Most Grateful

Recently, while having a conversation with my son Ryan, I was encouraged to take some pauses - a little time during each and every day to reflect and be most grateful.  And within minutes of our conversation, Ryan sent to me some photos of his rescue dog, "Scooby."  Receiving the pictures of "Scooby" and knowing the life that "Scooby" had endured prior to being adopted / rescued by my son Ryan and his best girl, Stephanie, the pictures did indeed bring a smile to my heart and a pause to a very preoccupied mind.

A Visit And Presentation To The Armed Forces Home

“There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer” - James Doolittle

Wonderful Meetings and Lively Conversations

Generally speaking, I can almost always count on some very good meetings/introductions and interesting conversations while hosting book signings at U.S. Military Bases.  On November 11 thru November 14, while sharing my books with the wonderful patrons at the Fort Meade U.S. Military Base in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, our meetings and conversations were both wonderful and lively!

Book Signing at U.S. Marine Base, Quantico, Virginia

On October 16, 17, and 18, the families and associates at The United States Marine Base, Quantico, Virginia, invited me to share my books and the many experiences that have come about from the years of being a part of intergenerational partnerships.  Hosting a book signing at Quantico has always been a positive and uplifting event for me; I hosted my first book signing at Quantico in 2008. 

Courage From The Heart

As a child growing up and learning from America's Greatest Generation, I listened a lot, became an avid reader, and developed into a life-long learner.  It began with my father who served in The United States Marine Corps-he knew how valuable an education was and he knew that good study skills and continually practicing the process of learning would be key to succeeding in life.  I am always reflecting on my father's courage and his wisdom and so very grateful for him.

Reconnecting With The Armed Forces Home, Washington D.C.

This summer, I reconnected with some of the staff members and the residents of The Armed Forces Home located in our nation's capital. The Armed Forces Home is one of America's oldest veteran's retirement homes. The Soldier's Home was established in 1851 as an "asylum for old and disabled veterans. Four of the original buildings still stand and are listed as national historic landmarks. Two of the buildings, Quarters 1 and the Lincoln Retreat served as the summer White House for U.S. Presidents-Chester Arthur, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Buchanan, and most notably, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln lived at the Soldier's Home, in what is now called Lincoln Cottage during our nation's most turbulent history, the Civil War. Lincoln spent one-fourth of his presidency at the Soldier's Home, and it is believed that Lincoln wrote the last draft of the Emancipation Proclamation there.

Remembering Marjorie Ginsburg

On August 2, 2015, I attended a ceremony, "Celebrating A Long Life" for Marjorie Ginsburg.  Marjorie's family asked if I would join her family and friends in honoring her legacy, and speak about our friendship.  As I reflected on the years that Marjorie and myself worked together, volunteered together, and simply enjoyed spending time together, it was both a joyful and endearing experience to remember all that I had learned from Marjorie Ginsburg.

Writing My Fifth Book

It's always a challenging, yet rewarding initiative to write a book.  And, it's absolutely imperative to have a wonderful and talented team on board to illustrate the story that you gleam worthy of a read, and to lay out and pull all of the pieces together.  Jared Oriel, Designer/Illustrator, presently a student at Pratt Institute, Michele C. Barnes, Graphic Design Artist, and Yaroslav Bogatov, my web designer for my non for profit organization www.thekindkids.org are all instrumental in helping me to put forth another book. 

Annual Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia Luncheon

Being a Board member of Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia(www.rifnova.org) is an honor, a dedication to service, and a whole lot of fun.  Every year our Board hosts an annual luncheon-it is a coming together of both colleagues and friends-we celebrate what our year of service has been all about.  Our Board members have much to celebrate, for we continue to support and celebrate literacy for The Northern Virginia Area while helping to place books into schools for students.  

Remember the Love, Celebrate the Life, and Share the Journey

Since the first national seminar in 1995, TAPS has welcomed all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in the Armed Forces, providing a full weekend of events for adults and children.  Those that have attended had the opportunity to make connections with other survivors, learn new coping skills, participate in healing activities, and honor their loved one.  As well, there was time for reflecting, relaxing, and visiting with newfound friends.

A Second Visit To Newtown, Connecticut

During the week of February 16, 2015, I had the distinct privilege of spending time with many people in the beloved town of Newtown, Connecticut.   This was my second visit to this picturesque place and I was grateful to have been invited once again.  My first journey to Newtown, took place in September of 2013.

My Upcoming Visit To Newtown, CT

On Monday morning, February 16, I will depart for Newtown, CT.  This will be my second journey to Newtown - my first was in September of 2013.  Being invited to once again speak with parishioners/"Spiritual Journeymen" of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, to present and "Q & A" with Fifth-Eighth Grade Students at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School is both heartfelt and embracing.

A Place of Beauty and Reflection

Sitting proudly in a small rural town in southwestern North Carolina, is a lovely church-Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  I've known the parishioners of IHM for quite a few years...actually since the mid-eighties.  Watching this parish flourish, relocate, and grow in faith has been a blessing for myself and my family in so many ways.

Friend, Teacher, and Mentor

Sister Terry Martin, CND, and I have known each other for fifteen years, and in the past ten years, we have become good friends.  While spending some time here in western North Carolina, I am able to visit and catch up with Sister Terry and listen to her reflections on having just received the "Archbishop Edwin V. O' Hara Advocacy Award for Rural Ministry.  Sister Terry will be the first to tell anyone that she meets, it is she that is the fortunate one to be of assistance to others-those people who are struggling at the margins in the far western Appalachian counties of North Carolina.