PEORIA / SUN CITY - JANUARY 2023

Happy 2023!

I’m not usually excited about the new year, but something in me is looking forward to this year filled with opportunities to create new memories with my family and friends.

Lately,I have been motivated to get back in the groove of being productive, and accomplishing the many things on my “to-do” list.

If you’re like me and are ready to conquer the items that have be idle on your “todo” list, I want to encourage you to reach out to the many locally owned businesses that make The Grand Season magazine possible.

It’s my hope as you settle into your routine over the next several weeks, you can enjoy the small surprises you encounter each day.

I hope 2023 is filled with hope, happiness and joy!

Whitton Associate Publisher

Melissa

FROM THE EDITOR

INSPIRE REACH FOR THE STARS

The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.

Robert Baden-Powell

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. Dalai Lama

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Abraham Lincoln

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.

Charles Spurgeon

Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel toward what we have. We can be happy with little and miserable with much.

William D. Hoard

Until you are happy with who you are, you will never be happy with what you have. Zig Ziglar

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.

Helen Keller

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.

Denis Waitley

Marcus Aurelius

1. What was the song, “Calypso” about?

2. The humourous song, “Give Me Back My Man” appeared on which album?

3. Why was “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” split between the A and B sides of the single?

4. Which American singer-songwriter legally changed his name to Sananda Maitreya?

5. Name the late ‘60s song that contains these lyrics: “Seven thirty seven comin’ out of the sky, Won’t you take me down to Memphis on a midnight ride.”

1. Is the book of Yeshua in the Old or New Testament? Or neither?

2. What prophetess of about 84 years of age approached Mary and Joseph and thanked God for the infant Jesus? Was it Anna, Baara, Junia or Phoebe?

3. What phenomenon had led the wise men to the young Jesus and Savior? Was it a whirlwind, star, rainbow or rainfall of sparkling gold?

4. From Matthew 2, to what country did Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus flee? Was it Jordan, Syria, Oman or Egypt?

5. Where did Jesus live as a boy? Was it Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem or Bethany?

Nazareth

HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS

Jessica Lange has played some of the greatest roles in classic literature, such as Maggie in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Joan Crawford in “Feud: Bette and Joan,” Cora in “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” and Patsy Cline in “Sweet Dreams.” Now, she’ll add Mary Tyrone to the list, in Eugene O’Neill’s 1956 Pulitzer-Prize-winning play “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.”

Katharine Hepburn received an Oscar nomination for the 1962 film version. In 1982, a madefor-TV version featured an all-Black cast, starring Ruby Dee. In 1987, Kevin Spacey, Jack Lemmon, Peter Gallagher and Bethel Leslie were in another madefor-TV film. Lange has already won a Tony Award for the 2016 Broadway production, co-starring Gabriel Byrne and Michael Shannon. Filming of “Long Day’s Journey” was recently completed in County Wicklow, Ireland. It’s due to arrive Feb. 20th, 2023.

FIND HAPPINESS

It’s no question that everybody wants to be happy. And because the United States continues to decline on the World Happiness Report each year, the quest for finding true happiness can seem a bit hopeless at times. But, just because numbers show the average rate of happiness

in the country is declining, doesn’t mean your individual happiness should as well! Here are several steps to add to your routine to find true happiness.

1. Experience life

Have you had your eye on a pair of designer shoes that seem to promise everlasting happiness?

Well, not to burst your bubble, but research shows that the happiest people in life spend more money on experiences than on material things. Instead of buying the shoes, go for a concert ticket instead.

2.

Practice gratitude

Having an attitude of gratitude is a powerful

action to use against all the negativity in the world. Try writing down three things you’re grateful for every night. This habit could be just what you need to achieve inner happiness.

3. Connect with others

Among your friends on social media, how many of those people do you see on a regular basis? Studies show that taking time to truly connect and spend time with others face-to-face increases happiness levels.

4.

Lend a hand

Even though going out of your way for someone can seem tedious at times, science tells us that helping others plays a significant role in your overall happiness.

5. Live in the moment

Many of us are so focused on what happened yesterday or what’s going to happen tomorrow or next week or in 15 years, rather than taking the time to focus and enjoy today. Take a moment, right now, to just be still and breathe.

6. Be kind to yourself

Despite how busy you are, it’s important to take some time to be kind to yourself. Exercise and get your body moving even just a little each day, and aim to get a decent amount of sleep. Be patient with yourself when you make mistakes.

A Message from Sue Royer

“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”

Sue RoyerDirector

About Us

Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living.

When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.

We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best: • Group Homes

Assisted Living Communities

In-Home Primary Care Physicians

Home Health Care Therapy

Transportation

Private Duty In-Home Care

Respite Care

Alzheimer’s Care

Memory Care

Hospice

Support Groups

living resources accepting:

Private pay

Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS

Medicaid

VA Benefits

6 Reasons You Should Call AAA Senior Placement AZ

• We are well known and respected in the medical community.

• All clients are given a thorough assessment to determine proper placement needs.

• There is never a fee charged to the senior or their family for our service.

• We are NOT contractually bound to any outside business. This allows us to serve our clients with only their interests in mind.

• Years of knowledge and experience in the field of senior care.

• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.

What is the primary setting of the Netflix series “Bridgerton”?

Where is the Republic of Maldives located?

What is the subject of Walt Whitman’s poem, “O Captain! My Captain!”?

What is the third letter of the Greek alphabet?

When was the last time the Liberty Bell rang in Philadelphia?

What was Henry Fonda’s jury number in “12 Angry Men”?

What is a heptahedron?

In what year did McDonald’s introduce the Big Mac to all of its customers?

Which president tried to ban Christmas trees from the White House?

What do bees collect from flowers and use to make honey?

IMPACT

HEALTHY HABITS

Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier, more satisfied life is within reach. A few tweaks to your regular habits can help you get there. Habits matter. Why not work on making positive habits part of your routine? Here’s a look at some habits to help kickstart your quest. Just remember that everyone’s version of happiness is a little different, and so is their path to achieving it.

The following daily habits may help you achieve more happiness in your life.

1. Smile. You tend to smile when you’re happy. But it’s actually a two-way street. We smile because we’re happy, and smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier.

2. Exercise. Exercise isn’t just for your body. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem and happiness. Even a small amount of physical activity can make a difference.

3. Sleep. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep every night. If you find yourself fighting the urge to nap during the day, or just generally feel like you’re in a fog, your body may be telling you it needs more rest.

4. Practice gratitude. Simply being grateful can give your mood a big boost, among other benefits. You might try starting each day by acknowledging one thing you’re grateful for. You can do this while you’re brushing your teeth or just waiting for that snooze alarm to go off.

5. Give a compliment. Research shows that performing acts of kindness may also help promote your overall wellbeing. Giving a sincere compliment is a quick, easy way to brighten someone’s day while giving your own happiness a boost.

6. Keep a journal. A journal is a good way to organize your thoughts, analyze your feelings, and make plans. And you don’t have to be a literary genius or write volumes to benefit.

FLASHBACK ANSWERS

From

1. John Denver wrote the 1975 song as a tribute to JacquesYves Cousteau and the oceanographic research vessel Calypso.

2. The comical song was released on “Wild Planet” by the B-52’s in 1980.

3. The 1976 disco song by Tavares was 6 minutes, 38 seconds long. While it didn’t top the Billboard chart, it did reach No. 1 on the Hot Dance Club list.

4. Terence Trent D’Arby, in 2001. His debut album won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1989.

5. ”Travelin’ Band” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, in 1970. In 1972, the group was sued by Specialty Records for plagiarism for the music, with a claim that it was too similar to Little Richard’s “Good Golly, Miss Molly.” The suit was settled out of court.

THRIVE TOGETHER

Marriage is hard and takes lots of work. No one inherently knows how to be a great spouse; it takes years to become proficient at being in a successful relationship. You can’t know if you can flourish as a couple until you learn the tools to create a happy relationship.

Here are five tips to strengthen your relationship with your spouse:

Learn to Process Your Feelings.

Couples should spend time talking about their feelings during difficult times. Just as important, if not more so, is validating each other’s experiences and feelings. People tend to want to rescue others from difficult feelings, but sometimes people just need space to process their emotions before they can fully move through them to the other side.

Have Meaningful Conversations.

Couples should try and find time to have meaningful conversations—even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Ask each other questions about your childhood, your current goals, and future hopes and dreams. Many couples find even after decades together that there are still things to discover that will deepen your knowledge of each other.

Find Time to Exercise. Exercise, whether together or alone, is extremely helpful for increasing positive brain chemistry, and working out stress. Taking the time to go on a walk outside the house when possible, gives couples a much-needed change of scenery.

Take a Break from Electronics. Constantly having a screen in front of your face doesn’t allow for quality interpersonal communication. Setting aside a couple of hours a night or a day a week to go tech-free really forces couples to prioritize one another and practice more face to face interaction. It gives the mind a break and challenges us to find ways to reconnect intentionally with our significant other.

Help Your Partner.

Asking on a daily basis, “What can I do to help you today?” is a simple way to make sure you are actively working to meet your partner’s needs. Whether it’s a long hug, help with laundry, a listening ear, or checking in to see what your partner’s immediate needs are is a way of putting a “deposit” in your love bank.

HERE’S A TIP

Clean and disinfect a wood cutting board with salt and lemon juice. Sprinkle the board with a healthy dose of plain salt (kosher or coarse salt works best), and scrub it with a cut half of a lemon. Rinse and clean with soap and water.

To control the level of garlic in a recipe, add it at the beginning for a lighter taste and at the end for a stronger taste. To get garlic out of the clove quickly instead of tedious peeling, just smash it and squeeze it out.

The best cure for a foggy windshield is a chalkboard eraser. You can purchase them at office supply stores. They can be stored easily in your glove box. No window cleaner required for a quick clear windshield, and you can see well after.

Fill measuring cups with hot water and empty quickly before measuring sticky substances like honey or peanut butter. It will slide out much easier.

Cold and flu got you down? Once you clear those symptoms, try gargling with saltwater. It reduces inflammation in your throat and washes away irritants and bacteria.

Brandon Rehbein

Dirk Rehbein