Reflections on 2009
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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!" .jpg)
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.
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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!
Sheryl Roush Interviewed by Montel Williams
Heart of a Military Woman, Interviews, Patriotism| 4 Comments »Sheryl Roush Interviewed by Montel Williams
Friday, December 4, 2009
Montel Williams interviewed San Diegan Sheryl Roush on his live national MONTEL ACROSS AMERICA radio show this morning.
A former Navy wife, Sheryl just released the Heart of a Military Woman book, co-authored with Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, USAF Retired Master Sergeant, on Veterans Day this year.
Montel’s introduction overview of the book was eloquent, and commenting about supporting the families of the active military member too. Sheryl read the opening poem "Military Women" by Virginia Ellis. Montel and Sheryl agreed that whether we support the decision to send more troops or not, we need to support our troops — there and here on the homefront.
The program aired LIVE then are archived at
http://airamerica.com/montelacrossamerica/
Today’s podcast is posted here:
http://airamerica.com/ondemand/12-04-2009/montel-12-04-2009-09-04-01/
Sheryl Roush is the President/CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., and author of the Heart Book Series. As an inspirational speaker, she boosts morale and attitude, creating positive work environments and rekindling the spirit in organizations. Her other titles in the series include: Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays and Corazon de Mujer (Spanish).
Montel Williams is passionate about his country, his issues, and his audience. After a 17-year run as Emmy-winning host of his own daily daytime television program, Montel turned to radio as his new forum. His daily program features unique insight on social, political, and economic issues along with information on health and wellness for his listeners. Montel Across America is often broadcast from cities across the country and around the world, as Montel seeks to get up close and personal with his listeners and the issues he features.
Williams began his career when he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1974, and followed that with an appointment to the Naval Academy, where he studied Mandarin Chinese and developed a specialty in cryptology. An accomplished author, Williams has published eight books to date, four of which were New York Times Bestsellers. His latest release Living Well Emotionally hit bookstores on January 6th, 2009 and has received critical acclaim.
“Heart of a Woman” Book Review by Kirsti A. Dyer
Heart of a Woman| 2 Comments »
“Heart of a Woman”
Book Review
by Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS, FT
Type-A Mom Gift Guide – Gifts for Moms
November 6, 2008
Posted here.
According to the book cover, "Heart of a Woman
In Heart of a Woman Roush includes cherished classics, personal favorites, and more recent original writings from inspirational people such as Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil, Maya Angelou, Bill Cosby, Louise Hay, Barbara De Angelis and Marianne Williamson. I had been excited to discover that two of my quotes were featured in the "Death & Grieving" section (which are also posted on my site, Journey of Hearts).
Heart of a Woman is part of a series of inspirational books written by international speaker and author Sheryl L. Roush. In addition to Heart of a Woman as part of her Heart Book Series, Roush has also published, 
Almost A to Z’s on Topics – Roush has divided the collection into nearly 90 topics from "Ageless Living" to "Worthiness." In the 288 pages she shares poems, stories and quotes on a variety of topics. You can sit down, sift through the pages or read it from cover to cover and find something that will inspire you, "rekindle your spirit and touch your soul." She offers poems, stories and quotes on topics such as "A Woman’s Intuition,""Chocolate," "Estrogen," "Fulfill Your Heart’s Desires," "Husbands," "Living with Joy," "Making a Difference," "Military Relationships," "Pets," "Raising Fearless Women," "Sisters," "Stay at Home Moms" and "Women in History."
Gift Size – At 6.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches Heart of a Woman is a good size as a ‘thinking of you,’ inspiration or house-warming gift.
Cost – You can purchase Heart of a Woman for under $15.00.
About the Author – Sheryl L. Roush, Sparkle Presentations
Sheryl Roush is an internationally top-rated presenter, known for her high-energy, high-content, how-to presentations. Her audiences are involved, engaged and energized!
Sheryl has spoken on programs alongside celebrities including: Olivia Newton-John, Geena Davis, Deborah Norville, Jane Seymour, Good Morning America’s Joan Lunden, Erin Brockovich, Thurl Bailey, and Art Linkletter… and business giants including: Robert G. Allen, Jim Cathcart, Mark Victor Hansen, Southwest Airlines’ CEO Howard Putnam, Suze Orman, and the Gallup Organization’s Marcus Buckingham.
What Amazon Reviewers are Saying about Heart of a Woman
Amazon reviewers have given Heart of a Woman five stars out of five. This is what two reviewers had to say:
In the ongoing quest to understand myself and others, I often look for insight. Heart of a Woman is a treasure trove of inspirational insights into the hearts of women as they, and as men who love them, tell it. Sheryl Roush has compiled a wonderful resource that just makes you feel good for having picked it up and read an entry or two. — John Reddish
As women, we live very busy and complicated lives and this book has a way of making everything in our lives, and hearts, make sense. I have laughed and cried while reading it! I imagine when I’m done reading it, I will read it all over again. I love it so much that I am ordering another one for my mother-in-law, just because.
Thank you Sheryl Roush for putting together this wonderful collection of stories, quotes, etc.; it has touched my heart! — Brook H.
This collection of inspirations and insights on the strength and wisdom of women would be a welcome gift for someone who needs a bit of inspiration.
You can find Heart of a Woman on Amazon in book
Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor, lecturer, writer and author. Dr. Dyer is trained in Internal Medicine or an Adult Medicine specialty. She is the mother of two young energetic daughters. Dr. Dyer created and has maintained Journey of Hearts, a website for anyone who has ever experienced a loss. She is also the Parent of a very healthy NICU Survivor. She is the author of For Those Who Hold the Littlest Hands, an eBook written to provide information, encouragement and support for NICU parents.
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)
National Business Women’s Week Poem: Heart of a Woman in Business
Heart of a Woman in Business| No Comments »National Business Women’s Week Poem:
Heart of a Woman in Business
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This is the opening poem to the new book,
Heart of a Woman in Business:
Stories, Strategies and Skills for
Business Success,
by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Woman in Business
by Sheryl L. Roush
A woman in business is like no other
Multi-brilliant at work, and often too, a mother.
Guided by vision to make a difference in this world,
Reporting for service, with her hair even curled.
Ready to go, whenever the need
She knows in her heart, there’s a calling to feed.
To do right, to speak up, determined to succeed
A role model that plants the possibility seed.
Knows who she is, right down to the core
Her essence, her passion—shine all the more!
She’s in charge with a handle on it all.
At the office, at home, or at the mall.
Even in the depth of all she may know
Realizes there’s still plenty room to grow.
So energetic, creative and fun…
Early rise, there’s much to be done!
She still finds time to laugh and to play
Sacred time too, to kneel and to pray
It comes from inside, driven by vision,
Get on board – she’s on a great mission!
Her daily prayer resides in God’s grace
Serving others from her heart sets the pace
Making use of her talent, wisdom and skill
From strengths and trust in Divine will.
Gentle, compassionate, loving and strong
In this sisterhood of success you want to belong
Anything she puts her heart to she can do
She’s not alone sis’ta – as you can too!
The road to get here has been quite a ride
“Call me ‘Woman’– it’s my source of pride!”
Come along, she’s blazin’ new trail
A woman in business—whom we all hail!
-Sheryl L. Roush
©2008 Sheryl L. Roush, All rights reserved.
Permission to distribute or publish this poem, you must include author and book credit.
Sheryl Roush is an 8-time business entrepreneur, starting her first business at the young age of 16 in the patio of her parent’s home. She is a top-rated international speaker, inspiring people to bring their heart to work. Her programs rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement. www.SparklePresentations.com
Order your autographed printed copy of Heart of a Woman in Business book before October 31, 2008, and receive the FREE eBook version of Sparkle-Tudes! inspirational quotations for & by women, also written by Sheryl L. Roush. Order directly from the Sparkle Store at www.SparklePresentations.com for this offer.
(CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL OFFER)
National Business Women’s Week: Recommended Reading
Heart of a Woman in Business| 1 Comment »National Business Women’s Week:
Recommended Reading
This week is the nationally celebrated as National Business Women’s Week, acknowledging the accomplishments of working women everywhere.
Released September 9th and in honor of this annual celebration, Sheryl Roush released the newest book in the Heart Book Series, Heart of a Woman in Business, is an inspirational and professional treasury of original short stories, poems and quotations from over 80 contributors.
Heart of a Woman in Business is an inspirational collection celebrating working women and their unique contributions to the workplace. This "here’s how" book combines sisters-sharing-with-sisters insight with guidance, ideas, stories, and "I am doing it, you can too!" encouragement. It is a powerful book written by and for entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, part-timers, free-lancers, retirees, and working mothers. Experts, coaches, speakers, trainers, retirees, share their top tips, secrets and advice in conversational tone.
Contributors include: Andrea Glass, Christine Kloser, Darlene M. Fahl-Brittian, Debbie Allen, Debbie Lousberg, Helen Blanchard, Jeanie Callen Barat, Juliet Funt, Linda Salazar, Lynn Pierce, Marcia Reynolds, Sharon Wilson and "Dr. Zonnya" Laferney.
Sheryl Roush, an eight-time entrepreneur since age 16, knows a thing or two about being a woman in business. From competing in men’s sports beginning at age 8, to replacing men in corporate positions at age 20, and succeeding in traditionally male-dominated industries and organizations. She is the President and CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, California. Organizations hire her to rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement, from creating positive work environments to enhancing communication skills, and boosting morale and cooperation. Some of her clients include: 7-Up; IBM; Sheraton; Stampin’ Up!; Sony, the Women in Publishing Society, Hong Kong; Union Bank; US Census Bureau; Womens’ Council of Realtors; Women in Business Symposiums; and the Zoological Society of San Diego. Her other books include: Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays, Corazon de Mujer, and Sparkle-Tudes!
For autographed copies of the book, click here.
To learn more about Sheryl Roush visit www.SparklePresentations.com.
