Life - Musings, Reflections and Stories

Holistic Healer, Holistic Therapist, Mindset Coach-Lindsay Ranson

Lindsay Ranson – December 3, 2023 – Interview with Holistic Healer, Holistic Therapist and Mindset Coach.  Lindsay specializes in healing mental and physical illness, nerve pain and pain disorders.   Lindsay is from Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but can work with clients online worldwide.  She also has a GoFundMe page to collect monies for some of her clients who need financial assistance for their therapy.   You can reach out to her on Facebook at:  Misty Mountains Holistic Therapy; and on Instagram at:  poff.lindsayranson; or at her website:  mistymountainsholistictherapy.ca     .  Working as a roofer, she endured a terrible accident which caused her years of pain until she healed herself using herbal tinctures; also she healed herself from Bipolar Disorder using Holistic Healing.  For five years now, she has been able to be free from the bipolar disorder diagnoses.   She is a trained specialist and has studied herbology and various other specialized courses and programs to offer these kinds of services.  And as she says, “your body can heal itself” using positive manifestation and mindset coaching which she offers as well.   She also formulates various tinctures and therapies to deal with pain and to help a person heal from pain.  Please reach out to Lindsay if you are suffering in mental and or physical pain. 

Yvonne E. Davidson-Actress, Comedian, RCAF Veteran

November 21, 2023 – On my latest podcast episode, I interviewed my guest, Yvonne E. Davidson who is an actress, producer, comedian and a RCAF veteran.     Yvonne Davidson ….aka….”Naughty Nana DUZ”  :   As an actress, you can see her on the new series, “New Eden” on Crave TV;  or on “Shoresy” or on nine Hallmark Christmas Movies or you can enjoy her “act” as a “Stand-Up Comedian” at one of her gigs at various locations where she can make a person laugh out loud with her funny stories and one-liners.  Besides hanging out with actors, Ryan Reynolds or Tatiana Maslany  “on set” , her other film credits are posted on IMDb:  (as Yvonne E. Davidson): Unearthing;  Remember (w. Christopher Plummer);   The Captive (w. Ryan Reynolds); Christmas at Cartwright’s;   Two Lovers and a Bear (filmed in Timmins, Ontario);  Carter (TV series):   Love Song;   Nowhere;  A Veteran’s Christmas;  Valentine Ever After; The Music In Me, etc.    Yvonne is a survivor of having cancer four times, yet can laugh at the drop of a hat!
Yvonne shared her childhood years in various stories on this episode where she enjoyed residing in Hamilton, Ontario with her parents.  Sadly, her dear mother has passed on and her father who was in the Royal Canadian Navy is buried at sea.  Her grandfather, as well, served our country of Canada.
Yvonne, also served our country in her former career with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as an:  Air Defense Technician to identify unwanted enemy planes and helicopters, where she operated out of various Canadian Forces Stations including the former one in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, on Radar Road at CFS Falconbridge as part of NORAD’s Pinetree Line of radar stations where she worked deep underground to monitor by radar - aircraft where the station’s operational call sign was “Tomboy.” 
Yvonne also worked at the Canadian Forces Base in North Bay, Ontario and her first date with her second husband; Douglas was a romantic night time airplane flight with Douglas as the pilot as they flew over the city of North Bay and Lake Nipissing.  Douglas also worked in the Canadian Forces where he used a “red passport” to embark on flights and would secretly deliver to undisclosed locations,  top secret - classified information which was held in a briefcase and was locked to his wrist for safe keeping.  Yvonne would take care of their two young kids but she never  knew where her husband would have to travel to and when he would come back.  As with many in the Canadian Forces, both, Yvonne and Douglas resided in various locations and experienced amazing life’s challenges.
  Happily married to this day, as retired veterans, Yvonne and Douglas are still very busy as actors in the film business but to relax and have fun, they love to go target practicing at a local shooting range.  They are also a fun couple to invite over to our large home parties, where Yvonne can be seen singing and dancing up a storm while our family plays music.
  If you wish to contact Yvonne to work in your next film project or to hire her as a comedian for your business event, charitable event or home party, she has a “Naughty Nana Duz” facebook page where you can message her.   She is also very political and has quite a following on on her YouTube channel- Naughty Nana Duz.    Her videos are not for the faint hearted so don’t clutch your pearls when you hear her brave views on various political subjects.  Besides her outspoken views,  Yvonne is a beautiful, kind, loving person and she and Douglas are good friends of ours and of our family.  Thank you so much, Yvonne for being my guest on my podcast.
Because we live in a democratic country, my guests on my podcast channel are free to express their views.  Whereas if it is political or other views, it does not necessarily reflect my views as the author/creator/interviewer of this podcast nor the views of other guests of my podcast episodes.  That’s ok as I value each and every one of my guests and I respect their opinion and I am so grateful for them to share their story with me and that they feel comfortable to share their views so bravely.  Caution: some strong language is in some of the episodes on my podcast. Thank you to all my guests for sharing their stories.   Thank you to all of you for listening to my podcast:  Life: Musings, Reflections, & Stories.  If you wish to be interviewed or to sponsor me or to advertise on my podcast, please contact me by email: jmbjc8@hotmail.com or through FB Messenger or through Instagram.  Take care, folks. J

Interview with Veteran soldier, Jason Grawbarger-Nov. 20, 2023

November 20, 2023-Podcast with Veteran soldier, Jason Grawbarger who was with The Department of National Defence in the Canadian Armed Forces.  As a young man from Capreol, Ontario,  Jason Grawbarger enlisted in the Armed Forces in 1988.  He trained at various military bases in Canada and then worked as a Gunner for many years in Germany.  During his military career, he changed his occupation towards mechanical work but there was still danger as times he would have to avoid dangerous landmines in open fields to retrieve a broken down military vehicle.  Besides spending his working years in Germany, he also served in Bosnia, Yugoslavia and then various other Canadian Forces Bases in various provinces in Canada.  Jason medically retired from the army in 2010. We talked about his early years, his military career and his life afterwards.  He misses his career but still keeps in touch with his buddies.  He recommends for others to enlist even though, there are challenges during a military career and later on in retirement but the service you give for our country is worth it.  Thanks so much, Jason for sharing your story and for your service for our country in Canada.  
PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – develops in some people who have experienced traumatic dangerous or frightening stressful event(s).  Four types of PTSD:  Acute, Chronic, Delayed Onset and Complex.  Signs of PTSD are a reliving of what happened with vivid flashbacks where a person feels like the trauma is happening right now; other signs can be intrusive thoughts or images, nightmares or recurring memories, intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma.  Triggers can come from a sound, noise, sudden action; a scene from a day to day event could cause a physical sensation such as pain, heart palpitations, sweating, anxiety or panic symptoms, nausea or trembling which can be debilitating.  Some people self-medicate to cope with alcohol or drugs which can lead to disastrous results.  There is help for persons suffering with PTSD. 
 If you or if you know of someone who suffers with PTSD, please seek help and call a crisis centre or your doctor.  If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, please call 9-1-1.   For Canadian military personnel, for veterans and family – contact the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families which is a centre of excellence on mental health.  For free and confidential mental health support or to heal from substance use, you can receive support which is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from Wellness Together Canada.  If you reside in other countries, please contact your closest medical centre or you can receive support from a local crisis centre.  You are not alone.  We value you.  Please Seek help. 

Miracle Recovery and Inspiration with Candice Kirkbride - Nov. 13, 2023

“She found Strength and Gratitude in the Pain”
Recap:  It’s a miracle that Candice is alive because at age 15, Candice Kirkbride was seriously injured by a drunk driver while walking along a road with her friends.  Unfortunately, her friend who was with her was killed when the car ran over AJ breaking his bones and crushing his organs. Candice was bleeding from her head from traumatic brain injuries. 
Full version description:   It’s a miracle that Candice is alive.  In a small Northern Ontario town of Val Therese (part of Greater Sudbury, Ontario) on March 11, 2001, at age 15, Candice Kirkbride left a house party with some of her friends but sadly, she was seriously injured by a car while walking on Deschene Road.  Unfortunately, her friend who was with her, Andrew Jesse (A.J.) Chaput was killed when the car ran over AJ breaking his bones and crushing his organs. He died in friends' arms.  
The driver was intoxicated as he too had attended a house party but was impaired when he left and drove right at them during that dark, rainy night.  Candice was lying on the road as she was hit hard and bleeding from serious head injuries.  When she awoke from a coma, fifteen days later, on March 26th, she suffered immensely with traumatic brain injuries, reconstructive surgery, had a stroke, loss vision in her eyes, partial paralysis and had to learn how to walk again.  In a flash, her life was changed forever because of a drunk driver.
Years later, Candice had met the driver who changed her life so tragically and after much discussion, forgave the young man.  We talked about the power of forgiveness.   The young man had tried to make amends with the world and saved other lives as a firefighter but died from a drug overdose, years later. 
 Candice suffers with constant physical and emotional pain but that doesn’t stop her from sharing her life-changing journey.  She inspires us to challenge ourselves to turn our lives around to a better life as long as we focus on not giving up and instead focus on love, resilience, forgiveness and faith.   Her former principal from Confederation Secondary School in Val Caron, Ontario (the same school I attended for my Gr. 12 & 13) wrote a wonderful letter of recommendation of his former student, Candice who evolved to be a highly motivating strong speaker on behalf of Toastmasters where she shares her message of hope, courage and perseverance. 
Happiness is at the front of her mind everyday despite the challenges she continues to face.  She does not want to be defined by that one fateful night.  She has dedicated herself to inspiring others to find happiness in their life. Candice’s message touches each person differently.  Whether it’s through her story of recovery, overcoming adversity or forgiving those who have wronged her, she has experienced so much in her young life and yet still smiles at each person she meets.  She truly is beautiful. 
Candice also authored an inspiring book, “Changed By The Rain” – Life after a Brain Injury which she discusses her healing journey and over 1,000 books have already been ordered.  You can order directly from Candice’s website: www.changedbytherain.com.   This book of her life story, poems and strategies will help inspire you to change your life as Candice has hers. 
 Candice also has a podcast on candidmoments.ca and is also the producer of a show that she created on Eastlink cable TV-ch.10/610.  Surprisingly, Candice is a Latin & Ballroom dancer of which her eyes light up because she loves to dance so much, even though she is “dancing with the pain.”  She is looking forward to her next dance competition sponsored by Easter Seals which is an organization dedicated to helping children and youth with physical disabilities to carve their own path into the world with assurance and autonomy. 
Candice has spoken to thousands as a Motivational Speaker and especially to high school students about “drinking and driving”, overcoming adversity and the power of our choices.   On her Facebook account – she shares wonderful uplifting memes and words of encouragement.  She is an inspiration and if you want a captivating, passionate Motivational Speaker, then please reach out to Candice through her Facebook account or through her website: www.changedbytherain.com.   Thank you, Candice for being my guest on my podcast.  You really inspired me.  
NOTE:  The dangers with drinking and driving increases the risk of accidents due to impaired motor skills, less concentration, slow reaction times, decreased vision and poor judgment.  These side effects put the driver, potential passengers, other vehicles and pedestrians at risk.  Accidents involving drunk drivers are often fatal.   A blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 percent is considered legally impaired.  However, alcohol can start to affect many of your senses after one drink. No Matter the circumstances, you should never drink and drive.  It’s not worth the risk of putting yourself and others in danger.   Also, Driving while High is a dangerous mix.  Driving under the influence of marijuana or any other drug is illegal.  Marijuana causes problems with memory, attention and affects judgment, concentration, reaction time and coordination.  This can lead to car crashes.  In fact, drivers weave in the lane the same way after marijuana use as they do after alcohol use.  The body does not process marijuana like alcohol.  The dose, strength and way it is used (such as smoked, vaped or eaten) affects each person differently.  While alcohol is the most common cause of motor vehicle crashes for impaired drivers of all ages, marijuana is the second, according to government data.  Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and young adults.  If impaired, don’t drive.  Call someone, call your parents, take a taxi, and just don’t take that risk to drive while intoxicated or high.  Be a safe driver.

Artist - Carmen Martorella - Nov. 7, 2023

This podcast was recorded November 7, 2023 with Carmen Martorella who is a talented ARTIST, visionary, go-getter, and a charitable kind person.  Besides being my neighbor and friend, we usually are “walking buddies” braving the Northern Ontario air as we try to exercise and keep in shape so we can continue to pursue our creative interests.  Carmen loves to paint using a variety of mediums from watercolour, to acrylics, mixed media (using recyclables) to pastels to oils.  Even though, she paints to sell her awesome works of art, she also is generous and donates funds to the local women’s shelter.  Carmen also owns her own Gallery at:  Art & Soul Gallery, 6 Baker Street, Sudbury, Ontario where you can view or purchase her art of scenic landscapes, ocean and beachside, florals, etc. in the form of frame able art -  to also bookmarks – to beautiful greeting cards.  Carmen accepts commission work as well and to contact her if you want a specific piece of art on your wall, then simply message her through her facebook at:  “Art & Soul by Carmen Martorella”; or email: carmenartist13@gmail.com; or message her through Instagram: “CarmenMartorella”  to discuss what you would like her to paint for your home or office space.    Please share to help a local artisan with her beautiful works of art. 
Personal Note:  It’s Never Too Late to Start and get yourself into something you want to try on your own.  Creativity is the key to happiness which is the opposite to sadness.  To be Creative whether it is to Paint, Build, Draw, Write, Sing original new songs, Photography, Sculpture, whatever….  Do Whatever you have to do to Create Something, only for yourself and then if it becomes bigger then that is a bonus, but it shouldn’t be a goal.  So, pick up a paintbrush! Be like Carmen… and start pursuing your dream. 
If you wish to be interviewed or want to share your story or wish to sponsor my podcast, to have an honorable mention (an ad) on my future podcasts, please reach out to me at: jmbjc8@hotmail.com or through FB. Messenger.  PC:   “Life-Musings, Reflections & Stories” by Joanne Beaudry-Larocque and Thank you for listening to wherever you listen to podcasts.  Take care, Jo. J

Nov. 2, 2023-After my Mom’s Memorial Mass-going forward with Justice

My thoughts on going forward with Justice.  Staying Silent:  Not to speak is to speak volumes – which means if we stay Silent – you will then be an accomplice to injustice;  staying silent speaks volumes that you are trying to hide your head in the sand when you know something isn’t right; staying silent means you are agreeing to hate, lies, slander against yourself or others if you or others are being bullied or harmed with words or by actions of others;  staying silent means you’re scared but actually speaking up gives you power, strength, a shaky confidence to fight for what is right; to fight for injustice against yourself or injustice against others who are being hurt or manipulated to hurt others but in the end, they get hurt themselves.  By wanting peace sometimes costs more to yourself because you’re not standing up for yourself or others who are getting hurt.  Walking away sometimes isn’t the answer when you think you have peace in your life, but you know others are being hurt and down deep in your heart, you know that isn’t right.  Peace means sometimes, you have to speak – to speak up for yourself – or to speak up for others who can’t – who might be elderly, frail, beaten up in their minds, body and soul.       This podcast is personal and are my recollections of my last gift for my Mom.  She wanted her funeral to be at her beloved church of St. Kevin’s Parish in Val Therese, Ontario, but that was denied to her by her two sons.  My dad’s funeral was there in a church they both helped to build and she wanted her funeral there as well.  So, I paid for (and with the help of others-Tx, Jess) a beautiful Memorial Mass for my Mom on October 21, 2023 at her parish of forty-seven years at St. Kevin’s Parish.  Eighty-one people came for the Mass and then seventy-five stayed for the Luncheon which so many contributed foods to.  Thank you to all who helped me to do this honour for my Mom.   The priest was wonderful, kind and understanding and the C.W.L. (Catholic Women’s League) ladies helped with the luncheon and read two with the Readings. Our kids and grandkids were represented by our daughter, Chanelle while she recited her Eulogy; my youngest brother, Patrick – represented himself and me as two of my parents’ six kids during his Eulogy. It was all so emotional but beautiful.    My stepson, Rob and our daughter, Chanelle and my husband, Mike sang and played guitar for six songs during and after the Mass. That was so beautiful as my parents loved when our family sang to them and they loved music.   I read the first Reading which I loved to do for my Mom during the Mass.  We brought pictures of my Mom and one framed picture of my Mom with my Dad; some special specific items, some of the many floral arrangements we received to surround a small table near the Altar.   I had designed a Memorial Picture card with my own obituary written for my Mom and also copied two pictures from the Funeral card (from Oct. 10, 2023) and then placed my Memorial Card in individual envelopes (which were my Mom’s at one time) for all to take home to read along with a plant clipping from the three plants I have that my Mother gave me, many years ago, so everyone can take a piece of “Sue” home with them.  This plant will grow and grow as a reminder of my Mom who loved gardening.    After the Mass and after the luncheon, we invited people to our home for a spaghetti dinner later on with singing of songs and a celebration of my Mom and my Dad’s life.  I know they would’ve loved this party for them; they would’ve loved the singing and music, the abundance of foods and desserts, the joking around, the little kids running around, the family and friends atmosphere to remember them – who loved their family.   Going forward… justice has to be served.

Int. Annette Vermette about her book: Overrepresented

Disparity in our justice system?  Author, Annette Vermette of her latest book, "Overrepresented" writes about her research as to statistically Indigenous women are arrested more frequently than those in other demographics with longer prison sentences.  Why is this?  She concludes with the possibility that Indigenous Women might be Profit Makers for the Judicial System.  Her book is causing a stir and discussion.  Can we as Canadians or as American's possibly look at what Norway is doing to help their vulnerable population to heal and then to achieve better lives.  Annette completed her Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in Indigenous Studies and also her Bachelor of Social Work.  As a Social Worker, she worked in many Northern Ontario communities as her husband worked with the Ontario Provincial Police.  She also worked at the Sudbury's, Health Sciences North Hospital.  Proud of her Metis heritage, she is currently a Professor with Nipissing University.  

Int. brother, Patrick Beaudry about our Memories of our Parents-Oct. 8, 2023

On October 8, 2023, my brother, Patrick Beaudry was my guest on my podcast, as we reminisced about our mother, Suzanne Beaudry (d. Sept. 29, 2023), our father, Richard Beaudry (d. Oct.9, 2008)  and about Patrick's childhood friend, Chris Martel, who died on June 30, 2021 from a car accident.  When someone you love passes on, I feel it is important to sadly grieve but also to remember the good times.   Our parents had six children.  I am the only daughter and the eldest & Patrick, as the youngest brother -we have fifteen years apart and so we have many different memories and many similar memories of our childhood and then adulthood.  Recently, I had a dream of someone holding my hands, then as I was recounting my dream to my husband, I realized that I "saw" and "felt" it was my mother's hands.  I took several pictures of her hands holding my hands in her later years and it was beautiful to feel that she was comforting me.  As signs, some of our family are seeing butterflies - a sign that she is near.  May she and my dad dance together to the song, of "Crystal Chandeliers."  May they laugh together with a love that is a testament to us as we grew up seeing a good marriage between both our parents.  May they rest in peace.  May Patrick's "chosen brother" Chris Martel, rest in peace, as well. 

Int. w. Noella Guarda-Rinaldo-my Abitibi Canyon friend-to film in Timmins, Ont.

September 23, 2023 - An interview with one of my childhood friends, Noella Guarda-Rinaldo.  We've been friends since the mid 1960's in our beloved previous community of Abitibi Canyon, Ontario where our fathers worked for Ontario Hydro.  (A.C. is 45 min. north of Smooth Rock Falls, or 100 miles south of Moosonee and is 3 miles east of the Fraserdale Train Station where you can catch The Polar Bear Express which originally departs from Cochrane at 9 am; stops briefly at Fraserdale and arrives in Moosonee at 2 pm.  With this episode, for 28 minutes, Noella and I share many fond memories with lots of laughter about our early years where we resided in Abitibi Canyon.  We didn't mention all of our Abitibi Canyon friends but hopefully that will be on another podcast as we peruse through our pictures from our photo albums.  Then for the rest of the podcast, Noella reminiscences about her early years with her family, her wonderful marriage, her two children and then her amazing career as owner of three stores, Zenone's Lifestyle Emporium; her work for Downtown Business Improvement Association and as City Councilor for the City of Timmins, Ontario and now as the Director of Community Economic Development - with many portfolios.  You would often see Noella on a television newscast talking about some important issue. One important goal, Noella currently works very hard at- is to encourage movie producers to film their next project in Timmins (Northern Ontario) because the city of Timmins can provide all the necessary skills, talented cast and crew, wonderful landscapes and location and that small town experience to get the movie made successfully with alot of help from its friendly citizens. 

Brendon Sabzali-Punk Rocker to Songwriter-Forgiveness to Happiness

At the young age of 13 years old, Brendon Sabzali became a musician which led him into becoming a punk rocker in a band travelling to clubs as young as 16 years old.  This is a brief overview of his life up to the age of his early 30's.  He is our son-in-law, he is a loving partner to our daughter, Chanelle Larocque and a loving, devoted Dad to his son, Hendrix.  Brendon has a very unique way of thinking towards his creativity, from writing and creating new songs, to playing the drums and guitar, to singing rap - ad libbing cool vibes to developing beautiful ballads in the music world where some of his tunes with Chanelle are streaming on Spotify:  "Hippie Land" and "Welcome to the Dark Side."  Brendon is also a creative artist, gourmet chef, talented photographer, actor, videographer (the Goat on YouTube) and avid horticulturist.  He also learned to forgive at a young age which leads him to a present life of happiness and love.   Thank you, Brendon for sharing your story.