Hello! 👋 send me a text message! Tell me what your thoughts 💭 are about this episode 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 calle...

Hello! 👋 send me a text message! Tell me what your thoughts 💭 are about this episode 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 fut...

Hello! 👋 send me a text message! Tell me what your thoughts 💭 are about this episode 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...

Hello! 👋 send me a text message! Tell me what your thoughts 💭 are about this episode 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 Janina 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 w...

Hello! 👋 send me a text message! Tell me what your thoughts 💭 are about this episode 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 ...

Hello! 👋 send me a text message! Tell me what your thoughts 💭 are about this episode 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 r...

Hello! 👋 send me a text message! Tell me what your thoughts 💭 are about this episode 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, 🤍&nbs...

Hello! 👋 send me a text message! I would love to hear from you! ❤️  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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...