• 📣 Let's keep the conversation going! Just click above AND I'll send you a text message back! 💬 ⬆️⬆️⬆️ or send me an 📧 email 
• ⬇️⬇️⬇️ mailto:julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com your comments, suggestions, or share YOUR OWN STORY! 
• Listen to why this episode is near and dear to my heart! ❤️ As my special guests, my beautiful niece Amanda and her handsome husband Raul, share their strength, resilience, courage and how much love & support they share together! 🫶
• Podcasthon - https://www.podcasthon.org/ - ✅ out this global 🌎 charity event uniting podcasters!
• Kevin Guest House - https://www.kevinguesthouse.com/ - ✅ out this comfortable & supportive healthcare hospitality house in Buffalo NY ❤️ 🤩
• Helen Marie - Psychotherapist & Counselor - Host "I Don't Think We Talk Enough About"  🎤 Podcast & 📕 ' CHOOSE YOU'  & Social media  -https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/ 
• Open - YouTube 📺 mindfulness studio for everyone! Practice breathwork, meditation & more 💨🧘‍♀️- https://youtube.com/@openeveryday/ 
• Tamika White - 📕 ' Leaves Of Emotions ' - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/leaves-of-emotions-tamika-white/1147164198
• https://www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com/ - ✅ out more episodes!

• 📣Let's keep the conversation going! Just click above AND I'll send you a text message back! 💬 ⬆️⬆️⬆️

This special episode is filled with genuineness & authenticity! Amy Oppy, also known as Miss Amy O, speaks from her heart! ❤️

She shares her journey as her beautiful mom's caregiver, as a survivor who was unjustly sentenced to 20 years in prison for her addiction to crack cocaine and how being a stand up comedian has given her the voice 🗣 via storytelling, by using comedy to overcome the trials & tribulations that life "accidentally" threw at her. " I say, if I haven't done it before, but I can learn how. You know, that's because I believe that comedy is what's gonna save us."  Miss Amy O

📣📣 LINKS!! 📣📣

⬇️⬇️⬇️

• mailto:ame2bme@gmail.com ( send her an email if you want to share with her or you have any inquiries 📧 )

• https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=amy+oppy+comedy- Miss Amy O's YouTube 📺  ( 🚨suggested for mature audiences )

• mailto:julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com- send me your comments, suggestions, or share YOUR OWN STORY 📧

• https://www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com/- ✅ out more episodes !

📣Let's keep the conversation going! Just click above AND I'll send you a message back! ⬆️⬆️⬆️

I'm so excited to be back with Season 5! 🎉 Whether this is the first episode you have listened to or you have been following my podcast from the beginning, Thank you!! ❤️

Send me an email 📧with suggestions or if you want to share your story! julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ❤️

• www.kathrynmjones.com - Kat's website ( ✅ out her hitchhiking tips! 👍)
• https://www.youtube.com/kathrynjones  - Kat's YouTube channel ( ✅ out her videos she created from her hikes! 🥾🏔 )
• https://www.instagram.com/kathrynmjones - Kat's Instagram profile ( ✅ out her a m a z i n g photos/insights from her adventures! 📸 )
• https://www.instagram.com/gentscafe - ( ✅ out "An Intentional Approach to Men's Lifestyle - slowly brewed, poured into your inbox" ☕️)
• https://www.instagram.com/guapo_the_amazing_gato - Guapo's own Instagram profile! ( ✅ out his beauty, grace and claim to be Miss United States! 😹🐾)

Heartfelt connections and the power of storytelling highlights a journey through caregiving and dementia in this episode. 💜 We discuss personal experiences, insights from the Alzheimer's Association, and the importance of community support. 🫶

• Chatting 💬 with Jessica DesRosiers - Director of Programs for Alzheimer's Association Central New York Chapter
• Reflecting back about caring for my beautiful mom who battled Alzheimer's 
• Overview of free Alzheimer's Association resources
• Importance of community engagement in dementia awareness
• Examine the need for early diagnosis & treatment 
• Calls for action: connecting with local chapters & 24/7 free helpline 📞800 272 3900 🗣talk to a dementia expert - over 200 languages  

📣📣LINKS!! 📣📣

⬇️⬇️⬇️

•  podcasthon.org - ✅out this groundbreaking non-profit initiative where you will find out more details about this global 🌎movement!

• alz.org - ✅out this wonderful non-profit organization to learn more about facts, education, treatment & finding your own community support near you 💜

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com - send me comments, suggestions, or share YOUR OWN STORY 📧

📣📣 Central NY Residents‼️⬇️⬇️⬇️

• https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/ResourceView/Index?id=3480299&profileDefinitionId=93  - Dementia Care 2025 Conference: Doubletree Conference Center - East Syracuse NY
• Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT 
• Price is $25 for in person attendance and $10 for virtual 
• Vendors price is $100 - *** very limited spots open***

Anthony J. Mohr shares his journey growing up between two very different fathers, exploring the emotional complexities of blended family dynamics. The conversation reveals insights into love, resilience, and the impact of diverse parenting styles. Thank you to PR by the Book, Emily Williams -  Assistant Publicist, for the introductions to this heart warming memoir and Tony.  ❤️

• Examining the emotional toll of having two fathers
• The pivotal role of his mother in navigating family dynamics
• Reflecting on childhood experiences
• Insights on resilience from a dual family upbringing, along with step siblings
• The connection between personal life experiences and professional judgments that guided Tony to become a Superior Court of California judge, in the County of Los Angeles 

LINKS!!  📣📣WHERE TO BUY TONY'S MEMOIR!! 📣📣

⬇️⬇️⬇️

• www.anthonyjmohr.com 
• You will find Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indie Bound links 🔗on Anthony's website 

• https://prbythebook.com/experts/anthony-j-mohr/  public relations agency that helps authors elevate their relevancy and create buzz 

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com send me an email 📧with any comments, suggestions or if you want to share your own personal story to be featured on an episode! 

• www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast send me a recorded message - up to 90 secs 🗣I'll send you one back! 🎤

• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ✅out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝🔗

Could discovering a buried family secret reshape your entire existence? Join me, as I recount my journey of uncovering the truth about my biological father.

I'm also thrilled to feature Alesia Weiss, a retired RN, an Army vet and writer, who has dedicated her life to supporting NPEs (Not Parent Expected). Alesia founded a resource center website - NPEN -  nursing for NPEs as well as a Facebook group called DNA Identity Surprise and This NPE Life, offering invaluable support to those facing similar life-altering revelations.

 Whether you're navigating your own NPE journey or are simply intrigued by these powerful stories, this episode offers a beacon of support and community. 🫶
📣LINKS! 📣

⬇️⬇️⬇️

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com(send me your own personal story! I would be honored to share it, with your permission, on a future episode!)
•  www.nursingfornpes.com ✅out Alesia Weiss' resource center website 
•  www.facebook.com/groups/thisnpelife✅out this private Facebook group for NPE's 
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-well-with-sheila-hamilton/id1456050183?i=1000668877839 ✅out Alesia's interview with Sheila Hamilton's podcast Beyond Well 
• https://www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast Please leave me a recorded message - up to 90 secs 🗣I'll send you one back! 🎤

Have you ever wondered how your childhood memories shape your present relationships? Join me on a heartfelt exploration of my formative years in Brownville, New York. ❤️ You'll hear about unforgettable incidents, like breaking my arm while returning Pepsi bottles, and my father's gentle care during my bath time. These reflections aim to inspire you to cherish your past as a way to navigate the present and future connections in your life.

This episode also delves into my personal experiences with family nicknames and the journey towards gratitude and self-love. Listen as I recount a defining moment when my mom courageously stood up against hurtful names at a family dinner. Plus, I'll share the transformative experience of meeting my biological father, Joe, five years ago, which filled a significant gap in my life. Hear how a powerful quote by Sylvester McNutt about controlling effort and attitude resonates deeply with me, and why surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people is crucial. Join me for an episode filled with personal anecdotes and insights aimed at inspiring you to reflect on your own relationships and past. ❤️
LINKS!

•  https://www.sylvestermcnutt.net ( best selling author, podcaster, public speaker, course creator, and father )
• https://www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅out my website for more  episodes & show notes/links! 📝)
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! 📧I would love to hear from you! ❤️)
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message - up to 90 secs 🗣I'll send you one back! 🎤)

Can music truly change your life? That’s the question we explore in this heartwarming episode of Nearest And Dearest Podcast.❤️ Meet my granddaughter Eloise, a young and passionate Swiftie, who shares her incredible journey of inspiration fueled ⛽️ by Taylor Swift's music. 🎶
From the soothing melodies of "Evermore" to the upbeat anthems from "1989" and "Lover," Eloise demonstrates how Taylor's songs 🎤 have the power ⚡️to uplift spirits and motivate dreams.💭🫶
LINKS!

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkD20ajVxnY ( Song Tim McGraw - Taylor Swift )
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXLgZZE072g ( Taylor Swift's song Evermore )
• https://www.taylorswift.com/ ( Taylor Swift's official website )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me any comments, suggestions, or if you want to share your own personal story to be featured on a future episode! )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
•  www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

How does one transform an abandoned historic villa into a modern marvel while preserving its timeless charm? 🤔 💭 Join me, as I sit down with Ron Clapp and Janaina Leite, the passionate couple behind the monumental restoration of the Carleton Villa on Carleton Island.  This episode unveils the captivating journey of discovering this unique property through a simple real estate email 📧 and falling in love with the property once they stepped foot onto this historic gem! ❤️
We'll explore the innovative ways modern technology, like drones  and 3D scanning, is revolutionizing the renovation process, offering precision and efficiency that traditional methods can't match. Listen👂 as we recount memorable moments like camping 🏕 on the villa's grounds 🌌 and the excitement of uncovering hidden treasures  during a simple tree survey 🌲. This episode is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the joy of discovery, the beauty of Carleton Island, and the unwavering support from the Cape Vincent community. 🫶

LINKS!

• https://facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( Ron Clapp's Carleton Villa's personal Facebook page )
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( Some history about William O. Wyckoff , contact info for general inquires & further info )
• https://abnb.me/F9qjb9TsmDb ( HomeOnTheLava - Off-Grid Ocean & Volcano Views - Hawaii - Ron & Janaina's Airbnb unique property )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message  🗣 up to 90 seconds ! ⏱ I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

📣📣 I would like to credit the nature sound effects titled waves hitting the rocks - (Cagan Celik) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/waves-hitting-the-rocks-16680/ birds singing/calm river - (Sounds For You) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/birds-singing-calm-river-nature-ambient-sound-127411/ small waves onto the sand (DennisH18) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/small-waves-onto-the-sand-143040/  all via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/  Thank you! 🤩 📣📣

Embark on a historical journey as I unfold the intriguing tale of  William Ozmun Wyckoff, a man who rose from humble beginnings to build an architectural masterpiece on the serene Carleton Island. This ⭐️RE-RELEASE episode promises to immerse you in literally rich history, breathtaking scenery, and inspiring stories of preservation.
Learn about Wyckoff's rise to prominence in the typewriter industry, his opulent villa, the tragic fate that his family endured, and the villa's interesting history - including nearly becoming a federal prison 😳 and being considered as a summer camp ⛱ 🏕 for  General Electric Company 💡employees.
The past doesn't always determine the future...Let's step 🩴🩴 into the present as we navigate through the tranquil beauty of the Mighty St. Lawrence River 🌊, taking a boat ride  🚤 around the island. Feel the nostalgia and tranquility as we watch life ebb and flow on the river. So, come along and lose yourself in the captivating narrative of  Carleton Island's past and present!

I would like to credit the nature sound effects titled waves hitting the rocks - (Cagan Celik) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/waves-hitting-the-rocks-16680/ birds singing/calm river - (Sounds For You) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/birds-singing-calm-river-nature-ambient-sound-127411/ small waves onto the sand (DennisH18) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/small-waves-onto-the-sand-143040/ all via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/ Thank You! 🤩

LINKS!

• https://memoryln.net/places/united-states/new-york/cape-vincent/historic-home/wyckoff-villa/ ( Memoryln.net's article about the villa )
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( the story of the Carleton Villa - some history about William O. Wyckoff - contact info for general inquires & further info )
• https://www.facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( Ron Clapp's CarletonVilla's personalized link on FaceBook )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! 📧 I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 ) 

Carleton Island has some mystery about it. 🔮When James H. Durham decided to take on uncovering the true origin of The Old Fort in 1889, he was diving into a not so clear path of discovering the easy answer.
The island had several names, Buck, Deere, Isle aux Chevreuils and Carleton Island. I purchased the book titled, The Old Fort Carleton Island In The Revolution, written by James H. Durham in 1889. It was reintroduced and reprinted by the St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation in 2010.
The Golden Age 🌉 of the Thousand Islands was just beginning during this time period. Cape Vincent was a booming village with a train station and the first port on the western edge of the Thousand Islands.
The entire area was becoming a summer ☀️ ⛱ 🏊‍♀️ playground for some of the major industrialists and social elite of the late 19th century. ☕️ 🥮
Many excursions and tourist vessels 🚢 streamed in and out of Cape Vincent. Major Durham found the markings of a fort that was so massive in construction that it would have required thousands of people to construct it! 😳
I would like to credit the nature sound effects titled waves hitting the rocks - (Cagan Celik) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/waves-hitting-the-rocks-16680/ birds singing/calm river - (Sounds For You) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/birds-singing-calm-river-nature-ambient-sound-127411/  small waves onto the sand (DennisH18) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/small-waves-onto-the-sand-143040/  all via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/ Thank you! 🤩

LINKS!

• https://thousandislandslife.com/books/ ( where you can purchase The Old Fort  and other books about the Thousand Islands  )
• https://www.srhf.info/  ( non-profit corporation - St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation  to promote research & education regarding maritime history of the St. Lawrence River )
• https://www.forthaldimand.com/ ( history of Fort Haldimand  along with various dates of past and present events, and souvenir store items )
• https://shipwreckstories.com/hms-ontario ( various shipwrecks including the HMS Ontario that was lost in 1780 )
• https://timuseum.org/ ( Thousand Islands Museum - Clayton, NY - no charge for admission - modern gallery of permanent & rotating exhibits, a Research Library, older duck decoys, a display by the local diving club and more! )
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( the story of the Carleton Villa - some history about William O. Wyckoff - contact info for general inquires and further info )
• https://www.facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( link to connect to Carleton Villa's Facebook page )

I am so happy to be back again to our favorite forever home on the St. Lawrence River! 🌊  I find myself surrounded by nature's simple yet profound joys. Picture ducklings 🦆 learning to swim, and the harmonious dawn 🌅 chorus of robins 🎶— showcasing the wonder of nature! As I prepare for my 40th high school reunion 🤯, memories of cherished relationships from my past, particularly my late sister JoJo, 🤍  and dear friend Jolene, 🤍 bring a bittersweet comfort. 🦋🕊
 In this heartfelt episode of  Nearest And Dearest Podcast, I also reflect on reconnecting with old friends and the significant impact of my early days with Woody. Join me as we honor Memorial Day, 🇺🇸 celebrating the deep connections that shape our lives through a family cookout that underscores the essence of togetherness. 🫶

LINKS!

•  julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me YOUR story! 📧 I will share it on a future episode! ❤️)
• https://youtu.be/vTnWFT3DvVA?si=RiqXTiVRi4CnQPXt ( Carrie Underwood's See You Again video )

 I found myself in a sea of cherry blossoms in Washington DC, 🏛 feeling a sense of renewal that only spring can bring.🌷🌳☀️ It was here, at the Alzheimer's Impact Movement's Advocacy Forum, that I channeled my personal loss into something greater—a passionate fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia.💜 This episode of Nearest and Dearest Podcast takes you through that journey, where we grapple with the staggering reality of Alzheimer's impact and the ray of hope that recent treatment advancements provide. I unpack both the emotional and realistic components of the disease, as someone who's witnessed its effects firsthand, watching my beautiful mom suffer and as an advocate for change.

There's no denying the urgency; the numbers are daunting, with Alzheimer's cases expected to double by 2050. But there’s power in unity, 🫶 and this episode is a testament to the collective strength of caregivers, advocates, and those living with the disease. 👫👭👬I discuss the Alzheimer's Association's vision,  where a world 🌎without this devastating condition isn't just a dream but a goal worth striving for. 🙌🤍 So, take a moment to tune in, find the hyperlinks below 🚨👇and let's embark on this fight together! 🤝It's not just about facing the facts—it's about fostering hope and action in an era where advocacy isn't just needed, it’s a matter of life and death. ❤️
LINKS! 🚨🚨👇👇

• https://www.alz.org ( find the facts, support & volunteer opportunities )
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Still_Alice ( details about this award winning movie - Still Alice )
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2049586/ ( details about this courageous journey Glen Campbell & his family embarked on together )
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15429788/ ( details about this heartwarming & magical performances by Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me an email 📧 if you have any comments, suggestions or YOU want to share YOUR own personal story! ❤️)

Ever wonder how a simple 'Wicked Happy' baseball cap 🧢 could sum up one's philosophy on life?  🧐That's what happened to me. I unravel the layers of happiness that have shaped my existence from my earliest childhood memories. 🛝🚲
 Rediscover the bliss of childhood joys, like those carefree days in Brownville with ice cream treats 🍦 and boundless outdoor play, and understand why these memories are more than nostalgia; they're foundational to our present happiness. 😊

As I share the story behind my cherished cap—a gift from my son—I explore how we can harness control in our lives through self-permission and responsibility. The small moments that spark joy are often overlooked, but I'm here to remind you of their profound impact on our relationships and overall happiness. From family recollections to the everyday bliss of nature walks, 🌳🌻🐞this episode is a testament to finding and holding onto happiness in the ever-evolving journey of life. Join me, with your own metaphorical 'Wicked Happy' hat, and let's celebrate 🎉 the things that make us genuinely content.

LINKS!
 🚨🚨How Do YOU choose happiness as a mindset?  🤔
Send me an email - I'll share it on a future episode! Click below👇

• 👉julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com 👈
• https://www.happiness.com/magazine/inspiration-spirituality/why-happiness-is-a-state-of-mind/  ( Happiness is a state of mind: 8 ways you can achieve it )
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJJmDzVXCx8 ( Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head - B.J. Thomas )
• https://www.wickedhappy.com/products/garment-washed-trucker-cap-navy-front-khaki-back-red-logo ( My exact Wicked Happy baseball cap! ) 

Nearest And Dearest Podcast is my hope that maybe, my stories will resonate with you! I still believe today, that if any of my content connects with you personally, it's priceless! 🫶 It's a testament to the strength of our shared human experience, one that even caught the attention of alcoholfree.com, where my stories provide solace to those embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.
I'm humbled when I receive text messages, emails, reviews or even chats from you! S3E2 Making Connections is a shout out 📣 🤩 to you! I believe the magic 🪄comes from making human connections through sharing life experiences all across the world! 🌎
I'm grateful & blessed to have you experience yours with me. ❤️
LINKS!
🚨SEND ME AN EMAIL 📧 🚨Any suggestions, or share your own story 👉 julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com

https://www.alcoholfree.com/  Dive into their website full of articles, videos & podcasts. 

I'm glad you are joining me with Season 3 Episode 1 - Pushing The Pause Button ⏸ I'm looking forward to another season with you! ❤️ Have you ever caught yourself mid-sentence, wondering if silence might have been the wiser choice? 🤔 I'd like to think the older I get, the wiser I should be. Deciding to use pause as a powerful tool, can transform conversations, guide you when making a change & give yourself some quiet time. 🤫
When you purposefully seek to understand that you can have more control over your reactions, by staying in your own lane. This will allow you to be able to navigate your own daily life, with more calm & peacefulness. ☮️
LINKS!
🚨SEND ME AN EMAIL 📧 🚨HOW ARE YOU PUSHING THE PAUSE BUTTON? 👇👇

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com 
• https://www.wondermind.com/article/be-present/ - 9 Smart Ways To Pause And Be Present 

Have you ever felt like a tightrope walker in your own life, constantly striving for balance?  ⚖️ This 🔁 BEST OF episode is another reminder that YOU do have control. Weaving threads from my life alongside the narrative outlines of 'Eat Pray Love', one of my favs, I reveal how the quest for self-love and making resonant choices is not just about surviving our past decisions, but about thriving through them. 💥
 Realizing the necessity of owning our decisions, finding strength in our stumbles, and the pivotal role of self-validation in scripting a life without regrets, is within YOUR grasp! ❤️

LINKS! 🚨🚨👇👇
I  Would LOVEEEE to hear 📧 🗣 from YOU‼️
julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com 📧 Send Me Your Own Personal - Finding Balance - that YOU are experiencing! By sharing YOUR  own story, YOU will be empowering 💥 not only yourself, but the universe 🪐 needs more positive voices!!
https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast - 🗣 Want to give a quick shout out about YOUR own - Finding Balance - that YOU are experiencing?! I can share it on a future episode!
Share your mailing address 📬 👇
julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com
I'll send you a vinyl Nearest And Dearest Podcast sticker to put on your fav water bottle! ❤️
https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/eat-pray-love/  ( the official website for best selling author Elizabeth Gilbert )

Strap in and join me, as I remember facing my inner fears of driving 🚗 cross country from Northern New York to Mesa Arizona 🏜. I chose 🔁 BEST OF - You Did It! from Season 1 to remind myself & YOU , that by purposefully making a decision that  conquers 💥your own anxiety of the unknown 😫, can be a huge fulfillment!
It's not only about accomplishing huge personal inner struggles. It's also about reflecting upon true gratefulness 🥰 every day for your own inner peace ☮️, even when you are struggling with very difficult life challenges that YOU will overcome! It's the little moments of making the best out of what is in front of you, that will keep guiding 🌅YOU towards your best version of yourself! ❤️
 So buckle up, and let's hit the road 🛣 to empowerment 💥 and shared tales 📝 of resilience.

LINKS! 🚨🚨👇 👇
I would LOVEEEEE to hear 🗣 📧 from YOU ‼️
julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com - 📧 Send Me Your Own Personal  - I Did It! - moment!! By sharing YOUR own story, YOU will be empowering 💥not only yourself, but the universe 🪐needs more positive voices!!
https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast - 🗣 Want to give a quick shout out about YOUR own - I Did It! - moment?! I can share it on a future episode!
Share your mailing address 📬 👇julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com - I'll send you a vinyl Nearest And Dearest Podcast sticker to put on your fav water bottle! ❤️
 

I picked this 🔁 BEST OF - Get Going Goals, which is from Season 1 actually, because I needed to remind myself about starting my new goals! Yes 2024 🎉 has started & you have put together your own set of aspiring goals for yourself. But, the real challenge of beginning those goals can be daunting and overwhelming.

 I'm sharing the pivotal lessons I've learned—like embracing the power of taking charge of what's within your reach and releasing the reins on what's not. I hope you will realize that first finding your own motivation, then giving yourself a sustainable timeline, putting forth the effort that only YOU can do, while holding yourself accountable - will ultimately be the key 🔑, that unlocks 🔓your success! 🤩

LINKS!
LEAVE A COMMENT HERE ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com 👈 ( Send me an email 📧with YOUR own personal goal you are working on! I would love to hear from you! )
https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast 👈 ( Record a quick answer about your own goal you are working on! I would love to hear from you! 🗣 **** use the email option above, if you have a lot to say 😉 )
https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/goal-setting.html ( Goal Setting: How to Set & Achieve Your Goals 🎯 )
https://www.bigpodcast.com ( David Hooper - author - Big Podcast - Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty & Get Everybody Talking About Your Show )

I want to share this special episode  🔁Best Of - Discovering My Italian Roots - Part 2 because of how very near & dear it is to my heart! ❤️
This personal episode isn't just a journey through my lineage; it's an exploration of the universal longing for connection, belonging, and the sweet discovery of where our truest selves reside.
The breathtaking views I encountered through the mountainous ⛰ terrain of Calabria 🇮🇹, which borders the Tyrrhenian Sea 🌊, connected my soul to my ancestors . 🫶

Links!

• https://www.travelawaits.com/2684560/calabria-italy-things-to-do/  ( a glimpse into how special Calabria is! )
• https://www.facebook.com/Katisanpizzeria?mibextid=LQQJ4d  ( ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel & Pizzeria Bar we stayed at ❤️ )
• https://www.summerinitaly.com/guide/guardia-piemontese  ( a little history about this special place! )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment or share YOUR OWN personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com (  ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast  ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back!  🎤 )

I'm choosing my episode S2E14, The Sauce as one of my favs.
Because I'm in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷🏝 for the winter, I don't get to see my family in person. I am feeling nostalgic and decided to share this episode to remind me of the connection I have with Joe & Sharri.🫶
When you are missing people who mean the world 🌎to you, you have to come up with other ways to still feel close, even if that means you are almost 2,000 miles apart! 😳If you are experiencing missing your family, especially during this Christmas 🎄holiday season, remember that by keeping the memories you have created with your loved ones close to your heart, that  no distance, short or long, can ever change that! ❤️
 So, come along, and let’s revel in the power of family recipes, one bite, one laugh, and one shared memory at a time! 🍝🍷😋

Links!

julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com (  send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️)
www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links 📝 )
https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤)

Woody and I are back in our winter home in Puerto Rico!😎🏝🇵🇷 I'm choosing this particular episode as my next 🔁 BEST OF  S2E1 - Gaining More Patience, as a reminder for all of us to keep our patience in check! ✅
 Ever found yourself on the brink of losing your cool?  😤 Let's face it, we've all been there, but my experiences navigating island life in Puerto Rico and combating language barriers might just reveal the secret to a happier, healthier well being. ☮️
Especially with more holidays heading our way, patience needs to be on top of the list! 🔖Take a breath 😮‍💨 and choose the realization that uncontrollable forces 🌩⚡️will always be in front of us. Finding grace along with gratitude 🙏 , will keep your positive perspective in check! 🥰
Links!

• https://betterup.com/blog/importance-of-patience-in-life ( the importance of patience in life: 8 benefits )
• https://visit1000islands.com/experiences/first-time-visitors/ (  ✅ out this website to see why I love my NY home! ❤️ )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me an email with any suggestions, comments or share how YOU handle patience in YOUR life! ☮️ )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

I picked S2E2 - Age Is Just A Number to be my next 🔁 BEST OF. As I get closer to my next birthday, I realize now, more than ever, to redefine what aging means -  it's not about a number, but about the life we choose to live, regardless of that number.
When I celebrated 🎉 my 57th birthday last year, it has sparked  ⚡️a reinvigoration in my zest for life, something I'm keen to share with you. I hope my personal stories, including a delightful chat with my granddaughter on dancing  💃🏻 and being ageless, and a moving reflection on my mother's battle with Alzheimer's 💜, will inspire YOU to embrace your own age and life experiences!
Let's debunk the myths that surround aging and learning, and realize the potential knowledge and perspective that comes with our years!

In our second part, we delve deeper into the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of aging. Drawing from my own journey, we address the inevitable challenges and the surprising joys that come with growing older. 🥰 Also, you’ll hear about a community of vibrant seniors at a 55+ resort in Arizona  🏜 who have proven that age is truly just a number.
I invite you to share your own insights and experiences on this topic. julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com  Listen in and take a bold step towards taking responsibility for your own life journey. After all, each wrinkle is a testament of a life well-lived, and every year is an opportunity for growth, wisdom and joy! ❤️
LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share YOUR OWN feelings on growing older! Include your mailing address 📬 and I'll send you a Nearest And Dearest Podcast vinyl sticker! 💌 )
• https://seasonsretirement.com/age-is-just-a-number/ ( article Age is Just a Number: The Power of Having a Positive Mindset )
• https://www.lifehayat.com/age-is-only-a-number-quotes/ ( 25 positive quotes about age is only a number )
• https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/arizona/peralta-canyon-trail ( ✅ out more info on this cool hike I took in Arizona! 🏜🥾)
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

I'm choosing this episode, S2E6 - Changing Gun Violence as my first 🔁 BEST OF because this subject needs to be continued.  It's unfortunately, a hot topic that needs to be discussed more.  As a society, especially if you live in the United States of America, we can't ignore the real tragedies that keep unfolding time & time again. I understand the sensitivity that goes along with these discussions. Change can only happen within ourselves first, and then become united with others who truly understand that your voice matters!

In a world where the sanctity of life often seems overshadowed by politics, I question why our lawmakers, despite their power, often remain indifferent and not willing to compromise  to the issue of gun safety. With a look towards the future, I underscore the right of our coming generations to safety, freedom, and the pursuit of dreams, free from the fear of gun violence.
 Together, let's unpack the crippling stigma around mental health. Do your part, help bring fresh perspectives to the table, to question the status quo, and to  contribute to shaping a future where not only the American dream will not be overshadowed by the American gun crisis, but the entire world. 🌎❤️


Links!

• https://changetheref.org ( non-profit org - Change The Ref raises awareness about mass shootings )
• https://musebycl.io/tag/change-ref  ( articles & videos: Change The Ref Says: Guns Make Our Schools  More Deadly Than Combat Zones and other articles & videos about gun violence )
•  https://musebycl.io/clio-awards/manuel-oliver-speaks-his-son-joaquin-killed-parkland-moving-clio-speech  ( moving speech from Manuel Oliver, representing his killed son Joanquin )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website 💻 for more episodes, show notes/links )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me an email if you have any questions, comments, suggestions or thoughts about this episode or just to say hello! 👋 if you send me your mailing address 📬, I'll send you a Nearest And Dearest Podcast vinyl sticker! ❤️ )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

As autumn's crisp chill 🍂🍁🌬 starts to set in, I find myself in a reflective state, thinking about the bittersweet closure of a season. Here's a promise - you'll feel the same important nostalgia while you experience life's highs and lows, the importance of self-care, and the skill set of finding balance amidst it all, no matter where your own journey takes you.
It's never goodbye, only 'See ya soon!' Packing up our favorite forever home on the River 🌊 always leaves my heart a little achy. However, there's a sense of adventure in the air, as Woody & I anticipate the exploration of more of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷🏝 , and the arrival of family and friends. ❤️

For those of you who, like me, find warmth in shared experiences and human stories, I humbly extend an invitation 💌to this enlightening journey of navigating through life's hurdles and struggles, and the resilience it takes to live through them. Send me an email sharing your own personal story. You are not alone. julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com  I'll soon be taking a break from November to February, but stay tuned as I'll be reposting 🔁 a few of my favorite episodes from this season! If YOU have a favorite episode from Season 2, share which one in an email 💻 julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com
As I prepare to bid 'See ya soon'  👋 to this season, let's not part with a sense of loss, but be encouraged by the hopeful anticipation of what lies ahead. ❤️
LINKS!

• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links 📝 )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share YOUR own personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )
• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g25643343/self-care-ideas/ (  50 Best Self-Care Ideas for Mental & Physical Wellbeing )
• https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=acl3668 ( 7 Tips for How to Cope When Things Feel Out of Control )

Have you ever sensed a spiritual connection with a place, so profound that it nudged you to alter the course of your lives?  Meet Ron Clapp and Janaina Leite, who gave a nod to destiny when they embarked on an astonishing venture of renovating the once majestic Wyckoff Villa  on Carleton Island.  Listen to their captivating journey, as they deftly navigate  🧭 the challenges of restoring this grand Villa, while preserving its historical charm and adding a modern twist. Ron's tag line - Giving history a new life!

From setting up camp 🏕 on the villa grounds to confirm their commitment, to adopting innovative 3D scanning tools, Ron and Janaina's  journey is anything but ordinary. Hear them recount their heartwarming tales of community support from Cape Vincent 🫶, the tragedy of the original owners, and their ambitious plans of turning the villa into a haven for the boating community  🚤 🌊 with a bed 🛌 and breakfast ☕️ 🍳, and a restaurant. It's a testament to their resilience, faith 🙏 , and the joy of fulfilling a shared dream. ❤️

In the concluding part of our conversation, we envision  the future 🔮 of the Carleton Villa. Ron and Janaina share their plans of creating a symbolic logo for the Villa, appealing to potential donors, and setting up cozy cabins  for overnight stays 🌌. Their hopes of bringing back artifacts for display and their love for the serene beauty of the area are truly inspiring. As we anticipate the first snowfall ❄️, we sign off with a sense of optimism and determination, echoing Ron and Janaina's unwavering commitment to seeing this project through. Don't miss this enchanting tale of history, mystery, and the promise of a brighter future for the Carleton Villa!

• https://facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( Ron Clapp's Carleton Villa's personal Facebook page )
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( the story of the Carleton Villa, some history about William O. Wyckoff, contact info for general inquires & further info )
• https://abnb.me/F9qjb9TsmDb ( HomeOnTheLava - Off-Grid Ocean & Volcano Views - Hawaii, Ron & Janaina's Airbnb unique property )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com (  ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links 📝 )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

There is something about the family kitchen that stirs up nostalgia. It's the beating heart of a home, a sanctuary of warm aromas, the site of shared meals and shared memories. ❤️
 The star 🤩 of this episode is my grandmother Mary's  cherished family tomato 🍅 sauce recipe 📝 ! This isn't just about tomatoes, salt, and herbs 🌿; it's about tradition, history, and love, poured into every pot 🥘 and simmered to perfection! 👨🏻‍🍳👩🏻‍🍳💋
Every Italian family 🇮🇹 has their own secret sauce recipe. 🤫 The Storino's are no different. The value of such a gem, is the ability to pass it down from generation  to generation. Without doing so, the recipe can get lost, never again cherished.
 It serves as a reminder that food is not just about nourishment; it's about family, tradition, and most importantly, love! 🫶

LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com (  send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️)
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com (  ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links  📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

Have you ever wondered how the power of remembrance fuels motivation and strength? 🤔 I decided for my  50th episode  🎉to share with you a sentimental journey, reflecting on some of my cherished memories, personal victories and challenges of my life.
I'll be discussing how a refurbishing project in which I had original plans to complete with my dear sister JoJo, has helped me honor her in a unique way, thank you to my husband Woody! ❤️

It's not just about the joy of seeing my grandkids grow up, tackling refurbishing projects, or even the remembrance of my  sister JoJo, it's also about embracing the hurdles we've faced and the successes we've celebrated! 🫶

Let's take a closer look 🔎at the America 250 project 🇺🇸, a remarkable initiative aimed at celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026 🎆📜🇺🇸 Led by the inspiring Chairwoman Rosie Rios of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, this project is bringing together the stories of the American people like never before, serving as a testament to our shared history.
I urge you not just to listen, but also to share your own story - because your experiences, your struggles, and your triumphs are what make up the fabric of our nation. Let's inspire each other as we move towards a more understanding and compassionate future! 🌏🇺🇸❤️
LINKS!

• https://america250.org/  ( ✅ out this opportunity for YOU to share your story by telling your reflections on our past, present & future - honoring our 250th anniversary of  our country 🇺🇸 )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝)
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

Embark on a historical journey as I unfold the intriguing tale of William Ozmun Wyckoff, a man who rose from humble beginnings to build an architectural masterpiece on the serene Carleton Island. This episode promises to immerse you in literally rich history, breathtaking scenery, and inspiring stories of preservation.
 Learn about Wyckoff's rise to prominence in the typewriter industry, his opulent villa, the tragic fate that his family endured, and the villa's interesting history—including nearly becoming a federal prison  😳 and being considered as a summer camp  ⛱🏕 for General Electric Company 💡 employees.

The past  doesn't always determine the future... Let's step 🩴🩴 into the present as we navigate through the tranquil beauty of the  Mighty St. Lawrence River  🌊, taking a boat ride 🚤 around the island. Feel the nostalgia and tranquility as we watch life ebb and flow on the river. So, come along and lose yourself in the captivating narrative of Carleton Island's past and present!
I would like to credit the nature sound effects titled waves hitting the rocks -  (Cagan Celik) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/waves-hitting-the-rocks-16680/ birds singing/calm river - (Sounds For You) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/birds-singing
-calm-river-nature-ambient-sound-127411/ small waves onto the sand (DennisH18) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/small-waves-onto-the-sand-143040/ all via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/ Thank you! 🤩

 Links!

• https://memoryln.net/places/united-states/new-york/cape-vincent/historic-home/wyckoff-villa/ ( Memoryln.net's article about the villa )
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( the story of the Carleton Villa - some history about William O. Wyckoff - contact info for general inquires & further info  )
• https://www.facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( Ron Clapp's CarletonVilla's personalized link on Facebook )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

Does the thought of waking up to a panoramic view of the enchanting Gulf of Naples and spending the day navigating through the narrow alleys of the coastal town of Sorrento excite you? If yes, join me,  Julie,  as I walk you through the final days of my unforgettable 21-day journey through Italy, on this episode of  Nearest and Dearest Podcast. From renting a charming Airbnb, twirling through Sorrento's cafe-lined square, experiencing a boat tour 🛥 of the Isle of Capri, to a bus tour  🚌 of the picturesque town of Anacapri, every moment is a unique tale of adventure and excitement.

Imagine taking a 20-minute water bus ride to Murano, Venice Lagoon's glass-making island, and witnessing a master artisan create a beautiful blue horse right before your eyes 😳. Let's explore Yalos Murano's Vetro Artistico shop, and the Original Murano Glass factory, before hopping onto a journey to San Marino, the world's  🌏 fifth smallest country. Here, you'll experience the stunning beauty of its medieval 🏰 architecture, breathtaking views 🌄🌲 🌳, and a quick storm that passes by in minutes. 🌩🌦 As I wrap up the trip, reminiscing about our magical journey, I want to share this experience with you. So, if you are a lover of travel, ❤️ culture, or just a good story,  📖 this episode will surely keep you hooked. 🪝From Sorrento to San Marino, every tale is a delightful testament to Italy's  🇮🇹 mesmerizing allure!
Links!

•  https://www.thetravel.com/best-things-to-do-in-sorrento-italy/ ( ✅ out what Sorrento offers for visitors!)
• https://www.italyguides.it/en/campania/isle-of-capri  ( ✅ out what Isle of Capri offers for visitors!)
• https://ristoranteziosam.it/ ( ✅ out this delicious local family run authentic Italian restaurant we visited! 🇮🇹🤩)
• https://italyguides.it/en/veneto/venice ( ✅ out what Venice offers for visitors!)
• https://lifeinitaly.com/murano/ ( ✅ out what Murano offers for visitors!)
• https://yalosmurano.it/art-design-and-tradition/ ( ✅ out this special glass store where we bought our unique piece!)
• https://matadornetwork.com/read/san-marino/ ( ✅ out what San Marino offers for visitors in this medieval unique country!)
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️)
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com (  ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

Come along, as I journey into the heart of my Italian heritage, starting at the Guardia Piemonte's Cultural Center.  Surrounded by the rich traditions protected by the dedicated local ladies, I was able to leave a mark in the form of a guest book signature and heartfelt donation. But the journey didn't stop there; with the guidance of Agostino, I ventured to Fagnano Castello Municipality, tracing my roots through the pages of old records. This heartfelt exploration promises to offer a deeper understanding and connection to my family's past. After all, isn't uncovering our past a key to understanding our present? ❤️

A trip to the Calabria region wouldn't be complete without embracing its magnificent flavors, right? Well, Agostino knew just the place, the countryside bakery Dolce Napoleone, where the pastries are as authentic as they come. Yet, the charm and wonder of Calabria didn't end there.  As we navigated the local life and breathtaking landscapes, the importance of personal responsibility and fostering healthy relationships emerged as the cornerstone of happiness.🫶 This journey is not just about discovering my roots, it's about embracing life, relationships, and the pursuit of happiness in true Italian 🇮🇹style! Join me and discover how exploring heritage is more than just a personal journey, it's a journey of connection and understanding! ❤️
Links!

• https://www.comune.guardiapiemontese.cs.it/it/page/cenni-storici-8 ( ✅ out some local history - Guardia Piemontese )
• https://calabriastraordinaria.it/destinazioni/fagnano-castello-la-citta-delle-castagne ( ✅ out some local history - Fagnano Castello ❤️ )
• https://www.facebook.com/dolcenapoleone ( ✅ out Dolce Napoleone bakery I visited! 😋 )
• https://calabriastraordinaria.it/destinazioni/cetraro-porta-daccesso-nel-cuore-del-tirreno ( ✅ out some local history - Cetraro - where we had a familia dinner! )
• https://www.visititaly.eu/places-and-tours/spiritual-calabria-the-san-francesco-s-sanctuary-in-paola ( ✅ out this historic Paola Sanctuary - where we visited! )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com (  ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

Visiting Guardia was all about family! We spent 5 days with Joe & Becky's familia who live in the Calabria region, located in the toes of Southern Italy!
Cousin Agostino made our hotel arrangements at the Katisan Hotel & Pizzeria Bar. Guardia is located along the Tyrrhenian Sea. We were just a few blocks away from the seafront and the surrounding area is known as Guardia Marina.
It wasn't long before I realized that this quiet, tranquil sanctuary, was going to capture my heart! ❤️Coming down to Southern Italy, meeting our friends' familia, taking in the natural beauty of the sea 🌊 and mountains 🌄connected me personally.
Links!

• https://www.travelawaits.com/2684560/calabria-italy-things-to-do/  ( a glimpse into how special Calabria is! )
• https://www.facebook.com/Katisanpizzeria?mibextid=LQQJ4d ( ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel & Pizzeria Bar we stayed at ❤️ )
• https://www.summerinitaly.com/guide/guardia-piemontese ( a little history about this special place! )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

I just got back to our home on the River from a 21 day journey in Italy! 🇮🇹❤️Woody and I were invited to tag along with two couples, Joe & Becky, and Norm & Sharon. Joe speaks Italian and was actually born in the Calabria Region, which is where my Italian roots are too!
The bonus was that we would be spending 5 days in the Calabria Region, specifically Guardia, spending quality time with Joe's first cousins from both sides of his parents families or  la famiglia  which means the family, who live in the region!
Woody and I couldn't pass this once in a lifetime opportunity to travel with people who have been to the area before AND speak Italian.
LINKS!

• https://www.getyourguide.com/magazine/2018/08/colosseum-facts/ ( info about the Colosseum )
• https://graylinerome.com/15-fascinating-facts-about-sistine-chapel/ ( info about the Sistine Chapel )
• https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/art-culture/9-surprising-facts-trevi-fountain-rome ( info about the Trevi Fountain )
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Forum ( info about the Roman Forum )
• https://www.matricianella.it/ ( restaurant where we had our last evening authentic Roman cuisine ❤️ )
• https://www.hotelpalladiumpalace.com/en/ ( hotel where we stayed while in Rome )

Carleton Island has some mystery about it. 🔮 When James H. Durham decided to take on uncovering the true origin of The Old Fort in 1889, he was diving into a not so clear path of discovering the easy answer.
The island had several names, Buck, Deere, Isle aux Chevreuils and Carleton Island. I purchased the book titled, The Old Fort Carleton Island In The Revolution, written by James H. Durham in 1889. It was reintroduced and reprinted by the St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation in 2010.
The Golden Age 🌉of the Thousand Islands was just beginning during this time period. Cape Vincent was a booming village with a train station and the first port  on the western edge of Thousand Islands.
The entire area was becoming a summer ☀️⛱🏊‍♀️ playground for some of the major industrialists and social elite of the late 19th century. ☕️🥮
Many excursions and tourist vessels 🚢 streamed in and out of Cape Vincent. Major Durham found the markings of a fort that was so massive in construction that it would have required thousands of people to construct it! 😳
I would like to credit the nature sound effects titled waves hitting the rocks - (Cagan Celik) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/waves-hitting-the-rocks-16680/   birds singing/calm river - (Sounds For You) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/birds-singing-calm-river-nature-ambient-sound-127411/  small waves onto the sand (DennisH18) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/small-waves-onto-the-sand-143040/  all via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/  Thank you! 🤩
LINKS!

• https://thousandislandslife.com/books/ ( where you can purchase The Old Fort  and other books about the Thousand Islands )
• http://www.srhf.info/  ( non-profit corporation to promote research & education regarding maritime history of the St. Lawrence River )
• http://www.forthaldimand.com/  ( history of Fort Haldimand along with various dates of past and present events, and souvenir store items )
• https://shipwreckstories.com/hms-ontario ( various shipwrecks including the HMS Ontario that was lost in 1780 )
• https://timuseum.org/ ( Thousand Islands Museum - Clayton, NY - no charge for admission - modern gallery of permanent & rotating exhibits, a Research Library, older duck decoys, a display by the local diving club and more!)
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( the story of the Carleton Villa - some history about William O. Wyckoff - contact info for general inquires and further information )
• https://www.facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( personalized link on Facebook )

I am getting so frustrated and angry over gun violence. I have shared with you before about Mental Health Stigma. ( S1E15 & S1E16 ) Yes, people who commit acts of violence with guns to innocent communities most likely have mental health conditions or have a mental health illness. I say that, because many people who deal with mental health concerns may not have a formal diagnosis or a full-fledged illness.
When I decided to speak about gun violence, I came across some articles from the perspective of parents who lost their 17 year old son to the Parkland Florida shooting in 2018. Manuel and Patricia Oliver lost their son Joaquin, alongside 16 others that horrific day on February 14th at Stoneman Douglas High School. Manuel and Patricia started a gun-control nonprofit organization  called Change The Ref.
Their mission statement is "Shifting America's social response to gun violence, by uniting creativity, activism, disruptions, and education." Change The Ref uses art and non-violent organizing to advocate for gun safety regulations, and expose the effects of mass shootings. Their ultimate goal is to give the young generations a voice to advocate for change in the gun control policy.
Links!

• https://changetheref.org  ( non-profit org - Change The Ref raises awareness about mass shootings )
• https://musebycl.io/tag/change-ref  ( articles & videos: Change The Ref Says: Guns Make Our Schools More Deadly Than Combat Zones and other articles & videos about gun violence )
• https://musebycl.io/clio-awards/manuel-oliver-speaks-his-son-joaquin-killed-parkland-moving-clio-speech ( moving speech from Manuel Oliver, representing his killed son Joaquin )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website 👩🏻‍💻for more episodes, show notes/links )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me an email 📧 if you have any questions, suggestions or thoughts about this episode or just to say hello! 👋  if you send me your mailing address 📪, I'll send you a Nearest And Dearest Podcast vinyl sticker! ❤️)
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

The month of April has me longing to be back on The River! Spring has begun and I know with April showers 🌦 comes not only May flowers 🌼🌷 but turns all the landscaping green - the trees, lawns, and shrubs 🌳. The weather starts turning warmer, there is a sense of renewal and awakening! 🌞
The ice has melted 🧊and the first cargo vessels 🚢are floating massively in the shipping channel that will be traveling from the Great Lakes into the mighty St. Lawrence River. 
Our river front home is on the St. Lawrence River. My husband's parents bought the property back in 1963. We call it our forever home.❤️
We can see Carleton Island right across from us. It is an American island, 🇺🇸 but has a history that goes as far back as the native Indians and British rule. 🇬🇧 Just Northwest of us, we can view Wolfe Island, it is a Canadian island 🇨🇦 that we love to visit. It's reachable by a local ferry or by boat. 
Now that COVID restrictions have eased and the border is open for easier access, we are looking forward to visiting Canada this summer! We have missed our border neighbors! 
LINKS!

• https://www.capevincent.org/ ( Welcome to Cape Vincent - Where Lake & River Meet ❤️ )
• https://thousandislandslife.com/communities/wolfe-island-ontario/ ( Welcome to Wolfe Island, Ontario 🇨🇦 )
• https://www.savetheriver.org/river-facts/ ( ✅ out this wonderful non-profit organization that continues to protect, preserve, and restore the Upper St. Lawrence River, now and for generations to come! )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more show notes/links and other episodes! )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me an email with any suggestions, questions or comments or just to say hello! 👋 if you send me your mailing address 📪, I'll send you a Nearest And Dearest Podcast vinyl sticker! ❤️)
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

I recently came back from my trip to Washington D.C. 🇺🇸I was advocating for Alzheimer's Association. I was invited by Lauren Ashburn, an Associate Director of Advocacy for New York state. 🗽I feel I am ready to put my voice 📣out there to advocate for ANYONE  who is battling this heinous disease, along with their families. 💜
Because of Alzheimer's Association's commitment, I decided to take action and become involved. I am a volunteer advocate. I want to make a difference! I was in Washington D.C. for three days. From the moment I landed at the airport, and met two fellow New Yorkers, Mary & Lisa, I felt an instant connection.  
This is bigger than me and the loving memory of my beautiful mom. That's where it tugs at my heart, where now I can fight for the right of ANYONE & their family, who have been inflicted with this incurable terminal disease. 
I was part of a rally 👫👫💜📢 in Washington D.C.'s Lafayette Square on March 20th, outside the White House, to fight for the reversal of the 2022 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, (CMS) DECISION BLOCKING Medicare coverage of U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved Alzheimer's disease treatments that can slow down the progression of early onset dementias.
There is so much EMPOWERMENT when you truly feel that hope, never giving up, determination and even more, motivational meaning - the love that stays with you long after we all went home. 💜
LINKS!

• www.alz.org { Alzheimer's Association - information about this disease }
• https://youtu.be/MSvzSGSm98Y { ALZ's Advocates Rally for Access to Alzheimer's Treatments! ** You just might see me in this video! ☺️ }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with any suggestions, comments or just to say hello! 👋 If you send me your mailing address 📪 I'll send you a Nearest And Dearest Podcast vinyl sticker! ❤️ }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! I'll send you one back! 🎤 }

According to Wikipedia, quality time is an expression referring to how an individual interacts with another while they are together - regardless of the duration.
Because of my lifestyle, I don't get to spend a whole lot of time with my adult children or grandchildren. I rely on quality time, not quantity time - to nurture my loving relationships with all of them. ❤️It truly is a gift when you give someone quality time. It's a chance to plan an activity you can do together or plan a weekend where they can enjoy some peace & quiet when they need it.
The most important thing to remember - the BEST way to achieve quality time is to grab every opportunity to spend time with the people you love! ❣️
Links!

• https://www.happiness.com/quality-time/ { understanding  the importance of quality time }
• https://www.alz.org/forum/overview.asp { ✅ out this very important advocacy forum that can help change federal policies to improve the lives of all individuals affected by Alzheimer's & all other dementia 💜 }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with any suggestions, comments or just to say hello! 👋 If you send me your mailing address 📪 I'll send you a Nearest And Dearest Podcast vinyl sticker! ❤️ }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! I'll send you one back! 🎤 } 

I've been thinking about the process of aging. I just turned 57 in February. Three more years I will be 60. It will be a new decade of numbers I hope to embrace! 
I have lost some very close people in my life this past year. Because of that, I feel I am even more determined to embrace life with more zest and challenging myself. I want to keep discovering, learning, and enjoying my family and friends.
I want to be PROUD to share my age! I never want to settle with thinking I am the best that I can be. I want to keep being fearless in whatever I pursue! 
Links!

• https://social.hays.com/2019/10/31/age-just-a-number/ { article about recognizing age doesn't slow down potential just because you are getting older }
• https://www.lifehayat.com/age-is-only-a-number-quotes/ {25 positive quotes about age is only a number }
• https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/arizona/peralta-canyon-trail { check out more info on this cool hike I took in Arizona! 🥾 }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with any suggestions, comments or just to say hello! 👋 If you send me your mailing address 📪, I'll send you a Nearest And Dearest Podcast vinyl sticker! ❤️ }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! I'll send you one back! 🎤 }

 Hola! I'm BACK!! 👋I'm so excited to share with you Season 2, episode 1 with you!!  Thank you so much for sticking around! ❤️
I had to reevaluate my relationship with patience! Moving down here to Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and making a second home for Woody and I,  has been quite a journey! ☀️🏝

You know the saying patience is a virtue, but there is more to it than that. Alasderr MacIntyre, a philosopher, once said "Patience is the virtue of waiting attentively without complaint."

There is a difference that can help YOU whenever you find yourself feeling mad, or being grumpy about mostly dealing with normal every day life experiences, that YOU only have limited control over. The difference is first, accepting that YOU only have limited control and then realizing that YOU decide how you will manage your own reactions to those interactions life throws at you.
Links!

• https://www.betterup.com/blog/importance-of-patience-in-life { The importance of patience in life: 8 benefits }
•  https://visit1000islands.com/experiences/first-time-visitors/ { Check out this website to see why I love my NY home! ❤️ }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Send me an email with any suggestions, comments or just to say hello! 👋}
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 } 

This is one of my BEST OF because when I was going through the long process of starting over when my first marriage ended in 2006, I had to learn how to let things go! It's definitely a life skill that takes you through an emotional ride.
If you are struggling with letting material possessions go, be gentle with yourself! Start small. Focus on what your future will look like, and let your past become the memories YOU choose to hold onto in your heart. ❤️
 I'm not saying it will be easy, but I promise you, when YOU keep looking ahead, day by day, you will gain perspective about exactly what is important for you to possess.
Do you have any insights about how you handled letting go of material possessions? If so, reach out to me. Send me an email at julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com I would be happy to share it on a future episode!
LINKS!

• https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/organization/how-to-let-go-of-stuff-with-sentimental-value/ { tips for how to declutter things you love }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes and show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }   

I picked this for my next best of because my granddaughter Eloise helped me create it!  ❤️ She even was my co-host! My wedding was only a week away when I recorded this episode. I definitely needed to find my own zen too! 
When life seems hectic and YOU are feeling overwhelmed, finding your zen will help you find your balance. Learning how to make time to focus on your breathing and creating positive, calming moments in your mind, will be the first steps to finding YOUR own zen!
I hope you enjoyed this episode! Feel free to share it with others who might need some tips on how to find zen! 
LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Please send me an email with any suggestions, comments or just to say hello! 👋 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Send me a voicemail and I will send YOU one back! 🎤 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for show notes & links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://www.kohinoor-joy.com/zen { Here are the 5 easy ways to find YOUR zen! ⏣ }
• https://www.google.com/search?q=definition+keratsis+pilaris&ie=UTF8hl=en-us&client=safari { Definition of keratosis pilaris- to learn more about this skin condition } 

I picked this episode as one of my favs because it still speaks to me personally! I remind myself, especially on days when my mind seems to focus on all the horrible tragedies that are happening all around us, situations that are totally out of my control, that I can create moments of PEACEFULNESS, for me.
I reset my mind to focus on what is right in front of me and be very conscious of my next thought that will help ground my mindset to a more calm and peaceful easy feeling. I hope you enjoy this best of episode! We all need reminders of how much YOU can control in your own life and how to help YOU achieve a more balanced mindset! ☮  ❤️
LINKS!

• https://www.thesecret.tv/products/the-magic-book/ { The Magic by Rhonda Byrne }
•  https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-achieve-peace-of-mind { Finding Peace of Mind: 6 Steps Toward Lasting Serenity }
• https://youtu.be/KPctA0hT9c8 { The Eagles song - Peaceful Easy Feeling }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com {  send me an email with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello! 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com {  ✅ out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

This particular episode is very close to my heart. I am sharing it with you, to let YOU know, that it is NEVER too late to let someone you love that has emotionally hurt you, back into your life. 
Christmas is two days away. It's also getting close to the end of 2022. I hope you will reflect with great hopes, that 2023 will be a better year for yourself. Take this time and truly open your heart up to the amazing opportunities that are in front of you, that will allow more peace, compassion and new beginnings come into your life. 
UPDATE ********* I have seen my ex-husband Joe and I am grateful to share that he is still sober and is continuing a happy, healthy, loving relationship with our adult children and grandchildren. ❤️

BOOKS TO CHECK OUT! 📚
What Happened to You? Conversations On Trauma, Resilience, And Healing - Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Oprah Winfrey
Born For Love - Maria Szalavitz Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D ( Uncover the startling importance of empathy )
LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me an email if YOU want to share your own personal NEVER TOO LATE story. If you want, I will share it on a future episode! )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes and show notes/links! )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! I'll send you one back! 🎤 ) 

I can't imagine life without music. It has helped shape my life into what it is now! I hope you will enjoy re-visiting this episode and if this is your first time hearing it, I hope you remember how important music can be in YOUR life too! 🎶
I would love to hear your own personal connection to music! It can be something from your childhood or how you use music to get through YOUR day! Please send me an email julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com I would be happy to share it on a future episode! ❤️
LINKS!

• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_music_bonds_us_together ( Cool article about how music bonds us together! )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for other episodes and links/notes )
• https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message and I'll send you one back! 🎤)

I picked this episode as one of my favs because I know how hard it is to forgive. BUT, the reward is worth it!
Whether you are trying to forgive someone who has betrayed you, hurt you or let you down, OR you are trying to forgive yourself for the same reasons, YOU have the power to chose forgiveness over anger, resentment and spite.
I know its not easy, but I hope you will give yourself encouragement to do the work necessary to obtain it. I promise you that it will all be worth every effort it takes, to give grace a chance.  ❤️
****If you want to share with me your own personal experiences with forgiving, please send me an email - julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com if you want to remain anonymous, I will respect that. 

Books I recommend! 📚
Total Forgiveness - R.T. Kendall
The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz
LINKS!

• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes and show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! I'll send you one back!  🎤 } 

This episode is very special to me!  It was about having my adult children, my son-in-law and four grandchildren meet my father and stepmother for the very first time! 
The summer of 2020 was in the middle of the Covid pandemic, so it was a stressful time for all of us. I will be forever grateful that this very important first introductions were able to happen at our home on The River! 
Thank you for taking the time to revisit one of my favorite episodes but also, this episode has the most downloads I have received! I would like to thank The Philippines 🇵🇭for sharing this special episode with their friends and families! Sending much love to all of you! ❤️
LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello! 👋}
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

While I'm taking my "break" 🎬 from finishing season one to start creating new content for you for season two, I want to share some of my favorite episodes! ❤️
This first one, Owning My Truth, speaks directly from my heart! It not only was my very first ever episode, it tells you my own personal story about how I not only found my truth, but OWNED it too!
It has just been a little over a year when I started this podcast and I am always nostalgic when it comes to remembering dates! If you have already listened to this episode, my apologies for the REPLAY. If you haven't, I hope you will find a connection that speaks to you personally! ❤️
LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello! 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://followthepodcast.com/nearestanddearestpodcast.com { follow & subscribe! }
• https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

Woody and I are getting ready to close up our summer home here on the St. Lawrence River. It's always a little bittersweet for us. The temperature is dramatically changing, just like the color of the leaves, both are falling at the same time! 

But this year, we are excited about living in Puerto Rico for six months! It's going to involve a lot of work! We will be challenged with some obstacles that will be in front of us. The fact that Puerto Rico doesn't have the best electrical grid is a big hurdle! One of the first purchases will be a generator. We are very thankful to have our friends Kim & Dick already there! Their knowledge of the island and how to navigate what we need to do, is comforting! ♥️
With all of this going to happen, I have decided to take a break from my podcast. I need to focus all my attention on making our condo our second home. I also want to take some time to put together more quality episodes for you to listen to.
Along with starting season 2 for Nearest And Dearest Podcast, I also will be doing a special edition of episodes that will be about an island right across from us here in Northern NY! The island's name is Carleton Island and it has quite a history! I will need some time to research it. There is an old villa that is deteriorating that is a piece of the island's fascinating history! It has finally been bought! The new owners are excited to restore it!
My goal is to be back releasing new episodes in February 2023. In the meantime, I will be re-posting a couple of my favorite episodes.
No matter where YOU live, I hope you will stay warm and enjoy your family & friends, who are always the Nearest And Dearest to YOU! ♥️ 

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carleton_Island { A little bit about Carleton Island history! } 
• https://fb.watch/g9R5j3w0tT/ {  video with new owner of the Carleton Villa! }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello! 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

Let's face it, experiencing a peaceful easy feeling isn't always sustainable. When you are going through difficult hardships, or dealing with a relationship that gives you stress or anxiety, you may not have peace and the easy feeling seems so far off that YOU can't imagine what it will ever feel like to obtain it.
Finding peace is a journey. YOU can get quick satisfaction when you take a walk in nature, listen to your favorite music, take a personal day, even an hour or two, and treat yourself to some "me time" doing whatever YOU want to do and not feel selfish.
All of these achievable, intentional decisions, will lead you in creating a moment of peace.
LINKS!

• https://www.thesecret.tv/products/the-magic-book/  { The Magic by Rhonda Byrne }
•  https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-achieve-peace-of-mind  { Finding Peace of Mind: 6 Steps Toward Lasting Serenity }
•  https://youtu.be/KPctA0hT9c8  { The Eagles song - Peaceful Easy Feeling }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello! 👋}
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com {  ✅ out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

When you hear those three words, you realize a couple of things. Either YOU have a reason to change YOUR own plans, or someone else changed THEIR plans and it somehow affects YOU. It can be as simple as, the restaurant you planned on going to for dinner, suddenly closed due to a staff shortage, to life changing when your marriage ended and you find yourself trying to figure out what your next plan of action is going to be.
Plans change. It's YOUR attitude towards the change, that will decide if it goes easier or harder. The plans that change where you have no control over, are probably the hardest ones to go through. But YOU can still try to keep a positive attitude towards the new direction, or even the hurdles you have to break through.
LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com {send me an email with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello! 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }      

Goals are part of your life. From the moment you took that first step as a baby when you were learning how to walk, you had already achieved a milestone goal! As humans, we achieve goals on a regular basis and don't even think twice about them.
Accomplishing long term goals, are the hardest ones to see through. YOU have to make it a priority to work on that goal within a sustainable time line. YOU also have to accept that you will have some failures along the way. Half the battle is knowing you will have obstacles, challenges, and possibly no support to keep you going forward. You have to ask yourself how important is this goal for me to obtain? YOU  are the only person who can answer that question truthfully.
LINKS! 

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello! 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! 👩🏻‍💻 
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }
• https://www.bigpodcast.com { David Hooper - author - Big Podcast - Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty & Get Everybody Talking About Your Show }
• https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/goal-setting.html { Goal Setting: How to Set & Achieve Your Goals 🎯 }

When life seems hectic and you are feeling overwhelmed, finding your zen, will help you find your balance. Learning how to make time to focus on your breathing and creating positive , calming moments in your mind, will be the first steps to finding YOUR own zen! My granddaughter Eloise is visiting with me from Connecticut. My wedding is in two more days! We are blessed to be living on the St. Lawrence River!
Eloise loves to swim and enjoy the river when she visits! Now that Eloise is getting a little older, she just turned 9, she realizes how important it is to connect with nature. By doing so, she has discovered how calming and soothing it is for her mind and her body.
 LINKS!  

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Please send me an email with any suggestions, comments or just to say hello! 👋 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Send me a voicemail and I will send you one back!  🎤} 
•  https://www.kohinoor-joy.com/zen/ { Here are the 5 easy ways to find YOUR zen!  ⏣ }
• https://www.google.com/search?q=definition+keratsis+pilaris&ie=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari { Definition of keratosis pilaris - to learn more about this skin condition }    
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for show notes & links! 👩🏻‍💻 }

I want to hear about that one thing YOU did that changed your life! It can be as challenging as facing your biggest fear like driving cross country for the first time ever even though you have anxiety about driving long distance.
How about how you survived on a low-income paycheck while being a single-parent without any child support, but was able to have food on the table and pay your rent.
Life struggles are the real deal. I have faced them. YOU have as well. The difference between facing them and successfully surviving them is how you handle those situations, and finding the motivation that keeps YOU moving forward! 
LINKS!

• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/motivation-how-to-get-started-and-staying-motivated { 4-minute read about how to get started & stay motivated! }
• https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/08/06/7-steps-to-defeat-money-depression { article with guidelines to help with financial depression }
• https://online.maryville.edu/blog/self-empowerment/ { tips on how to find your own self-empowerment! 💥 }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me YOUR own " I DID IT!✊🏼 " life changing experience, directly to me! You can share your name or remain anonymous, it's your choice! I am looking forward to hearing from you soon! 📧 ❤️ }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for show notes & links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

My wedding is coming up in exactly 28 days! Our summer together has been a mixture of finalizing the wedding details, finishing projects around our home and balancing all of that with quality time for our friends and family, and making our downtime important with just the two of us.
We have been together over 10 years. Our relationship has grown every year. We are a team.  I always reference us that way. It's never a one-sided only point of view, or his way or my way approach, to whatever challenge, obstacle, or struggles that we are facing.
I remember that first year of dating. I told him that I was a communicator. No matter what was going on within my life, good, bad or otherwise, I feel the need to express my feelings and emotions. He shared with me that communication wasn't his strong suit. However, we agreed that we both would be honest, no matter what, with all our aspects of our relationship.
LINKS!

•  https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/manly-manful-man-up-the-language-of-manliness/  { interesting article about how the definition of being a "manly man" originated and its transformation into modern times }
•  julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with any questions or comments! 📧 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for show notes & links 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

Good Mourning - Moving Through Everyday Losses With Wisdom From The Other Side, is authored by Theresa Caputo, New York Times Bestselling Author. She is a "Spiritual Medium", known for her TLC reality television series, Long Island Medium. I love her show! I am a believer! I feel she has a true gift. If you have never seen her show, you need to stream it! Her series started in 2011 and has completed season 14 on the network TLC.
I want to review this book for you because I know you have gone through losses. Losing my mom in November 2019, was the hardest loss for me at that time. When Theresa wrote Good Mourning, and it was published in 2020, I was eager to read her take on losses. Not just losing a loved one, but the other types of losses as well. Her book has over 20 chapters that delve into relationships, jobs, health, trust, even your own identity.
LINKS!

• www.amazon.com  { type in search: good mourning theresa caputo  } purchase her book! 📖 💗
•  https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/long-island-medium/1000037886/ { streaming Long Island Medium!  }
•  www.theresacaputo.com  { everything you want to know about Theresa! } 
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with any suggestions or comments!   📧 } 
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { check out my website for show notes & links! 👩🏻‍💻}
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

When you try to distribute the things in your life, like school, work, family and community, you are seeking a balance between all of these important things, that are in the long term, not in every instance of life.
You want emotional well-being and strive for better fitness and health. You need to say no to something else that interferes with you doing something YOU want to do, which leads you to making time for yourself.
Decisions are not a one and done reality. You can always make new ones that are better suited for you. Your attitude with how you handle any decisions that you can control and even the ones that you have no control over, will affect your well-being.
Your journey is yours alone, not everyone will get it. Your quality of a well balanced life depends on yourself!
LINKS! 

•  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eat,_Pray,_Love { One of my all time favorite books and movie! ❤️}
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Send me an email with any suggestions or comments! 📧 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Check out my website for show notes & links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

It doesn't matter what obstacle, decision, or life goal you are facing. You have choices. It really boils down to just two choices. You either confront the circumstance or you  don't. Confronting means you are challenging, even opposing whatever person, or difficult situation that arises. 
You have the power to make that very personal decision for yourself. Even in the most challenging, struggling and heartbreaking moments that you face, YOU decide to take it head on or bury it and let it stay as is. I have learned in my own life, that when I take on my personal obstacles, decisions, and life goals that I'm trying to achieve, I feel more in control and OWN my choices.
When I don't confront my challenges, oppose someone that I need to, or deal with any difficult situation, I always feel helpless. It hasn't been an easy life journey to achieve a better balance of control for myself. Every part of my life that I have navigated through, has led me to WHO I am today.
LINKS!

• https://www.bigpodcast.com { David Hooper - author- Big Podcast - Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty & Get Everybody Talking About Your Show }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Send me an email with any suggestions or comments!  📧 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Check out my website for show notes & links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Send me an email with any suggestions, or comments 📧 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Check out my website for show notes & links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message! 🎙

• Let's get right to it! I want to make this podcast the BEST podcast for you! I want to know what you like and dislike about Nearest And Dearest Podcast! The only way I can improve my show, is by asking exactly how you feel!

You can help me out by answering just a few questions for me. The way you can submit your answers will be by sending me an email @ 📧
julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com or  leave me a recorded message with your answers! 🎙 👇https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast
If you take the time to respond to my questions, I will send you a token of my appreciation! I will send you a vinyl sticker you can put on your laptop, phone case, or like I did, my favorite travel cup, so you can show you are a fan of  www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com All you need to do is, at the end of your email to me, is include your name and mailing address, and I will send you my little token of appreciation!  ❤️

Here are the 3 questions! 🧐

1. Tell me what you like about my podcast?
2. Tell me what you don't  like about my podcast?
3. What would you like to share with me about yourself?

That's it! 3 questions! There is no limit to how long or short your answers should be!

We have made some progress with our society handling mental health shaming. But we still have a long way to go. In this episode, I will continue to discuss how mental health conditions affect not only adults, but children as well.
We all have seen the heartbreaking tragedies that have resulted in school shootings across our country. I felt it more personally when Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown Connecticut, was the target to every parent's worse nightmare. I was living in Connecticut at that time, on December 14, 2012 , when a mentally disturbed 20 year old man, killed 27 people and then himself. 20 first grade children, aged 6 and 7, had their young lives murdered.
Even though my grandchildren were living in another part of Connecticut, it shook me to my core to realize that every state and community, can fall prey to horror.
I believe in breaking down the barriers that prevent people from getting the professional help they need to get positive and healthy results from proper diagnosis's and treatment for their own mental health.
There is help. Take that first step and reach out to a mental health advocate.
LINKS!

• https://www.mhanational.org  ( Mental Health America - community based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. )
• https://www.sandyhookpromise.org ( Sandy Hook Promise - national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( email me 📧  with any comments, suggestions or insight you want to share, or just to say hello 👋 )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( check out my website 👩🏻‍💻 for other episodes and links  ❤️ )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

We have made some progress with our society handling mental health shaming. But, we still have a long way to go. I think there still is a misconception about what mental health means. The World Health Organization definition is; Mental Health is "a state of well being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community."

We all go through tough and difficult times in our lives. How do we know if we have a mental health condition? Or if someone we care about does? Sometimes it can seem obvious when someone is going through a hard time but there is no simple way of knowing that it might be coinciding with a mental health concern. Only mental health professionals can diagnose an individual.
LINKS!

• https://www.mhanational.org ( Mental Health America - community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. )
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( email me 📧 with any comments, suggestions or insight you want to share, or just say hello! 👋 )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( check out my website 👩🏻‍💻for other episodes and links  ❤️ )
• https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

I am definitely old enough to remember vinyl albums, 8 track tapes, and cassettes. Whenever I was feeling happy, sad, or even mad, I would turn to listening to music. I still smile thinking about that sound of the needle hitting the vinyl album and anticipating the song that was about to be played. 

Music unifies all races across the world. It doesn't matter that each culture from each nation is different. We all use music throughout our history for different occasions and for pure enjoyment purposes! I can't think of any other art form that is available for all of us, that leaves such a powerful and soulful connection so easily, quickly, and has the capability to expand our own self expression without any boundaries.
LINKS!

• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_music_bonds_us_together{ Cool article about how music bonds us together }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email 📧 with your insight to how music 🎶 influences YOU! I will share your personal insight on a future episode! 🎙}
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { check out my website👩🏻‍💻for other episodes and links  ❤️ } 
• https://speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

What does leap of faith mean? It means taking action for yourself and not having evidence that proves you will be successful in the end result of your own action. Pretty straightforward. I know when you hear the word faith, you probably think about religion. It also means having complete trust or confidence in someone or something. That someone, can also mean having complete trust in YOURSELF.

I have taken many leaps of faith in my life. This means that when difficult life choices are in front of you, YOU have to believe in your own abilities to make better life choices. It takes a true assessment of yourself and  recognizing your own internal struggles that you may have, as to why you are making those choices and ending up with the same result.
LINKS!

• https://www.crackliffe.com/words/2019/4/9/five-ways-to-take-a-leap-of-faith { Chris Rackliffe - motivational speaker }
• https://thehappinessplanner.com/blogs/wisdom/7-things-that-will-likely-happen-when-you-take-a-leap-of-faith-in-yourself { The Happiness Planner - "empowering people to do the inner work required to become more self-aware, conscious of their patterns, and create a life of happiness and fulfillment."  }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcsast.com { 📧 email me with any questions, comments, suggestions or just to say hello!  👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { my website!❤️ }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

Remember when your parents or even your school teachers would tell you - if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all?  Where is the line that stops people from using freedom of speech to feel they have the right to say whatever they want?

If those words are used, whether they are spoken aloud or put on paper, can hurt another person. This offense is part of the bigger problem - No Respect.
Links!

•  https://blog.cognifit.com/respect { blog: Respect: What is it, types, examples, learn and teach respect }
• kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/all-about-respect { article: All about respect }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com  { send me an email📧 with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello!  👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com  ❤️ { my website! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

My first experience with making hard, emotional decisions about letting go of material possessions, was back in 2006. I was separated from my now ex-husband and we put our house on the market, in hopes to sell it. I knew I couldn't keep all my stuff. It was over 20 years of material things that had accumulated during our marriage. 

I made the decision to only bring the bare necessities with me on the move to NY. I focused on what my son needed the most. You can't put a price on a cherished memory. Nicknacks, little treasures that you pick up along the way, are important in that moment. But sometimes, you have to let them go in order to make room for new memories.
Do you have any insights about how you handled letting go of material possessions? If so, reach out to me. Send me an email at  julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com I would be happy to share it on a future episode!
Links!

• lifestorage.com/blog/organization/how-to-let-go-of-stuff-with-sentimental-value/   ( tips for how to declutter things you love )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com  { check out my website for more episodes and show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

This is a very personal and very tough subject to talk about. The older I get, the more open to forgiveness I choose to embrace. It's always a conscious choice.

 I came across a quote once, from an article in a magazine, "When it comes to forgiveness, all of us are beginners. No one owns a secret formula. As long as you are trying to forgive, you are forgiving. It's when you no longer try that bitterness sets in. Stay the course. You'll spend less time in the spite house and more time in the grace house. And as someone who has walked the hallways of both, I can guarantee that you are going to love the space of grace." Max Lucado - he is an American writer and minister.

Books I recommend! 📚
Total Forgiveness - R.T. Kendall
The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz
Links!

• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { check out my website for more episodes and show notes! }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email! If you have any comments, suggestions, or just to say hello! 👋 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

You know that making yourself a top priority should be right at the top of your to do list. But let's not kid ourselves. If you are a mother, father, caregiver or anyone who is responsible for others well being, your self needs and wants are probably at the bottom of your to do list.

This life lesson is one that you need to learn pronto! It's not selfish to make sure you are allowing yourself your own "me time." Once you allow this much needed act of self preservation, you will be able to handle all your own life realities with a clearer, more open minded approach.

If you would like to share any suggestions or have any experiences that have helped you find some "me time", please send me an email. I would be glad to share your insights in hopes to help others who are looking for ways to make that possible. ❤️

Links! 

• eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/Topic/Caregiver.aspx { This Caregiver Corner offers useful links and resources }
• eldercare.acl.gov/Public/About/Aging_Network/AAA.aspx  { This is a non-profit agency site to connect you with your local services }
• organisemyhouse.com/create-some-me-time/  { Some "me time" ideas }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with any comments, suggestions or just to say hello! 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { check out my website for other episode and show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast.com { Please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

I am a believer in meant to be moments. You have heard me say that before. The best meant to be moments are the ones that lift your spirit higher than you ever thought possible. Finding Joe & Sharri, is one of my greatest meant to be moments.

When life throws you a curve ball and you actually hit a home run, you KNOW it is a meant to be moment! It's a catch phrase I use when good things happen and even when difficult life challenges are right in front of us.

My adult children, son-in-law and grandchildren were coming for a visit in NY at our home on The River, in the summer of 2020. We picked a day that Joe & Sharri could come for a visit. With travel restrictions and group sizes that NY had placed, we were lucky it worked out well for us to make these first introductions happen.

******************************************************************************************
Send me an email with topic ideas for me to explore!  💡
 Are you navigating an obstacle or hardship that you want to share? If so, please send me an email. 📧 ***** If you want to remain anonymous, I will respect that, this is a non-judgmental show .
LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email with your suggestions, comments, or just to say hello! 📧 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { ✅ out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! 👩🏻‍💻 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message! 🎤 }

I believe in second chances in life. It's an opportunity to grow beyond your past failures. It's about positively adjusting your attitude towards future possibilities. I recently read a passage that said, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."  The quote is from an author, Maria Robinson, who has written books about child development.

We all are born with a new beginning. From the moment our newborn self comes into this world, it is the only true "new" beginning. I have also been reading a book, What Happened to You?, written by  Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. It is very interesting to learn about how trauma affects our brain.

We can't change trauma that happens to us but we can learn how to recognize it and work towards coping with how to handle our past and move forward with healing and resilience.

Books to check out!
What Happened to You? Conversations On Trauma, Resilience, And Healing - Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. Oprah Winfrey
Born For Love - Maia Szalavitz  Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D ( Uncover the startling importance of empathy )
Links!

• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { My website! }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Send me an email! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please send me a recorded message!🎙}

I was going to be an empty nester. I was at a crossroads. Ashley was encouraging me to come back to Connecticut. It was over six years since I left. I knew it would be a challenge going back towards my past.

I would have to confront my emotions and see if I could start over with a fresh beginning again.

Below are links to check out for more information related to this episode!
LINKS!

• helpguide.org { non-profit mental health website }
• handinhandparenting.org { helping parents when parenting gets hard }
• blendedfamilyfrappe.com { helping stepparents find some kinda zen }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { My website! }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { Send me an email! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast.com { Please send me a recorded message!🎙}

My son was 16 and understood why I felt we needed to move to NY and live near my family. It was important to begin to heal from the heartache we both felt. In this respect, Sean and I were blending in with my family; which included my mom, my two younger sisters, and two of my older brothers, along with their individual families, who all lived in Northern NY.

I had lived in Connecticut from 1983 - 2006. More than 23 years. Coming back to Northern NY to live, along with my son, felt like coming home again.

Below are links to check out for more information related to this episode!
LINKS!

• 💬LEAVE A COMMENT! 👉https://galas.fm/episode/ae6b6f6f-1ef3-5e9a-8079-a682801b687f 
•  www.verywellfamily.com/biggest-problems-blended-families-face-4150230 { How To Create A Successful Blended Family }
•  ourhappydivorce.com { Learn, Connect, Resources, Blog}
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { visit my website for more episodes and show notes/links! }
• https://followthepodcast.com/nearestanddearestpodcast { follow & subscribe! }
• https://lovethepodcast.com/nearestanddearestpodcast.com { please leave a review! ✍🏻 }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

If you haven't experienced divorce or know a loved one or friend who has, consider yourself the minority. I don't have to Google to find out the statistics about how many families have survived divorce to know there are a lot of us.

The main truth I want to share with you is this: YOU will survive. Your children will survive. It's not easy. There are so many emotions, financial changes, fearing the unknown, starting over, which includes dating, are all very real and daunting challenges.

Every divorce is different. Every family is different. But the one main thing all families have in common is: COMMUNICATION. Depending on your own personal situation, you will either have good communication or bad communication. This is particularly important when there are children involved. The good news is: YOU can control HOW you decide to use communication to benefit not only yourself,  but  more importantly, the welfare of your children.

Below are links to check out for more information related to this episode!
LINKS!

• aamft.org { American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { my website!}
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { send me an email! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please send me a recorded message!🎙}

Alcoholism's definition, according to Merriam-Webster is: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks; a chronic, a progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction.

Also, the American Medical Association states "Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive treatable disease in which a person has lost control over her or his drinking so that it is interfering with some vital areas of her or his life such as family, friends or job, school or health."

My ex husband Joe, experienced alcoholism during most of his adult life. I could no longer enable Joe's addiction . I had to make a very difficult life choice that forever changed my life.


Below are links to check out for more information related to this episode!
LINKS!

• merriam-webster.com  { definition of alcoholism,  AUD ( alcohol use disorder)
• ama-assn.org  { American Medical Association }
• aa.org  { Alcoholics Anonymous }
• al-anon.org  { help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics }
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com { that's me! send me an email if you have any comments, suggestions or just to say hello! 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com  { check out my website for other episodes, show notes/links! }  
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

I bought a plane ticket bound for NY. I live in Georgia. It was the beginning of December. My mom's driving skills were not safe for her and possibly, other drivers on the road. Along with my siblings, we had noticed mom's driving was becoming a safety concern.

 I was so worried that I was going to get a phone call from one of my siblings, saying mom was either in a car accident or worse, someone else was hurt or killed. Winter was coming, and driving conditions in Northern NY are not always easy to handle during bad weather, and with our mom, who was showing signs of dementia, it could potentially be a nightmare.
 
Below are links to check out for more information related to this episode!
LINKS!

• ALZ.ORG  ( Alzheimer's Association )
• seniorliving.org  (senior resource guide )
• hospicefoundation.org  (Hospice Foundation of America )
•  julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me an email! )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { check out my website for more episodes and show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { please leave me a recorded message!🎙}

No one ever said life is easy. But I believe by giving yourself permission, you will find you have more control over your life than you realize. I'm Julie Rogers, I hope you will join me by taking responsibility for yourself by only controlling the things you can and letting go of the things you can't.
By doing this, you will have discovered the secret to having happy, healthy, and more fulfilling relationships.
LINKS!

• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com  { send me an email with any comments, suggestions or just to say hello! 👋 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { check out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please send me a message!🎙}

Alcoholism, divorce, Alzheimer's and the truth about my suspicion that I had a different biological father, compared to my five siblings; finding him, the same day as making preliminary funeral arrangements for my mom, was the most significant moment of my life.

My mom was battling Alzheimer's in the beginning of 2016. This horrible, debilitating disease took her life on November 9, 2019. When I realized that her mind was forever changed, I knew if I wanted the answers I needed, I would have to move forward with finding the truth in a different way. 

Below are links to check out for more information related to this episode!
LINKS!

• dnacenter.com {  DNA Diagnostics Center }
• 23andme.com  { direct-to-consumer genetic testing }
• myheritage.com  { direct-to-consumer genetic testing } * I was able to upload my DNA test results from 23andMe, along with a fee to connect my DNA results to expand my search
• ancestry.com  { direct-to-consumer genetic testing } * I hit the bullseye here! 🎯
• ALZ.ORG  { Alzheimer's Association } * You will find so much information about dementia. Everything from education about ALZ, to finding a local support group in your own area.  
• myalzteam.com  { online Alzheimer's support group } *  I joined this support group when I was looking for answers to help me understand ALZ  in the beginning of coping with my mom's battle 
• julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com  { send me an email📧 }
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com { check out my website for more episodes, show notes/links! }
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast { Please send me a recorded message!🎙}