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!
– Musical Selections Audio CD to accompany Heart of a Mother Book
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, MUSIC| 14 Comments »Heart of a Mother
Music Audio CD to accompany published Book
Sparkle Press, Sparkle Presentations, Inc., and WorldSound Productions, Inc. have joined hearts and efforts to create a new MUSIC AUDIO CD to accompany the book, Heart of a Mother, by Sheryl Roush, to be released before Mother’s Day this year. Truly a unique and diverse collection, talented big name musicians have contributed their gifts in the memory and tribute to the life of "Laurie Z." beloved child pianist prodigy at age 16, a non-smoker who died February 6, 2006 from lung cancer, in the prime of her career. Each artist has donated, and some created for this compliation, their tracks in the name and love of Laurie Zeluck Carter.
“Life, for most people, consists of living on the lines – that is, doing what they feel they are supposed to do, or what is expected of them, instead of allowing themselves to soar to their own personal heights and challenges. Truly, life often hands us the best opportunities for growth when we least expect it, when something unanticipated interrupts our life ‘to do’ list. I believe that the greatest things life has to offer lie ‘between the lines,’ when we take advantage of serendipitous events and begin to paint our own picture of what truly can be for us, not what ‘should be’ for us.”
~Laurie Z.~
HEART OF A MOTHER MUSIC TALENTS:
Laurie Z.® received a total of 15 Grammy nomination considerations for her recordings. Her ability to gracefully mix classical, modern jazz and contemporary instrumental styles has been called “absolutely amazing” by prominent music critics and fans alike. Laurie was known for her in-concert improvisations and For the Love of a Child was first created in concert from a suggestion from the audience. It was later recorded live to Disklavier, without edits or overdubs. All The Love In The World by Laurie Z.®, is Sheryl Roush’s heartfelt pick.
Doug Sparling has written music for Pat Sajak’s Lucky Letters (Wheel of Fortune) cell phone game, recorded and written music for Kansas City Irish Rock band The Elders, and performed on the title theme for an indie film titled Hunter. His music has been placed in music production libraries in the U.S. and UK. Interested in many styles, Doug’s musical compositions include Celtic/Irish, solo piano, solo acoustic guitar, and ambient guitar and lap steel. Doug’s tune, The Old Stone Bridge was selected in 2005 for a McDonald’s web site benefiting the Ronald McDonald House and appears on Celtic Shores II (Epilogue Records) compilation CD. You will dance along to The Mother & Child Reel on this compilation.
Ericson Holt has recorded and toured with Grammy winners, The Mavericks, and Oscar nominee and critics favorite Allison Moorer. He has performed with Lee Roy Parnell, Rodney Crowell, Tracy Nelson, and Ricky Van Shelton. Ericson is featured prominently on the new Mike Farris release Salvation in Lights and is an in-demand session player in Nashville. Moonlight in Memphis is from Ericson’s debut solo album, The Blue Side, which climbed to the top 30 on the Americana Chart.
Steve Gibb is an award winning composer and guitarist. His amazing instrumental versatility, combined with his ability to compose in many styles, enables him to transcend the musical genres with ease. Steve has worked with many of today’s leading composers and is in much demand as a session guitarist. Steve has appeared on stage in the title role for the musical, The Buddy Holly Story and is currently performing in the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Jersey Boys. Steve’s Lost in You on this touching compilation is soothing, nurturing and passionate.
JanElaine Eller is not what you might expect. When you first see her, you might expect the performance to match the pretty, petite, and gentle natured person. Then she sits at a piano and her powerhouse performances resonate the chords of your soul. Her songs are broad and sweeping and take hearts soaring, while also relaying a grace that leaves listeners with a sense of peace and well-being. Vocal to Turning Wheels is performed by the talented Joy Summerville.
Charlie Souza is the original Tom Petty band bass player. He was also the bass player for the pop/rock legend bands Fortress and The Tropics. Charlie has performed, collaborated and recorded with Bill Champlin (Chicago), Joe Walsh, Jim Horn, Greg Allman, Cactus, Santana keyboardist Leon Patillo, The Darrell Mansfield Christian Band, White Witch & Gale Force. Charlie has carved out a successful career as a session musician, writer, producer, band leader and, along with other members of The Tropics, is a recent nominee to the Florida Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Listen to "The Rose" from Charlie’s "You Can Live Your Dream" CD.
Kirsten Vogelsang is both a composer and a professional cellist. Kirsten has taken her background and fluency in string and orchestral writing and applied it to new and crossover genres such as electroacoustic and trance. As a Sundance Fellow, Kirsten began her filmscoring career in 1990, scoring over 20 films and TV productions. As a session musician, her countless recording highlights in film and television include X Men, Star Trek, and The Last Samurai. Composing for the dance and concert music world, Kirsten’s performance list includes Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Whitney Museum. Kirsten’s tender track on this CD is Mamas Know (Kyra’s Lullaby).
Peter Combe is indisputably Australia’s finest and most loved children’s songwriter and recording artist. His wonderfully diverse music delights both children and parents alike. With three ARIA Awards, the American equivalent of a Grammy, Peter was the first Children’s artist in Australia to ever receive an ARIA Award. Seven of Peter’s albums have received Gold Awards and two Platinum Awards. He has written songs for all of his four children with Child of Mine written for his daughter Alice. Daughter Emily Combe, whose band, The Finishing School, is a recipient of the 2006 L.A. Music Award for “Best Pop Artist of the Year,” provides background vocal.
Penka Kouneva is a Sundance Composer Fellow and Hollywood film composer blending her native Eastern-European influences with modern orchestra, Medieval chant, rock, and electronica. To date, she has scored nine independent features, four television films for the SciFi channel, episodic shows on cable TV, and five documentaries. In addition to scoring, Penka is a busy orchestrator on studio films (Pirates of the Carribean III, Matrix 2 & 3, Lizzie McGuire Movie), and on film trailers for the two biggest trailer houses in Los Angeles. Playground was written in tribute to the memory of Laurie Z.®
WorldSound Productions and Sparkle Press graciously thank all the Artists for their generous heartfelt contributions to this CD which is dedicated to the memory of Laurie Z.®
For more information about these and other talented Artists please visit:
World Sound Productions
"Serving artists in the new millennium"
www.WorldSoundProductions.com
or email: pr@WorldSoundProductions.com
P.O. Box 568, Capitola, CA 95010 U.S.A.
Phone (831) 462-1918
For more information about the Heart Books or Speaker and Author
Sheryl Roush visit:
www.HeartBookSeries.com
www.SherylRoush.com
or email: Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com
P.O. Box 2373, La Mesa, CA 91943 U.S.A.
Phone (858) 569-6555
Many of the Artists ARE available for concerts and special performances at your engagements. Consider hosting an EVENT with the Artists performing and Sheryl Roush presenting as your keynote inspirational speaker.
CD and BOOK AVAILABLE AT: www.amazon.com/dp/1880878186
