🎶 Will you be my neighbor?? 🎶When my kids were growing up, there was a show on PBS called "Mr Rogers Neighborhood." According to Wikipedia.com, Fred Rogers was an "American television host, author, producer, and Presbyterian minister." He captivated his young audience and was a big hit in our house. His calm and inspirational demeanor as well as his way of making every child feel special was his Hallmark. I remember how happy I was when the show was on because for an hour I knew Mr. Rogers was "babysitting" for my little ones through the TV screen. To me he was giving them a great deal of positive and wonderful messages. He would say, "You're special just the way you are!" and "In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers." Oh, there were so many messages on his show. From the minute he entered his little neighborhood when he changed his jacket to his sweater and his shoes to his sneakers, you just knew that the messages were going to be messages you wanted your kids to hear and live by. Even feeding the fish was symbolic. What did all of this mean? I think for my kids it meant that there was an order in a daily schedule and a sense of taking care of oneself and others, even the fish. I also think that it was a great way of teaching by repetition. Children learn from repetition. After all, we all do. Dagger certainly has learned positive reinforcement through repetition. Every morning he nudges my husband, Denis, to get up. He knows that it's time for his breakfast, his walk down to the park to play ball and visit with his fur buddies. He knows because we do this repeatedly everyday. He also knows that when we enter our studio to paint, I put on my smock and I dress him in his red beret. This all signifies that it's time to paint. Our little world in the studio is a wonderful place of happiness and joy. We create, sing, play and sometimes we even cuddle up on the old leather couch that sits up against the far wall. A wall that proudly displays Dagger's works of art. Repeating positive thoughts and activities creates one to experience good vibes. I know that this can be quite difficult to do during the hard times. It's challenging to say the least. And over the past few years we've all experienced some really hard times. However, we must keep telling ourselves that we are amazing, we can overcome and we are brave. Repeating those words over and over again, can change the negative words into positive ones and we'll begin to see the world in a different light. A light that has hope and meaning. Mr. Rogers did just that during his shows for children. He repeatedly told his little viewers that they were special and deserving. He covered topics that were important in their lives. He kept a routine and made it fun. His "neighborhood" included characters that he saw on a daily basis and interacted with them. Sometimes they had problems that were worked out. Sometimes there were exciting events that took place where he would help the characters deal with their emotions as they encountered these events. Whatever it was, Mr. Rogers was on the television screen teaching our children (and us, too) lessons of everyday life and occurrences. He reassured these little minds that "It was a beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" and that "They were special just the way they were." We need to reassure ourselves that no matter what age we are we too can make any day a beautiful day just by telling ourselves that we are loved, we are deserving and we are special just the way we are. By repeating these words over and over again, we will begin to believe them. I'm gonna try... Are you? Happy Tales to you! xoxo Yvonne 
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Summer in New YorkHere in New York, as the summer months approach, life gets a bit more relaxed and carefree. Outdoor events, BBQ's, water and beach fun are enjoyed by many. Dagger takes such delight in the summer months too. Although he doesn't like to jump into the pool or enter the ocean, he does love watching the waves roll in on the beach shore and hang out at the pool in our back yard. As much fun as the summer months can be, there are ways with which our dogs can get into trouble if we aren't aware of the many dangers that come with these hot sunny days. Dogs are extremely prone to overheating in the summer months. As responsible dog owners, we must be their advocates and watch for the signs of a dog that is overheated. If you see your dog panting and lethargic, it's time to take him/her into an air conditioned environment and apply cool cloths to his or her head and body. We must be mindful of their well-being in the heat. Besides overheating, their paws can burn on the hot pavement leaving them in pain and discomfort. They can also become dehydrated. Just like us, they need water at all times. Without a voice, as their best friends, we must watch for these signs. For your convenience, listed below are some tips that we can all follow no matter where we live in the world to show our love to our fur babies... To avoid these problems and enjoy the summer season with your pet, here're the tips to keep in mind.
What is good for dogs in summer? Yogurt mix: Unsweetened yogurt mixed with fruits can also make a great snack. Try mixing yogurt with strawberries and watermelon (without seeds) and serve them frozen to your canine child. This mixture is a good source of anti-oxidants. Banana-Peanut buster mix: Mash banana and mix with all natural peanut butter.* Make sure your dog is ready to enjoy the warm weather by taking action on these seven summer pet care tips.
I would also add that many items served at BBQ's are not suitable for dogs to consume. Sometimes people who attend our backyard parties may not be aware that your dog can't eat certain things. Without you even knowing they may innocently think that they can "just give them a little." While they mean well, they may cause your dog to get sick and end up at the emergency veterinarian. You have to let your guests know that your dog only takes treats and food from you and your family members ONLY. And PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A HOT CAR!!!!! If you have any other suggestions and tips, please post them below. Most importantly, enjoy and be safe! Happy tales to you! xoxo Yvonne  *Taken from : tips for dog owners for the summer months
CelebrationsLife is full of celebrations. Especially this time of the year.  Us back on May 6, 1972 On May 6th, Denis and I will be celebrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Fifty Years!! WOW! I can hardly believe it! I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny spring day. We had been planning it for years. As High School sweethearts, we knew that we were going to get married from the beginning of our courtship until the day we said, "I Do!" Looking back, we were just two kids trying to make a life for ourselves. We began our married journey together in a two room small apartment upstairs in a house in Baldwin, New York. The rent was $150.00 a month. We had purchased our "Colonial" style bedroom furniture two years before paying "on time" and it could hardly fit in the bedroom. It was big and bulky and I think we had 24 inches from one piece of furniture to another. Quite honestly, I don't know how we lugged it up the long flight of stairs to our apartment. But we did! We were determined to make it all work. There were two great assets about the place. The first was that it had an awesome stove with an oven that baked the highest and most beautiful cakes and cupcakes I've ever made. The second was that there was a heater in the bathroom that kept us warm as we got ready for work and college. There were the downfalls too. In the summer, it got mighty hot up there with no air conditioning. We ended up getting a small window air conditioner for the living room/kitchen/dining room area. When we sat at our small kitchen table I had to ask Denis to move to the right because he was blocking the cool air from getting to where I sat. It was ours, though. Our first place after we got married. We were so grateful for it. Then when I got pregnant with our first child it got harder and harder for me to make it up that long flight of stairs. The months flew by as I continued to work full time while Denis was working and finishing up getting his degree in Education at CW Post. My OBGYN Doctor was in my home town so after work and on my days off I would go for my check-ups and then visit my parents. I remember my last appointment with him when he told me that it would be only days away from giving birth to my baby (in those days you didn't learn the gender of your baby until you gave birth) and that it would be wise for me not to climb the long flight of stairs to our apartment. So, I stayed at my parents' house until I gave birth. Denis would come over after school and work, to be with me. Then the day came. It was early in the morning. Everyone was still sleeping. I'll never forget knocking on my parents bedroom door and whispering, "I think it's time." Calls went out to my doctor who instructed us to start to time my contractions. When they were 15 minutes apart we were to go to the hospital which was about 20 minutes away. My paternal grandfather (who lived with my parents at the time) kissed me and told me in Italian "Buona fortuna!" (Translated to English means: Good luck!, God speed!) as Mom and I left for the hospital. By the time Denis had arrived at my parents house we were already on our way to the hospital. What I was not aware of was that Denis was traveling from place to place all day long! He was driving from Baldwin to Massapequa then to Bethpage where the hospital was and back to Massapequa in what I later learned was a very rainy day. He traveled in our MG Midget Triumph Spitfire I used to call our puddle jumper and that day it did a lot of puddle jumping. Cell phones were not invented yet so people just relied on pay phones or land lines. Denis was trying to find out where I was..."Was I still at home? or Were we at the hospital already? He kept driving and finally ended up meeting my mom at the hospital. At the time, husbands were not allowed in the delivery room, so by the time Denis arrived to the hospital, he just paced and waited to hear the "Good news." I was in labor for hours before giving birth to a beautiful boy weighing in at 8 pounds 2 ounces and 21 inches long. We named him Denis Jr. I recall my mom saying before I gave birth, "just count the baby's fingers and toes and make sure he or she has ten of each!" I did just that! And he did!! Yay! He's perfect, I thought. And he was. We ended up living with my parents for about 6 months after I gave birth to Denis Jr. because it was too hot up in our tiny apartment in Baldwin. So, we explained to our landlord that we were moving on and bid our good byes to our first little home. From there we moved into my grandpa's apartment upstairs in his house in our home town of Massapequa. We lived there for five years until the house next door went up for sale. Moving into our new home was so exciting. I then became pregnant with our second child. Unfortunately, I sadly lost that baby. It was such a trying time for Denis Sr. and I. But, shortly after that, I became pregnant again! How wonderful, we thought. However, although the baby looked healthy and fine, I was having issues with the pregnancy. So, I was ordered to have complete bedrest for 6 months. My family, friends and believe it or not, my doctor, helped me during those months in bed. Denis Jr. was a BIG help too. At only 5 years old, he would tell me what was in refrigerator and I would instruct him what to bring to my bed and we would make lunch together. We ate many tomato and mayo sandwiches during that time. Nine months later, I gave birth to a beautiful girl weighing in at 8 pounds and 2 ounces and 21 inches long. We named her Andrea. Remembering what my mom had said 5 years earlier, I counted her fingers and toes. Perfect! There were ten of each!! Yay! She's perfect, I thought. And she was. A few years after the birth of our daughter, we moved from that house to the house we now live in and have lived in for 41 years. Both of our children are hard working, compassionate adults that we couldn't be prouder of. Denis is an award winning Math Teacher and basketball Coach in the Bellmore/Merrick School District and Andrea is an award winning Managing Director at a Medical PR firm in NYC. As the years have past, I've learned that in order to feel good about life you have to cherish the celebrations. And we have!! We've had celebrations of Baptisms, First Holy Communions, School Awards. Chairing Home School Parent events, Confirmations, High School Graduations, College Graduations and marriages just to name some. But, the greatest were the births of our three grandchildren and welcoming our Stepson. After 50 years, we can now spoil and dote over them without one bit of guilty indulgence. This coming Saturday our grandson will be making his First Holy Communion. Just another Hallmark in the lives of two High School Sweethearts that trusted in God for His guidance and protection. The story and celebrations continue... Yippee and Yay!!  Us Now! Remember to celebrate life even minute of every day! It's all we have and all we can hope for... So...Celebrate!! Life! Happy tales to you.
xoxo Yvonne  Is it hard to be kind always? I think so... Especially when someone mistreats you or doesn't do what you feel is acceptable behavior. It's probably one of the hardest things to do. For example, the other day I was at our local Post Office. I witnessed a woman screaming at the person behind the counter. I don't know what happened to set this woman off, but she was visibly and verbally upset. Her behavior was awful to witness for me and I suppose all of the other customers in the Post Office. She was loud and her language was despicable. I was impressed by the way the Post Office Employee waiting on her handled the situation. He didn't get rattled or combative and kept his composure. As I stood at the counter being waited on by another employee, I thought, "Wow, I don't know if I would be able to take the abuse she was giving to this man. He was being so kind to her!" The woman, however, I'm sad to say, was unable to hold her composure. After spewing out obscenities, she proceeded to storm out of the office pushing her way out. I found myself outside walking side by side with her to our cars. I said quietly..."Be kind." Her response to me was another obscenity. How nice, I thought! When I told my son the story, he said that I shouldn't have said anything to her. After all, he said, "A person so outraged shouldn't be confronted in any way...at all!" I guess I may have crossed the line, but I couldn't help it. I felt that maybe, just maybe, she would calm down and realize that people are working and trying their best to accommodate their customers. My words may or may not have resonated with her. I'll never know. Sometimes we don't know how we affect people in good or bad ways. We continued to walk to our cars without another word to one another. Her attitude left me questioning my words..."Be Kind." Maybe she really did have a problem...she certainly "lost it" at that moment in time. Maybe my words "Be kind" came across as scolding her...After all, I was upset that she made a terrible scene only minutes before. I felt bad for the employee. What ever it was she continued her cursing. "Losing it," is part of life. We are all going to "lose it" at times. Take for example, Will Smith. He lost it at the Oscars when Chris Rock said something about his wife's medical condition. Did Rock go too far with his kibitzing? Should Smith have controlled his emotions? There are always so many parts to why we "Lose it." But, we do. Over and over again. I "lose it" many times. When I don't get my way or when I try to control situations, I find myself losing it. Recently, I was on the phone with a representative from a company who was not accommodating me in a way I wished he would and should. Telling me that he couldn't help me in anyway, I felt myself "losing it!" I asked him to connect me with his supervisor. I waited on the line ...which seemed to be forever... and was suddenly greeted by a very nice, calm person who listened to me and tried to the best of his ability to solve my problem. It was refreshing to speak with him. His act of kindness and compassion for me reassured me that kindness does exist in a world full of unrest and trouble. I told him that the only thing I could do to repay him for his kindness, besides giving him a stellar report, was to pray for him. He was very appreciative of both. I will never forget his kindness to me. Kindness, after all, is free with no strings attached. It can be given and received every minute of everyday! However, at times it's probably one of the hardest things for us to do. Especially when we encounter a rude or mean person to deal with. I don't know about you, but I have a lot of work to do in this area! Trying and being aware of the many ways we can show kindness is a lesson I know I need to practice. Small acts of kindness may be small, but to a person going through a difficult time this act could make a huge difference in a person's day. We may never know how our small act of kindness may affect an individual, but that's the greatest part of being kind...you never know or may never know if it worked. How exciting that prospect is!! I don't know about you...but I'm gonna try! Yes! It is hard to be kind always, we're human, after all! Happy Tales to you! Happy Easter and Happy Passover! ...if you celebrate one or both! xoxo Yvonne  Life's keepsake moments Trinity 18"x24" Oil on Canvas by Yvonne Dagger Years ago, while I was watching my granddaughter, Maddie, I made up a little song that we would sing on our way home from her Pre-school class. It went like this... "The Sun is shining. The Sky is blue. The Birds are singing a new song too. And We're on our way to have a GREAT day... MADDIE and me!" Grandparents do stuff like that. I never did anything like that for my kids when they were growing up. At the time, I was too busy. BUT, as a grandmother, I now had the time to make silly things up and do silly things with her. We'd pretend, bake, paint/draw and do crafts together. We'd even make up stories in the car about what the dogs might be doing while we were away from the house. For instance, there was one time when I told her that I think that as soon as I left the house to go get her from school, Tommy TuTu would have a party with the neighborhood dogs and as soon as they heard our car pull into the driveway they'd tell all of the neighborhood dogs to high-tail it out of the house and pretend nothing happened. She got a big kick out of all of this...at least I think she did. Oh, how I remember those days like it was yesterday. Maddie is now heading off to Hofstra University's Honors college on a full scholarship. I couldn't be prouder. I'm sure you all have you own memories about your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. I feel that life gives us the opportunity to seize these moments and hold them in our hearts. I'm a big proponent of taking photographs of the special moments in our lives. Throughout the years I've gotten the eye-rolls and "I don't want to's" from my kids about taking a photo of an event or happening. "Just stand there and smile," I'd say. It was challenging to say the least! Fast forward to today and I find my kids looking through those photos all of the time and talking about days gone by and those special times in our lives. They're truly such treasured memories in our family's history. Photos and keepsakes are the things that define who we are. Currently, as I'm writing this month's blog, our world is going through a very difficult time. My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine. I pray for them. I ache for them. I think of all of the memories, treasures and keepsakes that they had to leave behind to escape their homes for safety. Many have even left their husbands, sons and friends behind to defend their country. The photographs of people fleeing with their pets is heartbreaking to see. To see the children holding a stuffed toy or doll close to them brings tears to my eyes. It's hard for me to comprehend how someone can disrupt a country and feel justified in destroying lives, property, and treasured memories. It just doesn't make sense to me. I guess it never will. I am hopeful that this will all speedily come to an end and the people of Ukraine will be able to go back to their homes again. I'm afraid to say that many will go back to lives lost, rubble, and destruction. They'll have to pick up the pieces of their lives and start all over again. The trauma that the children will witness will be with them forever. Will they need help? Without s doubt they will. We can pray for them. Prayer is free. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is helpful and needed. In conclusion, I ask all who have taken the time to read this blog to say a prayer for the people of Ukraine and perhaps you too can think of those treasured memories you hold in your hearts with eternal happiness. Be well. Stay safe. Happy tales to you, xoxo Yvonne PEACE BE WITH YOU!
 I Love Valentine's Day For as long as I can remember, I've loved Valentine's Day. To me, Valentine's Day represents hearts, candy, flowers and hand-made cards. My first recollection of Valentine's Day was when I must've been about four or five years old. My mom would sit us at the kitchen table with construction paper, paper doilies, pens/pencils, crayons and ribbon instructing us as we created what I thought were the most beautiful Valentine's Day cards in the world. Of course, they were all for my dad. Then when Valentine's Day came, we would each receive a pre-packaged chocolate marshmallow filled heart from my dad. He would place them on our dinner plates. That tradition lasted for years and years. I guess it was when I was a teenager dad began to gift us with other things, but the sentiments continued. He always gave us something on Valentine's Day. As many of you already know, my husband, Denis, and I are High School Sweethearts. We met in 10th Grade during Mr. Warren's history class at Massapequa High School. I sat in the row adjacent to Denis'. I noticed him right away...I didn't think he noticed me at all. Although, if you ask him today, he'd say that he noticed me too. He wore thick black rimmed eye glasses and he was considered one of the High Schools "jocks" which meant he was not only good looking, but excellent in sports. He reminded me of "Superman." Truth be told...he still does!🥰 I was timid and shy and extremely conservative. He was excellent in history...he loved and still loves history. History was not one of my favorite classes. Denis was the student that raised his hand for every question asked. Even to the point that Mr. Warren would say, "Let's give someone else a chance to answer the question, Denis." Watching him answer the questions and knowing all about what we were learning enthralled me. I knew I was falling in love. However, I still didn't think he even noticed I existed. Until one day after class, as we were walking out of the classroom, Denis asked me out to the movies. I don't know if I was surprised or shocked, but as I was explaining to him that I'd have to ask my dad if I would be able to go, I dropped my books all over the floor. So much for first impressions. My biggest dilemma at the time was asking my dad if he would allow me to go on a date with Denis. That evening I got up the nerve and after much negotiating and interrogation from my dad with questions like "Who is this boy?" "Where does his family live?" AND then the big question..."How will you get to the theater?" My responses were pretty strait forward, "He's a classmate...he's in my history class...He lives in the Park and...I think we're walking to the Pequa Theater." The last answer was the tricky one..."You see", I said to dad, "his father works nights and his mother doesn't drive so it's the only way we can get to and from the theater"...now, mind you, the theater was down the block from my house. After thinking it over he finally said "Yes"... I was allowed to go. But he insisted that he drive us...to and from the theater. He was pretty strict!! Date night came... Meeting my family at the time was like meeting the von Trapp family. My sister, Ronnie, played the accordion, her boyfriend at the time and husband now, Joe, played the guitar and the piano. We all sang. It was a regular family jamboree. Denis was amazed by it all. He watched as my family preformed in front of him. Now it was time to meet my dad... My father was a well built man with a personality as large as his stature. He spent many hours in our basement working on projects...usually our school projects...and he was there when Denis arrived for our "BIG FIRST" date. As the basement door opened, this larger then life figure appeared giving Denis a very tight hand shake. He then proceeded to ask Denis where he planned to go to college...we were in 10th Grade at the time and in 10th grade we didn't really think of college yet. And to be asked this question on a first date was bazaar to Denis...not to mention me, I was mortified and totally embarrassed. Baffled by the question, Denis thought of the only place he could because his neighbor was affiliated with Kings Point at the time and so he said, "Kings Point, Sir!" That did it, my dad immediately took a liking to my date. Denis and I lasted through that date and many others after that. Then as the New Year approached and Valentine's Day arrived, Denis knowing how much I loved Valentine's Day, got me flowers and candy. BUT...Besides getting flowers and candy for me Denis brought flowers and candy for my mom too. WOW!!! That was unheard of!! If a boy wants to get brownie points with his girlfriend's mother, Denis knew how... My mom never forgot Denis bringing her flowers and candy on that Valentine's Day many years ago. Throughout the years she'd mention how thoughtful and kind that was. I will never forget that Valentine's Day, too. It was the first "Valentine" of candy and flowers I had ever received from a sweetheart besides my dad's "Valentine's." It meant the world to me. It was as magical as the Valentine's Days when my dad left the chocolate covered marshmallow heart on our dinner plates. A beautiful sentiment and a wonderful surprise. It's been almost 55 years since that Valentine's Day. The memory still resonates in my heart. There's not one Valentine's Day that goes by that Denis, my kids, grandkids and Dagger don't shower me with candy, flowers or hand made cards on Valentine's Day. Because... I Love Valentines Day! Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Have a safe and healthy February!! Be well. Happy tales to you, xoxo Yvonne (and Dagger DogVinci)   Hope-filledHow do we Begin 2022 filled with hope, when 2021 began hope-filled and ended pretty much the same... hope-filled. Why do we hope? What do we hope for? Is being hope-filled a good thing? What does the word "Hope" really mean? According to my Google research, the meaning of "Hope" is "a feeling of expectation and a desire for a certain thing to happen." What are our expectations and desires for 2022? How do we learn to see things in a positive grateful way in a world that's in turmoil and sickness? That's a big "Hope-filled" order. So, how do we do it? It's hard to condition ourselves to be positive and grateful all the time especially in our world today with the new Omicron Variant currently spreading like a wildfire across the world. I find it a daunting job and one that, at times, can be very challenging. I really don't think that being positive and grateful 24 hours a day is a realistic expectation. Now, don't get me wrong, there are those people who manage to do just that. Take the late Betty White for example who said that her key to being optimistic is to "always find the positive."* For me, personally, I find it very difficult to "always find the positive" as Betty did. However, I've also found that, being positive and grateful leads to happiness and a hope fulfilled. I guess I must try harder every day to be like the "cockeyed optimist" Betty White described herself as. A very brilliant man once told me that we're not expected to be happy go lucky all the time. At times we will lose it but recognizing this unraveling in our lives at that moment in time can give us the opportunity to then bring ourselves back "lovingly and gently" to a positive beautiful grateful place...a place that helps us to be hope-filled again. Sometimes we may have to do this repeatedly to achieve a feeling of complete satisfaction and gratitude. I've found that trying moment by moment is the "success" key to this exercise. If we try... it does work. It really does! To me the two pivotal words that he spoke of are bringing ourselves back "Lovingly and gently." We must first love ourselves to then feel grateful for the blessings in our lives. The word I've always found interesting in what he told me is "Gently." It's so very important to be gentle with who we are and what we expect of ourselves. Making a "Grateful" List... Perhaps, if we take moment by moment every day to recognize the beauty that surrounds us, we may find the hope we desire. That may be a help. Or... if we fill our hearts and minds with a spirit of gratitude and kindness that may also be a help. I find that making a list of some of the things that I'm grateful for helps too. Your list may be completely different than mine. It's your gratitude list...personal and unique to you alone. If you'd like to share your "Grateful" List with me, post it in the comments below. I'd love to read yours... Here's just some of my "Grateful" List...
My grateful list could go on and on. In essence, I can clearly say that the things that I'm grateful for are mainly the simple things in everyday life. They're priceless gems, yet they cost nothing. As I close this new Blog for 2022, I've come to realize that being hope-filled is a good thing. We all have our expectations and desires for 2022. Just keep in mind as you look to the future to stay in the moment lovingly and gently. Be good to yourselves... It makes it much easier to be good to others. Happy New Year, everyone! May you find the time to reflect on your life's hopes and dreams for 2022. And may they all come true!! Happy Tales to you! xoxo Yvonne In Loving memory of Betty White Friend and Animal Advocate {Unfortunately, as I was finishing writing this Blog, I learned that sadly Betty White had passed yesterday (December 31, 2021) just weeks before her 100th Birthday on January 17th. May she Rest in Peace❤️) Top Positive Quotes
*Taken from People Magazine January 2022  It was the day after Thanksgiving. As Dagger and I walked through our neighborhood, houses were already decked out with holiday lights and decorations. The lights glittered and glowed with a message of hope and joy. How beautiful they all looked, I thought. As we walked, I also noticed the houses that were bare and seemed devoid of any activity or decorations of any kind. Not even a bygone Thanksgiving pumpkin was present. I wondered if the people and pets that were living in those houses were going through some difficult times. My mom had a saying she used to use from time to time. She'd say, "Yvonne, you never know what's going on behind closed doors of someone elses' house." I thought long and hard about that. How many of us have suffered loss or sickness over the past two years during the pandemic. How many families are hungry right now because their bills are too high and they can't make ends meet to even feed their families? Yes, my mom's statement was hitting "home" with me as Dagger and I continued on our walk. Right now, Jews are celebrating Hanukkah and on December 25th Christians will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. What do they signify? For the Jewish people, it's the miracle of having enough oil for God's Holy Temple Lamp when there was only enough for one night and yet it lasted eight nights in the midst of conflict and uncertainty. For the Christians, it's the miracle of the birth of a Savior who was born to a young frightened couple escaping the census which was directing the killing of all first born male babies. Yet, this scared couple was able to find a safe haven in a cave for the birth of God's son. Both miracles happened to save and guide us towards the light of God. They both teach us of God's goodness. charity and love. Both are pivotal reminders of how we must open our hearts to all. To me, the holidays are a time to be aware and mindful of the miracles that still happen even in today's world and the opportunity for all of us to reach out to others in need in anyway that we can. After all, you never know what people and animals are going through behind closed doors. Turning the corner as we reached our house, I was energized. That short walk through our neighborhood encouraged me to commit myself to do something special this holiday season to help others in need. I'm also going to take the time to give thanks for the miracles of everyday life and pray when ever I can. I told Dagger that we have to do more to help others. He looked at me with those big brown caring eyes and I could tell what he was thinking...his eyes seemed to express the words..."You have my support!!" That made our walk a real miracle!  Have a Happy, Healthy
and Peace-filled Holiday Everyone! And may the lights that glitter and glow encourage you to reach out to others too! xoxo Yvonne Gratitude What does the word "Gratitude" mean literally and what's its origin? According to the U.S. Dictionary, the word "Gratitude" is a Noun which means: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Its origin comes from the late Middle English from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus ‘pleasing, thankful’. Why am I writing about Gratitude this month? Well, I, for one, lack in the ability to recognize that gratitude should be a part of my everyday life. There are many times in my life when I feel that I've forgotten to take the time to stop and think about my life's blessings. I've neglected to ask myself some important very simple questions such as:
The bigger question for me is...What have I done to prove my gratitude?
For me, this is a large order to fill. Can it be attained? I think so. Many people have done it throughout history. But, how??? Saint Mother Teresa once said that we must "do small things with great love." What great advice!! Maybe, just maybe, I can try. Small things makes it sound attainable. Great love comes from our heart, after all. I guess if I open my heart to see and witness gratitude, I'll be able to express it myself in small ways. Dagger helps me to be more grateful for everyone and everything everyday. This month on November 25th, here in New York, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. It's the one day dedicated to giving thanks for our blessings and the kindness that surrounds us everyday. It gives us a reason to pause and reflect on what we are thankful for. Even though Thanksgiving takes place at different times throughout the world it's still a day filled with thanks for family, friends and food. To me it doesn't get any better than that!! In the United States of America, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. The date can be confusing sometimes. Nevertheless, it's always on a Thursday and it's meaning and intent is always the same...Thanking and Giving. Many Americans spend the entire week preparing for their Thanksgiving feast. However, while this is super important for planning a great celebration, concentrating on what we are thankful for and giving of ourselves through acts of kindness and community service is, I feel, of the utmost importance and meaning of the holiday. This year our gathering will remain small due to the continued threat of the possible increase of COVID cases. However, it will not deter us from preparing our feast of thanks and giving. Over the years, we've created a Thanksgiving tradition in my family by relating verbally what we are thankful for. I think that this year we will add one more thing...What are we planning to do in kindness and love to give back to our community? My grandkids will find this question interesting. I can't wait to hear their responses!! AND You know what? Being Grateful & Thankful makes us feel good inside. And that's a blessing! Be well. Stay safe. You are all such a blessing to Dagger and me. We are very grateful to call all of you our friends!! OH, AND before I forget... You have my permission to have that extra helping of pie!! Go for it!! You deserve it!! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! xo Yvonne  What's the difference?  Recently, I heard a powerful homily regarding this very interesting and profound topic. The homily was given by a priest who visits our parish every summer from Ireland. He's a college professor and world renowned theologian. Whenever he comes to our parish, I look forward to his homilies so very much. It's a real treat to hear what he has to say albeit for me it's been live streamed. The following is my interpretation of one of his recent homilies. He began his theme by talking about the idea of "Right or Wrong; Good or Bad." He equated "Right or Wrong" to a speed limit enforced by officials. He said that people create laws that make a certain speed limit right or wrong. Let's say the speed limit is 35 miles an hour...that's a law set forth by the officials of the town or state. If you go over the speed limit...it's wrong and you'll get a ticket. If you stay within the speed limit...it's right and you won't get a ticket. It's wrong if you don't abide by the law, it's right if you do. It's that simple...Right? Now what about "Good or Bad?" That's not as definitive. He said that when you go over the speed limit you are endangering not only your life, but the other people on the road as well. That's Bad. Likewise, when you stay within the speed limit and you are careful to protect yourself and others...that's good. Ok. So, why did I feel that this homily was so powerful to me at this time in my life? Right now, as a society, we are all going through a very difficult "Right or Wrong/Good or Bad" time. The topic of conversation for close to two years has been the COVID 19 virus. I can only speak for myself, but I'm so tired of making so many sacrifices by thinking of the Right/Wrong and the Good/Bad thing to do to keep myself and others safe from getting COVID 19. It's, therefore, understandable to be "COVID tired." But, how do we define "Right or Wrong; Good or Bad" in our lives regarding the COVID 19 Virus? That has become one of the most difficult answers to consider in today's day and age... Some of us talk a great talk, but do we actually walk the walk? I had to really soul search about this. Did we get or are we planning to get the life saving COVID 19 vaccine? Are we abiding by mask wearing indoors? In my home town, I've noticed that many have abandoned all mandates (some are actually fighting against them) and protocols. It's sad for me to witness this. Being immunodeficient, I have resorted to living a life in fear, stress and needless isolation. We have abandoned our in person DogVinci Workshops. When I go out I'm constantly mindful of whether or not others are doing the "Right and Good" thing. It's a tough and difficult decision to make. How do we make sense out of being told to do something we've always been told was the Right and Good thing to do like seeing people and getting together in large gatherings. We are social beings, after all. So, being told that we cannot see people in large groups and worrying about people who are clearly not vaccinated and not wearing a mask adds to this predicament and needless stress. My only guess is that as a society we must respect all people to do the "Right and Good" thing. I can only hope and pray that the numbers keep going down and we will once again witness some sense of normalcy. As Father closed his homily he left us with a story to contemplate about this very subject (It's paraphrased, of course): Many years ago, every Friday in a parish where a Bishop lived, they would receive a vegetable order. And every Friday, a young delivery boy would bring the order to the rectory. Being somewhat scared of the Bishop, whenever the boy would come to the door, and the Bishop would answer, he would leave the order at the door and run away. Well, one day, when the young boy delivered the order, and the Bishop answered the door, he began to run away, when the Bishop stopped him and said, "Come back here, young boy! Now, let me tell you the "Right" way to greet the Bishop when the Bishop answers the door." He continued, "I'm going to be you, and you are going to be me." The young boy agreed to this playacting, and they took their prospective places. The Bishop was now outside playing the delivery boy, and the delivery boy was now the Bishop waiting inside for the doorbell to ring. When the young boy answered the door, the Bishop said, "Good Afternoon, Bishop! Here is your vegetable order. Have a very nice weekend." The young boy responded by saying, "Thank you for this order. Here's a dollar for your time and service." Boy! oh, Boy! Did this story hit home with me...It made me think of the times when I failed to do the "Right" and "Good" thing. I thought of the times when I didn't give from my heart and think about ALL people. I think that there was a lesson for both the young delivery boy and the Bishop in this enactment. Being "right" is a fine and noble thing to do. However, doing the "Good" thing is by far the most challenging to decern.❤️ Happy Tales to you.
Be well...Be Safe AND Let us always try to do the Right and Good thing for everyone! xoxo Yvonne |
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