If a Little Red Wagon Could Talk... About twenty years ago, my niece, Nicole, and her husband, Joe, purchased a little red "Flyer" wagon for their daughter, Gabby. It was a great little wagon! I think that if it could talk about where it's been over the past twenty years, it would have quite a story to tell. Gabby used the wagon and then it became her sister, Claudia's, wagon. When the girls were too old to use it anymore, my niece decided to find a home for their little red wagon. It was just around that time when our Long Island Chapter of Canine Companions was searching for a wagon to put our puppies in for the Memorial Day Parade in Massapequa Park here on Long Island. Word got back to Nicole of our needing a wagon and we inherited the little wagon. We took it home and decorated it with red, white and blue streamers and flags. It was a sight to behold. My granddaughter, Maddie, and I spent an entire day decorating it. It was beautiful!! Of course, the decorated wagon paled in comparison to the puppies we pulled in it along Park Boulevard that year and years after that. But, the little red wagon did its job! We even used it to haul water for the parade walkers and extra hand outs bringing awareness to CCI. We had such fun for many years with our little red wagon. It came to street festivals with us and other special events. It served it's purpose well. After each event the wagon was put in our basement for the next year all decorated and ready to go. Years past and the little red wagon was very seldom used by the Chapter any more. It remained down in our basement, decorated and filled with CCI pamphlets and supplies. Then recently, my husband and I decided to clean the basement and get rid of things that were not used anymore. The thought of getting rid of the wagon was bitter sweet for me. It brought back all of those treasured memories of days gone by. BUT, we decided to go through all of the "stuff" in it, remove the decorations and clean it up to see if someone else would want the little red wagon. I've since learned that the wagons of today have seat belts for the little ones and our wagon was not up to todays standards so, as a result, it became of no use to anyone that I asked to take it. Thereby, Denis and I decided to put it out to the curb hoping that someone might want the little red wagon. It was sad for me to see it go. But, I knew in my heart that it had served its purpose and now it was time to see it move on. Well, low and behold, right after putting it to the curb we got a knock at our front door. A woman asked if we were getting rid of the little red wagon at the curb or...she continued, "was it one of our kids wagons left out there by mistake." I told her that we were getting rid of it and that it was hers if she wanted it. She was thrilled and said that she needed it for her little ones. I told her that we no longer had any little ones in our family. In fact, on that very day my great niece, Gabby, the first one to ride in the wagon...was graduating from college! "Wow!." she said, "That wagon really has some history!!" After helping her load it into her car, I watched as she drove away thinking of the future adventures of the little red wagon. There were more adventures and more stories in store for the wagon. It's exciting to have been a small part of all of these stories. Stories that are all kept hidden in those wheels that go a little slower now, but move forward on its journey, none the less. It's funny how things can become pivotal in our lives and the lives of so many people and animals. How the journey of a little red wagon started by bringing happiness to a little girl and her sister and then moving on to even greater adventures bringing happiness and awareness to people along its life's road of adventures for an organization that helps people with disabilities...CCI 💛💙 We will never know where it will end up, but I do know that it's going to a good place as the adventures of a little red "Flyer" wagon continue... I wonder what that little red wagon would say if to could talk. Happy Tales To You!
xoxo Yvonne
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In order to understand how Miss YaYa entered our lives, I feel it's important to for you to know how she came to be and how we became involved with Canine Companions for Independence.
It all started about 45 years ago.
It all started about 45 years ago.
Throughout the years we adopted many dogs. Each one had a personality all their own. Our first dog, Muffin, was perfect for our young growing family. She was sponky and active. I think she was part Jack Russell and part hound. We used to say that she jumped so high and ran so fast that our kids couldn't keep up with her. Then there was Melvin. We adopted Melvin when our kids were both in college and we were empty nesters. Melvin was a grown man in a puppy suit. He was such a gentle, sweet boy. He was perfect for Denis and I at that point in our lives. Right after that came Jimmy "D" Beagle. Jimmy gave us a run for our money!! He was your typical beagle. Hard to train and stubborn. But, as time went by, Jimmy grew out of his puppy antics and he became just like Melvin...reserved and gentle. By this time we were ready to rescue again. That's when Maggie entered our lives. Maggie was a sweet loving little beagle. She groomed all of the dogs. I think Maggie was about two or three years old when the Riverhead Shelter found her roaming the streets. By this point we had two beagles having just lost Melvin. Our Veterinarian knew that we were always looking to find a third dog, so...one day we got a call from them. They had a beagle in their care whose owners were having a hard time caring for him. His name was Jake. They thought we'd be interested in adopting Jake. I told my vet that the only way I would consider taking Jake was if Jimmy and Maggie met him in person. They agreed and we promptly went over and met Jake. As soon as Jake saw the other two dogs, he ran between my legs and hid. Maggie and Jimmy sniffed and sniffed Jake. Slowly Jake started to begin sniffing them. I knew that they would get along just splendidly. So, we immediately took Jake home and renamed him Tommy, because our next door neighbors dog's name was Jake and we didn't want any confusion. For years after that it was just my three beagles. I even took training classes with them. They all got their certificates of completion and life went on. Tommy was a real character...he marked, barked and caused trouble all of the time. He became know by my granddaughter, Maddie, as Tommy Trouble and then Tommy TuTu because due to his marking incessantly, he wore a diaper...which we called his "TuTu." Thus...the name stuck...He was always going to be our "Tommy TuTu."
As time went on I became more concentrated on my art work and spent many hours creating paintings, entering shows and having shows of my own. I was represented by galleries all across the Northeast of the USA and was doing quite well. After loosing Melvin, to help with my grief, I decided to paint his portrait. That was the beginning of my love of Pet Portraiture and painting shelter dogs. I always felt so blessed in life and giving back was my way of saying thank you for my many blessings. I wanted very much to find a cause to donate my work to. That's when a friend told me about Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and introduced me to Marc Wortsman, an NER Board Member. Marc took me on a tour of their then new state of the art facility in Medford, LI, NY and from there he took me to a graduation. I was immediately hooked!! To see how remarkable these service dogs were for people with disabilities, encouraged me to do more for them. So, I painted a large work of art...which remains on their wall at the Training Center to this day. But, before donating the painting, the Miller Family NER Campus staff decided to auction the painting off at their Gala event later in 2009. After the event, the winner of the auction would then donate it back to the center. It was a splendid idea. A circle of giving. The winner would receive a geclee print that I enhanced. The piece brought in thousands of dollars for CCI. During the event, my husband, Denis, and I decided to Puppy Raise for CCI. We let them know and in January we picked up our first puppy from the NER training center. Her name was YaYa...
YaYa was a gentle loving soul that was like a soft ball of beautiful fur. To us she was perfect. Our Puppy Raising days with YaYa were filled with Puppy Classes and Puppy Playdates, outings to mass every Sunday, demonstrations at various events, traveling all over to get the word out about CCI. She was a great little four legged ambassador for them. What fun we had. YaYa got along with people, other animals and anything that came into her world of total love. After 18 months of having her with us as a Puppy in Training, she then "matriculated" back to the NER Training Center and began her Advanced Training for CCI. She was on her way to becoming a highly trained assistance dog for them knowing over 50 commands. However, we soon found out that being a Service dog was not what YaYa wanted. She spent 2 months in Advanced Training when we got the word that YaYa was going to be released. You see, they told us, "YaYa had "low emotional control." Although I had never heard of that term before, I was happy to adopt her as our new pet dog. Our little sweet, wiggly, happy girl was home with us again! It was where she wanted to be.❤️
YaYa never stopped being a good will ambassador for CCI. She welcomed many CCI fosters into our home treating them as a mommy would her babies. She received her AKC CGC Canine Good Citizens Award and later did her therapy work for Therapy Dogs Inc. and continued on with her therapy work for many years with TDI (Therapy Dogs International).
She loved doing her therapy work. She went to Sunrise Senior Living and played “Horse #2” in their Horse Race Games with her pals Maggie Lou, Tye, Princess Penny and Barney. She went to MacArthur Airport where she greeted in coming travelers and brought happiness and calm to the passengers who were waiting for their flights. She was involved in the “Read to Me” Program at libraries. She was on News 12 numerous times as their model dog for their Pet Segment. Posing with Lea Tyrrell was a highlight of her appearances on the show. She went to Long Island University-CWPost to help the students during finals week. She sang the BEST Happy Birthday Song ever!!! We will miss that so much!!! And most importantly, she was “Mommy Muse” to Dagger. Sitting by his side as he painted, she encouraged him and supported him in all of his work. As a Puppy in Training, YaYa got to meet Betty White. Betty kissed YaYa leaving a bright red lipstick mark right smack on the top of her head...we left that lipstick mark there for days after that!! YaYa loved life. She wiggled and wagged through life always thinking the best and trusting in all good things. Her 11 1/2 years here on earth was full and complete. She fought the good fight and on March 4th we said our goodbyes to Miss YaYa. She was a happy, wiggly sweetheart who will be missed by many people and doggie friends especially us; her family.
Someone once said that the only flaw about dogs is that their lives are too short. I couldn't agree more. YaYa gave unconditional love to everyone. Her passing hit us hard. With each of our pets, I am saddened by their passing beyond belief. Each is tremendously hard and devastating. However, YaYa was a person clothed in fur. She spoke with her eyes and wined and wiggled telling us how to do things. She will always be in our hearts. So...As part of my grieving...just as with my other pets... I painted her portrait. Crying as I saw her appear on the canvas.
🌸 Miss YaYa ~ 11/10/2009-3/4/2021 🌸
Original Painting by Yvonne Dagger
Original Painting by Yvonne Dagger
It's really another "New Beginning" for Miss YaYa as she frolics
and plays over the rainbow bridge with all of her friends
who have gone before her.
I'm comforted knowing that she's with my sister and mom now.
🌸🦋🌸
Miss YaYa lived her life's purpose to the fullest.
For that I am forever grateful.
💞🐾💞
and plays over the rainbow bridge with all of her friends
who have gone before her.
I'm comforted knowing that she's with my sister and mom now.
🌸🦋🌸
Miss YaYa lived her life's purpose to the fullest.
For that I am forever grateful.
💞🐾💞
With love,
XOXO Yvonne
XOXO Yvonne
~Remembering a Renissaince Woman~
My Grandmother
Frances Adamo Flandina
Recently, I received an email from a woman from the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. She was doing some research on a hat that my grandmother had created and was in their possession. The museum had acquired the hat from a designer back in 2007. I was thrilled to hear of this news. Crazy as this may sound...The curators of the museum had contacted me through Dagger's website. Yes, they had found my Grandmother through a Painting Dog's website!!
How did this happen? Well, I've since learned that back in April of 2019,
I included my grandmother in my monthly blog. I wrote about how she always designed and created my Easter Bonnets every year when I was a child and how she owned and operated Frances Adams Hats on Fifth Avenue in NYC. My Blog back then just gave an overview about my grandmother, but didn't go into any real details about my grandmother, her life and journey to America. When the Smithsonian was doing its research they came across my April Blog on Dagger's website. They reached out to to me and requested some, if any, information about my Grandmother Frances, her business, her history and how she got started. Truth be told, I always admired my grandmother, however, I never really spent a great deal of time exploring her roots and how great she really was. You see, to me, she was just my Grandma Flandina...Funny, focused and kind of loud! You knew when she was around.🥰 She had a strong personality and presence that filled the room. I also knew that she was super-duper at everything she set her mind and nimble fingers to do. To me, she was a woman who had a laugh that was contagious and made a mean baked ziti/lasagna, eggplant caponata, and fried artichoke hearts among many other Sicilian delicacies. To be able to investigate who she was and what she did in her 79 years here on earth gave me pause. I thought, where do I begin?
How did this happen? Well, I've since learned that back in April of 2019,
I included my grandmother in my monthly blog. I wrote about how she always designed and created my Easter Bonnets every year when I was a child and how she owned and operated Frances Adams Hats on Fifth Avenue in NYC. My Blog back then just gave an overview about my grandmother, but didn't go into any real details about my grandmother, her life and journey to America. When the Smithsonian was doing its research they came across my April Blog on Dagger's website. They reached out to to me and requested some, if any, information about my Grandmother Frances, her business, her history and how she got started. Truth be told, I always admired my grandmother, however, I never really spent a great deal of time exploring her roots and how great she really was. You see, to me, she was just my Grandma Flandina...Funny, focused and kind of loud! You knew when she was around.🥰 She had a strong personality and presence that filled the room. I also knew that she was super-duper at everything she set her mind and nimble fingers to do. To me, she was a woman who had a laugh that was contagious and made a mean baked ziti/lasagna, eggplant caponata, and fried artichoke hearts among many other Sicilian delicacies. To be able to investigate who she was and what she did in her 79 years here on earth gave me pause. I thought, where do I begin?
Well, I began to reach out to other family members...my cousin Luisa who is the daughter of my dad's sister. Luisa had done some research a few years back on my grandmother for a book titled, "The Journey of Italians in America" written by Vincenza Scarpaci. The "book celebrates the contributions Italians made in the areas of agriculture, cuisine, industry, religion, sports, architecture, the arts, and politics, and how they preserved their culture while establishing their presence in America. *
When I think of my Grandma Flandina I think of the phrase "Renaissance Woman." What is a "Renaissance Woman?", you might ask. According to my Google search , by definition, a Renaissance Woman, "is a woman with many talents or areas of knowledge." My question was answered unequivocally...Yes, that was Grandma Flandina, for sure!! She was GREAT at everything! You might know of a "Renaissance Woman" in your life. Or you just might be a "Renaissance Woman" yourself.
When I think of my Grandma Flandina I think of the phrase "Renaissance Woman." What is a "Renaissance Woman?", you might ask. According to my Google search , by definition, a Renaissance Woman, "is a woman with many talents or areas of knowledge." My question was answered unequivocally...Yes, that was Grandma Flandina, for sure!! She was GREAT at everything! You might know of a "Renaissance Woman" in your life. Or you just might be a "Renaissance Woman" yourself.
Below is something I wrote about my grandmother I sent to the Smithsonian Museum:
A “Renaissance Woman” ~ My Grandmother: Frances Paula Adamo - Flandina
Frances Adams Hats
Written by Yvonne Paula Flandina - Dagger
Logo from a hat my grandmother designed and created
My Grandfather's Signature Stitching If I could recollect one thing about my Grandma Frances it was that she was good at everything she set her mind and creative prowess to do. Very often I’d refer to her as a “Renaissance Woman.” She sang Opera, sewed, designed hats, cooked, baked, crocheted, knitted, painted and was an excellent entrepreneur and businesswoman.
She was curious, learning and experimenting with many, many types of medium, creating a style all her own. Her fingers were never still. She was always exploring new avenues of creativity. And boy, oh, boy was she a risk-taker!! It was unheard of back in the early 1920’s, 30’s and 40”s to hear of a woman opening and operating a successful millinery business by herself. In fact, my Grandfather, Giovanni Flandina, actually worked for HER!! He was one of her seamstresses, making the hats she designed. His “Signature Stitching” Design (see photo of one of my Grandfather’s “Stitching Designs” on a Pill Box Hat) made him famous as well. But it was my Grandmother’s thirst for learning new things and keeping innovative that was the driving force in all that she did. She had a deep desire and talent in designing hats. However, her talents did not stop there. She had a singing voice that was exceptional. Singing under Fucito, the teacher of the great Caruso, she was told to continue her singing career because she had the voice of an angel. As a soprano, she sang very often at the Met. During those times of the Grand Opera to sing at the Met in NYC was a dream come true for many young girls. However, she had a thirst for learning more and experiencing new and other fields of creativity and business. Frances was an immigrant from Sicily, Italy and as an immigrant, America was the land of opportunity and making money. She learned early in her career that she wasn’t going to make the money she desired by singing so, she chose a career in the millinery business. Through her perseverance and self-discipline, she became a successful hat designer and businesswoman. But that wasn’t all she did…
As a young child, I remember going over to my grandparents’ home in Rego Park, Oueens County, New York and sitting at her baby grand piano, learning and singing as she cooked delicious Sicilian delicacies in her kitchen. Very often she entertained her opera buddies, the greats of the time. Her home always smelled like the aromas of Italy. She was an excellent cook and baker. From fried artichoke hearts, rice balls, and caponata (eggplant appetizer) to a mouthwatering ricotta cheesecake topped with homemade whipped cream…our visits were not only filled with culture, but food as well. I often joke with my siblings that if she was still living today, she would most certainly have her own cooking show and several cookbooks chock full of her recipes from her homeland in Italy.
Then as a teenager, back in the late 1960’s, I remember my grandmother had slowed down a bit. However, it never stopped her from still creating and making my sisters and I our Easter and winter hats. She even created dolls for my sisters and me. Mine was a flower girl with a pink podesoir fabric dress and a beautiful flowered straw picture hat.
As time passed, my grandparents slowly closed their factory on Fifth Avenue and still worked out of their basement in their Rego Park, NY home. I remember one day during the summer of 1967 while my twin sister, Yolande, and I were staying for the weekend at my grandparents’ home, we sat down with my grandmother at her kitchen table. She told us all about her childhood and the days she spent on a ship traveling to America with her siblings at the age of fifteen. She spoke of the excitement she felt as she entered the port in New York and saw the Statue of Liberty. It was an intellectual, artistic and social journey for her. A new and unbelievable future awaited. A future of hope and dreams. A future of excellence. Now, looking back in retrospect to that day, I’ve come to realize how special and pivotal that day was in my life because less then a year later in January of 1968 she passed away at the age of 79. I wish I would have taped what she had to say to my sister, Yolande, and me. But I have memories, wonderful memories, of a woman who inspired us to be the best we could be in all that we do. It was and still is an honor to be her granddaughter. She was truly a “Renaissance Woman” touching on every criterion that title possesses. She was curious, a risk-taker, creative, had a thirst for knowledge and new experiences and persevered in all that she did with self-discipline and excellence.
I am proud that one of my Grandmother Frances’ hats is a part of this wonderful Black Fashion Museum collection as part of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.
She was curious, learning and experimenting with many, many types of medium, creating a style all her own. Her fingers were never still. She was always exploring new avenues of creativity. And boy, oh, boy was she a risk-taker!! It was unheard of back in the early 1920’s, 30’s and 40”s to hear of a woman opening and operating a successful millinery business by herself. In fact, my Grandfather, Giovanni Flandina, actually worked for HER!! He was one of her seamstresses, making the hats she designed. His “Signature Stitching” Design (see photo of one of my Grandfather’s “Stitching Designs” on a Pill Box Hat) made him famous as well. But it was my Grandmother’s thirst for learning new things and keeping innovative that was the driving force in all that she did. She had a deep desire and talent in designing hats. However, her talents did not stop there. She had a singing voice that was exceptional. Singing under Fucito, the teacher of the great Caruso, she was told to continue her singing career because she had the voice of an angel. As a soprano, she sang very often at the Met. During those times of the Grand Opera to sing at the Met in NYC was a dream come true for many young girls. However, she had a thirst for learning more and experiencing new and other fields of creativity and business. Frances was an immigrant from Sicily, Italy and as an immigrant, America was the land of opportunity and making money. She learned early in her career that she wasn’t going to make the money she desired by singing so, she chose a career in the millinery business. Through her perseverance and self-discipline, she became a successful hat designer and businesswoman. But that wasn’t all she did…
As a young child, I remember going over to my grandparents’ home in Rego Park, Oueens County, New York and sitting at her baby grand piano, learning and singing as she cooked delicious Sicilian delicacies in her kitchen. Very often she entertained her opera buddies, the greats of the time. Her home always smelled like the aromas of Italy. She was an excellent cook and baker. From fried artichoke hearts, rice balls, and caponata (eggplant appetizer) to a mouthwatering ricotta cheesecake topped with homemade whipped cream…our visits were not only filled with culture, but food as well. I often joke with my siblings that if she was still living today, she would most certainly have her own cooking show and several cookbooks chock full of her recipes from her homeland in Italy.
Then as a teenager, back in the late 1960’s, I remember my grandmother had slowed down a bit. However, it never stopped her from still creating and making my sisters and I our Easter and winter hats. She even created dolls for my sisters and me. Mine was a flower girl with a pink podesoir fabric dress and a beautiful flowered straw picture hat.
As time passed, my grandparents slowly closed their factory on Fifth Avenue and still worked out of their basement in their Rego Park, NY home. I remember one day during the summer of 1967 while my twin sister, Yolande, and I were staying for the weekend at my grandparents’ home, we sat down with my grandmother at her kitchen table. She told us all about her childhood and the days she spent on a ship traveling to America with her siblings at the age of fifteen. She spoke of the excitement she felt as she entered the port in New York and saw the Statue of Liberty. It was an intellectual, artistic and social journey for her. A new and unbelievable future awaited. A future of hope and dreams. A future of excellence. Now, looking back in retrospect to that day, I’ve come to realize how special and pivotal that day was in my life because less then a year later in January of 1968 she passed away at the age of 79. I wish I would have taped what she had to say to my sister, Yolande, and me. But I have memories, wonderful memories, of a woman who inspired us to be the best we could be in all that we do. It was and still is an honor to be her granddaughter. She was truly a “Renaissance Woman” touching on every criterion that title possesses. She was curious, a risk-taker, creative, had a thirst for knowledge and new experiences and persevered in all that she did with self-discipline and excellence.
I am proud that one of my Grandmother Frances’ hats is a part of this wonderful Black Fashion Museum collection as part of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.
My Grandmother designed and created hats for Eleanor Roosevelt
Giovani and Frances Flandina My Paternal Grandparents
Family Traditions
written by Yvonne Dagger
written by Yvonne Dagger
Happy St. PAWtrick's Day☘️□□☘️ Ever since I was a young girl, St. Patrick's Day was a super special holiday in our house. My mom would make us green apple sauce (apple sauce tinted with green food coloring) with our dinner. She would purchase Motts bottled apple sauce (she never made the apple sauce from scratch. I think this had to do with the fact that she had 6 kids to deal with all day long. My guess is that it was just a lot easier 😁). That tradition continued into my years as a young mother and now my kids continue this "Green Apple Sauce" Tradition on St. Patrick's Day. AND I might add we still use the bottled apple sauce. I saw recently that Motts is making green applesauce now. That's even easier for busy mom's. How great is that!?!
Family traditions are interesting. Very often I've contemplated on how they get started. Perhaps it's just a creative idea that makes a holiday more festive like our "green" apple sauce family tradition. Or maybe, it's a tradition that dates back to a country of origin. Whatever it happens to be, family traditions define who we are as individuals. I'm Italian by heritage (Scilian and Calabrase to be more specific). The Southern Italian's have many traditions. Many, many traditions!! 🥰
For instance, just to name one, on St. Joseph's Day (March 19th) we indulge in a pastry called Sfinge or Zeppola di San Giuseppe ~(Pastry of St. Joseph in Italian). St. Joseph was the stepfather of Jesus, husband to Mary, member of the holy family. Sfinge and zeppoli are eaten in southern Italy and in Italian American communities all year long, but it feels very special to eat them around this time of year. Basically the pastry consists of a cream puff filled with either custard or cannoli cream. Many sources indicate that sfinge and zeppoli are one in the same, but in my family they seem to be treated differently. The zeppola tends to be more or less round with powered sugar sprinkled on top and sometimes with custard sandwiched inside, whereas the sfinge is more open and has the cannoli or pastry cream placed atop the pastry itself and topped with candied fruit like cherries, citrus and even mini chocolate chips. My grandfather, Joseph Dominianni, we called him Poppy, would travel to the best Italian Bakery on St. Joseph's Day to get a few Sfinge for us. It was a real treat! You'd never even mention making them from scratch at home...it just wasn't the same as visiting a real authentic Southern Italian Bakery to purchase a few Sfinge on St. Joseph's Day. And he traveled!!! Boy, did he travel...He'd travel sometimes an hour to bring home some of those delectable treats. It ended up feeling like a journey that was sacred and special. I loved that family tradition. Poppy has since passed away, but the tradition lives on!
Family traditions are interesting. Very often I've contemplated on how they get started. Perhaps it's just a creative idea that makes a holiday more festive like our "green" apple sauce family tradition. Or maybe, it's a tradition that dates back to a country of origin. Whatever it happens to be, family traditions define who we are as individuals. I'm Italian by heritage (Scilian and Calabrase to be more specific). The Southern Italian's have many traditions. Many, many traditions!! 🥰
For instance, just to name one, on St. Joseph's Day (March 19th) we indulge in a pastry called Sfinge or Zeppola di San Giuseppe ~(Pastry of St. Joseph in Italian). St. Joseph was the stepfather of Jesus, husband to Mary, member of the holy family. Sfinge and zeppoli are eaten in southern Italy and in Italian American communities all year long, but it feels very special to eat them around this time of year. Basically the pastry consists of a cream puff filled with either custard or cannoli cream. Many sources indicate that sfinge and zeppoli are one in the same, but in my family they seem to be treated differently. The zeppola tends to be more or less round with powered sugar sprinkled on top and sometimes with custard sandwiched inside, whereas the sfinge is more open and has the cannoli or pastry cream placed atop the pastry itself and topped with candied fruit like cherries, citrus and even mini chocolate chips. My grandfather, Joseph Dominianni, we called him Poppy, would travel to the best Italian Bakery on St. Joseph's Day to get a few Sfinge for us. It was a real treat! You'd never even mention making them from scratch at home...it just wasn't the same as visiting a real authentic Southern Italian Bakery to purchase a few Sfinge on St. Joseph's Day. And he traveled!!! Boy, did he travel...He'd travel sometimes an hour to bring home some of those delectable treats. It ended up feeling like a journey that was sacred and special. I loved that family tradition. Poppy has since passed away, but the tradition lives on!
Sfince di Giuseppe
Do you have any Family Traditions?
Let me know in the comments below.
Let me know in the comments below.
Whatever they are and whatever you do...
Have a Happy March filled with
good health, joy and as the Old Irish saying goes,
☘️ "May Love and Laughter Light Your Days" ☘️.
Have a Happy March filled with
good health, joy and as the Old Irish saying goes,
☘️ "May Love and Laughter Light Your Days" ☘️.
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
(An Italian-American married to an Irish-American)
xoxo Yvonne
(An Italian-American married to an Irish-American)
Art
"This is Art.", says Art"...
"Art" is a clever rhyming children's book written and illustrated by the Mutts Comic Strip creator Patrick McDonnell. It's about a budding young artist who uses his creativity to express himself. I love this children's book because it's endearing and tells the story about learning, creating and the love between a mother and a child. It's also interesting to me to witness the great talent that McDonnell has and is willing to share with his young and old readers. According to McDonnell's website, "In 2005, McDonnell embarked on a children’s book career. His first children’s book The Gift of Nothing quickly became a New York Times Best Seller. Art (2006), his second release, told the story of a boy named Art who makes art. His next release, Just Like Heaven (2006), heralding the joys of simple blessings, was hailed in a starred review by Kirkus as “a meditation on the true nature of miracles.” In 2007 McDonnell again returned to the New York Times Best Seller list with Hug Time, featuring a kitten named Jules who goes around the world hugging endangered species. Since then, he has produced two additional childrens books (South and Wag!) along with the 2012 Caldecott Honor winner Me…Jane, a biography about the young Jane Goodall, and The Monsters’ Monster." *🎨1
Reading, learning and creating have always been so vital to me and my family. In fact, my son, Denis, would read so often that as a Christmas gift one year we gave him his very own reading lamp which he used every night. His son and my grandson, William, loves to read just like his dad. As you can see from the photo below he even falls asleep reading with a book as a pillow.
William Dagger 2021
My granddaughters, Maddie and Annabel, love to create and learn. Maddie is a concert cellist and loves to paint and draw. Annabel draws, paints and loves to dance. My Step-Grandson, Karl, loves to create by styling hair.
 Annabel Creating in the Studio  Maddie Playing the Cello at Carnegie Hall |  William, Annabel and Dagger DogVinci Creating in the Studio  Maddie standing next to her 1st Place Winner Drawing |
Annabel and Dagger DogVinci working in the Studio
Creating and learning are so important to our development...no matter how old or young we are. I find it very rewarding when I create something whether it's creating my own art work, crocheting, learning a new recipe, working with Dagger or learning how to play the Ukulele (Yes, I'm trying to teach myself how to play the Ukulele by utilizing the YouTube tutorials...believe it or not!! I purchased an inexpensive Ukulele on Amazon...recommended to me by my dear friend Ann). All of these things make me feel successful. I've also found that the older I get the more I don't know. It can be kind of exciting when I think of how much I can still to learn and explore.
During the difficult times of the pandemic, when we are pretty much at home... doing something creative or reading and learning something new takes us away from the stress of living in our isolated "bubble." It gives us purpose and keeps us positive. It also adds meaning to our lives.
Throughout the month of February, maybe we can take sometime to learn something new or create our very own masterpiece. Whatever you do, do it knowing that however good or bad your creation is...you'll be spending your time wisely knowing that as you create, you're enhancing your life. What an exciting journey that can be!!
During the difficult times of the pandemic, when we are pretty much at home... doing something creative or reading and learning something new takes us away from the stress of living in our isolated "bubble." It gives us purpose and keeps us positive. It also adds meaning to our lives.
Throughout the month of February, maybe we can take sometime to learn something new or create our very own masterpiece. Whatever you do, do it knowing that however good or bad your creation is...you'll be spending your time wisely knowing that as you create, you're enhancing your life. What an exciting journey that can be!!
Happy Creating!!
Happy learning!!
Happy exploring!!
Happy Valentine's Day
❤️ Stay well. Stay warm & Stay safe ❤️
xoxo Yvonne
Happy learning!!
Happy exploring!!
Happy Valentine's Day
❤️ Stay well. Stay warm & Stay safe ❤️
xoxo Yvonne
Bibliography
*🎨1 https://mutts.com/about-patrick/#
Be Gone...2020!!
...Happy 2021🥰
New Beginnings
Written by
Yvonne Dagger
Written by
Yvonne Dagger
I've never felt the need to rush time away.
However, 2020 was a year I just wanted to rush through.
I just can't help it! I keep repeating in my mind...
"Enough, I've had ENOUGH. We've all had ENOUGH!!!"
Does the thought of another year make you feel a little apprehensive? I have to admit...It kind of does for me.
For many of us, 2020 was a really hard year.
We faced a worldwide pandemic, racial injustice, economic instability and a number of high and lows.
For me, personally, we lost our beloved Little Tommy TuTu and then right after that my mom passed away.
Almost everyone I speak with has shared a loss or painful experience during the year.
YES...
this year has been the most challenging
and painful in recent history.
However, 2020 was a year I just wanted to rush through.
I just can't help it! I keep repeating in my mind...
"Enough, I've had ENOUGH. We've all had ENOUGH!!!"
Does the thought of another year make you feel a little apprehensive? I have to admit...It kind of does for me.
For many of us, 2020 was a really hard year.
We faced a worldwide pandemic, racial injustice, economic instability and a number of high and lows.
For me, personally, we lost our beloved Little Tommy TuTu and then right after that my mom passed away.
Almost everyone I speak with has shared a loss or painful experience during the year.
YES...
this year has been the most challenging
and painful in recent history.
So, how can we look on the bright side of things if what we've been going through is so painful and the very thought of seeing anything good is as remote as, well, remote learning and working? For me, I guess I'm ready. I'm ready for new beginnings. Upbeat, happy new beginnings. I am ready, so ready for them. I would suspect, many people share my thoughts, too. This year I've considered making a list of "New Beginnings" rather than a list of "Resolutions." Quite honestly, I never kept my New Year's Resolutions, anyway!! 😆 To me, the words "New Beginnings" has a connotation of hope, happiness and joy for the future.
My list of new beginnings consists of doing the ordinary things I've missed in 2020 and being GRATEFUL for each and everyone of them. They're not elaborate things at all. In fact, they're some very simple things...like seeing my grandkids and giving them a great big hug, going to the grocery store, getting my hair cut and being grateful for having the ability to go out and about whenever I please. Due to my chemo treatment and compromised immune system, I haven't been able do any of these things. I haven't gone to the grocery store since last January. And I haven't gotten my hair cut since last February. I've always taken these ordinary things for granted. Take going to the grocery store, for example It's crazy and kind of silly to miss such a common thing like that, but I really miss going to the grocery store. Armed with my King Kullen weekly coupon...I would make my way there and while shopping I would see many friends, chat and catch up on things. A mundane thing to do, I know, but I miss it. I loved serendipitously seeing some of my friends while shopping.
I also miss hugging my family and friends. I love to hug. There are great huggers out there. I have a friend who is the greatest hugger in the world...a gift I don't even think she thinks she possesses. When she hugs, you sink into her and feel a sense of warmth and love. I miss that. Now don't get me wrong...my husband, Denis, is a great hugger too, but my friends hug tops any I've ever received.
My list of new beginnings consists of doing the ordinary things I've missed in 2020 and being GRATEFUL for each and everyone of them. They're not elaborate things at all. In fact, they're some very simple things...like seeing my grandkids and giving them a great big hug, going to the grocery store, getting my hair cut and being grateful for having the ability to go out and about whenever I please. Due to my chemo treatment and compromised immune system, I haven't been able do any of these things. I haven't gone to the grocery store since last January. And I haven't gotten my hair cut since last February. I've always taken these ordinary things for granted. Take going to the grocery store, for example It's crazy and kind of silly to miss such a common thing like that, but I really miss going to the grocery store. Armed with my King Kullen weekly coupon...I would make my way there and while shopping I would see many friends, chat and catch up on things. A mundane thing to do, I know, but I miss it. I loved serendipitously seeing some of my friends while shopping.
I also miss hugging my family and friends. I love to hug. There are great huggers out there. I have a friend who is the greatest hugger in the world...a gift I don't even think she thinks she possesses. When she hugs, you sink into her and feel a sense of warmth and love. I miss that. Now don't get me wrong...my husband, Denis, is a great hugger too, but my friends hug tops any I've ever received.
Oh, and, I miss, miss, miss having my grandkids over for art lessons, baking and cooking. I do see them from a distance, but it's just not the same. I am tired and frustrated by these sacrifices. I know that it's important for me to stay the course. This action is not only good for my own health, but the health of others, as well. I understand the fatigue and frustration we all feel. Not one person or pet has not been affected by this pandemic. I would assume that the only way to move forward is to release the past and embrace the future of a new year...a new beginning. I know in my heart of hearts, if we remain vigilant, we will conquer this virus and come out feeling stronger and braver. The good news is that we are told help is on the way. By the middle to the end of 2021 we will see a "new" normal emerge. Albeit, we will most likely still be sporting our face coverings for a while, but there is a light at the end of this long dark tunnel.
I can't help but think about all of the good things that have happened this year, too. My little girl, Miss YaYa, was operated on right after I was. She was diagnosed with cancer. My first thought was, oh, no, not another heartbreak...However, her amazing doctors were able to remove all of the cancer. After four rounds of chemotherapy she made it through her treatments with flying colors. She is pretty much back to her 11 year old goofy, wiggly self. I also had some good news... I had my 4th CT scan last week and my oncologist said that everything looks good. Another set of blessings.
My hope is that, as we reflect, we bring these good things out in the forefront and concentrate on them. By taking them one by one we can use them to move forward to a better tomorrow. My humble advice is to look ahead to what we want to be, what we want to learn and the wisdom we are eager to share. We must try our hardest to succumb to the feelings of defeat and frustration. Instead, we must pause to reflect on the blessings and distance we've traveled throughout this very challenging year. We have to concentrate on the strength we've acquired along our journey and the progress we've made along the way. Most importantly...
My hope is that, as we reflect, we bring these good things out in the forefront and concentrate on them. By taking them one by one we can use them to move forward to a better tomorrow. My humble advice is to look ahead to what we want to be, what we want to learn and the wisdom we are eager to share. We must try our hardest to succumb to the feelings of defeat and frustration. Instead, we must pause to reflect on the blessings and distance we've traveled throughout this very challenging year. We have to concentrate on the strength we've acquired along our journey and the progress we've made along the way. Most importantly...
We should Be proud of ourselves.
The best is yet to come in
2021!!!
Happy tales to you,
With love and blessings for a
Happy and Healthy New Year to ALL!
xoxo Yvonne
~Stay Vigilant~
Written by Yvonne Dagger
Holidays this year will be quite different than those we've ever experienced throughout our lives. In the past almost 70 years that I have been living, I have never seen times like these where I can't be with my family, hug them and share in holiday festivities. We are a social society where gatherings and get togethers are so important to us. Holiday parties were all part of my holiday traditions during this joyous time of the year. Extended family parties and celebrations were the norm and have always become treasured memories. However, this year we must forego these tried and true traditions. Our gatherings must stay small and consist of just the people living in our homes. It's a very hard thing to do especially when we've never done this before.
However, it's so important that we stay vigilant and follow the guidelines that the scientists and doctors put in place of wearing a face mask, social distancing, keeping our hands clean...and celebrating with only the people living in our homes. These guidelines are not only for our own protection, but for the health and well being of the doctors, nurses, health care workers, hospital employees, and first responders. Right now they are overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases. If we follow these very simple guidelines, we will be able to see and celebrate with our loved ones again in the near future. I can't stress enough how important this is. Please, please show your love for yourself and others by following the guidelines. It will be the greatest Holiday gift that you give and get this year.
Dagger and I wish everyone a happy and healthy Holiday Season. Remember, better days are ahead.
Be safe, Stay healthy and above all stay vigilant!
Be safe, Stay healthy and above all stay vigilant!
With a hopeful heart, a virtual hug and a happy tale to tell,
God bless!
Yvonne
God bless!
Yvonne
Each and every VOTE counts
As I write this blog,
America is going through one of the most challenging times in it's history.
We have all felt the effects of the Carona Virus Pandemic. Even Dagger has felt its effects. With no workshops to look forward to and visits to rehabilitation centers he has become a bit depressed. My heart breaks to see this happen. Now, don't get me wrong, we do venture into our studio to paint and that's fun. But, it can be lonely for him and me too.
Even more saddening, lives have been lost, people are alone in hospitals without loved ones to console them as they leave this world. Our doctors, nurses and health care workers have taken the place of family members....holding the hands of people they hardly know saying "Goodbye" for their family members. God bless each and every one of them. They are our true heroes. The unsung heroes and living saints of today. Many have sacrificed their lives to care for the sick and dying. Our doctors and scientists need and deserve our respect and should be listened to. I have repeatedly posted on Dagger's social media channels the need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing and wash your hands often.
These are important mitigation tools that will help us eradicate this horrible virus.
They work...The Scientific Facts tell us so!
In just two days, we have an election to determine who will sit in the Oval Office for the next four years. I am optimistic, confident and hopeful that we will see our nation unite as we had always done. When Dagger and started our mission of bringing education and community service to all people, getting political was one thing I swore I would never ever do. However, I can't help but think of how divided our nation has become. It makes me sad to think that stores and buildings are being boarded up because of the unrest that may take place after the election.
Our great Nation has and will emerge from all of this better. I truly believe this. It's important to remember that as Americans we have overcome many obstacles that have left us stronger and prouder than ever before. We are a nation where Love prevails, Kindness matters, Compassion for our fellow neighbors and strangers is what makes us the United Nations of America and
Bullying to get what one wants is not accepted.
If you haven't voted yet, VOTE. Every vote is a person. Every vote counts. To that person, their vote is a scared right.
If it takes weeks to count each and every vote
...so be it.
I pray for a peaceful transition and a new beginning for our country.
God Bless the United States of America.
America is going through one of the most challenging times in it's history.
We have all felt the effects of the Carona Virus Pandemic. Even Dagger has felt its effects. With no workshops to look forward to and visits to rehabilitation centers he has become a bit depressed. My heart breaks to see this happen. Now, don't get me wrong, we do venture into our studio to paint and that's fun. But, it can be lonely for him and me too.
Even more saddening, lives have been lost, people are alone in hospitals without loved ones to console them as they leave this world. Our doctors, nurses and health care workers have taken the place of family members....holding the hands of people they hardly know saying "Goodbye" for their family members. God bless each and every one of them. They are our true heroes. The unsung heroes and living saints of today. Many have sacrificed their lives to care for the sick and dying. Our doctors and scientists need and deserve our respect and should be listened to. I have repeatedly posted on Dagger's social media channels the need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing and wash your hands often.
These are important mitigation tools that will help us eradicate this horrible virus.
They work...The Scientific Facts tell us so!
In just two days, we have an election to determine who will sit in the Oval Office for the next four years. I am optimistic, confident and hopeful that we will see our nation unite as we had always done. When Dagger and started our mission of bringing education and community service to all people, getting political was one thing I swore I would never ever do. However, I can't help but think of how divided our nation has become. It makes me sad to think that stores and buildings are being boarded up because of the unrest that may take place after the election.
Our great Nation has and will emerge from all of this better. I truly believe this. It's important to remember that as Americans we have overcome many obstacles that have left us stronger and prouder than ever before. We are a nation where Love prevails, Kindness matters, Compassion for our fellow neighbors and strangers is what makes us the United Nations of America and
Bullying to get what one wants is not accepted.
If you haven't voted yet, VOTE. Every vote is a person. Every vote counts. To that person, their vote is a scared right.
If it takes weeks to count each and every vote
...so be it.
I pray for a peaceful transition and a new beginning for our country.
God Bless the United States of America.
Think Positive and positive things will happen.
Happy tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
Happy tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
Life is full of choices...
Whether we take the expressway or the scenic route...both will inevitably get us where we're going. However, how we get to our destination depends on the road we take. And sometimes the slower more scenic route may get us to our destination faster if the expressway is congested. That has happened to me many, many times! Living on Long Island we are constantly reminded of the back-ups on the L.I. Expressway going in or out of NYC at any given time of the day. So, to avoid the traffic, I will take the back roads.
Choices... Those choices...
Life is jam packed full of the choices we make and the consequences of them. The choices we make along our life's journey will inevitably effect our goal or destination. I've often thought about the choices I've made on my life's journey. In retrospect, I can say unequivocally that almost all of the choices I've made have had a positive impact on where I am today on my life's journey. I wouldn't be the mom of a famous canine artist and his muse if I hadn't made the choice to get involved in volunteering for Canine Companions for Independence and becoming a Puppy Raiser for them. In addition, I would have never pursued an art career if it hadn't been for a supportive husband and kids. Going back to school later in life was a difficult and challenging choice that I made. I learned a lot about myself during my years at Hofstra University as I sat in a classroom with students half my age. I learned that the older we get the more we don't know. There's so much to learn and understand about life through education. I also had the great pleasure of learning that as an older student the professors became my peers and friends. They encouraged me to strive to be the best I can be in every situation and never, ever give up. I truly believe that the decision to enter into the scary and unknown world of academics...a world where I thought was unattainable for me...turned out to be a world that I grew to love. While majoring in Fine Arts and Education, I never knew I was good at math and computer science. I even learned mandarin and tia chi. I had my very first solo art show at Hofstra University. To my great amazement, it was a huge success. After leaving Hofstra and earning the Golden Key Award for Academic Excellence, I entered many contests and won so many of them. Then I started pounding the pavement searching for an Art Gallery that would represent me. I will never forget those days when Denis and I would fill up the back of our Toyota Four Runner with all of my paintings stopping at almost every gallery on the east end of Long Island trying to pitch my work to a gallery. I would go into the gallery and Denis would start unloading the car showing painting after painting to the gallery owners. It was an arduous job...To say the least. It was also a lesson in humility where I was turned away numerous times by gallery owners who said they weren't looking for new artists or my work didn't fit in their gallery. It was not only depressing, but a blow to my self esteem. Then one day as we were traveling, we stopped off at a Gallery in Bridgehampton, NY called Clayton Labratory. Owned by an aunt and a niece who had been veterans in the art world, it was located in a small house on Montauk Highway. At first I was apprehensive to even enter the house knowing full well how accomplished these ladies were. But, with Denis' support I rang the bell. To my surprise, they were interested and interviewed me as I sat in their living room talking about my work. They then said, "OK, let us see what you have." As Denis was half way through bringing in my paintings...the ladies looked at each other and said to Denis, "Stop bringing in any more paintings...You have a Show!" They loved my work. That was my very first show other than my show at Hofstra U. I was even written up in the local newspaper by an art critic who gave me a great review. I had later learned that he very rarely gives positive reviews to anyone. WOW! I was over the moon thrilled. I sold almost all of the over 40 paintings in the show. After that I was represented by Chrysalis Gallery in South Hampton, NY for 12 years and now for the past 15 years I have been represented by Fitzgerald Gallery in West Hampton, NY. A Gallery owned by two of the nicest people you will ever meet. I'm proud to be showing in their Gallery. Currently, I'm still painting. I specialize in Pet Portraiture. However, my life took another turn on the highway of life...I've been traveling on a unique road for the past 3 1/2 years with my four legged famous artist, Dagger DogVinci. His life has taken me on roads that I never dreamed I'd be traveling on. It has been the greatest honor to be his master and facilitator during this exciting and wonderful journey.
The choices we make take us down roads that we never knew existed nor ventured to even go down. Life gives us choices everyday. Whatever choices we make, may they make us better individuals filling the world with goodness, kindness and love. To me that's the ultimate goal...That's the destination I want to reach. I know I have a ways to go to reach that goal. I also know that through faith, love and support I can make it...and so can you.
😘
Because you know...
😘
Because you know...
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo
Yvonne
xoxo
Yvonne
A Place where I can Bark, Blog and Woof a Little
written by Yvonne Dagger
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