Blog Archive

Wow, I just realized it was March when I did my last blog!  Time sure does fly and I’ve been so incredibly busy.  I had much better plans this year to blog more often, and it just didn’t work out that way.

If you remember in my March blog I was talking about Lions Clubs International and my election to 2nd Vice District Governor.  That has certainly kept me busy this year which is why I haven’t had a moment to write anything.  As the saying goes – so much to do, so little time.  But I do have time for a short blog.

I’ve met some great clubs with some pretty great women in charge on my club visitations. I sure do love seeing that.  We have what it takes ladies and there’s so much more to do – and we have the skills to accomplish it all!  I’ve been a part of many committees’ and have been working very hard this year in Lionism just keeping up with all of them.  It takes up the majority of my time these days, but I do love what we accomplish in Lionism.

I’ve also, not quite sure how, been getting ready for another Black Belt test. This will be my 4th Dan in Tae Kwon Do.  As a women going through menopause it’s a challenging and difficult task!  It’s bad enough getting hot flashes, but those of you who know what it’s like when you’re working out and sweating, add a hot flash about every hour or more to that.  YIKES!  Some days I was sure I was going to pass out from heat exhaustion.  But it will all be worth it on December 2nd when I become a 4th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do!

As I won’t get to another blog this year I want to wish everyone out there a very Happy Thanksgiving – don’t forget all those skills and talents you are blessed with and be very grateful – and a Very Blessed and Merry Christmas to all!

With my busy life, time sure does get away from me!  I can’t believe this is March already.  It seems like just yesterday I was doing my year-end blog and now it’s March.

Many of you have heard me talk in my blogs before about the Lions Club.  I love my service to humanity and love what Lions do for others.  There are so many people in need, and with all the drugs, hate and wars out there it’s great to be able to show a little love once in a while to those who need it most!

I was honored this month to have been elected to serve as second vice district governor for my Lions District here in Ohio for the Lions year 2017-2018.  It was a contested (and close) race with a very good friend of mine who also is a great leader.   It’s great to see women serving in leadership roles in the Lions organization.  We need more ladies to step up and show their leadership skills and show that we can make a difference.  In what used to be an all men’s organization until about 30 years ago.  In that short 30 years, women in Lions has not grown as much as it could be growing.  There is so much that Lions have to offer and I would love to see more women become not just members and officers of their clubs, but also  Governors and even International Directors.

Come on ladies, it’s time to shine and show we can make a difference, and we can do as much as the men can do!  Women are naturally born to be nurturers, what better place to show that spirit than in a worldwide organization that has made a difference in so many lives.

I will be even busier the next three years as I work my way up to Governor of my District and I will love every moment of it.  There are so many people to help that need our assistance.  I look forward to working with the clubs in my District and beyond and helping to make the world a better place!

It’s GREAT to be a Lion!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

I hope this time of the year finds you and your family healthy and happy.  Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season get you down and remember the reason for all the celebration in the first place, our blessed savior, Jesus Christ.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, probably because it was also my Dad’s favorite time of the year.  Folks are a little nicer to each other as they get into the holiday spirit.  I also just love the holiday lights, it brings a smile to my face and it’s always so beautiful to see.  I enjoy just riding all over town looking at everyone’s holiday lights, something my Dad always did with us kids when we were growing up.

I was a little taken back the other day when a friend of mine told me I was her angel.  I think my face even turned a bit red from embarrassment.  For me, that is the ultimate compliment anyone can hear and not something I thought anyone would ever say to me, or anything I deserve.  I was just trying to be the best kind of friend I could be by giving her some advice.  My friend is having a tough time as her husband was hit by a car and has some pretty serious injuries.  She’s taken some time off work to take care of him and get him to appointments and all that goes into the worry of taking care of someone. And the holiday season extra’s on top of everything else never helps in these situations.  I simply told her she needs to get back to work to take her mind off the stress and worry over his injuries.  She needed to get her mind focused on something else entirely to help relieve the stress and worry and make her feel better.  I’ve been through enough trying situations myself to know you have to give your mind something else to focus on to get you through.  If you’re not working or doing something else you are totally consumed with worry over the situation and you’ll drive yourself crazy.  I could see she was getting close to that point.  We had a good conversation and she was determined to do some of the things I suggested.  She looked and felt better by the time we parted company.

I’m sure many of you know women like that.  The girlfriend you have whom you can always rely on to help you get through the tough times.  She kicks you in the butt and tells you like it is when you need it, and is still there and will always be there for you.  That is what women in leadership is all about.  Many of you are out there, you are not famous like the Jacqueline Kennedy’s of the world, but you are there for your family and friends and are women who show great leadership.  THANK YOU!

I hope you all have had a wonderful 2016 and I look forward to sharing more insights with you in 2017!

God Bless.

September again!  Fall is my favorite time of the year.  I love the colors and the cooler temperatures.  It’s a great time to be outdoors and enjoying nature.    I’m one of those people who always have to be doing something.  I can’t just sit still.  And this summer has been no exception, since I obviously haven’t posted a blog since July.  

This month’s blog I’d like to talk a little bit about my own leadership.  It’s good to toot your own horn from time to time, or so I’ve been told.

In the world of Lionism, this year is an exciting time to be a Lion.  In July 2017, Lions Clubs International will celebrate 100 Years of service to the world!  We’ve been celebrating for a while now and the celebration will continue throughout next year until well after next year’s International Convention in Chicago, IL (the birthplace of Lions) takes place.  Lions have come very far in the last 100 years.  With the speech by Helen Keller in 1925 right here in Ohio at Cedar Point, Lions have been known as the “Knights of the Blind”.  We continue to aid the blind and help with sight related diseases. As well as working to reverse preventable blindness in many ways including vision screenings for young children.  Vision issues are my passion when it comes to Lions!  Maybe that’s because since 2007 I have been giving talks to Lions Clubs everywhere about Helen Keller and what’s she’s done for Lions worldwide.  Because of Helen Keller, Lions have been helping the blind and working to wipe out reversible/preventable blindness.  But there’s still so much left to do, we can’t forget about this vision.

Ohio’s 2017 State Convention will actually take place in Sandusky, Ohio where our vision for helping the blind started.  I am thrilled to be the featured speaker in a re-enactment of that famous speech Helen gave to Lions in 1925.  Lions of Ohio will be inviting Lions from neighboring states to come and help us celebrate our 100th anniversary next May and witness the re-enactment of that convention from 1925.  We will be celebrating with our current International President, Bob Corlew, and it will be a sight to behold.  So many exciting things will be happening, I hope those of you who are Lions will be joining us next year in Sandusky.

The thrills will continue at the International Convention in Chicago, IL in June 2017 where the International celebration will take place.  During the International parade I, once again, get the privilege of representing the great Helen Keller.  Ohio Lions will have a float in the parade featuring yours truly as Helen Keller and, of course, Melvin Jones, who started it all, will be there with me.  It will be such an exciting convention I hope all Lions who are able to make the trip come and experience it all firsthand.  Look me up when you’re there.

We’ll see you in Sandusky and Chicago!

Last month I had the great pleasure of speaking to the Queen City Lions Club in Clarksville, TN.  I also had the chance to speak to the kids (and parents and other adults) at the Stokes Brown Public Library in Springfield, TN about Helen Keller.  What a great time we had.  Kids are amazing and they take nothing for granted and have great questions and sometimes make amazing statements!  Special thanks to Lion Ed Lantz for inviting me down.  We had a great time!  I was also told the Clarksville Lions Club signed up 2 or 3 new members after my visit.  That made it all worthwhile.  Way to go Clarksville Lions Club!

I do love talking about women in history and the leadership they’ve shown through the ages.  Throughout the research and reading I’ve done I always find women, when given the chance, will far exceed men in their endeavors.  It always makes me wonder why more women aren’t given the same opportunities as men.  When women do get those opportunities we always thrive.  I am one of those types – tell me I can’t do something – and watch me go do it just to prove I can!  I’m such a rebel.

​I’m very excited that in a few years, after over 100 years in service to the world, Lions Clubs International will have a woman President, Lion Gudrun Yngvadottir, from Iceland.  And of course, for the 1st time in history, a woman is running for President in the United States.  Women continue to hit the trail and try to pave the way for those behind them. 

​On occasion, I do like to talk about amazing women I know or have met, and today I’d like to talk about a friend of mine from Michigan.  She’s an amazing lady who several years ago went through a transformation to find out who she was…and boy did she ever!  She quit “working” and started her own life coaching business.  She does personal coaching, workshops, and yoga instruction just to name a few.  She also likes to journal.  I encourage you to learn about my friend, Terri Spaulding, through her recently published blog:  http://www.getoffgo.com/blog/.  And while you are there, you won’t want to miss checking out her website about all she has to offer and getting to know this amazing lady.  If I lived in Michigan and had the opportunity to see her more often I’d be utilizing her services.  For all of you in Michigan, I hope you check her out and set up an appointment with her.  She will leave you feeling excited about new possibilities. Thank you, my friend, for always amazing me!

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 5 months since my last blog!  I probably don’t have many followers, but for those of you who do follow me, sorry I’ve been away so long.

Life has just gotten in the way.  I’ve recovered well from my foot surgery, although it still bothers me from time to time.  But it will get better and hasn’t stopped me from my busy lifestyle – it still keeps me hopping! 🙂

My insurance career is my “day job” and it’s very busy.  Besides public speaking, I am also a professional photographer on the side. Not to mention my involvement in my local Lions Club and beyond. They all have kept me very busy these past 5 months.  The sport I love, Tae Kwon Do, has taken a back seat, unfortunately.  Lord knows I need the exercise and it’s starting to show.  Must work to get back to that!

So, I’ve been doing a lot with the Lions this year.  Taking pictures for local District Conventions and giving my Helen Keller talks to clubs in Ohio and beyond –Mississippi, Michigan and later this year I’ll be in Pennsylvania.  Talk about a place that is perfect for women in leadership positions!  Lions need more women as club members and in leadership positions throughout the organization.  Ladies, it’s just there waiting on you…jump on board, it’s a lot of fun.  There’s no better way to show your leadership skills and make a difference in this world than by doing it for this service organization.  The best part about it, like no other organization, is that 100% of the funds raised go right back out into the community and not into some bureaucrats’ pockets.  We have a saying in Lions – Most people spend their life wondering if they’ve made a difference in the world, Lions don’t have that problem!  Find your club today.

I had to opportunity this month to give some great talks on Helen Keller – Lion and non-Lion speeches.  I also talk about Suzanna Wesley, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Annie Oakley, and Jacqueline Kennedy.  What great ladies of history!  Shoot me an email, I would love to come to your organization and share these stories with you.

Once again I’ve missed a month of my blog.  Time does fly quickly.  I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving!  There are many things in this world to be thankful for and it’s a great time of the year to acknowledge all the blessings which have been bestowed upon us.

The title of my blog this month is something I try to live by in all that I do.  Throughout our lifetime we are shaped by our experiences which define the person we become and/or the person we want to be.  One of the best things in my life I’ve ever done was to start doing martial arts.  I was raised in a strict catholic family and was taught to be respectful of others and was taught manners.  All of that carried through when I started doing martial arts and it made me feel at home.  I love watching the kids I teach learn this respect and watch them show it to others, including their parents.  I started doing Tae Kwon Do back in 2003.  Today I am a 3rd Dan (degree) black belt.  I say all of that not to brag but as a way of talking about never giving up.    

I had to have foot surgery this month due to tears in my tendon, tight muscle (and tendon) as well as too much scar tissue.  This likely happened from Tae Kwon Do with my board and brick breaking.  The doctor says it’s not a good idea to continue doing these breaks with my foot unless I want to go through this again…NOT!  However, I also do not want to give up Tae Kwon Do because I love teaching the kids not to mention I love this sport myself.  What to do?  I discussed with the school’s owner, Grandmaster Stephens, who assured me there would be other ways I could break boards and bricks…hands and elbows for example.  Lucky for me they will work with me to come up with other ways of doing what I need to do so I can continue doing martial arts.  A great school indeed! 

This is why I never give up when doing something I enjoy!  You can always find more than one way to do anything you set out to do.  You just need to use the resources and people you have at your disposal to help you find ways to do what you need to do.  When you love something….never, never give up on it!

I hope you all have a very Blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Well, since I already missed September, thought I’d do my October blog early.  It’s been a trying couple of months for us.  Unfortunately, we lost my dear sister-in-law, Karen (see picture), in September.  She fought like hell, but just couldn’t beat it this time and the good Lord called her home.  All those things I commented on in August still hold true today.  There were a lot of tears and sad times but the awesomeness of this great lady showed in the remembrances of her from her family, friends, and co-workers who knew her and worked with her for many years!!  It truly made me smile amid the sadness to hear such wonderful stories of a life well lived and touched by many.  When you are a teacher…you touch MANY lives.  Karen was a kindred spirit and her memory will live on in the lives of her children and those she left behind.  Rest in peace, Karen.  We will always miss you and think of you fondly!

No matter how long we live in this world…as the country song by Conway Twitty goes:  life is too short no matter how long it lasts!  With that in mind, what are you doing to make your world a better place? Who have you touched in this world or helped along the way?  What leadership skills are you showing and teaching others?  Who is that woman in your life whose opinion you value that you haven’t taken the time to say “Thanks!” I encourage you to do that now before it’s too late.  Let them know how much they’ve meant to you in your lifetime and more importantly, how much you’ve learned from them just by the way they live their life.  Make yours worth living!

Wow, can’t believe I missed my July blog.   Where does the time go!?  


This article on women in leadership cuts close to home.  My blog this month is a bit sentimental and emotional.  We learned that my sister-in-law, Karen, who fought breast cancer 5 years ago now has cancer again….this time it’s liver and bone cancer.  This is a great lady in the prime of her life!  Her youngest children, twin boys, just graduated high school and are attending some great colleges on nearly free rides.  Her oldest daughter is getting married in December and her youngest daughter just graduated college and is starting graduate school.  This is a mother who has 4 wonderful children we are all very proud of – proud of what they’ve accomplished and who they’ve become.  So much to be proud of and excited about and then she learns about having cancer again.  What a blow.  She is a woman of great faith and she is bound and determined to beat this again and I believe she will!  Karen has always shown the quiet kind of leadership I admire most in women.  Through all the years I’ve known her she’s always been a strong woman.  She’s an elementary teacher by trade.   She showed her children the importance of education – she got her master’s degree while still teaching and raising her children.  She and her husband have always played an active role in their children’s lives.  Not every parent can say that.  Their children always come first and their activities always revolve around the lives of their children.  They have raised 4 very well adjusted children whose lives have been deeply enriched because of the leadership their mother has shown (Dad too, but this article is about women…sorry Tom).  


She is a fighter and her time’s not up yet, she had a lot more to teach us all about leadership as she continues her struggle to beat cancer once again.  We love you, Karen!

What about you….what great women do you know who have endured so much and taught you what it means to fight like hell?

I know I’ve been lax at getting my next blog together for publication.  It’s been a busy winter despite the cold temperatures here in Ohio.  I’ve been very busy with my local Lions Club.  A great topic to bring up for Women in Leadership.

Lions Clubs is the world’s largest service organization and also a great place for women to get involved and show their leadership to the world.  There is always so much to do and so many to help.  We need women in Lions to show everyone how it’s done!  🙂

You don’t have to be famous to show great leadership, you can do it in your communities and within any organization.  So what about you?  What organization are you volunteering to serve?

I got convinced to run for District Office this year in Lions.  I am running for 2nd Vice District Governor for my District in Ohio.  But the kicker is I also have competition this year which is something that doesn’t happen often in our District.  It’s been a while since more than 1 person at a time has run for this office and it just so happens this is the first time there have been 3 candidates running!  There are 2 women and 1 man on the ballot.  What a time to decide to run for office.  I’ve been busy campaigning and working with the Lions throughout Central Ohio.  Not only campaigning, but the past year I’ve also been the District’s Newsletter Editor which keeps me busy as well, but it’s also something I enjoy doing.  The 3 of us running for this office are qualified and will all do a great job no matter who wins.  We’ll see how this comes out next weekend on March 21st.  If I don’t win this year, there’s always another chance to run so one way or the other I plan to serve my organization in this capacity.  It’s been a fun campaign and it’s keeping me very busy going to clubs and events throughout the District while still trying to do all the many other tasks on my plate.  I’ll let you all know how it comes out next month.

So what organizations are you involved with?  Are you utilizing your leadership skills and helping your organization succeed?  If not, why not?

Until next time…

So it’s been about a month since I last blogged.  Did you miss me?

Last month I just talked about why I decided to start blogging.  This month I’d like to share a little inspiration with you.  How do we, as women leaders, live our lives?  Are you a roll model for other females in your life?  How about you guys out there?  What kind of roll model are you?

I have this little “motto” of the 12 steps of life hanging on my office wall.  I’m sure many of the great women I talk about have spent their lives doing most of these thing.  That’s what made them so great.  When I’m having a bad day I like to review this and think about them and what I can do to live this.  Most of you who know me will agree I do most of these already anyway.

so enough suspense….enjoy these 12 Steps of Life!

1)   Life is too short – be adventurous
2)   Pray Often
3)   When life gets you down – be a kid, go out and play!
4)   Children are our future – teach them right
5)   Attitude is everything
6)   SMILE  🙂
7)   Take responsibility for yourself and your actions
8)   Quit whining
9)   Love your enemies
10) Be a friend
11) Keep learning
12) Don’t be lazy

Which of these have you done today?

I spend most of my life looking up to the inspirations I gained from many women I’ve learned about who made history over the years – Helen Keller, Nadia Comaneci, Mary Lou Retton, Jacqueline Kennedy, Mother Teresa, and just recently learned about Susanna Wesley.  But the biggest inspiration in my life has always been my mother who is a very emotionally strong woman!

From many years in Toastmasters International, I discovered I have a knack for public speaking!  I love it and have even been asked if I’ve ever been in theater..the answer is a resounding NO, by the way.  I enjoy inspiring others through the stories of the lives of these great women.

I have so enjoyed the inspirations of other women who have helped to pick me up when I thought there was no hope and watched them overcome tremendous adversity.  I liken it to a statement I made when my Tae Kwon Do master kept trying to get me to sign up.  I kept saying “no” until I watched a promotion test and saw a skinny little girl (about 7 years of age) spin around and break a wood board with her foot.  My reaction was “well if she can do it, then so can I”.  That’s all it took…and from a little 7 year old!  Inspiration comes when you least expect it.

Let me inspire you a little!  I’ll do it every chance I get.  And I’ll try not to bore you by blogging too often.  Just sign up for my blog and I’ll keep them coming.

Feel free to leave comments anytime!