June is finally here. It’s hard to believe we’re almost half-way through 2025. While the temperatures are rising, I’m certainly happy the traffic is decreasing. While driving Bell is definitely less nerving this time of year, I find myself wanting to escape the heat and head to Northern Arizona.
Since so many in our community have headed to their summer homes, now is the time for you to enjoy a little slower pace, and perhaps invest more in those friendships that you may have not had time for. Or, it might be time to finish up home improvement projects that have been placed on the backburner due to a busy social calendar.
Happy Father’s Day to all of the father’s and grandfather’s reading The Grand Season this month. I hope you have a great June and enjoy the slower days of summer as much as you can!
Remember, staying hydrated is critical for an enjoyable summer.
Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher
INSPIRE REACH FOR THE STARS
Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.
Abraham Lincoln
The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others. Robert Baden-Powell
Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel toward what we have. We can be happy with little and miserable with much.
William D. Hoard
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.
Marcus Aurelius
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
Dalai Lama
Until you are happy with who you are, you will never be happy with what you have. Zig Ziglar
Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.
Helen Keller
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
Denis Waitley
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
Charles Spurgeon
STRANGE BUT TRUE
To preserve the quality of the U.S. Constitution, on display in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., its protective cases contain argon gas and are kept at 67° Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 40%.
The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed 12,000 pounds.
While digging up stones to build a house in 1885, Australian miner George Harrison found gold ore near Johannesburg, beginning the South African gold rush.
In terms of galactic years, the sun is around 20.5 years old.
In the 1800s, ducks were called “arsefeet,” as their feet are so close to their posteriors.
Painting designs and pictures on fingernails isn’t just a modern trend. It was a familiar practice with the Incas, many of whom sported eagle motifs on their nails.
During the 1904 Summer Olympic Games, American athlete George Eyser won six medals in a single day, including three gold and two silver, in the vault, parallel bars and rope climbing competitions ... with a wooden prosthetic left leg.
Ryan Gosling is joining forces with director Shawn Levy for “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which goes into production this fall for a May 2027 release. Gosling needs a hit after “The Fall Guy,” which only made $181 million and cost $150 million to make. Then he followed it with “The Actor,” for which he served as executive producer after dropping out of the leading role. Despite receiving 62 favorable reviews from 100 critics, it only managed $42,753 in grosses.
The transition from Chris Evans’ Captain America to Anthony Mackie’s Captain America wasn’t a smooth one. Evans’ “Captain America: Civil War” (2016) grossed $1.155 billion, while Mackie’s “Captain America: Brave New World” only managed to gross $415 million. Understandably, Marvel doesn’t want to take chances with “Thor 5” and are taking great care with crafting the screenplay. Previous “Thor” director Taika Waititi is not returning, and Chris Hemsworth has let it be known that he hopes future installments of “Thor” are drastically different in tone, which could lead to Marvel closing the book on Thor.
AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ
A Message from Sue Royer
“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”
Sue RoyerDirector
About Us
Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living.
When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.
We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best:
• Group Homes
• Assisted Living Communities
• In-Home Primary Care Physicians
• Home Health Care Therapy
• Transportation
• Private Duty In-Home Care
• Respite Care
• Alzheimer’s Care
• Memory Care
• Hospice
• Support Groups
Assisted living resources accepting:
• Private pay
• Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS
• Medicaid
• VA Benefits
6 Reasons You Should Call
AAA Senior Placement AZ
• We are well known and respected in the medical community.
• All clients are given a thorough assessment to determine proper placement needs.
• There is never a fee charged to the senior or their family for our service.
• We are NOT contractually bound to any outside business. This allows us to serve our clients with only their interests in mind.
• Years of knowledge and experience in the field of senior care.
• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.
GROWTH FOLLOW YOUR PUP
Our lives have become so hectic. We worry about where we need to be tomorrow, stress over what we didn’t accomplish yesterday and are too distracted to be fully present now. If our canine companions could talk, they would advise us to live in the moment by following five strategies.
1. LIVE YOUR PURPOSE
Dogs understand that their purpose is to be our loyal friends and protectors. Are you clear on what your purpose is in life? Determine your priorities. Let your purpose shine in everything you do as a friend, parent, artist or whatever drives your passion.
2. BE PRESENT
When dogs are with you, they are with you; they are not multitasking. We should be as considerate as our dogs. Put down the phone, turn off the computer and focus on the people around you. Listen, reflect, ask questions and share your thoughts in more than a short tweet.
3. BE CHILDLIKE
When out for a walk, dogs take interest in every person, animal or object he meets. As a child, you had a similar sense of wonder, everything was new and worth investigating. Notice the beauty around you and try something new today!
4. BE PLAYFUL
Dogs never tire of playing fetch, rolling in the grass or playing tug-of-war with his rope toy. When is the last time you played just for the sake of it? Move your body, dance, sing, throw the ball, have fun and do not be afraid to look silly.
5. DO IT NOW
Humans think if we work 10–12 hours a day, someday we will slow down and enjoy life. That sunset is happening now. Your family members need to be told they are loved now. Our dogs would tell us that life is short, and we should enjoy the present!
Dinner and a Movie!
HAPPY WIFE
Happiness plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and longevity of a marriage. When both partners experience personal happiness, they are more likely to bring positivity, emotional stability, and resilience into the relationship. This foundation can help couples navigate challenges together and deepen their emotional connection.
One of the ways happiness impacts marriage is through emotional regulation. Happier individuals tend to manage stress more effectively and react to conflict with greater patience and empathy. This emotional balance reduces the likelihood of escalating arguments and fosters a more supportive, communicative environment. When both partners feel secure and understood, their bond strengthens over time.
Happiness also influences how couples perceive each other. In a positive emotional state, individuals are more likely to focus on their partner’s strengths and contributions rather than faults. This optimistic perspective nurtures gratitude and appreciation— two critical components of marital satisfaction. Over time, these feelings create a reinforcing cycle: the more gratitude is expressed, the more connected and valued each partner feels, which in turn boosts happiness.
Moreover, shared happiness can reinforce intimacy. Engaging in joyful activities together— whether through travel, shared hobbies, or simple daily routines—builds positive memories and a sense of togetherness. These experiences serve as emotional anchors during tough times, reminding a couple of their shared joy and commitment.
However, it’s important to recognize that happiness in marriage is not constant. Life inevitably brings stressors—financial issues, health problems, family responsibilities—that can strain even strong relationships. In such times, couples who prioritize emotional well-being, both individually and as a unit, are better equipped to endure difficulties. They are more likely to seek support, communicate openly, and work collaboratively toward solutions.
In essence, happiness is both a product and a predictor of a healthy marriage. It fuels emotional closeness, effective communication, and longterm satisfaction. While no marriage is without its challenges, the presence of happiness—nurtured through individual self-care, mutual respect, and shared joy—can serve as a powerful force in maintaining a fulfilling and resilient partnership.
Locally-owned businesses create more jobs locally and often provide better wages and benefits.
SHOP LOCAL
Targeted, Cost-Effective,
Despite how down in the dumps you may be, social scientists say happiness makes life more fulfilling and provides a sense of belonging. Best-selling author, speaker and Harvard grad, Shawn Achor says, “Our daily decisions and habits have a huge impact upon both our levels of happiness and success.” Research continues to support facts that a positive mental attitude will help you overcome any obstacle you may encounter.
Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier, more satisfied life is within reach. A few tweaks to your regular habits can help you get there. Habits matter. Why not work on making positive habits part of your routine? Here’s a look at some habits to help kickstart your quest. Just remember that everyone’s version of happiness is a little different, and so is their path to achieving it.
The following daily habits may help you achieve more happiness in your life.
1. Smile. You tend to smile when you’re happy. But it’s actually a two-way street. We smile because we’re happy, and smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier.
2. Exercise. Exercise isn’t just for your body. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting
3. Sleep. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep every night. If you find yourself fighting the urge to nap during the day or just generally feel like you’re in a fog, your body may be telling you it needs more rest.
4. Practice gratitude. Simply being grateful can give your mood a big boost, among other benefits. You might try starting each day by acknowledging one thing you’re grateful for. You can do this while you’re brushing your teeth or just waiting for that snoozed alarm to go off.
5. Give a compliment. Research shows that performing acts of kindness may also help promote your overall well-being. Giving a sincere compliment is a quick, easy way to brighten someone’s day while giving your own happiness a boost.
6. Keep a journal. A journal is a good way to organize your thoughts, analyze your
