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.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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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!
– MEN: What to get HER for Valentine’s Day!
Valentine's Day| No Comments »MEN: What to get HER for Valentine’s Day!
Time to start PLANNING AHEAD this year!
As your wallet may be a little thinner than in the past, you want to think it through earlier this season, invest wisely in special gifts that won’t go to her HIPS, but to her HEART.
Whether getting something for your sweetheart, dear Mother, or hard-working colleague, boss, or valued client…. people are looking for something with SIGNIFICANCE today… things with meaning and greater VALUE than ever before.
As much as I will admit my love of chocolate…. the indulgence is short-lived… and straight past the lips and on to the hips… no thanks! Women want things that LAST. Give her something she will always cherish — and think of YOU when she sees it! And get this — it doesn’t have to cost much!
GIFT SUGGESTIONS:
For your Sweetheart, Daughter, Sister, Mother:
Heart of a Woman… an inspirational gift book of original short stories, quotations and poems that rekindle her spirit, tickle her funny bone, and touch her soul.
What a wonderful way to say I love you to that special woman in your life.
—Greg Godek
Author of 1001 Ways To Be Romantic
Heart of a Woman celebrates the strength, humor, love and intuition–of women of all ages. She will delight in cherished classics, personal favorites and recent writings from Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil, Maya Angelou, Bill Cosby, Louise Hay, Marianne Williamson and more. Chapters include: Ageless Living, Art, A Woman’s Intuition, Challenges, Chocolate, Daughters, Faith, Falling in Love, Family, Fathers, Friendship, Gratitude, Health, Learning to Love Yourself, Love, Marriage, Men!, Military Relationships, Mothers, Music, Nature, Parenting, Passion, Patriotism, Pets, Prayer, Prosperity, Sisters, Teenagers, Women in History, Worthiness…
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 for putting together this wonderful collection of stories, quotes, etc.; it has touched my heart! —Brook H., Amazon.com review
Heart of a Woman is now eloquently available in Spanish: Corazon de Mujer.
For your Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Mother-in-Law:
Heart of a Mother... a gift book filled with touching tributes to Mothers and Grandmothers, inspirational short stories, poems, proverbs and quotations.
As a child, my Aunt Della was like a mother to me who nourished me with her chocolate chip cookies. I remember the warm feelings when I smelled a batch of her fresh baked cookies. In Heart of A Mother, Sheryl Roush and her contributors have captured those same kinds of feelings, feelings that will warm your heart and bring your mother close again. It’s a great read. –Wally Amos, The Cookie Man & Author
Heart of a Mother is an exquisite tapestry of stories, quotations, songs, and poems that will pull on your heartstrings. A must read and an incredible gift for all the mothers of the world!!!
–Lisa R. Delman, Author of Dear Mom, I’ve Always Wanted You to Know
Sections on Mothers Day, Grandmothers, Daughters, Sons, Adoption and Foster Children, Mothers of Military, Four-legged Children, Pregnancy, Babies, When Your Mother Passes, Being a Mother.
For your Co-Workers, Colleagues, Boss, Clients:
Heart of a Woman in Business... Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success
WOW! This is BOTH a desktop ready reference AND a curl up and be inspired book – all in ONE! The women I know are going to soak into this one. I expect books in the Heart Book series to be compelling, evocative, inspirational and useful. Heart of a Woman in Business is even more. Tightly edited, each story has its own punch and vitality. It’s women speaking with, and to, women in both a very personal way and as kindred professionals. It’s worth reading and worth keeping close as a ready reference for those moments when...
–John Reddish, CMC, Business & Management Consultant
Ideal for any woman in the workplace–or self-employed today.
How to: Bolster your career, celebrate your talents, trust your intuition, polish your business skills, recognize opportunities placed before you, pursue your talents and gifts, and connect with your creativity and use it to your advantage.
This “here’s how” book combines sisters-sharing-with-sisters insight with guidance, ideas, stories and “I am doing it, you can too!” encouragement. Advice from: Mary Kay Ash, Debbie Fields, Steve Forbes, Michael Gerber, Louise Hay, Kathy Ireland, Andrea Jung, Avon, Anthony Robbins, Martha Stewart, Donald Trump, Madam C.J. Walker, first black female millionaire; Marianne Williamson; plus the Founders/CEOs of Amazon.com, Apple, Craig’s List, Dell Computer, Google, McDonalds, Microsoft, Starbucks; The Body Shop, Virgin Airlines, and Wal-Mart. Chapters address: leadership and ambition; humor in the workplace; change, stress and time management; inner guidance and intuition; business promotion; hiring and firing; ways to rejuvenate and recharge; fitness tips at your desk; mid-life career transitions; and being a working mother.
AVAILABLE AT:
Borders stores, Borders.com, Amazon.com, www.SparklePresentations.com
FOR YOUR AUTOGRAPHED COPIES:
Order directly at www.sparklepresentations.com/store_books.asp
Then email inscription details to: Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com
Your gifts may be shipped either to you, or your recipients, in time for the special day!
AUTHOR:
Sheryl Roush is an internationally top-rated speaker, and 8-time business entrepreneur since the age of 16. As a conference speaker she has presented on programs alongside Olivia Newton-John, Geena Davis, Jane Seymour, Joan Lunden, Marcus Buckingham, Mark Victor Hansen, Howard Putnam, Robert G. Allen and Suze Orman. She has authored 12 books, including Heart of the Holidays, and business publications.
www.HeartBookSeries.com
www.SparklePresentations.com
Amazon Book Reviews for Heart of a Woman in Business
Heart of a Woman in Business, Readers Respond| No Comments » Amazon Book Reviews for
Heart of a Woman in Business
Heart of a Woman in Business:
Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success
In conversational tone, this book is loaded with all original and authentic stories, poems and quotations, offering encouragement and igniting the spark for today’s woman in the workplace. Experts, coaches, speakers, trainers, and retirees share their top tips, secrets and advice. Loaded with masterful writing from over 80 contributors, the book by Sheryl L. Roush is 288 pages, for $16.95
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 real stories, and offers here’s how and I did it, you can too! Selections offer practical information, career-bolstering lessons, organizational tips, insights, affirmations, poems, prayers and quotations. Whether you already own a business, planning to start one, or working in a job you love.
The 6×7" book features top talent and experts, including: celebrity personal trainer Jeanie Callen Barat; international business speaker Debbie Allen, author of Skyrocketing Sales, financial alchemist Morgana Rae; fulfilling your heart’s desire by Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula; presentation skills from Juliet Funt (daughter of Candid Camera’s Alan Funt); having a leap of faith, from Sharon Wilson of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction; Hill Street Blues costume designer Karen Hudson; Helen Blanchard, the First Lady of Toastmasters International and author of Breaking the Ice; Marcia Reynolds, Psy., author of Outsmart Your Brain; and Sheva Carr, founder of Fyera!. Quotations of inspiration include: Mary Kay Ash, Debbie Fields, Steve Forbes, Michael Gerber, Louise Hay, Kathy Ireland, Andrea Jung of Avon, Anthony Robbins, Martha Stewart, Donald Trump, Madam C.J. Walker, first black female millionaire; Marianne Williamson and Oprah Winfrey; plus the Founders/CEOs of Amazon.com, Apple, Craig’s List, Dell Computer, Google, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Starbucks; The Body Shop, Virgin Airlines, and Wal-Mart.
About the Author
Sheryl Roush is an internationally top-rated corporate trainer, inspirational speaker, and 8-time business entrepreneur since the age of 16. As a conference speaker she has presented on programs alongside Olivia Newton-John, Geena Davis, Jane Seymour, Joan Lunden, Marcus Buckingham, Mark Victor Hansen, Howard Putnam, Robert G. Allen and Suze Orman. She has authored 12 books, including the Heart Book Series.
Amazon.com Reader Reviews
More Than Expected,
– John Reddish, Get Results, CMC-Certified Management Consultant
What A Treat for My Soul,
– Coach Laura, HeartCenteredWomen.com
Heartfelt and Inspiring!, Once again, Sheryl Roush has come through with another uplifting, inspiring and supportive book in her Heart Book Series. Heart of a Woman in Business is full of great tips and practical tools to use in not only growing your business but keeping you moving forward when faced with challenges. The straight-from-the-heart sharing from so many wonderful business women is a testament of their generosity and desire to help other women be as successful as possible. Women in the workplace do have special needs and this book addresses those needs and so much more!
– Linda Salazar, Author of Awaken the Genie Within
“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)
Workplace Holiday Gift-Giving Etiquette with Bosses and Co-Workers
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, Kwanzaa, Tips & Trivia| 1 Comment »ETIQUETTE:
Workplace Holiday Gift-Giving Etiquette
with Bosses and Co-Workers
Company policies on gift giving among employees tend to vague or non-existent. What has become increasingly prevalent, though, is a corporate attitude that actions that create or imply a hostile workplace environment will not be tolerated. If there is a question of political correctness, people at all levels are encouraged to "play it safe." Many companies also (formally and informally) put dollar limits, often $25, on gift values, mirroring traditional IRS guidelines for limits on undocumented gift giving.
In this environment of increased sensitivity, finding "appropriate" gifts has become challenging. Personal items are often "out." Self-improvement gifts can send the wrong message. Gifts of alcohol may carry undesirable risk levels. While some food gifts remain popular (holiday turkeys, hams, steaks, fruitcakes, etc), the proliferation of food allergies can make these gifts problematic.
What continue to be safe are subscription based publications focused on expressed personal interest, inspirational gift books such as Heart of the Holidays that focus on multiple Seasonal Holidays, decorative gifts (ornaments, inexpensive collectibles) if you know a person’s religious preferences, gift baskets (whose contents are often almost immediately re-gifted), gift certificates (which now usually are not issued in piles as a way to circumvent the rules, but now actually meet the guidelines) and event tickets (though all too few are available at the targeted $25 price point.
A final note is that given the downsizing issue, both benefits and perks (such as seasonal gifts) are more frequently varied so as not to create "conditions of employment" which Courts have ruled to be entitlements in some cases.
Length of tenure can dictate what kind of gift is given, as well as how interactive the working relationship. Personal assistants will typically receive a more personalized gift than direct reports. The shorter, more impersonal, the relationship, the more likely a card is most appropriate. This equation goes both ways. Company policy may also dictate the gift. In some workplaces, the work group pools their giving, buying for one other member, limiting the value of the gift to the traditional $25/limit and determining who they will be buying for by lot.
Boss to employee gifts need not be reciprocated, but should be acknowledged in writing and on paper.
Gifts for the boss – gift certificates for books, music and/or merchandise; subscriptions if the employee knows his/her interests; books themselves; and personally prepared holiday foods (cakes, cookies, etc).
-John Reddish
Authors Share Their Original Stories in New Holiday Book
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice| 1 Comment »Authors Share Their Original Stories in New Holiday Book
Previously published authors sharing previously unpublished original stories and poems are featured in the November 1 release of Heart of the Holidays: Yuletide Treasury and Traditions. Readers embrace touching tributes celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Yuletide Around the Globe, Winter Solstice, and Ringing in the New Year.
Authors include: Lorri V. Allen, Lee A. Barron, Lillian Berman, Cynthia Brian, Marilyn Dalrymple, Lisa Delman, Virgina Ellis, Darlene Fahl-Brittian, Jerry Gitchel, Carolle Jean-Murat, Jan Mills, Selena Parker, Kay Presto, John Reddish, Marcia Reynolds, Karen Robertson, Sheryl Roush, Jennifer Rousseau Sedlock, Reta Taylor, Terri Marie, Joni Wilson and Judy Wright.
