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When You've Been There for Others

 

When You’ve Always Been There for Others and Suddenly Find Yourself Standing Alone  Nonna Clarissa

Left to right:  Marlena, me, Julia and Anna

At 67, I’ve lived long enough to know what it means to show up for people. Through the highs and lows of life, I was the one friends and family could count on. If someone needed a ride, a meal, a place to stay, a listening ear, or simply a steady presence, I was there without hesitation. It wasn’t something I questioned; it was simply who I was.

But now, as I face a chapter of life where I need support, I’m discovering a truth that is as painful as it is surprising: many of the people I stood by have quietly disappeared. Some are “too busy.” Others have drifted away without explanation. A few offer polite words but no real presence. And the silence, at times, is louder than any argument could be.

It’s a strange kind of heartbreak, not dramatic, not sudden, but a slow realization that the loyalty you gave so freely isn’t always returned. You start to wonder if you expected too much, or if you simply believed too deeply in relationships that were never as mutual as you thought.

Yet this experience, as isolating as it can feel, is not uncommon. Many people reach later life and discover that the circle they once supported has grown smaller. Lives change. Priorities shift. Some people only know how to take, not give. And some simply don’t understand that one day, they too will need the kind of support they failed to offer.

But here’s the part that matters: needing help is not a weakness. Outgrowing people is not a failure. And recognizing who truly stands with you, even if the list is shorter than you hoped, is a powerful kind of clarity.

This chapter may feel lonely, but it also opens space for something new: relationships built on reciprocity, not convenience. Connections with people who value presence over excuses. And a renewed understanding that your worth was never measured by how many people needed you, but by the strength and generosity you carried through every season of your life.

You’re still that person, dependable, compassionate, steady. And even if some have stepped away, your story isn’t defined by their absence. It’s defined by your resilience, your heart, and the courage it takes to keep going, even when the people you once held up are no longer there to hold you.

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Have You Heard of "Luften?

Have you Have You Heard of 'Lüften'?

By Renata Richardson

'Lüften'. It's the German word for 'airing'. It seems to be a trend now. It is something I grew up with and have done ever since having my own home. It's when you open your windows to air out the room, allowing fresh air to enter and replace stale air. Usually done first thing in the morning, it's done year round, even in Winter, for a few minutes, let's say 10-15 minutes, certainly not for as long as during a lovely Spring, Summer or Fall day when the windows can stay open longer or even all day. It's more for those times of year when you wouldn't usually open, or leave your windows open, or if you use your air conditioner as soon as the weather turns warm.

I've heard this referred to as 'burping your house' in English. Not a direct translation from German and not as welcoming a name, imo!

From what I have read from reliable sources, refreshing the air in your house, especially bedrooms, Lüfting might be a healthy habit to add to your daily routine.

We spend hours sleeping in one place overnight and this space plays an important role in our overall well being - hence why SO much is written about the ideal bedroom environment for sleep hygiene. Opening up a window is a quick and simple way to clear out carbon dioxide, allergens and bacteria that build up overnight and a much healthier option than spraying or plugging in air fresheners (that do anything BUT 'freshen' with aerosol and toxins).

I will even open a window on a winter's night for a few minutes before bed to freshen and cool down the room, making jumping into a cozy bed that much more delicious!

So, now you have heard about Lüften. Perhaps you already do this and didn't know it had a fancy name!

GALENTINE'S DAY AND VALENTINE'S DAY -

Galentine’s Day & Valentine’s Day: Celebrating Love in All Its Forms

                                                                 Nonna Clarrisa

Love is not one-dimensional. It can be romantic and passionate, but also loyal, sisterly, healing, and deeply affirming. Each February, two meaningful celebrations invite us to reflect on the many ways love shapes our lives: Valentine’s Day, the long-standing tribute to romantic devotion, and Galentine’s Day, the modern celebration of female friendship.

Though they take place within days of each other, these holidays honor different yet equally powerful  forms of connection. Together, they remind us that love extends far beyond roses and candlelit dinners. It lives in friendship, community, shared laughter, and even in the quiet commitment we make to ourselves.The Origins of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, is one of the most recognized holidays in the world. Yet its beginnings are far more layered than heart-shaped chocolates and greeting cards.

Long before it became synonymous with romance, mid-February marked a season of fertility and renewal in ancient Rome. The festival of Lupercalia, held around February 15, was intended to purify the city and encourage prosperity in the coming year. While its rituals were far removed from modern expressions of love, its themes of renewal would later influence the holiday’s evolution.

The name Valentine is traditionally linked to Saint Valentine, Valentino,  a Christian martyr whose story is woven from legend. One popular account claims he secretly performed marriages for young couples after Emperor Claudius II banned them, believing unmarried soldiers fought more effectively. Valentine’s defiance ultimately led to his execution on February 14. Another legend suggests he signed a farewell note “From your Valentine,” giving rise to the romantic phrase still used today.

By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day became associated with courtly love, thanks in part to writers like Geoffrey Chaucer, who linked the date to the mating season of birds. By the 18th and 19th centuries, handwritten notes evolved into printed greeting cards, and the holiday grew into a major cultural and commercial celebration  , particularly in North America.

Today, Valentine’s Day has expanded to include not only romantic partners but also family, friends, and gestures of self-love.

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The Rise of Galentine’s Day

In contrast to centuries of Valentine’s Day tradition, Galentine’s Day is refreshingly modern. First introduced in 2010 on the television series Parks and Recreation, the fictional character Leslie Knope declared February 13 a day for “ladies celebrating ladies” over waffles and brunch.

What began as a scripted joke quickly resonated in real life. Women embraced Galentine’s Day as a way to honor friendships that often sustain them through life’s most pivotal moments  heartbreak, career changes, motherhood, reinvention, and loss.

Unlike Valentine’s Day, which traditionally centers on couples, Galentine’s Day celebrates chosen bonds. It recognizes the friendships that provide emotional intimacy, encouragement, and unwavering support. In many ways, it fills a cultural gap by spotlighting relationships that are just as foundational as romance.

The Meaning of Love Between Friends

Friendship is one of the purest forms of love because it is chosen. It is nurtured not by obligation but by mutual trust, understanding, and care.

Female friendships, in particular, often carry profound emotional depth. They are spaces where vulnerability is welcomed, successes are celebrated, and growth is witnessed over time. These relationships allow women to be unfiltered and authentic — to be seen not only for who they are today but for who they are becoming.

At its best, friendship reflects self-worth back to us. It reminds us of our resilience and brilliance. In that way, it becomes an extension of self-love, a mirror that affirms we deserve kindness, respect, and joy.

Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day is flexible and joyful, free from expectations. Celebrations can be simple or elaborate, but the intention is always connection.

A classic brunch with waffles and mimosas captures the playful spirit of the holiday. Others may prefer a cozy spa night at home, exchanging heartfelt letters of appreciation, or gathering for a movie marathon featuring friendship-centred favourites like Bridesmaids or Girls Trip.

Creative activities from cooking classes to vision-board nights offer opportunities to bond while dreaming about the future. Even a shared day trip to a local market, museum, or winery can turn into a lasting memory.

At its heart, Galentine’s Day is about honoring the women who show up consistently and wholeheartedly.

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Redefining Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, too, has evolved. While it remains a celebration of romantic love, it no longer belongs exclusively to couples.

For those who are single, the day can become a powerful expression of self-devotion. Buying yourself flowers, cooking a beautiful meal, or writing a love letter to yourself transforms the narrative from longing to empowerment. Love, after all, is not something we wait to receive — it is something we actively cultivate.

The day can also be shared with friends or family, turning it into a broader celebration of appreciation and gratitude.

Why Both Holidays Matter

Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day are not competing traditions. They complement one another.

Valentine’s Day honors romantic partnership and intimacy.
Galentine’s Day honors friendship and sisterhood.

Together, they expand our understanding of love. They remind us that it is abundant and multidimensional,  found in partners, friends, family, colleagues, and within ourselves.

February becomes more than a month of red roses. It becomes a season of reflection, gratitude, and connection.

Love Is Everywhere

Love lives in the friend who listens without judgment.
In the sister who arrives when needed most.
In the partner who offers steady support.
In the community that uplifts.
And in the self who continues to grow and heal.

Whether celebrating with a partner, gathering with girlfriends, or honoring your own journey, February offers a powerful reminder: love is not something we passively await. It is something we nurture daily.

Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day both invite us to pause and recognize the relationships that shape us  romantic or otherwise. When we do, we discover something beautiful and freeing:

Love, in all its forms, is already around us

The Power of Love Air Supply

  

 The Power of Love  AIR SUPPLY

                                                                                  Gina Cianfarani

After 50 years, AIR SUPPLY is still going strong worldwide, with concert tours selling out and a new album. The iconic duo continues to demonstrate why their music has endured across generations. Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, whose harmonies defined an era, remain a global touring force, a recording success story, and a living testament to the timeless power of soft-rock romance. They don't make these kinds of emotional love songs anymore.

Canadian Fans Still Filling Every Seat

Their recent Canadian tour proved that Air Supply’s appeal is as strong as ever. Performances at Woodbine Casino & Resort in Toronto and Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario sold out quickly, drawing fans from across the province and Canada eager to experience the duo’s unmistakable sound. These shows were filled with standing ovations, emotional sing‑alongs, and the kind of electric nostalgia only Air Supply can deliver.

Canada has long embraced the duo, and these sold‑out dates reaffirm their status as one of the most beloved touring acts in the world. Even after five decades, their concerts feel intimate, heartfelt, and vocally powerful, an impressive feat for any artist, let alone one celebrating a half‑century milestone.

With more than 100 million records sold globally, Air Supply’s music remains woven into the soundtrack of countless lives. Their hits “All Out of Love,” “Lost in Love,” “Here I Am,” and many more continue to dominate playlists, radio rotations, and romantic moments around the world. Their ability to stay relevant speaks to the emotional honesty and melodic craftsmanship that define their work.

On May 9, Air Supply will release Air Supply 50: The Greatest Hits, a commemorative album celebrating their remarkable journey. This collection brings together their most iconic songs, newly curated to honor both longtime fans and a new generation discovering their music for the first time.

The album’s featured single captures everything that has made Air Supply unforgettable: a gentle acoustic opening, lush orchestration, and Hitchcock’s soaring, unmistakable tenor. The lyrics explore themes of enduring love and rediscovery, fitting for a duo reflecting on five decades of artistry. The production feels fresh yet faithful, offering a modern polish without losing the emotional warmth that defines their signature sound.

Half a century of magic and still rising, Air Supply’s 50‑year milestone is more than a celebration of longevity; it’s a testament to their unwavering connection with audiences around the world. With sold‑out Canadian shows, a new greatest‑hits album on the horizon, and a touring schedule that continues to expand, the duo shows no signs of slowing down.

Five decades in, Air Supply remains what they have always been: masters of melody, storytellers of the heart, and one of the most enduring acts in modern music. What more can I say that I LOVE THEM, for 50 years, and will love them always.

NOTE:  I have just been informed that AIR SUPPLY will be performing this JUNE on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, 2026,  9:00 pm at the OLG STAGE at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

http://www.airsupplymusic.com

Bell Let's Talk Mental Health Matters for all Ages

 

Bell Let’s Talk Supporting Youth Mental Health Through Kids Help Phone  Timothy Spearman

Mental health has become an important topic for students, teachers, and families across Canada. One major initiative helping to create positive change is Bell Let’s Talk, a national campaign focused on raising awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health. Each year, millions of Canadians join the conversation by sharing messages, learning about mental health, and supporting those who may be struggling.

A key part of Bell Let’s Talk’s impact comes from its support of Kids Help Phone, a service many young people rely on when they need someone to talk to. Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, free, confidential mental‑health support line for youth. Students can call, text, or use online tools to get help with stress, anxiety, bullying, relationships, or anything else on their mind.

Thanks to funding from Bell Let’s Talk, Kids Help Phone has been able to:

• Hire more counsellors, so young people don’t have to wait long for support

• Expand text and online chat services, which many teens find more comfortable

• Improve technology, making it easier to connect quickly and safely

• Reach more communities, including rural and remote areas

Kids Help Phone also launched a major movement called Feel Out Loud, which aims to reach every young person in Canada with mental‑health support. Bell Let’s Talk is one of the partners helping make this goal possible.

Together, Bell Let’s Talk and Kids Help Phone are making sure youth across Canada know they are never alone. By talking openly about mental health and knowing where to find help, students can support themselves and each other.

If you or someone you know needs support, Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by phone, text, or online chat.

National Mental Health & Crisis Lines

• Kids Help Phone – 1‑800‑668‑6868 Text CONNECT to 686868 For youth of all ages needing support, advice, or someone to talk to.

• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline – 988 For anyone in Canada experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress.

• Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous Peoples) – 1‑855‑242‑3310 Phone and online chat support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

• Wellness Together Canada Adults text WELLNESS to 741741 Youth text WELLNESS to 686868 Free mental‑health support and resources.

• Trans Lifeline – 1‑877‑330‑6366 Peer support run by and for trans people.

• Talk Suicide Canada – 1‑833‑456‑4566 Text 45645 (evenings) Support for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Youth & Young Adult Supports

• Kids Help Phone – 1‑800‑668‑6868 Text CONNECT to 686868 Chat available on their website.

• Youthspace.ca Text 778‑783‑0177 (6 pm–12 am PST) Emotional support for youth and young adults.

Supports for Adults & Seniors

• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline – 988 For adults of all ages.

• Hope for Wellness (Indigenous adults & Elders) – 1‑855‑242‑3310

• Wellness Together Canada Adults text WELLNESS to 741741

LGBTQ2S+ Supports

• Trans Lifeline – 1‑877‑330‑6366

• LGBT Youth Line (Ontario) – 1‑800‑268‑9688 Text 647‑694‑4275 (evenings)

Provincial Mental Health Lines (Quick List)

• Ontario Mental Health Helpline – 1‑866‑531‑2600

• BC Mental Health Support Line – 310‑6789 (no area code)

• Alberta Mental Health Helpline – 1‑877‑303‑2642

• Saskatchewan HealthLine – 811

• Manitoba Mental Health Support – 1‑888‑617‑7715

• Quebec Info‑Social – 811

• New Brunswick Chimo Helpline – 1‑800‑667‑5005

• Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line – 1‑888‑429‑8167

• PEI Mental Health Line – 1‑800‑218‑2885

• Newfoundland & Labrador Crisis Line – 1‑888‑737‑4668

• Yukon Distress & Support Line – 1‑844‑533‑3030

• Northwest Territories Help Line – 1‑800‑661‑0844

• Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline – 1‑800‑265‑3333

Happy New Year 2026

 

Happy Year of the Fire Horse Alla Salute Family I cordially welcome all of the Alla Salute family to the Jan 2026 issue of our much-valued online magazine.  I'd like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and be very positive. 

 Please take note of our feature cover of CuGina Flavors featuring a photo of Gina and Nancy, and kindly leave a comment for them. 

 We have original Winter recipes by Renata Richardson, and an article about Seniors by freelancer Nonna Clarissa. There’s also Timothy Spearman's highly anticipated column "Free Movies and Reviews." Continue reading, and let us know what you would like to read about and see in our interviews. 

 Please feel free to contact me anytime at:

 Att: Timothy allasalutemagazine@gmail.com 

 And lest I forget yearly advertising offers are available to all of our award-winners - but there are only a limited spaces still available for a 90% discount. 

 Att: Serena allasalutemagazine@gmail.com 

 Wishing you all a very Happy New Year in 2026.

 Timothy Watson