Reflections on 2010
Book Signings, Speaking Events, Stories| No Comments » 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.
I opened the San Diego Summer Pops, for a Lincoln Military Housing sponsored 4th of July Concert for enlisted service members and their families, with the distinct honor of introducing famed conductor and award-winning songwriter Marvin Hamlisch.
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.
Mom turned 80 years old in June, with a SURPRISE PARTY — with a SAN DIEGO PADRES Baseball theme! Keeping the dinner a complete surprise from her was a notable accomplishment for all family and friends present! (Pictured: Hiram, Beverly, and me)
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.
Such is the circle of life… after 14 remarkable years, my orange Tabby kitty, Tigger, passed November 17, from a tumor on his brain. This brilliant feline helped me write five books and was the subject of many of my stories and speeches. I cried to the depths of my soul; yet thankful that I recorded his purring on my iPhone months ago.
Dear friend, business adviser and speaking colleague, John Reddish, passed at 64, to Lymphoma cancer. He expanded my thinking, focused my creativity and guided my direction. Mine was only one of thousands he touched in the National Speakers Association.
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!
Double Book Signing Event at Borders-Long Beach, CA
Book Signings| No Comments »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
Major Mom writes note on Freedom
Heart of a Military Woman| No Comments »
I served 14 years in the US Air Force and it was a great way of life. I worked with nuclear weapons, but I never had to face battle. Sometimes, when you don’t work the front lines, you don’t feel important… but everyone in the service is important from Chow Hall Cooks to Admin Troops.
Freedom is NOT FREE. There is a price.
I thank God I am here to raise my children and I know there are hundreds this year that did not make it home and millions since the start of our country that did not make it home to support their families.
Thank you God for our great nation and the courageous men and women that fight for our Freedom every day!
-Major Mom
Angela Cody-Rouget
Angela Cody-Rouget, Major, USAF Veteran
www.MajorMom.biz
Editor’s note: Angela’s stories:
"Good Leaders Are Good Followers"
and
"Stenographer Sends Enemy Communication" a tribute to Loretta Cohn, Stenographer, 2 Lt. Women’s Army Air Corp (WAAC) are published in the Veterans Day release of Heart of a Military Woman, by co-authors Sheryl Roush and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez.
VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother … Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)
Corazon de Mujer (printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)