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Cute, Fun, Family-friendly DVD based on the award-winning book and TV series.

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Kids
Cute, Fun, Family-friendly DVD based on the award-winning book and TV series.

Llama Llama springs to life in these heart-warming tales based on the award-winning book series by author and illustrator Anna Dewdney. Join Llama Llama, Nelly Gnu, Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Sheep and Gilroy Goat as they explore their friendly hometown and make childhood memories. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Cadence G. comments, “I like the Llama Llama Family Fun Collection DVD because every episode has a different main idea with an interesting story to tell. The animated characters each have their own thoughts about things and how to approach a situation.” Ruby A., follows with, “Llama Llama Family Fun Collection is a cute, fun, and family-friendly DVD that is based on an award-winning book and TV series. The storyline and adorable personalities of the characters combine to make the viewing experience enjoyable. The characters’ companionship is very sweet, and they care a lot about one another. They always have each other’s back.” Christine R. wraps it with, “Upbeat, positive messages about friendship and family make these great for family viewing.” See their full reviews below.

Llama Llama Family Fun Collection
By Cadence G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

I like the Llama Llama Family Fun Collection DVD because every episode has a different main idea with an interesting story to tell. The animated characters each have their own thoughts about things and how to approach a situation. The only part I didn’t really like is that the characters sometimes talk too slow and you want to make them talk faster, but it probably makes it easier for little kids to understand.

The Llama Llama Family Collection has 15 episodes and is based on the book series written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. The animated collection is about a llama and his friends who have awesome adventures together. Each episode has a moral to the story. For example, in one of the episodes, Luna (a giraffe, voiced by Vania Gill) is very scared to go on stage to perform a solo in front of an audience. Then Llama Llama and Nelly Gnu get a dance machine and it really helps Luna lose her fear of performing in front of an audience. Another story tells about Llama Llama, Euclid and Gilroy Goat having a sleepover, where they experience new and different things while at a friend’s house. I know when I go to a sleepover, I find myself trying a new food or doing any activity that I wouldn’t necessarily have done at my house.

I didn’t recognize the voices of any of the characters, although after looking at who does the voices, I recognize Jennifer Garner, who voices Mama Llama. I like Luna’s personality, but my favorite character is Euclid (Brendon Sunderland). He’s smart, but in a funny way. I like when the group of friends take swimming lessons with Mama Llama in Eleanor Elephant’s (Kathleen Barr) pool. Even though Llama Llama (Shayle Simons) isn’t a great swimmer, his friends are supportive. And it is cute seeing Llama Llama’s grandpa (David Hoole) learn to swim, too.

The message of the film is to be nice to others. It’s important to help your friends, rather than make fun of them or bring them down. When I see someone making fun of someone, I try to stand up for them. It is nice to watch a film where a group of friends support one another.
I rate this DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 9. This DVD is available now, so go look for it!

Llama Llama Family Fun Collection
By Ruby A. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Llama Llama Family Fun Collection is a cute, fun, and family-friendly DVD that is based on an award-winning book and TV series. The storyline and adorable personalities of the characters combine to make the viewing experience enjoyable. The characters’ companionship is very sweet, and they care a lot about one another. They always have each other’s back.

The Llama Llama Family Fun Collection DVD is collection of episodes about a group of animal companions that go on a lot of adventures, meet new friends and solve problems along the way. In one episode, Llama Llama’s friend, Luna the Giraffe, struggles with bad stage fright. She has a dance recital the next day. Llama Llama and Nelly Gnu have to help her, or she won’t be able to perform without becoming nervous on stage. In another episode, Llama Llama and two of his friends, Gilroy Goat and Euclid Sheep, plan a sleepover together. What they don’t know is that strange things will happen just as they are about to go to sleep. But maybe the friends’ imaginations will wander too far…

Some of the lead characters are Mama Llama (Jennifer Garner) and Llama Llama (Shayle Simons). They are an adorable mother-son duo, and they love each other very much. What really stands out in this collection is the incredibly detailed and expressive animation. The vibrant colors and homey scenery go hand in hand to create a wholesome, fun show for children and their families to watch. It really is a great choice for teaching good lessons to young minds.

The message of the DVD Llama Llama Family Fun Collection is that you should always be willing to help your friends, and that problems can be solved through the effort of a team. It is definitely successful in communicating its message through the close-knit friend group, and how they stick together and help each other face their fears. The message is definitely positive and uplifting, and can teach young children that companionship is an important life skill to have. There really isn’t anything to worry about when children are watching this series. There is no bad language at all, and there isn’t any negative behavior that young children may attempt to imitate.

I give this series 4 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 2 to 10. The Llama Llama Family Fun Collection DVD is available now

Llama Llama Family Fun Collection
By Christine R., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

The Llama Llama Family Fun Collection DVD features the animated friends from Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama book series in 15 stories, including holiday stories for Halloween, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. The friends learn to use their unique talents with some creativity to overcome day to day problems by following grown up advice and helping each other. In “Stage Fright,” Luna Giraffe’s upcoming dance recital is giving her performance jitters, but Llama Llama and Nelly Gnu are there to offer support, calming breaths and remind her to just have fun. Nelly Gnu is jealous of the attention her baby brother receives in the story “Jealous Nelly.” Her new tree-house takes a backseat to babysitting and party planning for the baby. She misses her parents’ and friends’ attention, but soon realizes that being a big sister is the perfect role for her. The friends accept the challenge to do without their electronic gadgets when Grandma Llama and Mama Llama take them on an overnight campout in “Let’s Go Camping.” They use their five senses to appreciate the sights and sounds of nature. Upbeat, positive messages about friendship and family make these great for family viewing. Children ages 4 to 8 should enjoy these fun, engaging episodes. I give this 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Christine R., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer.

Pastor Gives Proceeds of Book to Local Church

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Empowerment
Pastor Gives Proceeds of Book to Local Church

What happens when the Monster you’re fighting is inside of you?

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Pastor of Mountain View Church in Queen Creek, Arizona turns two time author. His latest book entitled “The Monster Is In Me, The Monster Is Me”is centered around three ideas: Recognizing the enemy, Resisting The enemy, and Rewriting our identity. Daniel Voss is on a mission to help others turn the monster into a masterpiece. As a leader in generosity with a heart to serve, 100% of the proceeds of this book goes right back to the local church.
“For the past 40 years, I have been running from what I thought was a mythical monster, only to discover the monster is real. The monster is in me. The monster is me. I am my own worst enemy. I wrestle daily with the man in the mirror. Dealing with a difficult person in never easy, especially when that person is you.”
∙ The first person to cause me problems is me – self-honesty.
∙ The first person I must change is me – self-improvement.
∙ The first person that can make a difference is me – self-responsibility.
I can’t promise you won’t have any more struggles after reading this book, but I can promise you will have the tools to fight them in a better way and see yourself in a new way.
Turning a monster into a masterpiece is no easy task unless God is on your side. Allow Him to crucify the old you and resurrect a new you. He paid the price of victory so you could live as royalty. So, stare down your fears, shatter your insecurities, and shake off your apathy. Today is a new day. It’s time to defeat the monster within and be the masterpiece God created you to be.
In a day and age where anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts run wild, Daniel shares a timeless truth of what’s beneath the surface will soon surface.
For more information about “The Monster Is In Me, The Monster Is Me” or Mountain View Church contact us via website MV.church or email at info@mv.church
Contact Information:
Mountain View Church
480-677-2100
Info@mv.church

The Recipe: A Culinary Story of Hope, Wisdom and Redemption – With John David Man

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Empowerment
The Recipe: A Culinary Story of Hope, Wisdom and Redemption – With John David Man

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It was a delight to talk with John in a recent episode of my radio show, Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit. He spoke beautifully about the ideas in The Recipe, which he co-authored with Chef Charles Carroll. Their book is so powerful that there will soon be a movie about it. I look forward to seeing it. John began our conversation by building on the ideas I presented in the beginning part of the show by saying people in the United States are losing our civility and brotherhood. The good news is that we do have the ability to transform what is happening in our nation into love. He encouraged everyone to call their elected representatives and voice their opinion. These ideas are very much in keeping with the rules for living presented in The Recipe. To share a few quotes: “Make the world a better place with everything you do;” “Live with honor: treat every person with respect, and never forget who you’re serving;” and “Compose your life: put your effort into controlling the sail, not the wind.” John also shared some wisdom he has gleaned in his own life: have fun; remember, like billiards, what you do impacts other people; and you have a choice as to how you respond even when it is something emotional. He suggests that we stop, take a breath and be larger than the emotion. Through mindfulness, he taught himself to be kind instead of angry. In his current marriage, he follows one of the chef’s rules of the kitchen, “Pay attention to the little things” and brings his wife a cup of tea every morning. And that’s how you spread love. Everything matters. To listen to this show, I encourage you to click here.

Dr. Paula’s Tip of the Week

My Tip from my e-book, 33 Tips for Self-Empowerment is: “Discover Your Creativity. You can reconnect with your Higher Self by discovering what form of creativity gives you joy. Explore writing, dance, music and art. Create just for your own pleasure, self-expression and self-discovery. If you are concerned about people criticizing you, keep your creative explorations to yourself.” Owen, the young boy in The Recipe, accidentally stumbles upon his creative gift; or if you’re looking at it from a spiritual perspective, he was guided to the Chef who helped change his life. As the story unfolds, we learn the source of his gift. The creative expression of his soul helps Owen heal and find purpose, meaning and joy, which is exactly what it can do for all of us.

Dr. Paula’s Silver Lining Story

Recently in my Facebook posts, I have been more outspoken about my concerns over the inhumane treatment of people seeking asylum in the United States, the eroding of civil rights for all US citizens, the disrespect for our environment and animals, and the increasing threat of nuclear war. Many of my posts have been merely to share facts. So many laws are being repealed and so many governmental actions taken that a lot of it is not being reported. When people ask why I’m sharing this information, I say: we must know the truth of what is happening in our own country. Ignorance is not acceptable. We can’t form an opinion if we don’t have the facts. I want to make sure everyone has the facts. Unfortunately we are being distracted by our president’s tweets, arguments and chaos so that people are not getting all of the information. Even if they’re trying, it’s hard to know what is made up. I even heard one program with several journalists discussing whether our president was intentionally lying to us or just didn’t know the truth. That such a question is even being asked is disturbing and reminiscent of Watergate and the impeachment of Richard Nixon. As a result of my new posts, I’ve had some people writing vicious comments about me and what I’m sharing. I responded by saying: “Because of his abusive posts, I blocked Robert from my page and also deleted most of his comments since they were so offensive and angry. I believe in open communication in a civil and respectful manner. When people violate those boundaries, I delete their posts and block them from my page. I do this for all of us who want Facebook to be a safe place to communicate.” My silver lining came in the form of a number of people who thanked me, liked my comment and shared it. One person wrote: “Thank you for being such an example of a kind person with strong boundaries.” This shows me people are getting tired of the verbal violence. We can’t all agree, but we can treat others the way we wish to be treated. We can be civil and communicate with respect and a willingness to hear and be heard.

Marian Stephens’ Story

This week’s episode of Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit featured John David Mann, and he was a font of wisdom and inspiration. His book is a beautiful story that is really a handbook on how to live. Dr. Paula asks listeners how they can turn their anger and frustration into righteous indignation. This is a powerful tool that I am using, and I am beginning to feel my anger dissipate and vanish. I was experiencing an overwhelming bout of anger towards my oldest son, and it came to me that I am just shouting into a void; my anger and words are vanishing into the ether unresolved. I realize what I am grappling with is the loss of my relationship with my son, the loss of my vision and expectations of what motherhood was going to be, and the loss of my dream of who I would be at age 42. How do I come to terms with this? Mr. Mann’s book focuses on how to deal with loss and the anger one feels when trying to do so. Having a mentor is key and finding how to be that mentor for yourself. I am lucky that Dr. Paula is my mentor, and she is teaching me how to be my own. I will turn my anger into righteous indignation by focusing energy on healing myself and taking back control of my life. I am indignant that I have encountered abuse and disease, and I will no longer accept this to be my reality.

John David Mann says that we can transform our nation into a place of love and greatness.  When I heard Mr. Mann say, “loss is a beginning not an ending”, it is the first time I truly believed that this place in life is a place to start. He says that who we are is shaped by the things that happen to us and the things that are happening around us. I have experienced traumatic events and illness that have changed my circumstances significantly. I am using these happenings as a springboard to become more resilient, courageous, and creative. My default emotional state is becoming calm and strong.

John David Mann says everything you do reveals everything you are. If you pay attention to and are purposeful with the little things in life, you will bring about huge change. My husband is so skilled at doing this – he makes our bed every day, keeps our home neat and pleasing, and helps me stay organized. This inspires me to pay careful attention to the smaller details, too, which helps me confront the larger problems I face with bravery and a calm mind and heart. Mr. Mann says that making little gestures and taking time to discover new things about your partner everyday will help prevent entropy from taking hold of your relationship. My husband and I focus our energy on doing this daily, and I am grateful to hear that we are on the right track.

John David Mann speaks beautifully about relationships and how to have productive disagreements. Simply take a deep breath and make a choice when confronting opposition that is not anger based. My life coaching sessions with Dr. Paula are teaching me how to do exactly this. I am finding the wherewithal to take a breath and let my often momentary anger and frustration disperse before speaking or engaging in an argument. This episode reinforces the fact that we have no control over the people and events that surround us, but we do have complete control over how we handle ourselves. I have believed this to be true for some time, but I am now putting it into practice constantly, and it is improving everything.

Dr. Paula’s Coaching Response

Marian, I can tell how deeply John’s ideas resonated with you. He clearly has chosen to take his life in his own hands, make deep changes, learn how to create a loving and harmonious relationship, and live a life of meaning and joy. When someone makes that kind of commitment, they become a shining example.  

We are all here on the earth plane to learn and grow. Some of us have harder lessons than others in this incarnation. I find comfort in my belief that I chose this path before I came to earth. When I accept responsibility for my choices, not blame, but responsibility, it changes everything because if I’m responsible for my responses to what has happened to me, I also have the ability to make new choices and change the quality of my life. I applaud you for taking responsibility and choosing to grow and heal.

I want to remind you of the 2 mantras/affirmations that I use every day to help me through the difficult times and to bring more love and peace into my day:

  • I say these 2 sentences for 3 minutes silently over and over again every morning:

I am love as I am loved.

All is love as all is loved.

  • I say this one over and over again for as long as I need it at any time of the day or night:

Peace in my mind

Peace in my body

Peace in my spirit

Peace in my soul

For Previous Shows Like This:

FREE CHAPTER, THE ULTIMATE CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS,  FROM MY BEST-SELLING BOOK, NOTHING BUT NET

To learn more about my unique process that removes hidden blockages, helps you solve your most challenging problems, and achieve success with ease and speed, sign up for my newsletter and receive the chapter as my gift: sign up here

CONTACT DR. PAULA TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLEMENTARY 10 MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION

Dr. Paula, The Life Doctor, has helped hundreds of thousands of people improve their health, wealth and relationships through her writing, coaching, and speaking. Contact her today to get started on your personal journey. Recently Dr. Paula Joyce, PhD was chosen by Expertise as one of the 16 Best Life Coaches in Dallas.

Cell: (214) 208-3533

Email:  paula@paulajoyce.com

To learn more about Dr. Paula, please visit her website at www.paulajoyce.com.

To hear more shows from Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit, please click here.

 

Jeff Cioletti Talks: His New Book Coming to a Bookstore Near You

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Variety
Jeff Cioletti Talks: His New Book Coming to a Bookstore Near You

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On this episode we have the opportunity to speak with Jeff Cioletti who knows a thing or two about beverages. He talks about his new book about to be released entitled, “The Year of Drinking Adventurously.” Not just a book about drink recipes but a book designed to get people to drink new cocktails. Get out of their comfort zone! Try new things! When he’s not writing about beverages, he’s making films about them. Jeff is the writer/producer/director of the feature film, “Beerituality,” a comedy set in the world of craft beer. The film is available for on-demand streaming and download at amazon.com. Jeff has been interviewed on beverage-related topics for CNN International, Fox Business News, CNBC, Beer Sessions Radio, Canada’s ROB TV, NPR’s Marketplace, BBC World, BBC Radio, The Associated Press, The New York Post,Financial Times, WCBS-TV, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Investors Business Daily, Advertising Age and several other media outlets. Definitely a show not to miss!

Hear this episode On Demand any time or Listen Live to The Hospitality Industry News Network every Monday at 9am PST

You Only Live Once – Book Release

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Variety
You Only Live Once – Book Release

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Just recently I self published a book entitled, “You Only Live Once” about my travels from the time I took a bar tending course when I was twenty years of age till I got married at thirty-seven years of age.

During that time I experienced great times and stressful times. I traveled a lot and did some pretty cool things along the way. Nothing held me back from doing something that sounded adventurous. Some of the time it didn’t turn out so good but when that happened something or someone else came along and I moved on to other exciting opportunities.

In the book I do not just talk about the jobs and travel but I discuss the social obstacles I had while growing up and how being a bartender and working in the hospitality industry really helped me out.

It is an action packed book so if you are one that likes to travel, enjoys adventure, and would like to do something but cannot find the courage to start, this book may be the kick start you need.
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I asked myself before trying something new, “what is the worst thing that can happen if this does not work out” and the answer was try something else.

Another thing I would like to mention is this book is for someone who is starting out and looking at the Hospitality Industry as a career option. One of the reasons for my show on the Variety channel is to broaden one’s knowledge of the industry. It certainly shouldn’t stop at being a waiter or bartender. There are many options available.

As a side note I am keeping track of book sales so any purchase of an e-book I donate $1 to Sick Kids Foundation. My oldest son spent a month in there and another two weeks another time when he had to have 6 inches of his intestine taken out due to a ruptured appendix. So I would like to give back. You can keep track of the money raised on my blog waiterextraordinaire on blogspot dot com.

And Don’t Forget to Tune In Every Monday at 9am PST/ 12pm EST to ‘The Hospitality Industry News Network‘

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The Gift of Dating

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Every week, Express Yourself!™ will bring you a stimulating program based on a chapter from our award winning book Be the Star You Are!® for Teens.
Can eating dark chocolate before going on a date help you be more relaxed? Find out in today’s Express Yourself!™ with hosts Henna Hundal and Asya Gonzalez as they chat with regular reporters, Alex Pawlakos, Courtney Cheng, and Brigitte Jia.

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Alex offers many anxiety relief tips in his segment of Health Rap that will be helpful not only for dating opportunities but for all encounters.

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Courtney’s Book It! report explores the ups and downs of dating through two movies, The F Word and Everything Before Us that portray relationships between teenagers, young adults, and adults in a realistic manner.

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Asya and Henna engaged in a discussion about trust, connection, values, morals, and kindness regarding dating.

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The ebullient Brigitte’s report of Art Attack is specifically about her top five favorite art pieces created in the spirit of romance and passion. Let love reign.

Listen at Voice America Kids
Listen, View Photos, Descriptions, & More at Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio
Listen to all broadcasts at ITUNES

Express Yourself! Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are! charity. To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences. Dare to care!

Be the Star You Are! charity. It’s the Season of Giving Make a donation today. Buy books and shirts at StarStyle Radio.

Starstyle, Be the Star You Are, and Miracle Moments are registered trademarks of Cynthia Brian

The Gif of Daring

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Categories

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Every week, Express Yourself!™ will bring you a stimulating program based on a chapter from our award winning book Be the Star You Are!® for Teens.

What does it mean to be daring? It’s time to step out of your comfort zone, take on a new challenge, be bold, be strong, become the best you!

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Hosts Rachel Glass and Henna Hundal chat with author Lee Kelly, author of City of Savages, a former high profile attorney who dared to become a writer. After the Red Allies turn New York City into a POW camp, two sisters must decipher the past in order to protect the future in this action-packed thriller with a dual narrative. Rachel reads her chapter of Daring from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens and shares how her daring adventures have evolved in the six years since her story was published.

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Reporter of Art Attack, Brigitte Jia, explores the boldness and tenacity of the French artists Monet, Renoir, Sisley, and Bazille who dared to explore the innovative style that began a new and vivid movement, impressionism.
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Lee Kelly Bio:

Lee Kelly has wanted to write since she was old enough to hold a pencil, but it wasn’t until she began studying for the California Bar Exam that she conveniently started putting pen to paper. An entertainment lawyer by trade, Lee has practiced law in Los Angeles and New York. She lives with her husband and son in Millburn, New Jersey, though after a decade in Manhattan, she can’t help but still call herself a New Yorker. City of Savages is her first novel. Visit her at NewWriteCity.com.

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Listen at Voice America Kids
Listen, View Photos, Descriptions, & More at Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio
Listen to all broadcasts at ITUNES

Express Yourself! Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are! charity. To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences. Dare to care!

Be the Star You Are! charity. It’s the Season of Giving Make a donation today. Buy books and shirts at StarStyle Radio.

Starstyle, Be the Star You Are, and Miracle Moments are registered trademarks of Cynthia Brian

That Small Not So Still Voice

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7th Wave
That Small Not So Still Voice

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That Small Not So Still Voice
An excerpt from Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment
by Ariel & Shya Kane

This chapter is devoted to hearing that small still voice; the one that normally does not insist that you listen to it, rather it comes with valuable information that you often realize was important in retrospect. It usually comes, unformed, as an impression, a flash, or a fleeting thought. Then later you say to yourself, “Oh, that’s what it meant. I knew I should have…” This voice is different from the loud internal radio station, WKRAP, that plays those oldies and not so goodies, the records of how you can’t or aren’t good enough – the records you would eagerly smash if you got the chance.

In the following story, our friend Ty is presented with an undeniable opportunity to really listen to himself. Persistent by nature, Ty’s intuition was also persistent to get him to finally take action, even though he did not believe in “that sort of thing.”

Ty, a down to earth fellow in his mid-forties, has apple pink cheeks and the blush of youth. A farmer by trade, he spends his days tending his animals, preparing feed, managing workers, repairing machinery and basically keeping the farm running day-to-day. He once told us with a rueful grin that his animals would all have to up and die in order for him to take a proper vacation…we guess this is actually true.

Ty went to school and earned a degree in business and finance but chose to go back to the farm, like his father before him. As an only child, he has taken over running things on the family farm in Boring, Oregon. People might underestimate him because he is so humble, with a ready laugh and genuine interest in things, allowing him to ask questions in a guileless manner that others might find embarrassing. But if you were to sit down one day and have a casual chat with Ty, you would see the genius that is quietly sitting behind his kind eyes and his soft features.

As a man with dirt beneath his nails, Ty would be the first to tell you that he doesn’t think of himself as particularly intuitive, unless it’s the type of intuition that comes from years of experience – such as how to vary the feed or which antibiotic to use when his animals are showing signs of illness. So you can imagine his surprise when one frosty October evening he had a very peculiar dream. While he was sleeping, a voice came to him and very clearly said, “Return the trains.”

Watching his wife softly breathing beside him, Ty thought, That’s odd. What could this mean? It was such a specific instruction and it seemed so clear in its intent. But, he didn’t understand it.

At work that morning the words, “Return the trains,” came back to him so he tried to guess the meaning. But as he became involved in the long hours and heavy work, he put it out of his mind until a few days later, when the dream came again. It was just as specific and equally as frustratingly vague. “Return the trains,” it commanded. Awakened in the pre-dawn hours, he lay in his bed and pondered the meaning.

Ty realized that the theme of trains, in general, did have meaning for him. He’d had a fascination for trains as long as he could remember, starting when his grandfather gave him model trains. He had adored them as a child and still cherished them as an adult. How can I return these trains? Ty wondered. His grandfather was long since dead. Ty also likes real trains. When he was just a boy his grandfather took him to the train yard. With his small hand clutched in his granddad’s enormous one, they would watch the trains pull in and unload grain and timber. The hoot of a night train’s whistle still brought a nostalgic pang to his belly and occasionally a fluttering in his chest. But these trains were long gone; just phantoms of memory that could not be returned.

Being a practical sort, Ty dismissed the voice in his dreams and went to work. There was plenty to keep him occupied and at night, after spending the evening with his wife, he gratefully sank into bed. But sometime during the night, the voice came again. “Return the trains,” it insisted.

Now this was getting annoying and kind of weird. Keeping the nocturnal auditory visits private, he wondered what it could mean. It was then that Ty remembered his Uncle Clyde and his cousin, Clyde’s son Jack, who had also collected trains when he was a boy. Jack, now in his late 50’s, had also been an only child. When Ty was young, his cousin, ten years older than he, sometimes babysat him and they would play trains together. But that was a lifetime ago, before Uncle Clyde died from a brain tumor.

Early in the morning, Ty ruminated on the last time he saw his uncle alive. It was in 1984 when Uncle Clyde was close to death and in hospice care. He had visited him in the upstairs of Clyde’s old home. Even though his breathing was labored and his face was pale, his uncle was glad to see him. Ty was glad he had made the effort to go. The families were not particularly close. There had been no major falling out – it was just the way his folks were. Ty had not seen Jack for several years. When he came in, Jack was at his father’s bedside. A full Colonel in the Green Berets, he looked fierce in his lace up black boots and military uniform. Ty was impressed with the powerful man he had become.

“What are you doing here?” Jack had snapped. “Get out of this house. I never want to lay eyes on you again!”

Jack had looked like he meant it and that he had the means to back up the implied threat in his words. So, apart from the funeral a few days later, Ty had not seen his cousin in nearly two decades.

Suddenly Ty remembered one train in his extensive collection that he had not bought and neither had his grandfather. There was one Lionel in mint condition, still in its box, that had once belonged to Jack. When Ty was 13 and Jack was 23, his Uncle Clyde had deemed that Jack was too old for toys and had carelessly given the train to Ty and never thought of it again.

As Ty lay in his bed that night, he realized that yes, there was one train he could return. In the light of day, however, the farm demanded that he get to his chores so he put it out of his mind.

It seems that the mysterious voice had other ideas. It intruded on his sleep now every night, getting more specific. “Return the trains,” it commanded, “by Christmas!”

Thinking back on it later, Ty realized that he was a little cranky during that time, from having broken sleep. It was almost like having a young child in the house who didn’t care whether or not Ty needed sleep or if he was dead tired from a hard day. The voice called out to get his attention and to spur him to action. But Ty was dragging his feet. He didn’t believe in supernatural phenomena, you see. He believed in practicalities: animal husbandry, the earth, the seasons and such. So he put up with the noise and lack of sleep and went about his day with the kind of stubborn determination that helps a farmer make it though lean seasons.

New Year’s came and went as winter turned the corner and headed into spring. But the voice was not finished with Ty yet. It, too, was determined and keeping pace with the calendar, it began to wake him again. “Return the trains,” it said. Now there was a new instruction. “Return the trains by Easter!”

Eventually Ty thought, Enough is enough. The Saturday afternoon before Easter Sunday, Ty placed the box with the little train in a brown shopping bag. He donned a red pullover, khaki pants and a pair of clean work boots and whistled to his chocolate Labrador Retriever, Hershey, to come along for moral support. As he got ready to climb into his truck, Ty was struck by a thought, What if he doesn’t recognize me? It had been 20 years after all…

Click HERE to find out what happens!

Good Grief welcomes Katy Butler

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Health & Wellness
Good Grief welcomes Katy Butler

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Katy Butler has written one of the best books on what’s wrong with end of life care in the field today. When Katy went through her parents’ final years, she felt compelled both as a daughter and as a journalist to explore what could have improved that time, especially for her father. She quotes him as having said, “I’m living too long,” and she heartily agreed. But convincing the medical system to let him go proved nearly impossible. Through sharing the book and through her work as a speaker and teacher, Katy has set out to change the system that makes a good death so difficult to find. She is a wonderful speaker and promises to enliven Good Grief! Join us on Good Grief Radio Wednesday May 6th at 2 PST.

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