Reflections on 2009
Stories| No Comments »
Reflections on 2009
by Sheryl Roush, December 26, 2009
As I look back at this "most interesting" year, insightful during this economically challenging, globally-warming, and emotionally growing year, sitting at the keyboard the day after Christmas, wearing my fluffy Santa socks and Reindeer sweatshirt, and indulging in the best Sweet Potato Yam left-overs I’ve ever made, I reflect upon the "most interesting" events of this year, for me personally and professionally, and share the highlights here.
New Year’s Eve 12/31/2008
Did vision boards with my best friend, Debbi McGill, to attract her perfect mate. She met Peter Alexis in June (even though she’d known of him all her life through her big Greek family), dated, and got engaged in December. Their wedding date set for April 2010.
Insights: YES, we are ALL that powerful of manifesters when we FOCUS on what we want. And that soul mates truly DO exist.
January 13, 2009
While being an audience member at the Dr. Phil show during his taping of the new season, I won a prize for DANCING. Same day, while being an audience member (proudly wearing a San Diego Chargers shirt) at THE PRICE IS RIGHT, I heard hollered those words "Sheryl Roush….Come on Down!" Even though being the last bidder of the show, and the lady next to me won the double grand showcases, I still walked away with $2,000 worth of great prizes! And had a conversation with show host Drew Carey, about the Charger Girls. What a hoot! (Pictured: San Diegan Ester Berry and our signs they make when they call your name in the studio.) The show has aired several times since its original broadcast on February 26.
Insights: It helps to be present to win! Be who you ARE… don’t try to be something–or someone–you’re not.
April 2009:
Spoke in a real Castle. Benedict Castle. Dressed in full costume. Over the years the castle has been used as the setting for several movies such as Hunchback of Notre Dame, Bride of Frankenstein, 1948’s Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein and 1965’s Two On a Guillotine with William Conrad and Connie Stevens. Located in Riverside, CA.
Insights: No matter what age or profession, you can still play "dress-up" and have fun!
Presented at the Bakersfield’s Women’s Business Conference, on the program with hilarious Vicki Lawrence of The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family.
May 7, 2009:
Star Trek, the new movie released! Saw the first showing in San Diego day… on the first day… on the IMAX screen. I’m a Trekkie… need I say more?
Coached the San Diego Charger Girl cheerleaders for my ninth consecutive year, conducting a 7-week training program, boosting self-esteem, public speaking and media interview skills of 28 amazing young and talented women. (I know, tough job, but someone’s got to do it, right?)
July 24-26, 2009:
Comic-Con International San Diego is the largest native event hosted in my home town each year, and 2009 celebrated its 40th annual convention. Originally started in 1970 with a one-day minicon (think of it as "Comic-Con Zero") at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego, it featured comic artists. Today, Sci-Fi stars, authors, producers, galore thrill their costumed fans.
This summer, I was asked to serve as "handler" for Star Trek’s "Mr. Spock" Leonard Nimoy and "Data" Brent Spiner, plus "Hercules" Kevin Sorbo for the 4-day event. <Twist my arm — and pinch me, too!>
What a pleasure to get to know each of these stars, and be of service, by their side, driving them through the city, attending to their needs. Mr. Nimoy impressed me as such a gentle giant, incredibly talented, well beyond his galactic character, but also as a photographer, poet, and gentleman. Great sense of humor too. We laughed over autographing Trouble with Tribbles, and the fun he had with his adoring fans. As I delivered him curbside at the airport on our final day, he embraced me with a most endearing hug, and placed gentle kiss on my cheek. "You are, and will forever be, my friend," rings so true of words in this meeting with this amazing man.
August 14, 2009:
Received the esteemed Presidential Citation from Toastmasters international President Jana Barnhill, in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Selected from 253,000 members in 106 countries. "This award recognizes your outstanding achievements in representing the goals and ideals of Toastmasters International. It is one of Toastmasters’ highest honors. We congratulate you for your outstanding contributions and dedication to the Toastmasters International ideals."
– Toastmasters International headquarters
"Sheryl Roush, a Toastmaster of 22 years and Past District Five Governor, is an Accredited Speaker. A frequent presenter at district training sessions and conferences, regional conferences, and international conventions, Sheryl willingly contributes to the organization at all levels. As a professional speaker, she has and continues to promote Toastmasters in her local community and around the world. Her published works include material for and about Toastmasters. But Sheryl is best, one-on-one as coach and mentor, touching the heart of every Toastmaster with whom she comes in contact."
– Herb Nowlin, DTM, Past International Director, Parliamentarian for Toastmasters International
Insights: It’s easier to be humble when serving others without seeking to receive awards. Do what you know is right in your heart, giving without expectation. Besides, if you’re resting on your laurels, you’re wearing them in the wrong place.
September 25, 2009:
Heard the live, bilingual teachings of the Dalai Lama at the Long Beach Arena. Such a centered and wise old soul, yet young at heart, playful and adorably funny.
Insight: Kindness is the true way to enlightenment.
September 30, 2009:
United Way of Stanislaus County in Modesto, California, hired me to keynote their annual Womens’ Leadership Council fund-raiser Power of the Purse Luncheon, on Sparkle-Tude!® and printed custom copies of my Sparkle-Tudes!® A-Z Quotation books for attendees.
Insights: There are many worthy causes that consistently need financial and energetic support. United Way is an amazing outreach to those charities, changing lives, supporting families and touching hearts. Lend support where you can.
October 4, 2009:
Family Reading, Inc., is a non-profit organization helping families develop a positive home learning environment. Founder Seth Sherwood-Flores asked me to keynote the program, with long-time speaking colleague Marcie Shimoff, author of Happy for No Reason and the woman behind the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, held at the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, CA. In good form, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson were present for speaking and photos. (Yes, of course I posed with them! It’s not everyday you see these historic figures.)
October 27, 2009:
Only one month after seeing the Dalai Lama, and on the same stage, at the Governor’s Women’s Conference, heard Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver with Madeline Albright, Geena Davis, Katie Couric, Ashton Kucher, Alicia Keyes, Lisa Ling…
Insights: There is still MUCH to be done for the womens’ voice to be heard; for women’s work to be acknowledged; and for women’s pay to equal that of her male counterparts.
Veterans Day:
Released the sixth book in my Heart Book Series, Heart of a Military Woman, co-authored with Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, celebrating all branches of our service, with 100 stories and tributes, 21 poems to those who serve our country. December 2nd, signed books with 20 famous writers of the San Diego Chapter of the Military Writer’s Society of America at the San Diego Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.
Thanksgiving Day:
Hosted two young U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton, who had only been out of boot camp three weeks, and not off base until this holiday. My parents (Dad on left, Hiram Roush, PFC Martin Abraham (NY), Mom, Beverly Roush) PFC Joseph Davis (TN), and I enjoyed for 13 hours, 2 meals, 3 pies and Brownies, Ice Skating on the beach at the Hotel del Coronado, sightseeing on San Diego Harbor, and "Old Dogs" with Robin Williams and John Travolta (a funny movie with a family message). The experience profoundly touched each of our lives, and we still stay in touch. At the end of the evening, I signed gift copies of my new Heart of a Military Woman book for each of their mothers, and my Heart of the Holidays books for them. It brought tears to my eyes, and joy to each of our hearts.
Insights: The joy of time together is priceless. Be courageous and step out of your comfort zone – it’s worth it to meet new people.
December 4-5, 2009:
Each year Lightspeed Fine Art hosts their annual Celebrity Charity headlining big-name stars from Sci-Fi to benefit the American Cancer Society. What a thrill to have my photo taken with Jonathan Frakes "Cmd. Riker" from Star Trek: The Next Generation and his soap opera actress wife, Genie Francis.
The highlight for me this year, was meeting Eddie McClintock (and his wife Lynn) from Warehouse 13, and having dinner with Kevin Sorbo, best known as the hunk on Hercules and "Captain Dillon Hunt" on Andromeda. It was great to hang out with him again since Comic-Con this summer.
Speaking Engagements included:
* Keynote opening with Sparkle-Tude!® for the AADA, the Alliance of the American Dental Association conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
* Keynoted for CASBO, the California Association of School Business Officials, then served on a hosted panel for the AEDG-Affiliate Executive Directors’ Group and ASBO International.
* Keynoted the California’s Convention for Epsilon Sigma Alpha with Sparkle-Tude!®
* The Zoological Society of San Diego (5 years training management) at the "World Famous" San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park on "Creating a Positive Work Environment" and "Basic Supervisory Skills for Managers."
* AICI the annual convention for the Association of Image Consultants International.
* Luncheon presentations for the Women in Transportation International, Women in Leisure Services (Parks & Recreation), MOAA-Military Officers Association of America, and several Chapters of Rotary International in Southern California.
* Annual Tenant Meeting and quarterly Secret Shopping and customer service trainings for Lake Elsinore Outlets.
* Customer Service trainings for Marriott Hotels, and Shelbyville (Iliinois) School District and Lincoln Military Housing, provide premier homes and outstanding management and maintenance services to military families, who deserve nothing less.
* Keynoted for CalSAE, the California Society Association of Executives, San Diego and Oakland Chapters on different management-enriching programs.
* Trained Sparkle When You Speak!™ for HM Engineering, Inc.
* Dinner presentation on Sparkle-Tude®: Women in Business for IAAP-Central Valley Chapter in Modesto, CA.
* SCORE-San Diego’s Womens’ Networking Breakfast on "Solid Gold Marketing Design" to a sold-out audience and standing ovation.
* National Speakers Association/Greater Los Angeles Chapter.
* Speaking and mentoring members of Toastmasters International always warms my heart, and I had the privilege to present at:
District 4’s Fall Conference (Santa Clara, CA) with International President Gary Schmidt
District 9’s Fall Conference (Moses Lake, WA) with 3rd Vice President John Lau from Malaysia,
and was the headliner at District 15’s Fall Conference (Salt Lake City, UT).
Accolades include:
* The Hospitality Human Resources Association selected Sparkle Presentations, Inc., my company, as their VENDOR OF THE YEAR.
* Army Wife Network, selected Heart of a Military Woman book as their January 2010 Book of the Month choice.
* Published in The Business of Successful Speaking, by Andrea Gold and Gary Yamamoto, Owners of Gold Star Speakers Bureau. My tips are published in the "Best Practices of Professional Speakers" section.
* Mentioned in December 2009 Toastmasters Magazine, for finding the International President Gary Schmidt his new job, thanks for Facebook connections.
* Published in Peter Fogel’s World’s Best Public Speaking Secrets.
* Published in the National Speakers Association Speaker Magazine, April 2009.
* Referenced in Frank Adamo’s 31 Tips to Becoming an Effective Presenter book.
* Interviewed by Johnny Campbell on his "Accredited Speaker Secrets Revealed" audio CD and workbook program for Toastmasters who want to become professional speaker. Our candid, how-to interview is one full CD, of the 7-CD program.
Book Signing Events:
May 9th, Earthblend Tea & Coffee, Tierrasanta (San Diego, CA). Mother’s Day signing event.
May 9th, Borders-Eastlake in Chula Vista.
December 12th Borders-Eastlake in Chula Vista (San Diego County) hosted 17 contributors to the Heart Book Series for a 6-book bilingual reading and autographing… the largest in their history. Contributors came from Canada, and throughout Southern California for the event.
December 20th, Borders-Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, Inland Empire and Riverside County hosted signing event with six contributors–all Toastmasters–in a packed store and shopping frenzy, four days before Christmas!
Radio Interviews included:
* PurposeTalk Radio
* Mornings with Lorri and Larry (2x)
* The Dr. Bunny Show – "Here’s the Thing" on KKZZ 1400 Listen to the Full Show here.
* What’s Your Bottom Line? with Angie Strader
* Army Wife Network, Sheryl Roush and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez were interviewed on the Heart of a Military Woman book. Full Radio Show.
* Montel Williams on Montel Across America (for Mother’s Day on my Heart of a Mother book) and December 4th for our new Heart of a Military Woman book.
On the Home Front:
Every family has their challenges, which brings them closer together in God’s Divine plan, and my family is no different. This June, my middle brother, Steve, was diagnosed with Stage 3-4 metastatic Melanoma, skin cancer. Our family is being of the most support for him and his family, as he continues his treatment, with another spot recently discovered. Following Steve’s lead, I also got my skin checked out, and had six biopsies taken on my skin, with one coming up as pre-melanoma, and had it surgically removed this week.
Insight: We learn along with others in our lives, making notes for how to improve our own lives, and being of support for their lives also enriches our own. "We’re all in this together" and it takes "all" of us.
Looking Ahead:
There’s no time like the present to look ahead with optimism. Having a vision for our lives, setting goals for ourselves, glimpsing into "the bigger picture" and our contribution to it. Regardless of the temporary adversities in our own lives, there are others who also need hope. Regardless of our own economic struggles, there are others less fortunate than ourselves to serve. Regardless of how much we love each other, there are still more people in the world who need to feel loved. And regardless of how "bad" we think things are… Life is still good! Count your blessings. I know I do! Here’s to 2010!
December 12 BOOK SIGNING EVENT at Borders Eastlake
Book Signing Events, Book Signings, Corazón de Mujer, Heart of a Military Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of the Holidays| 1 Comment »Heart Book Series Contributors Autograph December 12, 2009 at Borders Eastlake, Chula Vista, California
UNIQUE MULTI-AUTHOR EVENT!
Sheryl Roush and contributors to the Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays, Corazón de Mujer, Heart of a Woman in Business, and the brand new Veterans Day release of Heart of a Military Woman books will be autographing copies on Saturday, December 12, from 2:00-5:00pm at BORDERS bookstore in Eastlake of Chula Vista, San Diego, California.
More than a book signing, contributors will READ THEIR original STORY, TRIBUTE, or POEM to shoppers in English and in Spanish!
Author and professional speaker, Sheryl Roush gives presentations around the globe, at conferences and for corporations, helping to rekindle the spirit, raise the bar, and create excitement. Her gift for inspiring touches hearts and offers a positive outlook on daily life. A native San Diegan–and born in Chula Vista–she was crowned “Ms. Heart of San Diego” (twice) for contributions to our community.
Contributors at book reading and signing event include:
Loni Anderson
Sarah Arnold
Kathi Burns
Dharlene Fahl-Brittian
Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
Jan Mills (Canada)
Darcy Lovgren Pavich
Beverly Roush
Sheryl Roush
Laura Rubinstein
Seth Sherwood-Flores
Gina Simmons
Lyn White
COME MEET THESE AUTHORS and have your books personally autographed!
Perfect for holiday gifts people will keep, read and cherish!
BORDERS – SAN DIEGO
Eastlake Chula Vista
878 Eastlake Parkway
Chula Vista, CA 91914
Store Phone: 619.482.9883
Mother’s Day Book Signing: BORDERS-Eastlake
Book Signings, Heart of a Mother| No Comments »Mother’s Day Book Signing: BORDERS-Eastlake
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.
Order books from Amazon.com, Borders, Borders.com and SparklePresentations.com
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.
May 10, 2008 BOOK SIGNING EVENT at Borders Eastlake
Book Signing Events, Book Signings, Corazón de Mujer, Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, Mother's Day 2008 Book Signings| No Comments »Heart Book Contributors Autograph May 10, 2008 at Borders Eastlake, Chula Vista, California
UNIQUE MULTI-AUTHOR EVENT!
Sheryl Roush and contributors to the Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays and brand new Corazón de Mujer books will be autographing copies on Saturday, May 10 from 3:00-6:00pm at BORDERS bookstore in Eastlake of Chula Vista, San Diego, California.
More than a book signing, contributors will READ THEIR original STORY or POEM to shoppers! Contributors present will include: Maria Carter, Dharlene Fahl-Brittian, Cassandra Northington (Oklahoma), Consuelo Sanchez, Elisa Castaneda, Eln Albert, and Sheryl’s mother Beverly Roush, joining series originator Sheryl Roush from San Diego. The group will be celebrating Mother’s Day with dinner locally following the book signing event.
COME MEET THESE AUTHORS and have your books personally autographed!
Perfect for Mother’s Day gifts!
BORDERS – SAN DIEGO
Eastlake Chula Vista
878 Eastlake Parkway
Chula Vista, CA 91914
Store Phone: 619.482.9883