and now about "UN - DON - DON" Say it aloud - for I have spelled it phonetically - it is a type of Italian slang, a phrase if you will, most likely specific to only my Mom's Italian heritage and tradition. I say it often. Let me explain - Saturday evening I stayed with my Mom since my sister was away. Also, my daughter and grandson joined us. My Mom cannot have any type of tomatoes even in a sauce. I made her one of her favorite meals - sauteed peppers and eggs on Italian bread while we ordered pizza. She also had a salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It is so wonderful to see her appetite improve as some of the medicines and adjustments improve her overall strength while she is waiting for dialysis to be able to start.
She asked me for my 'pizza crusts' with which she then began to do "UN-DON-DON" - which is when one sops up dressing or gravy or sauce - in this case it was her salad dressing - and to watch her do "UN-DON-DON" and say over and over "UN-DON-DON", with gusto, and eat the crust while making more sounds of "delicious" - well, I just can't begin to tell you all how long it has been since I heard or saw such joy on her face about food. She was thrilled as was I to see her delight and desire. She actually said - my taste buds are working so good!! :-)
It truly is life's little things that matter, that make all the difference, that give us hope - like wanting to do "UN-DON-DON"!! :-)
I hope you all always have the desire to do "UN-DON-DON"!!
Really beautiful post, Gail.
ReplyDeleteBoth your Mom's 'UN-DON-DON' and the video!
So often lately I have that 'I need a hug' feeling, and this lovely post of yours filled the bill.
Thank you.
Love to you,
Eileen
Gail it is wonderful that your Mom is eating better. I have seen the video before and it is a good one to see again and again. glad you are well, hope you are not overdoing it. love you hon.
ReplyDeleteHI CINNER-
ReplyDeleteso glad you enjoy the video. and ya, Mom's appetite is better - she is thrilled and so are we. Me, over doing it? Hah!! :-)
HI EILEEN-
I am SO glad my post served as a sort of "hug" :-) May all your days be filled with "UN-DON-DON"
I loved you both
Gail
peace and hope.....
What a WONDERFUL phrase!!! I love it!! I'm going to adopt is! And what a happy and encouraging post! Thanks for sharing the video, too! Take care of you! Love, Janine XO
ReplyDeleteGail
ReplyDeleteSo right about the little things in life that can be so important...Tramp
HI TRAMP-
ReplyDeleteALways so nice to see you, and yes, the little things indeed, huh? :-)
Love to you my friend
Gail
HI JANINE-
I am thrilled that you are going to adopt the phrase "UN-DON-DON" - I knew what it meant by the time I was three, when, on a Sunday, we had macaroni and sauce and meatballs, - my Mom would say "Do "UN-DON-DON" with your bread"!! :-)
I spent time home, cooking some meals for Mom and just catching up with myself. A dear friend came by with home made carrot cake!!!
Love you
Gail
peace and hope
I understand your pleasure in seeing your mom'a good appetite! My mother caused us much concern the last 6 months of her life, would hardly eat anything!
ReplyDeleteHugs are wonderful to give and receive! A big hug to you Gail for being YOU!
♥...Wanda
Hugs and Smiles and "UN-DON-DON" are pleasures defined by a loving heart... My grandfather did this in the morning - his oven toasted Italian bread "UN-DON-DON" in the coffee with such delight and savor. I wanted to grow up so that I too, could enjoy such a goodie.
ReplyDeleteGive a Hug to your MOM for me and tell her each time I dunk I will send a "UN-DON-DON" cheer her way, and surely with a smile.
SOOOO much love to you and Mom dear friend.
More hugs,
Rose Marie
You got me at the start Gail, I'm a hugger! I will hug anyone who is willing! I love that your mom's appetite has been good lately. Food is very spiritual. It brings people together, to share, to love to enjoy fellowship! Lovely post, it warmed my heart! Love Di ♥
ReplyDeleteHI DIANA_
ReplyDeleteOh yes, food is SO spiritual and comforting and nurturing in many ways. ANd I hope that one day you and I can hug. :-)
HI ROSE MARIE-
I so appreciate that you know personally about "UN-DON-DON" from your Grandpa. Great memory. I feel your light and love.
HI WANDA-
I know how well you undertand my Mom's failing health as you lived it with your Mom. I know too that you appreciate how joyous her good days are for her and for us. Big Hug!!
Love to you all
Gail
peace and hope.....
Wonderful Post Gail. I loved the video about the hugs...I love hugs, and just can not seem to get or give enough of them.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I need to get myself a sign and go get those hugs, that might just cure my lonliness, and I should start enjoying my food more! I think I will adopt UN-DON-DON too!!! ((((HUGS to YOU))) and I am so glad your mom is feeling better (((HUGS to your MOM too))) T
Oh I loved this post and I am so happy your mom is doing better. Enjoying her food is a very good sign.......:-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteHI BERNIE-
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it is so wonderful she is enjoying her food. :-) She is in wht my SIs and Irefer to as the "Safe Zone" right now. phew.
HI TERESA-
I can so see you walking about the mal with your "free hugs" sign :-) and I am so thrilled that the "UN-DON-DON" is catching on. Who woulda thunk??!! :-)
I love you both
Gail
peace and hope and (((((hugs))))))
Una Don is a Japanese meal with eel on top of a rice bowl. Just, you know, fyi.
ReplyDeleteHI Grant-
ReplyDeleteinteresting, but clearly not remotely close to my Mom's meaning. and she says it like "UN-DON-DON or even DAH and it is a phonetic spelling for an already slang or family phrase. Japenese? I don't think so.
I LOVE this post, Gail :)
ReplyDeleteun abbraccio gratis a te e alla tua mamma
un don-don
:)
Voo! What a post!! First of all, the video is so good. And the expression you have done in words is amazing! When you were discussing about your mom, I was recalling the same expectation from my mom. She too is gaining taste again :)
ReplyDeleteUN-DON-DON :)
Wednesday Wallpapers
HI LOLA-
ReplyDeleteI love that you commented to me in Italian!! :-)
HI BHAVESH-
Nice to meet you. ANd I so appreciate your kind words. I am glad to hear your Mom is doing better too.
Love to you both
Gai
peace.....
Gail,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear how well your Mother is doing! Un-Don-Don!!
One of the most beautiful posts on Blogosphere. :)
ReplyDeleteJust watching this video makes you smile. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, the post... well, it's so beautiful that I'd like to keep it forever with me :) I've shared it at my tumblr with full credits to you. I hope you're okay with that. :)
Keep writing. Keep inspiring.
Just to say "HEY!" and to give you a big hug and lots of smiles! ~Janine XO
ReplyDeleteHI JANINE-
ReplyDeleteI SO love that you just stop by and spread such love and warmth. :-) "thank you" - you are so special.
Love to you
Gail
peace and hope.....
HI M & M
ReplyDeleteI am truly honored that you would repost my post at your place. Wow. And so it is so - it is with you forever. :-)
Love you
Gail
peace and hope.....
HO OC
ReplyDelete"thank you" for such a wonderful compliment. I am truly humbled.
Love Gail
peace and hope.....
HI MARK-
ReplyDeleteI so love when you visit - I feel your goodness and love. And yes, Mom is in what we refer to as the "safe zone" Amen.
Love to you my friend
Gail
peace and hope.....
Greetings Gail,
ReplyDeleteSo nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by my Necessary Room - give thanks to Cinner (what a beautiful soul).
Lovely post here. great video. one love.
HI SELAH
ReplyDeleteI am so happy ypu came by and enjoyed my post. Yes, Cinner is a love, for sure.
I Look forward to getting to know you. :-)
Love to you
Gail
peace and hope.....
Wow! Gail BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe vidoe gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes.
So wonderful to know your mother is eating!!
"UN-DON-DON" To you!! and your Momma!
Lisa
HI LISA-
ReplyDeleteThanks you so much for your kind words. I am thrilled you were 'moved' by the hugs video, amazing huh? And I am SO excited folks are using the phrase "UN-DON-DON" :-)
Love to you
Gail
peace and hope.....
Happy 4th of July weekend to you, dear Gail...Love you, Janine xo
ReplyDeleteHI JANINE-
ReplyDeleteAnd a happy 4th to you too. I so love how you drop by :-)
Love you
Gail
peace and hope.....
Oh, Gail, thank you for this gift :) What a beautiful post...my very favorite.
ReplyDeleteWe all need that human touch. To share our love, ourselves, that's what life is all about.
I have missed you, Gail. You are a beautiful soul. I send you a virtual Hug from California :)
You've made my day today. I think I will be smiling and thinking about this post and video all day long today! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Sweet Girl :)
Happy 4th of July, Gail.
Love and Hugs,
Kelly
xox
HI KELLY - MY FAVORITE CALIFORNIA GIRL-
ReplyDeleteI am SO happy you came by and I love your kind wods to me. I am thrilled you like this post that it made you smile and I feel your hug!!
Love to you my dear friend
Gail
peace, hope and Happy 4th of July to you too
Yea.. little things make differnce! Give my love to mom :)
ReplyDeleteHI TAMIRIND-
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by and for your kind words.
Love Gail
peace and hope.....
What a wonderful video Gail and message. Thanks for sharing this. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteHI JBR
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and you are so very welcome.
Love to you
Gail
peace and hope