Vero's Voice Magazine Issue 146 March 2023

General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Whether you are in search of a new family dentist or need a complete smile makeover, our practice is prepared to serve you with the utmost care and attention.

Every day, we help turn dream smiles into a reality. As one of the most soughtafter Vero Beach cosmetic dentists, Dr. Planes and the team here at Planes Dental Arts have transformed the teeth of countless patients. We know how important a beautiful smile is and enjoy watching our patients gain renewed confidence in their appearance. We also know how important good health is to maintaining a new smile. From fillings and cleanings to implants and straightening, we offer preventive, restorative, and cosmetic solutions to fit the needs of the whole family.

Our team is highly trained and experienced in a wide range of dental services. With years of combined advanced education and an office equipped with stateof-the-art technology, it is easy to see why so many people choose Planes Dental Arts and Dr. Alex Planes as their Vero Beach cosmetic dentist.

Whether you need general dental care or feel embarrassed or unhappy with the appearance of your smile, we are prepared and ready to address your concerns. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out how dental care at Planes Dental Arts can meet and exceed your expectations.

INSIDE:

6 A Teen with an Extreme Dream

10 Voices of Vero: Tell me your favorite place to visit in Florida.

14 Voices of Vero: What do you cherish most?

16 Traveling Mamãe: A New Mom’s Journey to Brazil

18 TC Stylist: 4 Bold Matching Sets

20 Recipes: Tropical Treats

22 Movie Review: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

24 Travels by Steven:

Unique Irish Sayings and Blessings

A best friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.

Don’t be breaking your shin on a stool that’s not in your way.

May you get all your wishes but one so that you will always have something to strive for!

May the road rise up to meet you.

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.

Who keeps his tongue keeps his friends.

May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.

Don’t be breaking your shin on a stool that’s not in your way.

There’s no need to fear the wind if your haystacks are tied down.

May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, and may your pockets always have a coin or two inside!

May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.

May you only grow old in the face. Be treasured and cared for with grace.

Tis better to spend money like there’s no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there’s no money!

May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

Grandchildren are gifts of God. It is God’s way of compensating us for growing old.

A kind word never broke anyone’s mouth.

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.

May the roof above you never fall in, and those gathered beneath it never fall out.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.

A little fire that warms is better than a big fire that burns.

You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind.

May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty!

Never scald your lips with another man’s porridge.

There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.

What butter and whiskey won’t cure, there is no cure for.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Barbara Freund 772-538-2718 barb@verosvoice.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Sandy Carlile sandy@verosvoice.com

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EDITOR AT LARGE Glenn Swift glenn@owwmedia.com

MAGAZINE DELIVERY George Pevarnik

PRODUCTION ENGINEER Noah Woodrow noah@verosvoice.com

PUBLISHER

Rhett Palmer 772-473-7777 rhett@verosvoice.com

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Vero’s Voice Magazine is published monthly. Copyright © Vero’s Voice Magazine 2010 - 2023, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by express written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Vero’s Voice Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Vero’s Voice Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publisher from all liability.

EXTREME DREAM EXTREME DREAM A TEEN WITH AN

by Carrington Brown

Photos by Carrington Brown

“If scootering becomes an Olympic event, I’m all in,” says Alex.

hat will be the next big craze in extreme sports? How about freestyle scootering?

That’s the dream of Alex Thiney, 14, a Saint Edward’s freshman who has already mastered such tricks as the tailwhip, barspin, briflip and 360 (See Glossary). He aims to make the sport a household word in Vero Beach – and beyond.

“If scootering becomes an Olympic event, I’m all in,” says Alex.

Invented in 1817 as a form of easy transportation, two-wheeled kick scooters created headlines in 2000, when the Razor scooter hit the U.S. market for recreational use by kids and adults. The interest grew, and before long skateboarders recognized the scooter’s potential for acrobatic tricks with more technically advanced equipment.

These days, scootering has gained such popularity that the sport of freestyle scootering now has a governing body, the International Scooter Federation (ISF), which has been sponsoring annual world championships in Europe for a decade. The event debuted in the U.S. last fall.

An early convert to the sport, Alex discovered scootering from friends in Washington, D.C., in fifth grade. Quickly his pastime turned into a passion, as he learned new tricks from YouTube videos, social media, and other aficionados.

He’s drawn to the risks of the sport by his background as a BMX off-road and stunt biker and skier, who has skied black-diamond and off-piste slopes from Jackson, Wyoming, to Whistler, British Columbia.

Merging these worlds of skiing, biking and scootering provides him with a way to bond with his dad, Raphael, who accompanies him on his adventures. It’s also a way for him to get out of his comfort zone and use his agility. Fear is not a factor.

“It’s a thrill to have the guts to do gnarly stuff,” he says.

To take his experience to the next level, Alex spent two weeks last summer training under scootering pros at Camp Woodward, a Pennsylvania program focused on extreme sports. He’s planning to return this summer.

“There’s always something to reach for in scootering, something new to learn,” he says.

Continued next page

Scootering A Glossary of Terms and Tricks

FREESTYLE SCOOTERING: AN EXTREME SPORT INVOLVING TRICKS WITH A KICK SCOOTER; ALSO KNOWN AS SCOOTERING

DECK: THE SCOOTER’S FOOTBOARD

TAILWHIP: JUMP UP, SPIN THE DECK, AND LAND ON DECK

BRIFLIP: JUMP UP, SPIN THE SCOOTER OVER YOUR HEAD, AND “CATCH” IT WITH BACK FOOT

BARSPIN: JUMP UP, SPIN THE HANDLEBAR OVER ONE HAND, AND CATCH WITH THE OTHER

360: JUMP UP, AND SPIN A FULL 360 DEGREES WITH FEET ON DECK

KICKLESSKICKLESS: HOLD HANDLEBAR AND SWING SCOOTER NEXT TO YOU ON ONE SIDE AND THEN THE OTHER WHILE FLYING THROUGH THE AIR OFF A RAMP

AIRING IT: GO UP A QUARTER/HALF-PIPE RAMP, FLY INTO THE AIR, TURN SCOOTER, AND GO BACK DOWN

GRIND: SLIDE ALONG A RAIL HIT A RAIL: JUMP UP ONTO A RAIL AND GRIND ON IT

STALL: JUMP ONTO A RAIL AND BACK DOWN WITHOUT GRINDING

Continued from previous page

But he also wants to move beyond his own skills to make a difference in Vero Beach by waging a personal campaign to create a local skatepark, where scooterers, BMX bikers, and skateboarders can perfect their skills and learn from each other.

“Right now, there’s no place in Vero Beach for us to practice,” he says, noting that Sebastian and Fellsmere offer small skateparks. “A skatepark here will establish a special community and bring athletes together.”

Alex currently commutes to Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, and West Palm Beach where larger public skateparks with a myriad of structures are available to beginners and experts alike.

For now, Alex is always on the move, ready to conquer new scootering challenges.

Who knows? With a skatepark on our doorstep, a freestyle scooterer from Vero Beach might one day be an Olympian.

Editor’s Note: Carrington Brown, 17, a junior at Saint Edward’s School, is passionate about writing and photography. She’s the Lead Photographer and Assistant Designer of the school yearbook, The Crow’s Nest. Her dream is to become a National Geographic photojournalist.

kicklesskickless

briflip

t-bog

triple whip

Photos courtesy of the Tousimis Thiney Family

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by Steve Glaser

My favorite is probably Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. Manicured beaches and a fun day for the entire family!

Heather Lewis

REALTOR, THE NOLAN GROUP, EXP REALTY

Camping and kayaking in the Ocala/Silver Springs area.

Richard Schlitt

KIWANIS OF VERO BEACH

I always loved spending time with my family at the Disney parks. So many fond memories through the years!

Susan Horn

CO-FOUNDER OF THE VERO BEACH WINE & FILM FESTIVAL

Sarasota is always a wonderful place to visit! Beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, cultural opportunities, and so many wonderful restaurants.

David Jackson

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS, OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN BILL POSEY

Our own Indian River Lagoon. Our lagoon is so vital to the eco system for our animals, and it’s important that our Florida residents understand its impact on our natural environment.

Shanen Cox

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & OUTREACH VETERAN’S COUNCIL OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

I love Islamorada which is just 90 minutes south of Miami. Snorkeling and fishing are always great! It’s a wonderful place to decompress and spend fun times with my family.

Cindy Emerson

DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION, IRC BOARD OF EDUCATION

Ginnie Springs State Park

ON THE WAXLAX STAGE

AT RIVERSIDE PARK IN VERO BEACH

COME AND MEET THOSE DANCING FEET

One of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, 42nd Street tells the story of a humble, naïve young actress named Peggy Sawyer, who comes to the big city to audition for a new Broadway musical. Unfortunately, she arrives too late. Luckily, she catches the eye of the famous director, Julian Marsh, and he casts Peggy as a chorus girl. When the star of the show breaks her ankle on opening night, Peggy is unexpectedly pushed center stage and not only saves the show, but becomes a big star. Filled with spectacular dance routines, lavish costumes, and wonderful songs, this Tony Award-winning musical will lift your spirits and have you dancing all the way home.

29 PROFESSIONAL CAST MEMBERS + LIVE ORCHESTRA

ON THE STARK MAIN STAGE

APRIL 11 – 30

The Original Power Play Of He Said, She Said.

By David Mamet

Music by Harry Warren

Lyrics by Al Dubin

Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet, Oleanna explores the escalating power struggle between a haughty professor and the failing student whose charges of sexual harassment threaten his career.

My blue Toyota RAV is awesome! Natalie

by Steve Glaser

What Do You Cherish Most?

My two doggies! Copper is a Golden Retriever and Action is a Great Pyrenees. Christine Hughes REALTOR, DALE SORENSON REAL ESTATE, INC.

My Bible. I especially enjoy the over 2,000 verses of prosperity and how to give it away. Damien H. Gilliams OWNER, NO NAME SPORTS BAR

Artwork I received through the years created by my children. I am so proud of them. They are now 17 and 19.

Angel Pietsch  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LITTLE BIRTHDAY ANGELS

I have two that come to mind. My dog Ellie who is a lab. I am wearing two bracelets my grandma gave me. Sadly, she recently passed away.

Our travel camper. We have traveled as far as California creating so many wonderful memories.

Kristine Burr

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

My wife! It’s been 43 wonderful years since we were married at the Church of God on 20th Avenue.

The two main things I cherish are my family and my God.

My dog Rosie is amazing! She is a one-year-old Great Dane.

I have two: my grandma’s wedding ring and my sharks teeth. I have over 1,000 in my collection!

My children. Benjamin is ten and Holland is eight.

Rachel Alderman  REGIONAL SALES MANAGER INVESTORS TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY

My boat. I really enjoy a beautiful day on the water!

Dear Readers:

We’re excited to welcome back Adaline Carlile. For our long-time readers, she first wrote for us back in 2011 about her international adventures, including Bali and Kenya. She remains in contact with the Kenyan boy she met and sponsored, Andrew, who recently graduated from college. Writing has long been her passion, and she has since earned her M.A. in Creative Writing from Saint Leo University in 2022.

Born and raised in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Adaline is a former NICU nurse turned stay-at-home mom to a sweet baby boy named Gus. She now lives with her husband and baby in João Pessoa, Brazil, a port city in the northeastern section of the country.

When she’s not busy being a mom, you can find her reading, working on her first fantasy novel, or baking and eating cake. And, hopefully, writing articles for Vero’s Voice!

Traveling Mamãe:

A New Mom’s Journey to Brazil

by Adaline Carlile

Imagine a country where mountains and beaches kiss and where music and dance breathe. A place where the raw beauty of the land is paradise. Its culture is both lively and relaxed. The warmth of its people could thaw even the coldest of temperaments.

This country is a place where friends and family come together much more often than two or three major holidays a year. It is a place where work life doesn’t take priority over family and relaxation. It’s a place where nightlife, as well as intimate family gatherings, bleed into the following morning. But that’s okay because the coffee is bem forte, or in English, “really strong.” So strong, you might only need a tiny cup to perk up.

That place is Brazil. It’s also a place I get to call home.

Back in September of 2022, my Brazilian husband and I said goodbye to our jobs, family, and friends in Tampa, and moved to Brazil to live in his hometown, João Pessoa. Such a decision didn’t happen overnight. We always knew we wanted to live in Brazil for a year so that I could learn Portuguese and get to know his family better. What we didn’t know when we began talking about this idea is that we’d have a tiny member along for the ride: our first baby boy!

Yep, that’s right. As new parents, we moved to another continent with our three-monthold baby. Some called us crazy. Others called us brave. I’d say it was a mix of both. But seeing how it is the place where my husband and the father of my son grew up, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in the culture and language so I could teach our baby, too!

Enjoying a nightly stroll on one of João Pessoa's tranquil beaches

Life as a new mom in a new country presents different challenges than most moms might experience. For instance, it’s nerve-wracking to leave the house with my baby because speaking with strangers in Portuguese is quite intimidating. Occasionally, people can be a little too friendly, especially when they see a cute baby. I’ve had to tell a few random women on the streets and in stores not to kiss my baby! In a place where people are so friendly, sometimes boundaries don’t exist. And since I’m not a native Portuguese speaker, it’s difficult to stop people before it’s too late.

But despite the challenges, the perks have been so magical! I’ve been able to stay at home with my baby boy instead of returning to work as a nurse. We live in an apartment on the beach. We both get to watch our son meet every milestone because my husband works from home. Although sometimes embarrassing, I learn Portuguese more and more every day. I get to try new foods along with my baby. I get to see my husband’s face light up when we pass a place full of childhood memories or taste a treat he hasn’t eaten in the eleven years he’s lived in the United States. I get to watch my in-laws shower their first grandson with so much love. The support we have from our family is quite amazing.

I was afraid that my dependency might be a burden on my husband and in-laws. However, the culture here is undoubtedly that of community and togetherness. “It takes a village” really has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Everyone, from grandparents to aunts, uncles, and cousins, is usually respectful of our wishes and ready to pitch in when needed.

Even with the hiccups and the mundane of everyday life that’s inevitable no matter where you live, life in Brazil has been a wonderful experience. Not only am I discovering half of my own son’s heritage, but I am learning who I am as a mom. Or as they say in Portuguese, mamãe. From exciting holidays like Carnaval to an array of delicious food and drink, Brazil is a gift that keeps on giving. There is so much beauty in this place to discover and enjoy. In the coming months, I hope that I can send a bit of that joy of discovery to you!

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STYLIST

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Marianne Howell is a wardrobe consultant & personal stylist based on the Treasure Coast. She is drawn to simplicity and believes that less is more. Her goal is to help clients love their wardrobes and achieve an effortlessly stylish look that suits them best. You can see more of her current fashion finds at treasurecoaststylist.com. Find her online: www.treasurecoaststylist.com; instagram, facebook, pinterest @treasurecoaststylist

Addey’s article about living in Brazil has inspired me to look at Brazilian cuisine. She shared several recipes, and since we have room for only two, I chose an appetizer and a dessert (of course!). She says tropical fruits are big in Brazil, and passion fruit is a very common ingredient in their drinks and desserts.

PASSION FRUIT MOUSSE

One of the most popular Brazilian desserts, it’s creamy, sweet, slightly tangy, and it’s super simple to make. You can use either fresh or frozen passion fruit pulp – and you’ll need a blender.

INGREDIENTS

For the mousse:

2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

3 tablespoons water

1 1/3 cups heavy cream, cold

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup passion fruit pulp or unsweetened juice concentrate

For the topping:

Pulp of two fresh passion fruits with seeds (about 1/3 cup)

1/4 cup sugar

MENU ON THE

by Barbara Freund

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the gelatin and water in a small microwave-safe bowl, until the gelatin is hydrated. Microwave for 30 seconds for the gelatin to melt. Cool slightly before using.

2. Combine the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, passion fruit pulp and melted gelatin in the blender. Blend for a full 5 minutes.

3. Transfer the mousse to a large serving bowl or into 4 individual serving dishes.

4. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.

5. Meanwhile, make the topping. Combine the fresh passion fruit pulp and the sugar in a saucepan. Cook, over medium low heat, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts boiling. Lower the heat and continue cooking for another minute or two, or until it thickens slightly.

6. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before using, or refrigerate.

7. Top the cold mousse with the passion fruit sauce and serve.

Makes 4 servings

Note: You can make the mousse without the gelatin, but it will have a looser consistency. Refrigerate at least 5-6 hours without gelatin before serving.

PÃO DE QUEIJO

These Brazilian cheese bread balls are served as a snack. They’re lightly crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with a delicious cheesy flavor. Every Brazilian family has a recipe that they swear by.  And, it’s made with tapioca flour so it’s gluten-free.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch)

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup whole milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus 1 tablespoon for oiling your hands

2 eggs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 10-ounce round of Queso Fresco, crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk the tapioca flour and salt together in the bowl of a stand mixer.

3. Stir the milk and oil together in a small saucepan and bring up to a simmer over medium heat.

4. Pour the hot liquid over the tapioca/salt mixture bowl. Turn the mixer on and mix well. The texture will be very sticky and white.

5. Wait until the tapioca mixture is cool to the touch, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on, add the eggs, one at a time. You’ll think they won’t mix in since the tapioca flour mixture is so sticky, but be patient.

6. Once the eggs are incorporated, add the cheese, a little at a time, until fully incorporated.

7. Oil your hands, then scoop a 1- to 2-tablespoon size portion into your hands. Give the dough a little squeeze, and roll into balls. (Using a cookie scoop will help keep cheese balls uniform in size.)

8. Arrange on a baking sheet 2” apart. Bake until golden and puffed, approximately 30-35 minutes, depending on the size.

Makes 30 balls

Freezing instructions: Follow the steps up until baking. Instead of putting the baking sheet in the oven, place in the freezer for 15 minutes, just enough for the balls to hold their shape. Place balls in a freezer Ziploc baggie and freeze up to three months. To bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees, arrange the frozen balls on baking sheet and bake 40-45 minutes.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

Original Film. Watch on Apple TV+

by Penny Cooke

When I watched this film with my seven-year-old grandson, I knew I had to make it my next movie review. This is so much more than a kid’s movie; it speaks to the kid in all of us. So whether you’re three or 103, you will love this film!

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse is based on the 2019 international best-selling, award-winning book of the same name. British artist Charlie Mackesy has been a cartoonist for The Spectator and a book illustrator for Oxford University Press. He said the original ink and watercolor drawings for the book were his way of thinking out loud about what’s important in life. Now those illustrations have been brought to life in this sweet 34-minute film.

Recent movies for children seem a bit disturbing (to put it kindly). They are fast and furious, loud and violent. This film is different. Refreshingly different. This film uses gentle music and simple illustrations to portray profound truths. It teaches many meaningful lessons. What a wonderful calming and positive movie for kids to watch at bedtime.

One of the first lines of the movie had me hooked:

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the mole.

“Kind,” answered the boy.

“Nothing beats kindness. It sits quietly beyond all things.”

Everyone will treasure the touching nuggets of wisdom from the book animated in each scene of the film. The story addresses timeless, universal feelings of fear, hope, kindness, friendship, and love. When was the last time a kid’s movie taught all those things?

“What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.

“Help,” said the horse. “Asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s refusing to give up.”

When Mackesy shared this line and illustration on Instagram, it resonated with people. To his surprise, it went viral. Hospitals and institutions contacted him, and even the Army wanted to use it for PTSD. An editor contacted him, and a book was birthed.

You will find the characters real, imperfect, and relatable. The inquisitive boy is lonely and looking for home. The friendly mole is afraid to show feelings and just wants cake. The hungry fox, though hurt by life, actually hungers for friendship. Even with all his wisdom, the horse is afraid to be himself, but the love of the others helps him spread his wings. (You’ll have to see the movie to understand that one.) Mackesy reveals that all four characters represent parts of the same person.

“To be honest, I often feel I have nothing interesting to say,” said the fox.

“Being honest is always interesting,” said the horse.

Mackesy is brilliant – deep, yet simple. I am so glad his beautiful book is now a movie for kids of all ages. It is sure to become a classic, one you won’t soon forget. As a matter of fact, you will want to remember all the thought-provoking one-liners which will make you want to watch it again and again.

I have since purchased the book, and I have discovered other related products and resources online. The book’s introduction itself is heartwarming. Perhaps you’ll also want a copy to encourage any kids in your life (or just the kid in you). Keep a copy on your coffee table. Open it up to any page and be inspired, or as Mackesy says, “…dip into it anywhere, anytime.” It is certain to be a conversation starter.

Trust me. Treat yourself and watch this short film, with or without kids. It will reassure you there is still good in the world.

5 stars!

An Apple

Penny Cooke

Penny Cooke is an award-winning writer and author of Pursuing Prayer – Being Effective in a Busy World. Penny co-hosts the podcast, Seeds of Hope, with Del Bates right here on Vero’s Voice. Learn more at pennycookeauthor.com.

Correction to our February movie review: it was written by Del Bates, not Penny Cooke. So sorry about that oversight, Del!

“I think the wild is a bit like life—frightening sometimes, but beautiful.” –Charlie Mackesy

THE BOY, THE

MOLE, THE FOX, AND THE HORSE

TRAVELS

BY STEVEN

by Steven Eidelberg

My Top Ten World Hotels

PART ONE

As a former hotelier, I can be quite critical when staying at a lodging establishment; at times to the detriment of those whom I am traveling with because I notice things often that others might overlook…both the bad and the good. So this month and next I will have a two-part series of the hotels I think are the top ten in the world (I only want to focus on the good, not the bad…maybe in another article on what to look out for when choosing a hotel).

Here are five of them in no particular order. It was a daunting task, so I kept it to only those where I have stayed and can give my firsthand experience.

Copacabana Palace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This classic Art Deco hotel has hosted the world’s rich and famous for the past 100 years. Overlooking world famous Copacabana Beach, the hotel went through a major renovation in 2012. Prior to then, it would never have made my list, but since then you can enjoy Michelin-starred meals in two of their restaurants, sipping a Caipirinha (or any other beverage) by the glamorous pool or be attended to by their staff that comes out to the public Copacabana Beach to attend to your every need.

Waterford Castle: Waterford, Ireland

Located on a small island with a golf course not far from Dublin lies this fantastic castle resort. The rooms are spacious, it is surprisingly affordable for the luxury it affords, and my favorite part is not only the small dining room with excellent cuisine, but retiring after dinner into the library for a beverage of your choice to mingle with the 30 or so guests of the hotel. With only 19 rooms, a stay here truly gives you the feeling you are a guest of the manor in days gone by (think Downton Abbey).

Grand Hotel Parkers: Naples, Italy

Maybe because it was the first hotel I stayed in Italy back in the 90s, but after consistent refurbishment, this hotel remains one of my favorites. Set on a hilltop overlooking Naples Harbor and Mt. Vesuvius you will be in awe of the views. The Duplex Rooms are my favorite in all marble with balcony, but even if you choose a classic room you can still go to the rooftop bar and restaurant for the stunning scenery. Close enough to Pompeii and all that Naples offers, this hotel is a bit out of the way in an upscale residential area, but that to me is also one of its benefits.

Copacabana Palace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Waterford Castle: Waterford, Ireland

Grand Hotel Parkers

Sofitel The Grand: Amsterdam, Netherlands

With so many luxury hotels popping up of late in Amsterdam, this hotel which served as the City Hall for a bit and even doubled as a Royal Palace during its 300-year history is consistently rated the number one hotel in the Netherlands. Tucked away down a canal street, the hotel now has small townhouses for longer stays, but the location is superb in this walkable city, the beds are the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in (you can actually order them), and the service top notch.

Little Palm Island: The Keys, Florida

Located just 45 minutes north of Key West, you are transported to a private island accessible only by boat to a resort meant for relaxation. With no phones or televisions in the bungalows (of which there are only 24) this was the place to get away from it all. Unfortunately, increasing cell service ended that, but you still feel a sense of calm surrounding you wherever on the island you may be.

Arriving by boat, the General Manager greets you and escorts you to your bungalow. These thatched roof huts are nothing like Gilligan’s Island. With plush bedding and seating area, the details include a book by your bedside, an outdoor shower, and your name written in blocks on the doorway instead of numbers. The restaurant is superb and often you can see Key Deer wandering who swim over to have a stroll and amuse the guests. All that said, my favorite experience was having an outstanding massage out on a rocky peninsula with just the sound of the waves to relax my tense body. Definitely worth the trip south from Vero Beach when you want to get away from it all.

Stay tuned next month for my final five…

Steven Eidelberg

Steve Eidelberg is the owner of Cousu Main Travel, an affiliate of Cruise Brothers Travel, 401-369-8477, seidelberg@cruisebrothers.com, cousumaintravel@gmail.com

Sofitel The Grand Amsterdam

Little Palm Island: The Keys, Florida

WORDS

by Beth Walsh Stewart

Do things feel discombobulated? What used to be down is now up, and what was up has fallen and crashed on the floor. Unless we’re talking about supermarket prices. They’ve all been elevated – so full of themselves that the purchase of a dozen eggs now qualifies a person for an upper tax bracket. Even our comedy is laced with angst. Is that how life looks to you these days?

Dear reader, take a deep breath and take heart. Everything is going to be all right. The seemingly hopeless state of affairs is a temporal stance, dependent not on our surroundings or social climate, but solely on our selected stance, our chosen view of the world. Maybe what we need is a perspective shift and a little hope.

Hope is always available if we are willing to change our approach to what concerns us. It is a commodity that allows us to retrace our steps and find the missing ingredient to well-being. Hope reminds us that better days are ahead. It promises that life has always carried an ebb and flow that means any dip in the cosmic pendulum will be followed by a guaranteed swing upward. Hope follows despair, and it knows that faith is close behind. Then, when faith shows up, it prompts us to remember that we are not in this alone.

Let’s look at our record. In times when we were especially distressed, it was our weakness that prompted the willingness to seek a new direction. Even when we were crabby and afraid, hope gave us solution. When we couldn’t change our attitude, we could change our approach to find a place of solace. The willing-

ness to consider a new method began the process. In that gentle shift, we looked up. Because we had been focusing on the downside of circumstance, we had forgotten that the hand of God was always ready to lift us out of our anguish.

Friend, let us remember the most important thing in life: God is absolutely crazy about us. If each one of us could keep that in the forefront of our minds, we would begin to think and act anew. Anticipating His goodness, we would become lights in the darkness. That’s what would attract the others. And as they came close, they, too, would remember. Together, we could start a revolution of hope and faith.

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Beth Walsh Stewart, MTh, is the visionary behind the WeCovering Project and the Creator of BethWe, the nonprofit that was the impetus for this work. Dedicated to rescuing the stragglers lost in the shadows of the road of life, Beth is best-known for her Good Seed Podcasts, 12-Step seminars, weekly blogs, g.o.d.speaks books, and uplifting workshops. Beth lives by this motto: I have been called to help my brother find his authentic self and his God, and I best accomplish this end by sharing my pursuit of the same.

Beth Walsh Stewart

Hope is always available if we are willing to change our approach to what concerns us.

REVIVAL in America

by Pastor Alex Pappas

With what has happened in Kentucky at Asbury University this last month, there is a sense that God is up to something here in America again. Many people have been flying in from all over the world to see what is happening at a college campus chapel meeting that has simply not stopped, because people are flowing in with a hunger to encounter the Lord. It is so refreshing in our current political and moral climate to see people come and repent and cry out to God to save us.

It is particularly exciting to see this happen amongst college students who are probably the most affected by today’s society which has been corrupted by a lack of morals and culture that has left this generation passionless for Jesus.

As a pastor, when God begins to do something like this, I am always so very excited at the simple fact that this can only be good for our nation in so many ways.

There seems to be an expectancy in the body of Christ. I know at our local church, Oceans Unite, we are seeing so many people really come to the Lord and very excited about what God is doing.

The only discouraging thing is when people start to make it about a denomination or different type of church group and even compare it with previous revivals.

There is just no need for that. If it is a sovereign move of God’s Spirit, then I believe we should just be thankful and pray that it spreads in our Nation from coast to coast. Stop criticizing and comparing and just be grateful. Our nation needs it so badly.

What we desperately need is for the church to realize that there truly is no other hope for our beautiful nation America. We need our God to move again in our nation, and for the church to realize that there is truly no hope outside of that.

Isaiah 57:15 (NLT)

15The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.”

REV’S VERSES

by Pastor Rich Ienuso

“Lord, How Long?”

Habakkuk 1:1-4

The prophet Habakkuk was asking God how long will He stand by and watch evil prevail. God told him that everything was under His control. God saw everything that was happening and He would intervene. And He did!

Have you also questioned God at times?

Trust Him. He knows what He is doing. He understands and He will show His power (Romans 8:28).

Be patient, humbly, faithful and obedient, and the Lord will come through in His time. God has a plan. (Jeremiah 29:11).

Wait on Him and He will answer. (Isaiah 40:29-31).

Love yaPastor Rich Ienuso

Pastor Alex Pappas is Senior Pastor at Oceans Unite Christian Center located in the Indian River Mall. Live broadcasts and podcasts are available at oceansunite.com

Pastor Rich Ienuso

Pastor Alex Pappas

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