"Helping YOU Take Center Stage"!

I drove my 2004 Aveo Chevolet (Blue Berry as we call her) right off the Liberty Chevrolet Car Dealer lot in Wakefield, MASS four years ago in September 2004. I recieved this Happy Vehicle Anniversay email reminder this week. Peek at this link to enjoy my "Happy Vehicle Anniversary" message. http://buzzmail.bzresults.net/bz/buzzmail/view?buzzmailId=409350 Another big anniversary is my daughter Sabrina's 11th Birthday on November 14th! Got any anniversaries coming up? Share some of yours. -------- ANNIVERSARY www.brainyquote.com/words/an/anniversary130502.html - Similar pages Definition of AnniversaryThe annual return of the day on which any notable event took place, or is wont to be celebrated; as, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. ... ----------- REMINDER http://www.brainyquote.com/words/re/reminder211906.html One who, or that which, reminds; that which serves to awaken remembrance. -------- FINANCE http://www.brainyquote.com/words/fi/finance164827.h...

“There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject, then to get your subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart of your audience” Alexander Gregg This video link is of Dalton Sherman a 10-year-old 5th grade student from Dallas, TX who is delivering the Keynote Address for the entire Charles Rise Learning Center. http://www.dallasisd.org/keynote.htm Dalton;s delivery is an excellent example of how a speaker connects and reaches the audience - he got them fired up - just by begin natural - and expressing his appreciation and he certainly knew his subject. I would say he ROCKED IT! Ever wanted to deliver a KEYNOTE ADDRESS? Get Your Subject into the Heart of the Audience Get a Speaking Coach ---------- KEYNOTE SPEAKER http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&defl=en&q=define:Keynote+Speaker&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title One who presents the issues of primary interest to a group of people. www...

"The greatest reward you can have as a leader is the look of respect. The key to a successful leader is to earn that respect not because of rank but because you are a person of character" Richard Winters I really love this quote and I really appreciate that it was hand written on a card sent to me by the newly elected Region III, International Director, Toastmaster, Tim Swearingen, DTM - who also served as the District 3 Governor in Phoenix Arizona. http://www.aztoastmasters.org/ I met Tim during the Calgary 2008 International Convention at his campaign table along with his campaign posse - Nancy Star-Cassidy, Ralph Wallace and Rose Beeson!! (Oh and what’s not to love about Rose, she is a doll and is also a fellow Emersonian)(See us in the photo together at the President;s Dance!)!! http://rosebeeson.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/11/beesons-13-rule.html Tim did an incredible job during the “Candidate’s Showcase”. I had a smile on my face from the time his name was ann...

“Without obsession, life is nothing”. John Waters I am guilty of two TV obsessions on Monday nights! Prison Break - with hottie Michael Scofield and Raising the Bar with hottie Jerry Kellerman. And since I am not sure how to add videos yet (cuz I just learned how to download -- or is it upload -- pictures) I am posting these links for those of you who would like to peek at video clips of these dramas that I am hooked on! Prison Break is full of action and adventure - like a man;s soap opera and Raising the Bar has an interesting dynamic especially the taunting relationship with the Gerry and the Judge. And can I say they are hot outloud - I mean they are a little young for me – but hey I can look right(and dream)? Let me know if you watch them too! Or what do you watch and WHY? http://www.fox.com/prisonbreak/info/ “PRISON BREAK, shot in Los Angeles, is an Adelstein-Parouse Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Paul T. Scheuring, Matt Olmstead, Kevin Hooks, Mar...

Sabrina, Sandi and I riding on Sandi's farm in Idaho Horses make a landscape look beautiful” Alice Walker quotes (American writer, b.1944) YE’AAAYA – some photos have finally been forwarded to me and I am eager to share them. After the Toastmasters International Convention in Calgary I took an additional mini-three-day vacation at the invitation of the District 31 Lt. Governor of Marketing, Bil Lewis to visit his family in Twin Lakes Idaho. (and for those of you who have asked and wondered – Bil is like a broth’ha from anoth’ha moth’ha). I was already exhausted after a long and enjoyable week of “Get Paid to Speak CHAMP Book Camp”, and the Toastmasters International Convention but I couldn’t resist an offer to visit another state that I haven’t been to yet and with the added bonus of letting my ten-year-old daughter, Sabrina (Ms. Independent) fly across the United States to the Spokane Washington Airport and enjoy this mini-trip to Idaho too! The Toastmasters Convention ended on ...

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air”. Ralph Waldo Emerson Sabrina LOVES the water and she had a Terrific Time Tubbing on Twin Lakes - Idaho this summer! Big thanks to the D31 LGM, Bil Lewis for inviting us to meet his family and stay at their house on the lake!!

“… sometimes what you’re think you’re saying may not be what other people are hearing, so it’s good to say it out loud in front of others” Sherri Raftery, member of the St. Pius V. School PTO Board, Lynn, Mass. On Thrusday June 12, 2008 I woke up to this email. Subject: article on public speaking Hi Sherri, I'm working on an article about public speaking for PTO Today magazine (www.ptotoday.com ), which is targeted to leaders of PTOs and PTAs. I found your blog in an online search, and because of your involvement in Toastmasters and a PTO, I'd like to talk with you for the article. The article will provide tips for parent group leaders that may be about to give their first public speech in many years. In particular, it will focus on preparing to give a speech and ways to calm nerves. Would you be available to talk on the phone sometime in the next week or so? I'd be glad to schedule a time in the evening or weekend, if that's more convenient for you. Thanks, Emily Gr...

L.E.K Consulting Club # 1174682 “Chartering Ceremony” Vanessa Hsieh, Club President of L.E.K. Consultants being presented a Chartering Banner by Past District Governor, Cherylle Garnes, DTM during the Chartering Ceremony. “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” Plato (Ancient Greek Philosopher He was the world's most influential philosopher. 428 BC-348 BC) Today – Tuesday September 16, 2008 we celebrated the “Chartering Ceremony” of L.E.K. Consultants Club # 1174682 at the historical Omini Parker House at 60 School Street in Boston, MA at 12:00 noon while enjoyed a catered Chinese lunch. http://www.lek.com/ Performing a Chartering Ceremony is a perfect way to acknowledge a new club to our District 31 (which covers eastern Massachusetts to Worcester and the entire State of Rhode Island). And since L.E.K. Consultants Chartered during my term as the 2007-2008 Lt. Governor of Marketing I was in charge of making sure we following through with planning the chartering...

"God bless the fallen, their families and all who sacrifice for freedom and liberty," Gordon England, Deputy Secretary of Defense, Americans mark 9/11 anniversary with moment of silence - In New York, relatives of victims killed at the World Trade Center observed a moment of silence to mark the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. http://www.gulfnews.com/world/U.S.A/10244223.html AP As I think back on 911 I am sadden by the horrific pictures and stories that were captured by the media, the newspapers, the television and the radio. I cried and wanted to help those people, those families. I felt helpless... Then I remembered how I lived with a "domestic terrorist" for most of my childhood in my biological family. I know first hand how it was to be tortured everyday - and the very person who was suppose to protect me (My MOM) "DIDN'T". Years later I found myself in a domestically abusive relationship - and learned that I was repeating ...

“Great champions have an enormous sense of pride. The people who excel are those who are driven to show the world and prove to themselves just how good they are”. Nancy Lopez “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Ken Blanchard Toastmaster members from District 31 have competed in both the Regional Vii and International Speech Contests since the 1950’s. Four have even won the First, Second and Third Place title of “World Champions of Public Speaking” especially during the past eight (8) years. D31 has had two first place winners – 2001 WCPS, Darren LaCroix, 2007 WCPS, Vikas Jhingran, Ph. D., one second place winner, 2003 WCPS, David Sanfascon, and one third place winner, 2008 WCPS, Dr. Katherine Morrison. “You are all Champions in your own way. That doesn't mean you have to be number 1 or be the best. Just do your best. If you aren't first, then make those people ahead of you break records by pushing them with your personal best. Consider for a moment what we achieve from...

“Toastmasters: The Courage to Conquer!” Jana Barnhill, DTM, AS - 2008-2009 International President, Toastmasters Accredited Speaker, 1996 Second Place World Champion Public Speaker, 1993 Third Place World Champion Public Speaker On Saturday August 16, 2008 during the Toastmasters International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada inside the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre http://www.calgary-convention.com/ the 2008 Toastmasters International Speech Contest began at 9:00 AM in a room filled with 3,000 eager toastmasters, family members and guests. The First Place Winner of the 2008 International Speech Contest is LaShunda Rundles from Region III – Texas, Second Place Winner, Loghandran Krishnasamy, District 51 – Malaysia [DNAR], Third Place Winner – Dr. Katherine Morrison – Region Vii, District 31 – Boston, Massachusetts. Other contestants were: Richard Hopkings, Region I – [Also a Champions Edge Member] Robert Mackenzie, Region II Martin Presse, Region IV Colin Williams, Region V Cha...

“Am I allowed to say I really wanted this? This is fantastic”. Steven Spielberg, Best Director, Saving Private Ryan Just five days before the Toastmasters “International Speech Contest” - there are two Toastmasters “Interdistrict Speech Contests - A & B” given simultaneously - same day/same time - this year it was on Tuesday August 12, 2008. I volunteered to be an usher for the Speech Contest "A" because I really wanted to see a fellow Champion’s Edge Member, Bob Mole, (who is originally from the USA) representing District 59 - France. Bob is fairly new Toastmaster and he only completed six speeches from the Competent Communicator Manual when he made it to Interdistricts! He delivered his speech a few times at the “Get Paid Champ Camp” and got some coaching from the Champs. I really felt that Bob did an excellent job and with more experience, more coaching and more competitions; he certainly can make it back to Interdistricts! [see photo - above Bob with Fellow Edge Memb...

"The man who does not take pride in his own performance performs nothing in which to take pride". Thomas J. Watson (1874 - 1956) I volunteered to carry the Republic of S. Korean (R.SK) Flag at the 2008 Toastmasters International Convention in Calgary - "Oh Cananda" Opening Ceremonies! I am looking for a Rep.S.K. District Website - but have only found club websites. If anyone out there can help me please forward the info. Of course I carried their flag with dignity and pride! Like I did when I was on the flag squad in high school while I competed in many competitions, marched in many parades and performed at many football games. I was excited to finally meet my EDGE Friends during the "Get Paid to Speak" Champ Boot Camp and EdgeNet Summit (I will post more on that soon!). Another Fellow Edge member whom I E-met on the Edge Forum is Palmo Carpino and he carried the Italian flag (LUCKY! PREGO! - SALUTE!) www.palmocarpino.com - Palmo although Italian -...

“We are a group of people brought together to do things we could not do alone”. 2006-2007 Toastmasters International President Johnny Uy, DTM Here it is the "Excellence in Marketing" Award that I earned for meeting (and exceeding) the District 31 Marketing goal. It was handed to me by the 2007-2008 Toastmasters International President, Chris Ford, DTM at the 2008 Toastmasters International Convention in Calgary during the "Hall of Fame" ceremony. Standing next to me is Region Vi International Director, and past District 40 District Governor, Gary Mull, DTM who announced the entire District 31 Top Three Team on the big stage at the Hall of Fame. We are currently a Distinguished District for the fifth (5th) year in a row from 2003-2008 and we are number 41st in the world! ...As Chris Ford would say while he takes off his cowboy hat and waves it high above his head...."YIIIPPPPPYYYY!! http://www.d40toastmasters.org/ http://toastmasters.wikia.com/wiki/Region_V...

“This is America and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity” - Quote from Republican Vice President Nomination and Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin's -"Life Lessons Learned" from her parents Chuck and Sally. All political views aside. I am not posting what my views are or who I will vote for (at least not on this post) this post is strickly for the speeches. I heard some great speeches given during the 2008 GOP National Democratic and Republican Conventions. Some were not so great. Democratic National Convention http://www.denverdnc2008.com/ Republican National Convention http://www.gopconvention2008.com/videos/ I also want to use a term that the 1990 WCPS David Brooks uses as a great "Magical Moment” when Governor, Sarah Parlin was speaking and members in the audience were holding up handmade signs that read “Hockey Moms 4 Parlin”. Sarah paused, giggled and acknowledged the signs by adding a little quote as she vered off her scripted speech and of...

Hi there! Just a little home town fun with my local Theatre Company of Saugus - we performed for the town to raise money for a Cultural Community Center back in the spring and I am just getting around to posting it now! http://tcsaugus.home.comcast.net/~tcsaugus/ Peek at this link http://www.wickedlocal.com/saugus/fun/entertainment/x1993298992 My daughter Sabrina is in a few acts. "You Gotta Have Heart" - second from the right "Do Re Me" pink sweater and white dress "No Buisness Like Show Business" - catch me in the back "Lalaby of Broadway" - catch me in the front with my pink leather

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi 1869-1948 On Saturday August 30, 2008 I had the opportunity to judge the North South Foundation (NSF) Public Speaking Contest at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge MA. “North South Foundation (NSF) is a non-profit voluntary organization that awards scholarships to qualified and needy students in India entering colleges regardless of religion, gender, caste or creed. The Scholarship program in India is designed to encourage excellence among the poor. It is targeted at qualified, needy students entering college. Over 2,500 scholarships have been awarded to date. Each scholarship is $250 per student per year”. http://www.northsouth.org/ I was very impressed with the quality of the speeches especially since the question was very challenging and the students only had one half hour (½) to write out their speeches, and then deliver the speech with very minimum use of small index cards. ALL of th...

SKYPE!! http://about.skype.com/ “The Internet is the most important single development in the history of human communication since the invention of call waiting.” Dave Barry - American Writer and Humorist I highly recommend signing up for a Skype account because it offers text chat, voice chat, video chat and conference calling at a very affordable price - $$ FREE!! I just spent about a half an hour speaking with my Toastmaster friends from South Africa - Craig and Lois Strachan. Lois is currently serving as the District 74 District Governor, and Craig is serving as the Lt. Governor of Education and Training. http://www.toastmasters74.org/ http://www.notesfromthecape.com/ http://www.cttoastmasters.org.za/ http://www.cdssolutions.com/ Becoming a Toastmaster is certainly helping me expand my network of connections that stretch beyond my local District 31 - Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I now have friends around the United States and even crossing boarders to many o...