Surprise / SCW - September 2023

Beat the Heat

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op Five

September is here, and that means football is back after almost a 7-month hiatus. I don’t know about your home, but the men in my life have been preparing for the impending football season for at least a few weeks. It feels like we’ve watched every streaming football special available, and most of our dinner conversations have surrounded their Fantasy Football draft picks.

One of the highlights of my Labor Day weekend was re-watching “The Sound of Freedom.” If you haven’t seen this incredible movie yet, I would strongly encourage you not to miss it. While the subject matter of human trafficking is uncomfortable to discuss, this movie puts a spotlight on how important it is for all of us to get involved to protect the young people of the next generation.

This month’s The Grand Season is focused on the issue of thinking clearly. With Fall approaching, my hope for you, is that you can slow down, and make informed decisions before committing to anything that might not be in your best interest.

Thank you for your support of The Grand Season, and for supporting the local business owners who make our publication possible.

Go Cardinals!

Melissa Whitton Associate Publisher

BEAUTIFUL THINGS

Mindfulness is about love and loving life. When you cultivate this love, it gives you clarity and compassion for life, and your actions happen in accordance with that.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Beautiful things comfort; they bring a real clarity and ease. We have to continue to make our environments beautiful - it’s sort of like a prayer. If you surround yourself with beautiful things, you have a better life - one with more oxygen.

Anjelica Huston

Clarity and consistency are not enough: the quest for truth requires humility and effort.

Tariq Ramadan

Clarity of vision is the key to achieving your objectives.

Tom Steyer

When you quiet your mind, you can enter a world of clarity, peace and understanding.

Alice Coltrane

That inner voice has both gentleness and clarity. So, to get to authenticity, you really keep going down to the bone, to the honesty, and the inevitability of something.

Meredith Monk

Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.

Jim Rohn

Fearless means trusting your instincts and clarity of thought. Once you have made up your mind, don’t be scared of what if.

Ravi Shastri

There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate our thirst for intricate solutions.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

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ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER

Love has its own secret language. From the slightest facial expressions to thoughtful gestures, you and your partner communicate your feelings in countless subtle, unspoken ways every day.

Though you may not utter the words “I love you” outright, your actions speak volumes about your devotion and affection. Experts say nonverbal signs of love serve an evolutionary purpose, strengthening social bonds. So, pay attention to the wordless ways you and your partner share care – because they reveal what matters most.

Here are some ways people demonstrate their love and devotion to their significant other.

1. Unexpected physical touches

Brushing your hand against your partner’s lower back as you pass by or giving their knee a gentle squeeze while sitting together shows your desire for physical closeness. These subtle, unexpected caresses release oxytocin and strengthen your emotional bond. Simple, loving touches remind your partner you cherish their presence.

2. Sincere compliments

Complimenting your partner’s outfit, hair or a job well done contributes to their self-esteem. We all crave praise and appreciation from loved ones. Thoughtful compliments make your partner feel seen, validated and cared for.

3. Lingering eye contact

When you lock eyes with your partner during a conversation, oxytocin is released, forming an emotional bond. Staring into each other’s eyes sparks feelings of passion and intimacy.

4. Thoughtful surprises

Booking a secret couples massage, leaving a love note on their car seat, or picking up their favorite treat from the bakery delights your partner. Small surprises release feel-good chemicals like dopamine. Unexpected gestures reinforce the bonds of intimacy.

5. Voicing appreciation

Expressing gratitude for your partner’s efforts, like thanking them for grocery shopping or cooking dinner, acknowledges their care. Appreciation makes your partner feel respected and valued for supporting the relationship. Simple verbal gratitude goes a long way.

6. Undivided attention

Tuning out all distractions to actively listen and engage with your partner’s stories or concerns shows them they’re worth your time. You reinforce your bond when you make them feel heard and understood. Focusing completely on your partner reminds them they have your full affection.

BIBLE TRIVIA

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

2. Which book may be summarized as “Yes, salvation is by faith, but faith without action is useless”? Is it Romans, Titus, James or Jude?

3. Who placed the crown of thorns upon Jesus’ head? Was it Herod, Soldiers, Pontius Pilate or Priests?

4. From Ecclesiastes 3, there is a time to weep and a time to ? Is it laugh, hate, speak or lose?

5. In Jeremiah 3:8, to whom did God give a bill of divorce? Was it Adam/Eve, Egypt, Boaz/Ruth or Israel?

LIVE INTENTIONALLY

Living intentionally requires clarity. Imagine a life with less confusion and doubt. Clarity makes everything easier, but getting there requires change and commitment especially if you are busy, distracted and overwhelmed.

If you want to make better decisions, become more trusting, be healthier and do more meaningful work, try these strategies for finding clarity.

1. Create space.

Your mind has to process everything that crosses your field of vision. If your home is cluttered and messy, the mess and clutter results in brain fog. You can’t live thoughtfully in chaos. Clear the clutter and reset at least once a week.

2. Identify what matters.

Write down your passion statement for life. What really matters to you? Now is the time to pursue the things you love.

3. Do one thing at a time.

When you are writing, write. When you are doing the dishes, do the dishes. You don’t need TV, social

media, Email, and other things going on at the same time. Immerse yourself in the task at hand.

4. Eat well.

Your brain doesn’t have to rely on caffeine and sugar to function. Prove it by removing the stimulating substances you think you need for one week. Then start adding more natural fuel like greens and fresh fruit.

5. Get quiet.

Set aside a few minutes to get quiet and/or meditate every day. Even just 5 minutes is enough to remove mental chatter and internal distractions.

6. Write to get clear.

Write for a few minutes every morning. If you are experiencing great clarity, write it down. If you can’t get clear, write that down too. Sometimes you can write out the distraction and get down to clarity.

Want clarity? Remove the excess, the distractions, and every other unimportant, unnecessary thing. Get light. Get clear on what matters by getting rid of everything that doesn’t.

FLASHBACK

Answers

1. What is the oftencovered song “Big Yellow Taxi” about?

2. Name the southern rock group that released “Gimme Three Steps”?

3. What duo released the hit pop/R&B song, “Secret Lovers”?

4. Where and when did the rockabilly band Stray Cats get their first and only number 1 hit song?

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: ”You want to trust her, then somebody hangs up when you answer the phone.”

BEVERAGE CLUB

Ingredients

PEACH MARGARITA

Ingredients

1 small peach , peel and roughly chopped Tajín, for rimming

2 oz. tequila

1/2 oz. peach schnapps

1 oz. lime juice

Lime wheels for garnish

1 part fresh lime juice, plus 1 lime wedge

Ice

4 parts Tequila

2 parts light agave syrup

1/2 part pomegranate juice

2 ruby red grapefruit wedges

4 parts ruby red grapefruit juice

Directions

Add chopped peach into a food processor or blender. Blend completely until liquidy. Rub the outer rim of a rocks glass with a lime and rim with tajín. In a cocktail shaker combine tequila, peach schnapps, lime juice and 1 oz of peach puree. Add ice and shake vigorously until the shaker is frosty. Strain into rocks glass and top with ice. Garnish with a peach slice or lime wedge.

Directions

On a small, shallow plate, combine chili powder and salt. Rub rims of 2 rocks glasses with lime wedge, then dip into chili powder mixture to coat. Fill glasses with ice. In a blender, combine lime juice, Altos Plata Tequila, grapefruit juice, agave syrup, and pomegranate juice. Fill with ice and pulse on high speed until ice is crushed and drink is a slushie consistency, about 30 seconds. Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with grapefruit wedges.

From

1. The song, written and released by Joni Mitchell in 1970, addresses environmental problems. It was written while on a Hawaiian vacation when she looked out the room window and expected to see tropical sights, and instead she saw a paved parking lot.

2. ”Lynyrd Skynyrd, in 1973. The song is about a guy asking for a head start to escape after he’s caught dancing with another man’s girlfriend.

3. Atlantic Starr, in 1985. The Barbara Weathers and David Lewis duet topped the Billboard chart in 1986.

4. In Finland in 1980 with “Runaway Boys.”

5. “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman,” by Dr. Hook, in 1979.

Dinner and a Movie!

Solve the crossword puzzle and mail it in for your chance to win a $50 Restaurant Gift Card and 4 Movie Tickets. Answers to the clues can be found in this month’s Grand Season Ads.

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If you have a question about the puzzle, please call 623-594-1630 ext 3070.

Answers to August Puzzle

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Mail puzzle with answers to: Grand Season Puzzle, P.O. Box 5474, Sun City West, AZ 85376

Questions about the Grand Season Puzzle? Visit www.thegrandseason.com for updates or call 623-594-1630 ext 3070.

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES: Solve the crossword puzzle and mail it in to win. The answers to all crossword clues will contain all or part of a company name found in this month’s Grand Season ads. Must be 21 or older to enter the contest. Employees of the Grand Season or its advertisers are ineligible. When entering an advertisers’ name, there are no spaces, no LLC, or Corporations. Example: C & R Plus II would be entered into the spaces as: C&RPLUSII Entries must be postmarked no later than September 22nd. A drawing will be held from all correct entries. One winner will receive a $50.00 Gift Card and 4 movie tickets, with a photo in our magazine. 8 winners will receive a consolation prize of a 2 movie tickets. Winners will be notified by phone, and prizes will be sent by mail. Winners will be announced in the October issue of the Grand Season.

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MIND GAMES

Learning to clear your mind can be a lifelong challenge. In order to think clearly, we need to teach our brains how to slow down and focus on the important. While this isn’t easy, it is possible. Here are a few suggestions to practice if you’re looking for clarity in life.

Take frequent breaks. To foster a clear state of mind, you should plan on taking a 20-minute break for every two hours of work or study.

Learn deep breathing techniques. When you are taking your break, you should reduce stress levels by learning to breathe deeply and slowly to lower blood pressure. Inhale for six seconds, hold the breath for three seconds and exhale for three seconds.

Play “mental movies.” Some psychologists and scientists believe the best way to take a break for 20 minutes is to promote active rest with 20 minutes of imagining you are in a place of peace and rest. Announce your intention, such as “I’m going to Hawaii” or “I’m taking a vacation” first. Then, go through a scene while you do deep breathing. Focus on details of the climate and

environment, and then take yourself through some of your favorite activities.

Listen to calm music. This is a great pathway to finding an active rest state. Calm music can help you control your breathing to a beat and put you in the frame of mind to envision a calm place. Have a song or playlist ready to put you at ease.

Play strategy games in your free time. Clear thinking requires practice, and games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, riddles, mazes and some video games allow you to learn to solve problems more naturally.

Spar with a friend about a political or social issue. Switch positions halfway through your conversation, so you learn to see an issue from both sides. Alternatively, write down an argument for an issue for two to five minutes, and then write down another argument from the opposite point of view.

Exercise regularly. It is difficult to think clearly if you can’t manage chronic stress. Exercising at moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes per day can improve mental and physical stress, while reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases.

HERE’S A TIP

Have a few old mouse pads lying around? Use embroidery floss to stitch a few together, and use them as a knee pad in the garden.

AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ

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

Assisted 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.

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• 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.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Now is the time to clear your clutter for the fall. It’s the perfect time to get your world back in order before the holidays hit. Here are 5 steps to successfully find space to think clearly again. Start with one room at a time and use these tips to get your space in tip— top shape.

KEEP what you use daily and make sure these items are easily accessible and organized. These items should be kept in drawers or cabinets where you can find them easily.

SELL OR DONATE. While purging closets, desktops or cabinets, save items in a box that you have outgrown or you’re not using. Make it fun by selling these items for

charity or a vacation or something special you are saving for. Great places to sell those finds are: Ebay, Craigslist, OFFER UP, or even the Facebook Marketplace. What you don’t sell take to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or local schools to donate.

TOSS broken items, items with missing pieces, or things that have expired. Get rid of the trash—it’s getting in your way!

STORE it properly. Once you have purged the areas of your home, get those valuables into good storage. Clear boxes are great for large items so you can see the contents. Store important papers and bills in file folders in filing cabinets. Large

baskets help to organize linens and blankets, large storage bins are great for seasonal items and smaller organizers work great for office supplies, jewelry and cosmetics.

ORGANIZE. Every home needs a command central area. This is where the calendar of events is kept and a large memo board to keep all loose papers. The calendar is the perfect place to write down upcoming events. The memo board allows you to organize papers where you can see them.

Clearing out the clutter and putting everything in its place will allow you to breathe and concentrate on things other than the piles accumulating in your home.

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1. In which U.S. state does the movie “Field of Dreams” take place?

2. What is sauerkraut?

3. What phrase does the acronym GPS stand for?

4. The country of Guyana lies on which continent?

5. What is the pub where characters in “The Office” gather after work?

6. How many karats are in pure gold?

7. What is the fear represented by autophobia?

8. How big is a newborn kangaroo?

9. What food product made in Willard, Ohio, was advertised as “the snack that smiles back”?

10. Who wrote the classic staple of Engish literature known as “The Canterbury Tales”?

HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS

“Beetlejuice 2,” directed once again by Tim Burton, started shooting in May with Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux and Willem Dafoe, but their film set was recently robbed. The thieves stole a 150-pound statue created by Delia Deetz (O’Hara) and a lamppost topped with a pumpkin from their set in Corinth, Vermont.

While “Barbie” has surpassed the $1 billion mark and “Oppenheimer” slinks past $600 million, “Sound of Freedom” starring Jim Caviezel and Mira Sorvino has quietly amassed $172.8 million and received great reviews with a budget of $14.5 million. Caviezel plays a former U.S. government agent who works for an underground railroad that operates as an anti-sex-trafficking organization and rescues children. It’s really connecting with audiences.

SUMMER HOME MAKEOVER

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THINK

DECLUTTER YOUR MIND

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It’s that time of year when life begins to pick up steam and doesn’t slow down for several months. Before you get overwhelmed by the chaos, take time to practice de-cluttering your mind, so that when the time arrives, you can manage the chaos with a clear head and a calm heart.

Start the purging process with some of these ideas:

Read a book

Meditate

Listen to music

Color in a coloring book

Take dance lessons

Learn a new language

Visit the beach

Go for a hike

Write a letter to yourself

Write a letter to a friend

Go for a swim

Practice yoga

Dance Journal

Unplug from technology

Take time to garden

Watch the sunset

Play with playdough

Give someone a hug

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Visit the aquarium

Get a massage

Take a drive

Watch the sunrise

Talk to a friend

Listen to relaxing music

Breathe deeply

Play cards

Take a walk

Hold someone’s hand

Rock a baby

Pet your favorite animal

Take a nap

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©2023

Veteran & Family Owned Business

The lollipop, invented in 1908 by George Smith, was named after a racehorse known as Lolly Pop.

Throughout the average sofa’s life, it will hold roughly 782 visitors.

Oh, my aching feet! In an average day of walking, those appendages at the ends of our legs experience forces totaling hundreds of tons—the equivalent of a fully loaded cement truck!

A microwaved baseball will fly much farther than a frozen one, as warmer balls weigh less and move faster due to less air resistance.

Each strand of a human hair can contain traces of 14 elements, including gold.

It’s not just humans who use “baby talk” with their offspring: Mother bottlenose dolphins have been observed altering their whistle pitch and range when communicating with their calves.

Hamburger University, established by McDonald’s to train restaurant managers and owner-operators, has a lower acceptance rate than Harvard University and awards its graduates a Hamburgerology degree.

Cheetos were invented by USDA military scientists during World War II as a result of their being tasked with finding a way to utilize surplus cornmeal.

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COMMUNICATE CLEARLY

Good health care begins with good communication. Unfortunately, sometimes it can be difficult to understand health information. Healthcare professionals use scientific terms that you may not know. Sometimes, the amount of information given in a medical appointment can be too much to take in. Other times, you may not remember what your doctor has said after he leaves.

If you’d like to make the most of your doctor’s appointments, try these tips:

Make a list. Before you go to the doctor’s office, write down any questions or concerns you have about your health. Take the list with you so you do not forget to ask all of your questions.

Ask for definitions. If your doctor uses a word you do not understand, ask him or her to reexplain using plain language.

Know your goals. Ask your doctor to define your health care goals. For example, if your doctor tells you to check your blood pressure to make sure it is within normal range, you will need to know what “normal” means.

Do the talking. After your doctor has finished explaining something to you, explain it back to your doctor. This will help you remember it, and help to make sure both you and your doctor understand the information in the same way.

Picture it. A picture can be worth a thousand words. Ask your doctor to draw a picture or give you an illustration of the concept he or she is talking about.

Slow it down. If your health care provider speaks quickly, ask him or her to speak slowly so that you do not miss information.

Don’t be shy. If you have concerns regarding treatment, tell your healthcare provider. He or she may have information that will relieve your concerns, or there may be alternative treatments.

Consider taking a partner. Bringing a trusted family member or friend can be a big help when it comes to understanding information and remembering instructions once back at home.

Ask for a recap. At the end of your appointment, ask your doctor to repeat the main points and type or write down take home instructions.