel that Stephen considered his "greatest and most personal artistic contribution. In 2000, the Dog Chapel was introduced to the world as a symbol of peace, love, and remembrance. In the more than 20 years since, it has been transformed into a living piece of communal art and history, ever-evolving with each new note and photo pinned to the overflowing walls. The Chapel has become a unique and moving physical embodiment of the unending love people have to give."  The most unique and remarkable part of the Dog Chapel on Dog Mountain are the many dogs that are a part of the chapel.  There are dogs in the stained glass windows, the pews have dogs intricately carved out of wood. There's even a dog weather vane on the steeple of the Chapel. 
Stephen and his wife, Gwendolyn had a mission and a vision...After Stephen passed away his wife Gwendolyn wrote this touching love letter which appears on the Dog Mountain website.  It reads:
"Stephen first wrote The Dog Chapel Mission Statement in 1997, when the Dog Chapel was merely an inspiration in his mind's eye. In 2000, against all odds, Stephen’s dream came true. In 2000, he revised his mission statement and explained what had inspired him to conceive and eventually build The Dog Chapel. Stephen often said, “Dream Without Limits,” and dream he did. The Dog Chapel’s walls are now covered with thousands upon thousands of Remembrances of Dogs Loved and Lost. It is a tremendously moving sight.
I believe Stephen accomplished what he set out to do with flying colors! He wanted to help us honor animals as the feeling, spiritual beings they are and to also help us all find closure and healing. The Dog Chapel is a tranquil, sacred space to meditate with your dog as well.
Remember:
WELCOME ALL CREEDS, ALL BREEDS, NO DOGMAS ALLOWED!
Let’s not forget Stephen’s other dream for Dog Mountain. That it be a place where hundreds of dogs and people could find Joy, Love, and Friendship by hiking the miles of trails, enjoying the swimming pond for dogs and the breathtaking views. He wanted everyone to take a break and allow themselves to be silly, playful and childlike (of course that comes naturally to dogs and children!).
Smell the flowers! Breathe the air! Listen to the songbirds. It is splendid to be out in Nature on our own little piece of heaven.
IN STEPHEN’S HONOR AND MEMORY, AND WITH YOUR HELP, I PLEDGE TO KEEP THE DOG CHAPEL AND DOG MOUNTAIN OPEN AND FREE FOR ALL TO ENJOY, ESPECIALLY DOGS, FOREVER.
With love and gratitude, Gwendolyn Huneck
Invited by the producers of the PBS Show that Dagger was featured on
("Shelter Me- The Art of Kindness"), Denis, Barney and I journeyed up to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, this past Memorial Day Weekend. In one word, it was "AMAZING." It's a little bit of heaven right here on earth. Sacred, peaceful and joyful. Driving up the dirt road to the mountain, we began to see dogs frolicking freely all over the place. There was laughing and crying all at the same time going on. Because, you see, the Dog Chapel is where folks leave photos. drawings, tributes and notes to the dogs and pets that have passed. Some people, we've since learned. scatter their beloved's ashes on the grounds where they once frolicked for years. That's the only sad part of Dog Mountain. But people can cry there and never feel judged or shame for feeling so deeply grief stricken by the loss of their pet.  
Before we entered Dog Chapel, I thought I would weep like a baby, but instead a peace and warmth enveloped me. Perhaps seeing all of the dogs running and having fun when we first arrived helped my grief. As we gazed at all of the layers and layers of photos and notes left by people, Denis and I thought about all of the lives scotch taped and pinned to the walls of Dog Chapel. Each had a history, a family, a life filled with love. There was love that permeated those walls. It was truly breathtaking. An awesome moment, for sure!. When the time came that we had to leave our tribute to Dagger DogVinci, it was a bit painful, I must admit. We left one of Dagger's red berets, photos of him, a sketch I created of him and 2 notes...one from Denis the other from me. Reflecting on Dagger's life at Dog Chapel was in a sense healing for us. Nothing will ever take away the grief that we still feel after losing him, but the grief was eased by this act of leaving a part of how special he was to us and meeting other "like" minded people who shared the same feelings as we do. Some people say that "Dog Mountain is the happiest place to be sad."
Barney was such a good boy on the trip.  He's a wonderful travel buddy to Denis and I. He LOVED Dog Mountain especially playing with the dogs that worked there. He became fast friends with Honey and Maggie Mae pet dogs to Creative Director Amanda McDermott and Pam the wonderful Greeter. 
Dog Mountain is a very special place.
I encourage you to go and experience it for yourselves.
It's truly a slice of heaven on earth.

​😇
AND...
Stay tuned!
 Barney will be featured in the show that was filmed at Dog Mountain.
The PBS producers of the show "Shelter Me,"
Steven Latham and Conrad Stanley,  
are hopeful that it will be premiering this fall.
​As Barney Dagger's Journey continues!!
Happy Tales to you,
​xoxo Yvonne

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May 2023 Blog

5/1/2023

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barney

 ​Grateful and Blessed

Timid and shy, Barney, entered our lives.
​We needed him and he needed us!
Being the curious person that I am...I was interested to learn as much of a back story about Barney as I possibly could. Of course, before he was found scrounging and wandering the streets of Georgia, his story is not known. Only Barney knows that story and without a voice we can only assume what happened to him and why. What we do know is that he may have been harshly treated which is why he cowers down when he sees a newspaper and many other objects. That makes me feel sad and angry, too! So, from the streets of Calhoun, Georgia he started his journey to becoming a New Yorker! We are happy for us! In the next paragraphs I will attempt to tell his story from the time he was picked up until he arrived to his forever loving home with us!!
Barney's story goes back to Haralson County Shelter in Georgia. Their Facebook page describes them in this way... "Our Shelter is run by Haralson County Animal Control. Most of the animals in our care are picked up as strays by the Animal Control Officers who respond to citizen calls. We use this" (Facebook) "page to let the community know what animals are in the shelter, either looking for their owner, or looking for a new family." I have since learned that the Haralson County Animal Control keeps the strays for approximately 3 days during which they are either picked up by their owners or another shelter pulls them out. It just so happened that no-one came to reclaim Barney. And so Barney's fate was that he would be euthanized if someone didn't take him. The shelter then reached out to other shelters to see if they would be interested in him. Down in the Southeast and Southwest of the USA, dogs run the streets and are abandoned, dumped and destroyed all of the time. It's such a shame. When a Foster Shelter named "Paw Angels" in Calhoun, Georgia learned about Barney, they took him into their care. I was told that Barney spent about a week there. Paw Angels is a 501(c)(3) foster based shelter. From there, Barney was taken to live with a wonderful woman named Chris McCormick. Chris fosters rescues and sends them to a shelter called Forgotten Friends of Long Island (FFLI). Chris McCormick was the kind intermediary that took Barney and cared for him from August 2022 until his arrival in New York on April 15th, 2023. Barney became part of her family "pack" of dogs. She grew to love Barney. At the time Barney's name was Patriot or Pate (I was told that the shelter that picks up the strays usually names the dogs they take in. In Barney's case the Haralson County Animal Shelter most likely named him). As time went on Barney grew closer and closer to Chris and her pet dogs. But, Chris knew that Barney was being reserved for Forgotten Friends so, she opened her heart again and helped make arrangements to have Barney aka Patriot/Pate transported to a truck stop in New Jersey where Barney would meet Beth Marzo the President of FFLI and Lynda Lack the Vice President of FFLI. Before Barney was transported, Beth asked Denis and I if we would foster Barney for FFLI with the hopes of adopting him. We agreed to foster Barney. At first I thought maybe I wasn't ready for another dog. I was still so sad about Dagger's passing. But, Beth needed us to help her out with Barney. Chris made arrangements to have Barney groomed. He got a bath and was a complete sweetheart throughout the whole process. Chris was sad the day she had to say goodbye to Barney. She cried as she loaded him into the crate on the transporter. The transporters that travel up to the Northeast of the USA are loaded with crates piled on top of one another with dogs in each one. The dogs are scared and unsure of where they are going. Barking, crying and whining, the dogs travel for hours from one truck stop to another. ​Barney was on the transporter which left from Georgia at 6AM EDT Friday until Saturday at 3PM EDT. 
Forgotten Friends of Long Island (FFLI) is a wonderful small animal rescue and rehabilitation center. They are near and dear to our hearts. Located right here on Long Island, New York, Dagger was a devoted Fundraiser for them and even had his first ever Painting Demonstration at their event in November of 2015. With over 100 eager attendees painting at their own workstations, they watched in amazement as a dog painted for them. The event was a huge success. In Dagger's Honor and Legacy, Barney will continue Fundraising for this fabulous Rescue and Rehabilitation Shelter, Forgotten Friends of Long Island.
Currently, Barney is getting and giving a lot of TLC. He is very smart and eager to please. Like Dagger, he loves to work. I  know Barney feels as successful while working as Dagger did. Barney is just like Dagger in that respect. Currently, he's learning his name and some very basic commands. We are going slowly with Barney since he does get scared at times because we feel he was treated harshly by his previous owners. 
Barney is a special boy.
I just know that Barney's journey will be an exciting adventure!!  We plan to take him on a road trip
​to Dog Mountain, Vermont at the end of May.
​We are looking forward to enjoying our first road trip with him.
It should be a real HOWL of a trip!! 
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Barney's Journey
​...To Be Continued...
Happy Tales to you!
​AND

To all of the Mom's, Grandma's human and furry...
​Happy Mother's Day!!

​xoxo Yvonne
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April 2023 Blog

4/1/2023

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 a wonderful talented lady
Veronica "Ronnie"  Perrone


PictureRonnie and her fur baby, Augie!
When I think about how we can become passionate about what we do, I can't help but think about my sister Ronnie. When we were growing up, Ronnie was the "fun loving" kid.  She had tons of friends and was always the life of the party. My beloved twin sister, Yolande, and I always loved being introduced to her friends because they were one year older then we were and we felt like "big shots" knowing these older kids! I'd love to tell you the fun stories about Ronnie as we were growing up, but that's for another blog. This blog is going to introduce you to my extremely talented sister...Ronnie. I decided to interview Ronnie for this Blog...I wanted to get all of the details correct. After all, she is my "big" sister. 

Ronnie is a prolific sewer, knitter and crocheter.  Creating almost all of her life, Ronnie has always loved to share what she created and takes pride in her work.  I remember when she sewed shirts and tops when we were just teenagers. When she married, Joe, her husband of 53 years, she continued sewing for their four children. Creating their halloween costumes and many other things, Ronnie always had a way with a sewing machine, knitting needles and crochet hooks.😊
In 2000, she became serious about her craft and started her own business named after her formal first name..."Veronica." www.Veronica-sews.com  When her husband purchased her first new technologically advanced sewing machine as a gift, Ronnie told me that she was "overwhelmed." She was not sure if she was able to learn all of the new features of the machine. But she soon mastered that machine and was creating gorgeous pillows and towels. Then her husband gave her another new and improved sewing machine with even more intricate tools and design capabilities. Once again, Ronnie mastered it like a pro and soon she was creating stunning pillows and towels. Learning how to operate these intricate sewing machines was, as Ronnie so articulately put it, "at first overwhelming" to her, but once she mastered them she was creating beautiful personalized pillows and holiday themed towels. 
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Cotton Guest Towels (These were made "from scratch") Cotton fabric cut to size, raw edges finished with Ronnie's serger machine, hooped and embroidered and finished with a sewn cotton lace trim.
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Velveteen little girls lined shoulder cape with a double faced satin bow and a hand sewn pearl embellishment.
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An Embroidered Pillow of a Morning Prayer, Butterflies, Flower Design and Cross. The ruffle and pillow fabric are silk dupioni.
In addition to her sewing talent, for over 50 years now, Ronnie has been excelling in knitting and crocheting. When she started her business in 2000, she began to knit and crochet items for her grandchildren and family members. She was very often creating scarves, blankets and hats etc. for various Craft Fairs. Purchasing her yarn primarily from Plymouth Yarn Company's distributor in Bristol, PA., Ronnie was curious to learn who created the website sample items for the company. Ronnie was refered to Plymouth's Design Director, JoAnne Turcotte. JoAnne told Ronnie that she would first need to see what Ronnie's work looked like. Shortly, thereafter, Ronnie received a pattern and yarn in the mail and was well on her way to being a Sample Maker for the Plymouth Yarn Company. They loved Ronnie's work! Ronnie told me that her creations were shown on various human models and used on their website to show shoppers how the finished pattern looked. Overtime, Ronnie's curiosity was sparked yet again...She wondered if she could create her own designs from the knowledge she had about knitting and crocheting and send her own patterns to Plymouth. Inquiring about this, she was welcomed with open arms to become a designer for Plymouth Yarn Company. To this day, she has many of her own patterns on Plymouth's website.  In addition to her creations on Plymouth Yarn Company's web site, Ronnie also has some items on a website for knitters and crocheters, www.ravelry.com Take a look!!
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Basket Weave Afghan hand knit in a wool blend yarn, featured in a Plymouth Yarn Co booklet.
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A Mohair Moss Stitch Scarf.
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A beautiful Lavender Cable knit shoulder poncho in a soft wool blend yarn by Miss Baby Yarns.
Currently, Ronnie is working on a design Plymouth sent to her. (see below) She continues to create everyday. She is truly an inspiration to me. 
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Work in Progress for the Plymouth Yarn Company

In closing, I asked Ronnie what message she would like to convey
to all of Dagger's fans and family.  
​She said so eloquently that,
"God gives every human being talent. Whether that talent is in music, crafts, painting, writing, teaching and on and on.
​The key is to NEVER EVER GIVE UP.
To always look for something better!  
Continuing, she said,
​"We are like sponges soaking up all that we can.
​I always look at the glass half full.
I can pick up my knitting needles and feel good about myself.
​It's important to be grateful...always."
Do you wish to share your talent with me?
Let me know what it is.
Write to me. I'd love to hear about it!!
Happy Tales to you,
AND To all who celebrate...
Happy Easter and Happy Passover!
​xoxo Yvonne


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March 2023 Blog

3/1/2023

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"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
~Anatole France
I often wrote about my soul mate Dagger in my blogs over the years. How wonderful he was and what he brought to my life and managed to bring out of me. I was once told that we all have talents and gifts that live deep within our souls, but it takes a special someone to help free what's within our souls for all to benefit from. How profound, I thought.
Looking back on my life with Dagger, he did just that. He was this little four long-legged fur baby that didn't even know how super special he was. Making people happy and content was all,
​I believe, he ever wanted in life.
And in return all he wanted were treats, belly rubs,
and to feel successful.

​ 😊
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Dagger managed to bring all of you to me, as well. Your friendships and your love have sustained me through these tough times of his loss. Since he passed over the Rainbow Bridge, I've felt his presence through signs that I truly believe he has sent to me. I believe that our pets do go to heaven and that through God we get signs from them. I'm sure some of you would argue this point and I respect your views on this subject. However, yesterday, as I was doing the wash down in our basement, feeling very stress filled, I began to feel grief and deep sadness.  As I started to go up the stairs with a load of wash in my arms and tears in my eyes, I noticed something I had never seen before. Sitting right outside on the casement window was a dove. I stopped immediately in my tracks! Was I just seeing things?  I tip toed up the stairs to get my cell phone to take a photo of this beautiful creature of peace. I went back down the stairs and quietly took some pictures of him. Throughout the day I kept going down to the basement to see if he was still there.  The dove stayed until the afternoon just when I was feeling a bit better. A sign??? I believe it was. I wasn't even looking and there it was. A "peace that represents the deepest kind, the type of peace, which enables us to renew our thoughts in the silence of our minds." (Ragan 87) This peaceful creature of nature came to me at a time when I needed to be reassured that all will be well. It aways turned out well with Dagger. Our life was always filled with a journey of organic trust. The same trust and faith that I always felt with him entered my body through this little dove. When I felt his presence, it was unequivocal...it was definite, it was his spirit. I have no doubt that it was Dagger's spirit telling me it's gonna be okay! I also have no doubt that Dagger is frolicking and running in heaven with all of his fur friends and my beloved twin sister, Yolande. Their spirits are painted in the rainbows in the sky and the peaceful cooing of the dove. I'm grateful for these spirit filled signs that are left for me. Through these heavenly signs, I'm reassured that they're in a heavenly place. 

So, as I close this March Blog to you,
I leave you with this message...
Look around...
You may see some signs from the people and animals who've made your world a better place.
They are the angels and saints in your life.
Tell me about them in the comments below.
I'd love to hear your stories.
​You are all so very special to me. I hold your love, your concern, your prayers and your thoughts about me
​and my family in my heart forever
.

😘❤️
May you have a blessed March full of gratitude,
​joy, kindness, and love.
Happy Tales,
xoxo 
​Yvonne
Bibliography
Ragan, Lyn: "Signs From Pets In The Afterlife," page 87
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February Blog 2023

2/1/2023

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"Good" Grief

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When Dagger traveled over the Rainbow Bridge last month on January 17th it was devastating to my family and me. Especially that his passing was so sudden and unexpected. 
I felt hopeless and deep sadness. I still do. I know that it's going to take time to ease the pain of my loss.  Dagger was bigger than life. Through Dagger, I was able to do the things that were hidden inside of me. He did that for me. He was my soul mate, my companion, my inspiration, and my creative partner. And, yes, my baby!  It was exciting to plan his painting demonstrations and workshops. He loved every minute and let everyone know. He knew when I needed extra love and care. In four words...HE WAS MY LIFE. So now what happens? Where do I go from here?
I've been told that grieving is normal...I also learned that there's a good and bad way to grieve. Holding your feelings in is not a great way to grieve. Expressing your grief is a good way to grieve. 
As the feelings were expressing themselves, I decided to google up... How I would be able to cope with the grief I was feeling. Below is what I found helpful to me and perhaps if you've lost a pet, it will be helpful to you too.
"While grief is a personal experience, you need not face your loss alone. Many forms of support are available, including pet-bereavement counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local or online pet-bereavement groups, books, videos, and magazine articles.
Here are a few suggestions to help you cope:
  • Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to express it.
  • Don't hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear. Do a little research online and you'll find hundreds of resources and support groups that may be helpful to you.
  • Write about your feelings, either in a journal or a poem, essay, or short story.
  • Call your veterinarian or local humane society to see whether they offer a pet-loss support group or hotline, or can refer you to one.
  • Prepare a memorial for your pet.
Children
The loss of a pet may be a child's first experience with death. The child may blame themself, their parents, or the veterinarian for not saving the pet. And they may feel guilty, depressed, and frightened that others they love may be taken from them.
Trying to protect your child by saying the pet ran away could cause your child to expect the pet's return and feel betrayed after discovering the truth. Expressing your own grief may reassure your child that sadness is ok and help them work through their feelings.
Seniors
Coping with the loss of a pet can be particularly hard for seniors. Those who live alone may feel a loss of purpose and an immense emptiness. A pet's death may also trigger painful memories of other losses and remind caregivers of their own mortality. What's more, the decision to get another pet is complicated by the possibility that the pet may outlive the caregiver and that the decision to get another pet hinges on the person's physical and financial ability to care for a new pet.
For all these reasons, it's critical that senior pet owners take immediate steps to cope with their loss and regain a sense of purpose.
If you are a senior, try interacting with friends and family, calling a pet-loss support hotline, even volunteering at a local humane society.
Other pets
Surviving pets may whimper, refuse to eat or drink, and suffer lethargy, especially if they had a close bond with the deceased pet. Even if they were not the best of friends, the changing circumstances and your emotional state may distress them. (However, if your remaining pets continue to act out of sorts, there could actually be a medical problem that requires your veterinarian's attention.)
Give surviving pets lots of TLC and try to maintain a normal routine. It's good for them and for you.
Getting another pet
​
Rushing into this decision isn't fair to you or your new pet. Each animal has their own unique personality and a new animal cannot replace the one you lost. You'll know when the time is right to adopt a new pet after giving yourself time to grieve, considering whether you're ready, and paying close attention to your feelings.
When you're ready, remember that your local animal shelter or rescue is a great place to find your next special friend."
I found the above extremely helpful.
I've also felt the love and kindness that has been expressed to us by so many people. It's been incredible....to say the least! The outpouring of love, sympathy and condolences has helped in so many ways with our grief. We received phone calls from people from all over the world, articles written about Dagger and his incredible life, an ABC 7 Eyewitness News Segment hosted by Brittany Bell about Dagger's passing, cards, flowers from so many people including a gorgeous arrangement of white roses from Rachael Ray, plants, cookies, a photo album filled with pictures of Dagger from the time he was born until now, plaques, ornaments, sun catchers, a blanket filled with photos of Dagger's life. a wind chime...and so much more. 
We are so very grateful to everyone for everything!!!
Each was a expression of the love they all have for Dagger.
And each meant the world to us! 

​Someone once said that when we love our pets, we open our hearts to a life full of joy and when we have to say good bye we welcome them into our hearts to live there forever.
​❤️🐾❤️ 
​Hilary Stanton Zunin said it best in this quote: 
"The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief. But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love.” 
​❤️🐾❤️ 
I don't know where life will lead me now.
​But, I do know one thing's for sure..
​Dagger's message of Kindness, Hope and Love
will live on in me and through me
.
​Dagger and I always lived life organically.  We treated it with the saying, "whatever happens, if it's for the good of others, let's take a chance,
try our best, and make it happen."
I'm planning to do just that!

❤️
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne

In the near future, I've decided to plan to have a little Service for Dagger. As soon as I have the venue, date, and time, I will let all of you know.
Bibliography:
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/coping-death-your-pet
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Happy january 2023

1/1/2023

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our Words Count


"There's an old joke that says,
​'It took me two years to learn how to talk
and the rest of my life learning when to shut up.' 
As funny as this little joke may be, it rang true to me. It made me question my own words at times. Am I being hurtful, abrupt, rude with the words I choose to say? Oh, boy, just thinking about it, there are times my words can be mean and hurtful. Especially to the people who are closest to me. As the New Year of 2023 begins, I resolve to be more aware of the words I choose to say.
I began reading a book called The Four Agreements  
​written by Don Miguel Ruiz.
The Four Agreements are:
​
1. "Be Impeccable with Your Word"

2. "Don't Take Anything Personally"
3. "Don't Make Assumptions"
4. "Always Do Your Best"
In this blog I'm going to concentrate on the First Agreement~
"Be Impeccable With Your Word.". When Ruiz speaks of being "Impeccable With Your Word" he concentrates on what we say and how our words can impact the outcome of any situation. Ruiz says that "It sounds simple, but it is very, very powerful...Why your word? Your word is the power that you have to create."  He goes on to say that, "Your word is the gift that comes directly from God. The Gospel of John in the Bible, speaking of the creation of the universe, says, 'In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word is God." (25-26) When I read that I was curious to learn more
about how we can use our words in a way that helps rather than hinders.. 
I do know that even one word can change a life or destroy the lives of many people. There are hurts that occur in our lives that effect us for years after they happen. For instance, if a parent compares child # 1 to child # 2 and says that child #2 is smarter. Child #1 may think that they're stupid and consequently live a life of low self-esteem always thinking that they're stupid.  Words are so powerful that they can even change the way a person thinks. Let's say that child #1 meets a person who tells him or her in one word that they're not stupid. Child #1 may come to believe that what the person says may make him or her feel better about themselves. They then feel, "I guess I'm not stupid after all."  He or she can then form a new mindset. And "As a result, no longer feels or acts stupid."(30)  That one word has changed the way Child #1 feels and reacts about themselves because he or she has begun to love themselves. And in the future expresses this love to others.
The words we use must first start with how we see ourselves. If we talk to ourselves in a positive and loving way, we are half way there. Our words to others will then be expressed in a loving way as well. Therefore, the first step in being "Impeccable" with our word is to love ourselves. This step is extremely important in the way we talk to others. To change the way we see ourselves in a loving way by talking to ourselves helps us "deal with other people, especially those we love the most."(42)
Ruiz explains in The Four Agreements that he's simply "planting a seed in our mind. Whether or not the seed grows depends upon how fertile our mind is for the seeds of love. It is up to us to make this agreement with ourselves. Nurture this seed, and as it grows in our  mind, it will generate more seeds of love to replace the seeds of fear"..."When you are impeccable with your word, you feel good; you feel happy and at peace." (44)
Being Impeccable with our words can set us free and give us a new beginning with ourselves and others. As we welcome in a New Year, may we all try our best to use our words lovingly.
​It's not easy.  I know. But, it is possible,
I'm going to try.  
Are you?
May you all have a
Happy, Healthy, Blessed New Year!
Happy tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
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Bibliography:
​Excerpts taken from:
The Four Agreements
Written by:
Don Miguel Ruiz
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December 2022 Blog

12/1/2022

2 Comments

 

 DogVinci 
"The Dog that paints from his heart"

(My First Children's Book)
Written ​by Yvonne Dagger
Illustrated by Olivia Menghini

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Dagger Illustration by Olivia Menghini 2022
My December 2022 Blog
Me? Write a book...Never!!​
​Umm...On second thought...maybe, just maybe I can.
I had never thought of writing a children's book. Until, of course, Dagger entered my life. Writing was not something that I felt I excelled in. Oh, sure, I wrote many papers in college and was even on a panel of writers in the Honors College. But, write a children's book? Nah. That was just so much of a reach for me. Until a four legged dog named Dagger entered my life. 
Dagger has given me the courage to do so many things. Things that I had once thought were out of my league to even try...like teaching him how to paint! Wow! That was an experience in itself!! Professionally, I'm a fine artist not a dog trainer. So, training Dagger was a completely new experience for me. I learned from Dagger's tutor that from the beginning of our instructions, she was actually tutoring me. I laughed when she told me that. She said that Dagger knew what he was doing...it was me that needed the training! I needed the confidence to show him that I was in charge. I was the alpha dog. As soon as I learned that he felt successful with me training him, I felt successful too. Dogs are very intuitive and know a lot more than we give them credit for. I learned that too!!
Dogs help us connect with others and even break barriers. I see this first hand as a volunteer Canine Companions NER Board Member. I've been a Board Member for Canine Companions for 11 years now. It's one of the most rewarding jobs I've ever had. I've witnessed children who never spoke a word before in their lives begin to speak when they are matched with a Skilled Companion Dog. Attending a graduation in person or virtually is heartwarming and gratifying to me. Canine Companions provides Service Dogs, Skilled Companions, Facility Dogs, Hearing Dogs and PTSD Dogs to children, adults and wounded veterans free of charge. Our recently added PTSD Program is a life saver for veterans. I could go on and on writing about this wonderful organization and the amazing dogs they provide. Dagger was born into the Canine Companions Family in Santa Rosa, California on October 6, 2012.  Even though Dagger was released from Canine Companions program due to fear issues, his exceptional nature has opened up a world of creativity, learning and community service. Through Dagger's excellence, I've been encouraged to do the things that I may have been apprehensive trying. Exploring new and unchartered territories while having a dog by your side can open up a whole new and exciting world. It has been quite a journey for me having Dagger by my side.  Dagger's the one who taught me that it's okay to make mistakes and have patience with myself.  He's just such a special dog. 
When Dagger does his painting demonstrations and workshops people witness his charisma. It makes my heart sing to see how he brings out the best in everyone he meets. I was always asked at our workshops, why I haven't written a children's book about Dagger yet. My response was always, "Me??? Oh, not me...That's for someone else to do." Then when the pandemic kept us all isolated, our DogVinci Workshops and in-person meetings came to a screeching halt.  Suddenly, I had the time to think about what all of these great people were prompting me to do while we were traveling from library to library and school to school sharing Dagger's talent. It was then that I began to think about the prospect of a children's book about Dagger.  Should I write a book? I'm not sure if I can, I thought. As time past, I began to feel the need more and more to write about my amazing dog.  I thought that it would also be a great legacy to leave for everyone. As my creative prowess emerged, my first thought was, "Wow, There's so much to say about Dagger's journey so far." I reached out to educators and family for their guidance. Coming up with a beginning, a middle, and an end was one of the hardest things for me to do. So, I've started writing about his life which is pretty interesting. I knew that illustrating was not my expertise, so I was fortunate to locate a wonderful illustrator for the book. For months now we've been working tirelessly on this creative endeavor. I'm still in the writing stage.
Before I decide on my finished book, I've been investigating the publishing stage. I reached out to my friends on Facebook and voila...they came through...as they always do! I'm hopeful that soon everyone will get a chance to read the first book about Dagger. 
I'm full of confidence that this is the opportunity I needed to share Dagger's story through a book...maybe even a series of books.  After all, Dagger lets his  light shine for everyone to see as he lives his life in a real world as a canine artist. Why not continue to let his light shine through a book...literally!!
Remember inside of all of us is a light
that needs to shine for all to see.
Let your light shine! 
Your light will then encourage someone else's light to shine,  

​Have a Happy and Blessed Holiday Season!!
Be well and stay safe!
Happy tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
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November 2022 Blog

11/1/2022

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Blessings
Gathering
 Food


Many years ago, a dear friend of mine and I were talking about holidays.
​I asked him what his favorite holiday was.
He said, "Without a doubt..."Thanksgiving!!"
​"Why?", I asked.
He said that to him Thanksgiving was always a day when we're encouraged to be grateful for the blessings in our lives, gather with family and friends and eat delicious food! He added "it's a day of reflecting on how grateful we are for nature's bounty and the people and pets we are blessed to have in our lives." "Wow!," I thought. He had it all figured out! Although, I never considered Thanksgiving my favorite holiday. Easter is my favorite holiday. He made me think about the holiday and how important it really is by highlighting three things during our conversation...Blessings, Gathering, and Food...
Blessings ...
When we think about the many blessings we encounter on a daily basis
our hearts become open to a spirit of compassion and forgiving. 
It's  good to be mindful of them all...that tends to make us happy.
How can we do that??? This is what I came up with...
​I'm sure you have many of your own😊
  • Take a moment to stop and look around. I've found that if I stop and look around concentrating on the beauty of the flowers, clouds, blue sky, people, animals and especially Dagger I am keenly aware of the blessings that surround me everyday.
  • Reflect on the ways we are a blessing to others by being kind
​         and thoughtful even when we find it hard to. At times, I find this can be very challenging. However, trying is the key to success.
  •  Reach out to others with random acts of kindness. 
  • Think about your gifts and talents. Write them down and be proud of each and every one of them,  Even the small ones!
  • Remember you are Awesome!! Be extra thankful for the gift of YOU!
Gathering...
  • Whether we're gathering in person with family and/or friends
or with them through various platforms such as FaceTime and Zoom I've found that being connected together brings happiness to my life.
  • A quick phone call to a friend or family member miles away can make someone's Thanksgiving Day memorable. I know it does mine!!
  • Three little words, "Thinking of YOU," can mean the world to a person who is spending the holiday alone for Thanksgiving.
  • Even a joyful Text has always made my Thanksgiving day special.
Food... 
Sharing a meal with those that we love is the hallmark of the holiday. It's a wonderful way to share what's going on in our lives and even share the things we are grateful for. 
So many of us have a recipe or contribution we take to our
​Thanksgiving table.
​What's yours? Please share it with me in a post below...
This year I found a recipe that I've been modifying as my own.
​ It's my version of Pumpkin Bread... 
I've been testing it on many people. Everyone seems to like it. I'd like to share to with you.  Below is the recipe.
 
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Download Recipe
Moist Healthy Pumpkin Bread
 Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
 INGREDIENTS:
 2 Cups whole wheat white flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups pumpkin puree (NOT PUMPKIN PIE FILLING)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs beaten
Instructions

1. Grease two 2- 4"x8" loaf glass Pyrex pans with olive oil spray
​and line with parchment paper.
 2. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees or 325 degrees for convection oven.
 3. Whisk all dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt) together in one bowl. Set aside.
 4. In a separate bowl whisk to combine the wet ingredients (Pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, honey, melted butter, extra virgin olive, vanilla extract, and eggs). 
 5. Add the wet ingredients (pumpkin mixture) to the dry ingredients (flour mixture).  Mix just until combined.  DO NOT over mix!
 6. Pour batter equally into prepared pans.
 7. Bake for 35-40 minutes. After 35 minutes, check with toothpick (the toothpick should come out clean when inserted in center of loaf) …if toothpick does not come out clean put back in oven for another 5-10 minutes. This baking process depends on your oven. 
 8. Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from pans and transfer to a wire rack until completely cool. 
Enjoy!!
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
My friend taught me a lot the day we had the conversation about our favorite holiday.  Although, I still love celebrating Easter, I have to say that Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays too. Many thanks to my dear wonderful friend for helping me see the greatness in the holiday.
I'd like to close my blog this month by wishing all of you a
​Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.
May you feel blessed.
May you know that you are a blessing.
And
May you enjoy nature's bountiful blessings!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
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October 2022 Blog

10/1/2022

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🍁 Change 🍁


What is it about the word "change" that is so daunting?
To me, I think that the word change is similar to entering into unknown territory. With change we really don't know where life will take us next. There are the times when we will encounter small less intimidating changes and then there are the times when our lives seem to have been turned upside down with a sudden unexpected change.  
Never the less...They're all changes.

​I encountered the biggest change I had ever experienced in my life on October 20,2019. My identical twin sister, Yolande, passed away after a long brave battle with cancer. During my life as a twin, I remember people asking me what it felt like to be a twin. My answer was always, "I don't know any other way of describing my twin-ship.I've never not been a twin...." When people saw us together they could see identical features, mannerisms and voices. Yet, we were mirror twins which meant that we were in many ways very different. Yolande was more scientific and I'm more creative. Fast forward to now and I am very well aware of how it feels having been a twin and the feeling of not being a twin any longer...It's like losing a part of you. A part that was with me for 68 years...not to mention the time we spent together being created in our mom's womb. It hasn't been easy accepting this change in my life. There are times when I just want to pick up the phone and tell Yolande about some wonderful news about Dagger's life or just get in the "DogVinci" mobile and visit her with Dagger. Then I realize that she's not here any longer. Miraculously, many moments during these empty times, I feel her presence overwhelm me.  I  feel a sense of peace which enters my body.
I can picture her saying to me, "I'm okay...if you're okay💕" That's how we always coexisted. If one of us was stressed and hurting the other felt it. I think that's why I feel at peace with her "new life" in Heaven with the Lord.  I know that she's okay which makes me feel okay.
I've learned that the way we accept change in our lives is up us. We can become depressed and let the change take over our very existence. OR we can rise above these feelings of depression and exchange them with words and feelings of hope and good vibes. It also helps to know that change is a normal occurrence. We are constantly changing and growing. Change is normal. Whether it's losing someone we love or changing our style of clothing. Change is a part of life. How we cope with the small and large changes in our lives is paramount to our wellbeing. 
Whether we like it or not... Good or Bad...change is going to happen. Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, wrote in her Blog that change can affect our wellbeing and stress level. She says that, "With nearly every kind of change, stress is part of the equation. Trouble is, when you’re stressed, the pillars of healthy living – eating well, exercise, sleep and social time – tend to fall off your priority list. A better approach is to navigate tumultuous times with these six tips.
"6 Strategies For Coping With Change
1. Plan ahead. If you know change is on the horizon, do some prep work...  
2. Reframe your thinking. Figure out what's going on in your mind when you're feeling sad and break negative patterns. ... 
3. Take time to reflect. ... 
​4. Strive to maintain some normalcy. ... 
5. Create some comfort. ... 
6. Count your blessings." (1)
"Fortunately, there are ways to adapt to change,
​and even to take advantage of it.
🍁
Find the humor in the situation. ... 
🍁Talk about problems more than feelings. ... 
🍁Don't stress out about stressing out. ... 
🍁Focus on your values instead of your fears. ... 
🍁Accept the past, but fight for the future. ... 
🍁Don't expect stability."(2)
I would add that change can help us see things in a different light. We learn and grow as change occurs. I know that, no matter what, change can make us stronger and braver. Everyone has his or her own way to cope with change. Please share with me your ways of coping with change in your life below.  
In the meantime, as our lives change and grow, may we always look for the positive in every change taking place and learn from the change that we experience.
Yes, change can be daunting and at times very scary. However, change can also be a wonderful thing when we open our minds and hearts to the opportunities that await as each change occurs..
May you welcome all of the changes that occur in your life
with an open mind and heart.
And may you grow and learn from each change.
Happy Tales to you,
​xoxo Yvonne
Bibliography
1. https://www.henryford.com/blog/2017/05/coping-with-change
​2. dealing with change
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Yolande and I Circa 1957
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Yolande and I with our pet rescue dog "Lady" circa 1957
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Yolande and I circa 2017
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September 2022 Blog

9/1/2022

1 Comment

 

Self- IMPROVING


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​September is the month of
​Self-Improvement. 

 I wondered why.
​So, I "googled" it up on my computer...
Google explained that, it's "the official Self-Improvement Month because it marks the end of one era (summer) and the start of a new one (fall). Self-Improvement Month is a time to reflect on all you've accomplished this year before identifying which goals you still need to work toward."
I also wanted to know what they consider Self-Improvement..."​The definition of self-improvement is pretty self-explanatory: Self-improvement is the improvement of one's knowledge, status, or character by one's own efforts. It's the quest to make ourselves better in any and every facet of life."
Google also had eight great tips to help us get our lives on track:
  • Set goals for yourself. ... 
  • Surround yourself with people who want to see you do well. ... 
  • Evaluate what isn't working and eliminate those habits. ... 
  • Learn a new activity or skill. ... 
  • Eat healthily and hydrate daily. ... 
  • Have compassion for yourself and others. ... 
  • Clean your space regularly.*
After considering all of these self-improvement tips, I've come to realize that I have some work to do! But I'm confident that if I take one step at a time I think that I can achieve what I'm striving to improve upon.  
Hey, listen, we're all works in progress. I think that being gentle with oneself and knowing that we're not going to accomplish everything in a day is, in itself, a great step forward. After all, we're human and humans are going to make mistakes and "skin our knees"...the success lies in picking oneself up off the floor and starting over again. Mistakes are just ways to learn and grow.  I would venture to say that learning from our mistakes is a part of self-improvement as well.
When I was teaching Dagger how to paint, I realized after working with him for a while  that I had run into a proverbial stone wall. I was having trouble streamlining his technique. It was then that I reached out to Dagger's Professional Trainer, Lauren, and asked her to tutor Dagger. Little did I know that she was actually tutoring me! On her first visit she worked with Dagger for a few minutes and he "got it" immediately. She told me that Dagger knew what to do after a few tries with her. It was my apprehension and lack of confidence that Dagger felt when he worked with me. My question to Lauren was always, "What mistakes am I making?" Lauren told me that I wasn't making any mistakes at all, Dagger just didn't feel that I had the confidence to get the job done.  Therefore, the lack of confidence I felt then traveled from me right down his leash and into him. After close to two months of tutoring me, Lauren felt that I was able to give it a go on my own. I will never forget the feeling I had when we were newbies at this new adventure. In retrospect, I guess I needed Lauren to help me improve myself. And here I thought it was Dagger that needed the help. What a self-discovery that was for me and... might I add... a self-improvement to learn that "you can always teach an old dog new tricks"...AND that old dog was ME!! I'm glad I made the call to Lauren because she certainly taught me that sometimes we need the improvement more than we think. 
We all have our stories about how we've tried and failed. The key to trying and failing is to gently give ourselves a pass and begin to make those improvements needed to succeed again and again. It's a growing process. An everyday evolution of self-discovery and self-improvement.  
As I reflect on how far Dagger and I have come, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratification. I know that we have a ways to go, but our organic journey continues as we learn, create and inspire.
I will be taking this month of September to
explore all of the ways I can improve myself.
​Will you?
Happy Self-Improvement Month!
Be well and Stay safe!!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
* Google: self improvement month
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