Heart Book Series

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

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