FRANK BRUNI

Frank Bruni on

Living with Afflictions

One day in late 2017, Frank Bruni, a writer for more than 25 years for The New York Times—including as a White House correspondent, op-ed columnist, Rome bureau chief and restaurant critic—woke up with partial loss of sight in his right eye. He found out that his condition was non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy caused by loss of blood flow to the optic nerve. While he began treatment, he started writing a memoir to document how he was dealing with his setback and to present the stories of family, close friends, previous interviewees and others that have also encountered and dealt with medical challenges.

His new book, The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found, is a wise, inspiring and moving account that displays human perseverance and optimism in navigating trauma and afflictions. Some of the people he describes are his mother, who battled uterine cancer; a college friend that has Parkinson’s disease; Cyrus Habib, a blind Rhodes scholar who became the lieutenant governor of the state of Washington; Nebraska senator and wounded Vietnam War veteran Bob Kerrey; and Juan Jose, a Mexican diplomat dealing with retinitis pigmentosa, which causes progressive vision loss.

Bruni, author of three previous bestsellers, is now a full-time professor at Duke University, teaching media-oriented classes in the Sanford School of Public Policy. He continues to write a weekly newsletter and occasional essays for The New York Times.

by Randy Kambic

How is your eyesight now? Did writing The Beauty of Dusk help you better cope with your condition?

My eyesight is stable, but compromised. I have to read and type more slowly in larger

fonts. Writing the book helped me cope in many ways including by showing me that with the proper adjustments, I could very much continue with my writing career.

How can we implement “taking deliberate, concrete steps to move beyond sadness” with our afflictions in practical terms?

The first step I think is recognizing how many people confront or live with affliction. That helps dilute the self-pity part of sadness. But another crucial step is realizing that what’s gone is gone, what’s lost is lost and you only compound your sadness by dwelling emotionally on what’s unchangeable versus embracing what you still have.

“Try to view what you are going through as a test and you can allow yourself a full measure of pride in passing that test.”

Can you explain how a “sandwich-board theory of life” can be helpful?

If each of us walked around wearing a list of the pain we carry or the struggles we have survived, struggles that are usually invisible, then few of us would ask, “Why me?” We’d ask, “Why not me?” And that’s the truer, healthier question.

Can a health struggle be termed as an experience, not an ordeal?

Oh, absolutely. Not with the most extreme hardships, but with some of them, many of them, I think, you can become a student of your hardship. You can at least try to view that what you are going through is a test and you can allow yourself a full measure of pride in passing that test.

Is there one person in your book that stands out the most to you?

I’m always thinking about David Tatel, a distinguished longtime judge, including with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, who retired last year, who never let his blindness impede him. And he once said to me of the human capacity for adjusting and adapting, “Starfish can grow new limbs, but that’s nothing compared to what people can do.” I hold tight to his words and to his example.

Randy Kambic is a freelance writer and editor in Estero, Florida.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2

Leelanau BirdFest 2022 – June 2-5. Choose from 10 different field trips on both Fri and Sat. More info: MIBirdFest.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

Beach Blanket Belly Dance Class – Fridays, June 3-24. 6-7pm. The June Goddess Workout Beginner Belly Dance class will feature the Dick Dale version for some “fun in the sun” belly dancing. For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes, shapes and ethnicities. $40/4-wk series, $15/drop-in. Also live on Zoom. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. AmiraHamzarRaks.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

2022 Empire Asparagus Festival – 10am-6pm. Includes a fun run/walk, recipe contest, food and drink vendors, music and more. Downtown Empire. EmpireChamber.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

Rainbow Valley Family Farms Summer Open House – 12-4pm. 6040 Culver Rd, Traverse City. 231-943-1214. RainbowValleyFamilyFarms.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7

Blooming Art Workshop – 5-8pm. With Cristi Ellen Zarvas & Wendy McWhorter. Design a seasonally inspired floral centerpiece and then use your arrangement as a subject for your very own watercolor painting. Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 220 Clinton St, Charlevoix. CharlevoixCircle.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

Thai Favorites – 6-7pm. Learn how to craft some signature Thai dishes with Chef Nancy Allen, author of Discovering Global Cuisines. $10. Via Zoom. Register: Oryana.coop. Cooking Class: Eat Beautiful – 6-8pm. Series with Rafina Grove: fish dish. All materials and supplies included and no experience necessary. Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 220 Clinton St, Charlevoix. CharlevoixCircle.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Wellness Day at The Garden – 10am-5pm. A day dedicated to wellness-inspired activities and programs. From meditative arts and yoga to herbal teas and the psychological benefits of green spaces, you’re sure to discover something new and leave feeling refreshed and full of healthful vitality. Free. The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, 1490 Red Dr, Traverse City. The BotanicGarden.org. Online: Happily, Ever After: Couples Communication – 1-4pm. Discover your differences and reduce triggers that make communication difficult. Learn and practice new, fun tools to renew your relationship. Rev. Julie Chai, facilitator. Via Zoom. 231-922-9699. InnerListening.me.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

Women Can/Women Do Charlevoix County

– 11am-1:30pm. Luncheons are instrumental in raising essential funds to benefit thousands of local women, children and individuals who rely on programs and services provided by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix. wrcnm.org. Online: De-stress Workshop – 12-1pm. Join a licensed professional counselor for an interactive workshop to define stress and discuss the sources of stress in our lives. Will discuss the challenges of maintaining self-care practices. Practice simple self-care strategies. $10. Harmony2C.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

Elberta Summer Solstice Festival – 4-11:30pm. Includes local music, a beer garden, games for kids, food trucks and more. Music starts at 5pm; lineup includes Elizabeth Landry, Blake Elliott, Barefoot, Bill Frary and the Frequency and Soul Patch. $10/ adult, $5/ages 13-18, free/under 13. Elberta Outdoor Amphitheatre, 1120 Furnace, Elberta. 231-8829510. GrowBenzie.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

Wild Orchid Walk – 10am-12pm. Join Education Director James Dake in an exclusive presentation and off-trail expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants. $10/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Must register: GrassRiver.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

Birdwatching Hike – 8am. Join Michigan Legacy Art Park’s executive director and birding guide Angie Quinn on a birdwatching hike through the Art Park. $5, free/age 17 & under. Michigan Legacy Art Park, 7300 Mountainside Dr, Thompsonville. 231-378-4963. CrystalMountain.com. Pride Carnival – 11am-2pm. Will host the Unconditional art installation by Roger Amundsen. Expect vendors providing food as well as slides and a climbing wall. Family friendly. Come for live music and to view the interactive art exhibit. The Dennos Museum Center, Northwestern Michigan College Campus, 1410 College Dr, Traverse City. UpNorthPride.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

Summer Bird Walk – 8-10am. The birds that call Grass River home are now nesting and singing. Learn to ID birds by song and habitat on a guided bird walk. $5/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Register: GrassRiver.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

Online: Coping with Race-Related Stress – 121pm. Stress and race-related stress can contribute to varying risks to our health and well-being. We will explore the signs and symptoms of stress, race-related stress, and ways to manage. $10. Harmony2C.com. Landscape Oil Painting Class – 1-4pm. Local artist Dirk Martin will guide you through the principles of landscape oil painting. Designed for the novice, create a landscape painting from start to finish using impressionist techniques. Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 220 Clinton St, Charlevoix. CharlevoixCircle.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

Saving Birds Through Habitat Open House – 11am-3pm. Learning about birds and their habitat. Activities for kids. 11:15am bird hike. Free. Charter Sanctuary Discovery Center, 5020 N Putnam Rd, Omena. 231-271-3738. MIBirdFest.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28

Fairy Garden Make and Take Class – 6-7:30pm. Create your very own miniature garden to lure in fairies, dragons and garden gnomes. Taught by a Master Gardener and include soil and 1 miniature plant to get you started. Bring own container, be creative. Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix. CastleFarms.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30

The Omena Garden Walk 2022 – 11am-4pm. Tour 7 unique Omena gardens which include the private gardens of several Omena residents. $20 cash or check only. The Gardens in Omena along West Bay Shore Drive (M-22) and other nearby roads. 734657-1897. OmenaPreservation.org.

ongoing events

daily

Pets & Parents Reiki Session – 9am-9pm. Sessions for wellness, critical care and end of life transition. Actively experience the use of reiki touch with your pet. Learn additional tips for helping your pet. Virtual 40-min appt. $20. 231-590-0001. tcdesoto@ gmail.com. Sacred Lights Collective Events – A digital platform and virtual community for seekers and facilitators to walk the spiritual path together offering daily classes, groups and workshops. With Aria Mae Everts. Virtual. 774-578-2762. Sacred LightsCollective.com.

sundays

Interlochen Farmers Market – Thru Oct 30. 9am2pm. Local produce, baked goods, flowers and more. Free admission. Interlochen Corners, US 31 S at J. Maddy Pkwy, Interlochen. 231-378-4488. Men’s Circle: Stories in Council – 6:30pm. 1st Sun. An open group of men who come together in a safe, confidential space to share and gain from each other’s experience and presence. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.

Free COVID-19 Testing – 10am-2pm. Pre-registration not required but helpful. The Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital Wellness Workshop, 411 Bridge St, Charlevoix. Charlevoix.org. Farmers Market at the Village – Thru Oct. 2-6pm. Presented by The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Free admission. South Historic Front Lawn, 830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City. TheVillageTC. com/farmers-market. Cancer Care Support Discovery Call – 6-6:30pm. For those looking to incorporate a holistic, functional element of care into their cancer treatment plan by working in conjunction with your oncologists, surgeons, primary care physician andphysical medicine practitioners. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.

tuesdays

Wildflower Walk – Thru Aug. 10am-12pm. Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Register: GrassRiver.org. Empowerment Circle – 10:30-11:30am. With Heather Zigler. By bringing new light to an ancient and traditional tool used by indigenous people around the globe. Circles are a place to transform ME to WE as a space where the principle of sharing power with each other exists instead of having power over one another. 1st class free. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231499-8595. HeatherZigler.com. Turntables and Tacos – 4pm-close. Stone Hound Brewing Company, 3593 Bunker Hill Rd, Williamsburg. 231-421-5010. StoneHoundBrewing.com.

wednesdays

Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market – Thru Oct. 8am-12pm. Parking lot B, southwest corner of Cass & Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City. Downtown TC.com. Kingsley Farmers Market – Thru Sept 28. 3-7pm. Brownson Memorial Park, 205 S Brownson, Kingsley. TraverseCity.com. Empowerment Circle – 5:30-6:30pm. See Tues listing. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. HeatherZigler.com. Wine Down Wednesdays at Castle Farms – 6-8pm. Visit 1918 Cellars for live music, food, wine and more. No tickets necessary to enjoy the music. Check their lineup to see who’s going to be performing this summer. Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix. CastleFarms.com.

thursdays

Weekly Facebook Live with Dr. McSwain – 5:306pm. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.

The Goddess Workout Beginner Hula Dance

Class – 6:30-7:30pm. For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes and shapes. Learn basic hula moves and combinations. $80/8-wk session, $15/drop-in. First Congregational Church, 8066 W State St, Central Lake. AmiraHamzarRaks.com. Red Tent: Women’s Circle – 7pm. 2nd Thurs. Meet local women, share your journey and grow together. Hosted by Aria, Red Tents are a gentle introduction to women’s sacred circles. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com. Community Night – 7-9pm. 4th Thurs. Each month we will host a different theme for connecting with your fellow Bellaire community members. Movie nights, potlucks, cacao and conversation, etc. Everyone welcome, including families; do not need to practice yoga. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.

fridays

Bellaire Farmers Market – Thru Oct. 8am-12pm. ASI Community Center & Park, 102 Maple St, Bellaire. BellaireChamber.org.

The Goddess Workout Beginner Belly Dance

Rhythms: Maksoum – 6-7pm. Learn to play the finger cymbals in a beginner belly dance class taught by certified GoddessLife instructor, Amira Hamzar. For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes and shapes. In-person & Zoom. $40/mo, $15/drop-in. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. AmiraHamzarRaks.com.

saturdays

Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market – Thru Oct. 7:30am-12pm. Parking lot B, southwest corner of Cass & Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City. DowntownTC.com.

classifieds

EDUCATION/WORKSHOPS

SUMMER CLASSES NOW OPEN for registration. Learn skills you can apply in one of our online, live workshops. Bioinformatics. Constitutional Law. Join the IPAK-EDU community of advanced learners. Find us at ipak-edu.org.

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SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

Between Cass and Union streets, Traverse City 231-922-2050 June-October Saturdays, 7:30am-12pm Wednesdays, 8am-12pm

FARMERS MARKET AT THE VILLAGE & GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS

830 Cottageview Dr, Ste 101, Traverse City 231-941-1900 Traverse City's only year-round indoor market. Mondays, May-October, 2-6pm Saturdays, November-April, 10am-2pm

EMPIRE FARMERS MARKET

10234 W Front Street, Empire 231-866-0922 Saturdays, June 11-September 3, 9am-1pm

GROW BENZIE FARMERS MARKET

5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia 231-882-9510

INTERLOCHEN FARMERS MARKET

2112 M 137, Interlochen 231-970-1340 Sundays, 9am-2pm

GLEN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET

6394 Western Ave., Glen Arbor 231-866-0922 Tuesdays, June-September, 9am-1pm

LAKE LEELANAU FARMERS MARKET

112 W Philip Street, Lake Leelanau 231-866-0922 Sundays, June 14-September 6, 9am-1pm

NORTHPORT FARMERS MARKET

105 Bay Street, Northport 231-866-0922 Fridays, June 7-September 13, 9am-1pm

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER ARTISANS & FARMERS MARKET

461 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey 231-347-4337 October to June, 10am-1pm

ADVANCED WELLNESS COOKING & TEA BREWING

EARTH LABS

317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeal.com

Subtle modalities including sound, light, frequency and thermogenic therapies to enhance and transform your quality of life. Our techno-therapy will reduce pain and restore energy. See ads page 19 and back cover.

SPICE & TEA MERCHANTS

145 E Front St, Traverse City 231-947-7423 SpiceMerchants.biz/traverse-cityspice-store

Providing the world’s best herbs, spices and teas for your kitchen. We carry over 200 spices from everyday use to the most exotic as well as over 120 different teas. See ad page 23.

CBD PRODUCTS

MY CBD

Kelly Young MyTCBD.com

All-Natural CBD products. We source from only organic, environmentally socially responsible companies that believe in cruelty-free testing. Life is too short to feel anything less than your personal best. Ask about our distributor options where you can be your own boss. See ad page 27.

FRESH MILK HERD SHARES

SHARED BLESSINGS FARM

7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286

We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy animals so they can produce healthy raw milk for your good. Taste to know the difference. See ad page 8.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

CHAGA PRODUCTS

U.P. CHAGA CONNECTION

906-282-0787 MidnightSpcl_59@yahoo.com UPChagaConnection.com

Freshest, cleanest, wildest organic Chaga available in the Upper Peninsula. State certified. Im mune-Boosting Superfood. For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Packed with antioxidants, its extract may fight cancer, chronic inflammation, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

COACHING & COUNSELING

ARIA MAE EVERTS

Coach, Facilitator, Healer Aria@AriaMae.com AriaMae.com

Spiritually integrative coaching, healing and retreats for Conscious Leaders. In-person and virtual personal development for those who envision a world where all life is honored. See ad page 26.

URBAN OASIS SALT SPA

13709 S. West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com Give the gift of health and beauty this holiday season. Treat a loved one to our dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, or exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt that supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 17.

HALOTHERAPY

URBAN OASIS SALT SPA

13709 S. West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com Dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 17.

HEALTHY PET

SQUARE DEAL COUNTRY STORE

900 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City 231-946-5030 SquareDealCountryStore.com

products for your pets. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the best food, treats and

HOLISTIC MENTAL WELLNESS

KELLIE ZIEHM

Kellie.Amare@yahoo.com 734-344-2339 AmareMentalWellness.com

Come join my team with this ground floor distributor opportunity with the only holistic mental wellness company in direct sales. I’m also looking for healthcare professionals to join our influencer program. See ads, pages 3 and 24.

LESS ANXIETY NATURALLY

EARTH LABS

317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeal.com

Advanced technologies in the sound and light lab ease anxiety and relieve chronic pain. Enhance your mood and bring balance to the limbic system. See ads page 19 and back cover.

MEDICAL/CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIANS

WHOLE HEALTH TRAVERSE CITY

3639 Cass Rd, Traverse City 231-943-2100 WholeHealthTC.org

We help people suffering with chronic joint and muscle pain, and peripheral neuropathy to decrease pain, increase quality of life, and maximize their competitive edge. See ad page 13.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 7.

PERSONAL & SPIRITUAL GROWTH WORKSHOPS

INNER LISTENING™ WORKSHOPS

Rev. Julie Chai 231-922-9699 InnerListening.me

Inner Listening™ workshops for compassionate self-awareness, presence, serenity, love, and joy, offer you the theory, practice, and support to move beyond emotional reactions and into deep healing, compassion and empowerment. See ad page 8.

ACT ABSOLUTE CHOICES TODAY COUNSELING NANCY WARNARS LPC

OperationAbleNancyW@gmail.com 248-845-0513 AbsolutChoicesTherapy.com

Virtual Teletherapy for all ages. Immediate appointments available. Accepting most insurance. Office in East Lansing. Change happens when you take responsibility to create thinking that supports ways to feel better. Family of origin, groups, and media can have a profound effect on your inner being. Letting go of the negativity is critical to co-create new pathways toward hope, peace, and love for the life you have a choice to envision.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 7.

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