I am a stroke (major neurological event) survivor, they still do not know exactly what happened or why. This “event” put me in bed for 7 years (5 full time), I was told that I would never walk or talk properly, and I would never work again.

I no longer recognized the woman looking back at me in the mirror, not body, mind, heart, or soul. I was already struggling before this happened, I suffer from constant chronic pain from bone and joint issues and fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and bipolar, all of which were magnified during this. The weight gain from being in bed all those years did not help things either, I was over 300 lbs.

I will wholeheartedly admit that for a while I resigned myself to the idea that I would never really do anything ever again. My brain and my body were now my enemies. My goals, my dreams… were never going to happen.

Due to my past, I already considered myself a survivor, a warrior; my mantra was that nothing could keep me down for long. I refused to let this be any different…

I started studying nutrition for healing from my bed, I became obsessed with what I needed to eat to heal my brain and my body. And so, after about 5 years in bed full time, my journey (my fight) back to me began…

I changed the way I thought about food completely and I changed my diet to heal, including vitamin-packed smoothies every morning.

One day, while researching, I came across an ad (thank you Google!!) for a “superfoods” shake, it had so much of what I was trying to get into my body to heal and so much more at a fraction of the cost of what I was spending on my morning smoothie routine. The “superfoods” shakes were part of a complete health & fitness program that also came with an option of having a health & fitness coaching business; it was exactly what I needed at the time.

I will never say that the shakes were a miracle cure, I am not cured however, I do think that they saved me. The vitamins, the minerals, the nutrients, the superfoods… they fed my brain and body what was necessary to start the healing process, gave me energy, and cut down how much food my body needed. The program also included a ton of information on nutrition and eating right.

I could not do the fitness part of the program in the beginning, but I did have them playing on my TV 24/7, to inspire me. In my first months in this program, I would get up to go to the bathroom and do 30 seconds of the workout video, on my way back to bed I did another 30 seconds... and then I dropped into my bed exhausted and in pain. In year two I was averaging 2-5 minutes at a time a few more times a day.

As part of my healthy new life goals, I decided that I wanted a garden and as I transitioned from year two to year three of my journey, I made it happen. Everyone told me to start small, a few beds; I never do anything small and my garden that year was 14 raised beds. I brought everything I needed in by the bag and mixed the soil by hand, planted, weeded, and harvested mostly by myself; it was painstaking, and I paid for it, but it was so worth it. The next year I added another 13 beds to my garden for a total of 27.

It was during this time that my financial situation changed, I could no longer afford my shakes. I did not have the self-esteem, confidence, or results I needed to be a successful health and fitness coach and I left the company. I did still have my workout programs and my nutrition plan but I was still in bed the majority of this time.



The next year my youngest daughter got a job in a factory that made car parts, she called me on her break the first day and said “Mom, they have free coffee!”. My response “I am in!”. I was frustrated with everything in my life; I was barely surviving financially, I decided that even though I was still having issues walking (when this all started I could only do about 20 steps) and still having cognitive issues, that I could not live like this anymore. I was going back to work.

And so, I went to work at a factory making car parts, on my feet 8 hours a day in heavy work boots on concrete floors; averaging 15,000 steps a day, 6 or 7 days a week. By the time I got home most days, I fell into my bed sobbing in agony; I was pushing myself way past my limits every single day.

Now in year 7 of my journey (my fight) back to me, I would love to say that I am healed, no longer suffering from pain or any lasting effects of the stroke, but I cannot. I am still in constant pain and I still have cognitive issues including memory and learning issues. I also started having idiopathic seizures in the last year.

However…

I am now back with the company that kick-started this journey into high gear for me, back on my “superfoods” shakes, working out daily, using my determination, passion, and the tools and programs I used, to coach other women and help them achieve their health and fitness goals. The obvious signs of what I have been through are not apparent, most of the time you cannot even tell I am in pain.

The most amazing part of all of this is that in my strength and determination I have found my true calling in life and I am working towards transitioning into “whole” life coaching. I love helping women go after and reach their health and fitness goals but so much of the time, as I found out with myself, there are often much deeper limitations to not being able to reach goals. For me, it was 75% mindset, 20% nutrition, and 5% fitness. I want to change mindsets and impact the lives of women on whole other levels. Through my adversity, I have found my strengths, my passion, my purpose.

D A R. R A

MUSICIAN, SINGER, SONGWRITER, PRODUCER, AUTHOR

Dar. Ra is a Music Writer, Producer and Author who earned his stripes with hits for EMI and 21 St Century. One of his tracks ‘Haunted Dancehall’ was featured in a Hollywood film starring Hilary Duff and the movie Snakes on a Planes. Dar.Ra played on BBC Radio Cambridge to a million people live when they connected their regional stations around the Midlands. 

Various EPs 'Now Is Now', Live For Love, Cease Fire and soundtrack to film documentary 'City Of Hope' have also had millions of streams and lead to the recent album 'New Kinda Normal'. The Rock N Roll tour de force, that has seen three singles really make some movements happen in America, with well received Music video’s for ‘Rock Steady’ and ‘Night-Stepper’ being shot in NYC, while ‘Diamonds N The Shadows’ being shot in Atlanta.

With two new EPs out ‘Stand Up For The Heroes’ a tribute to the keyworkers who have stood up to the task of the Pandemic and the Whisky n Honey EP this work continues to shape Dar. Ra’s musical catalogue.

REVIEWS: Dar. Ra Is A Fore-Runner of Rock Step. A New Sub Genre of Rock Music from The UK That Glues the Guitar Bliss Of Rock N Roll With The Euphoria Of EDM! …(Vevo)

Dar.Ra is a unique songwriter, producer and author who makes an Amazing blend of Rock and Soul Music (21st Artists Hollywood)  
Highly Impressive … (Planet Earth Radio USA)  
Well worth listening to this Artist … (Strutter Zine Mag Holland)  

I’ve worked with artists for many years and Dar.Ra is by far one of the best. Great music. Great promotion. Great Interviews with Interesting answers and stories. And the absolute best Promo Liners!! … (Zac Becker Sound Karma Radio)

Rock n Roll Diamond in The Rough … (Electro Wow USA)

Dar. Ra is an incredible act to follow as he is always evolving on each song with incredible results … (Indie People USA)

Dar. Ra infuses layers of vocals and instrumentation into each record he makes. The genius of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles, came to mind while listening to “Phenomenal”, “Back to The Brink” and “Heart Shape Pill” … (Tune Loud Magazine USA)

Soul Powered Riffs Maximum … (Volume Magazine)

Rushing through with an intense energy is the colossal riffing of Dar.Ra’s “Heart Shape Pill” infuses a certain level of late-night sleaze into the proceedings resulting in an absolute blast of a track. Wild and carefree the song is pure bliss. … (Bongo Boy TV)

Nominated 'Heart Shape Pill' GK Rock Music Indie Radio Music Award -2018
Nominated 'Phenomenal' Rock Song of The Year Radio Wigwam FM -2018
Nominated IMA's Artist of The Year -2019 
Countdown Number 1 Single LOZ Radio USA 
Top 20 Radio Air Play Charts USA
Rock N Roll Sensation New Sound Express

Dar.Ra has also written two books under his full moniker Darragh J Brady entitled Road Tales which is about amazing people with life changing stories that he met while touring the globe and The Night That Jimi Died which is about a girl who channels the Spirit of Jimi Hendrix and rises to change the DNA of the World through Music. Both titles have also been given top reviews on Goodreads and Amazon Books.

Purchase

The Night That Jimi Died 

-Kindle Edition

By

DARRAGH J BRADY

at amazon books

What if souls could cross over at the point of life and death...?
What if your life was pre-ordained as a result of such a meeting as you were entering into the world...?
Kirsty born in Knightsbridge Infirmary London, the same hospital that a famous American Rock Hero had died in 20 years before.
Could there be a connection between these two completely unlikely connected people...?
Could Kirsty have the ability to hear the voice of this American Rock Star as she grows up to be one of the greatest Guitar Heros of her time...?
Follow this strange tale of Angelic guidance as this reluctant Female Rock Star hero brings the world back from the brink through her incredible Music!

And

Road Tales

-Kindle Edition

By  DARRAGH J BRADY

At amazon books

Road Tales is musicians look at the world through touring while meeting some incredible people with life-changing stories to tell.
Darragh aka Dar.Ra was signed to EMI at the age of 21 and been in the music game for a while with number 1 hits and nominations for Best Rock records to his name.
The Author began writing down meetings with everyday people with extraordinary challenges whom he felt needed their stories told.
Fascinated with what makes us humans tick, and how some people rise to the challenge of whatever life throws at them, from an Aboriginal Down Under who used the power of faith to heal a severe injury, to a
freedom fighter in Guatelemala who stood up for Native Land rights and a whole array of miracle people.
The book delves into the rich tapestry of the human psyche and asks the question what is Faith, Altruism, Spiritual healing, Animal communication, Physic ability, Remote Viewing and the Power Of Belief.
Everyday miracles that we pass by are explored to help people see that the impossible might just be possible if we choose to see our hidden powers.

For more information

About

DAR.RA

Visit

www.twitter.com/kushadeep

www.facebook.com/kushadeep

www.instagram.com/dar.ra.brady

https://www.reverbnation.com/kushadeepmusic

Essential Growth Through The Pain of Abuse:  The Rise of Tristan Bliss

As a child Tristan grew up with alcoholism and violence. Violence her mother endured and she and her siblings witnessed, as well as violence, emotional and mental abuse from her mother toward her and her siblings. She has now turned around a series of custody battles, court cases and fleeing for safety to founding GIC - Global Inbound Closers, creating a way for overtaxed entrepreneurs to access trained Sales Teams to service their inbound calls and for women to have an income source which allows them the freedom to make the best choices for their life and their family, with financial freedom.

"This behavior was a common thread in my life in my own relationships in various ways that was directed at me into my adult years.

The end came in 2018 when my ex-husband mentally and psychologically tormented myself and my children to the point that I reacted in violence against him and lost everything, including my son. It was a battle for two years to finally have my son back in my care. The emotional and mental battle that ensued was relentless. Dealing with courts, custody and pleading for someone to finally listen to me, paid off. I refused to surrender to narcissistic abuse and having my child used as a pawn in a game.

 

So I directed all my efforts on rebuilding my life and re-establishing myself after losing everything and being close to homelessness. The turning point happened in August of 2020 when I was finally able to have my son back with me and we started to rebuild a new life that was honest, healthy and loving.

On December 4th, 2020 GIC was born. And my quest to help other women living in the same circumstances became a reality."

Now the Author of  2 books: "Financial Feathers From Heaven: Rebound from Trauma to Personal & Financial ABUNDANCE!" and "Your Childhood Zillionaire", Tristan is building out her vision to serve clients while creating financial freedom for women, as the Founder of GIC-Global Inbound Closers.

To connect with Tristan, reach out here:

 

www.globalinboundclosers.com  

https://www.facebook.com/GICFreedom

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanbliss/

https://www.instagram.com/gicfreedom/

Karolina Naziemiec as Violist

KaroliNa as Jazz Vocalist

Karolina Naziemiec is a Polish violist and jazz vocalist known as KaroliNa, who has been performing and teaching in the United States since 2001. She is a recipient of an artistic visa on the recommendation of the American Federation of Musicians, who cited her as being “a violist of extraordinary ability.”  Ms. Naziemiec came to the United States for the first time in 2000 at the invitation of The Idyllwild Arts Summer Festival Orchestra in California, for which she twice served as principal violist.

Ms. Naziemiec—the daughter of engineers and amateur musicians—grew up surrounded by music to become the first professional musician in her family. Born in Jedrzejow, Poland, she attended the Szymanowski Music High school in Katowice, then continued her education at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, where she studied with Professor M. Marczyk, viola soloist with the National Philharmonic in Warsaw. She received her Master’s Degree in Music Arts/Viola Performance from the Chopin Academy in 2000. Her master’s thesis “Two Faces of Bela Bartok’s Concerto for Viola” — a musical analysis of the differences between two versions of Bartok’s viola concerto — was published by the Hungarian Institute in Warsaw the same year. 

Ms. Naziemiec launched her performing career by touring France and Belgium with the Chopin Academy’s Chamber Orchestra. She also toured Japan with the Chopin’s Ladies Strings Orchestra. She received scholarships to attend the International Music Course in Marktoberdorf, Germany; the Verbier Festival and Academy in Switzerland; the International Youth Orchestra’s Spring Festival in Germany; and the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in Scotland, where she was a student of Michael Beeston (member of the Edinburgh Quartet) and reached semi-finals at the International Instrumental Competition.

She has also received awards and artistic support from The Leni Fe Bland Foundation, The Gorecki Foundation, The Maestro Foundation, the city of Sosnowiec (The Extraordinary Award for Talented and Promising People), and twice from the Foundation of Culture and Art in Warsaw. Ms. Naziemiec continued her training by participating in master classes with Yo-Yo Ma, Karen Tuttle, Donald McInnes, Masao Kawasaki, John Waltz, Edith Orloff, and receiving private instruction with Marek Marczyk, Dariusz Korcz, Kurt Lewin, Jerzy Kosmala, Roberto Diaz, Paul Neubauer, Doris Lederer, Carole Mukogawa, Jeffrey Irvine, James Dunham, Ralph Fielding, and Victoria Miskolczy.

She has worked with some of the most distinguished composers and musicians in the world: John Williams, Jan A.P. Kaczmarek, Jorge Calandrelli, Randy Newman, Alf Clausen, Kent Nagano, James Conlon, Gunther Schuller, Arturo Sandoval, Joshua Bell, Gil Shaham, James Newton-Howard, Patrick Williams, Andy Williams, Sue Raney, Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Carmen Bradford, John Corigliano, Randy Newman, Sergio Commissiona, Jerzy Maksymiuk, Jacek Kaspszyk, Larry Livingston, Carl St.Clair, David Zinman, Noreen Green, Burt Bacharach, and Hal David. 

She was granted a full scholarship at the University of Southern California, where she attended the Advanced Studies Program in 2001- 2002 and completed the Master of Music in Performance program in 2004. At USC, she studied with Professors Ralph Fielding and Victoria Miskolczy, and took master classes with Professor McInnes. In the US, she has performed with the most prestigious orchestras including The Los Angeles Opera; The Los Angeles Master Chorale; The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra; The Jewish Symphony Orchestra in Los Angeles, California; The American Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall in New York City and in Los Angeles; and The Aspen Music Festival Orchestra in Aspen, Colorado. 

She taught at the California State University, Northridge in 2008-2010, as well as Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica and Children Music Workshop in Los Angeles in 2007-2013. Ms. Naziemiec become a faculty at the Price College, Los Angeles in 2019.

Currently she serves as a professor at the Pepperdine University, Malibu, music coach for the Junior Chamber Music and provides private instruction in viola, violin, and piano to a wide range of students, from very young children to aspiring professionals. Additionally, she has recorded in scoring sessions at film studios such as Warner Brothers, Fox, Sony, and Paramount. Karolina Naziemiec also performs in Los Angeles as a jazz vocalist. 

She recorded her first CD Introduction in 2008, and in 2015, she released Songs of Hope, which was considered for Grammy nomination in 2016. She is interested in and comfortable with all types of music, from classical to jazz, folk, and hip-hop.

Joshua Dobbs is a graduate of Alpharetta High School and the University of Tennessee. He was chosen in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburg Steelers.  Josh was an Academic All-American in college and majored in Aeronautical Engineering and International Business.  He is an advent and active volunteer who loves children.

Karen received her Masters’ Degree in Social Work from Columbia University and has worked in the areas of family therapy, eldercare and PTSD.

Acclaimed talk show host of Spouting Off

As a performer, she has toured the country in musical comedies, entertained on cruise ships and appeared in television and film. Her broadcast experience includes turns as a classical music radio announcer, news-caster, voice-over artist and of course, talk radio host. She lends her operatic voice to a variety of fundraisers and community events and has sung the National Anthem and God Bless America in numerous venues from State Legislatures to the New Jersey Nets.

Karen has trained people of all ages in public speaking, voice and diction, assertiveness and interpersonal communication. She taught communications at a Manhattan corporate training firm, the New School for Social Research, Parsons School of Design in New York, New Jersey’s Montclair State College, and Fairleigh Dickenson University, among others.

In politics, Karen has written numerous editorials and run for public office. She is passionate about freedom, equal justice and personal responsibility. You might have trouble pigeonholing her.

She enjoys encouraging people to think for themselves and to question everything.

Karen is the author of the awarding winning memoir, FATLASH! Food Police & the Fear of Thin, a memoir about her "stage mother on steroids" and her participation in child beauty pageants.

I’m a gay, millennial, first-generation American-Iranian-Mexican. And I’m a Conservative Republican and proud to share my story

Patrick Neville is an American politician and a member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 45th District, which includes much of Douglas County. A Republican, Neville currently serves as the Minority Leader of the House, having been elected to this position at the beginning of his second term in January 2017.