Archive for the 'Heart of the Holidays' Category
The Christmas Movie Card
Christmas, Movies| 2 Comments »The Christmas Movie Card
Terri Marie Whitewing created this special three-minute "Christmas Movie Card" complete with her own music playing in the background to touching photos and statements.
The message within the movie is meant to warm the heart.
The Story Behind the Card
Because of all the moving I’ve done the past several years (5 moves in 5 years) I just didn’t feel like decorating much for the holidays if it meant looking at one more box. One day the message on the song for the movie came through loud and clear. "Christmas is something you carry in your heart. It’s always here when you feel it."
As a reminder when we get stressed out over the holiday Preparations, Decorations, and other such ‘rations, just remember… the Christmas Spirit comes in quietly – softly entering any moment of pure love.
Here is a gift of love to you for every holy day that you live.
Let’s spread the Christmas Spirit around the world.
It’s always Christmas inside a warm heart.
VIEW VIDEO HERE
Copyright 2008 White Wing Entertainment
Terri Marie Whitewing is a contributor to the "Heart of the Holidays" book by Sheryl Roush, with her story and poem, "A New Christmas Song? There’s a Reindeer in My Gate" based on a true story.
Clinton Daily News Book Review: Heart of the Holidays
Heart of the Holidays| No Comments »Clinton Daily News Book Review:
Heart of the Holidays
Dee Ann Ray, book review columnist for the Clinton Daily News (Clinton, Oklahoma), reviewed Heart of the Holidays by Sheryl Roush in her Gift Books column on December 8.
Looking for a great gift?
Heart of the Holidays, Holiday Inspirations, Yuletide Treasures and Traditions" is a delightful book covering Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Even Scrooge could find enjoyment and peace in preparing for the holiday season in this book.
It is written by Sheryl Roush who is a top-rated international speaker who offers humor, heart and boosts moral and the human spirit.
This book is a collection of 67 original stories, 36 poems, 193 quotations and scriptures from 71 contributors.
Families will enjoy this collection and might create a new holiday tradition be reading the contents together, with half an hour each night shared in enjoying the reading of this book. This book will help revive the readers’ memories and recall similar occasion and experiences.
It is published by Sparkle Press in San Diego. Toll Free number is 800-932-0973.
WHERE TO BUY:
Heart of the Holidays is available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, Borders Stores nationwide. Heart of the Holidays is also available with a brand new release BONUS MUSIC CD, not in stores, available here, set $19.95.
MORE INFORMATION AND SAMPLE STORIES:
Click here.
Holiday Poem: Seasoned Meetings
Christmas, Poems, Thanksgiving| No Comments »
Seasoned Meetings
Turned up collar,
Extra socks,
Find another station,
(Anything but rock,)
Something cheery,
Maybe with some bells,
And scrub-faced boys
Who smile as voices swell.
Getting in the spirit,
Finding the right mood,
Being very thankful,
You’ve a table full of food.
Cozy robes, warm slippers,
A fragrant twinkling tree,
Greetings full of kisses,
Meeting smiles for you and me.
It’s holding close the knowing
Of the love you feel today,
Let others feel it showing,
As you pass along their way.
It’s keeping Season’s Feelings,
(The Humanity of Man,)
Wrapped in joyful trimmings,
To give all year our plan.
Written Christmas Eve 1986
Reta’s work in also published in the Heart of the Holidays book by Sheryl Roush
Christmas Poem/Prayer: NATIVI-TEA
Christmas, Poems| No Comments »Christmas Poem/Prayer:
NATIVI-TEA
At the moment of my birth there was a celebration, too.
The angels sang and God was all I knew.
God was all I remembered – for on earth
as in Heaven we are all one.
To remind us of this God sent us his Son.
Once a year we are reminded of His special birth.
It is a rejoicing that encircles all of the earth.
Gifts are given, hearts open wide, the focus is on good
and we all take pride.
The hope for my daily rebirth is now understood.
A child in a manger, simple and pure –
a symbol of peace and innocence –
that we are all safe from danger, sound and secure.
To be in God’s presence is the present I truly need.
In this time of celebration I am freed from my own greed.
I live to give – my gifts I share.
I do not hide them or disguise them,
nor place them under a tree.
My gifts of love and laughter, kindness and caring
were meant for sharing –
not just once a year or for a select few.
The gifts I have are unique to me
and I celebrate my own nativity.
Every birth is planned, every child has a right,
every life is precious, delicate and meant to be.
On the tree of life every child’s light shines bright for all to see.
Thank you, God; my own light clears my visibility.
There is a place for each and every one of us
on God’s special tree.
We glisten and twinkle in colourful harmony.
We each have our place and together
we light up the world as we claim our space –
next to each other, side by side,
loving and grateful God takes pride
at the birth of each and every one of His children –
that’s you and me.
Christmas is a celebration of all we are and all we can be.
Thank you God, for this divine festivity.
Amen.
Author/Inspirational Speaker/Tea Specialist
http://www.takeupthecup.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/takeupthecup/
http://www.youpublish.com/dharlenefahlbrittian/
(C) December 2008
Dharlene’s Tea Prayers are also published in the Heart of the Holidays, Heart of a Mother, and Heart of a Woman in Business books by Sheryl Roush.
Let Every Day Be Christmas
Christmas| No Comments »
Let Every Day Be Christmas
Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself…
Norman Wesley Brooks
"Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976
‘Twas The Night Before Chanukah
Hanukkah| No Comments »‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHANUKAH
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHANUKAH…
OY! WHAT A SHOCK!
SOMEBODY OUTSIDE
WAS PICKING OUR LOCK!
AND THERE AT THE DOOR
STOOD A ‘ZAYDA’ IN BLUE-
AND HE WORE ON HIS KUPP
A BLUE YARMULKA, TOO!
HIS PUNIM WAS SHAIN-
EVERYBODY WOULD LOVE IT!
‘ROUND HIS NECK HUNG A CHAIN
WITH A GOLD MOGEN DOVID!
HE WORE SILKEN TSITZES
BENEATH HIS WOOL VEST,
AND A SMALL FLAG OF ISRAEL
WAS DRAPED ON HIS CHEST!
HE SAID: "I’M NO BURGLAR,
SO PLEASE DON’T BE NERVOUS.
I’M THE SPIRIT OF CHANUKAH,
HERE AT OUR SERVICE!"
"MENCHEN ALL CALL ME
‘REB’ SHALOM SHAPIRO!
WITHOUT ME, THIS YOM-TOV
MIGHT NEED A NEW ‘HERO!’"
"I VISIT ALL YIDLACH,
AND BRING – KINNAHORRA-
GOOD FORTUNE AS BRIGHT
AS A GLOWING MENORAH!"
"ICH SHLEPP LOTS OF BLESSINGS
AND CHANUKAH GELT,
AND JOYS THAT ARE TAKKA
THE BEST IN DER VELT!"
"IF YOU KNOW NICE MENCHEN,
I’LL VISIT THEM QUICK,
AND I’LL BRING THEM GEZUNT
AND A HOUSEFUL OF GLICK!"
SO WE SENT HIM TO YOUR HOUSE,
AND SHOOK HANDS AND PARTED.
HE SHOUTED, "SHALOM!"
OUT THE DOORWAY HE DARTED!
HE RAN TO A WAGON
WITH HORSES AHEAD.
HE FED THEM SOME BAGELS,
AND HERE’S WHAT HE SAID:
"LET’S GO, MOISH AND MENDEL!
MAKE QUICK, MOE AND YUSSLE!
PLEASE GIVE A RUSH, MALKAH!
HEY, HYMIE, PLEASE HUSTLE!"
THEN THEY RACED LIKE THE WIND!
AND THEY GALLOPED SO SHNELL,
ALL HIS CLOTHING BLEW OFF,
AND HIS GATKES AS WELL!
SOON HE WAS SO KALT
THAT HIS TUSHIE TURNED BLUISH!
HE MOANED AND HE HOLLERED
IN ENGLISH AND JEWISH!
SO, DON’T ACT EMBARRASSED,
AND PLEASE DON’T BE RUDE
WHEN THAT FROSTBITTEN ZAYDA
ARRIVES IN THE NUDE!
QUICK! WRAP HIM IN BLANKETS!
DON’T BEAT ‘ROUND THE BUSH’!
AND TIE A HOT WATER BAG
ON HIS COLD TUSH!
QUICK! FEED HIM SOME CHICHEN SOUP
HEISS AS CAN BE!
AND GIVE HIM SOME SHNAPPS
AND A GLEZ’L HOT TEA!
‘CAUSE HE BRINGS YOU A HOUSEFUL
OF CHANUKAH WISHES
AS WARM AND GESHMOCK
AS PLATE OF HOT KNISHES!
AND HE BRINGS THEM FROM OUR HOUSE
SO FRIENDLYAND BRIGHT,
SO YOUR HOUSE WILL KEEP GLOWING
WITH CHANUKAH LIGHT.
PLUS JOY SWEET AS TSUKKER,
AND PEACE AND GOOD-CHEER
AND EVERYTHING FRAYLACH
EACH DAY OF THE YEAR!
AND NONE IN YOUR FAMILY
WILL BE A SHLEMAZEL,
FOR LIFE WILL BRING EACH OF YOU
SIMCHAS AND MAZEL!
AND ALL THROUGH THE FUTURE
YOUR HOPES WILL COME TRUE,
AND HIMMEL WILL BLESS
YOUR MISHPOCHA AND YOU!!!
Translators available at 1-800-YIDNITE
This humor was submitted to us for posting. Author unknown.
Dec. 20 Sheryl Roush Book Signing Event at Borders
Book Signing Events| No Comments »Dec. 20 Sheryl Roush Book Signing Event at Borders
Heart Book Series Contributors
Signing & Reading Event
UNIQUE MULTI-AUTHOR EVENT!
Sheryl Roush and contributors to the Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays and Corazón de Mujer books will be autographing copies on Saturday, December 20 from 2:00-6:00pm at BORDERS bookstore in Eastlake of Chula Vista, San Diego County, California.
More than a book signing, contributors will READ THEIR original STORY or POEM to shoppers! Contributors present will include: Helen Blanchard, Dharlene Fahl-Brittian, Consuelo Sanchez, Adria Manary, Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez, Elisa Castaneda, Lanie Adamson, Lyn White, Michelle Burkart, Morgana Rae, Effie Horning, Michelle Weisser, and Sheryl’s mother Beverly Roush, joining series originator Sheryl Roush from San Diego. The group will be celebrating with dinner locally following the book signing event.
COME MEET THESE AUTHORS and have your books personally autographed!
Perfect for Holidays gifts!
BORDERS
Eastlake Chula Vista
878 Eastlake Parkway
Chula Vista, CA 91914
Store Phone: 619.482.9883
Poem: A Christmas Commitment
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »Poem: A Christmas Commitment
Being happy is our first commitment
It is a huge gift for our loved ones
It is a box full of wonderful surprises
They will delight us through enchantment
Christmas is time for having fun
Enjoy the brightness of the winter sun
When you sometimes are feeling blue
Remember think about God’s route.
New Year’s Eve is a true ending
When we are ready to go back and review
What we have learned through living memories
Which make us stronger for a new beginning
God gives you a chance of surviving
Keep this greatness in your mind
Sharing love, joy and understanding
They are powerful from a new humankind.
By Consuelo Sanchez
December 2008
Consuelo is published in Corazon de Mujer, the inspirational gift book, Heart of a Woman fully translated in Spanish. CLICK HERE TO ORDER.
ORDER the Heart of the Holidays Book here.
Feliz Navidad!
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Spanish| No Comments »Feliz Navidad
Fortuna de amor sean siempre tu sagrado alimento
Esperanzas resurgen en tu cansado y rojo corazón
Latirá aprisa para sentir la suave frescura del viento
Invita a sobrevivir en armonía con una dulce canción
Zurita que manda un mensaje de paz y de amor.
Nació Jesús redentor para enseñarte a luchar y creer
Amarte a ti mismo para irradiar alegría y compartir la fe
Voluntad para sobrevivir ante la adversidad y crecer
Ilusionarte para guardar el regalo de la vida en tu cofre
Dadivas valiosas para rescatar la lejana esperanza
Amigos, familia y sueños de un magnánimo líder
Divino señor siempre a tu lado para que seas más fuerte.
Un abrazo cálido y fuerte,
Navidad 2008
Consuelo “Cani” Sanchez
Libros en Espanol, Corazon de Mujer
Sheryl Roush interviewed on Heart of the Holidays Music Release
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Interviews| 1 Comment »Sheryl Roush interviewed
on Heart of the Holidays
Music CD Release
December 12th inspirational speaker and published author Sheryl Roush was interviewed AGAIN by popular Family Network personality Lorri Allen and veteran newsman Larry Estepa for Mornings!
Ms. Roush was asked to share about the new music CD added to her Heart of the Holidays book, featuring child prodigy pianist at age 16, Laurie Z., 15-time Grammy award nominee consideration artist. The selections, chosen by Janet Cucinotti of Zebra Productions, Inc., offers traditional and lively Hanukkah and Christmas songs.
Special treat — Jack Palance, the late actor tells "The Night Before Christmas" with Laurie’s soft music in the background… a CLASSIC.. like you’ve never heard it before! (Curly, from City Slickers, with Billy Crystal.)
Lorri Allen is featured with FOUR of her own stories published in the Heart of the Holidays book! Copies were given away to callers who phoned in to share their favorite holiday traditions.
"Mornings" is like a chat around the water cooler. It’s a fun, refreshing—but different—way to start the day, equipping listeners with ways to engage friends and co-workers. Informational and inspirational, it’s relationship radio at its best. "Mornings" airs live on SIRIUS Satellite Radio Channel 161 from 6:00-9:00 am ET and on FamilyNet TV from 7:00-9:00 am ET. Check out the Mornings Blog anytime.
ORDERING INFORMATION:
Heart of the Holidays (book only) is available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, and Borders bookstores (find location near you).
SPECIAL OFFER!
Order the Book with Bonus Music CD for $19.95 and receive the Sparkle-Tudes! A-Z Quotations eBook (value $14.95) free.
Sheryl Roush is President of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, California. She is a top-rated international conference speaker, and 12-time author. In additional to Heart of the Holidays, her other books include: Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman in Business, Corazon de Mujer (Heart of a Woman in Spanish), and Sparkle-Tudes!
Heart of a Mother also has a Bonus Music CD available with the book.
Radio Interview: Holiday Inspiration
Heart of the Holidays, Interviews| 1 Comment »
Radio Interview: Holiday Inspiration
INTERVIEW on BlogTalkRadio.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Helena Steiner-Hornsteyn, and Radio Show Hostess our “Our Wondrous World,” has casual conversation with business success dynamo and speaker Sheryl Roush, author of the Heart Book Series inspirational books, and Darlene Fahl-Brittian, tea-prayer-specialist, and contributor to the Heart of the Holidays book. They each share their feelings and traditions around the yuletide holidays.
Sheryl shares her favorites from the Heart of the Holidays, including:
“Family Circus Christmas” by Teri Hall
“Do You Believe?” inspired by Sheryl’s Australian niece, Alison
“Christmas Is…” by Christian poet Ginny Ellis
Darlene shares two of her sacred Tea Prayers,
“Festivi-Tea” and “Sereni-Tea.”
"You can change your life in the 10 minutes… all it takes to mindfully sip a cup of tea."
Helena, originally from Sweden, offers childhood memories growing up in Europe.
The hour-long program concludes with Sheryl offering Affirmations, with “Warmth From Within” piano music from the new Heart of the Holidays Music CD by Laurie Z.® (15-time Grammy award nominee considerations artist) playing in the background. Actor Jack Palance makes a guest appearance on the CD with "The Night Before Christmas."
HEAR THE INTERVIEW HERE:
http://sedonatalkradio.com/content/view/65/104
Heart of the Holidays features original short stories, poems, quotations and scriptures celebrating Yuletide Around the Globe, Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Boxing Day, Military Abroad, and Ringing in the New Year’s.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER:
Purchase the Heart of the Holidays book with the Bonus Music CD ($19.95 US), before Christmas Day, and receive the eBook by Sheryl Roush, Sparkle-Tudes! Inspirational Quotations for Creating Sparkling Attitudes, emailed as a PDF to you for FREE. (Value $14.95) Order directly from www.SparklePresentations.com to receive this offer, with secure payment on-line through PayPal. Email Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com with autographing instructions.
Dr. Helena Steiner-Hornsteyn is ranked one of the world’s top four spiritual healing coaches. She is a top-rated inspirational motivational speaker and a leading authority in the field of spiritual personal transformation and healing of body and mind. Helena is the author of Constant Awakening. She has a way to reach your inner self without complicated rules and steps how to do it. Even during a motivational lecture, you’ll learn and be inspired by her exciting inspirational power-meditation techniques for clarity and added life success.
www.SpeakingToYourHeart.com
Listen to more radio interviews with Helena here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/SedonaTalkRadio/Helena
Darlene Fahl-Brittian
www.TakeUpTheCup.com
Sheryl Roush
www.HeartBookSeries.com
www.SparklePresentations.com
Quotations for Christmas & Hanukkah
Christmas, Quotations| No Comments »Quotations for Christmas & Hanukkah
To the American People:
Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind.
To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy,
is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior
and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.
~Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), United States President
Presidential message (December 25, 1927)
Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first.
~George Matthew Adams
Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it "white."
~Bing Crosby
Our holiday traditions are about connecting with one another.
~Oprah Winfrey
My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?
~Bob Hope, American film actor and comedian
My Christmas wish is that we will continue to be thoughtful throughout the year.
~Patti LaBelle
At this time of year, when the sun is most hidden, the holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the rays of hope and light… At such times, we yearn for the sun, and the light and warmth that it provides. Often, it is through simple and unrecognized miracles that we are able to feel the warmth of hope and light.
~Rabbi Rafael Goldstein
If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.
~Tenzin Gyatso
Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.
~Marianne Williamson, Author of A Return To Love
The lights of the Hanukkah menorah that we kindle in our homes are a reminder both of the Menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem and the light that shines brightly within each one of us.
~Libi Astair
When a person is "being with" or "present in the moment" their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual "being-nesses" are in the same place at the same time.
~Brian Klemmer
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
~Buddha
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
~Albert Schweitzer
He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.
~Roy L. Smith
Giving really starts to be better than receiving. I guess that’s a sign of growing up.
~Jewel
Home is familiar and filled with tradition. It’s aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends.
~Brian Naylor
Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas.
~Johnny Carson
I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six.
Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.
~Shirley Temple
Once again, we come to the holiday season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice.
~Dave Barry
There’s nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.
~Erma Bombeck
It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one’s fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit.
~Isabel Currier
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
~Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993)
Pastor, Speaker and Author
For Yuletide quotations, stories, poems, traditions and treasures, see the book Heart of the Holidays, by Sheryl Roush
Heart of the Holidays book is available only here with a BONUS MUSIC CD of Christmas and Hanukkah selections, by talented pianist Laurie Z., and beloved actor Jack Palance.
Turkey Baking Tips
Recipes, Thanksgiving| No Comments »Turkey Baking Tips
Whether you’re tackling a Thanksgiving turkey for the first or hundredth time, our top 10 tips will ensure your big bird is the best it can be.
1. Thawing a frozen turkey requires patience. The safest method is to thaw turkey in the refrigerator. Be sure to plan ahead — it takes approximately 3 days for a 20 pound turkey to fully defrost.
2. For crisper skin, unwrap the turkey the day before roasting and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Cooking times will differ depending on whether your bird was purchased fresh or frozen. Plan on 20 minutes per pound in a 350 degree F oven for a defrosted turkey and 10 to 15 minutes per pound for fresh.
4. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed. Consider adding flavor by loosely filling the cavity with aromatic vegetables — carrots, celery, onion or garlic work nicely — or by carefully tucking fresh herbs underneath the breast skin. For the stuffing lovers, cook the dressing in a casserole dish on the side.
5. For even roasting, truss your turkey.
6. Before roasting, coat the outside of the turkey with vegetable or olive oil, season with salt and pepper and tightly cover the breast with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning (it will be removed in step 7).
7. Don’t be a peeping tom (no pun intended)! Once you get the turkey in the oven, resist the temptation to open the oven door and admire your handiwork. When the oven temperature fluctuates, you’re only increasing the likelihood of a dry bird. About 45 minutes before you think the turkey is done, remove the foil from the breast to allow it to brown.
8. Remove the turkey from the oven when the deepest spot between the leg and the breast reads 180 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Check the internal temperature of the stuffing as well; it should be at least 165 degrees.
9. Tent the bird with foil and let rest for about 15 minutes before carving. If you need more time to make gravy, heat up side dishes, etc., you can let the turkey set for up to an hour without losing too much heat.
10. Remember to carve your turkey with a very sharp or electic knife.
Courtesy of Food Network
Thanksgiving Gratitude Candle Ceremony
Thanksgiving| No Comments »Thanksgiving Gratitude Candle Ceremony
We all know the importance of expressing daily gratitude, although we sometimes forget, and Thanksgiving Day provides us with the perfect opportunity to experience gratitude at an even deeper level than you may have in the past.
1. In advance of Thanksgiving Day, begin by thinking of all the people that you would like to have with you at your dinner table on Thursday that, for whatever reason, cannot be there. Include those who are unable to travel, who you are unable to visit and those who are no longer with us. Make a list of their names and count how many there are.
2. Then, buy a small candle for each person on your list and at your Thanksgiving dinner light each one, honoring your gratitude to them for whatever gift they brought to your life. Let their presence be with you as you include them in your Thanksgiving celebrations.
Robert Silverstone
Silverstone Consulting
www.thegrowprinciple.com
Quotation: Thanksgiving Gratitude
Thanksgiving| No Comments »Thanksgiving Gratitude
Gratitudes are expressions of gratefulness for things outside of yourself: people, place, situation and things that are external. Always be specific as possible in your gratitudes. Gratitudes are very powerful; they can literally change your perspective of the world. You see opportunities where there were none before. You are open to possibilities that, in the past, would have felt impossible. You become more positive. You see people differently. You begin to notice little things. Stress dissolves. Your smile returns. Life seems doable.
~Rhonda Britten, Change Your Life in 30 Days
25 Ways To Say Thanks
Thanksgiving, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »25 Ways To Say Thanks
As I look back through the archives of "Living Wisely," I see that gratitude has been the theme of several of my articles around the holiday season. The old words seem to drum home the importance of being grateful for what
we have. This year, in the face of financial crises and the loss of veritable institutions that we’ve relied on for employment it may be more important than ever to find a silver lining in order to endure. In a time when our feelings probably outweigh our ability to express them, I thought it might be helpful to explore some ways to say thanks and experience feeling grateful.
1. Say Thank-You with your eyes
Make more eye contact with people. Really connect with the gratitude for being alive by connecting with another human through their eyes.
2. Write a Thank-You note
Write a note that thanks someone for being in your life without them having done anything or given you anything recently.
3. Tell people what they mean to you
Do not let an opportunity go by to tell someone what they mean to you personally and/or professionally. Let people know how they make a difference in your life.
4. Perform a Random-Act-of-Kindness
Anonymously, do something outrageously kind or generous for someone else. Never tell.
5. Create a daily ritual that expresses gratitude
List five things a day you are grateful for, light a candle, say a prayer, tell someone you love them, send out a daily email to your closest buds. Come up with something that will daily put you in contact with gratitude.
6. Volunteer
Hold a hand or lend a hand. Just help someone who needs help more than you do. It will give you amazing perspective on your life.
7. Pick up a treasure
When you see something that reminds you of someone you care about, pick it up for them and give it to them ‘just because’.
8. Make a Donation (even if you think you can’t afford to)
Sharing your money, expecting nothing in return, is a powerful way to show you are grateful for what you have.
9. Write or create something and donate the proceeds
Create something that can be sold to support a cause.
10. Give of yourself
The gift of your time and attention makes a great statement about how much someone means to you
11. Make a kid’s day
Giving a child a special day that will forever be a happy memory will be a win-win you won’t soon forget
12. Write a letter to the editor
If someone in your town (a teacher, a neighbor, a service provider) did something really great, write to the editor of your town newspaper to give that person a little extra acknowledgement. Tell people how this person went out of their way to help. You’ll warm some hearts and maybe cause of positive ripple effect for the person you thanked publicly.
13. Bring a friend along for the ride
If you get an opportunity of a lifetime or get ushered up your career ladder by a helping hand, bring someone you know with you. Do what you can to bring them along. Be that helping hand to the next person.
14. Share a meal
‘Breaking bread’ with somebody or a group a people is a great way to express your thanks for them. Serve them as if they were kings.
15. Park yourself in an awesome spot in nature
A majestic view helps to humble your ego and help you appreciate the richness of your world.
16. Finger paint
Get dirty finger-painting and feel the energy going through your fingers as you press through the paint on to the paper. Feel the privilege of having a body that works.
17. Plant a tree or some flowers (depending on region!)
There is a sanctity to putting living things in the earth to encourage their growth. You don’t have to be a ‘tree hugger’ to appreciate what the earth has given you by giving something back to it.
18. Dedicate something to someone significant to you
Say thank you by honoring someone with a dedication. Whether it’s something you have written or a performance or a book, or maybe even a project, dedicate it as an acknowledgment.
19. List the people that make your life easier
Write down a list of people that are in your life that do things with you or for you that make your life a little easier. Imagine if they were not there and how much would be on your plate.
20. Give away all you no longer need
Taking stock of your stuff and seeing it go on to people that can use it, gives you an appreciation for all you have.
21. Make someone something
Engage your creativity, suspend judgment and express your thanks for someone by making them a gift. Whether you have a particular craft or talent is not necessary. Share your creation and tell the receiver what you did to create it.
22. Help someone feel important
Sing Happy Birthday at your own birthday party to someone whose birthday closely follows yours. Acknowledge someone else publicly while you hold the floor. Include someone at the ‘head table’ of an event who would not expect to be there. Do something for someone else’s self-esteem.
23. Document someone else’s life
Dust off your camcorder and record an oral history by a family member, friend or interesting acquaintance. You can even forget the camera and just get someone to talk about the stories of their life. Just when you think you’ve been through it all or you’ve hear it all, you’ll fill with the appreciation for the journey we are all on.
24. Kidnap a friend or loved one for a day devoted to them
Show up unexpectedly and steal someone away for a day of activities handpicked for your friend’s enjoyment. Take them to eat their favorite kind of food, take them to a movie they would love to see, take them to their favorite sporting event or shopping place. Plan a day that has nothing to do with you. Devote it to them.
25. Say Thank You and Mean It
‘Thank you’ can sometimes take on the same worn familiarity as your most comfy slippers and lose it’s true value. Pay more attention as you say it and really mean it.
Giddy, ecstatic, humbled, moved, awed—grateful.
However, the emotion registers for you, each of these actions can likely get you there. It is that intense feeling of being alive that we crave. Despite any troubles we may be dealing with, remember the feeling these 25 ways give you and recreate it every day. That is living. That is worth Thanksgiving.
by Laura Berman Fortgang, Speaker, Author, Coach
Copyright ©2007-2008 Laura Berman Fortgang.
Reprintable when full credit is given.
www.LauraBermanFortgang.com
Suggested Reading
Attitudes of Gratitude: How To Give and Receive Joy Everyday of Your Life
by M. J. Ryan
Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
by Robert Emmons
Heart of the Holidays: Yuletide Treasures & Traditions. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Mother: A tribute to a mother’s love. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Woman: Insights on the strength and wisdom of women. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Woman in Business: Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success, by Sheryl L. Roush
Photo: Thanksgiving Peace
Thanksgiving| 1 Comment »Thanksgiving Peace
This photo was taken during a silent retreat at Spirit Rock.
This proves even turkeys seek inner peace through prayer and meditation.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy!
Dr. Luann Linquist
…as seen on OPRAH
Business Relationships & Communication
www.DeleteStress.com
62nd Annual Mother Goose Parade
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Stories, Thanksgiving| 1 Comment »62nd Annual Mother Goose Parade
THEME: "Heroes of Might and Magic"
Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
The Mother Goose Parade is the largest parade in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi. Each year, the parade attracts thousands of spectators to the streets of El Cajon, California to view the parade for free on the "Sunday before Thanksgiving." CLICK HERE for the Mother Goose official website.
The extravagant Mother Goose Parade is recognized as the official start of the holiday season in San Diego County.
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The tradition of the Mother Goose Parade is to unite friends and families on a day of free family entertainment; and to understand the value of unity, family bonding, and social togetherness for all ages, races, and ethnicities that this parade is designed for.
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Each year, the Parade entices new elements to insure the highest entertainment value of our partners and sponsors; and the enjoyment of the thousands of spectators that line the streets. Grandstands open at 7:00am. Parade kicks off at 10:00am
Pre-Parade Concert entertianment is MENUDO!
The 2008 Honorary Grand Marshals are Tori Spelling (90210), KayCee Stroh, and the San Diego Padres Adrian Gonzalez.
This year we are proud to present our family-oriented theme, "Heroes of Might and Magic" that will guarantee to bring smiles to children’s faces. "The Hulk" Lou Ferrigno is appearing!
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This is more than a parade, it’s an event!
Parade day for a spectacular event of colorful and exciting entries for people of all ages, especially our children, that continues to thrill spectators with the old-fashion spirit of magic and fun that is America.
Volunteer Parade Route Announcers are members of Toastmasters International, the world’s largest non-profit educational organization dedicated to effective communication and leadership. Local Toastmasters are members of District 5.
HISTORY OF THE PARADE
Prominent El Cajon businessman Thomas Wigton was driving home from Los Angeles one rainy evening and had a brainstorm! The El Cajon business community had to give the children a Christmas present and he hit on the idea of a parade. Everybody loves a parade and El Cajon didn’t have one yet but Tom knew the kids in El Cajon would love it!
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Seven of them met in El Cajon accountant David Cathers living room in 1947. Jack Maranda remembers it well. "When Tom Wigton asked you to help, you really didn’t say no to him," Jack chuckled. "We all thought it was a great idea but we really didn’t know how we were going to do it."
They received a $150 donation from the City of El Cajon’s Chamber of Commerce, called meetings and planned the first parade for Friday night, November 28, 1947. The Mayor of El Cajon made a televised announcement the night before the parade. "We’re having a parade tomorrow and want you all to come." Population in El Cajon was approximately 1,500 and parade night was bitterly cold. However, about 25,000 spectators packed the short streets to watch the parade! Three floats were entered and the El Cajon Rotary Club probably got the most attention. A tree was part of the display and the float’s Santa climbed it to give the audience a better view. His costume got stuck and he was suspended from the tree for the duration of the parade. Everyone thought it was planned and loved it.
The parade’s success and reputation spread throughout the country. The third parade drew 100,000 and an ad hoc committee was formed to plan the next parades. In 1950, the non-profit Mother Goose Parade Association was formed. By-laws were created, officers were elected and the Mother Goose Parade Association logo and name were registered as trademarks.
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In 1950, the parade expanded to include a parade Queen and Court. Young women in the area were invited to compete in the Queen’s contest to raise funds for the parade and the Rotary Club, El Cajon Lions, Kiwanis Clubs and Chamber of Commerce actively participated to ensure the parade’s success. Decals were sold to raise money and grandstand seats were made available. The growth was visible but Mother Nature stepped in to throw a curve. Rain fell so hard that year a float driver smashed into a light pole because he couldn’t see. The parade was postponed until 8:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving night and, despite the holiday, the parade still drew over 100,000 spectators. In 1982, a weekend downpour forced cancellation.
In 1963, history stepped in. More than 300,000 spectators and 94 units were in place when word was received President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The parade was postponed to December 1st due to the tragedy.
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The parade attracted over 400,000 in 1973 when Mickey and Minnie Mouse were Co-Grand Marshals and brought many Disneyland friends along to delight the spectators. That year, the "Mother Goose Ball" was the event of San Diego County and drew socialites from all over the Southland.
Prominent personalities who have participated in the parade include Juliette Prowse, Barry Sullivan, Barbara Rush, David Niven, Liza Minneli, Will Geer, Glen Ford, Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner and innumerable elected officials and distinguished honorees. The Clydesdale Horses, U. S. Navy and U. S. Marine Corps bands have also performed and thrilled the spectators.
The parade association Board of Directors continues to consist of prominent members of the community who volunteer time and money to keep Tom Wigton’s dream alive and thriving. The association also receives much volunteer support from everyone who cares about supporting an event that honors family values, children and giving back to the community. The Mother Goose Parade Association is part of El Cajon’s fiber, and supporters and sponsors proudly participate in the parade and program and display their membership certificates and decals.
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The Queen’s Contest has become a valuable and impressive experience for young women in high school and college. In addition to raising money for the association through sales of decals, memberships in the association, program ads and coronation tickets, they are given lessons in a variety of areas to enhance their personal and professional lives. They attend meetings where guest speakers tutor them about salesmanship, courtesy, family values, wardrobe, hair styling, makeup, walking, public speaking and other topics. They also receive instruction on various skills like karate and the end result is a well-rounded instruction to give them poise and experience to handle real-life situations at school, home and in the work place. Academic achievement is a pre-requisite to acceptance and written essays and response to questions asked by judges are some bases for selection. The winning queen and princesses make appearances at the annual parade and other events throughout the year. Scholarships are also given for college tuitions.
Some annual association fundraisers are the Mother Goose Parade Golf Tournament, and the famous Men’s Banquet. Tickets are also sold for the pageant Coronation where the new queen and princesses are chosen. The Coronation is a celebration that includes a sit-down dinner and recognizes the outgoing Queen and Court for representing the association throughout the year with grace and pride.
Today, spectators line the streets as the parade continues to grow as an extravaganza with different themes each year. Floats may choose a nursery rhyme theme or a display related to the annual theme, which are judged for distinguished awards. Parade entries include marching units, bands, floats, clowns, equestrians, performing artists, beautiful cars, the Queen and Court, other spectacular elements that provide entertainment, and don’t forget, Santa Claus, to ring in the Holiday Season.
The Mother Goose Parade is rich in history and delights children of all ages every "Sunday before Thanksgiving" which signals the beginning of the Christmas season as Santa comes to town at the end of the parade in his sleigh on his own special float pulled by model reindeer that soar through the sky.
The parade has evolved into San Diego’s largest parade and the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi. The event is broadcast on local television for viewers of San Diego County which increases in number each year.
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Parade weekend signals the beginning of Christmas festivities and is truly what it was originally intended to be . . . a "Celebration of Children Everywhere" because without the children, there is no future. It’s also a gift to our city and our country. But it’s mainly our gift to children of all ages . . . a day of mystical imagination, unhindered joy and excitement – a day to be remembered the rest of the year and the rest of their lives.
Thanksgiving Tips: Save Your Sanity with Sheryl Roush
Heart of the Holidays, Interviews, Thanksgiving| 3 Comments »Thanksgiving Tips: Save Your Sanity
Interview with Sheryl Roush
Lorri Allen, the Producer/Host of FamilyNet Television & Radio, interviewed Sheryl Roush, author of Heart of the Holidays today, on "Mornings with Lorri & Larry," broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia.
Sheryl shared tips to save your sanity over Thanksgiving, including these good reminders:
- Get plenty of SLEEP.
- Eat healthy, and drink wisely.
- Get outside for a short walk.
LISTEN TO THE LIVELY INTERVIEW HERE.
To enjoy the most of the holiday, she added these tips:
- Set positive intentions for the day/event.
- Be optimistic and stay flexible… plans change.
- You reserve the right to say NO to invitations.
- Schedule OPEN TIME on your calendar for YOU.
- Have your meal catered…. or potluck/buffet style….
- Have a "relief" staff to clear the table, and do the dishes.
- Plan the meal ahead of time, to avoid procrastination and stress.
- Serve dessert 1-2 hours after the meal, in another room.
- Focus on the “together-ness time” not the doing-ness tasks.
- Cherish the quality and sacred time.
- Bring fresh flowers to your hostess.
BONUS: Larry’s Sour Cream Pound Cake recipe (and his special secret), from Savannah Georgia
Sheryl read a couple of quotes by Erma Bombeck and Oprah Winfrey, and a short poem, “The Last Piece of Pie” by Lillian Berman published in from Heart of the Holidays.
Check out archived podcasts and forthcoming guests at www.FamilyNetRadio.com
"Mornings" airs from 6-9 am Eastern on Sirius Satellite 161, and from 7-9 am Eastern on FamilyNet Television.
LISTEN TO THE LIVELY INTERVIEW HERE.
Sheryl’s Heart Book Series are available at: Amazon.com, Borders.com, Borders stores,
Order personally autographed copies from Sheryl Roush at www.SparklePresentations.com
“Heart of the Holidays” Book Review by Angela England
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice| No Comments »“Heart of the Holidays”
Book Review
by Angela England
Type-A Mom Gift Guide – Gifts for Moms
Monday, 10 November 2008
Click here to see original post.
The perfect size for giving, a woman who enjoys reading could not get a better gift book for the Yuletide Holidays than this charming book, Heart of the Holidays: Holiday Inspirations Yuletide Treasures and Traditions by Sheryl Roush.
This delightful book came at the perfect time for me as I begin to look forward to the holidays and felt the stress of Thanksgiving preparation creeping up on me. Heart of the Holidays: Holiday Inspirations Yuletide Treasures & Traditions is written by Sheryl Roush and was published by Sparkle Press. As I curl up on the couch to feed my newborn, this holiday collection is easy to thumb through for a few minutes.
Not too heavy or bulky, the easy-to-read format of Heart of the Holidays, makes this book the perfect present to tuck into a stocking, present as a hostess gift for Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, or give on one of the days of Hanukkah. It makes the perfect book for bedroom end table, bathroom magazine rack, or to read just in bits and pieces if you are as busy as I am.
What Readers Will See in Heart of the Holidays
Heart of the Holidays presents readers with over 225 pages of delightful poems, quotes, stories, excerpts, songs, and inspiring sayings in six categories: Thanksgiving; Christmas; Yuletide Around the Globe; Hanukkah; Winter Solstice; and Ringing in the New Year.
I appreciated the range of quotes that were included by Sheryl Roush, covering the range from proverbial sayings, to traditional historic figures, to humorous quips by modern celebrities. For example, in the Thanksgiving section she quotes Oprah Winfrey saying, "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."
Not just quotes and songs, Roush has brought together the best of the holiday stories and essays available and gathered them altogether in one place. One of my favorites of these was in the Yuletide Around the Globe chapter, an excerpt from Helena Steiner-Hornsteyn, who says in a portion of Christmas in Sweden, "Even if you happen to live in a huge country mansion with a large dining room, on Christmas Eve you always eat in the kitchen together with those who mean something to you. Even if you are very sick you should appear for this meal to show the spirit of Christmas. Because at Christmas there are no barrier and no separations."
These thoughtful and uplifting samples are only a taste of what Heart of the Holidays by Sheryl Roush has to offer as a charming gift for a book lover, or harried housewife alike.
Where to buy Heart of the Holidays: Holiday Inspirations Yuletide Treasures & Traditions
JUST RELEASED: Heart of the Holidays the book plus the Heart of the Holidays BONUS MUSIC CD…. for only $19.95.
CLICK HERE