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January Blog

1/1/2021

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Be Gone...2020!!
​...Happy 2021🥰


New Beginnings 
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.
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.
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...

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
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December Blog

12/1/2020

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~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!
With a hopeful heart, a virtual hug and a happy tale to tell,
God bless!
Yvonne 
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November Blog

11/1/2020

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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.
Think Positive and positive things will happen.
Happy tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
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October's blog

10/1/2020

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​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...

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Happy Tales to you,
xoxo
Yvonne
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September 2020 Blog

9/1/2020

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Life in the Studio


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Life in the studio has changed greatly over the past months while in quarantine. The first and most notable occurrence is that sadly our beloved Tommy TuTu is no longer a part of our creative pack. Then something new has suddenly happened. Dagger is now fearful of going down the steps that lead to our studio. I don't know why this has suddenly happened. For close to four years now he has bounced down the two short steps that lead to our studio like a champ. Then recently, one day, he just put the brakes on and wouldn't come down the steps. It is so disheartening to me. I tried food and treat lures to get him to come down the two measly steps. Then one day, literally at my wits end, my dear friend, Ann, recommended I take him through the outside door that leads to the studio. There are no steps going that way. I tried her idea and it worked. I'm happy about that, but by the same token, I wish I knew what was going on in his mind that after so many hundreds of times going down the steps he suddenly has a fear of them.  Questions like: "Did I move something around in the studio?" or "Did I add something new?" But, nothing like that ever affected him before.  In fact, I've moved so many things over the years in the studio nothing... not one thing... that I've changed has ever bothered him before. I can't for the life of me figure it out. Walking in through the outside door makes him comfortable. So, here we are, another new normal. We now walk into the studio through the outside door.  Go figure!!!
Upon entering, his tail wags and you can clearly tell that he is relieved that he is safely in his space.  Then as we take our places, a sense of joy enters this creative space. I'm happy that that has not changed at all.  Miss YaYa and Dagger's tail's wag while I begin to feel a happiness take over my being,  Our studio has become for us our safe haven. A place where creativity happens and life takes a hopeful turn. So, what has changed about Dagger has little or no effect on our time in the studio. It's still the same wonderful creative world. A world where anything goes and everything happens. 

The memories of how we would lose ourselves in the happiness permeates the studio space and we are once again transformed into creative creatures...learning and be inspired by each other.  
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It's a marvelous feeling to know that we have this place to express ourselves.
Studio's for the most part can be that creative place where we learn and become inspired by our own talent. Speaking from my own experience and easel🙂, I have had the greatest pleasure of working on many paintings and literally losing myself in time. I become transcendent into a world of creative prowess that humbles me and allows me to be...well, ME.
Kandinsky, the father of abstract art, likened his time in the studio as a transcendental time where colors were other worldly and his paintings became compositions, impressions and improvisations. Much like musical compositions. According to Wikipedia.com, Kandinsky felt that "music was the ultimate teacher."  As the Der Blaue Reiter Almanac essays and theorising with composer Arnold Schoenberg indicate, Kandinsky also expressed the communion between artist and viewer as being available to both the senses and the mind (synesthesia). Hearing tones and chords as he painted, Kandinsky theorised that (for example), yellow is the colour of middle C on a brassy trumpet; black is the colour of closure, and the end of things; and that combinations of colours produce vibrational frequencies, akin to chords played on a piano. In 1871 the young Kandinsky learned to play the piano and cello.
Kandinsky also developed a theory of geometric figures and their relationships—claiming, for example, that the circle is the most peaceful shape and represents the human soul. These theories are explained in Point and Line to Plane
Published in Munich in 1911, Kandinsky's text, Über das Geistige in der Kunst, defines three types of painting; impressions, improvisations and compositions. While impressions are based on an external reality that serves as a starting point, improvisations and compositions depict images emergent from the unconscious, though composition is developed from a more formal point of view. Kandinsky compares the spiritual life of humanity to a pyramid—the artist has a mission to lead others to the pinnacle with his work. The point of the pyramid is those few, great artists. It is a spiritual pyramid, advancing and ascending slowly even if it sometimes appears immobile. During decadent periods, the soul sinks to the bottom of the pyramid; humanity searches only for external success, ignoring spiritual forces.
Colours on the painter's palette evoke a double effect: a purely physical effect on the eye which is charmed by the beauty of colours, similar to the joyful impression when we eat a delicacy. This effect can be much deeper, however, causing a vibration of the soul or an "inner resonance"—a spiritual effect in which the colour touches the soul itself."
I can't say that I'm completely likened to Wassily Kandinsky, but after learning about him, I can say that there are many times I've felt a similar way while working in our studio space. The space to me has become a spiritual kind of comfortable safe haven. It's where I feel that time has no prevalence and the tools become symbols of hope and joy. To me, that's a beautiful feeling. I think that if I was able to read Dagger's mind, he would tell me that he feels the same way too. Albeit, those pesky steps. 
Do you have a space in your home that you feel is your safe haven? A space where there's a spiritual and transcendental meditative happening every time you enter in? If you don't, you may want to create one. It can be a small space or it can be a very large space. Whatever and where ever it is, it's your space. Tell me about yours...
Whether your space is large or small...it's yours. Yours to express yourself in any way you like. So, as we always say...CREATE. LEARN and INSPIRE. And I might add, forget the your steps of fear...just let your creative juices flow and your space will become your safe haven too.😘
Happy Tails to you,
xoxo Yvonne

Bibliography:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wassily_Kandinsky
Epilogue: 
Two days after I posted this Blog Dagger decided to run right down the stairs to the studio!! It was like a mini miracle.
He has gone up and down the stairs to the studio since. 
Yippee!!!

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August Blog

8/1/2020

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The Journey of Life


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The journey of life is where my true growth and learning happens. I don't need to go on a physical journey, vacation or trip to witness this growth. What it does encompass is how I view my life. Right now I find myself in a desert kind of place in my life's journey. Much to my amazement, I find that it is when I am in a desert type setting (which is where I think most people are in our current climate) I grow the most. It is in the silent whispers of nature, the rainbow that suddenly appears across the sky that I have found I've learned the most.  When I take the time to reflect on the beauty in nature, I feel a sense of peace and tranquility. But, this doesn't happen all of the time. There are times when things get the better of me and it's hard to see things clearly. I was told by a very wise and wonderful man that when the road on my life's journey seems rocky I am encouraged to quiet myself down, bring myself gently and lovingly back to this place of peace and comfort...a place of hope and gratitude. This destination is of the utmost importance to me. It has helped me tremendously over these past six months. However, stopping to see these signs and practicing this type of thinking can be a challenging and daunting job one of which I sometimes find slightly difficult to do.

Then there is the road to this destination which sometimes takes me on a course that is not the easiest or fastest route on my journey through life. Yet, it has brought me to where I am today.  Many things have happened in my life that I've often felt were not the way I had wished would have taken place. But, in retrospect, I can see now why they had to happen to bring me to the place I am today. Going back to school after I left my families business was traumatic to me at the time.  However, if that had not happened, I would have never achieved the success I enjoy today. Through my academic years I gained the confidence to be able to stand firm in my beliefs and become independent in my thinking. I have become a successful professional fine artist and mom to a famous canine artist.  Going back to school as an adult my professors became my peers and we very often had some pretty interesting conversations over lunch and coffee about the subjects they taught. I loved every course I took and reveled in learning about so many things.  I excelled so much so that I was awarded the Golden Key Award for Academic Excellence.  An honor I will always take pride in receiving. 
As I reflect on my life, I realize that sometimes I missed what was valuable by focusing only on goals. Don't get me wrong, on the contrary, I needed those goals to obtain the success I have achieved thus far in my life. And in reality during this COVID-19 Pandemic, I see things a bit differently  now.  I still have goals that I'd like to achieve. However, I've come to realize that my life's journey is more than a set of goals I've placed before me. Being in quarantine since January (due to my adrenal surgery and the pandemic), my life has slowed down quite a bit.  I've had more time to reflect on the beauty that surrounds me, the people and fur babies that are all part of my life's journey. I've come to appreciate them more. And even though it's been a really challenging time for all of us, it's important that we all try very hard to concentrate on being grateful for all of the blessings bestowed on us each and everyday. I want you to know that YOU are all part of the blessings and gratitude I feel.  I am truly thankful for all of you being a part of my life's journey.
Talking to my oncologist the other day, he assured me that in the near future we will have a vaccine for this terrible virus. I know that almost everyone all over the world is praying for that. When it does happen and we are able to receive the vaccine and enter into our "new" normal, I hope to look back at this time in our history as a time of deep reflection of the blessings in my life. The people and pets I hold dear to my heart. And how much more they mean to me than any material possession I thought was of the utmost importance to me Pre-COVID_19. 
In closing, I would like to leave you this month with a little humble advice...
​Take the time to learn, create and inspire in this desert time in your lives. May the silent whispers of nature speak to you and give you the strength and courage to continue your work here on earth as you give thanks for the blessings along your journey of life each and everyday. And if you get to a place that your road's journey becomes 
rocky, gently and lovingly bring yourself back to that place of peace and tranquility.
​God bless!!

Happy Tales to You,
xoxo Yvonne
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July Blog

7/1/2020

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Take one step at a time...

Picture"Essential Comfort" by Yvonne Dagger

It's been close to four months since we first heard about the COVID-19 virus that was revenging the world. It has been a frightening and challenging time for all of us. Keeping a positive attitude during these troubled times can be one of the hardest things we can do right now. As Americans we are given a choice to either follow a set of guidelines (including wearing a face mask, washing your hands often and social distancing) or doing our own thing. This is our right as Americans. I'm a proponent of wearing a face mask and sticking to the Guidelines put forth by the CDC. I believe they're life savers. But, unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way.  Some people are resistant to adhering to the Guidelines.

On Saturday, July 4th, Americans all across this great nation of ours celebrate Independence Day. This is what our forefathers fought for and our soldiers still fight for throughout the world. Independence in this day and age calls for us to be smart and steadfast in our lives.  It means to stay the course and do what works scientifically. 

However, being independent does not mean that we should squander these rights neither. As I write this blog today, our nation is seeing an uptick in Corona Virus cases with a sad possible second wave. Top doctors all over the world have said publicly that face masks are very effective in stopping the spread of the virus. On Dagger's Social Media channels I've repeatedly posted the great need to wear a face mask, keep your hands clean and social distancing. These guidelines will keep us independent in the long run.   

Yes, face masks are not the most illustrious fashion statement and they do make it a bit harder to breathe. However, if they are going to save your life and the lives of other people, why not wear one when you are in public places?  It's just a simple ask. It's the responsible thing to do. Here in New York, it is mandatory to wear a face mask in stores and businesses. Most people I know are adhering to the guidelines. We are making strides to keep the virus at bay. Let's keep it that way.  The virus is still lurking around.  It's our duty to see that we are all safe and protected from this terrible insidious disease.  In the long run, it's the only defense...right now...we have to fight to keep our independence by staying well and keeping out of danger of contracting the virus.  Please, set a good example to others. Wear a face mask. 

By taking one step at a time, we will get through this. Try to stay positive. Use this time to learn something new. You may just find out that you have a hidden talent that you never knew you had.  Creating a work of art or a craft that you've just learned how to do can add some positive energy to your lives.  Reading a wonderful novel can take you on an adventure through a world of someone else's imagination. I just finished reading a terrific book, "Where the Crawdads Sing" written by Delia Owens. If you've read a good book recently, let me know about it.

I also recently taught myself how to crochet. It's not the best, but I'm trying. I crocheted my grandson a blanket and I am now creating one for my granddaughter. It was awesome to get a short video of him enjoying his new blanket. That made my day 😍
There are so many things that we can be grateful
and thankful for...
​the sunrise, the beauty in nature, hearing the birds chirping, witnessing the magnificence of a sunset. 
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​Try to stay positive...
Try to see the beauty in your surroundings.
Be Grateful. Be Thankful.
Stay well. Stay safe.

Happy July 4th~ Happy Independence Day!!
​&
Happy tales to you,
xo Yvonne

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June Blog

6/1/2020

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I can pray...
​and I can hope,
​but can I stop worrying???

written by Yvonne Dagger
I've always found great solace in praying. Most of the time I will be praying for someone. a family member, a friend or even a stranger. However, I always found  it really difficult to pray for myself. I always thought that I'm not worthy to ask for anything for myself. I also found it rather egotistical to pray for myself. Until one day a friend of mine told me that every prayer big or small is important in your life...even if the prayer is for you. She continued to go on and told me that she had prayed for a good parking space that day and low and behold she got one! Asking in prayer, then, became easier for me to ask for prayer for myself. As a Roman Catholic when I pray, I pray to God, Jesus, Jesus' mom and dad, Mary & Joseph and all of the angels and saints. To you it may be someone or something completely different. Whatever or whoever it is, it's always such a comfort to know that we can count on them. That feeling of comfort may last for a long time or may be very briefly felt. For the most part, I am comforted by knowing that I am cared for and loved by those who listened to my prayer. However,  most of the time I fall back into the worrying time again.  Saint Padre Pio tells us to "Pray, Hope and Don't Worry." They are beautiful words for sure. It's a lovely message.  But, am I really going to pay close attention to message of each word? When I reflect on those words I know that I can pray...and I can hope, but truthfully...I have a hard time with those last two little words...DON'T WORRY.  To me, it's not that easy of a statement to live by especially in our current pandemic. Pray, sure! Hope, got it. But, worry?? that's a completely different word all together.  Those five little letters can cause a multitude of stress and angst for me and many people. And why not? You might ask.  After all, we are going through an unprecedented time right now. Everyday we are given the facts about the COVID-19 Virus and then the next day we are given more facts, new facts to add to the ones we thought were the only facts, but, the old facts that we were given the days before changed and we were given new facts. Sounds confusing...well, it is!!! So, why wouldn't we worry? We do, after all, have a lot to be worrisome about. Will I get the virus or will someone I know get it?  Will the kids go back to school in the fall? Will the economy recover? When will we be able to hug someone with our arms? And the biggie: When will there be a cure, a treatment or vaccine for this virus? Those are real worries!! And I worry about them all.

​I once knew of a man who said that his wife worried about worrying! I feel sometimes that I'm that woman😁 But, seriously, worrying about what's to come can be destructive to our mental and physical health. 

​So, why do we worry? According to WedMD,🐶 There are several reasons for worrying,  Robert L. Leahy, PhD, the author of The Worry Cure: 7 Steps to Stop Worry From Stopping You and the director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York City, explains that, "People worry because they think something bad will happen or could happen, so they activate a hypervigilant strategy of worry and think that 'if I worry I can prevent this bad thing from happening or catch it early,'" Leahy says. Put another way: If you didn't worry, things might get out of hand. The worrier's credo is that if you can simply imagine something bad happening, it's your responsibility to worry about it."🐶


The question is: "How can we train ourselves to worry less and maybe even stop worrying?  Doctor Leahy, has 9 "Worry-Busting Steps" to help us get through the worrying part of this challenging time in our lives. 
🐶 "9 Worry-Busting Steps​
No. 1. Make a list of your worries. Identify what you are worried about, says Leahy.

No. 2. Analyze the list. "Look at whether your worry is productive or unproductive," Leahy says. A productive worry is one that you can do something about right now. For example, "I am going to Italy, so I may be worried about making plane and hotel reservations," he says. "This is a productive worry because I can take action now by going online to make reservations." 
By contrast, an unproductive worry is one which you can't do anything about. "It is more of a proliferation of 'what ifs,' over which you have no control and there is no productive action that will lead to a solution," Leahy says. For example, losing sleep and worrying about whether or not you will get cancer is unproductive.

No. 3. Embrace uncertainty. Once you have isolated your unproductive worries, it's time to identify what you need to accept in order to get over them, Leahy says. You may need to accept your own limitations or it may be a degree of uncertainty that you need to accept. For example, you very well may get cancer some day as no one really knows what the future holds. "Many worried people equate uncertainty with a bad outcome, but uncertainty is really neutral," he says. "When you accept uncertainty, you don't have to worry anymore. Acceptance means noticing that uncertainty exists and letting go and focusing on the things that you can control, enjoy, or appreciate."

No. 4. Bore yourself calm. "Repeat a feared thought over and over and it will become boring and will go away," Leahy says. If your fear is dying of cancer, look in the mirror and say, "I may die of cancer. I may die of cancer." Say it enough and it will lose its power.

No 5. Make yourself uncomfortable. "Worriers feel that they can't tolerate discomfort, but if you practice discomfort, you will accomplish a lot more," Leahy says. "The goal is to be able to do what you don't want to do or things that make you uncomfortable." Worriers tend to avoid new things and situations that make them uncomfortable, such as parties or public speaking engagements. The preemptive worry helps them avoid discomfort, but if you force yourself to do the very things that make you uncomfortable, you will rely less on worry as a coping strategy.

No 6. Stop the clock. "Worried people often have a sense of urgency," Leahy says. "They think, 'I need the answer right now and if I don't get it then something terrible will happen.'" Look at the advantages and disadvantages of demanding such urgency. "Rather than focus on the sense of urgency, instead focus on what you observe right now," Leahy says. "Ask yourself, 'What can I do in the present moment to make my life more pleasant or meaningful?'" he says. "You can either focus your mind on getting an answer right now or focus on improving the moment." The latter is the better strategy. Take a deep breath, read, or listen to music to stop the clock and curtail your anxiety.

No 7. Remember that it's never as bad as you think it will be. Anxiety or worry is all about anticipation. The 'what ifs' are always way worse than how you feel when something actually happens. "Worriers tend to worry about things that even if they happen, they can handle it," Leahy says. "Worriers are actually good at handling real problems."

No 8. Cry out loud. "The emotional part of the brain -- the amygdala -- is suppressed when you worry," Leahy explains. "The emotion kicks in later with gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue or rapid heart rate. Use your emotions; don't try to get rid of them because when you are crying or angry, you are not worried."

​No 9. Talk about it. Beside the cognitive therapy techniques mentioned above -- which can help change troublesome behaviors -- talk therapy can also help chronic worriers worry less by getting to the root of their issues. Often talk therapy and cognitive behavior therapy can work together, Taub says."
​
After reading these helpful tips, I think I can do a better job of worrying less.  I can't promise anything...but, I will give it a try. How about you? Are you a worrier too? Let me know. After all, misery needs company😁😁
Whatever happens...
​I am going to do the best I can and try not to worry about what is to come. I will pray about it and hope for a better tomorrow. 

🙏🏻
Stay Well. Stay Safe. And Please, Don't Worry!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
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​🐶 ​Bibliography

WebMD
​
9 Steps to End Chronic WorryingExperts explain how to reduce excessive worrying that can have mental and physical effects. 
​By Denise Mann

://www.webmd.com/balance/features/9-steps-to-end-chronic-worrying#1
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May Blog

5/1/2020

1 Comment

 
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Written By Yvonne Dagger

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We adopted Tommy on October 28th, 2007.  His name was originally "Jake." We liked the name Jake, however, our neighbors dog was named Jake...so, we thought that it would get a bit confusing over the years with dogs that lived next to each other had the same name. Plus we really thought he looked like a Tommy....The "TuTu' was added as the years passed and we really got to know our Tommy TuTu.
Tommy was our first and as it has turned out...our ONLY Pure Breed Dog to date. Tommy was from an very elite group of Pedigree dogs called the Kentucky Derby line of Beagles.  He was registered Under the American Pet Registry and named "A Million Dollar Baby" and The Copper Penny Breed. He was a 15 inch tri-color beagle. Whenever I'd read his lineage I was  impressed.  So regal and so very special.
I met Tommy TuTu for the very first time at the Park Animal Hospital. He was being boarded there because his owners had medical issues and were unable to care for a puppy of 6 months old.  We had just lost our beloved beagle Melvin and the doctors at the hospital knew that we were interested in a third beagle.  Maggie and Jimmy were left of our three beagles. So, the great doctors at the Park Animal Hospital, Dr.s Jane & Jim and the Vet Tech, Cathy, who knew how special our beagles were to us, contacted us and wanted to know if we were interested in adopting Tommy. We would then become a three family beagle brigade again! How wonderful!, I thought. Cathy suggested that I bring the other two beagles to meet this new little puppy...Just to see if they'd get along.  I will never forget that day...The weather was incredible! It was pouring rain! But, I didn't let that deter me from meeting Tommy.  I took Maggie & Jimmy with me over to the hospital in the torrential rain to meet Tommy.  We waited in the examination room to meet our potential new friend.  When the door opened a scared, super sensitive little puppy ran right between my legs and stayed there throughout our visit. Of course, Maggie and Jimmy nosied around...sniffing Tommy everywhere. It seemed that they would be ok with each other AND... I knew right then and there that this little boy was mine. It's funny as the years passed Tommy became more and more attached to me. He followed me around the house and found a place to curl up and lay his head when I was working in an area.  I had "Tommy" beds everywhere.  I knew that there was some sort of separation anxiety...I just didn't know that it was me that felt the separation anxiety the most. I always thought it was him.  I am missing him more since he ventured over the Rainbow Bridge with each day that passes. 
I think what I miss most was that Tommy was a true character. When we got the "Papers" from his original owners, in the packet was a note telling us what Tommy liked, what his daily routine was like etc. 
They wrote that Tommy loved socks, oven mitts and dish towels.  "That's common", I thought. What I didn't realize at the time was that he loved socks so much that he ATE the socks. Socks, very often, got Tommy in the most trouble. Most of the time he did end up at the Park Animal Hospital to get x-rayed to try to locate the sock. One such time was when Denis and I had gone to a concert in NYC.  We always had our Doggie Sitter, Gabby, watch the dogs for us while we were out.  Unfortunately, Gabby was unable to do it that night, but she referred her friend Bobbie" to come over to sit with the dogs.  Bobbie was a wonderful young man. While we were at the concert my cell phone rang...a very distressed and panicked Bobbie was on the other line. "Mrs. Dagger, he cried, "Tommy just ate one of my socks!"  I replied, "Are you sure of this, Bobbie?" He answered with even more panic in his voice..."He ate it right before my eyes. I tried to get it away from him, but he swallowed it before I could even get to him." I told him to give Tommy a slice of bread with butter smeared on it...sometimes this helps to get them to throw up the sock. He did just as I suggested.  Tommy ate the bread and walked away like the "king of the sock dog." We rushed home only to see a very anxious and stressed out dog sitter who was clearly apologetic. I felt so bad for Bobbie. But, this was Tommy...in true fashion. The next day I took Tommy to the Park Animal  Hospital to get X-rayed. After a few days in the hospital, the doctors told us that there was no sign of the sock. I always thought that Tommy had another pocket in his body made just for socks 😁 The doctors suggested us taking Tommy home since he was eating and looking good. That afternoon, I went and picked Tommy up.  On the way home from the hospital Tommy threw the sock up in the car. Yup, Tommy was a real character. By the way...we never saw Bobbie again.
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I could go on and on about Tommy TuTuism's. In his later years he became a media sensation.  In fact, more people from all over the world expressed they deepest condolences when they heard he had passed. People loved him. He was so photogenic. But, most importantly he was loving, gentle, smart as a whip and a real character.  To us he was just Tommy TuTu...We had many nicknames for Tommy..."Bob Barker Marker.  Little pain in the drain and Tommy TooDaLooToo."  He certainly gave us 13 1/2 years of sheer delight and kept us on our toes with his antics.  We will miss him dearly. But, toward the end of his life, we knew that Tommy was not feeling his eager, spunky self anymore. It was heartbreaking to let him go. 
It's a funny thing...Life...I met Tommy up at the Park Animal Hospital through Cathy and it was Cathy that held Tommy in his last minutes here on earth. I will always treasure her love and compassion and all of the Doctors and staff at the Park Animal Hospital for Tommy in my heart forever.
Well, thank you for reading about Tommy TuTu.
​He will be forever in our hearts and souls. 
With love and gratitude,
Yvonne

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Pretend "Veterinarian" Maddie Dagger set up a Animal Hospital with Tommy as one of her patients. All of the other patients were stuffed animals. He was such a good sport! Circa 2010
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April Blog

4/1/2020

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I Saw a Cardinal from a Distance
by Yvonne Dagger


Picture"Cardinal" 8"x10" Oil on Canvas by Yvonne Dagger
The other day as I was looking out of my studio window I saw a Cardinal sitting on a branch in a very large tree in my neighbors yard. The little red bird was alone. Sitting and looking from the height of the tree, he seemed isolated, yet I'm sure he knew that his fellow bird friends were close by. In fact, shortly after seeing this little red bird, I saw another red cardinal on another branch on the large tree. 
"Wow..., I thought, "they're practicing "Social distancing" too." 😁

In the last month and a half, here in America
and all across the globe,
we humans have added many new phrases
to our vocabulary such as:

Social Distancing
Flattening the Curve
Self-Quarantine
Super-Spreader
Community Spread 
Patient Zero


We are asked by Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert, to "Hunker Down" meaning that we should stay in place...stay at home with the hashtag #AloneTogether.  Our New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, talks about the Apex and flattening the curve...an apex, I've since learned, is the upper most point on a curved path. These phrases have become of late common place. We speak of them as if they had been a part of our speech for years.  Yet, they are all new and quite honestly scary.  It has become for all of us throughout the world a very frightening and uncertain time. ​
As social creatures, many have found the "isolation" part of this pandemic stressful and unnatural. It's in our nature to be social. I think of phrases such as "Reach out and touch someone" and "Give a hug and make someone's day." Not now, though. Now we have to refrain from doing these things. We must adhere to the guidelines placed by the doctors our leaders in order to stop the spread of this deadly COVID-19 virus.  And it's not easy!!
Our lives have changed drastically. People are out of work. Schools, colleges and Universities are closed. Stores are closed. Churches are not holding services and mass. Movie theaters are closed.  Broadway in New York is closed. Restaurants are only serving take out and you have to pick most up at the curbside. Only essential businesses are open and even they are taking great precaution when serving the public. It is unprecedented and extremely way out of the ordinary for us humans. Personally, Dagger and I have had to put his workshops on hold until it is safe to venture out again. It's sad because our main purpose as a team was always to bring education and community service to the patrons and students in libraries and schools. As a result of this isolation, we are unable to share Dagger's message and give the funds we receive to charity.  BUT, we a hopeful that one day soon we will be back to doing what we love so much.
What I have found very interesting during this time are all of the TV, entertainers, comedians and movie stars who have taken to social media to share with the public. Most are cooking and sharing their recipes and creations with the world.  And then some are just talking and sharing their thoughts. It's a great way to keep connected with the outside world.  Somehow these sharing's make one feel less alone.  That's such a God send.
Social media channels truly keep us connected through the waves of technology.
Technology has also helped with schools and teachers.  Children are able to get their assignments on a tablet and have a meeting with their teacher through an app called "Zoom." I never heard of Zoom before, but now it is part of my daily language. By the way, if you don't know what "Zoom" is...it's a video communication and conferencing device to connect others through video and chat.
​Very cool!
There are many God sends that this challenging time has sent to us. 
With all that is going on how can we look on the bright side of things?
I know that with all that we have to encounter currently, we can lose sight of the bright spots in our lives. And if we find ourselves getting  to a point where we'll feel like we're "loosing it" we can bring ourselves back to a place that makes us feel happy and comforted. That place could be a summer scene on the beach or a family gathering.  Whatever it is, it does help to take the stress away.
Then think of all of the people and pets who you love and love you in your life.  Make an imaginary circle of love in your mind with the people and pets in your life. These are the things that help me get through the tough times.  It truly does help...it's so comforting and calms me down so much.

​Another great way of brightening your days is to FaceTime your relatives. We do that all of the time with our grandchildren. It's a fun time.  We love it!!❤️
​
​Being isolated from others is also a wonderful opportunity to do something that you've been meaning to do and that you've never had the time for. Actually starting and finishing a project around the house is a marvelous way of using your time wisely. Read a book, watch an upbeat, funny video or movie. Paint and/or draw a work of art, begin writing a journal and or a book. Do a puzzle. I love word searches😁 I try to time myself and as I do more and more I get faster and faster at solving them. It's fun!
​
In addition, you can practice random acts of kindness by thanking all of the people out on the front lines working to save lives...the healthcare professionals for humans and pets, the grocery workers, truck drivers, delivery people, postal workers, your mail person and on and on...Think of the myriad of ways you can contribute just by staying home and sending a big thank you out through social media. The examples are endless. You could even give your neighbor's a call and brighten their day.   There are so many ways to feel that you've added positive energy to you life and the life of others. It's a remarkable thing , but whenever I send or say "thank you" to someone I feel better than the receiver of the thank you. ❤️🦋😁

Take a moment right now and listen to the birds outside...they are singing songs of hope and happy days ahead.  It's a beautiful song of springtime and new life.
Isolation is what we make of it. It takes a great deal of patience and discipline.  I'm sure that those two little red cardinals I saw sitting on different branches of that big tree knew that each were there even though they were a distance apart. Like the little red cardinals, we need to be reassured that people are there for us...
maybe not at an arms distance or even a paws/hands distance...
But they are there for us...
praying for us, caring for us
and wishing us the best of health and happiness.
​ I wish that for all of you😘
​Can you do the same for me?

​🌸THANK YOU...(I  feel better all ready😁)🌸
🦋💐💐🌷🌹🌸🌼🌺
God Bless you all.
​Have a blessed
🦋🌸Easter and Passover!🌸🦋

Please Be healthy and Be safe,
Happy tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
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