Some Body Said…
My father used to recite a poem to us (my brother, Gary, Joel, and myself,) especially when we expressed defeat or discomfort in a challenge. The poem was a favorite of his by Edgar Guest, a Detroiter, called. “It Couldn’t Be Done.” My parents especially my dad would not accept the words, couldn’t, can’t, or impossible. He was the force behind slaying windmills, and he encouraged his family to do the same. Slaying windmills is not an easy task as they keep spinning, often out of reach, but making the attempt and trying to do what is meaningful to you, was a lesson well taught and learned in our home.
I sometimes believe I was the slow learner of us three siblings as I have stated before I always felt inhibited and less worthy than others, but as an adult, I have taken my father’s words to hear, and I go for what is important in my life. I found my voice as a podcaster, and I love the work I do, even when it is imperfect because I understand that perfection is not a reality; it is something to work towards. Once we get to the pinnacle of the mountain, there is yet another path to take. What goes up, must come down!
Today I scored an interview with one of my teenage musical idols. It’s funny, but the first music interview I did in 2017 was with Larry Brown, who was once part of the Association. Luckily for me, I did not know this going into the podcast with him, and I handled my fan panting to a minimum. I had asked Larry to speak with me on our initial broadcast, and he agreed (I think because he knew my brother.) but I appreciated his talents and wanted to share them and then he told me he wrote “Cherish” with the Association. (One of my favs!)
Since 2017 I have had the honor to podcast with many musicians, and talented artists who amaze me with their artistry, some are well known, and others are just known, but I hope to assist in sharing them with our listeners and beyond.
The lessons I learned from my Pops was to reach for the stars, and last week I reached out to Judy Collins, and today I scored an interview for June 26th at 10 am EST on newclevelandradio.net – http://mixlr.com/new-cleveland-radio/events/judy-collins-_five-decades-of-music. My Dad once told me to not to be afraid to ask, and there are only two answers, Yes or No. In life, we all have a 50/50 chance.
A Prince Was Born in England Today – But CHARLIE EBLE will always be our PRINCE
Two years ago as I prepared to send my brother Joel a birthday gift I learned that his brother from another mother had lost his battle with the ugly disease known to many as the BIG C. Charlie Eble fought a strategic fight to overcome his rare and aggressive condition. As much as he could, he remained productive and smiled through the pain and anguish. However, May 2017 was to be his last hurrah, leaving behind a sad and grieving family and community that goes beyond Saratoga Springs, NY.
I have had the pleasure of podcasting with many individuals that have offered their memories and stories to be part of a library on a life lived well. https://www.spreaker.com/show/charlie-eble-day-may-19-2019-cafe-lena
May 11th, 2017 as much as I wanted to send Joel (Joelie) a gift I could not think of anything that would make him happy now that Charlie was gone. Joel and Charlie were introduced to be golfing buddies, but as the story goes, they became much more engineering, producing and creating beautiful music with so many.
Last year at this time I wanted to ensure that my brother Joel celebrated life as Charlie would have wanted. As I considered many different gifts for him, what do you buy your brother who can afford more than you? As I racked my brain, I was about to make him smile with a coconut cream pie, but when I went to order it the bakery in Saratoga Springs informed me, I was not the only one with this idea, so I scratched it and instead had a gift card for dinner for two at Mama Mia’s awaiting him. But unbeknownst to him, I had begun a campaign with Brian Melick, Jeff Brisbin, and a few others including Marcus Ruggiero to plan this special event that will take place on May 19th. Alex and I, (my son and Joel’s nephew) thought this would be a special way to remember Charlie and keep his name alive at Café Lena. We wanted Joel to produce this event and acknowledge his own talent and love for his friend.
It took us many months to share our vision with Joel (Joelie to many), and as expected he went the extra mile including two of Charlie’s favorite eating establishments, Hattie’s and Mama Mia’s. In addition, he reached out to Meg Kelly (for Mayor AGAIN) to proclaim May 19th, Charlie Eble Day!
I feel so blessed to have met Charlie and share in his life (not as much as many of you) and to know how special he was and still is. It was the friendship that Charlie developed with my son Alex that helped him grow and become the wonderful young man he is. Alex will be performing with some of these wonderful musicians on the 19th paying tribute to Charlie, Joel, and to Lena Spencer who created this special place, Where the Music Never Dies!
I hope to meet you all and remember to say Happy Birthday to Joel on May 11th!
Charlie Wiener_K. Adrian Zonnerville
The last four weeks have been a joy each Wednesday, afternoon from 1 -2 pm as I hosted a podcast with Charlie Wiener (K. Adrian Zonnerville.) I was introduced to Charlie in 2018 as someone who was not only a talented musician but a humorous stand-up comic, and a prolific author. I have had the opportunity to enjoy his musical talents as well as a comedy routine. As for his books, I have read three out of four, and I am ordering the fourth one today, “Z: One Family’s Journey from Immigration Through Poverty to the Fulfillment of the Promise of America.”
I would like to suggest if you want music, comedy, and great books to be produced by talented individuals like Charlie Wiener, we must support them. Attending a performance, buying their books and CD’s will keep individuals like Charlie providing us with entertainment beyond compare.
https://www.spreaker.com/show/meet-charlie-wiener-lets-talk
We R Family
Family, you can’t live without them, and sometimes you can’t live with them. The Norman Rockwell family portrait is just one vision of what most of us wishes our family looked like. However, the reality of life and our ever-growing global society often separates us from each other. It is not just the distance in miles; it also includes perceptual thinking. We no longer are living in small communities where we are governed by our family, following in the footsteps of dad, and maintaining the same traditions for decades. The baby boomer generation has been the catalyst in making some significant changes in the family, and some are for the good and others, well personally I am not sure.
I am the youngest of three children and growing up the distance in age as well as sexual orientation separated us. Being the female girl in a Jewish home, my mother had certain beliefs for me that did not pertain to my brothers. Although we were not a religious Jewish family there was still the underlying belief that the males (my brothers) were more important than I. Do not feel sorry for me because in no way was I abused or misused, but there were different expectations for each of us and even more so by birth order.
My older brother Gary was expected to be a shining example for his younger siblings, Joel and me, and when he chose to ruffle feathers, finding himself in the scheme of the things he took the brunt of may have felt like verbal abuse. Growing up in the 50s and 60s is nothing like it is growing up today. On the other hand my brother Joel, the middle child was encouraged to be the life of the party and shine his talent and brilliance where Gary and I may have lacked. As I look back now, this must have been a burden for him, as none of us are perfect. I, on the other hand, the baby and the girl was expected to be the princess (my Grandmother Jen labeled me that). When dressing up in pinafores and fancy girlie dresses I may have given the appearance of one, but I too was not the fairest in the land.
My brothers and I grew up as close as we could with the age gaps of 4 – 8 years. As young adults, we all lived in different states which meant that holiday time or Sunday dinners were not the traditional Rockwell Painting. When we did get together, we united as families do and occasionally had some rip-roaring conversations that certainly did not resemble the harmonious family. Yet, we created our own music despite some off-key tones, even my brother Joel couldn’t always engineer our voices melodically.
I love my brothers, and I cherish the times we have had, and hopefully, the future will provide us additional opportunities to break bread and celebrate like the one in the above painting. Today I celebrate my love and concern for my brother Joel. Despite the fact he says his eye surgery is fairly routine and only sounds disgusting, I pray for a full recovery. As families go, he had not shared this venture in life and only through a mutual friend did I learn of this event, happening as I write this out. Mother, father, brothers, and sisters too often assume that those of us who care need not be told about these minor (or major) situations. However, I believe when you are family by blood or adapted to be part of the circle, there is no need for secrets or protection. It is time to put any differences aside and come together even if it is not sitting at the family table together!
Intentionally Making Changes
I am beginning today’s post to thank one of my newest friends. Candace Pollock has been podcasting with newclevelandradio.net for a little over a year. Candace is a certified personal coach, and mentor, as well as a practicing attorney. I have been producing her show, The Intentionality Gurus, since March 2018, https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-intentionality-gurus-candace-2018-19. Working with Candace has opened my eyes to intentionally investigate myself and assertively help me resolve some of the issues that have held me back in life. Candace does not judge or even advise me on what I may need to change, enhance or leave untouched. What this podcast does is provide a window for not only me, but others to take whatever steps they may need to a more satisfying experience.
I shared with Candy yesterday that I have spent a majority of my life wanting to be you, or someone else, well still being me but in a “better package.” However, wishing and hoping, as well as wanting, is not the same as making the attempt to change. Candace will repeatedly ask me in these podcasts why, and how will that make you feel, and what does that feel like. This is the intentionality piece where I am the only one who can answer, and my answers are important for me, they are based on my past, present, and what I perceive of the future. Tomorrow is a new day, and the responses to those same questions may change. Life continues to evolve and therefore go our thoughts and any needs associated with them.
For me sitting back is no longer an option. If I want to lose weight, I must adjust my diet. The loss of weight should be for me, although it may bring benefits to others. (i.e., maybe I won’t feel so unattractive and therefore increase more endorphins. The endorphins are the Happy Hormones.) Maybe the changes I would like are less obvious but will provide me more energy and engagement in opportunities that please me. We have all heard, “When momma is happy, everyone is happy,” well whether you are a momma, poppa, are just you, your smile and happiness is contagious!
For the last five years, I have been on a journey of change and exploration that is providing me with a brighter outlook on life. However, these podcasts are what I need to be the best I can be even as I stumble and fall along the way. I no longer look at mistakes as embarrassing and stupid. They are learning tools that only open more doors and windows that allow me to expand my wings and be me.
The empowerment of B-U, B-Me is real!
My Life 2 Live
Life is about living not existing and if you are sitting around waiting for something to happen (good or bad) you are wasting your value. We all have a value in this chaotic universe, and it is up to each of us to travel a path that defines us. As a child, my parent’s tried to mold my brothers and me into the images that they thought would not only be good for us but would make them look good. That was the mindset in the ’50s, ’60s and even into the ’70s. However, when the baby boomers like myself started families, many of us took another direction. In fact, many of us rebelled openly or silently during the ME GENERATION of the ’70s and ’80s. We chose to change career paths, divorce more openly, and learn to find our inner happiness. We still loved and respected our parents; however, maturity and growth introduced us to various pathways.
I was more of the silent rebellion, however majoring in communications when my parent’s expectation was education, was an obvious one that did not sit well with my mom and dad. What women/female was ever going to make in the broadcasting/communications industry? (I think they were short-sighted.) I also chose divorce at an early age rather than stay in a loveless marriage, and I ended up re-marrying someone of a different faith! (Again, this was not the path my momma and pop had wished for me.) My parent’s watched me struggle with my identity from an early age on, never fitting in where I wanted to be accepted, and often feeling the “Oh woe is me syndrome.” I never felt smart enough, pretty enough, or anything enough. I worked hard to prove that I was acceptable, but not to myself, to everyone else.
Today I am living for me while engaging with those I love, like, and want to meet. There is a limitless amount of experiences, and I am not going to waste what minutes, hours, days I have left dreaming about the person I want to be. Not every moment will be filled with excitement or joy, but I will learn to accept heartache and sorrow as my stepping stones throughout this journey.
“Don’t Forget to Laugh”
Last night I had the pleasure of being part of a great event, “Don’t Forget to Laugh” organized by Melinda Smith of Heart Mojo, https://www.spreaker.com/show/heart-mojo-with-melinda-smith. The entertainment consisted of four amazing comics all with heart and soul; Bill Benden, Tim Folger (no relation to the coffee), Mike Conley, and Michael Gershe. This talented group of individuals donated their time, energy and passion for an evening to support the Alzheimer’s Association.
Melinda Smith has a walk team to support the important message that only money for continued research will help eliminate, cure, or reduce the incidents of this mind altering disease. It is not just the individual that experiences the loss of memories that suffers but all that engage with them. Although this disease is not life-threatening, it destroys the nerves that connect in the brain that makes it difficult or impossible to do common every day things like, dressing, eating, and worst of all living in a fog of confusion. Like many of us, Linda had the experience of watching her grandmother live out her life with this disease. In fact, not only did her mother become a caregiver but Linda did as well, out of love and need for a family member.
Last night’s event is just one of several Melinda Smith will be coordinating to raise awareness and financial support for Alzheimer’s and Dementia which is kin to this disease. “Don’t forget to Laugh,” was held at the Funny Stop in Cuyahoga Falls. Owner Pete Barakat of the club graciously provided the space for this comedy event. Watch for more information on “Don’t forget to Laugh” coming to Cleveland, and other areas where we can come together to support ourselves and others to help in finding a cure.
On a side note, I want to share that studies show that laughter and music help heal parts of the brain. So keep laughing, do not lock it away.
Laugh to Keep From Crying Madonna
I can’t lock my door
Oh, I don’t have no privacy
The only thing that’s mine
Is what’s inside of me
When I’ve had enough
A little voice inside
It says you’ve got to be tough
You’ve got to take it in stride
Sometimes I am foolish
I let it get the best of me
At least I know that my mistakes
Are my responsibility
And
I just have to laugh to keep from crying
I just have to laugh to keep from crying
I don’t have a dime
Oh, to buy those pretty things
But I hear all the evidence
You know it all sounds the same
But I’m still waiting
I’ve got my hands open wide
You know my dream isn’t fading
I keep it hidden inside
Oh
I just have to laugh to keep from crying
I keep on trying
My friends don’t understand
Oh, they think I’ve lost my mind
And I’m choking back the tears
I’ve got to swallow my pride
I just have to laugh, ah
La, ah
Lo, oh
La, ah
Songwriters: CICCONE MADONNA L / BRAY STEPHEN PATE
Laugh to Keep From Crying lyrics © WB Music Corp., Webo Girl Publishing Inc., Momma Hattie’S Muse, COPYRIGHT CONTROL (NON-HFA), WEBO GIRL PUBLISHING, INC., WB MUSIC CORP. O/B/O WEBO GIRL PUBLISHING, INC.
Make your Life the BEST-Think of your Fellow Man
Within the last week many celebrated Good Friday, the First & Second Passover Seders, Easter, Dingus Day, and Earth Day. However, each day should be one to celebrate, live, and protect the life of Mother Nature that nurtures us! If we don’t, we will be living on a landmine of garbage. Metaphorically I am also referring to trash that we talk and impose on others if we take to heart the meaning of the past weekend whether, in light of religion, tradition, or personal spiritual need, the world will be a better place.
Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see, it’s getting late, oh, please don’t hesitate
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see
Another day goes by, and still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know, we won’t let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see. Wait and see
Take a good look around and if you’re lookin’ down
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see
Put a little love in your heart
Put a little love in your heart
Writer/s: JACKIE DE SHANNON, JIMMY HOLIDAY, RANDY MYERS
Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind
Join newclevelandradio.net today and let’s make life the best journey, see the light!
Who Is Charlie Wiener and Why Should You Care?
Do you know Charlie Wiener? Have you heard of K. Adrian Zonneville? Well, today is your day!
Today begins a new podcast at newclevelandradio.net with my friend, the amazing Charlie Wiener aka K. Adrian Zonneville. We will be discussing his books (found on Amazon) as well as his comedy and music. We welcome you to call in during the 1-hour show that begins at 1 pm EST and will run until 2 pm. If you miss the show you can find it on the podcast and we will post the link on Facebook, Twitter as well as our website!
The call in # is 440-922-6431.
I AM WORTHY BY KAREN
This Blog was submitted and posted on https://www.empoweredandpoised.com
I am so proud to share my passion and compassionate guidance to assist others in understanding negative feelings may be normal, however, they do not have to own us. It is time to empower ourselves to look in the mirror and see the reflection of the person we want to be.
I once thought I was unworthy. I wanted to be like someone else. It’s not so much I did not like myself, I assumed that other people wanted me to be different, including my mother. Growing up I dreamed I would have a zillion friends and I would be the person others would turn to. However, I spent so much time dreaming and thinking about who I wanted to be I didn’t take the steps into the journey that would lead me there. I kept recreating my story but never put it on paper or into action. However, now that I look back I did accomplish a lot despite the fact I did not give myself credit for my efforts.
I got married at the age of twenty-one believing that if I was a good wife and made my husband happy, I would be happy too. Unfortunately, I spent so much time trying to please him; I became angry, bitter, feeling like a loser as I found myself divorced. Evolving into a single mom and not knowing how to live my life without a husband and father was terrifying because I had to be me!
When I met my best friend, my husband of thirty-five years I was given the opportunity to be me. Not knowing how to be me I struggled until my youngest son brought to my attention that I would never be happy if I didn’t make myself happy. He told me I could not live vicariously through him, and making his dad smile was not a guarantee I would smile. He pushed me to turn obstacles into challenges that I could meet.
In 2013, just shortly after completing my advanced college degree with honors, I fell into a depression. 
Although I did not understand it, this was my turning point. It was like I allowed my body and mind hit rock bottom, so I could begin the climb out of the pit. I began making choices that would make me happy, “If momma is happy, everyone’s happy.” I chose to use my degree and the compassion I have for broadcasting to formulate a podcast(s) that would allow me to share my experiences in a way that someone else may benefit. I accept that it is not my way or the highway, nor do I have to follow the road that other’s may be speeding down. I chose forks in the road; some were good choices, others were not! However, each choice was a lesson to learn and become more educated in learning about myself.
Life is not perfect; we all suffer along the way. But, we have the choice on how much we will allow the pain to interfere in our journey to wellness. It is our emotional wellness that we can control or receive the guidance to control. No one can do this for us; we must do it for ourselves.
Recently I chose to reach out to women (and men) to share empowerment strategies. It begins by identifying what is important in your life, and what is important in mine is to lessen the burdens I have put on myself. I lived most of my life believing I was not “good enough for my mother” only to find out in her last weeks of life that I was. I refuse to live with the regrets of my thoughts. Instead, I can live with the knowledge that came from caring for her when she was in need. Empowerment allows us to chose the right and left turns in the maze of life. Doing so with a free heart has provided me with happier days, and smiles even when the sky is gray. I have become intentional, and even when I am not, I intentionally know that it’s OK.
Today I like me. I may not always like my hair, make-up or my reflection in the mirror, but I like the person I have become, facing challenges as obstacles along the way to push to aside, jump over, or when push gets to shove, hit it straight on!
My mission is to share in the dialogue, yours, mine and ours. When this is accomplished, we will bring the circle of life together creating a beautiful tapestry.
D5 Creation