tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88996077479568611322024-03-14T05:58:12.363-04:00Stuff from Sherry Stanfa-StanleyInsightful, inciting or insane? Your call.sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-80797630757513999022019-07-27T20:19:00.001-04:002019-07-27T20:19:48.261-04:00Leaving Home, Reprise<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="350to-0-0"><span data-text="true">It's been nearly one year since I moved from my condo into my new(est) house. And it's been six years exactly since I moved from my family's home--my dream home--the one my former husband and I built and raised our children. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2rb2n-0-0"><span data-text="true">This last move was far easier than the first. I have learned far better how to adapt to change. Life goes on, and warm memories--thankfully--remain forever. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f99ms-0-0"><span data-text="true">Here's what I wrote as I contemplated that first move: </span></span></div>
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<b><span data-offset-key="b1i07-0-0"><span data-text="true">LEAVING HOME</span></span></b></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ev7td-0-0"><span data-text="true">The fresh paint on the walls has dried, and the smell of just-laid carpet nearly faded. Except for a stack of framed pictures which still await rehanging, my home renovations are complete. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="af077-0-0"><span data-text="true">My eighteen-year-old house feels new once again. I plan to enjoy the newness, these HGTV-dictated updates, for a couple more years. And then I'll do the logical thing, the sensible one: I'll put the house on the market, find a small and practical condominium, and move away.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3kbm1-0-0"><span data-text="true">As a recent and single empty-nester, selling this two-story, twelve-room house should seem a foregone conclusion. Clearly I don’t need this amount of space, nor the hefty mortgage. And I know it’s time to relinquish, gladly, the tedious tasks of lawn-mowing and snow-shoveling. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dmoch-0-0"><span data-text="true">Yet all that logic is swayed by half a lifetime of growing sentiment. Because in my mind, this shall always remain the dream house my former husband and I designed and built--when our marriage was still intact and our children were still toddlers. It's the house where I raised my two boys to manhood. It's the only childhood home either of them remembers. It’s the place I once envisioned retiring, babysitting my grandchildren, and growing old.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bn4r1-0-0"><span data-text="true">How to leave it, when memories lurk in each corner of the house and linger in every inch of the yard? How will I follow through with letting it go, on the day I must finally go away for good?</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8f17l-0-0"><span data-text="true">As I glance at the front porch, I'm certain I’ll recall the home's beginnings: how the rising wooden frame beckoned us all toward the future. I’ll remember my towheaded two-year-old son, bent over with his Fisher-Price tools clutched in his mittened hands—an image which remains frozen in my memory. "I build our new house, Mommy," he announced with a proud smile, his plastic hammer rapping on a four-by-four board.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="b81dc-0-0"><span data-text="true">I will wander around to the back yard, where I'll catch sight of the pine tree. It was nothing more than a nine-inch stick when my youngest son brought it home from his preschool Arbor Day celebration. Now it nearly reaches the rooftop. The back lawn and mulched flower beds, bursting with roses and pink gladiolus blooms, somehow managed to survive years of Capture the Flag and pick-up football games. This same yard also served as the setting of many teary-eyed funerals for guinea pigs, tadpoles, and hermit crabs, who did not survive the years.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="91dl9-0-0"><span data-text="true">The wooden deck appears weathered and worn after countless Fourth of July barbecues and birthday parties. I’ll smile, remembering the impromptu concerts that it hosted, too. I’ll hear those exuberant voices of eight-year-olds as they danced and belted out the Backstreet Boys to an audience of grinning parents and obliging neighbors, back when our children still lacked the self-consciousness their teenage years would soon enough bring.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4bfq8-0-0"><span data-text="true">I’ll take a deep breath and open the sliding glass doors into the kitchen. I will glance at the recently emptied cupboards and then wander into the dining room, where we hosted holiday dinners for nearly two decades. I will stroke the sleek surface of the long mahogany table, which will likely not find a place in my new condominium.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5lldb-0-0"><span data-text="true">At the adjacent piano, my two young sons once played a duet for their great-grandfather, just a year before he died. A photo of it remained for years, displayed on the built-in bookcases in the family room, but now packed away along with the framed baptism and graduation pictures.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4u9fc-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peering down the basement, I'll recall the fort my children built beneath the stairwell. All that remains is the rough-hewn wooden door, with the words “Keep Out” written in red marker. The fort sat dormant for years, vacated for more compelling teenage occupations like cars and girls. But once upon a time, it held the rapt attention of several flushed-faced boys wielding hammers and saws, building a tiny place they could call their own.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="eb8rb-0-0"><span data-text="true">I will roam through the house and wander up the stairs. Finally, I will pass the front bedroom which once held a nursery. If I close my eyes tightly, I can still see the Sesame Street crib comforter and matching curtains. I can almost imagine the feel of that now grown baby’s soft cheek and catch a whiff of the sweet scent of talcum powder.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="pusv-0-0"><span data-text="true">How to let go?</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8328d-0-0"><span data-text="true">Is a house simply some four-walled arena in which a series of scenes in our life play out? Or is it more? Is a home our memory-keeper, a family field of dreams?</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d7suv-0-0"><span data-text="true">On the day I leave here for the last time, I will collect the images of our lives that took place in every room, every hallway, and every inch of the yard. I will commit every bit of this to memory.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2mm9e-0-0"><span data-text="true">And, once I realize I can take all of that with me--I will tell myself that I'm ready to move on.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4qs3u-0-0"><i>Has it been difficult for you to move on?</i></span></div>
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sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-48870932873811943332019-06-29T20:15:00.000-04:002019-06-29T20:15:56.262-04:00The Journey of Parenting: Long Days and Short Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Son #1 turned 30 this week, and Son #2 turns 28 on Monday.<br />
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I often say, there were single, exhausting days along this journey of
parenting that I thought would never, EVER end. But the years? They flew
by at lightning speed.<br />
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I have few regrets in life. But if I
could go back in time, I would try harder to let the smaller issues roll
off my shoulders, work more at that delicate balance between necessary
discipline and supportive understanding, and appreciate every age and <span class="text_exposed_show">stage for what it has to offer. </span><br />
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Perhaps children aren’t exactly a gift. I mean, lord knows they’re not
free. They come with strings attached. And they’re not returnable—even
though there are days... Oh, yes, there are days.<br />
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Yet the gifts
of parenthood appear in the form of tiny, sometimes imperceptible
things: an enjoyment of similar interests, an academic or career
success, an insightful or humorous remark, or a kindness toward animals
or other people.<br />
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Parenting is part joy, frustration, grief, and pride—all tied up in one huge mysterious and astounding package.<br />
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It’s the most rewarding package I’ve ever received.<br />
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Thirty years later, I still marvel at the magic.<br />
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<i>Your thoughts on the journey? </i></div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-84111501943849449622019-06-27T22:38:00.001-04:002019-06-27T22:38:55.850-04:00Road Tripping through Wonder Land<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="2da58-0-0"><span data-text="true">I recently took a fabulous two-week, 13-state road trip out west. For those who are contemplating vacation with an aggressive driving schedule, I have the following suggestions:</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c9vl1-0-0"><span data-text="true">TRAVELING COMPANION: If you're traveling with others--particularly if you're traveling with just ONE other person with whom you will spend 24/7 for days at a time--make sure you are truly compatible. Be certain your goals and objectives for the trip are similar. Choose similar priorities and be willing to compromise on the smaller stuff. Understand each other's strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly. Traveling on this kind of road trip with another person is a lot like being married--albeit a temporary, very short marriage with an agreed-upon and amicable end in sight--which is surely the easiest and safest kind of marriage possible</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="a1lgc-0-0"><span data-text="true">TRANSPORTATION: If you don't want to put 6,000 or so miles on your car (which we did) or aren't sure your car can handle the possibly tough mountain/icy terrain, rent a vehicle. For two weeks, our rented SUV only cost us just under $700, split between two of us. SO well worth it.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="e6amc-0-0"><span data-text="true">And, point of fact: The morning of the very day we left, I ran to my neighborhood Dollar General for extra dog food, cat litter, and toilet paper for my house-sitter. I came back out to a dead and unresuscitable minivan, which had to be towed to my (now far too familiar) auto place. Sigh. Probably a good thing this didn't happen in the middle of BFE, Montana.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="eedko-0-0"><span data-text="true">COSTS: Save ahead for the trip, if possible. A couple years ago, we started putting $100 each, every month, into an envelope. We missed several months and stopped totally some months back, when life (Life: Really? WTF?) interfered. But what we did save was enough to cover all our gas and part of our motel expenses.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="cm0rh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Choose motels that offer a free breakfast. I'm not a breakfast food fan, but I found enough options to please me and fill me enough so we didn't need to stop for lunch. We brought along a Rubbermaid tub in the backseat--filled with stuff like nuts, beef jerky,and granola bars--that served us well for necessary afternoon snacks and lunches. And occasionally, our lunch was Twizzlers and popcorn. Don't judge us.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="an1jb-0-0"><span data-text="true">DIRECTIONS: Don't just count on your car's GPS, your Garmin, your phone's Waze app, a AAA TripTik, or an atlas. Use ALL of the above. We found ourselves occasionally lost in BFE when one or more of these sources failed us. You need to be able to count on something else--as well as your patience and good humor.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="eamtd-0-0"><span data-text="true">ENTERTAINMENT ON THE ROAD: Bring along lots of music--radio stations are not always available on a desolate highway in Bumf*ck, USA. When you aren't having to pay close attention to routes and traffic patterns, audiobooks are a great option. (Thanks,Tina Fey!) Bring along some tour books to discuss out loud what to look for along the way or destinations ahead.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="foebe-0-0"><span data-text="true">Also, old-school road games and current Facebook engagement-type topics are perfect traveling fodder. What's your favorite book, movie, dessert, city, etc.? This will make for terrific conversation, and you'll find out things about each other that you never knew.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2oj8u-0-0"><span data-text="true">Of course, in just general conversation, you'll also find out stuff about each other you never would have guessed. For example, that your traveling companion thinks ALL THOSE rock formations resemble penises. My friend Cindy will probably never look at me the same way.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6ek7q-0-0"><span data-text="true">Road trips open doors to new worlds. They change your life. And they change the way you look at life.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c20lp-0-0"><span data-text="true">Why not broaden your horizons and see what's out there?</span></span></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="akr1h-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let me know if you have any questions. Happy Travels!</span></span></i></div>
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sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-39061288864374003332019-05-23T21:19:00.000-04:002019-05-23T21:19:42.132-04:00Get "Finding My Badass Self" as an Ebook for Just 99 Cents!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6XP9iajujry8MAKMZU0ffhyphenhyphenJWvHg1KcjLFu1wJ1H4V-vdVViVJb0I0cGKWJEg0Ut2IYlSwBHru0__LKmAAB5T-2lDDo9UMEHDI3mlD0Sa0c3kr7u9ayCgM4e7g2hm2LRqnp34V_Yf_U/s1600/bookbub+photo+with+pants.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6XP9iajujry8MAKMZU0ffhyphenhyphenJWvHg1KcjLFu1wJ1H4V-vdVViVJb0I0cGKWJEg0Ut2IYlSwBHru0__LKmAAB5T-2lDDo9UMEHDI3mlD0Sa0c3kr7u9ayCgM4e7g2hm2LRqnp34V_Yf_U/s400/bookbub+photo+with+pants.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-22046348034577177582019-04-11T21:31:00.001-04:002019-04-11T21:31:33.789-04:00In Honor of the Pets Who Have Changed Our Lives<span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="7le52-0-0"><span data-text="true">Through the years, I've posted quite a bit about Ringo the Wonder Retriever and my fabulous cat collection. In the last year and a half, I lost three of my cats--Snoopy, Sammy, and Cubby--at the ripe old ages of 18, 19, and 20. Losing them was so tough, but damn, did we all have a good run!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9rkiq-0-0"><span data-text="true">Lennon is the last of my feline buddies. I found him ten years ago when he wandered over to the restaurant/bar patio where I was having drinks with a friend. This little guy--still a kitten at the time--was skittish but so hungry and desperate that he survived for months by eating popcorn from bar patrons. Within a couple of days of spotting him, I returned, managed to catch him, and brought him home to enjoy a safe and loving indoor home.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7aop1-0-0"><span data-text="true">Lennon remained nervous and nocturnal through the years, mainly coming to me for attention and affection during the night. His M.O. was to wait until I was asleep, and then to crawl up and softly paw my cheek to awaken me.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6qobq-0-0"><span data-text="true">For some reason, he was immediately drawn to Ringo and has adored him ever since. Ringo doesn't know what to make of him, and whenever Lennon tries to cuddle with him, Ringo peers up at me nervously, as if saying, "Umm... What do I do now?"</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bvl8a-0-0"><span data-text="true">When Cubby died in February, leaving Lennon as an Only Cat, everything changed. I haven't yet decided whether he misses the other cats or whether he is thriving on being an Only Cat and getting more attention--or maybe it's a bit of both. But he's now frequently by my side, following me into the next room and lying next to me on the couch.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3fd86-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'm so pleased to finally be able to provide the attention and affection I always wanted to give him. And it's been beneficial to me, too, after losing the other cats who had provided me with great companionship all those years.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4cgr8-0-0"><span data-text="true">Life works in weird and often wonderful ways. Our relationships with our pets help remind us of that.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5esus-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'm happy to honor Lennon, the often silent and seldom seen pet, on National Pet Day. Finally, this is his moment! He might not look like it in this photo (Get that camera away from me, Mom), but I'm pretty sure he's awfully pleased. </span></span></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="6kcgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">Any warm and rewarding pet stories you care to share? Please feel free to include a photo!</span></span></i></div>
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sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-88503174233958044072018-08-31T20:39:00.000-04:002018-08-31T20:39:27.056-04:00When It's Time to Change<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="dq4bd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dq4bd-0-0">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBReExv7NXvUvCAZ5IQg9-HFKv6S-4yPH_WAiihr1i7dljTR06V-nJ6sqGurS-c9N4j88GGHnvzNevXPIFRV3z5xALkzaKJwF_zaYYAYgwwCtdabYl2hXh0LLQf0iZ3VE1eEYO2mb31ug/s1600/new+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBReExv7NXvUvCAZ5IQg9-HFKv6S-4yPH_WAiihr1i7dljTR06V-nJ6sqGurS-c9N4j88GGHnvzNevXPIFRV3z5xALkzaKJwF_zaYYAYgwwCtdabYl2hXh0LLQf0iZ3VE1eEYO2mb31ug/s320/new+house.jpg" width="240" /></a><span data-offset-key="dq4bd-0-0"><span data-text="true">Change is good.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="4oglp-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4oglp-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4oglp-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="dvdns-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dvdns-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dvdns-0-0"><span data-text="true">Change is good.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="aoaft-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aoaft-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="aoaft-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="e7912-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e7912-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e7912-0-0"><span data-text="true">Change is GOOD, right?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="1plv8-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1plv8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1plv8-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="5gjvm-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5gjvm-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5gjvm-0-0"><span data-text="true">That’s been my mantra through the past several years. Over the last couple of weeks though, I’ve frequently followed it with a whisper of, “This change is GOING to be good. Very, very soon, I’m almost certain.”</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="ejq2q-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ejq2q-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ejq2q-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="4bl2i-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4bl2i-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4bl2i-0-0"><span data-text="true">My recent move to a new house, in a different city from where I’ve lived for nearly 30 years, has involved some challenges—frustrating at times even for someone like me, who has based much of my midlife on welcoming new circumstances and pursuing new experiences.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="bbqn1-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bbqn1-0-0">
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="c8dlu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c8dlu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="c8dlu-0-0"><span data-text="true">Change may be good, but it’s not always easy.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="lh7a-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="lh7a-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="lh7a-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="24i79-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9740u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9740u-0-0"><span data-text="true">Yet as I sit outside tonight, writing in my new back yard, I feel a sense of starting to settle in. </span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9740u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9740u-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9740u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9740u-0-0"><span data-text="true">A new environment, a new lifestyle, and a new journey. </span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9740u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9740u-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9740u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9740u-0-0"><span data-text="true">The orchestra of cicadas around me signals the ending of one season and start of a new one. It seems a fitting backdrop for my new life.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="9740u-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9740u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9740u-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="dan4k-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dan4k-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dan4k-0-0"><span data-text="true">I’ll take several steps forward and possibly stumble once or twice back, along the way.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="e22dd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e22dd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e22dd-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="ai7ku-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ai7ku-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ai7ku-0-0"><span data-text="true">In the end, it’s all good, indeed. </span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ai7ku-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ai7ku-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a9b68" data-offset-key="a9k3v-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a9k3v-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a9k3v-0-0"><span data-text="true">What change in your life awaits you? Are you facing it with a bit of apprehension or are you meeting it head-on?</span></span></div>
</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-53533466697328079552018-08-14T20:08:00.000-04:002018-08-14T20:08:00.717-04:00Still Opening New Doors<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QPU7xPeJWxmPmFEdPHYsPtWe6VpgRV0vPzwnzoGEOGujHDO6D3m2LJrCfjV60Ai5qHzztNF-x-uk7vpUuqkyLGk1YgJON6m9Huk86RZMb-BzB_w_iDLnnfIl7buyDjV8zqX9HZVAj6Y/s1600/ippy+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="960" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QPU7xPeJWxmPmFEdPHYsPtWe6VpgRV0vPzwnzoGEOGujHDO6D3m2LJrCfjV60Ai5qHzztNF-x-uk7vpUuqkyLGk1YgJON6m9Huk86RZMb-BzB_w_iDLnnfIl7buyDjV8zqX9HZVAj6Y/s320/ippy+award.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;">
Tomorrow, Aug. 15, marks
the one-year anniversary of the publication of <i>Finding My Badass Self: A Year
of Truths and Dares.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
While the crazy journey
that led to my writing the book changed my life, the past year has been equally
filled with incredible new experiences.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Over the past year, I
met hundreds of people and forged rewarding relationships at book signings and
speaking engagements throughout several states. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Those book events have led
to other speaking invitations, including an author panel at a national writers
conference as well as motivational speaking engagements for a number of
companies and organizations. As I often tell people, it’s dumbfounding that I’ve
somehow become a motivational speaker—considering I’ve always been far more of
a cautionary tale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
The year was filled
with many surprises, including three international book awards. I also received
an inquiry from a major production company in Los Angeles, wanting to know if
the book’s film and TV rights were available. Sure, that inquiry hasn’t
resulted in an actual purchase, but opening that email was a surreal moment I
will never forget. (Shout-out to Will Arnett: The rights are still available!
And I just might be convinced to have a cameo appearance!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Yet the greatest highlights
have been the reviews, Facebook posts and comments, and personal conversations
with people who enjoyed the book. Nothing has been more rewarding than knowing
I provided so many readers with a few laughs, a couple of cringes, and an occasional
kick in the ass to shake up their own life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
None of this would have
happened if I hadn’t taken that first hesitant step into The 52/52 Project, back
in the summer of 2013. And then took another step… and yet another…</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Did I truly find my
badass self? Well, that’s possibly an overstatement. But I’ve surely grown
beyond the person I was five years ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Tonight, after
returning from closing on a new home, I am filled with a combination of anticipation
and even a bit of apprehension. By opening this new door—figuratively and literally—who
knows where this newest change in my life will take me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Whether I face a series
of unexpected challenges or else just pure serendipity, I’m ready to discover
more truths in my life by embarking on many more years of continued dares. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
I hope my ongoing
journey inspires you, even a bit, to do the same. Thanks to all of you for
following along.</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-25452584199512147472018-07-30T19:31:00.001-04:002018-07-30T19:31:43.210-04:00Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="37v2-0-0">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9UJCp5GOWPoaJWVCJvVHV7uMRKeL3YehsEsauxlSzdU47ItW7ccLqd1eDsLZdme3Kd1egVUUmEy1p61uHHgMixvLmqI0mX2ecvLfLQGSiXCqFyihy1NJqlIBAqiKgWMgEhkSbNBxq4s/s1600/how-to-choose-a-career.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1600" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9UJCp5GOWPoaJWVCJvVHV7uMRKeL3YehsEsauxlSzdU47ItW7ccLqd1eDsLZdme3Kd1egVUUmEy1p61uHHgMixvLmqI0mX2ecvLfLQGSiXCqFyihy1NJqlIBAqiKgWMgEhkSbNBxq4s/s320/how-to-choose-a-career.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="37v2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="37v2-0-0"><span data-text="true">When did you decide what you wanted "to be" when you grew up?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="cobks-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cobks-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cobks-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="1siii-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1siii-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1siii-0-0"><span data-text="true">I was in the third grade when I started writing short stories, poetry, and my very first book. (I'm sure you're all dying to read <i>Shut Up, Cheryl.</i> Sadly, it is not available in bookstores, and I possess the single faded and mildewed copy.) </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="9tc1v-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9tc1v-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9tc1v-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="12c7k-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="12c7k-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="12c7k-0-0"><span data-text="true">I knew right then--at the age of eight--that I wanted to do this the rest of my life. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="cmov-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cmov-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cmov-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="4sil3-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4sil3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4sil3-0-0"><span data-text="true">Although I took a long detour from creative writing--not seriously pursuing it until I was forty--I did follow a professional writing path in the fields of journalism and communications.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="2jr8e-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2jr8e-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2jr8e-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="6ksoi-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6ksoi-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6ksoi-0-0"><span data-text="true">I realize now this is a bit unusual. Some of us don't decide on a career until after high school or college, when we are forced to make a choice. Others choose one path, only to decide later--perhaps even in midlife--that we have a different calling.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="m46e-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="m46e-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="m46e-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="d6tog-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d6tog-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d6tog-0-0"><span data-text="true">When did you decide on your current or future career? How did you come to this epiphany? Through a personal experience that resulted in a newfound passion? Through a new job that exposed you to different skills and responsibilities? By some fortuitous mistake?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="b1c7p-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b1c7p-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b1c7p-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d48ij" data-offset-key="8977r-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8977r-0-0">
<i><span data-offset-key="8977r-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'd love to hear your story. Please share!</span></span></i></div>
</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-28325155869851865572018-07-17T20:56:00.001-04:002018-07-17T20:56:57.096-04:00Holy Crap! Hidden Treasure in Your Kitchen (Reprise)<div data-contents="true">
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="9bbh0-0-0">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MJlZtU7L4oWHvJBAFl1oEh_ERn10z5dRyTny90iqHuuYfFbXvAcITMmQh8ky_KvJeoPzOwn0ZphHmKnECaQAf-Nj8UTcSc26d8-pnc1gI0_exK63l8Rq7bGIPJGv31sF8UXqF_ClUNs/s1600/sippy+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MJlZtU7L4oWHvJBAFl1oEh_ERn10z5dRyTny90iqHuuYfFbXvAcITMmQh8ky_KvJeoPzOwn0ZphHmKnECaQAf-Nj8UTcSc26d8-pnc1gI0_exK63l8Rq7bGIPJGv31sF8UXqF_ClUNs/s320/sippy+cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9bbh0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9bbh0-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'm sorting through all my stuff, as I anticipate my move next month. (Don't ask me where I'm going. It's still pending--but things are looking up!)</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="4job-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4job-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4job-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="7nav2-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7nav2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7nav2-0-0"><span data-text="true">But my stuff. Good Lord, my STUFF!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="5c7sj-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5c7sj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5c7sj-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="c532o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c532o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="c532o-0-0"><span data-text="true">It reminded me of the last time I moved, just five short years ago. Here's that story:</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="cfvqr-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cfvqr-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cfvqr-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="fg8nn-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fg8nn-0-0">
<b><span data-offset-key="fg8nn-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="av8p9-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="av8p9-0-0">
<b><span data-offset-key="av8p9-0-0"><span data-text="true">HOLY CRAP! HIDDEN TREASURE IN YOUR KITCHEN</span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="9ojjt-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9ojjt-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9ojjt-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="8ukfu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8ukfu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8ukfu-0-0"><span data-text="true">I’ve created a new game show I'm just itching to pitch to the Television Powers-That-Be.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="akus0-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="akus0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="akus0-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="7srk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7srk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7srk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Here’s the premise: Contestants receive big bucks for crap stashed away in their kitchen drawers and cabinets. It combines the purse-searching giddiness of "Let's Make a Deal" with the lip-curled disgust of "Hoarders."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="3hjv1-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3hjv1-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3hjv1-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="7ico5-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7ico5-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7ico5-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'm calling it, "Holy Crap! Hidden Treasure in Your Kitchen."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="853fe-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="853fe-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="853fe-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="43e3m-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="43e3m-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="43e3m-0-0"><span data-text="true">The pilot episode took place last weekend in my own kitchen. Sadly, host-of-choice Bob Barker was away for another eye-lift. Therefore, I was forced to play the roles of both contestant and host. The pilot went something like this:</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="bfvu7-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bfvu7-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bfvu7-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="d7b8f-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d7b8f-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d7b8f-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Bob</b> (played by me): "So, Sherry, let's start today's first round! Every kitchen contains a spatula or two. I'll give you $50 for each one you own."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="bh31i-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bh31i-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bh31i-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="5ke2i-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5ke2i-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5ke2i-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Sherry</b> (rummaging through three different drawers): "Oh, my! Wonder of all wonders, Bob! It appears I own twelve!"</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="b2qgu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b2qgu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b2qgu-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="65fj0-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="65fj0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="65fj0-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Bob:</b> "TWELVE spatulas? All right, here's $600. You might use it to pay for some therapy for your apparent obsession with the perfect burger-flipper.” (Bob rolls his stitched-up eyes toward camera.) “Let’s move on. So, any outdated medicine bottles in these kitchen cabinets of yours? I’ll give you $100 for each one you can find."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="amc7s-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="amc7s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="amc7s-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="75epu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="75epu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="75epu-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Sherry </b>(pulling bottles and jars from cupboards): "Lookie here, Bob! I happen to have seven, including some vitamins expiring in 2001 and a half-finished vial of antibiotics from 2003! Guess that explains this nagging sinus infection I’ve had all these years."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="di0kd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="di0kd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="di0kd-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="7956s-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7956s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7956s-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Bob:</b> "Uh-huh. OK, here's $700 plus an extra $50 to help treat the mutant bacteria festering in your body. Let's raise the stakes with this next one. I'm betting a cool $500 that you don't have a Mexican coin in your silverware drawer."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="36lco-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="36lco-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="36lco-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="4nfi-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4nfi-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4nfi-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Sherry:</b> "Oh, you'd lose that bet, Bob. Because right here it is! Funny, considering I've never once used Mexican currency while cooking, and I've never even been to Mexico."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="7bjq8-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7bjq8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7bjq8-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="3beku-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3beku-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3beku-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Bob:</b> "Hmm. Quite the well-equipped kitchen you have here. But what are the odds you can root around in that silverware drawer and happen upon a child's plastic toy?" (Bob winks at camera.) "Let's say a tidy sum of $200 for a Playskool Weeble?"</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="5jkrk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5jkrk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5jkrk-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="8b6l7-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8b6l7-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8b6l7-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Sherry:</b> "Yes, indeedy! Here's one rocking little Weeble, mixed in with all my mismatched forks and spoons. Still standing after all these years, even though my children are grown and gone. Weebles wobble but they don't fall down, you know. Haha."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="buv9d-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="buv9d-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="buv9d-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="fh2aa-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fh2aa-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fh2aa-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Bob:</b> "Fascinating, truly.” (He forks over two $100 bills.) “So you said your children are grown? And no grandchildren yet? Then surely you have no need for a sippy cup in your cupboards. I'll offer you $500 if you manage to produce a sippy cup right here today." (Bob folds his arms smugly.)</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="5jcph-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5jcph-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5jcph-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="21a33-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="21a33-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="21a33-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Sherry</b> (frowning while tossing dozens of Cleveland Indians and Toledo Mud Hens plastic souvenir cups from shelves): "A sippy cup? Oh. I don't think... hmm... could it be, here at the back... Yes! Not only one but two sippy cups! Plus, a Sesame Street thermos, minus the lid, and oh my gosh, a baby bottle! A baby bottle, Bob, even though my youngest child has graduated from college. Do I get extra prize money for that?"</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="9qj1m-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9qj1m-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9qj1m-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="fnlma-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fnlma-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fnlma-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Bob:</b> "No. You only get paid for the damn sippy cups. Here's your friggin' $1,000.” (He scowls, then turns and beams at the camera.) “And that, thankfully, concludes today's show."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="a14q-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a14q-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a14q-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="fj9g7-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fj9g7-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fj9g7-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Sherry:</b> "That's it? We’re done? But my cupboards are still full. I have lots of stuff in here. Lots!" (Sherry peers into cabinets.) "How about beer koozies? Ask me about those, Bob!"</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="b9r4o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b9r4o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b9r4o-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="1lf5p-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1lf5p-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1lf5p-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Bob:</b> "No, beer koozies are not on the list."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="6r2p3-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6r2p3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6r2p3-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="8so5s-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8so5s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8so5s-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b>Sherry</b> (counting while piling beer koozies onto countertop): "Four, five, six... Maybe just $25 each? Twelve... thirteen... fourteen..."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="3n7es-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3n7es-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3n7es-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="4vmjs-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4vmjs-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4vmjs-0-0"><span data-text="true">The TV crew turns off their cameras and Bob walks away, shaking his head. Even as I comprehend that the game is over, I turn to the counter and study my pile.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="7p98s-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7p98s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7p98s-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="3m3im-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3m3im-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3m3im-0-0"><span data-text="true">Twenty-three beer koozies.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="9fukt-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9fukt-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9fukt-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="56fmk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="56fmk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="56fmk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Hot damn—I totally mastered my own game! My hoarding has paid off. At least in my television dreams.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="58onp-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="58onp-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="58onp-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="5fvjl-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5fvjl-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5fvjl-0-0"><span data-text="true">So, I'm planning a huge party when my game show gets picked up by a major TV network. I'll splurge on lobster and filet mignon and, of course, an open bar. You're all invited.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="f9stj-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f9stj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f9stj-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="6mpp6-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6mpp6-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6mpp6-0-0"><span data-text="true">I do hope plenty of you are beer drinkers. It seems I have a few beer koozies to put to good use.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="rd9n-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="rd9n-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="rd9n-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0s0c" data-offset-key="3ut74-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3ut74-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3ut74-0-0"><span data-text="true">And if you’re a sloppy drunk, I've got you covered. You're getting a sippy cup.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-44820202615723154572018-06-17T22:37:00.000-04:002018-06-17T22:37:08.586-04:00I Get by with a Little Help from My Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjeRPWryUBqq4A9MrBy3nzE14_TlLcg4s1mvVAmC4eh-5y1n5LI-fmN0Dremjrrtlb7E7vVaoehd0XoxaFE0Sv0W0eSZm6Dz_VI9yhpFNdez1icRVPDKatM8Lr-3Q_T-FTzQ6f2g7QAc/s1600/ringo+outside+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="960" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjeRPWryUBqq4A9MrBy3nzE14_TlLcg4s1mvVAmC4eh-5y1n5LI-fmN0Dremjrrtlb7E7vVaoehd0XoxaFE0Sv0W0eSZm6Dz_VI9yhpFNdez1icRVPDKatM8Lr-3Q_T-FTzQ6f2g7QAc/s320/ringo+outside+final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In December, I was told he would probably live another three months but was unlikely to make it through six.<br />
<br />
Six months later, my buddy is still enjoying walks along the river, rides in the car, and summer evenings outside.<br />
<br />
If he continues to defy odds, Ringo the Wonder Retriever will celebrate his twelfth birthday in August.<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
We'll appreciate every single day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Have any furry friends enriched your life? Photos are welcomed!</i> </div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-84655515469148239842018-04-14T22:42:00.001-04:002018-04-14T22:44:25.859-04:00I'm Accepting This Award on Behalf of the Rhinoceros I Bathed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBCS-RSODT7lB68zut9j10vjsNKHFVkzbYfuOjunzzORjPi3Nc0efMsZx4w7nDz9BF8lKqKHtT1OmdPekdrqcl7IsUI6xRcVGaM0QRCQmbFjX_QWJUyVS73wzk0vqKyvgNs6a3esPKGg/s1600/SWP-silver+IPPY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUIJqdhBAoC1JY9Y7h6I0bTtw4C7wYkfwTStTE6qmzjFcOwF2YKiiu3VhizrqEk6B0U_o4rGuiH29Nk7r-9BrRr4j_tS0Kc8ABRj240UPqavpRf3pY7MAIYO0SlMhb_eaahNHlIsBiM8/s1600/book+cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUIJqdhBAoC1JY9Y7h6I0bTtw4C7wYkfwTStTE6qmzjFcOwF2YKiiu3VhizrqEk6B0U_o4rGuiH29Nk7r-9BrRr4j_tS0Kc8ABRj240UPqavpRf3pY7MAIYO0SlMhb_eaahNHlIsBiM8/s320/book+cover+2.jpg" width="206" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBCS-RSODT7lB68zut9j10vjsNKHFVkzbYfuOjunzzORjPi3Nc0efMsZx4w7nDz9BF8lKqKHtT1OmdPekdrqcl7IsUI6xRcVGaM0QRCQmbFjX_QWJUyVS73wzk0vqKyvgNs6a3esPKGg/s320/SWP-silver+IPPY.jpg" width="320" /><span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
I'm
pleased to announce that <i>Finding My Badass Self: A Year of Truths and
Dares</i> won a silver medal "IPPY Award" in the humor category of the
Independent Publisher Book Awards 2018 international competition.<br />
<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_5z">
<br />
It's amazing what can happen when you push yourself outside your comfort zone--and learn to laugh at yourself.</div>
<br />
<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">Just
a wild guess that only one of these award-winning writers destroyed a Segway shop in
Italy and also gave a rhinoceros an erection... </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">So I have that going for
me. Which is nice.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><i>What's the best award you've ever received? And--shameless opportunist here--have you bought this book yet? If you read it and enjoyed it, care to be my BFF and leave me an Amazon or Goodreads review? Please and thank you!</i></span></span></span>sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-58667043177824756452018-04-09T21:14:00.000-04:002018-04-09T21:14:47.900-04:00How to Go Outside Your Comfort Zone in Ten Short Days<div class="_5pbx userContent _22jv _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_10a">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8s7QmgXh4nTmvXbukyMi6L_1uAzaJFwYEa-s4dbmCNe_HfnJh-silkLWIxv5MViBwE7OOxj7psCb9VpJlkSldNT1KUSk9Har_C02cKQdy10SsGicuupB1725Vo-LzlaONWFTLG7YNW9Q/s1600/crazy+person.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8s7QmgXh4nTmvXbukyMi6L_1uAzaJFwYEa-s4dbmCNe_HfnJh-silkLWIxv5MViBwE7OOxj7psCb9VpJlkSldNT1KUSk9Har_C02cKQdy10SsGicuupB1725Vo-LzlaONWFTLG7YNW9Q/s1600/crazy+person.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I've been called dizzy or unbalanced, now I know why.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Writing tonight in response to a reader who asked why I haven't posted lately.<br />
Here is how to go outside your comfort zone in just ten short days:<br />
<ul>
<li>Attend the three-day Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop on the Dayton Riviera with many of the funniest writers and comics in the world--which
will inspire you yet also prompt you to question if you're not better
suited for working at Walmart. </li>
<li> Plan this trip far enough ahead
so you don't know it will coincide with impending deadlines at your
day job--the one that pays your heating bill when it's still snowing in
April.</li>
<li> Plow through nearly 100 scholarship applications and
then try to schedule interviews with 18 college students, who are
academic stars yet can't comprehend the concept of checking email or
listening to voice mail.</li>
<li> Realize you scheduled yourself for
FIVE speaking engagements this week within a FIVE-DAY period. Ponder the
idea that you should probably decide what to talk about. </li>
<li> Attempt to tackle your accountant's last-minute tax questions, which
sadly require an algebraic equation to answer. And you flunked high
school algebra.</li>
<li> Impulsively contact a realtor about putting
your house on the market, and then realize this may require doing
something about the towering piles of items you've been hoarding in the
basement.</li>
<li> Spend a week on the phone, trying to schedule an
appointment with an evasive specialist for a fairly minor--yet
nagging--health issue, which is likely to result in surgery. Your last
surgery resulted in four months of an anesthesia-induced brain fog. Make
a note to plug four totally useless months into your schedule.</li>
<li> Attempt all of the above--which seems dizzying enough--while enduring your third straight month of vertigo. If you've been called dizzy and unbalanced, now you understand.</li>
</ul>
So, if you don't hear from me for a while, I'll see you on the other side. I'll be posting from my basement.</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-36649474997633494312018-03-08T22:21:00.004-05:002018-03-08T22:21:38.239-05:00Stay Tuned--While I Attempt to Stay in Tune<div class="_5pbx userContent _22jv _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_a">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wllwdMdMON3vankwqj77CdIrBDbvV2AhHF4PHxLEGWIO8NdBnUp6ioo4qj5lHWVXNOmxPAQoBVjhsUesk2n_C0cKQWX1fYgJtdIaCUvbjmCkpBDO9iChRqMxN2w82-b8yK3cCOTm04k/s1600/singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wllwdMdMON3vankwqj77CdIrBDbvV2AhHF4PHxLEGWIO8NdBnUp6ioo4qj5lHWVXNOmxPAQoBVjhsUesk2n_C0cKQWX1fYgJtdIaCUvbjmCkpBDO9iChRqMxN2w82-b8yK3cCOTm04k/s320/singing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So,
those of you who have followed this blog for a while or who have read my book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Badass-Self-Truths/dp/1631522906/" target="_blank">"Finding My Badass Self,"</a> may
recall my singing lesson fiasco. My singing career didn't end on the
fabulous note I always dreamed about. My instructor's evaluation: "Well,
you're very LOUD."<br />
<br />
I've often regretted not giving singing another shot. So--why wait any longer?<br />
<br />
I just had a conversation with the music director from my high school. I
never took a single music class or participated in choir, but she
remembered me mostly because I dated her stepson--and she just finished
reading my book.<br />
<br />
Mrs. Mackey has offered to give me singing lessons. Against her better judgment--and surely against mine--I agreed.* We start next week.<br />
<br />
<i>Dear Lord. What have I gotten myself into?</i><br />
</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-91300349344519045062018-03-01T21:36:00.000-05:002018-03-01T22:31:26.644-05:00Living On<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_2ux">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkXNTqYk6GQ_sTfAcu8P6NR80duw5CaY7YPk1Cj4_KCSItITrVw8jKyq6wecnW0k_z_gWVyFTVZkHf50I3hHVdPuu-E_4uT4aoXeL_p_JNR5bfbF0uLZLZ4hW2bIK8HqNHNEUr3Cw9m8/s1600/dad+older.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkXNTqYk6GQ_sTfAcu8P6NR80duw5CaY7YPk1Cj4_KCSItITrVw8jKyq6wecnW0k_z_gWVyFTVZkHf50I3hHVdPuu-E_4uT4aoXeL_p_JNR5bfbF0uLZLZ4hW2bIK8HqNHNEUr3Cw9m8/s1600/dad+older.jpg" /></a></div>
While
a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about my father, he is foremost
in my thoughts during the month of March. It’s a month filled with many
meaningful dates.<br />
<br />
March 1 marks my parents’ wedding anniversary: They would have been married 60 years today.<br />
<br />
March 2 is my dad’s birthday: He would have turned 81. An inconceivable concept.<br />
<br />
And, he passed away on March 13, 1990, at the far too young age of 53. It’s
been 28 years since cancer robbed Denny—and the rest of us—of what could
have and should have been.<br />
<br />
While we didn't get to live out his
golden years with him, I'd like to believe my father lives on, forever,
somewhere. I envision him doing his crossword puzzles, drinking wine,
and playing some amazing golf on a perpetually green and golden course.<br />
<br />
Tonight, I raise my glass and wink at him.<br />
<br />
<i>How do you choose to remember loved ones whom you've lost? Any memories you'd like to share to carry on their legacy? </i></div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-27861266589117029052018-02-12T20:27:00.000-05:002018-02-12T20:27:31.720-05:00A Long-Overdue Thank You<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4gmss" data-offset-key="1na1-0-0">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEQc3D9fyEK7P8Qb2Br0Rq1OvGCu4ACIxNTFpQWDK-FToPIYopqroc9UoM5U01uZgH8PWKWKCqnHcFrBdhvi_jIbGmSW9uuTt4h3CRUVA-tBlu-4yNYQAoLfph3fwENgf35EE6UU8ckY/s1600/MIss+Papps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="1301" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEQc3D9fyEK7P8Qb2Br0Rq1OvGCu4ACIxNTFpQWDK-FToPIYopqroc9UoM5U01uZgH8PWKWKCqnHcFrBdhvi_jIbGmSW9uuTt4h3CRUVA-tBlu-4yNYQAoLfph3fwENgf35EE6UU8ckY/s320/MIss+Papps.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1na1-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1na1-0-0"><span data-text="true">Over the past six months, I've enjoyed doing lots of speaking gigs and meeting with several small book groups. But the group of women I visited yesterday was particularly special: It included Miss Elizabeth Papps, my A.P. English teacher when I was a senior at Bowsher High School in Toledo.</span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7mut2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7mut2-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4gmss" data-offset-key="9jirb-0-0">
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<span data-offset-key="9jirb-0-0"><span data-text="true">A woman named Mary Dedes, mother of </span></span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="9jirb-1-0" spellcheck="false" start="23"><span data-offset-key="9jirb-1-0"><span data-text="true">several</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="9jirb-2-0"><span data-text="true"> Bowsher graduates, visits the Sunset House every Sunday to read to a group of the center's residents. The women are currently reading "Finding My Badass Self," and after they learned I was a Bowsher graduate and that Miss Papps remembered me, Mary invited me to join them for the afternoon.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4gmss" data-offset-key="3hko6-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3hko6-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3hko6-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fgirv-0-0"><span data-text="true">It was such a joy to talk with these ladies, most of whom are in their eighties. Their many questions and fabulous insights proved, once again, that it's never too late to enjoy what life has to offer.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4gmss" data-offset-key="ajb4b-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ajb4b-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ajb4b-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4gmss" data-offset-key="8hq22-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8hq22-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8hq22-0-0"><span data-text="true">In addition, it also gave me a long-overdue opportunity to personally thank Miss Papps for introducing me to so many amazing works of classic literature. Her enthusiasm and her love of books has remained with me--nearly 40 years later.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4gmss" data-offset-key="5msdj-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5msdj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5msdj-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpc5p-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cpc5p-0-0"><span data-text="true">And a special note to any fellow Bowsher graduates: If you remember Miss Papps as fondly as I do, I'm sure she'd be thrilled to hear from you. I hope you'll consider writing her to say thank you or to just say hello. Her address is: Miss Elizabeth Papps, Sunset House, 4020 Indian Rd, Toledo, OH 43606.</span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ffvkv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ffvkv-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1pkbm-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1pkbm-0-0"><span data-text="true">Nearly all of us have had a couple wonderful teachers who have influenced our life forever. Having the chance to thank them is a terrific feeling. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4gmss" data-offset-key="1o8a5-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1o8a5-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1o8a5-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d8p2a-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d8p2a-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'm pretty certain it's not a half-bad experience for them, either.</span></span></div>
</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-39375458020193498972018-01-31T20:22:00.000-05:002018-01-31T20:36:16.862-05:00Of Kindness and Compassion<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66yz1m74G4bC_5jYBG8MEFT2TLWa8gB5usd7eGFBw_7rbpIsWjlTXZYgOh_q6QBhRc0cwkpgvPrPYnzM-TO2QAggyEfir6w2yBDXMWKzjTLthxX0qxzOhlnA4hGTPa3dTlUFHQxrmeto/s1600/sammy+and+snoopy+as+kittens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66yz1m74G4bC_5jYBG8MEFT2TLWa8gB5usd7eGFBw_7rbpIsWjlTXZYgOh_q6QBhRc0cwkpgvPrPYnzM-TO2QAggyEfir6w2yBDXMWKzjTLthxX0qxzOhlnA4hGTPa3dTlUFHQxrmeto/s320/sammy+and+snoopy+as+kittens.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammy (on the left) and his brother, Snoopy, in the early days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I lost another member of my fur family this week. Those of you who have loved and lost a pet understand how difficult it always is.<br />
<br />
A
few years ago, a friend referred me to her coworker, Katie, a teacher
who pet-sits on the side. Katie's amazing care of my menagerie has
enabled me to enjoy all of the traveling I've done for adventure,
research, and book promotion.<br />
<br />
After my other cat, Cubby, and Ringo the Won<span class="text_exposed_show">der
Retriever were both diagnosed with terminal illnesses in the past
month, I told Katie I was putting the rest of my book tour on hold.
Because this past weekend's events were pre-planned and all the animals
seemed stable, I told her I felt confident taking this one last weekend
trip.</span><br />
<br />
But Katie called me
on Sunday, when I was two hours from home, to tell me Sammy had
unexpectedly gone into distress. She offered to take him to the
emergency vet. Based on his condition, we both knew how that would
likely end--yet, if necessary, she was willing to handle this surely agonizing
appointment. When she reassured me that she didn't think
he was in much pain, we decided to wait until I got home so I could take
him myself. (The vet later told me confidently that the lapsed time
would not have made a difference in the final outcome.)<br />
<br />
When I
got home, I found Katie sitting next to Sammy on my living room floor.
She had covered him with a blanket to keep him warm and comfortable. She
had been sitting there, soothing him and talking to him, for two hours.<br />
<br />
Kindness takes many forms in life. Sometimes it's a consoling
comment from a Facebook acquaintance. Other times, it's a friend who
goes above and beyond--as difficult as it may be in an emotionally
challenging situation--because she is loving and giving and
compassionate.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful, and it has inspired me to try to be that kind of person.<br />
<br />
Kindness and compassion may not solve all of the world's problems--but surely they are at least a major part of the equation. sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-38378526139031678682018-01-14T18:41:00.000-05:002018-01-14T20:24:49.903-05:00Facing Fear: Reprise<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="7o922-0-0">
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPq_kFcVaZCDIV7Xs-uf35r_hB4q6yIAlY3R14J4NV-iGGkbsrvPCRmraas6j134AJ4ysu01W0vhMpyKoaNDh-6qTVxLQGx0n37xpOU6TgCycoh9GIdaM7nsul5AVkkinlOpGQBYBdC4/s1600/police+patrol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPq_kFcVaZCDIV7Xs-uf35r_hB4q6yIAlY3R14J4NV-iGGkbsrvPCRmraas6j134AJ4ysu01W0vhMpyKoaNDh-6qTVxLQGx0n37xpOU6TgCycoh9GIdaM7nsul5AVkkinlOpGQBYBdC4/s320/police+patrol.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7o922-0-0">
<i><span data-offset-key="7o922-0-0"><span data-text="true">I just came across this piece I wrote, just a few months into The 52/52 Project--the journey that would eventually become my book, </span></span></i><span data-offset-key="7o922-0-0"><span data-text="true">Finding My Badass Self: A Year of Truths and Dares.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="73ebu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="73ebu-0-0">
<i><span data-offset-key="73ebu-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="3svgc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3svgc-0-0">
<i><span data-offset-key="3svgc-0-0"><span data-text="true">The message was something I made sure to emphasize in my book. But I believe this says it well:</span></span></i></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1m9of-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1m9of-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="lbq5-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="lbq5-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="lbq5-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="dmvqu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dmvqu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dmvqu-0-0"><span data-text="true">My second voice lesson was scheduled for this evening. Unlike last week’s lesson, which focused on breathing techniques and scales, tonight I would actually have to sing. An entire song or two. By myself. In front of a near stranger.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="ad330-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ad330-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ad330-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="dou7o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dou7o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dou7o-0-0"><span data-text="true">Early this afternoon I got a call from my instructor. I felt a huge rush of relief when I heard her voice, certain she was calling to cancel. Instead, she said she had another commitment and wondered if I could come just a bit earlier. Rather than postponing or indefinitely cancelling this experience that I so dreaded, I’d be facing it a half-hour sooner. My stomach literally churned.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="6avvm-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6avvm-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6avvm-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="qfgs-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="qfgs-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="qfgs-0-0"><span data-text="true">I relayed this story to a friend in my office.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="68tlq-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="68tlq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="68tlq-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="7oqo0-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7oqo0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7oqo0-0-0"><span data-text="true">“You should mention that on your blog and Facebook page,” she said.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="f9ksc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f9ksc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f9ksc-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="2t3h3-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2t3h3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2t3h3-0-0"><span data-text="true">I shrugged. “Hmm. OK, maybe.”</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="dmu6c-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dmu6c-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dmu6c-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="77ed5-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="77ed5-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="77ed5-0-0"><span data-text="true">“No, I mean it. I think sometimes with your humor and your nonchalant quips, people don’t realize you’re actually afraid of some of these things you are doing.”</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="d78ps-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d78ps-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d78ps-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="3h3l2-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3h3l2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3h3l2-0-0"><span data-text="true">Really? Was this possible? In the snippets I've posted online, have I somehow come across far more carefree and courageous than I am? In the name of humor or a poignant story, have I minimized or even omitted the fears and anxiety that have accompanied several of these experiences?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="fdvk4-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fdvk4-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fdvk4-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="9cgnl-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9cgnl-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9cgnl-0-0"><span data-text="true">As I’ve mentioned before, The 52/52 Project is about venturing outside my comfort zone. And with that, my friends, has come more than a bit of fear.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="3k51m-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3k51m-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3k51m-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="83uc6-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="83uc6-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="83uc6-0-0"><span data-text="true">Sometimes it’s been manifested in small twinges of trepidation. Other times, I’ve felt a heaving sense of anxiety. Fear takes many forms, depending on its source and the particular situation.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="d1hqj-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d1hqj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d1hqj-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="8i01d-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8i01d-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8i01d-0-0"><span data-text="true">Some of my experiences have entailed the fear of fear. Strange how you can talk yourself into being more afraid by focusing on how horrifying something is likely to be. Case in point: A Brazilian wax.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="dbl6o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dbl6o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dbl6o-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="9p87d-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9p87d-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9p87d-0-0"><span data-text="true">I’ve been terrified of the resulting repercussions. How could I protect myself on a police raid, if I suddenly found an escaping suspect’s gun aimed at me? As the SWAT team and vice squad stormed the front porch, it hardly seemed far-fetched. My blood pressure has never hiked so high.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="fqdj2-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fqdj2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fqdj2-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="5nbdo-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5nbdo-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5nbdo-0-0"><span data-text="true">I’ve feared failure, especially when an experience has involved my talents or skills—or lack thereof. My belly-dancing class was a hoot, in retrospect. But in the days leading up to the class, and in the midst of stepping right when everyone else was pivoting left, my frustration mounted. The fear of proving inept—and of being judged as inept by someone else—may be the primary factor that holds most of us back from trying anything new. I know it was the underlying reason behind my volatile stomach before tonight’s voice lesson.</span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6tj6s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6tj6s-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="cqdkk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqdkk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cqdkk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Most of all, I’ve been afraid of not being able to follow through. When it finally comes down to it, will I truly be able to stand up on a stage and entertain a hundred people? I’ve gone over this scenario countless times: If my heart palpitations don’t kill me first, surely the stone-faced silence of the audience will. And what of the fear of not seeing this project through to the very end? Of not finishing the book I’m writing? Of not seeing it published?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="808sl-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="808sl-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="808sl-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="8o4nk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8o4nk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8o4nk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Yet, with each new experience these past four months, I have grown braver. Just a touch. I shrug things off more easily now. I’ve learned I can endure some things I never before would have dreamed of facing. I doubt anyone ever becomes desensitized to the anxiety of going outside their comfort zone, but each success—and even each failure—has taught me I just might be capable of facing the next.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="1dt0-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1dt0-0-0">
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="220r8-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="220r8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="220r8-0-0"><span data-text="true">Any challenge is filled with ups and downs: a full array of emotions. Those include fear. If we never feel afraid in life, we probably haven’t pushed ourselves far enough.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="d80cd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d80cd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d80cd-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="f91nk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f91nk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f91nk-0-0"><span data-text="true">The fear of facing new life experiences, if we're fortunate, is ultimately replaced by a sense of self-satisfaction and joy. And even if we fail, maybe we succeed simply by trying.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="8n56l-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8n56l-0-0">
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="df4vj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="df4vj-0-0"><span data-text="true">I have doubted myself and felt afraid through many steps along this journey..</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="677mv-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="677mv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="677mv-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8845p" data-offset-key="1a9gb-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1a9gb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1a9gb-0-0"><span data-text="true">But I’m afraid I also have never, ever had so much damn fun.</span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1a9gb-0-0">
</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1a9gb-0-0">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<span class="textexposedshow"><i>What are you most fearful of? Have you
ever talked yourself into being afraid? What was the most frightening
experience of your life that turned out far better than you anticipated?
</i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-42674799852129820782017-11-27T19:44:00.001-05:002017-11-27T19:44:38.249-05:00Finding My Badass Self--In All Kinds of Places<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="6286b-0-0">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCDPgbJLT4ob9K7D9tQoqyT1bAa2dYuN1I2h8S9hJhaF6Ndfja7lEhcJB-QpwqCKJ0bx7ncxYgPqNq1x1Y6Lgb4d2cZjbsPQd9z9Zv83IH7USq_IfAATE4s9QubjFmcQDEgyhMpZMySI/s1600/book+on+shelf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCDPgbJLT4ob9K7D9tQoqyT1bAa2dYuN1I2h8S9hJhaF6Ndfja7lEhcJB-QpwqCKJ0bx7ncxYgPqNq1x1Y6Lgb4d2cZjbsPQd9z9Zv83IH7USq_IfAATE4s9QubjFmcQDEgyhMpZMySI/s320/book+on+shelf.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding "Finding My Badass Self" next to Sedaris never gets old.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6286b-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6286b-0-0"><span data-text="true">It continues to amaze me that <i>Finding My Badass Self,</i> the crazy little book I envisioned primarily as humor, often is not found in a library or bookstore’s humor section at all. It’s frequently shelved under memoir/biography or—surprisingly—under self-help.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="9r1k8-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9r1k8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9r1k8-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="e5j4n-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e5j4n-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e5j4n-0-0"><span data-text="true">In fact, Badass Self is listed tonight on Amazon as the #15 bestseller in “self-help/midlife.” Huh.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="9i1v6-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9i1v6-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9i1v6-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="1v6o6-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1v6o6-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1v6o6-0-0"><span data-text="true">I’ll take that ranking, gladly. Why argue with sales? </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="3q9bk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3q9bk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3q9bk-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="5f30u-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5f30u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5f30u-0-0"><span data-text="true">Sure, several readers and friends have said my journey and words have inspired them to venture outside their own comfort zones. Some have embarked on their own “unbucket lists.” And, three women told me that by realizing the status quo isn’t always what we want or need, they finally found the courage to leave an unhappy relationship.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="ea4oc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ea4oc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ea4oc-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="442bv-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="442bv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="442bv-0-0"><span data-text="true">But many other readers have simply said they enjoyed laughing with me—and often at me. I’m OK with that, too.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="7lqjn-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7lqjn-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7lqjn-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="a20ks-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a20ks-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a20ks-0-0"><span data-text="true">When I first started visiting bookstores and libraries that had the book shelved under “self-help,” I wanted to correct that. But maybe a book doesn’t have to be pigeon-holed into one category. Maybe it can cross genres. Perhaps it offers a bit of different things to different people.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="fl817-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fl817-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fl817-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="5v8vh-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5v8vh-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5v8vh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Humor or inspiration? Who knows? You tell me.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="fr7bh-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fr7bh-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fr7bh-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7k154" data-offset-key="e16jv-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e16jv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e16jv-0-0"><span data-text="true">If you’ve read “Finding My Badass Self,” what made you laugh most? And what inspired or helped you? What category would you shelve the book under, in your personal library?</span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e16jv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e16jv-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-84356789410726610662017-11-22T21:02:00.000-05:002017-11-22T21:02:29.095-05:00A Partridge Family Thanksgiving<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kOLIcSvGSbcbBQqsPCPrFQTmiIUkywaFHx8pSBCguJUHZjPXT62L0ptiZnbJycUfs2p-DKE75ePfSOxGngpQcjvnRF4q2UhWfkv60Pv34KHLwawK8zZHSY7P_2hn7UpFBuq4_ivcM20/s1600/partridge+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="978" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kOLIcSvGSbcbBQqsPCPrFQTmiIUkywaFHx8pSBCguJUHZjPXT62L0ptiZnbJycUfs2p-DKE75ePfSOxGngpQcjvnRF4q2UhWfkv60Pv34KHLwawK8zZHSY7P_2hn7UpFBuq4_ivcM20/s320/partridge+family.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;">
In early December 2014,
a group of friends and strangers joined me on a bar crawl in Milwaukee—on the
Partridge Family Party Bus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Sure, Keith Partridge
and the rest of his television brood didn’t actually accompany us, but they
were there in my heart—as they had remained ever since I was nine years old. Because
I hadn’t been just a young teenybopper infatuated with David Cassidy. No, our
relationship was SO much more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
When the Partridge
Family came on the scene, I was first love-struck with the drummer, young
Chris, who was closest to my age. But after Jeremy Gelbwaks was unceremoniously
dropped after the first season and replaced by a different actor, I turned my
attention and fully devoted my heart to David Cassidy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Oh, David, how you made
me swoon! Sure, you were a much older manchild, but you were everything I ever wanted
as a fifth-grade girl. You were handsome, and sweet, and you sang to me every
Friday night as if you knew me. I was sure, deep down, that you truly did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Over the next few
years, I bought every single Partridge Family album, plastered their posters over
my bedroom walls, and joined their fan club. My favorite outfit at the time was
a red jumper, just like Tracy Partridge wore in those early episodes. I spent
hours in the basement of my family home, banging along on either a tambourine or
on my sister’s cheap drum set as my favorite Partridge Family albums played on
my cassette tape player.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
And along the way, I
envisioned my future with David Cassidy, as well as the rest of his fabulous,
fabricated TV family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
When I look back on
some of the happiest times of my life, they surely would include those
preadolescent and carefree days of having David and The Partridge Family seem a
part of my own family and my life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
And the music? Maybe it’s
simply nostalgia or just maybe the music remains way underrated. All I know is I
still appreciate the songs. I’ve kept a few Partridge Family CDs in my car and
have listened to them long before I heard David was ill and possibly dying. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Childhood idols die,
yet they live on in our hearts, in our memories, and sometimes in our music.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Today, when I listened
to “I’ll Meet You Halfway,” I smiled as I remembered David Cassidy. I would
have met him halfway, for sure. Hell, I would have traveled miles for the
opportunity to tell him how I felt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Thanks for everything,
David.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Even after all these
years, I think I love you.</div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-33499675983460503992017-10-27T20:32:00.000-04:002017-10-27T20:32:25.044-04:00Turn the Page<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqueh_W6YRcIpxKBGX72HRb-U4Ju7gBGvoav0a83jp5IMxjAh-KKWJPTlH-kvpoTIhiHuSkH0LeZKp5O4ZhVhXX_jgE_XTF2QMkDQpK9kyRvqQ_1vqNkR4Rey1PAfjUdEUhUIRNeMm_VQ/s1600/buttons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqueh_W6YRcIpxKBGX72HRb-U4Ju7gBGvoav0a83jp5IMxjAh-KKWJPTlH-kvpoTIhiHuSkH0LeZKp5O4ZhVhXX_jgE_XTF2QMkDQpK9kyRvqQ_1vqNkR4Rey1PAfjUdEUhUIRNeMm_VQ/s320/buttons.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;">
Over the past few
months, I’ve been spending a lot of time in libraries. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
I remain in awe of the
architecture, particularly in an older structure. I enjoy the helpful attitude
and enthusiasm of the librarians—I mean, why wouldn’t they be enthused? They
have the best job ever! And then, there’s the books. Oh, the shelves and shelves
of books—a free bounty for our browsing and borrowing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Several months ago,
someone asked me about the books and authors who most influenced me as a
writer. I named several, with ease: those that awakened the fledgling writer in
me as an eight year old girl as well as the fiction writers, memoirists, and
humor essayists who still inspire me now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Yet this also prompted
me to recall those books that first made me a reader, too: picture books, paperbacks
ordered through my grade school Scholastic flyers, and early chapter books.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
I remembered,
particularly, a single moment of raw reader excitement. I was six or so, newly
able to tackle an early reader independently. On one of my weekly trips with my
mother to the library, I checked out a book at the librarian’s suggestion. When
we returned the following week, I told the librarian how very, very much I
loved it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
She walked with me to the
children’s section and pointed to a shelf. Waving her hand, she noted that it
was just one of an entire series by the same author. I stared, wide-eyed, at a
dozen or so books lined up there, simply waiting for me to take them home and escape
into their stories.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
It may have been one of
the most joyous moments of my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
For months, I have tried
to remember the name of the author or the title of the book series. I knew it
was about a family with a last name beginning with B. That’s all I could
recall. After all, I had been only six or seven the last time I read one. I
searched online, but with little else to go on, it was a futile quest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Last week, out of
nowhere, it suddenly came to me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
I discovered the books
were no longer in print, so I ordered a couple from an online used book site. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
When they arrived in
mail, I picked one up. I brushed my fingers over the pebbly hard cover. I
opened it up and paged through. And then, I instinctively sniffed the pages.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Within seconds, the
musty book smell returned me to my childhood library, 50 years ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
When I was little, I believed
the library was the most magical place in the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Some things never, ever
change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<i>Is there any better smell than that of an old library book? What are your most beloved childhood books? </i></div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-49054270201621943072017-10-07T20:47:00.001-04:002017-10-07T20:47:46.514-04:00Badasslands: You Have to Live It Every Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-EuhWCz14e37Zm0wzjrp2pz9pkJ2w05pY9YNFvCpv-DDDJGDVdIHOsM5eRBhLVOvsTSBGrzFuWzzIp6ueR1rbc5_kscYRtTgx1cWQYNoH6klgK2GbF3gMzGMJsfELZeGToUnfG_6hBQ/s1600/badasslands+poster+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-EuhWCz14e37Zm0wzjrp2pz9pkJ2w05pY9YNFvCpv-DDDJGDVdIHOsM5eRBhLVOvsTSBGrzFuWzzIp6ueR1rbc5_kscYRtTgx1cWQYNoH6klgK2GbF3gMzGMJsfELZeGToUnfG_6hBQ/s320/badasslands+poster+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Public speaking is among those life experiences that still remains outside my comfort zone.<br />
<br />
As an author with a new book, I have to do it anyway. <i>A lot. </i><br />
<br />
Speaking at book events has proven simultaneously exciting and
intimidating. Like any challenges in life, I find it becomes easier and more successful the more times I put myself out there. As I mention in my book, the anticipation of what we fear is generally far worse than the reality. So far, speaking at book events has definitely proven that to be true.<br />
<br />
And book events are less painful and weigh FAR more on the amazingly fun side when
a reader in the audience holds up a sign like this.<br />
<br />
<i>Speaking in front of a crowd? A yay or a nay for you? </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-17341926232071938832017-09-29T20:31:00.000-04:002017-09-29T20:31:05.133-04:00Seeing the Light(s)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LrKha-4oHWv5Fea5OHovWSH21fuzeeXVxN4ndMkAlpfhyphenhyphenaXf7lUWRS1bc56mXhq3UYtOXDUCgTW7W0zkYsa1YzniCU_g23JC1FSOddgzoxuOhwXKzk9eDAHoDgBkd50Q2qmlULm9Gc0/s1600/Northern-Lights-on-Show-for-Next-Few-Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LrKha-4oHWv5Fea5OHovWSH21fuzeeXVxN4ndMkAlpfhyphenhyphenaXf7lUWRS1bc56mXhq3UYtOXDUCgTW7W0zkYsa1YzniCU_g23JC1FSOddgzoxuOhwXKzk9eDAHoDgBkd50Q2qmlULm9Gc0/s320/Northern-Lights-on-Show-for-Next-Few-Days.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I first envisioned what would become <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Badass-Self-Truths/dp/1631522906/" target="_blank">“Finding My Badass Self,”</a> I
mostly hoped it would push my personal boundaries and shake up my life.
I never expected it might nudge others to venture outside their own
comfort zones or change their life in any way.<br />
<br />
As delighted as I
am that my story has invoked a few chuckles, I am also pleased it has
prompted readers to reconsider aspects of their own life and to open the
door when the winds of change—or else a breeze of pure serend<span class="text_exposed_show">ipity—comes knocking.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
This <a href="http://foghornreview.com/finding-my-badass-self/" target="_blank">review </a>isn’t necessarily the highest praise the book has
received. (Whodathunk I was so punny? Well, surely when I had a
colonoscopy. You need to find some way to laugh at that shit. Oops.
Touché.)<br />
<br />
But the reviewer’s note about how my journey encouraged
her one night to embark on an impromptu and rewarding adventure was
incredibly heartwarming to hear. I hope, as she mentions, that she will
indeed hold onto the book and open it back up 20-30 years down the road,
when she may need a little adventure in her life.<br />
<br />
And if an
untimely opportunity like heading out to see the Northern Lights ever
comes your way? I hope every one of you will follow her lead.<br />
<br />
Adventures and fulfilling experiences arrive in all kinds of packages.
And you never know exactly what gift you’ll receive—or how unexpectedly
gratifying it may prove to be—unless you unwrap it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://foghornreview.com/finding-my-badass-self/">http://foghornreview.com/finding-my-badass-self/</a><br />
<br />
<i>When's the last time you did something for the first time--especially when you were inclined NOT to?</i></div>
<br />sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-22219717224544795802017-09-17T14:11:00.000-04:002017-09-17T14:11:14.610-04:00Lights, Camera, Anxiety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vmdzTnjHQYvZcsVP3GFv-xSn4jsN0NZMEfV-ttmGYl_FADqmp2mthbul3-_GSOQ9uOd4mfjPNS2hxnL_j8JLjhOFTdnzH-4D8R6P-jPrhT9yskwf0zEMTKHOEvV3VZjOFgDVKedO9ZA/s1600/jim_halpert21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="367" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vmdzTnjHQYvZcsVP3GFv-xSn4jsN0NZMEfV-ttmGYl_FADqmp2mthbul3-_GSOQ9uOd4mfjPNS2hxnL_j8JLjhOFTdnzH-4D8R6P-jPrhT9yskwf0zEMTKHOEvV3VZjOFgDVKedO9ZA/s320/jim_halpert21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been a bit occupied with book promotion, and it appears this includes public speaking--and even TV.<br />
<br />
Ugh.<br />
<br />
But I'm pretty sure I heard <i>somewhere </i>that it's good to go outside your comfort zone...<br />
<br />
Like most things, the anticipation has been worse than the
reality. And my latest TV appearance at least went better than the time I ended up on <i>20/20</i> in
a segment called "The Moochers."<br />
<br />
You can watch it <a href="http://bit.ly/2wV9THI" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>What happened the last time you faced your fears--or faced a TV camera?</i>sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-10868444702901323582017-08-21T22:33:00.000-04:002017-08-21T22:33:34.470-04:00Cowgirl in the Stand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr4v6swrbyTfFd4CcUc19NY1Jg5SO3eXgBffcKn_CBM5tueH3zuQUhtwJCCrH6vEx22S5altJP1VkQVrSE6IKSqlEhMcCDaQWtPUz2znGZVn8rbT_5xMkRIb2ZgiznBdxrOCAn2YOWIw/s1600/cowgirl+facebook+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="515" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr4v6swrbyTfFd4CcUc19NY1Jg5SO3eXgBffcKn_CBM5tueH3zuQUhtwJCCrH6vEx22S5altJP1VkQVrSE6IKSqlEhMcCDaQWtPUz2znGZVn8rbT_5xMkRIb2ZgiznBdxrOCAn2YOWIw/s320/cowgirl+facebook+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Reason #819 why I don't believe in coincidence:<br />
<br />
My book cover
for <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781631522901" target="_blank">"Finding My Badass Self"</a> was designed in January, with the cowgirl
artwork provided through a stock photo my publisher bought the rights to
use.<br />
<br />
Realizing that the cowgirl figurine was probably an old toy
or statue, I set off on a mission to find one. I have been searching
the Internet for over six months and have never found anything similar
except that photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
On Saturday, in
the midst of my book launch event, an old high school friend posted a
picture on Facebook of a toy her husband found at an antique store. She
recognized it immediately--but she had no idea I had been looking for
one for months.<br />
<br />
She brought it to me yesterday.<br />
<br />
Nope. No such thing as a coincidence.<br />
<br />
<i>What do you believe in? Fate? Karma? Coincidence? Or just dumb luck?</i> </div>
sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-37822682487263202462017-08-09T23:11:00.002-04:002017-08-09T23:11:45.236-04:00Happening Now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ONxa4-eT2bfZqyE8w7S_Jg491HD4P8pm3fUNKy3qJAr4YOLESRVrf9okjr1Xr6z5JmrpQH7ABqyPwOiEKBYN9Vvx3z4G1yHK-wHQ9f-C9_wY5rxrRTut1QACqNnrzC9FKKN9wOw6Ixo/s1600/me+holding+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ONxa4-eT2bfZqyE8w7S_Jg491HD4P8pm3fUNKy3qJAr4YOLESRVrf9okjr1Xr6z5JmrpQH7ABqyPwOiEKBYN9Vvx3z4G1yHK-wHQ9f-C9_wY5rxrRTut1QACqNnrzC9FKKN9wOw6Ixo/s320/me+holding+book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yowza!<br />
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_cs">
</div>
It's been four
years in the making, and today my private stash of "Finding My Badass Self"
arrived one week early--just happening to fall on national <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bookloversday?source=feed_text&story_id=861112550719337"><span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz">#</span><span class="_58cm">bookloversday</span></span></a>. <br />
One badass day indeed!<br />
<br />
And, be sure to check out my new website, at <a href="http://sherrystanfa-stanley.com/">sherrystanfa-stanley.com</a> to stay up to date on my upcoming events, published stories, and other news.<br />
<br />
Hope to meet up with many of you soon. Thanks for following along! sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.com6