Reflections on 2010
by Sheryl Roush, December 23, 2010

As I look back at this year, I reflect upon the "most interesting" events of this year, both personally and professionally, and share some highlights here. The immediate metaphor that comes to mind is a ROLLER COASTER. There’s been much joy and matching sadness, still with gratitude throughout.

Speaking Engagements:
As an inspirational speaker and business skills trainer it’s a pleasure to be of service for repeat clients (County of Los Angeles, Healthcare Financial Management Association, Lake Elsinore Outlets, Parks & Recreation, Project Management Institute, the Women in Business Symposium, and the World Famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal "Safari" Park) as well as new organizations (California Ass’n of School Board Officials, Global Boating Women, National Ass’n of Quick Printers Business Owners, and Welk Resorts).

Emcee for a most unique (and global) event, Del Mar Kiwanis hosts The Ugly Dog Contest in March at the County Fairgrounds (I’m a cat lover). Videos went international and made the news.

While keynote closing the state Dept. of Mental Health in January, I got snowed in with attendees for 3 days at the Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma… and ended up speaking to the hotel staff in the kitchen complimenting their attitude and shining service through it all.

On September 14, I had the pleasure of opening the Central California Womens’ Conference to 3,500 women, delivering the morning keynote on "Sparkle-Tude!®  The Heart of a Woman" on a theatre stage in the Fresno Convention Center.   Marie Osmond (spokeswoman for Jenny Craig, Dancing With the Stars) graciously commented that she was MY closing act! (We also did a live 6am TV interview.)

Locally, this was my tenth consecutive year coaching the San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders (28 on the squad) in their public speaking and media interviewing skills.

Radio Shows and Interviews:
Still on a high from Montel Williams endorsing my Heart of a Military Woman book on his show in November 2009, I was also interviewed on The Coaching Show, Raven Blair Davis, Skills Radio with Brian Olds, Purpose Guy, Catrice Jackson, Minoshia Gail Humphrey, Army Wives Network, "Bringing Your Heart to Work" on Robin Hardy, Dr. Helena Steiner Hornstyn, Deb Simpson, Red River Writers, Jean Bailey Robor, Angie Strader’s What’s Your Bottom Line?, Fresno KYNO…

Awards:
While we’re on the topic of books… my Heart of a Military Woman book received the 2009 Best Spiritual & Inspirational Award (nonfiction) from the San Diego Book Awards Association.

Book Signings:
Contributors to the 6-title Heart Book Series signed copies with me in California at BORDERS in Long Beach, and at the Book Warehouse at Lake Elsinore Outlets, including Hollywood Blockbuster recording artists Penka Kouneva and Kirstin Vogelsang, and Charger Girl cheerleader Tonya Helman (Founder of Sweethearts for Soldiers.  My Heart of a Woman book was purchased for international publishing rights in Mexico, fully translated into Spanish, as Corazón de Mujer.

Toastmasters:
Since active in my 23-year membership and support of Toastmasters International, I spoke at several Districts throughout the US this year, as well as at the International Convention, then was quoted in a couple issues of the Toastmaster Magazine.

Family:
Several notable events in this category. My brother Steve rebounded from Stage 4 Melanoma Skin Cancer, at this this writing, scans show no traces whatsoever! (Prayers and Laughter work!) Cousin Janet and Paul Stannard hosted a joyous celebration at their home for 30 relatives to see Steve and his wife Mary from Hawaii.

December 11th, we celebrated Dad’s 83rd Birthday… a toasty 80 degrees outside and 20 local family members present, we warmed up my new house, without setting off the new smoke alarms. My oldest brother Rick (a Dean at the University of Melbourne) and his 15-year-old daughter, Ali, came to visit California from Australia for three weeks before Christmas. Ali stayed with me for a lovely ten days, watching every episode I had taped of Stargate SG:1.

Uncle Laurence A. Weisser, II, passed on December 9, at 96. He was my school bus driver not retiring until my graduation from high school. His bride, Wardene (my father’s sister), had asked me to officiate the funeral years ago for both of their services, which I was truly honored to do. His favorite upbeat "cowboy" music (Bob Wills, Rex Allen) was played as loved ones entered and left the celebration… with laughter and applause between shared tears and shared stories.

Sci-Fi Fun:
With Comic-Con International San Diego being hosted in my native town, I was asked to "handle" (shuttle, coffee and food needs) Sci-Fi stars again this year, including Stan Lee "Spiderman," James Marsden "Spike" on Buffy, The Vampire Slayer, Kevin Sorbo Hercules and Andromeda… plus Star Trek cast members Brent Spiner "Data," Marina Sirtis "Counselor Troi," Michael Dorn as the Klingon"Worf,"  and LeVar Burton "Geordi LaForge."

New this year, I worked with the Warehouse 13 cast: Eddie McClintock "Pete,"  Saul Rubinek "Artie," and CCH Pounder "Mrs. Fredrick" and the sage village woman in Avatar. (Last year I was personal assistant to "Mr. Spock" Leonard Nimoy for 4 amazing days.) A personal thrilled was meeting the adorable Colin Ferguson "Sheriff Carter" from Eureka backstage before his panel, offering opening jokes for his appearance.

Wedding Celebration:
April 13th, my dear friend, Debbi McGill married Peter Alexis…  Peter’s Greek Orthodox uncle was sick and unable to conduct the services–and with less than 12 hours notice–Debbi asked if I would officiate the ceremonies. What an honor! Overlooking the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla Shores and pelicans flying above head, it was truly a lovely occasion. (Not sticking to the script, I ad-libbed, with the congregation breaking into laughter.) Their surprise gift from me was ELVIS (since Peter had mailed an invite to Graceland), with James Kruk, an award-winning Tribute Artist, performing a private concert for the reception guests. Amazing talent!

Living "Green"
After nine months of looking for a new house (only 4.3 miles from my parents), we finally found it — or it found me!  It’s a completely rebuilt "brand-new 1960" 3-bedroom house with garage (for my new Hybrid car) and yards. All new high-efficiency applicances, tile, cabinets, water heater, toilets, carpet, etc. Adorable, cozy and pristine. Dad has cleaned up the yard, trees and hedges, and we hung gutters to capture rainwater to conserve water. Brother Steve and wife Mary from Hawaii bought and planted five dwarf fruit trees in the backyard. Dad is currently building the frame for my vegetable garden.

 
What Matters:
Reflecting over this year, it’s indeed been a "Roller Coaster" — up’s and down’s — twists and turns — yet it’s been one exciting "ride."  But I’ve not been alone on this… and cherish dearly each person on the ride with me. Family and Friends, Clients, Audiences… Life is good! Count your blessings. I know I do! Here’s to 2011!

- Sheryl Roush

Saturday, June 19, 2010, Southern California co-authors to the Heart of a Military Woman book will be signing copies of the keepsake collection at two Borders Stores locations in Long Beach, California.

Borders, Los Altos Market Center
2110 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90815
5:00-7:00pm

Heart of a Military Woman shares 99 true short stories and tributes to those who serve our country, plus 21 poems and 194 quotations. There are 120 contributors, from all branches of active and retired service members, their spouses and families, sharing sentiments and pride as only they can.

Co-Authors Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, retired Master Sergeant USAF 23 years and Los Angeles resident, and former Navy wife San Diego resident Sheryl Roush will be joined by: Lanie Adamson, Loni Anderson, Sarah Arnold, Virginia Ellis, Dharlene Marie Fahl, Becky Palmer, Mary Lenore Quigley, Judy Turner and Denise Yamada.

Montel Williams endorsed the 2009 Veteran’s Day release during his Montel Across America radio interview with Sheryl Roush. Montel served in two branches of the US Armed Forces for a total of 23 years of service. Heart of a Military Woman was selected as the January 2010 Army Wives Network Book of the Month, and received the 2009 Best Spiritual – Inspirational Book from the San Diego Book Awards Association.

Other books in the HEART BOOK SERIES by Sheryl Roush, include:
Heart of a Woman
Heart of a Woman in Business
Heart of a Mother
Heart of a Mother with Bonus Music CD
Heart of the Holidays
Heart of the Holidays with Bonus Music CD
Corazon de Mujer (Heart of a Woman in Spanish).

Additional published contributors in the series signing at these events are: Marjorie Benesh, Soraya Deen, Carol Grabowski, Jack Nichols, Beverly Roush, Serina Roush, Consuleo Sanchez, Rhoberta Shaler and Linda Ulrich.

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Two BORDERS book stores in Long Beach, California are hosting Heart Book Series signing events… on the same day! 

The day before Father’s Day, Borders is hosting not one–but two multi-book, multi-signing events. Unique events, contributors to the 6-title published series will read their original short stories, poems, and tributes, and autograph copies for shoppers.

Saturday, June 19, 2:00-4:00pm
Borders – At the Pike
101 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802, 562.491.0558
Located in the new revitalized Pike on Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive. The store is just a few short steps away from the Aquarium of the Pacific and the legendary Queen Mary.

Saturday, June 19, 5:00-7:00pm
Borders – Los Altos Market Center
2110 North Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90815, 562.799.0486
A community based store within one of the littlest big cities in the country.  With a culturally diverse selection to match our clientele and staff, you can find just about anything on our shelves–from the esoteric to the number one item on the bestsellers list. Grab a skinny soy latte in our Seattle’s Best Cafe.

The Heart Book Series, created by Sheryl Roush, features titles available at these signings:

Heart of a Military Woman
Heart of a Woman
Heart of a Woman in Business
Corazon de Mujer (Heart of a Woman, Spanish)
Heart of the Holidays
Heart of a Mother
Heart of a Mother – with Bonus Music CD

Those contributors published in the series and autographing:
Lanie Adamson
Loni Anderson
Sarah Arnold
Marjorie Benesh
Soraya Dean
Virgina Ellis
Dharlene Marie Fahl
Carol Grabowski
Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
Karen Hudson
Mary Lenore Quigley
Jack Nichols
Becky Palmer
Serina Roush
Sheryl Roush
Beverly Roush
Consuelo Sanchez
Rhoberta Shaler, Ph.D.
Judy Turner
Linda Ulrich
Denise Yamada

On Wednesday, December 2, 2009, from 6-8 p.m., 14 authors from the San Diego Chapter of the Military Writer’s Society of America will gather at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center for a Symposium, Book Fair and Book Signing.

Authors and Book Titles/Subjects
Books will be available for sale at the event.

Gail Chatfield
By Dammit, We’re Marines! Veterans Stories of Heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front (WWII)

Sheryl Roush
Heart of a Woman: Stories, Poems, Quotations
Heart of the Holidays: Yuletide Treasures and Traditions
Heart of a Mother: Stories, Poems and Tributes to Mothers and Grandmothers
Corazón de Mujer (Heart of a Woman, Spanish)

Tom Ruck
Sacred Ground, A Tribute to America’s Veterans

Marc Yablonka
Distant War: Recollections of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (Vietnam)

Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
2115 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-2300
info@veteranmuseum.org
www.veteranmuseum.org

Carl Nelson, Event Chair
canelson56@cox.net
619-421-9094

The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center was created in 1989 to honor and perpetuate the memories of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The museum honors the legacy that has been created by these courageous men and women through artifacts, personal testimonials, stories of service, and guest speaker panels. Located in the historic Chapel of the old Balboa Naval Hospital, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Ample, free parking available to visitors.

In celebration of Mother’s Day and Dias de los Madres, native born Chula Vistan, international speaker and 12-time author  Sheryl Roush will be signing copies of her Heart Book Series at:

BORDERS – Eastlake
878 Eastlake Parkway, Suite 710
Chula Vista, CA 91914
San Diego County
Store Phone: 619-482-9883
Event: 3:00-6:00pm

Featured at Borders, these inspirational gift books include:  Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of the Holidays, and Corazon de Mujer-Spanish version of Heart of a Woman.

Contributors reading and signing their original stories, poems and tributes:

Beverly Roush
Bev Weurding
Dharlene Fahl-Brittian
Maria Carter
Pamela Kelly
Sheryl Roush
Soraya Deen

For more information on booking Sheryl Roush to speak at your event, contact Sparkle Presentations, Inc., at 858-569-6555.

DIRECTIONS:
Heading south into San Diego:
I-5 South
I-805 South
Exit “L” Street (Chula Vista)
Curves around to the right at the signal light.
“L” Street becomes Otay Lakes Road without you knowing it.
Follow the signs toward the US Olympic Training Center, several miles.
You will pass under the toll road I-125, go another 3-4 miles.
<< Tricky part >>
Turn LEFT at the big signal light for Eastlake Parkway.
PASS the first shopping center on your left.
Up a slight HILL.
Turn LEFT at small light at Miller Drive (the Brigantine Restaurant)
Come into the shopping mall parking lots.
Borders will be to your right… next to Trader Joe’s and Pat & Oscar’s.

Featured at Borders, these inspirational gift books include:  Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of the Holidays, and Corazon de Mujer-Spanish version of Heart of a Woman.

Contributors reading and signing their original stories, poems and tributes:

Becky Palmer
Bev Weurding
Dharlene Fahl-Brittian
Kristen Crawford
Laura Rubinstein
Liz Myers
Lyn White
Maria Carter
Pamela Kelly
Shirlie Cunningham
Soraya Deen
Suzan Tusson-McNeil

Order books from Amazon.com, Borders, Borders.com and SparklePresentations.com

International speaker and 12-time author Sheryl Roush, of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., presented an inspirational message today celebrating Mother’s Day next Sunday.

Soul Shine owners, Kymberly and Melanie host events for the community with guest speakers on a regular basis. For more information on upcoming author events and wellness sessions, go to www.SoulShine.com

In honor of Mother’s Day next Sunday, May 10, Borders hosted a book signing bonanza  today from 2 to 5 p.m, held at their Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga bookstore.
 
This special event featured active Toastmasters International members from District 12 in the Inland Empire, who are published in the Heart Book Series, by fellow Toastmaster in San Diego, Sheryl Roush, Distinguished Toastmaster, Past District Governor, Accredited Speaker.

For more information on Toastmasters International, attending local clubs, and how to improve your communication and leadership skills, go to: www.Toastmasters.org