The Velveteen Rabbit Reviewed

Every Child's Library Should Have This Book

Could This Be The Velveteen Rabbit?

I do not remember how old I was when I first heard the story of The Velveteen Rabbit but I do know that after having it read to me; it became my favorite story of all time. I do not know for sure which I relate to more the child in the story or the toy rabbit. Truth be told, probably a little of both. 

I will fast forward in time to the day that I found out that I was expecting my first child. Do you know what I did just after hearing the news? I went straight to the local book store and purchased a copy of The Velveteen Rabbit. Once purchased I went straight to the car, took the book out of the bag and proceeded to read the story to my growing baby. I had no idea whether I was reading to a boy or a girl at that moment but what I did know was that I was going to love that child with as much love as the boy did his toy rabbit. 

As time passed, I read that book to both of my children over and over again. We will fast forward again to the day that I found out that I was to be a Grandmother. The very first thing I bought for that baby and all of the grandchildren since is the book, The Velveteen Rabbit. 

 

What is it about The Velveteen Rabbit story with me?

I guess in a nutshell it is that powerful message of love. I am not sure why as a child it resonated so strongly with me but it did. It still does. The magic of love is about the most powerful thing we experience as humans. The giving of love and the receiving of love. I believe it is what makes us "real". 

The Velveteen Rabbit

Imagine being a new toy in the room and wondering what all of this is about. Imagine hoping that the child will pick you up and play with you. Imagine that at night when the child is sleeping all of the toys come alive. Some of them are rude to you and some even make fun of you. Imagine there is one toy that seems wiser than the others. It shows you kindness and shares wisdom with you. It is the Skin Horse. The tattered old horse tells you that the goal of all toys is to become "real" from the love of a human. This confuses you so the Skin Horse explains....

"Real isn't how you are made. It is a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with  but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." 

I encourage you to share this book with a child in your life. Perhaps you will remember it from your own childhood. It has been a classic since 1922 when it was first written by Margery Williams. The story transcends time with the message of love. As the Skin Horse says, "It does not matter what we look like or where we are from; what matters is to be loved." Well, that is paraphrasing a bit but it really is the message. We become our real selves when we receive love and I believe give love to each other and the world we live in. Isn't that an important message that every child should learn at a very early age? Perhaps, I identify more with that old tattered horse who knows what it feels like to become "real"from the love of a child.... 

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A Song About How Delicate Love Really Is - We Are Glass

Glass by Thompson Square

Read Review & Find Song Here

(Lyrics) - "We may shine, We may shatter, We may be picking up the pieces here on after, We are fragile, We are Human, We are shaped by the light we let through us, We break fast, Cause we are Glass"

Glass by Thompson Square speaks to the delicate nature of a couple's love.

In this life our ability and willingness to love is constantly being tested.

Whether it's the love we have for our significant other, or love for people we don't know, love is constantly under attack. There's a battle between darkness and light and life's complexities often pull us in one direction or another.

"We Are Human, We Are Shaped by The Light We Let Through Us"

When we're unsure whether someone deserves our love, often that's our test. It's not easy, but who in this crazy life can say the journey from cradle to grave is easy.

What does it mean to love?

The answer may be as simple as the question.

We simply choose to.

We make that choice.

It's safe to say that very few people, past and present, have successfully pulled off unconditional love towards the human race.

What is unconditional love? It excludes the word 'But':

• He loves me but...
• My love is real except for...
• I can love, but I don't forget....
• Your love is real, but let's face it....
• I love them when...
• I'll forgive you but...
• I Love you but...

The ultimate test in living our human life is to master ourselves.

There isn't a greater battle than our battle with self.

When we choose to live with love, really make that choice, it's a peace filled life.

But .... we are glass, we break fast.

(Lyrics) "We might be oil and water, this could be a big mistake, we might burn like gasoline and fire, It's a chance we'll have to take"

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Reviewing Valentine's Day Address Labels

Valentine address labels help you send love across the miles this Valentine's Day and every day thereafter. While we have become a digital society there are many  wonderful reasons to send those heartfelt messages through the mail. In this review I will explain why I think Colorful Images is the best place to order your personalized address labels.

Colorful Images Review

Colorful Images has been my go-to for address labels for over a decade. I ordered address labels to denote the change of seasons and to individualize my mail.  I also enjoy their choices of holiday designs and love that I can choose Valentine's designs that send a bit of love no matter what time of year I use them.

After a few changes of address and becoming accustomed to paying bills and keeping in touch with loved ones via the internet, I stopped buying address labels. But I recently placed an order again and was reminded of why Colorful Images is where I will always order my address labels. Just a few of those reasons are:

• huge selection of address label designs - I can find something that is "me"
• variety of address label sizes
• choice of two different fonts
• when ordering, you type in your address and have an immediate visual sample
• fast delivery - 6 business days for address labels and other personalized items via standard delivery
• faster delivery options - you can choose even faster delivery methods (adding 2 days for the printing of the labels)
• choice of flat pages of address labels or rolls
• reliability - I have never had a problem with an order

Why Sending Cards Through the Mail is Still Important

We have moved into the instant and digital world eliminating much of our use of sending correspondence via the mail.  However, there are many reasons to continue to send things the old-fashioned way. These are only a few:

• recipients of handwritten mail are aware that extra time and thought was put into contacting them
• children love to receive mail
• elderly folks who are separated from family enjoying knowing someone is thinking of them - often displaying their cards for all to see
• people who are hospitalized often enjoy receiving cards
• military folks who are far from home are able to feel more connected when friends and family keep in touch via the mail

Address Labels for Valentine's Day

Colorful Images offers several Valentine's designs.  Designs range from the large round label with the Cupid design to smaller, more traditional labels with hearts.  These LOVE labels are my favorite heart design. The design is visually pleasing and these labels and their message can be used for every day.

LOVE labels fromColorful Images

Related Article - In the review of The Gift of a Letter, Wednesday Elf explains beautifully why handwritten letters are not something to be forgotten and are, in fact, a gift. 

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A Moving Country Song About Time Passing By - A Song Review

Time by Dean Brody

Song Available Here - Read More

"Living Like that Year Book Picture Wouldn't Fade" (Lyrics)

Do you remember this time in your own life?

Just starting out .... the entire world in front of you and not a thought on your mind about the 'end' of anything.

All of it new, all of it ongoing, all of it always there. You never doubted that the ones you love were just a room away, a few hours away or a few days away.

To you, at this time, a kiss goodbye was merely, 'a kiss until later'.

Your journey was new and the anticipation of the trip you were about to take consumed your travels: "I want to be this", "I want to go there", "I want to accomplish that". Your path always in your thoughts, and those you loved, well they would always be there wouldn't they.

"Student hire and a fancy job, big old house and a two car garage" (Lyrics)

Chapter two of your life is in full gear. You're achieving, or trying to. You're moving forward, or planning to, and most of all you're enjoying the freedom!

You love your parents, but this time in your life feels like the reward it should be for the countless hours of work you put in to get here.

You still see your family of course, and hug them and enjoy your visits, but if you're being honest with yourself, you're having too much fun building your own life.

On lonely days you pick up the phone to call mom; she makes you feel better and you're grateful knowing that if you want, you can call her again tomorrow.

"Teenage girl and her granddad, he takes her fishing he feels bad, cause she can't take her eyes off that 'ole Facebook page, someday soon, who knows how long, she'll look up from that phone and he'll be gone" (Lyrics)

Chapter three is here and you've been fortunate to have your grandchildren in your life.

However, you're now in that special club of people who understand what it's like to view life from the road looking back. You reflect back to your own grandpa, and with a knowing grin, you get what he felt.

The view from your chair in life can't be seen by young people starting out. You recognize your younger self in them, and part of you wishes they could see it all from where you sit to spare them life's costly lessons. But they can't, and you can't.

"The Trouble is You Think You Have Time" (Lyrics)

You want to explain time to your grandchildren, but how can you. They have to travel their path and with God's good grace get to be where you're sitting now so they too can pass along treasured words of wisdom that were spoken to you yesterday .... after-all, wasn't it just yesterday?

When you look back at the choices you've made, you forgive yourself for not harnessing those unrepeatable moments with those you love; for not hugging your brother one more time; for shrugging mom off when all she wanted was another kiss from her baby; for moving far away and for any other selfish act that robbed a little love from someone you cared about.

But you're grateful to have learned so much about this trip through life. If nothing else, you see clearly now.

You realize, the trouble was you thought you had time.

Enjoy 'Time' by Award Winning Canadian Country Music Artist, Dean Brody: - More on the song here

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Merry Christmas - The Needed Power of Faith

Faith is the bird that feels the light and

sings when the dawn is still dark

FAITH

The greatest gift we can give or are willing to receive is Faith.

Faith holds the secret key to the universe.

Think of all the things we treasure but cannot see: Those untouchable, intangible valuables that matter most and ultimately hold the power of good to shape our world.

Love - We feel it, we know it's real but we cannot touch it, bottle it, sell it, or earn money from it. It's the biggest, richest gift anyone can receive and it comes straight from faith in ourselves that it exists.

Compassion - We all matter. Every single soul on earth matters. No one is greater than another and the gift of compassion shows we have faith in and believe in this untouchable energy.

Hope - Without hope, we cannot have faith. Even though hope in our hearts is not visible to those who walk by us, our body language, our energy and our demeanor have the power to pass along the gift of hope. All of it, unseen, yet felt. One life touches another every single day.

Like butter and eggs, the years blend together. Before we know it we've lived through over 50 or more Christmases. No matter the number we've had, each one blends into the other and over-time, our traditions shape us and our family.

Our children and extended family are the carriers of our roots, and passing along even the smallest sense of tradition in today's crazy-busy world has more value than decades ago.

This year, let us pass along the greatest gift, especially to our children ... the priceless Gift of Faith.

Enjoy this beautiful song by Tim McGraw, Humble & Kind - Song Review can be found here, and most of all....

Merry Christmas xxoo

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A Song for People Enduring Cancer

Brett Kissel, I Didn't Fall in Love with Your Hair
and More Here

'I Didn't Fall in Love With Your Hair' by Canadian Country Music Artist Brett Kissel & Featuring Carolyn Dawn Johnson

Written by Rachel Bradshaw, Kyle Jacobs and Billy Montana, this moving song was released in September 2016 for Cancer Awareness month with proceeds donated to the cause between the dates September 9th and October 28th 2016.

Philanthropist W. Brett Wilson, also played a role by matching the amounts earned and donating those funds to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Like most songs do for the artist, it struck a personal chord for Brett Kissel; his mom has battled cancer.

Why This Song Says So Much

Battling cancer certainly goes deeper than potentially losing our hair. However, when the news hits us that we could be facing this horrendous fight, some of us think of this superficial thing...our hair.

After first hearing this song blaring from the radio in my kitchen, the lyrics stopped me in my tracks. Listening to every word, the tears flowed.

The song speaks to the love of one soul for another; it reminds us what true love means and that our body really is our temporary home. The cliche 'beautiful on the inside' has greater meaning when you process these lyrics.

Love is an unseen force, yet the most powerful in the world.

How do we know we are loved by another?

We know because we feel this invisible energy. The feeling of love resonates in this gorgeous song. 'He didn't fall in love with her hair' - he fell in love with her soul, her being - This untouchable force survives all things tangible.

We are reminded that our love for each other cannot be measured by something physical, like our hair or our body shape. Love is a connection that survives the seen. This intangible force captures our spirit, and in doing so, gives us the secret to life.

We are all here perfecting that secret. 

Love is where we find the light and it's the only road that takes us home. Get out the tissues as you listen to this song.

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A Moms Song for a Child Leaving Home

If I Could by Barbra Streisand
A Further Review about the Song Meaning Here

One of My Sons is Moving Out in Two Days & the Lyrics to this Song Say What We Moms Feel

I've been one of those lucky moms; all four of my sons still live at home.

Yes, that's right, and we love it that way.

But my second boy, a guitarist and artist on the rise in a band called Coldfront, is moving out on his own. He's anxious to fly, but I'm not ready to let him. I'll never be ready.

Totally biased I'm about to blurt out all the cliches moms say: He's smart, organized, gorgeous and talented. I guess that's suppose to bring a measure of comfort.

But really, how did all the moms of the world get through this part of life! It's hard.

He's turned out to be a wonderful young man, and he's ready. The high point is what he's given me; the proof that he's ready.

After our son explained his plans to his dad and I on how he's going to manage this big step, we were so proud. Later that night we were lamenting on how hard this is, and how much we would miss him. But then his dad said, 'he's just like you! he's so much like you, and for that reason, I won't worry so much'.

"I've Watched You Grow So I Could Let You Go" (Lyrics)

Most of my friends have had their children move out already.

Looking back, I know I'm feeling my own mother's heartache as my brothers and I moved out.

At 19, mom and I drove to Toronto where I would start University and share an apartment with a friend. Mom helped me set-up the place, spent two days with me and after hugs and kisses, I remember standing at that apartment door watching her walk down the hall towards the elevator where she waved a final goodbye.

This coming Monday, I will understand what my mother felt that day. I'll say goodbye to my boy, my life, and pretend he's just going away for the weekend and that he'll be back in a few days. Without doing that, I'd be a mess, and on such a milestone for him, don't want him to feel my pain.

Right now I'm lucky. I can hear the boys laughing and talking to each other from their bedrooms. My dad used to say to me that he was happiest when all of us were home safe and sound. I miss my dad. I sure could use a hug from him right now. Dad would be so proud of him, of all the boys.

(Lyrics)
If I could, I would try to shield your innocence from time
but the part of life I gave you isn't mine
I've watched you grow so I could let you go
if I could
I would help you make it through the hungry years
but I know that I can never cry your tears
but I would
if I could

If you're looking for lyrics that say exactly what a Mom wants to say to her children, this is the perfect song - Get the tissues ready - I'm spent after listening to it <3

Things I'll have to deal with in the coming days:

• How will I handle walking by his empty bedroom?
• Missing the big glorious mess he leaves in his room
• His cooking for us once in a while
• His smile
• His hugs
• His brothers will miss him too

That's it, we're going to visit him - did I mention he's moving 5 hours away.

Yesterday he was just a baby.

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I Have Loved You for a Thousand Years - Love is Endless

Angels on Duty - Fridge Magnet

Most of us have heard 'I Have Loved You for a Thousand Years' by Christina Perri. If the song sounds familiar, it's the final song in the Twilight Series.

Today's Review isn't about Music; it's about love

What do I know about love? Well, I know what you know and what we've all heard; it's what makes the world go round, all there is, and of course, all we need.

In an increasingly cynical world where people gather in their corners defending positions, ideas, beliefs, what's right and what's not, love patiently waits for us to call it 'one step closer'.

You and I know that this life is fleeting, and whether we believe it's our one and only existence or that our consciousness/soul returns to master its lessons is irrelevant to this particular life we're living as us - In the end, our end, one question requires an answer, 'did we love.'

It's the love we give that travels with us and nourishes the earth. That love imprints itself on those left behind, and they pass it along. Like the tiniest seed buried deep in the earth, love grows.

Questions we might ask about our own love

After the storm, did we find our way back to love? 

When hope slipped through our fingers, did we find our way back to love? 

When the ones we love died, and a piece of us was taken with them, did we find our way back to love? 

When we suffered an illness that scared us to our core and thought, why me, did we find our way back to love? 

When our TV told us why to hate, and who to hate, did we find our way back to love? 

When people took positions that opposed everything we stood for, did we find our way back to love? 

When dark thoughts tried to infect us, did we find our way back to love? 

When we hated ourselves for our own mistakes and choices, did we find our way back to love? 

When we were hurt, did we find our way back to love? 

When someone we love was hurt, did we find our way back to love?

Most of all, when we caused someone pain, did we find our way back to love? 

Did we do this all unconditionally? Did we find our way back to love without expecting anything in return? Did we just decide to love our neighbor?

Here we are, the size of a piece of sand, all together, living on a giant ball that hangs in the middle of the universe, questioning ourselves and perhaps even questioning what it means to have faith. Our mere existence on this spinning ball is a testament to faith.

Yet, we are born with the greatest gift, the capacity to love ... and after centuries, we still have yet to harness its power.

This unseen power can't physically be measured; it only exists if we declare it, and the more of it we give, the more of it we have. It's the most extraordinary energy yet to be weaponized for good.

How Do We Get There

Our love for each other is the road home. That's it. There is only one road that takes us there.

We can spin our wheels until the cows come home; it won't make a spit of difference ... it's the gift of love, even when it's the toughest to give, that takes us there. Test yourself - Think of the most complex person there is to love, try to love them, pray for them, and genuinely wish them well.

Planting love in places that need planting is one of the best uses of love.

For my Dad, Happy Birthday - I have loved you for a thousand years and will love you for a thousand more.

Through it all, love remains.

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Review This: Bringing Home a Puppy Day

Today according to the Calendar of Funny and Weird Holidays, today is Bringing Home a Puppy Day.

For those of you who are dog lovers, I'm sure you can remember the day you first brought your new puppy home, with great joy and anticipation.  For those of us who don't have dogs or any other pets, just thinking about bringing home an animal, will make our hearts beat just a little faster.

One thing is certain, puppies are just so darned cute that it is hard not to have your heart melt into a puddle of love!  Those cute little faces and bodies covered in fur so soft, and that small helpless yelping that comes out of them when they are in your hands, is enough to make a grown person melt into a puddle of "Ahhhh's!"  and "Ohhhh's"!

Handling them is the first step into "Puppy Oblivion and Puppy Fever!" Now you are on a path that will forever change your life.

Welcome to the family oh little four legged creature, that stole my heart!  We are forever changed and will never be quite the same as we were before.

That is all good.  Now let's make our family ready for it's newest member.  The one member who will get away with all kinds of good and bad behavior, and will love each of us in our own way.  He will bring what he feels we need into our days each and every day and all we need to do in return is love him, feed and shelter him!  He will be the antidote to stressful days, the balm for restless spirits, and the eyes that see himself as our four-legged fur child, that can only please us with his presence.  And he is so right.

Dogs are one of the most wonderful creatures on the face of the earth.  They make us better people by their presence in our lives and the only thing they want in return is to be loved and cared for by us.  That's not so hard to do!  Several years ago someone told the story about the Ninth Day when God Make a Dog, you can view it by clicking on the link!  

So God Made a Dog!

One thing is certain, once you have a dog in your life, you will never be the same again.  They come into our homes and hearts as little bits of fur and feet, with a tail following behind and they park themselves in our hearts forever.  We will go crazy to make sure that our puppies have the best toys, the nicest bed, leashes for walkies and we will poop and scoop gladly.   For all the love, that these critters give to us, we will be, their forever family gladly.  

We will buy them treats, and treat them to some new toys, buy them coats and boots, costumes and scarves and they will look at us with so much love in their eyes, that you could drown happily in their love for us. 

Bringing home a Puppy Day has to be one of the Best Holidays on the Calendar of Weird and Wonderful Days of the Year.

The only thing that I would add, is learn how to make puppy behave in ways that are acceptable to society.  There are things that puppies need to be taught and there are great ways to train your puppy. So please do some research before going to the kennel or pound to get your newest member of the family.  Research what kind of dog will fit into your family dynamics and then also research how to best train the dog.   Puppies will look to you  for guidance and you have to be ready.  Gentle training will make puppy and the family meld into one big happy group.  

Then have fun, walk the dog, make him part of your life and best and most important of all, love him!

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The Best Way to Bring Home a Dog for Christmas!

Every year, hundreds of puppies are bought for children as a Christmas present and every year right after Christmas,  shelters see an increase in the numbers of animals given up.

A new furry friend is NOT a great gift at a time when everyone's attention is more focused on the "big picture".   Little puppies get lost in the confusion and hullabaloo that is happening during the melee of opening presents.

They are new to this whole world of ours and bringing them into the middle of it during the holidays is really unfair to a little bundle of fur that just wants to be loved, cuddled, kept safe and gently explore it's new home and new family.

If, after all the warnings not to, you are determined to bring  a puppy or kitten as a gift, there is a way to do it that will keep everyone happy and excited, without being a major trauma to the animal involved in your choice.

Presumably, the kids have all mentioned that they wanted a pet to begin with.  To that end, if a new puppy or kitten is on the way to your family, start by preparing your family first for the newest member.

Along with some toys for the kids (a stuffed dog or cat), make sure there are books for each one of them, about caring and training a pet.

Buy them dog/cat dishes, dog/cat toys, dog/cat treats, a bag of good quality puppy or kitten food.

Wrap a flattened dog crate, or kitty carrier and address it to one of the kids.  A leash, harness, and tags would be another great gift.

A Puppy Starter Kit would be a nice bundle to give to the whole family!

And then when everyone is wondering what the heck it all means, take the video you made, when you visited the Dog/Cat Breeder and show them the newest member of their family.  Give each of the kids a "ticket" to ride in the car on the day after New Years or later, to go and collect their new furry friend.  Make arrangements with the Breeder ahead of time, to give the children a lesson or two about caring for their new pet.  Most reputable breeders will be more than happy to help along, because they want their puppies to be happy and well adjusted as well.  When I got my dog, the breeder was more than happy to give the puppy a bath, show me how to care for his coat and let me help to dry him and brush him.  She was pleased that I was interested in his well being before I even got him home.  She had valuable experience with puppies and could help me make his transition to my home much smoother.  Having a puppy is like having a baby, there are all kinds of things to learn.

By that time, hopefully most of the Christmas things will have been put away and the new fur baby will have a safe place to call his new home. Tinsel and cookies and candy lying around with a new puppy, could spell disaster.  So it's better to wait.  Not only will those dangers be gone, but, the children, having settled in with their new toys, will find time for the newest member of the family too!

This little video (click on the link) will help you understand  a little more about:

Bringing Home the Puppy!

Remember, that while getting an animal for Christmas (or later) is wonderful, they are a commitment for years to come, not just over the holidays.  This is a living and breathing being that requires love, companionship, exercise and food.  He is like a new member of the family and deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.

Do it right and your family will have Christmas memories to last a lifetime and a dog or cat,  that will fill each year with happiness and joy.......

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Losing a Dog is Beyond Difficult - Dedication to Our Dog

I never believed I would create a dedication page for a dog; I love them, of course; it's just that we've owned cats most of our lives. Only cats. 

However, our life changed in 2009 when we adopted a nine-year-old dog from an elderly family member. She was our first family dog.

The biggest reason we never committed to owning a dog in the past was the realization that a dog was very much like raising a child: As dog owners already know, they require a great deal of attention, and of course, there's a lot of work involved. 

Having raised many kids, we knew only too well what the demands were, and until we could fully commit, we would never just casually jump into dog ownership.

Unfortunately, the inspiration for this article comes from people close to me who recently lost their dog, but mostly from our own hearts ... 

Our precious dog was called to doggie heaven earlier this year (2015). She was elderly, and it was her time, but that didn't make one speck of difference; the pain of losing her was fierce.

We were all present with her as she underwent the procedure to end her suffering. There were seven of us with her: my husband and I, our four sons, and our second son's girlfriend. 

My second son insisted that we all be there for her, he said "she deserved that, she gave us unconditional love for five years" ... he said, "we owe her our presence during her hour of need". I'm not kidding you, that's how he put it. Although I was moved by what he said, I told him it was up to each person whether they could deal with seeing her lose her life, and in the end, everyone decided they could handle it, and everyone wanted to be there, for her.

I called the boys and my husband from the Pet Hospital to let them know it was time, and they showed up with an ice cream from Dairy Queen for her as a final treat. Still breaks me up to think of that.

For those who've been through this, you know only too well how brutal it is. I have never seen so many grown men cry at one time. We went through two boxes of tissue. We stayed in that room with

Here She is, On One of Our Many Christmas Eve's

her for two hours before we could all agree to let her go. We all held her and told her how much we loved her. The boys took it so hard. In typical mom style, I kept it together for them, but later, I wept in my own quiet and private moment at home.

Our 'girl dog' (my nickname for her sometimes) made everyone smile. As soon as the boys walked through the front door, they called her, and she'd come running and barking, and that tail would always be wagging. She was loving and gentle. She was the boss. She had all the power. And everyone loved that. That little Shih-Tzu taught us what it means to love a dog.

When she passed, I couldn't sit at home and work for at least three days. She was my sidekick and very attached to me. Wherever I was in the house, you could count on finding her nearby. She slept in her doggie bed while I worked. She was a sweet girl; I miss her. 

Not one of us could be in the house the day she left us. We all headed to the arena to watch two of the boys play hockey. Sitting in that house without her on that first day may qualify as one of our most empty feelings.

This Christmas will be our first in five years without our girl-dog romping through the holiday wrappings. But we know she'll be running around spreading doggie love in heaven this Christmas.

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The Art of Tolerance

Get For All Good on a Pillow

The Virtue of Tolerance: Making an Effort with Empathy, Kindness, Goodness, and Grace

Getting Better, with Tolerance.

A personal saying, 'Kindness breeds Tolerance' ...Tolerance requires an accepting mind and a willing participant. It's not a spectator's virtue. To see life from another person's perspective suggests that we are attempting to live outside of ourselves, to mentally travel the journey of another soul.

This world is our home, we all live here, and we all deserve the best from each other.

Below you'll find a few of my works on Tolerance, Perspective, & Self Awareness.

I hope all your flowers grow

TOLERANCE

Hold my hand

then judge me

Or better

Feel my sameness,

Look me in the eye

then tell me I don't matter

Or better

See I am you,

Sit at my dinner table

Sharing food and conversation

then tell me I'm not worthy

Or better

Understand my hunger is like yours,

Take a walk with me

then hate where I live

Or better

Understand my plight,

Watch my children play

and tell me they are expendable

Or better

Love them as your own,

As I hold your hand

Look in your eyes

Eat at your table

Walk with you

Understand your plight

And watch your children play

I know I want to be better too

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak

SELF AWARENESS

I can't judge you

I'm too busy judging myself

I can't hate you

I'm too busy learning about myself

I can't envy you

I'm too busy competing with myself

I can't expect anything from you

I'm too busy expecting the best from myself

I can love you

By loving myself

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak, Copyright

PERSPECTIVE

From Your Perspective

What do you want me to know about you

I'm interested in your life

You're journey is my teacher

I'm wrong about so much

How can I make your day better

Show me what I can do

I am a willing spirit

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak

COMPASSION

Youtube Channel - DragedaPoemsLyrics

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A Lifetime of Friendship and All that Ultimately Matters in This Life, Love

Time & Love - Two Things that Never Die 

Starting with a Poem:

You Stayed

A journey from 1979

my journey with you

my friend

you stayed,

Always and forever

you have been by my side,

throughout all this time

you have stood patiently,

During times when my life

pulled me in a hundred directions

you still stayed,

We have survived three decades of changes

from single girls

to married women

to the birth of children

there you stayed,

Through a thousand tears

and a million laughs

you stayed,

We are bonded in a such a way

that the word friend is too casual

we are sisters,

Distance may keep us apart

but sisterhood keeps us together

You can know I'm here

I can know you're there,

This gift of timeless friendship

can never be measured in miles

it's a treasured constant

Others may come and go

but my friend,

We stay

Inspiration Sometimes Comes from the Most Unexpected Places

Obviously, friendship is the inspiration, but the details of what led to this poem were unexpected.

The year was 2007, on Mother's Day. My family (kids, step-kids, hubby) had our normal get-together here at the house.

It was rather an event-filled day. About one hour before everyone arrived, I split my head on the edge of my youngest son's bed. I was so mad at myself! I ended up at the hospital for about 3 hours, and six stitches later was back home. My husband and kids pitched in and handled things; everything was under control. 

Anyway, dinner was great, and the night moved along nicely as usual with some watching tv (football, I think), one of my other sons playing guitar, the little one playing Xbox, and my stepdaughter, myself, and her hubby in the kitchen chatting it up. The conversation that night was really great. We talked about the Five Stages of Marriage I recently heard on the John Tesh radio show. It was pretty interesting. My hubby and I are definitely in stage 5. However, my stepkids were quite interested in assessing what stage their relationships were in. It was fun and quite comical.

Anyway, the conversation led to my stepdaughter paying me a nice compliment about why she believed my marriage to her dad was successful. I was grateful for her take on it but proceeded to tell her that wasn't the reason. She looked a tad surprised. So I said, "Do you want to know why our marriage is a success?"....you could have heard a pin drop.. both she and her hubby were waiting for me to give the "big secret," "the reason a marriage works," "the answer for all mankind"...lol...ok.not...I proceeded to give her the answer: "The reason your Dad and I have had a successful marriage of 22 years is that "We Stayed."

Through it all, I stayed. Through it all, he stayed: In sickness and health, for richer or poorer, in good times and bad. When there may have been reasons for others to think we shouldn't stay together, it didn't matter; we stayed - My personal experience taught me firsthand that love CAN survive almost everything.

Friendship Necklaces in three parts

What Inspired Me, Continued...

So, this leads me to this poem.

Nearly a month later, on the night before I was leaving to go out of town to visit my parents, I sat in front of my computer and began the night by listening to a beautiful song called Indescribable. No matter your faith or belief system, this song exudes love.

While listening, I began thinking about that conversation with my stepdaughter and about who else in my life has "stayed." That led me to my friend for whom this poem was written.

I started remembering when my friend and I met and what our journey of 29 years included. I started thinking about how many 19-year-olds today will have the same close friend 29 years later. I started thinking how rare this must be. 

With my friend's birthday approaching, this poem was my way of showing her my love and appreciation for "her staying"...through it all. 

So with the beautiful song "Indescribable, by Chris Tomlin" playing in the background, I opened up "Notepad" and started to write the short poem featured at the beginning of this article.

Today - UPDATES

Since writing this, 8 years have passed. My husband and I are still going strong, having recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. My friend and I are friends til the end, and I'm off to visit her for her birthday in a week. We continue to stay.

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Red Gifts and Romantic Ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine Penguins on Etsy

Our favorite February holiday ~ Valentine's Day ~ is just around the corner. Time to look at  some romantic ideas and red gift choices for that special someone in your life.

Red and Pink, along with white, are traditional Valentine's Day colors.

• Red is a symbol for passion and deep love. 
• Pink stands for affection, sweetness and understanding and is a combination of red and white.  

A plush penguin in one of the Valentine colors of red or pink, handmade in crochet, makes a cute gift for your sweetheart. This cuddly stuffed animal is perfect for a favorite girl. These round and roly-poly penguins measure 5 x 5 inches and make an adorable gift.  They are available in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts.

Handmade Happiness in Red or Pink Plush

Plush Penguins in Valentine Colors (Etsy)

Handmade red or pink plush animals are fun gifts for your special Valentine. 

These plush penguins in Valentine colors of red and pink will win her heart. Round and cuddly, your special someone will love this sweetheart penguin.



Perhaps a

Crochet Ladybug Plush Toy

LadyBug is your choice for a red plush gift.


Lady Bugs are a symbol of good luck and happiness, making a lady Bug plushie a happy gift to that special lady in your life.

Cute Valentine Octopus in Pink or Red Crochet

A mini crocheted octopus handmade in red or pink makes a cute gift for your favorite Valentine.  It would look darling sitting on her desk at work or home as a reminder of the sweet person who gave it to her.



A Special Card - Sweet, Funny, Fun

I love you every day Valentine's card

by aaronsgraphics

Top off your Valentine gift with a fun card.   

This card by aaronsgraphics on Zazzle may not be perfectly romantic, but your sweetheart will get a laugh and a smile out of it.  Simply tell them "I love you every single day", "But today you get a card!"

Symbols of Love

Image Source: Pixabay

If anyone has ever wondered how the heart became the symbol of love, and such burning questions such as 'why is the heart red', here's a light-hearted (yes, that's an intended pun) imagined conversation between Dr. Sheldon Cherry and a 2,000-year-old cardiologist.

Valentine's Day and Romance Go Together

For a list of romantic movies, books, songs and sweet stories perfect for Valentine's Day, check out these wonderful suggestions from many of the reviewers here on Review This in our ROMANCE section.

Valentine's Day is a Favorite Chocolate Holiday

As Lucy Van Pelt of Peanuts once wisely said “All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!”  And no one at Review This knows more about chocolate than our own Susan Kennedy. Check out lots of her chocolate recipes and stories perfect for this chocolate holiday.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day

So, Happy Valentine's Day to you from the Peanuts gang and all of us at Review This! 

(c) Wednesday Elf. Article written on 1/24/2015.  Updated on 1/16/2024

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