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 Bernstein – They 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 Brady – God 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 Duarte – Mulberry 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 Erler – Southside 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 Hart – Summer 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 Kirkbride – Gamadin (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 Lubin – From 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 Sundstrom – Barbie & 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 Miner – FourEver 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 Woman – featured 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. Vianna – Second 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 Wilson – Raven 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. Youngs – Taste 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 Quigley – Indelible 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
 

Reprinted from the HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS book, by Sheryl L. Roush

WINTER SOLSTICE
by Reverend Uki MacIsaac, MA

ORDER THE BOOK:
Bask in the glow of winter’s warmth. Celebrate the most blessed time of year with lighthearted tales, original stories and poems, and quotations… Chapters include: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Yuletide Around the Globe, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Ringing in the New Year…
ORDER COPIES of the HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS book here.   KINDLE version

ORDER THE MUSIC CD:
Touching the heart with music, Heart of the Holidays is a celebration of the season. Included are creative new interpretations of the traditional Chanukah songs "Mo’oz Tsur" and "Sivivon." Two original numbers written and performed by Laurie Z., "Heart of the Holidays" and "Warmth From Within" easily hold their own next to the traditional songs we all know by heart. Playful touches are included, like special guest, late actor Jack Palance singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," topping it all off with Jack Palance’s delightful reading of "The Night Before Christmas."
ORDER COPIES of the HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS Music CD here.

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)

I’m thankful for my eyes—
that I might see spectacular sunsets, lovely flowers of spring, the sweet face of a child.

I’m thankful for my ears—
that I might hear the birds’ sweet songs, children’s infectious laughter, glorious music that uplifts the soul.

I’m thankful for my lips—
that I might help kiss away a child’s tears, whisper words of love, share encouragement and praise.

I’m thankful for my hands—
that I might help a neighbor in need, hold hands with loved ones, give a warm hug or pat on the back.

Most of all, I’m thankful for my mind—that holds all these
memories—so that, when I feel sad or discouraged, I can once again
recall all these wonderful gifts with which I’ve been blessed.

– Connie Jameson

Published in Heart of the Holidays; Yuletide Treasures & Traditions, by Sheryl L. 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)

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

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)

Sheryl Roush interviewed
on Heart of the Holidays
Music CD Release

ORDERING INFORMATION:
Heart of the Holidays (book only) is available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, and Borders bookstores (find location near you).

SPECIAL OFFER!
Order the Book with Bonus Music CD for $19.95 and receive the Sparkle-Tudes! A-Z Quotations eBook (value $14.95) free.

Sheryl Roush is President of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, California. She is a top-rated international conference speaker, and 12-time author. In additional to Heart of the Holidays, her other books include: Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman in Business, Corazon de Mujer (Heart of a Woman in Spanish), and Sparkle-Tudes!
Heart of a Mother also has a Bonus Music CD available with the book.

25 Ways To Say Thanks

As I look back through the archives of "Living Wisely," I see that gratitude has been the theme of several of my articles around the holiday season. The old words seem to drum home the importance of being grateful for what
we have. This year, in the face of financial crises and the loss of veritable institutions that we’ve relied on for employment it may be more important than ever to find a silver lining in order to endure. In a time when our feelings probably outweigh our ability to express them, I thought it might be helpful to explore some ways to say thanks and experience feeling grateful.

Giddy, ecstatic, humbled, moved, awed—grateful.
However, the emotion registers for you, each of these actions can likely get you there. It is that intense  feeling of being alive that we crave. Despite any troubles we may be dealing with, remember the feeling these 25 ways give you and recreate it every day. That is living. That is worth Thanksgiving.

by Laura Berman Fortgang, Speaker, Author, Coach
Copyright ©2007-2008 Laura Berman Fortgang.
Reprintable when full credit is given.
www.LauraBermanFortgang.com

Suggested Reading
Attitudes of Gratitude: How To Give and Receive Joy Everyday of Your Life
by M. J. Ryan
Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
by Robert Emmons
Heart of the Holidays: Yuletide Treasures & Traditions. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Mother: A tribute to a mother’s love. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Woman: Insights on the strength and wisdom of women. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Woman in Business: Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success, by Sheryl L. Roush

“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 celebrates the strength, humor, love and intuition to be a woman in today’s society." Written by international speaker and author Sheryl L. Roush, Heart of a Woman is a collection of short stories, poems and quotations selected to "rekindle your spirit and touch your soul."

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, Heart of the Holidays, Heart of a Mother, Corazón de Mujer (Heart of a Woman in Spanish), and Heart of a Woman in Business.

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."

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 for under $15.00 and in Kindle format for under $6.00.

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.

“Heart of a Woman in Business”
Book Review
by Amy Lupold Bair
Click here for original article posting

Type-A Mom Gift Guide – Gifts for Moms
November 7, 2008

Books have always been a favorite holiday and birthday present both for me to give and receive, but some books tend to make better gifts than others. Heart of a Woman in Business by Sheryl L. Roush is one of those books. As a stay-at-home mom who just recently launched an online business, this book could not have entered my life at a better time. This small, square bedside tome makes for perfect evening reading.

Buy Heart of a Woman in Business here. 

Author Sheryl Roush shares with the reader not only her best practices and suggestions, but she has also assembled a marvelous collection of inspirational quotes and wonderfully written passages from highly successful men and women.  One such passage that I’ve found particularly inspirational is from Kimberly Anne’s “What is Your Occupassion?”  She writes,

I remember one of my girlfriends in elementary school who said that she wanted to be a flight attendant when she grew up…She still loves being a flight attendant.  It’s what I call her ‘occupassion.’  We’re not all like that, though.  I certainly wasn’t.  I didn’t realize my calling, so to speak, until I was forty-two years old.  I used to secretly think that there was something wrong with me because I’d start looking for something else whenever I was in a position for a few years.  The realist in me seemed to always pursue jobs within the same field, but that thing in me that wanted to feel fulfilled by the work I did still yearned for something – something it wasn’t getting.

This work is not only something that I have been able to relate to, but have found to be simultaneously inspirational.  I highly recommend checking out this book as well as the others in the Heart Book Series for the women who hold your heart this holiday season.

Heart of a Woman in Business is written by Sheryl L. Roush, an international speaker and author. Her website is www.SparklePresentations.com. You can purchase the book here : $16.95 for paperback.

Since 1928 Business and Professional Women/USA (BPW/USA) has sponsored National Business Women’s Week®. Each year during the third week of October, BPW/USA’s members across the country take the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of workingwomen.

The objectives of National Business Women’s Week® (NBWW) are:

• To promote full participation and equity for women in the workplace;
• To publicize the achievements of business and professional women on the local, state and national level;
• To publicize the objectives and programs of BPW/USA as they relate to the millions of business and professional women across the country.

  Over the years, National Business Women’s Week® has become an event widely recognized by public and private institutions and local communities. In the past, the President of the United States, at the request of BPW/USA, has declared the third full business week in October as National Business Women’s Week®. On state and local levels, governors and mayors issue similar proclamations. Each state and community tailors events and activities to meet its needs. Activities include WOMENomics Forums, Woman of the Year Awards, Women Joining Forces programming, Employer of the Year Awards, displays and exhibits, dinners and educational programs.

The History
The idea for the National Business Women’s Week® (NBWW) originated with Emma Dot Partridge, Executive Secretary of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs from 1924 – 1927. The first annual observance was held April 15-22, 1928, when Business and Professional Women/USA President Lena Madesin Phillips opened NBWW with a nationally broadcast speech. In her remarks, she stated that the purpose of the week was "to focus public attention upon a better business woman for a better business world."

BPW Local Organizations implemented daily programs designed to call attention to the mission and achievements of BPW/USA. Reports about activities for those early observances tell of many successful events throughout the country including: Legislative Day devoted to national, state and local legislation of interest to women; Education Day emphasizing the need for equitable educational opportunities; Club Rally Day for prospective new members; Community Day honoring leaders in the community; and Goodwill Day devoted to working with other women’s organizations.

From this early effort, NBWW has grown into a nationwide salute to all workingwomen, as well as an opportunity to spotlight issues of importance to workingwomen. In more recent years activities have included Women of the Year Awards, Employer of the Year Awards, Individual Development workshops, and issue panel discussions.

NBWW was moved to the third full week of October in 1938 so that Local Organizations could use NBWW as a springboard for their new year’s programs. U.S. President Herbert Hoover was the first president to issue a letter recognizing NBWW and the contributions and achievements of workingwomen. Presidents since then have always issued a letter acknowledging the important role women play in the nation’s economy.

For more information and membership, see Business and Professional Women’s site.

Click here for information on the newly released book, Heart of a Woman in Business by Sheryl L. Roush.

Heart of a Woman in Business
Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success
by Sheryl L. Roush

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. Speaking information at www.SparklePresentations.com