A Shadow, A Heart & a little wisdom

Written by Yvonne Dagger

February means Ground Hog Day, Valentine's Day, Winter break and Workshops to Dagger and me.  They are all very important to us. Beginning with Ground Hog Day!

​"Groundhog Day, is a popular tradition celebrated in the United States and Canada on February 2. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees a shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and winter will persist for six more weeks, and if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early."{Taken from Wikipedia} Our hope is that Punxsutawney Phil, the popular Ground Hog, will not see his shadow and spring will arrive early this year. That will make our cold, icey and sometimes snowy winter travels to workshops easier if spring arrives early. 🙂

Now on to our Workshops! Most of the workshops we give in February happen during Winter Break.  That's when schools are closed and libraries book events. We are so grateful for being able to travel to our local libraries all year long and share Dagger's remarkable ability to paint with so many children and adults. Of course, our message of education and community service is always at the forefront of our visits.  It's what makes Dagger the "Do Good Dog."  Preparing for the workshops is always fun!! We make sure that we have enough supplies before the month begins. This means counting canvases, palates, smocks, brushes, cups for water, paper towels and paints. Being prepared is so important to me. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I have things ready in advance for our workshops.

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Normally, our preparation also means a visit to see our dear friend Joann at A.C. Moore. Whenever Dagger comes with me, he loves to see Joann. They always schmooze a bit when we arrive...Dagger enjoys his schmoozes from Joann. This time was no different. Except this time it seemed that they had some extra schmoozing going on!! Joann helps us with everything.  A quick phone call before we arrive ensures us of all of the supplies we will need and a speedy check out. Then in no time we are assisted by Joann loading the supplies into the car and off we go.  Ready for the month of workshops.

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Dagger adores his workshops. He's getting so used to them that he actually waits by the door for me to put his leash on to get into the DogVinci mobile, affectionately nicknamed "Leo" by our co-team worker, Ann Barile (After Leonardo DaVinci). Leo, my Toyota Highlander, has safely taken us to well over 125 libraries, schools and senior living facilities in the last three years.  Now, how great is that!!!! We look forward to 125 x 125 workshops in the future!!

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And finally, Valentine's Day! One of my favorite holidays!! I've always loved Valentines Day. When I was growing up my father would give my siblings and I a chocolate heart and place it on our dinner plates.  It was so special.  I remember creating a card for my dad made of red and pink construction paper and a white paper doily.  Sometimes I wonder where my mom got the energy to do the crafty things she did with six young children.  As they say, "Those were the days."  Simple and carefree. There is something kind of romantic and charming about creating our own gifts and cards. I think I'll do just that this Valentine's Day. How about you???  Using our imagination to create a beautiful card takes time and effort.  But, the time and effort we spend on our creation will show that special someone that it's come from our heart.  Most people can agree that handmade creations become keepsake treasures for the recipient.   Even making a virtual card expands the mind allowing the creative juices to flow.  My hope is that we continue to create and learn new ways to use our talents.  A card created from the heart will WOW that special Valentine and you'll look like a creative genius ❤

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Happy Valentines Day!!
Happy Tales to you,
​xoxo Yvonne

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