Tuesday 3 July 2012

Yawning At Yuletide

IT SEEMS AS IF it was just yesterday when this tiny baby yawned up into the face of Santa during her earliest encounter with him at the Yuletide season.

Obviously far to young to appreciate the event, my daughter was all-trusting and quite blase about meeting the big man in red. As the years progressed, reactions to Santa Claus changed from indifference, to uncertainty, to genuine glee.

There are many theories as to why we yawn, from a physiological reaction due to the need for more oxygen, to a spontaneous psychological response to boredom.

Regardless of the real reason for this little understood action performed by humans and animals alike, there appears to be a great sense of satisfaction after a well executed yawn.

Despite the relief a wide-open stretch of the mouth can bring, however, it is best not to get into the habit, according to a 19th-century French writer known as Stendhal. "Life is too short," he warned, "and the time we waste in yawning never can be regained."

One should also avoid causing others to yawn. As singer Bette Midler once said, “Cherish forever what makes you unique, 'cuz you're really a yawn if it goes!”

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

This post showcases the letter "Y". If you think words are fun and enjoy playing with the alphabet, link to ABC Wednesday at the sidebar.

Visit Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride for more BC scenes.

12 comments:

  1. Your daughter was a beautiful baby. Yawn is a great idea for Y. My voice teacher used to tell me to never stifle a yawn. It's good for the jaw to yawn and that singers should never avoid yawning except when they are on stage. That said, there are times it is not socially acceptable to yawn. Carver ABC-Wed. Team

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  2. Love the sweet pictures of your daughter yawning.
    I think yawns are very catching.
    Great post for the letter Y.

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  3. so wonderful that you captured these moments. i did yawn today too, how about that?

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  4. ho ho hooo zzz

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  5. Oh, what a priceless moment you captured in that yawn, Penelope. And, how nice to see a photo of your dear (and beautiful) daughter. Good heavens, I just yawned! Seriously. I didn't realize yawns were contagious across cyberspace :) On another note, as Carver noted, yawns are big in vocal pedagogy. I was taught that the throat in a good singer should be as open as it is when we yawn. All in all, a perfect "Y" post and great fun too.

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  6. What a priceless moment, and what a precious child...Awwwwww, Sigh...

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  7. the sight of a baby yawning is priceless.:p

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  8. Penelope,
    Who can resist this loveliness! She is yawning, smiling, dreaming!! I remember the days when my son was a baby. He was yawning, smiling and crying. Every moment is a precious memory!
    keiko

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  9. I actually yawned while reading this! No offence! lol Such a cutie pie baby!

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  10. Yawning is contagious. Cute baby!

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  11. Holding a baby in arms is one of the most joyful moments as babies are lovely always, smiling, crying, sleeping, and yawning. Your daughter in the photo is so adorable innocently trusting the world. She grew up to the beautiful lady on the sidebar. I like “The Rose” by Bette Midler.

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