Hello Everyone,
It has been a very exciting morning. The final bid on the Breeders’ Cup Experience and a VISIT WITH ME was $11,200. I’d like to THANK and CONGRATULATE J. D. SWEENEY from SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, for this generous bid. These funds will go a long way to support and assist the V FOUNDATION in their efforts on behalf of cancer research.
I can’t wait to meet the Sweeney Party and personally thank them for their wonderful outpouring of support for this worthwhile cause.
It was interesting to listen to all of the updates on “Mike and Mike in the Morning”. Dottie got up quite early CA TIME so she could do so. Then during part of the program…which was hosted by Brian Kenney and Bob Valvano (Jimmy V’s brother)…they replayed a portion of a very famous speech Jimmy gave 7 weeks before his passing. It was March 4, 1993. In this inspirational speech, he introduced his concept to create the V FOUNDATION along with the assistance of ESPN.
Jimmy offered his drive, devotion to this topic, his hope, and his vision. ESPN granted their support to this endeavor via their time, money, and various efforts to enable the V Foundation to get started.
There were several key words and phrases Jimmy used repeatedly in this moving speech which can truly touch so many of us…no matter what is else is going on in our lives:
1) Each day try to LAUGH, THINK, and HAVE SOME EMOTION.
2) Be enthusiastic about things going on in your life…KEEP YOUR DREAMS ALIVE by working hard to try and make your dreams a reality.
3) Don’t give up….DON’T EVER GIVE UP!
These are certainly wonderful thoughts to reflect upon…no matter what you are doing!
I must say, I know one thing for sure. Each of these POINTS holds a very special meaning TO ME…and is also very symbolic to the way I tried to view my life and all aspects of my athletic career.
Point # 1…I really wanted to have FUN each day! I tried to make things unique and entertaining and add my own personality to the tasks at hand. I learned to dance…and did so whenever I could! I enjoyed every moment while at Barn 55 whether I was in my stall, relaxing, training or enjoying some treats while outside grazing and ‘hanging out’ with my pals. Additionally, I truly LOVED EVERY MOMENT I spent visiting with and sharing my daily activities and career with ALL OF YOU!
Point #2…I worked very hard to keep MY DREAMS ALIVE and make them a REALITY. 19 victories in a ROW! I still find this so special and have to literally pinch myself when I think about it. I was the ONE WHO DID THIS! ME, ZENYATTA!
Point # 3…This one is very dear to my heart and it definitely applied to ME during my racing career. No matter what else was going on…I always gave each task MY ALL….and I NEVER, NEVER GAVE UP!
Here’s to wishing each of you a very special day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Edie Dickenson
Zenny, you are the best! I love your daily journal and thank you for your positive inspirational YOU!
JAG formerly known as Judy (Maass) Gadwood :-)
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64005/california-racing-execs-address-online-gaming
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Congratulations to the winner of the BC package
Have a great time and give Zenny a lot of HUGS for
Everyone. Really love your post today. Such really
Good advice and great thoughts. Have a wonderful evening
Big Girl !!!! Thanks so much Dottie.
Maria K.
Congrats to the winner! I love you Queen Z.
DJ
To Terry C: Not at all… you out bid me on this one! :)
…………………………………..
To Sue & Kimberly P: Be careful what you wish for! TOO CUTE! and TOO FUNNY! Love all the DUMPLING humor. I am sure “Z” will make an ‘Honorary Dumpling’ out of J.D. once he sees her! 14 carrot at that :)
DJ
To JAG: Thank you! One of my Father’s favorites. I just sent him the link. Blessings!
Robyn Mullhausen
Hi Z. Jimmy must have been quite a guy and I loved how you used his 3 points to illustrate how they’ve played out in your career. You never haven given up and neither have John and Dottie and Mike. Your post is inspirational. It brought a tear to my eye. Also, dear Zenny, you certainly did have 19 VICTORIES in a row!! Your last race was the one where you showed everybody what you are made of…A TRUE VICTORY for a real Rock Star!!!! xoxoxo
Lisa B
Hi Precious Zenny,
Congrats to J.D. Sweeney. Thanks Zenny and Dottie for passing on great advice from Jimmy V. Love YOU OOOXXX
Trina Nagele
@Barbara Grimaldi, Paul, Kimberly Potter, Diana S and DJ—Left comments for you at the end of #295.
The Kennedys in San Diego
http://www.drf.com/news/hollywood-park-shirreffs-will-pit-star-billing-against-nereid-american-oaks
Delrene
to Mr. Sweeney ! Congratulations – from a fellow San Diegan….. I was going up to $10,000. Glad you made it and give her lots of hugs for us and takes pictures to post. What a thrill to be up close and all that special treatment. All for a good cause. Thank you Zenyatta for reminding us ( again) Dottie too. All the things in life that are truly worth striving for and remembering. Great advice. Must go back at another time today to read some of the interesting posts and links. Thank you for today’s beautiful picture of Zenyatta.
HappyHarriet
Dear Queen Zenyatta –
JD Sweeney won a special audience with you, the Queen! Lucky person/family, and most generous as well. I have a very strong feeling that some day in your future, you will be in a place where your adoring fans can have access to your wonderful presence once again.
.
We saw Mr. Commons on Saturday and I have to apologize to Mr. Commons for leaving him off the list of those we visited. He is one of the top stars there! He stayed to himself a bit, yet was very alert. I felt like all of John’s horses were very smart and processed the unexpected activity around them calmly. THANK YOU JUDY for the info about Mr. Commons’ Del Mar possibilities!
.
Have a peaceful evening, Z and z and the Dumplingz and a big Horse Hug as well ~ HH
judy berube
Dear
Dear Z:
You are the best. Your last race proves how you never give up. All nineteen you won proves how you never give up. You’re sweet and playful (pulling your Dear John’s hat off) and you can DANCE. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
JAG - California
GIRL POWER! :-D
http://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Delaware_Handicap_Point_Counterpoint_123
—————
p.s. My initials are JAG!
judy berube
PS: Congratulations to J. D. Sweeney. Lucky, lucky gets to visit you. Hugs, J.B.
Ellen Zachary
Another fine post, Z…
Sharon Call
@Barbara Grimaldi. I just heard about her on the NBC affiliate in Atlanta and her rescue is actually in Powder Springs, GA, just outside Atlanta proper. It said she has a few horses and donkeys and was badly effected by the floods several weeks ago. I’m going to Google her and see if there’s something I can do to help.
@Catherine. I’m north of Atlanta in Cumming, GA. That’s a pretty far piece from Moultrie, which is in SE Georgia.
judy berube
To Ingrid Arnone:
Dear Ingrid:
You’re welcome. Should be an exciting match up. Hugs, J.B.
Dear Eveline:
Wishing you all the best. Hugs, J.B.
Celeste
Zenyatta, you are so beautiful not only in looks but on the inside as well as proved in this wonderful diary message. You are such an inspiration for always continuing to try, for always having heart….well, I simply run out of words to express how very special this is. Other than to say once again, thank you!!! Thank you, Dottie, for sharing with us through our Queen, Zenyatta.
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear DJ; Bet you know who said something like, ‘Lord, make my words sweet & good as I may have to eat them soon.’ ??!? Who said that?
Anita in CA
Hi Zenny. I’m so blessed to have met you and to learn from you about these principles for living which you have so greatly shown.
Much love to you & yours.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Got one for you. Stop me if you’ve heard it. Did you hear about the horse that was so late coming in, they had to pay the jockey overtime. Hugs, J.B.
Sharon Call
@Barbaara Grimaldi. OK, now I’m really confused. I just Googled Michelle Akers and it gave her contact info as Orlando, FL. There were pictures of her meeting with the guy from the local NBC affiliate, and I know they said Powder Springs. Geez – wonder if I had a really senior moment. Anyway, here’s the link to her website.
http://www.michelleakershorserescue.com/home/aboutus.html
Kathryn Cogswell
To Kimberly Potter: Your dear note came at such a good time, when a bit of a nudge was nicely right on target. Thank you very much. Kc.
judy berube
Dear Brenda:
I love Saratoga. But as I said in another post, my husband is not up to traveling anymore so we’ll be playing this year through simulcasts at our local casino. But, I am looking forward to receiving my office Dumpling Name Tag in the mail thanks to Diana S. She left her e-mail on Diary #295 for anyone who wants one. If you get to Saratoga this year, they have a lot of attractions at the track on different days during and after the races. Dressage demos, wine and cheese tasting, Dixieland and other kinds of music. Enjoy. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Brenda:
Senior moment..that should be …my official Dumpling Name Tag..I really should proofread.
Hope you’re daughter was able to record the ESPN segment. Hugs, J.B.
Lil from KY
@Hi LisaG—Yes, it would be wonderful if we had the money to win a contest to visit Sweet Zen, but I feel confident that Lanes End will allow visiting with Zen AFTER the foal is safely here & all is well with both Zen & little Zen. So, keep hooves crossed .
Thanks for asking about my situation, I am doing ok, & will have surgery coming up this month.
Zenny, much love to you, darling dancing girl, take care xoxoxoxo
MaryAnn Donahue
Dear Zenyatta & Dolly, You brought tears to my eyes with this one. What wonderful words of inspiration to embrace each day with all one’s heart. Like you raced, dear Z, with your whole heart, each and every time. You have made this world a better place with your presence and great spirit. Be happy and well dear one.
with love,
Mary Ann
jody
Thanks Z. You are so very special and inspirational
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Just read today’s joke. Very funny. George was there. Hugs, J.B.