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

Sci-Fi Celebrity Charity Benefit December 5-6, 2009

Charities, Holidays, Sci-Fi| No Comments »

Sci-Fi Celebrity Charity Benefit

December 5-6, Lake Forest, CA

Lightspeed Fine Art
is hosting their 10th Annual Celebrity Charity Benefit

Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6, 2009

Sci-Fi Stars will appear throughout the weekend for photo op’s, signing, and auctioneering items…
Different stars each day in an intimate non-convention setting.

Andromeda

Babylon 5
Pirates of the Caribbean
Stargate Atlantis
Stargate SG:1
Star Trek
Warehouse 13

View details and celeb photos:
http://www.lightspeedfineart.com/celebritycharitybenefit2009.html

Auction Highlights

*Sit in on the taping of an episode for the third season of William Shatner’s "Shatner’s Raw Nerve" on HBO and meet William Shatner himself.*
*A set tour of NBC’s “Chuck” and meet the cast shooting that same day.
*Hot props from Star Trek: Enterprise that John Billingsley (Dr. Phlox) will be auctioning for the Aid Service Center.
*Personal memorabilia from William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart (and others not attending).
*A set tour of TNT’s "Leverage" and platinum tickets to the "Leverage" convention.

Since this event is now SOLD-OUT, attendees must be clients of Lightspeed Fine Art. Although BIDS will be accepted from all non-attendees as of Monday, November 30 for auction items.

Owner Gary Hasson commented, "People who are not attending can still bid on some of the exciting auction items.  They can give us their bids in advance and bid on their behalf."

Leonard Nimoy has just donated a rare pair of his "Mr. Spock" ears that he used in Star Trek IV.  They are one of only 20 pair he kept while shooting Star Trek and which are now in private hands.  So this is a special offering.  Leonard is personally providing a signed Certificate of Aauthenticity.

We will also have a rare fully cast signed poster from the new Star Trek movie which was also signed by JJ Abrams.  Paramount donated this to Pacific Stages Theatre group to raise money, all proceeds on this item will go to Pacific Stages.

Proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society and charities of each actor’s choice.

APPEARING for the WEEKEND EVENT!
Vanessa Angel, Lee Arenberg, Rene Auberjonois, John Billingsley, LeVar Burton, Claudia Christian, Evan English, Jonathan Frakes, Bonita Friedericy, Richard Herd, Catherine Hicks, Dominic Keating, Walter Koenig, Cirroc Lofton, Rachel Luttrell, Jason Mamoa, Eddie McClintock, Larry Nemecek, Robert Picardo, Kevin Sorbo, Jeffrey Willerth.
PLUS The Edwards Twins, musical and impersonation entertainment…
AND Star Trek Artist Keith Birdsong and
Garfield/Star Trek Life cartoonist David Reddick
EMCEE International convention auctioneer Marc. B. Lee

DINNER WITH THE STARS – SATURDAY EVENING:
Vanessa Angel, Lee Arenberg, Claudia Christian, Catherine Hicks, Walter Koenig, Cirroc Lofton, Kevin Sorbo, plus The Edwards Twins, and Star Trek Artists Keith Birdsong and David Reddick.

Lake Forest Sun and Sail Club
Lake Forest, CA

EVENT HOST:
Lightspeed Fine Art
offers original art featuring the stars and scenes from your favorite science fiction movies and television series. These highly collectible pieces are offered as: originals, lithographs, chromagraphs, murals and posters in numbered limited and open editions. Many of these works are hand-signed by the artist or the cast members. We also offer an extraordinary collection of environmental art featuring the creatures of the land and sea. Lightspeed Fine Art is a proud member in good standing of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC). Lightspeed Fine Art is a distributor of Fine Art and a division of American Entertainment Arts
8831 Research Drive, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618
Toll Free (800) 490-9690 or (949) 679-4444
E-mail: info@lightspeedfineart.com
Owner: Gary Hasson

Live Long and Prosper!
This email was crafted and sent sent courtesy of Sheryl Roush, Sci-Fi Fan, Speaker, Author.
Feel free to forward to others who may be interested.
To be added to my personal Sci-Fi fan list, reply to Sheryl@SparklePresentation
s.com  We will comply!

MOVIE PREMIER: Stargate Continuum

Movies, Sci-Fi| 1 Comment »

MOVIE PREMIER: Stargate Continuum

I had the privilege of seeing Stargate CONTINUUM movie premiere on the flight deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum Thursday night… seated in the 300-person audience with the cast, producer and director.

 

In conjunction with San Diego’s annual Comic-Con, the event opened with Red Carpet media interviews amidst the aircraft on deck. Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver) and Ben Browder commented the felt right at home. TV Guide and Sci-Fi Channel reporters and numerous others were present. (Red Carpet photo: Richard Dean Anderson with Martin Wood.)

CONTINUUM cast present also included Amanda Tapping (now a stunning brunette for her role in SANCTUARY series release on Sci-Fi October 3rd), Michael Shanks and talented wife Lexa Doig (“Dr. Lam” and “Rommie” on Andromeda), Cliff Simon and wife Collette, Beau Bridges with wife and daughter, Christopher Judge (with full, long hair), and SG:1/Atlantis’ Doctor Jewel Staite gorgeous as ever in a short dress and heels), and Robert Picardo, dashing in his leather beret. We missed Claudia Black who was not present. And more so, recently deceased and adored by fans Don S. Davis, who cameos in the movie.

Director and Producer Martin Wood and Brad Wright were present for the special engagement.

Friday at Comic-Con, the stars signed free CONTINUUM posters at the Stargate Worlds’ gaming booth, complete with stunning Stargate exhibit. Photo shows Sheryl Roush with Dan Elggren, Studio Head of Stargate Worlds (www.StargateWords.com). They also showed in force for a Stargate Panel…. with Ben Browder walking out on stage an kissing Michael Shanks on the lips. Although Chris behaved himself, Michael Shanks was ready to drop his drawers…. (had to be there….)

Stargate Atlantis had its own Panel on Friday, with Jewel Stait, Robert Picardo and Joe Flanigan, with lively dialogue and asnwering questions from fans.

Also invited to attend the VIP Party in the Hangar Bay following the premier, I had great conversations with the stars.

The movie is available Tuesday on DVD on BluRay.

Ben Browder being interviewed by TV Guide.

 

 

 

 


 

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