Gold Star Families: The Knock on the Door When a Military Member Dies…

Heart of a Military Woman| No Comments »

This 12-minute video offers hope to those Gold Star Families, in the photo-video story of military families receiving the KNOCK when a loved one has died while in service to our United States Military. It shares the importance of Gold Star family connections in the wake of THE KNOCK, as well as education for those outside the circle of Gold Star family grief.

Gold Star Mom, Deborah Tainsh, knows the pain, and offers guidance…

She is the author of Heart Of A Hawk: One Family’s Sacrifice and Journey Toward Healing and a contributor to Heart of a Military Woman, speaker, grief mentor to other Gold Star parents, journaling coach.

Also included is the lovely poem, "Please Don’t Knock."

Whether you are a military family, know of one, know of a person serving in the US military service (any branch), you will be touched by this message.

An excerpt from Heart of a Hawk:
There was only one reason for two men in Army dress greens to be standing at the door in the still dark morning. They were bringing a horrid message not worthy of sunlight. But this couldn’t be possible. Just yesterday Dave had called Allstate to reinstate Patrick’s car insurance. He had mailed a check to Fort Polk to the captain’s wife to help buy soap and shaving cream to put in the barracks for the guys when they arrived home next month. But at that moment, Deborah knew death had truly appeared at their door like a thief in the night. It was 6:00 a.m., February 12th, 2004.

During the notification officer’s announcement, "Sir, I’m sorry to inform you…," Deborah’s mind replayed a flood of memories. She and Dave had just discussed the trip to Fort Polk to meet the unit when they arrived in another fifty days or so. They had planned the trip to Disney World. The Christmas tree was still in front of the dining room windows with Patrick’s gifts beneath it. Now, was someone actually telling them the sun would no longer rise? That overnight, the earth had stopped spinning on its axis? That gravity no longer existed? Deborah fell to her knees on the floor, her hands cupped to her face, catching the flood of tears. Dave stood in silence, his arms crossed in front of his chest as though the posture would repel the horrible truth.

Heart of a Military Woman is co-authored by Sheryl Roush (a former Navy wife) and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez (retired MstSgt USAF).

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)

Local Authors Speak to Students at Rancho Bernardo High School

Speaking Events, Stories| No Comments »

San Diego Authors Address Rancho Bernardo High School Students

On Friday, March 11, 2011, local San Diego authors and poets will visit Rancho Bernardo High School students in San Diego, CA, discuss their books, what inspired them to become writers and their latest publications. Authors’ books will be on sale. Here is the order of appearance.

Judy BernsteinThey Poured Fire on Us from the Sky is three boys’ account of an unimaginable thousand mile journey across Sudan. With the candor and the purity of their child’s-eye-vision, Alephonsion, Benjamin, and Benson recall how they endured hunger and illnesses. How they dodged life-threatening predators-lions, snakes, crocodiles and soldiers-that dogged their footsteps. How they grappled with a war that threatened continually to overwhelm them. Their story is a captivating portrait of a childhood lost to war, and of the perseverance of the human spirit. Now in their mid-twenties, they live in San Diego, work, and speak at schools and universities. www.TheyPouredFire.com  BIO: In her capacity as a mentor with the International Rescue Committee, in 2001 Judy met co-authors, Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng and Benjamin Ajak. Awed and deeply touched by their tragic childhoods, epic journey, and heroic survival, she turned her attention to helping them develop their poignant stories. "They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys of Sudan" was published in June 2005. 
 
Joan BradyGod on a Harley – This is the story of Christine Moore, a young nurse with a less-than-perfect figure, a disappointing and almost non-existent love life, and a world-class case of burnout. And, oh yes, she now has lost faith in the idea of a loving God. That is, until she meets a handsome stranger on the beach one night – one who rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle and who seems to know every single detail about her life. Christine has no idea who the mysterious man is … or that he is about to change her life in ways she never dreamed possible. BIO: Joan Brady worked as a registered nurse for twenty-two years before publishing her debut novel, "God on a Harley." Having never taken a writing course in her life, "God on a Harley" (the story of a burned-out nurse who does some serious soul-searching) became an international best seller that was translated into seventeen languages. Film rights were sold to Mimi Polk Gitlin, co-producer of the blockbuster hit, "Thelma and Louise." Joan is an internationally recognized speaker whose presentations are informative and humorous, while encouraging introspection and self-growth. She lives here in San Diego with her dog, "Harley." Website: www.JoanBradyBooks.com  
 
Adolph Brostrom One Sailor’s Journey: Tales from WWII – Perspective! This young man is catapulted into the journey of a lifetime and you are there. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, his good life was forever changed — in its place, new excitement and experiences. The Navy turned his world upside down – from boot camp, the Hollywood Canteen, Treasure Island, even a near brush with death, to work and play on a small island in the South Pacific. Written with humor and compassion, join this young sailor in his adventures in New Caledonia and Australia. In a world now passed, meet movie stars, famous musicians, submarines, barracudas, hurricanes, and sabotage. Enjoy the journey! BIO: Dolph Brostrom, if anything, is versatile. After a lifetime of activity and accomplishment, at 88 he decided to write a book, One Sailor’s Journey: Tales from WWII. Two years in the South Pacific, then, Japan and Korea in 1951. He left the Navy on disability as a Chief Aviation Metalsmith, and was then a fire fighter for twenty-seven years in Oakland, California. He was a carpenter, opal importer, and stone yard owner, prospector, skin diver for gold, private detective, realtor, investor, and renovator. Dolph loves his wife, family, music, fishing, and traveling. He was born in 1921, in New Castle, Australia, but is American, through and through.
 
Charlie Capazzoli Run to Win, Love and Sacrifice is a true story about a young boy who grew up in New York, was inspired by his parents to always do his best, that "love is what really matters." With their encouragement, he became one of America’s greatest distance runners, winning in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, at 21 years of age; 57 years later, in April 2009, he was inducted into the NYAC Hall of Fame, along with Teddy Roosevelt and 2008 Beijing Olympians. – "If Only I Had Known"  is about family, love, and forgiveness. – "A Love Story, Patrick and Shannon" – Two neighborhood children grow up in Ireland. Shannon, born blind, inspired Patrick to achieve miraculous things in his lifetime.  www.charliecapozzoli.com  
 
Judy DuarteMulberry Park – When a seven-year-old orphan pens a letter to God and places it in a tree with branches that reach all the way to Heaven, a woman grieving the loss of her son–and her faith–finds it and answers the heartfelt plea. Her response sets motion to a miracle that touches the lives of 9 strangers, offering each of them a second chance at happiness–if they’ll take it. BIO: Judy Duarte always knew there was a book inside her, but since English was her least favorite subject in school, she never considered herself a writer. An avid reader who enjoys a happy ending, Judy couldn’t shake the dream of creating a book of her own. That dream became a reality in 2002, when Silhouette released her first Special Edition. Since then, more than thirty of her books have hit the shelves. Judy, a two-time Rita® finalist with MULBERRY PARK (2009) and ENTERTAINING ANGELS (2010), has won two Maggies and a National Reader’s Choice Award for her heartwarming stories. www.JudyDuarte.com 
 
Curt ErlerSouthside Kid – It’s all here, baseball, movie matinees, young love and Friday night dances. You’ll find yourself surrounded by Rock and Roll and the sounds of Chicago’s jazz joints. Music always played a big part in "The Kid’s" life, and he provides an unparalleled written soundtrack that is bound to provoke happy memories. A wonderful and wildly fun journey down a memory lane filled with laughter and high jinks. Everyone should have a childhood that is this much fun and a life that is this rich. For Curt it isn’t a life, it is a celebration and it is what makes this memoir alternately so touching and so hilarious. BIO: – Curt Erler was born and raised on Chicago’s Southside. Curt and his wife Kathleen recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. As an adventurer and business executive, Curt has traveled extensively. With a career in marketing management with two major corporations and is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. Curt’s interests include record collecting, gourmet cooking, writing his stories as well as musical lyrics and is an avid baseball fan. Curt has had three titles published: "Southside Kid" ~ "Mantilla Lady Visits Baseball’s Purgatory" and "Heaven Bound In The Dead Of Winter" www.curterlerauthor.com   
 
Marjorie HartSummer at Tiffany – Two college girls arrive in New York City from the University of Iowa hoping to find summer positions. Turned away from every department store, they miraculously find jobs at Tiffany & Co. becoming the first women to be employed on the sales floor as pages. There they rub elbows with the rich and famous, pinch pennies to live, experience nightlife and dance away the weekends with handsome guys. A true story in 1945. BIO: Marjorie Hart is the former chairman of the Fine Arts Department at the University of San Diego and a professional cellist. "Summer at Tiffany" is a New York Times best seller. www.summerattiffany.com
 
Hither & Yahn (aka: Bob Lundy & Elizabeth Yahn Williams) – SUMMATION 2008 & SUMMATION 2009 – An anthology of Ekphrastic Poetry, which is poetry written to or inspired by a work of art in some other medium, such as painting or sculpture. www.HitherAndYahn.com  Robert Lundy (Hither) is a retired Demographer and Software Engineer. He acted in community theater for 20 years, is a volunteer instructor in wilderness survival with the Sierra Club, and has been writing and editing poetry seriously for the last 7 years. Elizabeth Yahn Williams is a former lawyer, judge, and high school English teacher who left the law to concentrate on writing and performing poetry 20 years ago. She and Bob Lundy have been writing and performing as the team of Hither and Yahn for 4 years.
 
Tom KirkbrideGamadin (Series) – Book I – Word of Honor Sixteen-year-olds Harlowe and Matt ditch school to bodysurf killer waves, when they encounter a yacht capsizing off the coast. After saving movie star Simon Bolt and half-alien socialite Leucadia Mars, Fate sends the boys on the greatest ride of their lives. Book II – Mons – Millawanda has parked Harlowe and his friends on a planet with no life, no breathable atmosphere, no beaches and no In-N-Out Burgers at the edge of the solar system’s largest extinct volcano. Book III – Distant Suns – Homesick and eager to find a date and a few waves, Captain Harlowe Pylott and his new Gamadin crew are minutes from touchdown when their homecoming is interrupted by a distress call that sends them on a perilous journey light-years from home. BIO: Tom Kirkbride grew up on the beaches of Southern California, where his GAMADIN saga begins. Tom was a lifeguard, world traveler and an avid surfer. The artwork on the book website is his. GAMADIN evolved from a love of sci-fi and the desire to write a thrill-packed, character-driven story for young adults. www.GAMADIN.com  
 
Marshall LubinFrom Boys 2 Men – is the audacious tale of two young boys, age seventeen, that leave their parents nest to embark on a surfing safari to Hawaii. Dissatisfied with the poor surfing conditions on Oahu in 1964, they search out better waves in American Samoa, a place they had never before heard of. They leave Samoa on a 78’ inter-island cargo boat and later join a 56’ ketch owned by twenty four year old John. The three youngsters had the sailing adventure that young men only dream of. BIO: Marshall Lubin grew up in the Los Angeles area beginning in water activities as a junior lifeguard at Venice Beach. Later he became a surfer and traveled to Hawaii to live his surf dream. A serendipitous turn of events led to surfing in Samoa, travel to Fiji on an inter-island cargo boat and then sailing on a 56′ ketch half way around the world. Marshall has traveled in South America including the Amazon jungle, Mexico and Canada. He currently lives in Encinitas. www.FromBoys2Men.com     
 
Linda Thomas SundstromBarbie & the Beast – Dear Reader… To what lengths might a twenty-something, single female high-school teacher go when confronted with the desire for a really good date, and big diamond ring? For Barbie Bradley, the answer might lie somewhere in the dark, creepy pathways of an old graveyard. Named after the Mattel toy, Barbie has spent her entire life trying to live down the name. But after one meeting with a cemetery watchman who is much more than he seems, she is about to end up with something the doll never had a werewolf. BIO: Linda Thomas-Sundstrom is an award-winning author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels. Published with major New York publishers, Kensington and Dorchester, Linda is currently writing werewolf and vampire stories for Harlequin Nocturne. She is a teacher at a major California university, and juggles teaching, writing, family, and caring for a big stretch of land. She lectures at several writer’s conferences, speaks at Comic-con International, and is VP of Programming for the Romance Writers of America’s San Diego chapter.  http://www.nocturneauthors.com   
 
Erica MinerFourEver Friends – As JFK’s 1960 presidential campaign heralds revolutionary social changes in the American landscape, JESSICA, a talented high school music student, establishes roots of friendship with TOMA, RACHEL, and MARG, who share Jessica’s passion for music and angst over raging hormones. Their inner city Detroit high school is a cultural melting pot of race and ethnicity where students are judged by their intellect and talents, not the color of their skin or religious background. When Jessica’s parents forbid Jessica to date GUNTER, who is five years older, she depends on Toma for an escape and Rachel for advice on sex; but she always looks to Marg for unconditional love. BIO: Former Metropolitan Opera violinist Erica Miner turned to writing as her creative outlet when injuries suffered in a car accident forced her to give up her musical career. She has since won awards for her screenplays, novels and poetry, including the Fiction Prize in the Direct From The Author Book Awards for her romance novel, Travels With My Lovers. Her recently published thriller novel Murder In The Pit has earned rave reviews. Erica has become a household name through radio and online interviews, book signings and speaking engagements, and has been named a ‘top-rated’ lecturer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
http://www.ericaminer.com

Sheryl Roush – Author of the Heart Book Series – Quotations, true short stories and poems.  Heart of a Woman (also translated into Spanish: Corazon de Mujer) celebrates the strength, humor, love and intuition–of women of all ages.  Heart of a Military Womanfeatured by Montel Williams on Montel Across America, WINNER: 2009 Best Inspirational Book from the San Diego Book Awards Association – is a keepsake collection of historical and current military honoring our active and retired service members and families.  Heart of a Mother: Tributes to expecting and new mothers, Mothers and Grandmothers.  Sparkle-Tudes!® A-Z Chapters and quotations, inspirational and for reference. BIO: Sheryl Roush is a native San Diegan, an internationally top-rated inspirational female speaker, an 8-time business entrepreneur and a 13-time author. Known as the Sparkle-Tude!® Expert, she speaks to corporations, schools and universities around the globe. Sheryl was twice crowned "Ms. Heart of San Diego" for community service. She was the third female honored by Toastmasters International to earn their Accredited Speaker designation, from 4.3 million members in 113 countries. She also received their International Presidential Citation in 2009, for enhancing global communication and leadership, selected from 253,000 members. http://www.SparklePresentations.com/ and http://www.HeartBookSeries.com  Email: Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com

Antonio F. ViannaSecond Son – Second Son is a suspenseful thriller that examines the extent of birth order’s role in determining the character of the second boy in a family, how far that influence is taken and whether it is a matter of life or death. The second son seeks love from his parents and older brother, but settles for tolerance. Upon reaching adulthood he continues to seek love, including the priesthood, but finds that to be disappointing as well. Finally, his older brother asks him a favor that would violate his sacred vows. The second son struggles between good and evil.  BIO: Antonio is endowed with the gift of "literary gab"; an adaptation of his talent as a phenomenal storyteller. A graduate of Union College in New York and Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Business, he has published 17 books—both fiction and non-fiction—since 2003. Writing with zest and insight, Antonio sets a quick pace with his dramatic language. A frequent radio and television guest offering strategies about changing careers or becoming a published author, Antonio lives in Carlsbad, CA.
www.viannabooks4u.com
 
Diane Lee WilsonRaven Speak – Asa is the daughter of a Viking chief whose clan is struggling to survive a never-ending winter. All the able-bodied men head to sea in search of food, leaving behind the children, the elderly, the sick—and Jorgen the skald, the wise man who will stop at nothing to take over the clan. When Asa learns the skald wants to kill and eat her beloved horse, she runs away—but soon realizes she must return and try to save her mother and clan. When she meets a strange, one-eyed woman who talks to her ravens, Asa’s adventures really begin… BIO: Diane Lee Wilson is the author of five award-winning novels, including I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade (California Book Award for Juvenile Fiction), Black Storm Comin’ (Spur Award, Booklist Editor’s Choice, Top Ten Social Studies book) and Firehorse (Top Ten Mystery/Suspense, Amelia Bloomer Project selection). She has always ridden horses and includes them in her historical fiction novels for young adults. She lives in Escondido, CA www.DianeLeeWilson.com
 
John "Jack" Wolf Benny Plays the Blues – New York City born and bred Benny Hager and his father can’t face each other after the way Benny’s mother died. Benny goes to Las Vegas to make it as a saxophone player. His family roots are in music and clubs. Problem is, Benny gets tangled in a very special robbery and murder, which is really difficult to show he didn’t do it. Benny runs. Police, tough guys, recording moguls, and one curious woman are all tracking him down. The story is about reconciliation with his past, passion for the future, and the love of music. The crime plays out as a surprising sequence of exciting twists. Benny, well, he learns to play the blues. BIO: John Wolf, author of five exciting adventure stories and television producer for the public access series The Writer’s Loft, writes for the enjoyment of the reader. He is also a local musician and is just as comfortable in a coffee bar playing a guitar. http://www.johnwolfbooks.com/ 
 
Bettie B. YoungsTaste Berries Series Taste Berries for Teens #4 – Inspirational Short Stories and Encouragement on Being Cool, Caring and Courageous.  This national best-seller (2 million copies in print!) of inspirational stories BY TEENS for Teen offers encouragement and insight about understanding oneself and friends and parents and teachers, and how to be a part of making good things happen for everyone, every day. 365 Days of Inspiration for Teens – Each page is a Thought for the day. Taste Berries for Teens Journal: My Thoughts for Life, Love and Making a Difference; Taste Berries for Teens #3: Inspirational Short Stories & Encouragement on Life, Love, Friendship & Tough Issues. BIO: Bettie Youngs is a former Teacher of the Year and the author of 36 books published in 28 languages, including the best selling series for teens, "Taste Berries for Teens"…a series of 14 books written for teens. www.BettieYoungsBooks.com 

Mary Lenore QuigleyIndelible Ink – A journey into the world of adoption from the perspective of the one adopted and from that of the parents who adopt. Your heart will be moved by this story and by the poignancy with which Mary portrays her life and the lives of those whom she cares about. Mary draws you into the events of her life and makes you companions on her journey. BIO: Mary, founder of NCAP-North County Authors & Poets (2004), an organization that promotes San Diego authors and poets, is the author of two novels: God Danced and her memoir Indelible Ink; one book of poetry, By Fools Like Me and several chapbooks. Mary and author/poet Elizabeth Yahn-Williams co-chair two major annual events: National Authors’ Day (NAD) hosted by the Oceanside Public Library each November and National Poetry Month (April) each year with the Escondido Public Library. In both NAD and NCAP events they promote local talent as well as students from nearby Colleges in the departments of: Communication, Language, Drama, English and Creative Writing. www.Q2Ink.com and Mary@Q2Ink.com
 

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!

Sheryl Roush

What did you do in World War II?

Heart of a Military Woman| No Comments »

Veterans Day 2010

Sat down with my father this afternoon, having cake at the dining room table, and asked a simple question: "Dad, what did you do in WWII?"

WOW! So glad I grabbed my iPhone and hit RECORD… for the next hour he told me!   I had NO IDEA he was in 19 helicopter crashes while doing his job in the Army Corps of Engineers, and as a recalled Reservist. What an amazing man. At a perky 83, the stories flowed from him as if they happened yesterday! The detail. The places. The pride.

We need to HAVE those conversations!  Thank YOU to ALL who serve(d).

-Sheryl Roush, Author of Heart of a Military Woman

Veterans Day School Lesson

Heart of a Military Woman, Stories| No Comments »

On the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School, did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. 

When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. 

‘Ms.. Cothren, where are our desks?’ 

She replied, ‘You can’t have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.’ 

They thought, ‘Well, maybe it’s our grades.’ 

‘No,’ she said. 

‘Maybe it’s our behavior.’ 

She told them, ‘No, it’s not even your behavior.’ 

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom. 

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms.Cothren’s classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room. 

The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, ‘Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.’ 

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it. 

Twenty-seven (27) War Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall… By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.. 

Martha said, ‘You didn’t earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it’s up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don’t ever forget it.’ 

By the way, this is a true story. 

Pass this along so others won’t forget that the freedoms we have in this great country were earned by War Veterans.

Submitted by Florence McSween <mcsweenflorence@hotmail.com>

 

 

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)

Contributing Authors Interviewed on CNN Radio News

BONUS DOWNLOADS, Heart of a Woman in Business, Interviews, Meet the Contributors| No Comments »

Contributing Authors Interviewed on CNN Radio News

Raven Blair Davis, hosted interviews with Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, Kay Presto, and Sheryl Roush, last week for her Radio Show that aired on CNN 650 Radio News!

Eldonna Lewis Fernandez is the co-author of the Heart of a Military Woman book with Sheryl Roush, and Kay Presto, an outstanding photojournalist, is published in several of the Heart Book Series books plus the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Sheryl Roush, shares tips from behind-the-scenes from her 6-title Heart Book Series including Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, Corazon de Mujer, setting up book signings, creating marketing pieces and more.

You will personally enjoy the interviews, and the depth of the dialogue, whether you are published in the series, or if you are published on your own, and want tips on marketing, publishing, advertising, public relations and much, much more! These are LOADED with ideas!

Download the Mp3 files, and listen to them at your convenience!

Feel free to contact any of us for more information, or to be interviewed by Raven in the future, as I left the email addresses intact.

Blessings to You!
Sheryl Roush
Inspirational Female Speaker
Sparkle Presentations, Inc.

******

From: Raven Blair Davis <raven@womenpower-radio.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010
To: Sheryl Roush <Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com>,
Eldonna Lewis Fernandez <eldonna@pinkbikerchic.com>,
Kay Presto <prestoprod6@yahoo.com>

Thanks so much ladies for sharing from the heart….I appreciate you much!

Below are the links to your interviews…….have a beautiful day!

Interview with Sheryl Roush:
http://raven.audioacrobat.com/download/0bb3b913-b4fe-680e-a496-265cf4a248a7.mp3

Interview with Eldonna Lewis Fernandez and Kay Presto:
http://raven.audioacrobat.com/download/aa38e2e8-0f31-be08-06e7-baf718376deb.mp3

Raven Blair Davis
Executive Producer/Host

http://www.WomenPower-Radio.com/

Empowering women over 40 to go for their dreams and visions – "Life is just beginning!"

To hear empowering and inspiring interviews of Unstoppable Women of Power, click here:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2521990784371426695&pr=goog-sl

 

San Diego Book Awards Association Honors Military Books

Awards, Heart of a Military Woman| No Comments »

MILITARY AUTHORS HONORED
Saturday, June 5, 2010, the San Diego Book Awards Association presented their sixteenth annual San Diego Book & Writing Awards. Program host Bruno Leone, publisher of Lucent Books, announced this was a record year for submissions in the 28 categories, requiring 36 judges.

The awards honored two local San Diego authors, both in the Best Published Nonfiction category.

Peter J. Munson, author of Iraq in Transition: The Legacy of Dictatorship and the Prospects for Democracy, on active service in Afghanistan, charged his wife, Wendi, to receive his award for Best General Nonfiction.

Sheryl Roush, native San Diegan and co-author of Heart of a Military Woman, received the award for Best Spiritual & Inspirational book for 2009. In her acceptance speech, she shared her pride in San Diego being a military town, a former Navy wife, her father designed military aircraft, mother was a Rosie the Riveter, uncle died as a test pilot at Miramar Air Station. She thanked all those who serve, for preserving our freedom of speech, expression and writing.

After the program, Ms. Roush presented an autographed copy of her book to Mrs. Munson, also signed by co-author Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, 23-year retired Master Sgt USAF.

Click here for more information or to order copies of the Heart of a Military Woman.


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)

San Diego Book Awards Association to Honor Heart of a Military Woman Book

Awards, Heart of a Military Woman| No Comments »

LOCAL WRITERS HONORED
Saturday, June 5, 2010, the San Diego Book Awards Association is hosting their sixteenth annual San Diego Book & Writing Awards. Held at the AMN Healthcare Building in San Diego, California, the program features Laurel Corona keynote speaker and program host Bruno Leone.

Published Book Contest

This contest is open to San Diego County residents whose books were first published in 2009 and/or bear a 2009 copyright. Published book categories include fiction, nonfiction, young adult fiction, young adult nonfiction, children’s fiction, and children’s nonfiction.

Submissions for Published Books–Nonfiction being honored as finalists this year include:

Biography

Nancy Burnett, Journeys Home
Sarita Eastman, A Trail of Light: The Very Full Life of Dr. Anita Figueredo
Gayle Slate, Dana’s Legacy: From Heartbreak to Healing

Business

Ken Blanchard, Helping People Win at Work
Scott G. Kyle, The Power Curve
Bob Nelson, Keeping Up in a Down Economy
Lee Silber, Andrew Chapman, and Linda Krall, The Wild Idea Club

Children’s/Young Adult

Edward Hujsak, All About Rocket Engines
Judith Pinkerton Josephson, Nelson Mandela

Cooking and Crafts

Gaetano Cicciotti, Cicciotti’s Kitchen
Bernard Guillen, Flying Pans
Leslie Perlis, Dimensional Mosaics

Education

Beth Wagner Brust and Cynthia La Brie Norall, Quirky, Yes—Hopeless, No
Michael Linsin, Dream Class

General

Michael Hemmingson, Star Trek: A Post-Structural Critique of the Original Series
Peter J. Munson, Iraq in Transition
Michael Oldstone, Viruses, Plagues, & History: Past, Present, and Future

History

Tom Basinski, Cross Country Evil
David Klauber, The Sounding

Amy Goodpaster Strebe, Flying For Her Country

Local Interest

Leland Fetzer, The Cuyamacas
Karla Ogilvie, Encinitas Insight
Linda H. Pequegnat, This Day in San Diego History

Memoir

Ella DeCastro Baron, Itchy Brown Girl Seeks Employment
Lew Decker, Fingerprints…A Coffeehouse Reader

Phyllis Pilgrim, The Hidden Passport: My Childhood Journey Through Japanese Concentration Camps in Java

Carol Poe Straubinger, My Chunk of a Century

Lac Su, I Love Yous Are for White People

Pets

Richard Lederer, A Treasury for Cat Lovers
Richard Lederer, A Treasury for Dog Lovers

Liz Palika, Puppy Love

Cindy Traisi, Because They Matter, Too

Self-Help & Medicine

Marylin S. Beidler, Everyday Wellness
Kathi Burns, How to Master Your Muck

Giovanna Pang Garcia, Why Chinese Women Are Not Broke

Spirit/Inspiration

Pamela MacPhee, Delivering Hope
Dean Nelson, God Hides in Plain Sight
Sheryl L. Roush, Heart of a Military Woman

Travel

Diane Asitimbay, What’s Up America?
Nelson Copp, Cycling the Palm Springs Region

Bette Blaydes Pegas, Chasing a Dream in the Galápagos

The San Diego Book Awards Association is a volunteer organization dedicated to enriching the large, diverse, and vibrant literary community of the nation’s third largest county. Founded in 1994, the SDBAA honors the best published books and unpublished manuscripts by San Diego County residents each year. Winning authors report that receiving a San Diego Book Award boosts sales of their books, and several winners of their unpublished novel, memoir, and poetry chapbook competitions have said that receiving a San Diego Book Award played an instrumental role in their later securing a publisher for their work.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the SDBAA promotes literacy in San Diego County schools through the Read-4-Fun program. Specially designed for fifth graders—the grade in which reading for pleasure dramatically declines—Read-4-Fun gives away approximately 2,500 books a year to student readers. For many of these children, the books they receive through Read-4-Fun are the first books they have ever owned.

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

10.5 Top Tips… for Success in Business (and Life)

Interviews, Stories, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »

10.5 Top Tips… for Success in Business (and Life)

Business Success Skills:
Strategies, practical information, career-bolstering lessons, and insights

Today, I was interviewed by Angie Strader on her BlogTalkRadio show "What’s Your Bottom Line?" today. Each week, Angie has straightforward discussions about what it takes to be successful in your personal and professional life. "I pick the brains of my successful and inspirational guests. It’s like getting a free business success and motivational seminar each week!" she commented.

Catch the entire hour loaded with content here.

10.5 Top Tips for Succcess in Business (and Life).

   1.   Bring your talents with you.
  2.    Share your spirit. (enthusiasm, energy, playfulness, fun)
  3.    Stretch your skills. (continue to grow, attend training)
  4.    Acknowledge your uniqueness. (be authentic)
  5.    Be positive whenever possible; Pragmatic as needed.
  6.    Focus on solutions. (not on problem or blaming)
  7.    Celebrate your successes. (by yourself, and with others)
  8.    Listen to your heart; Be true to yourself. (inner compass)
  9.    Read inspiration that nurtures your soul.
10.    Maintain your balance. (faith, sleep, family, work)
10.5. Keep a good sense of humor.


Sheryl Roush is an entrepreneur to her core, starting 8 businesses since the age of 16. With 35 years in marketing, advertising, graphic design and communication, she is an internationally top-rated trainer. An inspirational speaker, she has 3,000 presentations under her designer belt, in 9 countries. Toastmasters International honored her as the 3rd female to earn their elite Accredited Speaker designation, out of 4 million members in 106 countries. She speaks on conference programs on business and inspirational topics, boosting morale and skills.

Sheryl is the creator of the Heart Book Series, which includes: Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Military Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays, Corazon de Mujer (Heart of a Woman, in Spanish), Sparkle-Tudes!, and Heart of a Woman in Business.

Heart of a Woman in Business is an inspirational collection celebrating working women and their unique contributions to the global workplace. This here’s how, sisters-sharing-with-sisters book shares their authentic stories, and offers here’s how and I did it, you can too! Selections offer strategies, practical information, career-bolstering lessons, insights, affirmations, poems, prayers and quotations. Whether you already own a business, planning to start one, or working in a job you love.

Contact Sheryl Roush at Sparkle Presentations, Inc. to speak at your event, meeting, conference or retreat. Call Toll Free 1-800-932-0973.

2/21-Sheryl Roush interviews on Bringing Your Heart to Work

Interviews| No Comments »

Empowering You Radio: Bringing Your Heart to Work

Sunday, February 21, 2010, join radio host Robin Hardy as she chats with Sheryl Roush, President/CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, CA. Sheryl is a 13-time published author, including the Heart Book Series: Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays (yuletide treasures and traditions), Heart of a Woman in Business, and newly released Heart of a Military Woman.

A sought-after conference speaker, Sheryl Roush has presented on programs alongside celebrities including Olivia Newton-John, Geena Davis, Jane Seymour, Art Linkletter, Marcus Buckingham and more.

Sheryl’s business topics include: Creating a Positive Work Environment, management skills, customer service, public speaking and communication skills.

Robin will be interviewing in a chat-style format about Sheryl’s amazing journey… After overcoming contemplations of suicide between the ages of 13-15, she is today an 8-time entrepreneur, starting at the young age of 16. Throughout several character-defining experiences in her life, God has been her steady Compass.

Join the conversation as we experience a very empowering conversation that will uplift you to the next level.

Robin Hardy and Empowering You Radio is a show designed to give you that boost of information to begin the process of empowering your every step in life, business and your faith. We will bring you weekly information to build your business and your foundation. We focus on the Christian viewpoints to life, business and your faith. Bringing you amazing expert guests to equip, edify and challenge you. Join the show weekly as we play on the journey called life.



Military Story: “Dead Air” by Shirley Sisko Harkins

Heart of a Military Woman, Stories| No Comments »


Military Story: "Dead Air"
by Shirley Sisko Harkins

When I enlisted in 1976, the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) was in the process of being disestablished as a separate branch of the Army. I’m very proud to have been one of the last WAC’s, serving during this exciting era in military history. Women were being admitted to West Point. Maternity leaves replaced compulsory discharges, and the umbrella, a traditional military taboo was approved for issue in the name of promoting a positive feminine image. The powers that be even retained a designer to fashion a sporty new mint green, wash and wear uniform. The times they were a changin’.

There were those, of course, who weren’t enthusiastic about the trend. I encountered several male soldiers who appeared to be threatened by the growing presence of women in the motor pool, the mess hall, and even in co-ed barracks. Some men attempted to deflate our influence with casual flirtation. Others insisted we carry our weight—equal pay for equal work, by golly. None, however, stood out so predominantly in my memories as a certain surly NCO at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

Even though I’d have to change it here to protect the innocent, I wish I recalled his name. He was a gristly, Old Army type—a field instructor attached to the signal school where I was trained. I was offered only three occupational options; food service, clerkship, or communications. I’d opted be a radio teletype operator—a dinosaur Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), like the WACS that no longer exists. Quaint historical reference makes for great story telling. Ask any veteran, young or old. When two or more gather together, the war stories commence in earnest.

The Old Army NCO taught in the field, training the students to apply classroom academics to the actual equipment we’d use to perform our duties. We knew the basics of setting up and maintaining a radio network, but hadn’t learned a great deal about trouble-shooting. His job was to station himself with one network station each day and teach us how to deal with real life obstacles as they cropped up.

His approach was stoic—stand back and let us flounder, making one frantic mistake after another, until the entire network crashed. Afterwards, he’d explain what went wrong and help us to figure out how we could have responded more effectively. In theory, his methods seemed valid enough, but his criticism was often sarcastic and condescending. Locking us in a poker face look, he’d observe every move without offering the slightest hint as to whether we were right or wrong. We never knew what was coming; reward or reprimand. It was excruciating.

One morning, I was manning the network controlling station. By the time he stuck his head through the door of the rig where I was working, I’d already lost communication with one of my network stations. The others were apparently beginning to panic, thumbing through their ciphering and frequency manuals to determine if their settings were correct. Lack of confidence in their own training may have caused them to fiddle with the dials.

The gristly NCO watched while I performed a network check, hailing the other two stations and getting dead air in response. I feverishly typed in the abbreviated commands again and got nothing. Staring at the teletype for a few seconds, I prayed for inspiration. He was expecting me to do something, so I hopped out of the rig and headed toward a nearby jeep.

I slipped on the Morse code key leg strap and began tapping out the commands. The NCO followed. He rested an elbow on the crash pad, leaning in toward me. He didn’t say a word. When the keypad failed, I sat for awhile staring at the field phone, knowing that any transmission on it would be unsecured. I glanced at the NCO, but received no encouragement either way.

I decided to go for broke, snatching up the handset and cranking the generator. He was going to chew me up and spit me out no matter what I did, so I had nothing to lose. Via landline, I was able to contact each network station. Careful not to reveal any classified information over the airways, I instructed them to consult their manuals so we were all on the same page.

Afterwards, I jumped back in the rig and ran the network test again. Oh, to hear the glorious beeps, clicks, and whirs of life. We operated the rest of that day without incident. The NCO never uttered a word. Later that day, back in the barracks, I was summoned to the pay phone in the foyer. I greeted the caller, hearing tinny juke box music, tinkling glassware, and raucous voices in the background. Because he spoke so few times, I didn’t recognize the NCO’s gravelly voice until he introduced himself.

The hair rose on the back of my neck. I must have really messed up if he was calling from the NCO Club to tell me so. Judging by the way he slurred his words, the lecture probably wasn’t going to be polite.

When I didn’t respond, he continued. “I hate women,” he said. “I especially hate women in the Army, so it really hurts to have to tell you this.” He paused for what sounded like another slug from his cocktail.

“But you did one heck of a job out there this morning getting that network back up and running.” Of course, being Old School, he didn’t say “heck,” but I took the liberty to paraphrase.

When I caught my breath after the initial shock, I thanked him. He promised that if I ever told anyone about our conversation, one-sided as it was, that he would promptly deny it. With that, he hung up, and I was left listening to dead air again.

I would go on to receive promotions and other honors from the United States Army, but none gratified me as much as a phone call from a gristly Old School NCO with a chip on his shoulder for women.

~Shirley (Sisko) Harkins
www.dramadrash.org

©2009

"I am a believer of thirteen years and spent much of that time absorbed in scripture study and research. I also hold a Masters Degree in Biblical Study and Theology. My ministry extends to my homelife as a wife and mother. My children are grown and I’m very proud of the godly young adults they’ve become, despite being raised in the church only half of their lives. I am priviledged to serve the Father as Artistic Director of Drama Drash Ministries."
PHOTO: Shown here with husband Danny.


"Dead Air" is published in the Heart of a Military Woman book by Sheryl L. Roush and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez

Chapter: A Day in the Life
Book released Veterans Day 2009.
Posted here with permission from Authors.
Contact: Sheryl@HeartBookSeries.com for permission to reprint. It will be granted.


Shirley Harkins lost her battle with cancer on December 28, 2009. She did, however, get to see this story in print shortly prior to her passing. Upon receiving acknowledgement that Dead Air would be published, she write this note to the publisher:

Dear Ms. Roush,

I am so delighted to be included on this book. My time in the military was among my prouded.
 
Warm Regards,
Shirley Harkins


Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, she went to her well-deserved place in Heaven as a Daughter of Israel on Monday, December 28, 2009 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Burial with military honors on January 1, 2010 in the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin.

Shirley was a shining star. Much beloved, greatly admired and well respected by all who knew her. She was a woman of constant positive outlook, great self-determination that enabled her to accomplish any goal she set for herself, great personal strength that she readily shared with all who needed her, and great kindness to all. Shirley loved the Lord with all she was and was a model of great fortitude. She never wavered in her faith and commitment to her path of truth and light.

Shirley Sisko Harkins graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Michigan, spending her senior year as a foreign exchange student in Brasilia, Brazil, where she became fluent in Portuguese. She then attended Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. She was a veteran of the US Army, serving honorably as a member of the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) with the US Army Signal Corps in Bad Kreuznach, Germany from 1976 until 1978.
She married Daniel Harkins, earned her Master’s degree in Business at Cameron University in Lawton, then earned a Master’s degree in Divinity and became an ordained minister, as well as Director of the Drama Drash Ministries of Lawton, Oklahoma.

I discovered that peace doesn’t mean the end to conflict;
it simply demonstrates the love of God.
And we don’t have to wait for a major crisis in our lives;
we can allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts each day.
Richard Parker, Upper Room Daily Devotional

 

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)

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 connectio
ns.

* 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!

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)

Co-Authors Interviewed Today on What’s Your Bottom Line?

Heart of a Military Woman, Interviews| No Comments »

Co-Authors Interviewed

Today on

What’s Your Bottom Line?






Co-Authors to the Veterans Day release of the Heart of a Military Woman book, Eldonna Lewis Fernandez and Sheryl Roush, are being interviewed today, Tuesday, December 22, 2009, on What’s Your Bottom Line?™ Talk Radio Show by radio host Angie Strader.






Topic: Bottom-Line Success in Business
In this program, listeners will discover the PINK Principles to activate your choices, plus seven Sparkle-Tude!® Boosters to invigorate your attitude and daily life.


The focus today is about having consistent success in life… both personally and professionally… and for both men and for women. Our workplace has certainly changed, with high unemployment, people making dramatic shifts in their careers, some staying unemployed, while others are creating their own businesses. Both of our guests have experience in corporate careers, military life and entrepreneurial success.

Listeners can call in their questions during the live program
:
(724) 444-7444, Call ID #62616

RADIO SHOW GUESTS:

Eldonna Lewis Fernandez is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with 23 years of honorable military service. She deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Eldonna has 29 years of extensive leadership, management and supervisory experience. She is certified at Level III Contracts in the Acquisition Professional Development Program. She is also a certified coach, and consultant. Eldonna is affectionately known as the Pink Biker Chic™, a biker and empowerment coach for women she and her “military brat” kids were just featured last week on the premier of Lisa Nichols’ Breakthrough – Original Special on WE-TV.
www.PinkBikerChic.com

 
Sheryl Roush is the President/CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, California. An 8-time entrepreneur since the age of 16, her background is in marketing, graphics, publishing and communication. Sheryl is an internationally top-rated female speaker with 3,000 presentations under her designer belt, and was only the 3rd woman in the world to earn the elite Accredited Speaker designation from Toastmasters International out of 4 million members in 106 countries. She has spoken on programs alongside many highly-regarded celebrities including Suze Orman, Marcus Buckingham and Olivia Newton-John. Sheryl is a 13-time published author and was interviewed December 4th by Montel Williams on his Montel Across America radio show for the Heart of a Military Woman book, co-authored by Eldonna and Sheryl. She was twice crowned “Ms. Heart of San Diego” for her contributions to women and is the creator of the Heart Book Series.
www.SparklePresentations.com
www.HeartBookSeries.com

What’s Your Bottom Line?™  lives its mission of straightforward discussion about what it takes to be successful in your personal and professional life. Live talk radio show with Angie Strader in on Diva Toolbox Radio every Tuesday at 2:00-3:00pm CST.  Tune in from your computer at http://bit.ly/3rSPwx.

 

Army Wife Network Selects Heart of a Military Woman as Book of the Month

Heart of a Military Woman| No Comments »

Army Wife Network Selects

Heart of a Military Woman as

Book of the Month


December 21, 2009

The Army Wife Network has selected the Heart of a Military Woman book as their January 2010 Book of the Month choice, announced by Book Club Chair Sarah Ikena.

In a live radio show tonight on ArmyWifeNetwork.com, Ms. Ikena interviewed co-authors Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, MSgt USAF Retired and Sheryl Roush, an ex-navy wife, asking how the book concept came about. The ladies shared how they met, and how they instantly resonated creating this publication, sharing the voices of women in the military.

Sheryl Roush added there are 100 original and true short stories and tributes, 21 poems and 194 inspirational quotations in the Heart of a Military Woman Veterans Day release.


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)

The archive on the entire two-hour December 21, 2009 podcast is available for free to download from Army Wife Talk Radio.

December 20 BOOK SIGNING at Borders-Victoria Gardens

Book Signing Events, Heart of a Military Woman| No Comments »


December 20
BOOK SIGNING at
Borders-Victoria Gardens


Sheryl Roush, creator of the Heart Book Series, and contributors are autographing on Sunday, December 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at BORDERS bookstore at 12370 S. Mainstreet, Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Signing alongside Ms. Roush are contributors and fellow members of Toastmasters International: Kay Presto, Lee Barron, Cyndy Logan, Kay Starr and Marjorie Benesh residents of Inland Empire and Orange Counties. Kay Presto is also published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, including Chicken Soup for the NASCAAR Lover’s Soul.

The newest book just released in this six-book series, titled Heart of a Military Woman, is packed with heart-warming stories about all types of women involved in the military, from those who currently serve to those who are wives, mothers, and family and friends of those who serve. Some stories share experiences back to the days of the women who piloted airplanes for the military during World War II (WASPs). The book also includes a story about the first woman who lost a limb in our current war, and another about the local U.S.O. facility in Ontario, California.

Other books available at the signing will be:
Heart of the Holidays (Yuletide treasures and traditions)
Heart of a Mother
Heart of a Woman in Business
Heart of a Woman

and Corazon de Mujer (Heart of a Woman in Spanish).

For further information, call Borders Bookstore at 909-646-7322.

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.

Sheryl Roush may be contacted at: Sheryl@HeartBookSeries.com, or 858-569-6555.

 

Amazon Book Reviews for Heart of a Military Woman

Heart of a Military Woman| 2 Comments »

Amazon Book Reviews for

Heart of a Military Woman

Co-Authors: Sheryl Roush and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez

5.0 out of 5 stars  
Inspirational Stories from Real People, December 3, 2009
 
By Angela Y. Strader "Angie Strader"
   
I just received my copy of Heart of a Military Woman. As soon as I opened it, I couldn’t put it down! The stories within are touching, inspirational and you can tell they really do come from the heart. It’s important to remember that the contributors are real women and some men connected to the United States military either as an active duty member, reserve, dependent or family member and not professional writers. I enjoy reading work from people who write as they talk. I can feel the pride and sometimes the pain each contributor went through in their military experience. I also feel the passion within each of them as they shared their story.

To be fair, I should tell you that my own military story is included in Heart of a Military Woman (pg 27), so I may be a little biased, but in truth, I did get the book yesterday and read it until I fell asleep last night. I am proud to have my short story published within this book along side the other outstanding members of our military family.

This book will make a thoughtful gift for anyone who is connected to the military. It is a soft-cover keepsake book that will look beautiful on any coffee table.


Autographed copies available directly from author Sheryl Roush

 

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)

Heart of a Military Woman book contributors Autograph December 12, 2009 at Borders

Book Signings, Heart of a Military Woman| 1 Comment »

Heart of a Military Woman book contributors autograph at Borders

UNIQUE BOOK SIGNING & READING EVENT!

Co-Authors Sheryl Roush, Eldonna Lewis Fernandez and eight contributors to the Veterans Day release of Heart of a Military Woman book will be autographing copies on Saturday, December 12, from 2:00-5:00pm at BORDERS bookstore in Eastlake of Chula Vista, San Diego, California.

Heart of a Military Woman book features 120 contributions of true short stories, poems and tributes to those who serve U.S. Armed Forces, representing all branches of the military.

Ms. Roush was interviewed on the Montel Across America radio show on Friday, December 4th,
by Montel Williams who commented on air this will be a best-seller, sharing the voices of family, spouses and active service members, telling their stories, as only they can.

Creator of the Heart Book Series, former Navy wife, professional speaker, Sheryl Roush is a native San Diegan–and born in Chula Vista–she was crowned “Ms. Heart of San Diego” (twice) for contributions to our community. Eldonna Lewis Fernandez is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with 23 years of honorable military service.

Both co-authors are members of the Military Writer’s Society of America, and were featured at the San Diego Chapter’s signing event December 2 at the San Diego Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.


More than a book signing, on December 12th, contributors will READ THEIR original STORY, TRIBUTE, or POEM to shoppers in English and in Spanish! Books showcased at this signing also include: Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays, Corazón de Mujer, and  Heart of a Woman in Business.

Heart of a Military Woman contributors at December 12’s book reading and signing event include:
Loni Anderson
Sarah Arnold
Sandy Borum
Tina Erwin
Dharlene Fahl-Brittian
Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
Marissa Fernandez
Darcy Lovgren Pavich
Beverly Roush
Sheryl Roush
Michele Ruppert
Gina Simmons


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


Dec. 2, 2009-Military Writers Book Signing Symposium at San Diego Veterans Museum and Memorial Center

Book Signings, Heart of a Military Woman, Patriotism| 2 Comments »

MILITARY WRITER’S SOCIETY OF AMERICA
SAN DIEGO BOOK FAIR AND SIGNING

On Wednesday, December 2, 2009, from 6-8 p.m., 14 authors from the San Diego Chapter of the Military Writer’s Society of America will gather at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center for a Symposium, Book Fair and Book Signing.

This free event allows attendees to meet the writers, purchase books that can be personally signed, and take part in the authors’ special sales just in time for holiday gift shopping.

Topics include fiction and non-fiction and deal with WWII, Vietnam, the Cold War, Iraq and Afghanistan, military women, as well as other non-military subjects like true crime, historical fiction, self-help/inspirational, and pop culture.

Authors and Book Titles/Subjects
Books will be available for sale at the event.

Gail Chatfield
By Dammit, We’re Marines! Veterans Stories of Heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front (WWII)

Virg Erwin
Cat Lo, a memoir of invincible youth (Vietnam)

David Lucero
The Sandman (Mystery/Suspense/Middle East)

Emilio Marrero
A Quiet Reality: A Chaplain’s Journey into Babylon Iraq with the I Marine
Expeditionary Force (Iraq)

Carl Nelson
The Advisor (Cô-Vân)(Vietnam Fiction)
Secret Players (Cold War Fiction)
Madam President and the Admiral (Fiction/Future Era)

Sheryl Roush and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
Heart of a Military Woman (Veterans Day 2009 Release!)
Stories, Poems & Tributes Honoring Those Who Serve Our Country
Heart of a Woman in Business: Stories, Skills & Strategies for Business Success

Sheryl Roush
Heart of a Woman:
Stories, Poems, Quotations
Heart of the Holidays: Yuletide Treasures and Traditions
Heart of a Mother: Stories, Poems and Tributes to Mothers and Grandmothers
Corazón de Mujer (Heart of a Woman, Spanish)

Tom Ruck

Sacred Ground, A Tribute to America’s Veterans

Mike Sager
Scary Monsters and Super Freaks (True Crime)
Revenge of the Donut Boys (Pop Culture)
Deviant Behavior, A Novel (fiction)
Wounded Warriors (Iraq/Afghanistan)

Amy Goodpaster Strebe
Flying for Her Country:
The American and Soviet Women Military Pilots of World War II (WWII)

Don Westenhaver
The Whiplash Hypothesis (Vietnam)
The Red Turtle Project (Post-War Vietnam)
Nero’s Concert (Historical Fiction)

Marc Yablonka
Distant War: Recollections of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (Vietnam)

The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center was created in 1989 to honor and perpetuate the memories of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The museum honors the legacy that has been created by these courageous men and women through artifacts, personal testimonials, stories of service, and guest speaker panels. Located in the historic Chapel of the old Balboa Naval Hospital, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Ample, free parking available to visitors.

Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
2115 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-2300
info@veteranmuseum.org
www.veteranmuseum.org

Contact: Melani Bruce, Events Director
vmmc.events@pacbell.net
melanijune@hotmail.com
619-886-5511

Carl Nelson, Event Chair
canelson56@cox.net
619-421-9094

The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center was created in 1989 to honor and perpetuate the memories of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The museum honors the legacy that has been created by these courageous men and women through artifacts, personal testimonials, stories of service, and guest speaker panels. Located in the historic Chapel of the old Balboa Naval Hospital, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Ample, free parking available to visitors.

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