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.