Blessings |
 Yolande and I Circa 1957 |  Yolande and I with our pet rescue dog "Lady" circa 1957 |
Yolande and I circa 2017
Self- IMPROVING
September is the month of
Self-Improvement.
I wondered why.
So, I "googled" it up on my computer...
So, I "googled" it up on my computer...
Google explained that, it's "the official Self-Improvement Month because it marks the end of one era (summer) and the start of a new one (fall). Self-Improvement Month is a time to reflect on all you've accomplished this year before identifying which goals you still need to work toward."
I also wanted to know what they consider Self-Improvement..."The definition of self-improvement is pretty self-explanatory: Self-improvement is the improvement of one's knowledge, status, or character by one's own efforts. It's the quest to make ourselves better in any and every facet of life."
Google also had eight great tips to help us get our lives on track:
- Set goals for yourself. ...
- Surround yourself with people who want to see you do well. ...
- Evaluate what isn't working and eliminate those habits. ...
- Learn a new activity or skill. ...
- Eat healthily and hydrate daily. ...
- Have compassion for yourself and others. ...
- Clean your space regularly.*
After considering all of these self-improvement tips, I've come to realize that I have some work to do! But I'm confident that if I take one step at a time I think that I can achieve what I'm striving to improve upon.
Hey, listen, we're all works in progress. I think that being gentle with oneself and knowing that we're not going to accomplish everything in a day is, in itself, a great step forward. After all, we're human and humans are going to make mistakes and "skin our knees"...the success lies in picking oneself up off the floor and starting over again. Mistakes are just ways to learn and grow. I would venture to say that learning from our mistakes is a part of self-improvement as well.
When I was teaching Dagger how to paint, I realized after working with him for a while that I had run into a proverbial stone wall. I was having trouble streamlining his technique. It was then that I reached out to Dagger's Professional Trainer, Lauren, and asked her to tutor Dagger. Little did I know that she was actually tutoring me! On her first visit she worked with Dagger for a few minutes and he "got it" immediately. She told me that Dagger knew what to do after a few tries with her. It was my apprehension and lack of confidence that Dagger felt when he worked with me. My question to Lauren was always, "What mistakes am I making?" Lauren told me that I wasn't making any mistakes at all, Dagger just didn't feel that I had the confidence to get the job done. Therefore, the lack of confidence I felt then traveled from me right down his leash and into him. After close to two months of tutoring me, Lauren felt that I was able to give it a go on my own. I will never forget the feeling I had when we were newbies at this new adventure. In retrospect, I guess I needed Lauren to help me improve myself. And here I thought it was Dagger that needed the help. What a self-discovery that was for me and... might I add... a self-improvement to learn that "you can always teach an old dog new tricks"...AND that old dog was ME!! I'm glad I made the call to Lauren because she certainly taught me that sometimes we need the improvement more than we think.
We all have our stories about how we've tried and failed. The key to trying and failing is to gently give ourselves a pass and begin to make those improvements needed to succeed again and again. It's a growing process. An everyday evolution of self-discovery and self-improvement.
As I reflect on how far Dagger and I have come, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratification. I know that we have a ways to go, but our organic journey continues as we learn, create and inspire.
I will be taking this month of September to
explore all of the ways I can improve myself.
Will you?
explore all of the ways I can improve myself.
Will you?
Happy Self-Improvement Month!
Be well and Stay safe!!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
Be well and Stay safe!!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
* Google: self improvement month
If I can, so can you...
Over the years I've learned that no matter what you create, it's yours. Good. Bad. Or indifferent...It's your creation.
"Mistake" is not a word I use in Dagger's workshops or even in our studio. Trying and persevering are words that are used.
Positive reenforcement and having fun are paramount when we
create, learn and inspire.
I've also learned that keeping dates on creations provides
two very important things:
1. It's a great way to document your creations.
2. It's an even more important way to see just how you've
grown in your craft.
"Mistake" is not a word I use in Dagger's workshops or even in our studio. Trying and persevering are words that are used.
Positive reenforcement and having fun are paramount when we
create, learn and inspire.
I've also learned that keeping dates on creations provides
two very important things:
1. It's a great way to document your creations.
2. It's an even more important way to see just how you've
grown in your craft.
As an artist, I'm mindful of the way I've slowly improved in my drawings. I used to get all upset when I wasn't able to master "making the doggie look like the doggie"...so to speak. Now, I look at things in a different light. I give myself a break and let the creating prowess flow from me. What a relief it is to know that it's okay to have the courage to insert the initial line on a piece of paper and go with the flow! Even my painting style has changed over the years. It's freer and looser. Many of the great masters got more relaxed over time too. Not that I would even try to compare myself with the likes of Michelangelo or Monet. But, I have noticed a big difference in my paintings over time. Perhaps, it's a sense of confidence or even experience. I'm not sure. It could be eyesight too. Ha! Ha! All I know is that as I've studied my works over time, I can see differences in technique and style. I've also learned that Michelangelo's last sculpture's were more abstract and loose in style than his previous works. Claude Monet's large Impressionistic magnificent paintings of his Lilly pond were quite abstract as the viewer gets closer to the painting. If you look at Jackson Pollack's earlier works, they were very realistic compared to his Abstract Expressionistic "Drip Technique" later works.
Moreover, I'm convinced that Dagger has taught me a thing or two as well. Being a sort of "chill" kind of dog, Dagger has encouraged me in his own little four-legged way that painting from your heart is the way to create. When Dagger paints, his brush stroke lands where it lands as he moves his head in different directions. The outcome is always magnificent! As I gaze at his true pure abstract works, I can see so many things in his paintings such as, angels, frogs, birds, flowers and so many other representational things. Dagger has also taught me that anyone can create! I always say to the students that are in his workshops..."If Dagger can do it, so can you!" I recall a workshop we had at an assisted living residence once. A 104 year old nun resisted participating in the workshop. She kept saying, "I'm here to learn about Dagger and watch. I don't want to paint." I convinced her that there were no mistakes..."whatever you paint", I told her, "is your masterpiece. Your very own creation." She relented and ended up painting. She had the time of her life. It took her 104 years to discover that she had beauty that needed to be expressed from her heart on canvas. She smiled from ear to ear. I will never forget the happiness we all felt as we watched her create. Sometimes all it just takes is a little positive coaxing and a first step.
Taking the first step is key to creating anything. I equate it to taking a plunge into a pool of water. It's cold. It's vulnerable. But once we take the plunge into the pool of creating it's a wonderful, magical, and educational experience. That initial jump is so paramount to the creating process. Sometimes it entails sitting for minutes. sometimes it will take longer. As for me, there are many times when I sit and think about what it is that I'd like to create on a two dimensional surface. This can take a few minutes to hours figuring out what I'd like to paint. Unless, of course, it's a commission. Then most of my work is done already. Since I specialize in pet portraiture and work from photos, I pretty much have my subject matter right in front of me. I've always been amazed at how immersed I become when I start a project. Most of the time I'll loose track of time. Time means nothing when I create. Unless, of course, I have an appointment later in the day. Then and only then do I put a timer on to remind me to stop. As the timer goes off... I resist the urge to move away and clean up. Oh...I get so upset when I can't continue my work! I've heard that this is a common occurrence with many artists. I'm tickled when I see the students in Dagger's workshops working well past the time allotted. It brings me back to thinking of my days in the studio when I too got lost in my own work. What a great feeling!
So, take the plunge! 💦
CREATE!
Remember, whatever you create... it's yours. You created it.
Be proud of yourself for taking the first step to creating.
YES!
If Dagger and I can do it...So can you!
You jumped into the wonderful world of creating.
Now, Date it. Sign it (if you wish). And cherish it!
CREATE!
Remember, whatever you create... it's yours. You created it.
Be proud of yourself for taking the first step to creating.
YES!
If Dagger and I can do it...So can you!
You jumped into the wonderful world of creating.
Now, Date it. Sign it (if you wish). And cherish it!
Happy Creating!
&
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo
Yvonne
&
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo
Yvonne
"Letting Go" 14"x11" Original Oil on Canvas by Yvonne Dagger
🎶 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?
Are you?
Happy Tales to you!
xoxo Yvonne
xoxo Yvonne
Summer in New York
Here 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...
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.
- Provide plenty of water and shade. ...
- Apply sunscreen. ...
- Don't shave your pet. ...
- Mind your walking hours. ...
- Keep your dog's paws cool. ...
- Keep parasite off. ...
- Consider a life vest. ...
- Keep your pets away from fireworks.*
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.
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.
- Keep your dog up-to-date on heartworm meds. ...
- Stay on top of flea and tick prevention. ...
- Keep your pet pesticide-free. ...
- Watch out for windows. ...
- Practice proper grooming. ...
- Alleviate allergies. ...
- Get your pup microchipped.*
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
Happy tales to you!
xoxo Yvonne
*Taken from : tips for dog owners for the summer months
Celebrations
Life 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!!
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!!
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!
It's all we have and all we can hope for...
So...Celebrate!!
Life!
Happy tales to you.
xoxo Yvonne
xoxo Yvonne
Is it hard to be kind always?
I think so...
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.
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!
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
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...
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!"
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
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.
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.
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)
Have a safe and healthy February!!
Be well.
Happy tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
(and Dagger DogVinci)
A Place where I can Bark, Blog and Woof a Little
written by Yvonne Dagger
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