March Blog

---

I find writing monthly blogs a really good thing. I often reach deep within myself to find the thing that I want to convey to my readers for the month.

January and February were kind of a blur to me.  I had major surgery on January 23rd.  So, February was a month of recovery. Now that I am on the mend, I'm once again reaching into my soul to find some inspirational message I'd like for all of you to take from this blog. This month I'm concentrating on one word "Gratitude."  The gratitude that we feel when someone does something nice for us. The gratitude that feel when we do something nice for someone else. There are many people that I have had the greatest pleasure of having the word gratitude show its full meaning to me.

Ann Barile and Dagger DogVinci

​ One such woman is Ann Barile. Ann is such a great mentor to me. She has taught me so many things since we met years ago. Her love and care for Dagger and I go beyond measure. Ann is not only a dear, dear friend, but she is also a strong advocate for Dagger's well being. Dagger's "Auntie" Ann has been by our side at every workshop in the past three years traveling with us, taking care of the logistics and making sure Dagger is comfortable while I speak and talk to the students and patrons. Ann is constantly inspiring and teaching me. I am so grateful and blessed to know her. 

---

Another person I've always admired over the years is Saint Mother Teresa. I had the great honor on June 26th, 1986 to see her at an event she was speaking at. I knew when she was speaking that she was already a saint.  In fact, at the time she was known throughout the world as a "Living Saint." I remember the day like it was yesterday. I got to the cathedral early, as many of the attendees did.  My seat was very close to where she was to speak.  But, if anyone knows me well, they know that I'm notoriously the person kneeling to get the best photos of anyone I admire...that includes my kids and grandkids. What I didn't know at the time was that a professional photographer for the Long Island Catholic was there taking pictures and he shot the one on this blog of me as I was waiting for Mother Teresa to arrive.

---

Me listening to Mother Teresa June 26, 1986 at St. Agnes Cathedral

I was full of anticipation and excitement as I waited and waited for what seemed to be forever for this person I had adored for so long to enter the Cathedral. In my mind she was a giant, a strong woman that I knew had been known for helping the poorest of the poor. However, to my surprise, a small, frail, woman hunched over slowly walked onto the altar making her way over to the podium wearing a white sarong with a blue border and sandals. My first thought was..."She's so tiny and frail...how can she be so strong and powerful? How can a woman who appeared weak and delicate take care of the sick and poor when she herself looked to me to be so defenseless."  That was until she began to speak. Her words were so profound and full of strength and conviction. I held on to each one like they were the last words I would ever hear in my entire life. And, my goodness, I learned at that moment to not let that frail seemingly vulnerable stature fool you... she was one of the strongest women I had ever met.

---

She spoke about the way in which we can all do good deeds and help others. What made a great impact on me was when she spoke about the children of the world and how concerned she was about them. She said that if we want to see our children grow up as good citizens we must be good examples to them.  She added that we must be watchful about who they hang out with...using the expression, "Birds of a feather flock together."  Then she said that, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love."  Dagger and I try to do that whenever we can. Believe me...we are not living saints, but we try everyday to make our little world a better place.

Saint Mother Teresa was a shining example of how we should all live our lives.  She lived her life simply giving of herself always.  Yet, she was always concerned about her own health and welfare. She took care of body by taking vitamins and eating the right foods.  She took care of her soul by praying and attending mass everyday. In fact, when she wanted to start her order "The Missionaries of Charity" back in 1950, the Pope told her to make sure that she take vitamins everyday and get a physical every year. She made a promise to him that she would do that always. 

I will never forget the day I was in the presence of Saint Mother Teresa. We have living saints that we meet everyday in our lives like the Ann Barile's and the Mother Teresa's. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. They are the people that make a difference in the world.  I'm sure we all know who they are.  

While I am recuperating from my surgery, I've had a  lot of time to think and reflect on how truly blessed I am to have you all in my life. I heard from everyone. Your thoughts and prayers mean the world to me. You've helped me recover quickly. You sent your positive vibes and messages to me giving me the strength to heal much faster. For that and many other things you all do...I am so very grateful.

So, as I close this March Blog to you, I leave you with this message...
Look around...you'll see the people and animals who make your world a better place. They are the living 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 will hold your love, your concern, your prayers and your thoughts about me and my speedy recovery in my heart forever😘❤️

Have a Happy March!  
​And if you celebrate St Patrick's Day 🍀
​and/or St. Joseph's Day enjoy every minute😘

Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne