tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22992312027422786042024-03-13T12:43:47.206-06:00Barbara MarshakAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-65741919317045060362012-09-13T09:42:00.000-06:002012-09-13T09:42:03.659-06:00In It for the Long HaulOne might wonder in this day and age if it's possible to have a successful blended family. I say with emphasis that the answer is, <strong><em>Yes</em></strong>, it is possible! I have the good forture of sharing how that might happen at THE REFINE CONFERENCE in just one week at the DoubleTree Hilton in Bloomington, Minnesota. If you are in a blended family, or know someone close to you who is, please join us next Friday and Saturday. In my breakout session I'll be sharing the tools that make the unique relationships within a blended family work, with helpful tips for both the newly-formed family unit and the long-term blended family. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In It for the Long Haul</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">When
John and I first met and married in 1988, he was the owner of small business in
Minneapolis. About a year later that business closed and he opened a new one in
the suburbs, requiring another move for us and another new school for my girls.
The distance between our new home and John’s three children brought a change in
visitation, from twice a week to every other weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As
many entrepreneurs know it’s extremely hard to be competitive operating as a small
independent store against the big-box corporations. In three short years we went
out of business and lost our only source of income. The stress weighed heavily
on our shoulders. John was responsible for child support for his three children
and ultimately we were responsible for the well-being of six children, the
youngest only three years old. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">John’s
first instinct was to ‘run away’ in a sense. He suggested we move out of state,
someplace where we could start fresh and no one would know we had failed. As
John outlined his reasons, I knew in my heart it was wrong. Leaving Minnesota
would mean far fewer visits with his children, and I felt that my daughters had
already been through too many changes in recent years. The five older kids had formed
a bond, and it was evident they felt equally close to our youngest son. The
kids were all doing well in school, but this type of a move could easily
disrupt the foundation we had worked so hard to build.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">We
talked it through, prayed about it, and ultimately agreed we would stay. Within
a matter of three weeks John and I had each found a new job. Not just temporary
jobs—something to make do until something better came along—but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good </i>jobs, ones that paid well and suited
our individual skills. It renewed our sense of belonging and allowed us to keep
our home and remain in the community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In
the years that followed the ties within our blended family continued to
strengthen. Thanks to God’s grace and mercy we made it through the various ups
and downs that life brings. One by one the kids graduated from high school,
moved on to college, and sought their own paths in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As
we celebrated the third wedding in our family a few weeks ago, one of the
guests commented it was neat to see that the program listed all the attendants
as “sisters” and “brothers” of the bride. And that’s how the kids feel about
each other today, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sisters and brothers. </i>For
John and I, that sentiment is our reward, 24 years later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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In November John and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary. The biggest blessing of all is when we all gather together, usually now for special occasions. Our family has expanded to include a daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, and two beautiful grandchildren with one more coming in March. I can honestly say we are looking forward to the next 24 years! <br />
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Blessings,<br />
Barbara<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-59509728243689869492012-08-29T19:26:00.001-06:002012-08-30T11:23:28.228-06:00A Day to CelebrateAs I prepared the key points on blended families that I want to share at The REFINE Conference in September, one of the most important is to recognize those special moments in life that can easily get overlooked in the busyness of our hectic day-to-day schedules. In 2008 John and I were approaching our 20-year anniversary, but it didn't seem like we would have a chance to celebrate our special day. Life was on overload...and I was ready to give in and let the day slide by without notice. That's when our kids stepped in and changed all that. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“When Two People Fall
in Love”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">One
of the things our kids loved to do when they were younger was making up plays
and acting them out. They spent hours crafting props and dragging out old clothes
for their costumes. After a multitude of rehearsals they would call John and I
in to film the premiere performance. Years later those videos were the source
of much laughter at family get-togethers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In November
2008 John and I hit the 20-year mark as husband and wife and “the kids” were
now between 18 and 30. Our youngest son was a senior in high school, and just one
month earlier we had celebrated the second marriage in our family. John’s
oldest daughter Summer, who had married an air force pilot the year before,
lived in Tucson, Arizona. Upon news of her husband’s deployment, Summer decided
to move in with us until it was time for her to join him overseas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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John Ryan & Lindsey's wedding</div>
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October 2008</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As
our 20-year anniversary approached I felt like I should plan a celebration, but
timing and circumstances took away my hopes. John’s father had been having
numerous health issues all fall and subsequently passed away in November,
requiring a number of trips back and forth to western Minnesota. The kids all
had their own busy work schedules and it was a challenge to meet for dinner
with 55 miles of rush-hour traffic between us. Plus our anniversary fell on
Tuesday, two days before Thanksgiving. With John working in the supermarket
industry, the holidays were his busiest time of year. The long hours that
coincided with the season were made worse by the first snowfalls that already
graced the Minnesota landscape, lengthening his daily commutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">When
Summer announced she would make dinner for us at home, I was thrilled. John and
I came home from work to the delicious aromas of baked rigatoni, salad, Artisan
bread, and chocolate-mint dessert. To our surprise, one by one the kids arrived
and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the best place of all—our home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">After
dinner Summer invited us downstairs where the kids proceeded to put on a skit
she wrote called, “When Two People Fall in Love.” The sweetness of the moment
brought tears to my eyes, filling me with emotion as they reenacted the scene
when John and I first met. I felt God saying, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Despite the everyday stresses of life, don’t let the significance of
this day pass without acknowledgement. I want you to recognize My gifts, a gift
that includes bringing two families together and forming one, grounded in My
love.</i> Not surprising,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>God used the
voices of our children to make sure I heard His message. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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John and I...celebrating 20 years!</div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you are in a blended family and would like to hear some helpful tips to ensure a successful blended family, sign up today for The REFINE Conference, September 21-22, 2012 in Bloomington, Minnesota. The conference is specifically designed for all areas in a woman's life, "as we keep it person with ourselves, others, and God...seeking to REFINE our lives." Tickets are available at </span><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.therefineconference.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p>Blessings,</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p>Barbara</o:p></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-15547709830888135082012-08-23T07:54:00.005-06:002012-08-23T07:57:49.282-06:00Second BlessingsThe REFINE Conference is now less than 60 days away! As the date approaches (September 21 & 22, 2012) my own excitement is growing, anticipating the good things that will come from 300 ladies gathered together in one place! With a great list of keynote speakers, entertainment, and break-out speakers I believe all the women who attend will come away <em>refined </em>in more ways than one. <br />
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Blended families have their own challenges, unique to their own individual circumstances. Early on sometimes I struggled with the image of our family being less than ideal, due to each of our divorces and the consequences that followed. That's when God stepped in and showed me otherwise. Yes, there were consequences from earlier decisions in life that we had to deal with, but our God is a God of second chances...and abundant blessings. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Second Blessings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Like
it or not, the devil knows our weaknesses and loves to attack when we’re most
vulnerable. There was a time when I allowed myself to believe our blended
family was “less than” a traditional family…you know, the “perfect families”
filling the church pews on Sunday, unblemished by the stain of divorce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">God
showed me otherwise one year when John and I planned a family vacation to
Florida for spring break. For economic reasons we rented an RV that claimed to
sleep eight and started out on the long drive from Minneapolis to Florida. With
five teenagers in the mix I wondered how well we’d get along, stuck in such
cramped quarters for ten days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Around midnight we stopped to pick up one of the girls at
her college dorm. Prepared to drive through the night, John made a quick
restroom stop at a 24-hour supermarket. Several kids followed John inside
before I decided to dash in at the last minute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the quietness of the empty aisles I met two of the
girls coming out, but when I exited the store the RV was nowhere in sight. I stared
at the empty lot, imagining John and the kids heading to Florida without me. I
had no purse, no money; I didn’t know the license plate of the rented RV and no
way to contact him since this was before cell phones. On the verge of panic, I
saw the RV coming back up the street. Luckily one of the girls had asked,
“Aren’t you gonna wait for Mom?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Lesson
learned and heads were counted at each stopping point thereafter. By the time
we reached Florida, the weather was a perfect 80 degrees. We set up a small
tent next to the RV to add more room since the narrow aisle was forever jammed
with duffle bags, sandals, groceries, and whatever fell out of the compartments
above. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We ate meals outside on the picnic table and no one
seemed to mind the tropical breeze blowing sand into our food. I thought an
afternoon rain shower might bring a round of grumbling, but the kids played
board games inside without complaint. Day by day each one of my pre-trip
worries was dispelled with joking and laughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Several months later I was organizing the photos and the
smiles on everyone’s faces caught my attention. Just as John had been so
focused on the long drive he almost left me stranded, I had let myself focus on
the label of ‘blended family,’ as though it was a subclass status. God had given
us a second chance at marriage and I needed to readjust my focus and acknowledge
His abundant blessings. Now 24 years together, I have a cupboard full of bulging
photo albums that attest to those very blessings. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p> Barbara</o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-71477113862359935332012-06-15T07:51:00.002-06:002012-06-15T07:51:55.321-06:00Book Events with Joaquin Guerrero & Rookie!<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Joaquin Guerrero and Rookie II are coming back to Minnesota
in June. If you missed them last fall, we’d love to have you come out and see
us at any one of the following locations:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</w:wrap></o:lock></v:imagedata></span></v:shape><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">FRIDAY,
JUNE 15</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">TH</span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Apple
Valley Petco – 11 am to 2 pm <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">(CR 42 & Cedar Avenue)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Minnetonka
Petco – 4 pm to 7 pm <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">(Minnetonka Blvd & Williston Rd)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">SATURDAY, JUNE 16</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">TH</span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Leashes & Leads…the country pet
store & pet resort<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">6214 14<sup>th</sup> St.
NW, Byron, MN (just west of Rochester on Hwy 14) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Short presentation: 11
am; Book signing: 11 am – 2 pm<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Apple Valley Petco – 5 pm to 7 pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">(CR 42 & Cedar
Avenue) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">SUNDAY, JUNE 17</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">TH</span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">: <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 9 am
& 10:30 am services<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">10652 210<sup>th</sup>
St W., Lakeville (just west of Lakeville South High School on 210<sup>th</sup>
St.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Hear the full message at
both services:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When K9 Officer Joaquin
Guerrero heard God’s voice calling him to respond to Ground Zero, he didn’t
hesitate. For 7 long days the pair worked “The Pile” with a never-give-up
spirit. Guerrero will share from his experiences working search-and-rescue, and
the dedication of his <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>4-legged partner.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3e0000; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Minnetonka Petco – 2 pm to 5 pm<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Minnetonka Blvd &
Williston Rd) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p>Hope to see you at one these events!</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p>Barbara </o:p></span></div>
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HopAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-30336032886117867322012-06-07T10:15:00.003-06:002012-06-07T10:15:57.899-06:00"Today, if You Will Hear His Voice"A few weeks back I wrote a short article for our church website, sharing my thoughts about what I learned in working with Joaquin Guerrero on his memoir. <em>Michigan & Rookie: Guardians of the Night </em>was released last September, in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and from reader comments, it is evident that the book is touching people in deep, meaningful ways.<br />
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There's a distinct message in Joaquin's story, one that applies to us all: <br />
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<strong>God still speaks today. </strong><br />
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<strong>Are you listening?</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Michigan
& Rookie: Guardians of the Night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">When
people share their testimony, oftentimes they mention hearing “God’s voice”. People
aren’t sure if the Voice is audible or in their mind, yet it’s distinct enough
to change their life. In fact, most Christians have either experienced this or at
the very least believe it to be true. Hebrews 3:7 says, “Therefore, as the Holy
Spirit says, ‘Today, if you will hear His voice.’” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">What
if we as a church body took that verse literally, expecting to hear God’s voice
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">today….</i>and each day?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When Officer Joaquin Guerrero from Saginaw, Michigan
first asked me to write his memoir, I thought it was going to be a simple story
about a man and his dog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I
was wrong… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As a young man starting out in law enforcement, Joaquin
heard God’s voice calling him to work the dangerous night streets of Saginaw,
Michigan—a city ranked #1 as having the most violent crime per capita in the
US. Saddened by seeing so many kids caught up in gang life, God’s voice
prompted Joaquin to action. He created Precinct 131, an educational program to
help vulnerable children say “No!” to gangs, guns, drugs, and violence. Using his
K9 partner Rookie as his mascot, what began as a short K9 demo turned into a
multifaceted ministry that reached hundreds of thousands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When terrorists attacked America on a beautiful Tuesday
morning in September, Joaquin responded to New York City with Rookie to help in
the search efforts. Joaquin’s first glimpse of the massive destruction took him
to his knees. The smoldering pile was too much to process. He gripped Rookie’s
leash and cried out to God, “What should I do, Lord? This is too much…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trust your dog and
I’ll do the rest, </i>came God’s reassuring voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The more I discovered about Joaquin’s life, the more I
was struck with all that he accomplished, both as a K9 officer and a community
volunteer, all because he continually listened for God’s voice. One K9 expert
said of Joaquin in reference to K9 handlers, “Joaquin set the bar high.” I
would say the same is true for a man with a servant’s heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Joaquin continues Rookie’s legacy today with Rookie II,
another K9-trained German shepherd. They will be appearing at Trinity on
Sunday, June 17, 2012 at both services. Invite a friend to come and hear
Joaquin’s testimony and this remarkable story of goodheartedness and faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Joaquin will be sharing the full story at Trinity E-Free Church in Lakeville on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at both services (9 am and 10:30 am). If you're in the area, please join us for this moving story of service to community and country. For details & directions, please visit <a href="http://www.trinityefc.net/">www.Trinityefc.net</a> . <br />
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Blessings,<br />
Barbara<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-19511896182807179952012-05-21T19:17:00.004-06:002012-05-21T19:17:41.303-06:00Step-Parents vs. Parents<br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p> <span style="color: black;">On my way to work today I heard the morning talk show hosts on KTIS 98.5 in Minneapolis mention that it was "step-parent day" today. In honor of step-moms and -dads, they were taking calls from listeners about step-parents. My commute was only long enough to hear a few comments, but it was reaffirming to hear young adults give their step-mom or -dad credit for making a positive difference and always being there when they needed them. </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p><span style="color: black;">The timing is ideal to share a post from The Refine Conference blog about my own feelings as a step-parent:</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/">http://www.therefineconference.com/</a></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p> Not Me!</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">The role of a
step-parent is different than a parent; more like walking a tightrope with tiny,
cautious steps, not wanting to be too harsh or too easy; attentive to fragile
feelings; aware of issues before any danger signs appear on the horizon and the
safety net is needed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">When our blended family
was still fairly new, we tried our best to entertain all six kids at home. Taking
a family of eight to a movie or out to eat was rough on the pocketbook and the
satisfaction was short lived. We chose instead to get each child a bicycle, and
put up a swing-set play system. Although intended for David, the older kids enjoyed
playing with him on it. The trampoline was an instant hit with the entire
neighborhood. The kids spent hours on the tramp—spring, summer and fall—taking
turns and practicing new stunts. They had the most fun when it was hot enough
to jump with the sprinkler underneath. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F5T8wbCQHu8IyPGjRpfmpP8W4hKph-TupRYbjDyzSUJXwNplC33_U33Tb_PhgMZY46Cg1mTtEDkjFaKd-q0BrAVOVVUFrxSO9Fl-UDwsX2PkpK4uweJkUWX-PFOWhtr2gC1Wz27t2l8/s1600/The+tramp!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F5T8wbCQHu8IyPGjRpfmpP8W4hKph-TupRYbjDyzSUJXwNplC33_U33Tb_PhgMZY46Cg1mTtEDkjFaKd-q0BrAVOVVUFrxSO9Fl-UDwsX2PkpK4uweJkUWX-PFOWhtr2gC1Wz27t2l8/s400/The+tramp!.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">And like all parents, we
tried to instill a sense of responsibility to take care of the things we bought
them. So I was a bit surprised when a phantom child moved into our house one
weekend when all the kids were home. This difficult child showed up at the most
inopportune times, and then <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whoosh! </i>vanished
in an instant, hiding his true identity. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Who left the bicycle in
the street?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Not me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Who broke the new
tennis racket?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Not me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Who spilled pop on the
carpet?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Not me! Not me!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">So there I was, alone with
this phantom child while everyone scattered to safety. Unless I knew for sure
who-had-done-what, I didn’t want to accuse the wrong child of a misdeed. Many
times I found myself cleaning up the mess <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not
me!</b> had left in his wake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">I finally wised up, realizing
I didn’t have to let the kids’ visits be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all
</i>play time. I created charts for simple household chores, and John brought them
to our business and assigned jobs for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">In the evenings, when
things were quiet, I tried to be aware of the kids’ feelings. If one was
unusually quiet and needed space, I understood. If another one was eager to share
something on their mind, I wanted to take time to listen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">As time went on, the
kids offered to pitch in and help with projects, and even asked if they could
“work” at the store. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not me! </b>eventually
moved out of our house. My guess is he moved in with another unsuspecting family
and that was just fine with me. </span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-29312979351269713592012-04-12T22:04:00.001-06:002012-04-13T08:32:03.748-06:00Live-Write-Thrive! from Author/Editor Susanne LakinBack in 2009 when I finished writing "Seeds of Salton" I hired Susanne Lakin from Santa Cruz, California to do a content and copy edit. Nervous about how "critical" her comments might be, she calmed my nerves by displaying a genuine interest in my manuscript right from the start. She connected with the story and really "got" my protaganist. Knowing that, when it came time to read Susanne's edits I was receptive to her words, thankful for the instruction she provided. Her expertise helped me add the missing components and end up with a polished manuscript. <br />
<br />
In 2011 Susanne started a new website, dedicated to helping writers called <strong><span style="color: #741b47;">Live Write Thrive</span>.</strong> Here's what she says: <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>"I love to help writers with their novels. I specialize in thorough annotated critiques, so if you have a manuscript that needs some work or you’re not sure if it does, </strong></span><a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/critique-services/" title="Critique Services"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>check out my site</strong></span></a><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong> specifically dedicated to my critique services. You’ll find a lot of informative articles on why you might need a critique and how to choose the right editor for your needs." </strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">If anyone out there is in need of a good editor, I would highly recommend Susanne...I'm just saying! </span><span style="color: black;">This month I'm honored to have my writing journey featured on her client page at <a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/">www.LiveWriteThrive.com</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">THE HIDDEN HERITAGE JOURNEY</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyCepcQb141DeVy4NWYRUdb357Oj2ih4Suabo_bGXtO3d6BwdkO5eZIDRzBEVnbs7ngx_FHHKBTadg8vK1A_13fVKIxEoBfied77qmZGC-E9zOj4W7wu5jWUooC92cOxmx3tjqluzpgQ/s1600/scan0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyCepcQb141DeVy4NWYRUdb357Oj2ih4Suabo_bGXtO3d6BwdkO5eZIDRzBEVnbs7ngx_FHHKBTadg8vK1A_13fVKIxEoBfied77qmZGC-E9zOj4W7wu5jWUooC92cOxmx3tjqluzpgQ/s400/scan0012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #783f04;">My writing journey began in a most unexpected way, what some might call a chance encounter. On a family vacation in the Black Hills of South Dakota one summer we happened upon a Native American band playing in the tourist town of Deadwood. The music from Brulé, a small, upcoming band of three, was as captivating as the surrounding landscape. Their distinct sound initially caught my attention—the hauntingly beautiful mix of flute, keyboard, and traditional drum they are now famous for. Listening one could immediately sense something deeper at the heart of it. Sure enough, in reading about Paul LaRoche, the band’s founder, I found his life story equally captivating.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">All the way back to Minneapolis I heard a voice, You should write a book about this man…</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">But before I reached home a flurry of doubts drowned out the voice, telling me I had no connection to Paul LaRoche, a complete stranger. I wasn’t Native American or adopted, and furthermore I didn’t have any writing credentials. The loudest doubt pushed through time and time again: You’re not a real writer; you’ve never even been published! Yet each time I listed to Paul’s unique music, the voice returned.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Three years passed before I dispelled the doubts and found the courage to respond…and as soon as I did, an amazing journey began. First came an article about Paul, published in a regional magazine. Next came the book, a project that took three years to complete. <em>Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche</em> was released in 2006. That summer Paul invited me to join him at several Brulé events. None was more moving than at Mount Rushmore National Monument. I stood on the park’s plaza, the majestic granite monument in the backdrop, the beautiful Brulé music playing in the mountain air, signing books alongside Paul. It was a moment I never could have imagined seven years earlier on Main Street Deadwood. I had only a few moments to listen as Paul played. We didn’t even speak. Yet God intertwined our otherwise separate lives and gave us a connected purpose, a purpose that didn’t end there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">While writing Hidden Heritage I discovered Paul’s great-great-great grandfather, a Yankton chief named Strikes the Ree (1804-1888), was an important figure in American history. In 1804 Lewis and Clark were camped at Calumet Bluff when word came that a baby had just been born. The famed explorers wrapped the infant in a flag and declared that he would someday be a great American citizen. Their prophecy indeed came true. Strikes the Ree was a great leader among his people and played a significant role as a peacemaker during the Great Sioux Uprising. During his life he traveled to Washington DC and received peace medals from three US presidents. Worthy of an epic tale, I’ve since learned the great burdens the chief bore during the years of cession and settlement on the Northern Plains have largely been overlooked by historians.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Long after I finished Paul’s book, Strike the Ree’s story called out to me time and time again. A few weeks ago I read a post from author/speaker Page Lambert titled “Write Brave, Write Epic”. Her words challenged me: <strong>Be brave. Write the BIG story. Be fearless in your belief that yes, we can set aside our smallness and our frailties and reach for that deeper part of ourselves that knows there are GREAT TRUTHS in this world, and it is these truths about which we must write.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">I believe the Hidden Heritage journey has led to this important, historical book. God has equipped me—through all that’s happened since I stood on that crowded sidewalk in Deadwood thirteen years ago—to write this epic novel and I can move forward with confidence. Chance encounter? Hardly. Every step declares it is God’s divine plan, a journey that is far over.</span><br />
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My character, my very nature is to go about life in small, cautious and predictable steps. I'm a planner, an organizer. I follow rules. So when I started writing, I continued in that manner, the old "write what you know" concept, writing little stories from my hometown in Northern Minnesota. Then one day I heard a radio broadcast from Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll that challenged me to think in a new way. His words struck a chord with me and I wrote them in my Bible: <strong>"Break me free from the limitations and expectations surrounding me. A spiritual life is lived with gracious uncertainty and breathless expectation. Yes, Lord--take me on an adventure!"</strong> <br />
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Funny, as I continued to read those words, I began to believe them...sensing something exciting on the horizon. Next thing I knew I was on a Native American reservation in the middle of South Dakota doing research for "Hidden Heritage", my first book. <br />
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And that was just the beginning...<br />
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Let the adventure continue, Lord!<br />
Barbara<br />
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To see more about Page Lambert or Susanne Lakin, please visit their websites. These are two ladies that I really respect and admire!<br />
<a href="http://www.pagelambert.com/">www.PageLambert.com</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/">www.LiveWriteThrive.com</a> or <a href="http://www.cslakin.com/">www.cslakin.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-7208019867025827332012-03-16T10:00:00.000-06:002012-03-16T10:00:24.768-06:00And Baby Makes Eight!Each month as I prepare to write my "blended family" post for the Refine Conference website, I find I need to pull out my old photo albums. Looking through the pages of our family pictures brings me back to that time and place, in this instance, the news of a baby on the way. The first two years of our marriage brought a barrage of changes, both physical moves and as a family unit. We prayed through those changes, one by one, until we settled in a new suburb and opened a business, putting down roots in a community where we hoped to stay. <br />
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As it turned out, we did stay, 22 years now and holding. Here's how it all began: <br />
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<h1 class="entry-title">And Baby Makes Eight</h1><div class="post-info"> </div><div class="entry-content"><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-683" height="238" src="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Davids-smile1-300x238.jpg" title="David's smile" width="300" />The first year of our marriage brought a period of transitions, including multiple moves to different homes and jobs. Our new family included five children from previous marriages. John had shared visitation of his two daughters and son, and I had full custody of my daughters since their dad lived out-of-state.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>From the first time our kids met they seemed to connect with each other, especially the four girls who quickly paired up by age. The two older girls were only seven months apart, and the younger two only four months. John Ryan, the only boy, was a good sport and played along with whoever let him! Many times all five played together, making up plays they would practice for hours on end and then “perform” for us.<br />
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When it was all said and done, John and I opened a business in a suburb on the outer edge of Minneapolis, while his kids moved with their mom to the opposite side of the metro area. Because of the 40-mile distance, their visits dropped from twice a week to twice a month. My girls looked forward to the kids’ visits; it was like having their best friends come for sleepovers every other weekend.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Moving to a new community gave John and me an unexpected fresh start. The people we met through our new business and in church only knew <em>us</em> as a couple, rather than with our former spouses. It further cemented our newly formed foundation, uniting us as one. As we got involved in the community, people commented on how much my daughter looked “exactly like John” or that one of my girls and one of his “must be sisters”. The more it happened, the more the kids learned to have fun with it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>In the midst of all these changes I learned I was pregnant. Our new house—we believe handpicked by God—was perfect for a family of eight, with plenty of bedroom space! When David was born, he became the instant center of attention. With big brown eyes and an infectious smile, David’s presence filled the house with the kind of joy only a baby can bring<br />
.<img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-681 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/And-Baby-Makes-Eight-253x300.jpg" title="And Baby Makes Eight" width="253" /><br />
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The four girls loved helping out with David, and John Ryan was thrilled to have a brother. John and I continued to find ways to make memories as a family. Twins games, weekend getaways, even simple dinners around the table were cause for fun. The bond that had formed between the kids now included the baby brother they all adored.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Twins-game.jpg"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-686 aligncenter" height="344" src="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Twins-game-674x1024.jpg" title="Twins game" width="226" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________</div><blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Barbara-Marchak.jpg"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-20 alignleft" height="150" src="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Barbara-Marchak-150x150.jpg" title="Barbara Marchak" width="150" /></a>Written by speaker:<strong> <em><a href="http://www.barbaramarshak.com/" target="_blank">Barbara Marshak</a></em></strong></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong><em></em></strong><span style="text-align: left;">Connect: </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/barbara.marshak" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></span><span style="text-align: left;">| </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://barbara-hh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a></strong></span></h3><div style="text-align: left;">Barbara is a freelance writer with over 150 published stories and articles. She will be speaking to us about the twists and turns along the blissful road of relationships within blended families.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"> </h3></blockquote><div class="snap_nopreview sharing robots-nocontent"><ul><li class="sharing_label"></li>
</ul></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-5652257885584833182012-02-19T15:08:00.000-06:002012-02-19T15:08:45.264-06:00The Bedroom LessonAs I shared in another post, I've been asked to speak at a woman's conference in Minneapolis this September. The <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>REFINE Conference</strong></span> invites women to "Come as you are...and take your next steps with purpose". Topics include <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Financial, Relationships, Emotional, Spiritual, Health/Wellness, and Professional. </span>My topic is under the <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relationship</span> category on <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Blended Families</strong></span>, a topic near and dear to my heart. <br />
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I've outlined 8 key points to share in my breakout session, the first being <strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adjustments with a Capital A!</span></strong> Ah, yes...as you can imagine, there were a few of those! The bonding that took place between our five kids in the first year of our marriage, however, was a blessing that far exceeded our expectations. Here's a little story that explains my own lesson that first year. <br />
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From the Refine Conference Website: <a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/2012/02/17/the-bedroom-lesson/">http://www.therefineconference.com/2012/02/17/the-bedroom-lesson/</a><br />
<h1 class="entry-title">The Bedroom Lesson</h1><div class="post-info"><span class="date published time" title="2012-02-17T00:05:35+00:00">February 17, 2012</span> </div><div class="entry-content"><div class="mceTemp" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-kids-19881.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-510" height="296" src="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-kids-19881-1024x705.jpg" title="The kids! 1988" width="430" /></a></div><div class="mceTemp"></div><span style="color: #073763;">When my husband and I married in 1988 we brought together five kids between the ages of six and ten. Considering that fact alone, common sense would say we should have entered marriage only after much planning. That was not the case.</span><br />
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<div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_501" style="width: 250px;"><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/John-Barbara-cira-1988.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-501" height="189" src="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/John-Barbara-cira-1988-300x236.jpg" title="John & Barbara, cira 1988" width="240" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">John & Barbara, circa 1988</div></div><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">John and I met on August 20<sup>th</sup>, but we lived three hours apart. Our first “date” happened two weeks later when I traveled from northern Minnesota to Minneapolis with my two daughters for a Twins game. By Thanksgiving we were married. Yup, do the math…a three-month courtship with five kids in tow.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I sold my house—an older Tudor with four spacious bedrooms—and moved into John’s two-bedroom suburban shoebox. My furniture ended up stacked to the ceiling in the garage and unfinished lower level. It also meant all five kids had to share a bedroom. It bugged me because I had three beds in the garage, but no room for them! Meanwhile the kids alternated; two in the bed, three on the floor.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">John asked his brother to finish the lower level, which would add a family room and bedroom. “How long?” I asked, noting the sleeping bags on the floor.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><em><span style="color: #073763;"> “Three months, I promise.”</span></em></div><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Unfortunately John’s brother was in no rush. Three months passed and the studs were up. “Can you tell your brother we really <em>need </em>that bedroom? The kids deserve to sleep on a bed, not the floor!”</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">His brother showed up for several days and then disappeared for weeks. Meanwhile, my frustrations grew as I tried to make the small house feel like a home. Three more months passed, then six. Although not a handyman, John helped to hurry the process while I painted and sewed curtains.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Finally, the lower level was finished. I was ecstatic! I arranged furniture, put on bedding, hung pictures. The bedroom was perfect!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">That evening I told the kids they could divide up however they wished, three in one room, two in the other. A short time later we heard giggles coming from downstairs. John and I went down to say nightly prayers. We opened the door and there were the kids, two on the bed, three on the floor.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><em><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></em></div><div style="text-align: right;"><em><span style="color: #073763;">“Why are you all in here?” I asked.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: right;"><em><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></em></div><div style="text-align: right;"><em><span style="color: #073763;">“We like it this way,” came their voices.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: right;"><em><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></em></div><div style="text-align: right;"><em><span style="color: #073763;">“Yeah! Can we stay together?”</span></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;">I held my breath thinking, “<em>No! I waited all year for a proper place for you to sleep!” </em>And then my heart took over, “<em>There is a bond forming…something far more important. <strong>Rejoice and be thankful</strong>.”</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_508" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-kids-all-grown-up1.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-508" height="238" src="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-kids-all-grown-up1-300x238.jpg" title="The kids--all grown up!" width="300" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">The kids all grown up!</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div><div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_507" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Barbara-John-today1.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-507" height="259" src="http://www.therefineconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Barbara-John-today1-300x259.jpg" title="Barbara & John today" width="300" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">Barbara & John today</div></div><br />
NOTE: The full story, <em>In Harmony, </em>appeared in Guideposts, May 2004. <br />
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Blessings,<br />
Barbara</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-28453964818969484782012-01-16T12:32:00.002-06:002012-01-31T20:51:53.744-06:00New Year; New Opportunities<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s amazing to look back over the past year and see all that transpired in the time the earth made its journey around the sun. Discovering that I could start and finish a full book in five months was a great confidence booster for me as a writer. Last January I was just starting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Michigan & Rookie: Guardians of the Night</i>, and now I have the reward of receiving reader comments, payoff for those long hours at the computer: </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Medium","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: David; mso-themecolor: text2;">“I just finished this most exceptional book. Each and every page captured the heart, soul, and purpose of an amazing police officer and his K9 partner.” Christine S.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Medium","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: David; mso-themecolor: text2;">“This is the best book I’ve read in a long time…a true story about a courageous man and his K9 partner serving our community and nation.” Roxanne A.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Medium","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: David; mso-themecolor: text2;">“What a fabulous story for any American to read!” Amanda E.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: David; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I look ahead to 2012 I can only wonder what this year has in store. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ü<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Possible opportunities to collaborate with Paul LaRoche and continue the Hidden Heritage journey <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ü<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New writing projects<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ü<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finding agent representation for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seeds of Salton </i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ü<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New speaking opportunities <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ü<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More marketing and promotional events with Joaquin Guerrero for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Michigan & Rookie </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ü<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Expand my new photography line called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sundance Imagery <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s a cool thing that happened the last week of December when I ran an errand with my son to the local Office Max. Upon seeing they were running a one-day special on color enlargements, I hurried home and grabbed my jump-drive. I asked the young gal working in the copy center to make 11x14s of each photo. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As the pictures began printing, the gal said, “Wow, these are really amazing.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being a fledgling photographer I was touched by her compliment and said, “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you teach?” she asked, still studying the photos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought, what—am I dressed like a teacher or something? Not knowing what she meant, I said, “Huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you teach photography?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">OH… that’s what she meant!!!</span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I told her I’d never even taken a photography class, let alone taught one, and said, “You just made my day!” Turns out she had a Graphic Arts/Photography degree, so that made her comments all the more meaningful. I hope to bring my Sundance Imagery collection to a couple art shows this year and see what kind of interest they generate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many of my writer friends have good things happening in 2012 as well:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author Julie Saffrin’s new book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">BlessBack: Thank Those Who Shaped Your Life </i>is in the galley stage and will be released in March. This is a delightful and possible life-changing book on the impact one can make by reflecting back and thanking someone who influenced their life along the way. </span><a href="http://www.blessback.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.BlessBack.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<ul><li><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author/Speaker Joy DeKok released her new book on Amazon, today as a matter of fact! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Your Life a Legacy: Explore and Record the Times of Your Life</i> is full of ideas and information for people who want to turn their lives into written legacies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.joydekok.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.JoyDeKok.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<ul><li><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author/Editor Susanne Lakin is a virtual writing machine these days. She released four books in 2011, and has plans for two more in 2012—so far! Fans of her Gates of Heaven fantasy series can look forward to books #4 The Unraveling of Wentwater and #5 The Crystal Scepter in 2012. You can find all her books at </span><a href="http://www.cslakin.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.cslakin.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Susanne also has a new blog for writers: </span><a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.LiveWriteThrive.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> with insight, inspiration and practical advice for writers. </span></span></li>
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<ul><li> <span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve also been asked to speak at a wonderful women’s conference coming to Minneapolis, September 21-22, 2012. The Refine Conference—Come as You Are invites women seeking to REFINE their lives emotionally, spiritually, financially, professionally, in health and wellness and in relationships to attend. I’ll be speaking on blended families in one of the breakout “relationship” sessions. Married 22 years to my hubby, along with six kids in the “yours, mine, and ours” categories, it’s my heart’s desire for people to know blended families <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can and do </i></b>work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.therefineconference.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.TheRefineConference.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-53773634773017994622011-12-22T12:08:00.000-06:002011-12-22T12:08:18.501-06:00Travels and Trails<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the release of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Michigan and Rookie </i>in September, I’ve been fortunate to participate in a number of book events. Of course traveling means giving up time at home and falling behind on things…like, well, my blog. After the official book launch at Indian Summer in Milwaukee, my next destination took me westward, to the South Dakota Festival of Books in Deadwood, SD. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I considered this invitation a real honor, knowing the level of distinguished authors and cultural figures in attendance, including 2011 keynote speaker/author, Joseph Marshall, III. The three-day event kicked off with an author reception at the historic Deadwood Public Library, with wine and appetizers, a chance to mingle and get to know others. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</div><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was there I met Cathy A. Smith, an artist who crafted the traditional regalia for Hollywood’s biggest westerns such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dances With Wolves, Last of the Mohicans, Son of Morning Star, Geronimo, </i>and many more. Her power-point presentation was filled with photos of her work, authentic replicas of regalia from different time periods and native tribes. She shared stories of having to make six identical regalia pieces for each of the main characters in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dances With Wolves.</i> She also made a replica of Crazy Horse’s warrior shirt for the cover of Joseph Marshall’s book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journey of Crazy Horse.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</div><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The imagery of her work captivated me completely! I absorbed every detail, fascinated with her stories and beautiful artistry. If you have any interest in period pieces of Native American regalia, you’ll want to go to her website and check out her amazing collection: </span></span><a href="http://www.cathyasmith.com/collections.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.cathyasmith.com/collections.html</span></span></a><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday and Saturday were filled with all kinds of events. The festival was spread out among several historic sites in downtown Deadwood, such as the Franklin Hotel, Masonic Temple, and Deadwood Pavilion. My presentation, “The Hidden Heritage Journey”, was at the Franklin Hotel on Main Street…apropos since the journey in fact started on Main Street Deadwood in 1999. (See post from Sept 29, 2011 for the remarkable details!) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also shared the podium with Minnesota author Colleen Baldrica for a workshop titled “Seeking Heritage – Where Literature and Identity Intersect” in the upstairs meeting rooms of the Masonic Temple, an imposing building on the corner of Main Street. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All the authors gathered at the Deadwood Pavilion for two mass book signings where I ran into several friends and family of Paul LaRoche, and my friend, Wyoming poet Patricia Frolander. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday’s events culminated with a delicious dinner and Joseph Marshall’s address at Deadwood Mountain Grand, a new hotel/casino event center being converted from the former slime plant of the Homestake Gold Mine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hubby and I stayed at The Lodge at Deadwood, another beautiful new hotel/casino on the edge of town, right across from Tatanka, Kevin Costner’s museum. Our room was on the fourth floor, so unless we were carrying boxes of books, we took the stairs and by the end of our sixth day, we could really feel those leg muscles toning up! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As always, the hubby and I enjoyed our time in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paha Sapa, </i>the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We stayed an extra day to hit a few of our favorite spots: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rico’s</b> in Hill City so the hubby could have tamales; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moonshine Gulch</b> in tiny Rochford so we could have the best-ever cheeseburgers; Sundance, Wyoming…my dream home; and a stop at the Devils Tower National Monument, the very place I enjoyed a full week as a guest of the monument when I won a writer’s residency in 2008. We walked the Joyner Ridge Trail in the late afternoon, just as a full moon rose behind the tower, the perfect end to our stay in the hills. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two weeks later I traveled to Elbow Lake, a tiny prairie town in western Minnesota for a meeting with a local writers group, followed with a presentation to a small but intimate group of ladies at the Thorson Memorial Library. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last, but not least, I hopped a flight to Michigan for the Novi Pet Expo on the north side of Detroit. I hooked up with Joaquin and Rookie for three full days at the Suburban Showplace Convention Center (Suburban as in GMC and the SUV, ‘cuz in Detroit, all things good connect to the car industry!) where we met a number of dog lovers and new fans of the book. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now the traveling is done and it's time to enjoy "home and holidays!" </span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barbara</span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-8568769915478618242011-11-11T15:14:00.001-06:002011-11-11T20:30:13.750-06:00Michigan & Rookie--On the Move!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a crazy-busy fall with book events scheduled in Minnesota, Michigan,
and South Dakota. I’ll start with a few highlights from Joaquin’s visit to
Minnesota in October, sort of a whirlwind weekend with three funfilled events packed into two
days! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">Ironworks – Men’s
Ministry (Friday morning-6:30 am!)</span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"> at Berean Baptist Church in Burnsville. The men's group is studying The Micah
Project, based on the verse, Micah 6:8. As Pastor Roger Thompson shared with
the men in attendance, Joaquin’s story and 22-year career in law enforcement
tied in perfectly with their theme of justice in today’s world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Minnesota Book Club
with host Sandy Beaudette, Friday evening at 7pm:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was the same delightful group of book lovers that had read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden Heritage </i>this summer and invited
me to their meeting in June, so in a way it was like spending the evening with
old friends. When Joaquin and I (and Rookie!) arrived at the Beaudette’s, delicious
smells emanated from the house immediately luring us inside. Sandy put out a
wonderful spread of nummy creations…appetizers, salads, daughter Jennifer’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>delicious <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pico
de gallo</i>, scrumptious sandwiches, topped off with homemade apple crisp for dessert.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The evening was especially fun because everyone had already read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Michigan & Rookie </i>so they had lots
of questions, wanting to know more about Joaquin’s stirring story. A few of the
husbands even stayed, equally eager to hear Joaquin share more of the details. And in
this more intimate setting, Joaquin was able to open up about some of the things
we weren’t able to include in the book. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<br /><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And like everywhere we go, Rookie pretty much stole the show. His
beautiful coloring, incredibly soft fur, and easy-going temperament (unless
ordered otherwise!) draw people to him like a magnet. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A big thank you to Sandy and Jennifer for hosting such a warm and wonderful
evening!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Book signing at
Barnes & Noble, Saturday afternoon at 1 pm:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br /><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our last event of the weekend was a book signing at the Apple Valley
Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Not sure how many to expect, John and Joaquin commandeered
a big table near the windows (instead of the end-table and single chair set in
the aisle), which turned out to be a smart move. We had a nice-sized crowd of
friends and family who took time out of their busy Saturday to join us. The
windowed corner gave us plenty of room, and the beautiful October sunshine made
the perfect backdrop to our afternoon presentation!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So far book sales (and book reviews!) have exceeded our expectation. We really appreciate
everyone who has supported us by coming out to one of our events. It’s
especially fulfilling when people tell us they are buying the book as a gift for
someone special in their life. More than anything, we love hearing how the book
has touched those who have read it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All for now,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barbara</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-35767445624209625162011-10-17T20:39:00.003-06:002011-10-17T21:15:49.050-06:00Barnes & Noble Book Signing!We're hoping for a great turnout this <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday (Oct. 22nd) at the Barnes and Noble in Apple Valley at 1:00 pm</span> </strong>to meet Joaquin and Rookie II, and hear Joaquin share stories from "Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night." There will be plenty of books on hand, and Joaquin and Rookie will sign copies for everyone. (Yup, he's got a paw print with Rookie's name!) <br />
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I've got a packed weekend planned for Joaquin and Rookie while they're in Minnesota. On Friday morning bright and early (or should I say 'dark and early'?) we're making a stop at Ironworks, a men's ministry group led by Pastor Roger Thompson at Berean Baptist Church in Burnsville. The topic is "justice", which ties in perfectly with Joaquin's 22 years as a police officer. <br />
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Friday evening we've been invited to meet with a book club out in Victoria, hosted by Sandy Beaudette. I met all the ladies in this book club back in June when they read <em>Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche.</em> Judy Schultz hosted the group that evening and we were treated to the most delicious gourmet summer dinner and drinks, sitting outside in her screen porch on a perfect June evening. <br />
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Maybe the most interesting part of Joaquin's visit will be seeing how Mr Duke and Miss Daisy (our two newly adopted yellow labs!) react to having a great big ol' German shepherd in the house. If you hear a crazy commotion coming from the house this weekend, you'll know why! <br />
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Hope to see you at the book signing!<br />
BarbaraAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-31033943451615778012011-09-29T11:20:00.001-06:002011-09-29T11:20:54.812-06:00South Dakota Festival of Books 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0khr7f_QXG6yLtPpMdfXDSyOoOWP753skZr4kqdqvQ0Z1OghQYv1TUvo0n1T4e2n1SgmvyAhMGNWM8GEiUeyDO-rPv0YTYoLqTpk8N-fpy5eDWAUPYsvIK9bI4qB7tNBwBxLVfO4Tvo/s1600/festival_logo%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0khr7f_QXG6yLtPpMdfXDSyOoOWP753skZr4kqdqvQ0Z1OghQYv1TUvo0n1T4e2n1SgmvyAhMGNWM8GEiUeyDO-rPv0YTYoLqTpk8N-fpy5eDWAUPYsvIK9bI4qB7tNBwBxLVfO4Tvo/s200/festival_logo%255B1%255D.jpg" width="182" /></a><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More good news to share…I’ve been invited to participate in the South
Dakota Festival of Books, October 7-9, 2011 in Deadwood, South Dakota, a 3-day
festival celebrating all things literary. This year’s theme is Native America, which
is why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul
LaRoche </i>was selected as one of the books to have on hand. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm scheduled for two presentations, Saturday, October 8th, at the Franklin Hotel, Main Street, Deadwood. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Saturday, 10 am: "Seeking Heritage: Where Literature and Identity Intersect", with Minnesota author Colleen Baldrica. </strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Saturday, 4 pm: "The Hidden Heritage Journey"</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All authors are invited to take part in two book signings at the Deadwood Pavillion/Chamber of Commerce: </span></strong></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday, October 7, 4-5 pm, and Saturday, October 8, 12:30-2 pm. </span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Festival link: <a href="http://www.sdbookfestival.com/">http://www.sdbookfestival.com/</a> </span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Attending the festival in Deadwood has deeper meaning for me, because
that is where the ‘Hidden Heritage Journey’ first began. Here's what I mean...<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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THE DEADWOOD CIRCLE</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
Hidden Heritage journey began with a chance encounter in the tourist town of
Deadwood, South Dakota. On a family vacation in the Black Hills in 1999 we
happened upon Brulé playing near the sidewalk seating of the Buffalo Stockade
bar on Main Street. The music from this small, upcoming band of three was as
captivating as the surrounding landscape. Their distinct sound initially caught
my attention—the hauntingly beautiful mix of flute, keyboard, and traditional
drum they are now famous for. Listening one could immediately sense something
deeper at the heart of it. Sure enough, in reading Paul’s Artist Bio I was
equally captivated by his life story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">All
the way back to Minneapolis I heard a voice, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You should write a book about this man…</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But
before I reached home my own doubts drowned out the voice, telling me I had no
connection to Paul LaRoche, a complete stranger. I wasn’t Native American or
adopted, and more importantly I didn’t have any writing credentials. The
loudest doubt pushed through time and time again: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You’re not a real writer; you’ve never even been published! </i>Yet
each time I listed to Paul’s unique music, the voice returned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Three
years passed before I dispelled the doubts and found the courage to respond…and
as soon as I did, an amazing<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>journey
began. First came an article about Paul, published in a regional magazine, followed by the book in 2006, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche</i>, including two awards. That summer I joined Paul for book
signings at several Brulé events, but none was more moving than at Mount Rushmore
National Monument. I stood on the park’s plaza, the majestic monument in the
backdrop, beautiful Brulé music playing in the mountain air, signing books
alongside Paul. It was a moment I never could have imagined seven years earlier
on our first vacation to the Black Hills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes,
there have been roadblocks along the way, some bigger than others, but with
faith and perseverance we’ve tromped over and around those obstacles, committed to keep this journey on track. In 2009 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden Heritage, </i>a documentary-style
television series premiered on the RFD-TV cable network, opening a door for Brulé
to perform at the RFD-TV Theater in Branson, a show that’s now described as 'a
Native American experience in sight, sound, and soul.' On January 1, 2011, Brulé
performed atop One Nation, a Native American<em>-</em>themed float in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena,
sponsored by RFD-TV. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So
next week I return to Deadwood to attend the South Dakota Festival of Books as
an invited author, 12 years after I first saw Paul playing his soul-stirring music.
Chance encounter? Hardly. Every phase of this journey declares it is God’s
perfectly designed plan, a journey that is far from complete. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">While
writing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden Heritage, </i>I discovered
Paul’s great-great-great grandfather, a Yankton chief named Strikes the Ree
(1804-1888), was an important figure in American history. In 1804 Lewis and
Clark camped at Calumet Bluff when word came that a baby had just been born. The
famed explorers wrapped the infant in a flag and declared that he would someday
be a great American citizen. Their prophecy indeed came true. Strikes the Ree
became a great leader among his people and played a significant role as a
peacemaker during the Great Sioux Uprising. During his life he traveled to
Washington DC and received peace medals from three US presidents. Worthy of an
epic tale, the great burdens the chief bore during the years of cession and
settlement on the Northern Plains have largely been overlooked by historians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHWJNNvvzy2QYHtfq1hKCdHV3pSBcrobNmZSvLI7pdJM8bKsEHBe3BFy-Eyd0zS3j23qbnS_ZnMHkDq0-JQTApotYkK-VZsnIyjwChyukKfq8crTvyBg5GejgwnCmqCn8RQSGcfw4Aec/s1600/struck_by_the_ree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHWJNNvvzy2QYHtfq1hKCdHV3pSBcrobNmZSvLI7pdJM8bKsEHBe3BFy-Eyd0zS3j23qbnS_ZnMHkDq0-JQTApotYkK-VZsnIyjwChyukKfq8crTvyBg5GejgwnCmqCn8RQSGcfw4Aec/s1600/struck_by_the_ree.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strikes the Ree<br />
South Dakota State Historical Society Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
believe the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden Heritage </i>journey
has led to this important, historical book. All this and more I could have
missed, had I not taken that first step. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Where is your journey taking you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Barbara<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-48695422464272449612011-09-16T18:09:00.001-06:002011-09-16T18:09:42.445-06:00Indian Summer Book Launch<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">Where do I begin? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">The whole Indian Summer experience turned out to be one of those
rare moments in life when God aligns the stars just right and we as mere
humans stand in amazement at His divine orchestration. The beautiful lakeside Henry Maier Festival Park and absolute <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">perfect</i></b> weather, combined
with the many reflections of Native culture and stirring Brul</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">é</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"> music brought a true sense of God’s handiwork as the festival unfolded. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6Su7JcZwEaUIFbyfz3MPviAFMupBaiPgZR8SIG5U14eIQPT2ayaYAi65E9ENjoC_YgkJb26mIlv9U5lgpuq1FPBCgDsI-WncahPjdMak5lPrAcIGXyDmYALnFFnPzeg68p38GVnkgdw/s1600/Indian+Summer+126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6Su7JcZwEaUIFbyfz3MPviAFMupBaiPgZR8SIG5U14eIQPT2ayaYAi65E9ENjoC_YgkJb26mIlv9U5lgpuq1FPBCgDsI-WncahPjdMak5lPrAcIGXyDmYALnFFnPzeg68p38GVnkgdw/s400/Indian+Summer+126.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I couldn't have asked for more in the way of a book launch. On one side stood Joaquin with his brand new book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night,
</i>and on the other side was Paul LaRoche and his biography <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche.</i>
It’s humbling as a writer to think the God of our great universe chose <em>me</em> to write Paul's and Joaquin's stories, which in turn led to this amazing intersection of
people, stories, faith, and culture. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyY94xaDZpKCsIcBaVwZpZF6lhLpkPuYFVN5HnsQ6IWb8D965qVgiHbIRKQpyMBf51e8fy_87NCUmcmTbQETFKHxyVbVsb8jEmkH8WD38ciEe1DH1qacmZUo6f3hxmfXjTi5VUGzNrSt4/s1600/Indian+Summer+147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyY94xaDZpKCsIcBaVwZpZF6lhLpkPuYFVN5HnsQ6IWb8D965qVgiHbIRKQpyMBf51e8fy_87NCUmcmTbQETFKHxyVbVsb8jEmkH8WD38ciEe1DH1qacmZUo6f3hxmfXjTi5VUGzNrSt4/s400/Indian+Summer+147.JPG" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joaquin, Barbara, Paul</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many of North America’s tribal nations were represented throughout the
three-day event, from the nearby Ojibwe tribes of Minnesota and Wisconsin to
the Aztec people of Indigenous Mexico. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoc_3Bys4UbaHsOLtVWDK5axPymRnFjkxkJJv1F7dhQgxwRpEarA_NNnZHrZCH7IMu1LHM_b3dEw0uxeObEXjj6KCSh-YFByJH7zspW1nNDtgu0BDVumaISM7rNXkV5PJ8NBmKOLNhRU/s1600/Indian+Summer+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoc_3Bys4UbaHsOLtVWDK5axPymRnFjkxkJJv1F7dhQgxwRpEarA_NNnZHrZCH7IMu1LHM_b3dEw0uxeObEXjj6KCSh-YFByJH7zspW1nNDtgu0BDVumaISM7rNXkV5PJ8NBmKOLNhRU/s400/Indian+Summer+118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8DjoP-lFbwhpHUNVP1V4BgSM5zAsc7ulB8xKId-WZ2IPIvu2k_NLiZRCppvjl0qsdylnmGHAtdvcSJ0Qu4T-C8_RLRuBb5fNR45dfteB2U-wIBewva4EGaK5rQT9BH7pDOvNs4iTzT0/s1600/Indian+Summer+119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8DjoP-lFbwhpHUNVP1V4BgSM5zAsc7ulB8xKId-WZ2IPIvu2k_NLiZRCppvjl0qsdylnmGHAtdvcSJ0Qu4T-C8_RLRuBb5fNR45dfteB2U-wIBewva4EGaK5rQT9BH7pDOvNs4iTzT0/s400/Indian+Summer+119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">Because of Brul</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">é</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">’s popularity our
booth was located inside the main entrance, making us easy to spot. :) </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdLWosPbxnm-R3TJY8ChESfFy5QZZLJvbGWv_DfHEX8tn4X3cAxi5fs2OU4OExdRb-aN8kIWep0xmloh0lBUpYX_wIy35K2HF9EYX7vyukiHw2uGO-xAH02RsQksPw3PVfGbgoZ3KiMM/s1600/Indian+Summer+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdLWosPbxnm-R3TJY8ChESfFy5QZZLJvbGWv_DfHEX8tn4X3cAxi5fs2OU4OExdRb-aN8kIWep0xmloh0lBUpYX_wIy35K2HF9EYX7vyukiHw2uGO-xAH02RsQksPw3PVfGbgoZ3KiMM/s400/Indian+Summer+100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Besides the steady stream of newcomers that we visited with, my niece
Lisa, her husband Arlo and daughter Tammy, along with another niece Babette
from Wisconsin drove over to say hello. We don’t get to see each too often, so
it meant a lot to have them make the trip. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz-ZyCrSY95xgGZKnsar5At9Wd6smtVPe3QnjmxX090jXpzowPShyphenhyphenEI5_YbU5Ejc-wqZ-OC8An0WsRP2cVXZanC25x2fliGqNw6h3ORhomkVw_n3jZwh9FHSFgcB4Cfasf5gAM-pDWjM/s1600/Indian+Summer+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz-ZyCrSY95xgGZKnsar5At9Wd6smtVPe3QnjmxX090jXpzowPShyphenhyphenEI5_YbU5Ejc-wqZ-OC8An0WsRP2cVXZanC25x2fliGqNw6h3ORhomkVw_n3jZwh9FHSFgcB4Cfasf5gAM-pDWjM/s400/Indian+Summer+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa, "Auntie" Barbara, Babette </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">Also, daughter Karli’s boyfriend Cameron’s parents, Wes and Sue, drove
down from Fond Du Lac to meet us for the first time. It ended up that they enjoyed
the festival so much they decided to stay for the Brul</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">é</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"> concert. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0J3jWbPQZAsYPVJW4_1niNhvH9yvFJwG1N9Ngp2ujrH3ilD1b6fm9zFqypnw3sClUGszhSSgBdAxUnPu4ksuQB_n_btXqdNweHRIup1iFBv3XMOv6NbIjnFdq8SCGu4BYozKsLZxVSc/s1600/Indian+Summer+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0J3jWbPQZAsYPVJW4_1niNhvH9yvFJwG1N9Ngp2ujrH3ilD1b6fm9zFqypnw3sClUGszhSSgBdAxUnPu4ksuQB_n_btXqdNweHRIup1iFBv3XMOv6NbIjnFdq8SCGu4BYozKsLZxVSc/s400/Indian+Summer+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll never guess which stage Brule' played...<br />
..how'd you ever guess-- Miller Stage!!! <br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">And like the thousands of fans who showed up to see Brul</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">é</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">, they weren’t disappointed. Somewhere
between 2,500 and 5,000 showed up for Saturday night’s show alone…and judging by the
crowd’s contagious enthusiasm, no one walked away disappointed. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh562IQDfkFHsDCd0GZpbqNvMFUU-4fZaULUolfh5ywYtDDlcx0ziUE-CVqlxXVE38XId9BYC-yzEwyC6s6tXJ-mbBsqu-nms07W57MrDXhicp9vzHKULVg219hx2laJoaoJAJBYxnRfPM/s1600/Indian+Summer+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh562IQDfkFHsDCd0GZpbqNvMFUU-4fZaULUolfh5ywYtDDlcx0ziUE-CVqlxXVE38XId9BYC-yzEwyC6s6tXJ-mbBsqu-nms07W57MrDXhicp9vzHKULVg219hx2laJoaoJAJBYxnRfPM/s400/Indian+Summer+053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brule' dancers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHlEgOyzCd6GeFcR3KsByi-LHuhD_Jbchc9FjoKBKAAW7uyl9T_ELs5Jzr65rLHKtdD2mWl0Cu_qkvSR51NaS9YoZVwQLVQWADDDi27mjDvapphj-2npS4zrsg1APxbfbfXAiiRIvCUI/s1600/Indian+Summer+181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHlEgOyzCd6GeFcR3KsByi-LHuhD_Jbchc9FjoKBKAAW7uyl9T_ELs5Jzr65rLHKtdD2mWl0Cu_qkvSR51NaS9YoZVwQLVQWADDDi27mjDvapphj-2npS4zrsg1APxbfbfXAiiRIvCUI/s400/Indian+Summer+181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul LaRoche, founder of Brule'/AIRO</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul invited Joaquin and Rookie onstage during the concert both nights and
shared a little about their experience at Ground Zero. Many people in the
audience stopped by our table to say “Thank you” to Joaquin for his service. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>More highlights from Indian Summer 2011:</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One lady couldn’t wait to begin reading <em>Michigan & Rookie: Guardians of the Night </em>and took a seat right behind our vendor tent<em>...</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">Having fun with the Brul</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">é</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"> gang...</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7SCFJup3eV-MbuMbXdyRC6vdPtqWMOCio19W1fVJagsVzESL35ztK6PlUT31Mjpn2VMblF5x9-FLpWMR-0ALXCu2YeJb2J8eebjXJrn4LPSQGO6i_HWmU-oiA6SCed-9VwD8OnYr5vc/s1600/Indian+Summer+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7SCFJup3eV-MbuMbXdyRC6vdPtqWMOCio19W1fVJagsVzESL35ztK6PlUT31Mjpn2VMblF5x9-FLpWMR-0ALXCu2YeJb2J8eebjXJrn4LPSQGO6i_HWmU-oiA6SCed-9VwD8OnYr5vc/s400/Indian+Summer+122.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacey hard at work while Judi and Kim goof off <br />
(jk!) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsqqibwNfi9TdtaXHAzZ_hOC9n-vDW8gU22qSb5hRESrVF-yg36Stfaq8A1t8RBdngo4uMcoq-Cghx4OJPMl1Y8A4v7NK321RWeWVTU5rHtN4oB-C0kSX66rmT5wwNUhZck8DsZ4glLI/s1600/Indian+Summer+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsqqibwNfi9TdtaXHAzZ_hOC9n-vDW8gU22qSb5hRESrVF-yg36Stfaq8A1t8RBdngo4uMcoq-Cghx4OJPMl1Y8A4v7NK321RWeWVTU5rHtN4oB-C0kSX66rmT5wwNUhZck8DsZ4glLI/s400/Indian+Summer+124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judi promoting the books<br />
(Thanks, Judi!!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rSCcIjSvIUif13QLO0b3g1sjRZUesKEbYhtxiC3gQpjJdnKKLDeF-hYoDECAdKju7r6M0M4maz29KokkujC2BAuxkmhqIfWpndRpjX4o-vAUEivCd63LFgCdm0TWHNnk_r_k-0ZXbBQ/s1600/Indian+Summer+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rSCcIjSvIUif13QLO0b3g1sjRZUesKEbYhtxiC3gQpjJdnKKLDeF-hYoDECAdKju7r6M0M4maz29KokkujC2BAuxkmhqIfWpndRpjX4o-vAUEivCd63LFgCdm0TWHNnk_r_k-0ZXbBQ/s400/Indian+Summer+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy, Paul, Vlasis</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">John and Rookie sharing a hot-fudge sundae…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lakota giving Kim some juicy kisses…<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joaquin's parents, Jim and Lupe, enjoying a nice breeze off the lake…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meeting lots of new people...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9/11 Honor Parade with veterans, first responders, and Joaquin and
Rookie…</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the most poignant moments of the whole festival happened on
Saturday evening. Just like the previous night, many people were drawn to
Rookie’s powerful presence and asked to pet him or have their picture
taken with him. As a working service dog Joaquin always has to be careful in big crowds, making sure
people approach Rookie only one or two at a time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One woman asked Joaquin to have her picture taken with Rookie. It was
apparent she had some physical limitations, yet she knelt down beside Rookie,
ready to pose right next to this K9 hero. As her friend held up the camera to snap the
picture, she reached up and removed her ball cap, exposing her nearly bald head. At the very same instant Rookie
raised his face toward hers, gently “kissing” her cheek in soft, tender licks.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joaquin later confided that Rookie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never</i>
does that, but he had somehow sensed the woman’s illness and vulnerability. In an unscripted
display of affection, Rookie touched the hearts of us all. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course all good things must come to an end and by </span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">Sunday evening it was time to close up shop. On behalf of our crew (John, Jim, Lupe, Rookie, and Lakota) a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"> great big </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 18pt; mso-themecolor: text2;">THANK YOU!</span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"> goes out to Paul
and Kathy for inviting Joaquin and I to join up with them at Indian
Summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Without a doubt, the book launch was an experience we'll never forget. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barbara</span></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-6216557454075482162011-08-23T21:30:00.001-06:002011-08-24T20:52:30.424-06:00Michigan & Rookie - Press Release<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">K9 Officer’s Remarkable Story of Service to Community and Country:<o:p></o:p></span></b> <br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Contact:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Barbara Marshak<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Joaquin Guerrero<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Author/Speaker<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Precinct 131, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">952.215.2390<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>President/Founder<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="mailto:Barbara@BarbaraMarshak.com"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">Barbara@BarbaraMarshak.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">989.233.8612<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="http://www.barbaramarshak.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">www.BarbaraMarshak.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <a href="mailto:tal196@aol.com">tal196@aol.com</a> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Minneapolis, MN, August 22, 2011:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As America prepares to mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11, t</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">he inspiring story of K9 Officer Joaquin Guerrero and his German shepherd partner Rookie is set to be released in this time of remembrance and reflection. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night</i></b> shares Rookie’s unwavering service at Ground Zero, and his impact with hundreds of thousands of school kids across Mid-Michigan. Told in the POV of this K9 hero and his partner, the book shines a light on the life of a working police dog. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It’s been said there is no bond greater than between a K9 handler and his partner. In Saginaw, Michigan—a city plagued with gang violence—Officer Joaquin Guerrero sensed God’s call to work the dangerous night streets with his K9 partner, a ninety-pound German shepherd police dog named Rookie. With Rookie as his mascot, Guerrero created Precinct 131, an educational program to keep kids from turning to gangs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On 9/11, Guerrero and Rookie responded to Ground Zero to help in the search efforts. For seven long days the pair worked “The Pile” with a never-give-up spirit. Because of Guerrero’s unusual first name, a battalion chief nicknamed him “Michigan” for his home state. Following Rookie’s service at Ground Zero, he was included in two studies that tracked the health of 9/11 search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs. An MRI revealed a large cancerous tumor on Rookie’s jaw, most likely from toxins in the crushed tower debris. Despite everyone’s efforts to save Rookie, he died in 2004 and received an honorary memorial service. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Rookie’s story is just one of a thousand that could be written about a working police dog in America. My hope is to bring recognition to all K9 handlers and their faithful partners,” says Guerrero. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Guerrero partnered with author Barbara Marshak to tell Rookie’s story. “As I thought about the best way to share the bond between man and dog, the idea came to give Rookie a voice,” says Marshak. “Parts of the story are told from Rookie’s perspective.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Guerrero’s stirring story of goodheartedness and faith was featured in the episode “Native American Heroes” on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden Heritage</i>, a documentary-style television program on the cable network RFD-TV in 2010 and received the show’s highest Nielsen ratings. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Guerrero has made thousands of public appearances with his dogs since the inception of Precinct 131. He continues Rookie’s legacy today with Rookie II, another K9-trained German shepherd, having served his community for 22 years. Guerrero’s desire for 2011 is to adapt Precinct 131, now 13 years strong, into Operation Broken Arrow and bring the same type of anti-substance abuse program into Native American communities and schools.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A sought-after K9 trainer/instructor, Guerrero also founded the Apache Acres Training Facility and Kennel in Hemlock, Michigan, where he teaches obedience and K9 training. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Michigan and Rookie</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> is a cop story, a Ground Zero story, a dog story, and a faith story. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">By Joaquin Guerrero<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As told to Barbara Marshak. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Beaver’s Pond Press, Minneapolis, MN<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">September 1, 2011<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN 13: 978-1-59298-420-6<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">$19.99 USD<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Available from Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon, and fine booksellers everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-45398410619809664562011-08-12T13:02:00.001-06:002011-08-12T13:05:05.706-06:00Michigan and Rookie - Book Launch!Joaquin and I are pleased to announce the launch of <em><strong>Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night </strong></em>September 9-11, 2011 at Indian Summer Fest in Milwaukee! Held at the beautiful lakefront Henry Maier Festival Park, this 3-day festival is the largest Native American celebration in the country. This year marks the 25th anniversary for Indian Summer Fest, a regular stop on the annual tour schedule for Brulé. <img alt="25 Year Anniversary logo" src="http://indiansummer.lanexdev.com/user_images/25years-ISF-web2x.gif" style="height: 193px; width: 264px;" /><br />
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Yes, equally exciting to announce, Brulé will be performing throughout the day at the main entrance! Thanks to an invite from Paul LaRoche and Kathy Summers, Joaquin and I will get to set up shop with the book right next to them. Brulé is also scheduled to perform a full concert both Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 on Miller Stage. As everyone who has already seen Brulé knows, their hauntingly beautiful music and live performances create a contagious excitement wherever they go. Their concerts are described as an experience in “sight, sound, and soul”; a two-hour show that features their unique blend of contemporary Native American sounds and rhythms. Each song is accompanied by beautiful choreography and breathtaking American Indian dancers wearing traditional regalia. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyRElDzoRp6Y__uYDmtm6LrfS5Jk_kYHaOkbJNmPnPHWFBvTKgNoCVkocTBbgl0J7EnWcaO74P0gf_TLvmiXGuQ2DMSgl-G1iTl8DVV-NOpq_i5WSXN6vK-ub1Do-23OBASBSt0kT5Fc/s1600/Branson-March+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyRElDzoRp6Y__uYDmtm6LrfS5Jk_kYHaOkbJNmPnPHWFBvTKgNoCVkocTBbgl0J7EnWcaO74P0gf_TLvmiXGuQ2DMSgl-G1iTl8DVV-NOpq_i5WSXN6vK-ub1Do-23OBASBSt0kT5Fc/s400/Branson-March+047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brule' in concert</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPLXjyh-6vLXq6z_o7MjGSD1qr5ZVo91lj0YivwX85zGZ330E9NcZSwR3ANNXiksmKRGL1izG-X-Nm6bchfBoKWs-BAIaGw4iq7VChDYAtaSCZzur6IsaiqZpw4_8kxID0lb8513CqhA/s1600/Branson-March+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPLXjyh-6vLXq6z_o7MjGSD1qr5ZVo91lj0YivwX85zGZ330E9NcZSwR3ANNXiksmKRGL1izG-X-Nm6bchfBoKWs-BAIaGw4iq7VChDYAtaSCZzur6IsaiqZpw4_8kxID0lb8513CqhA/s400/Branson-March+055.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Indian dancers in traditional regalia </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Joaquin first saw Brulé in concert back in 2009 when he was going through a difficult period in his life. Their stirring and soulful music bought a sense of healing to Joaquin and after reading Paul’s biography, <em>Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche</em>, Joaquin contacted me about writing his memoir. As it turned out Paul was so moved by Joaquin’s story that he featured Joaquin and Rookie in the episode “Native American Heroes” on his weekly television program <em>Hidden Heritage</em> on RFD-TV. Joaquin’s episode earned among the highest Nielson Ratings for RFD-TV in 2010. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9s3YgLKZFbG1dwfc5PiudgfqfGCQKJtPLaciUjtG2pe9-Rgj2ldt_pvF_ZvgE-Twbf8W5xRl0khFRHbx3MaarBDR1VXVFMfsbLT409rkpXgwq3ODiW5yOpgqeZPe_nTigmA2dAi-6xU/s1600/Branson-March+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9s3YgLKZFbG1dwfc5PiudgfqfGCQKJtPLaciUjtG2pe9-Rgj2ldt_pvF_ZvgE-Twbf8W5xRl0khFRHbx3MaarBDR1VXVFMfsbLT409rkpXgwq3ODiW5yOpgqeZPe_nTigmA2dAi-6xU/s320/Branson-March+021.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul, Joaquin, and Rookie<br />
Taping the episode "Native American Heroes" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I feel honored to have written both Paul’s and Joaquin’s story, a journey that’s allowed me to spend time on the pristine and beautiful Lower Brule Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, and to ride shotgun in Joaquin’s police car on his regular nightshift in Saginaw, Michigan. Writing both stories has enriched my life immensely, and it is my hope and prayer that everyone who reads their books will be enriched as well. <br />
<br />
We’d love to have you join us at Indian Summer Fest for three full days of American Indian arts, music, pow wow, and more. For details, go to: www.indiansummer.org <br />
<br />
For Brulé’s current tour schedule, go to: www.BruleRecords.com <br />
<br />
<strong>We’d love to see you at our book launch in Milwaukee, Friday-Sunday, September 9, 10 & 11!</strong><br />
<br />
Barbara & Joaquin <br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-45520663234435563252011-07-22T14:56:00.000-06:002011-07-22T14:56:23.080-06:00Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the NightJoaquin and I are at six weeks and counting until <em>Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night</em> hits the store shelves! And guess what…we can hardly wait! We’re trying to stay busy planning events to kick-off the book launch. Joaquin is connecting with “his people” in Michigan and I’ve already contacted a few of “my people” in Minnesota, hoping to capitalize on both areas when the book is released. We’ll get the word out with the details for both locations as soon as the dates and places are finalized. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile…to whet your appetite for the book, here are some of the endorsements that have already come in:<br />
<br />
<strong>“Officer Guerrero and Rookie were one of the hardest working canine teams we’ve had the pleasure of working with, evidenced in the pages of this book. Above all, they helped make this world a better place.” </strong>Terry and Diane Schoenbach, Trainers/Consultants of ATF Special Response K9 Teams, Homeland Security<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuJkrpkywirH-K8qNPN7F6a7GoSnI3A4LDC2V_xnnVJmqPzP67UOXkSOzZHPIhA2UYwTT7HC-wXyUSRW3GhpFQlUwfK7lB8ZQ3aQ1dH1TBT4bKx-oBCEJiPhPzsOPsh-QyD-PQQJ0Ghs/s1600/Insert-6+Master+Trainers+Schoenbachs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuJkrpkywirH-K8qNPN7F6a7GoSnI3A4LDC2V_xnnVJmqPzP67UOXkSOzZHPIhA2UYwTT7HC-wXyUSRW3GhpFQlUwfK7lB8ZQ3aQ1dH1TBT4bKx-oBCEJiPhPzsOPsh-QyD-PQQJ0Ghs/s400/Insert-6+Master+Trainers+Schoenbachs.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry and Diane Schoenbach </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>“Joaquin Guerrero used his canine partners for the betterment of all people…from community relations, to routine patrol, to his service at Ground Zero. This book shines a light on a K9 handler dedicated to utilizing his canine partner to the fullest.” </strong>Terry Foley, Master Trainer, K9 Academy Training Facility, President of the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ56WE_HnUSA-uf2el5FQoB9TCVUkT7SG5m3nnc_trtWrRGuDU76ZhmRaol0RjWm2sRy_njwriPzYVHNmdkeA8wW4QHw7myxmzpVAQ4p4W9jVJy-YixFLW_kSikDoD7gh1EBf72llh1U/s1600/Insert-5+Master+Trainer+Terry+Foley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ56WE_HnUSA-uf2el5FQoB9TCVUkT7SG5m3nnc_trtWrRGuDU76ZhmRaol0RjWm2sRy_njwriPzYVHNmdkeA8wW4QHw7myxmzpVAQ4p4W9jVJy-YixFLW_kSikDoD7gh1EBf72llh1U/s400/Insert-5+Master+Trainer+Terry+Foley.jpg" t$="true" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry Foley</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>“Joaquin’s desire to serve is so deep that he will go wherever he is most needed…regardless of the danger. Despite the difficulties he has encountered, Joaquin remains a man who is walking tall on life’s journey. This book will lift the spirit of all who read it.” </strong>Paul LaRoche, Native American Cultural Role Model and Keynote Speaker, Award-winning Native American Recording Artist<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-ZOgn35lpG06sysJ1yynqf98o22TBEMKvTrsaogOCdPndZXczAl_QYmGpmjtva1uUnIGv5XEPmK8pyuqeqhSdpGBUZyEvG83-3Zy7KpQeAlSk7k_1G0Q3fehEdipJ98L7xDLERiMKYc/s1600/Paul+promo+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-ZOgn35lpG06sysJ1yynqf98o22TBEMKvTrsaogOCdPndZXczAl_QYmGpmjtva1uUnIGv5XEPmK8pyuqeqhSdpGBUZyEvG83-3Zy7KpQeAlSk7k_1G0Q3fehEdipJ98L7xDLERiMKYc/s400/Paul+promo+pic.JPG" t$="true" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul LaRoche</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>“Through Precinct 131, Joaquin made it his mission to make a positive impact in the lives of young children. What began as a short K9 demo in school classrooms, blossomed into a multifaceted ministry that reached tens of thousands! In their years of committed service together Joaquin and Rookie provided true, heartfelt definition to the meaning of ‘civil service.’ This inspiring story will empower and captivate readers everywhere!” </strong>Mike Goschka, Former Michigan State Senator<br />
<br />
Mark your calendars--September 2011--coming to a book store near you:<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night, a story of goodheartness and faith.</span></strong><br />
<br />
BarbaraAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-68511677672525165542011-06-24T11:04:00.000-06:002011-06-24T11:04:43.142-06:00Obedience: Lessons From a DogWhile working with Joaquin on his memoir these last six months, he shared how God used his dogs to teach him about obedience. German shepherds are known to have a high degree of intelligence, which explains why Joaquin believes God has used them to teach him many things in life. While working the nightshift, Joaquin often retreated to the serene setting of the Japanese Gardens in the wee hours of the morning. It was there, in the treasured quiet moments between police calls, where God spoke to Joaquin’s heart. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm3mUAt5vTeSLiHgAFt-FRMNYqx-Ho-m6KiJMI7vNb05_mml2VKyagakbK4mM9RjenKeSOaxUu-3fs-xvLmiqPog_MqjM2msjekJqU_HIaH83fXjzTgoY2a_ALJRUCkilfVdow8eWGr8/s1600/9-7+Japanese+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm3mUAt5vTeSLiHgAFt-FRMNYqx-Ho-m6KiJMI7vNb05_mml2VKyagakbK4mM9RjenKeSOaxUu-3fs-xvLmiqPog_MqjM2msjekJqU_HIaH83fXjzTgoY2a_ALJRUCkilfVdow8eWGr8/s320/9-7+Japanese+Garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG7iqXrlXn1ft7hPNQbdPPQg7gzd8oxGrEYBEk0nr27mWK54IFGsS3PzcVOCyRhnLB3w8JA-bKgB2wPPXt6N-rSqPTGu2c554G852PoJN2MNypqjPvvWe7JeKg6z9aUgL5AQ4KNVX3gg/s1600/9-8+Japanese+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG7iqXrlXn1ft7hPNQbdPPQg7gzd8oxGrEYBEk0nr27mWK54IFGsS3PzcVOCyRhnLB3w8JA-bKgB2wPPXt6N-rSqPTGu2c554G852PoJN2MNypqjPvvWe7JeKg6z9aUgL5AQ4KNVX3gg/s320/9-8+Japanese+Garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Owners and breeders of German shepherds are familiar with the initials: GSD. One night while Joaquin was parked at the garden with Rookie, God asked him to take a closer look at those initials.</div><br />
GSD…God Serving Dog. <br />
<br />
Spell DOG backwards…GOD. <br />
<br />
Shepherd…how many references in scripture tell us that God is our Shepherd and we are His people. <br />
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As all dog owners know, dogs demonstrate unconditional love, much the same as God. Joaquin joked that he thought sometimes God brought these thoughts to his mind just to baffle him. The parallels are plain to see. Just like Joaquin’s dog sits, waiting for his master to speak, we need to do the same with our Master. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nJ8j0KDrvH6Up8Q8kmF255MgjP_5RmU1Aq5Li9Oy9wnL6kB5SrXGKyPT3fRyzz9s6PNtYu1PQu5BRvZinR2F07jAbHgwwlLtNj56mmhVEpPXuDPYNEExj6kAhEHXzC8krcOg0hvsuf4/s1600/Insert-15+K9+FLETC+Georgia+Training+RookieII.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nJ8j0KDrvH6Up8Q8kmF255MgjP_5RmU1Aq5Li9Oy9wnL6kB5SrXGKyPT3fRyzz9s6PNtYu1PQu5BRvZinR2F07jAbHgwwlLtNj56mmhVEpPXuDPYNEExj6kAhEHXzC8krcOg0hvsuf4/s400/Insert-15+K9+FLETC+Georgia+Training+RookieII.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here’s the clincher: when God <em>does</em> speak, we need to respond in obedience. That was the all important part I failed to grasp right away. <br />
<br />
On a family vacation in the Black Hills one summer we happened upon Brulé playing in a tourist area. The music from this upcoming band of three was as captivating as the surrounding landscape. Their distinct sound initially caught my attention—the hauntingly beautiful mix of flute, keyboard, and traditional drum they are now famous for. Listening one could immediately sense something deeper at the heart of it. Sure enough, in reading Paul’s Artist Bio I was equally captivated by his life story. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOYj-SaPND8p8LE4u7opqvfPf3endBUZ__hrnxQ09BmO6nMt4QHHalflYPUX8VoSqzmKH1xwbD-Ep0M5dioqNX81Gk4jCcr1aUnnOn5f4sHmTL5dK2eg7Y1ypyFR0y0fxhRZwqDpY2lI/s1600/Black+Hills+2008+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOYj-SaPND8p8LE4u7opqvfPf3endBUZ__hrnxQ09BmO6nMt4QHHalflYPUX8VoSqzmKH1xwbD-Ep0M5dioqNX81Gk4jCcr1aUnnOn5f4sHmTL5dK2eg7Y1ypyFR0y0fxhRZwqDpY2lI/s400/Black+Hills+2008+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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All the way home I heard a Voice, <em>You should write a book about this man…</em><br />
<br />
But before I reached home my own doubts drowned out the Voice, telling me I had no connection to Paul LaRoche, a complete stranger. Besides, I wasn’t Native American, or adopted, and I didn’t have any writing credentials. <br />
<br />
And because I didn’t trust the Voice, I let three full years pass before I responded in obedience. <br />
<br />
Once I did, doors opened in ways I never could have imagined. What I lacked in experience I gained in affirmations as I began writing, and a series of trips to South Dakota. When <em>Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche</em> was released in 2006, I knew I had found my calling. That same year I went on a mission trip to Mexico with a group from our church. A testimony from one of the men became the material for my next book. <em>Seeds of Salton</em> is a powerful story of courage, love, and the transforming power of forgiveness. And before I could find an agent to rep <em>Seeds of Salton</em>, I received a phone call from Joaquin, asking if I would consider writing his memoir. You see one of the places Brulé played was the Soaring Eagle Casino near Joaquin’s hometown of Saginaw. Joaquin too was moved by their stirring music and found an instant connection to Paul. <br />
<br />
I’ve been fortunate to write the stories of these three individuals, a journey that’s allowed me to spend time on an American Indian Reservation, discover the rugged ranchlands of Eastern Montana, and most recently, ride shotgun in Joaquin’s police car. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ifvri6D82t2yKbpGTOG4O4amobYZV4qhrUf2XXbmQ5-e6nX2zlzQL21rvlX_C181XFtd5jQzbsfn6TFWTK5yyct7Q6z_TuPDGu2stIiw-SdKifXJacsa7HL11ZfPeF9ijgpbKH37IHI/s1600/scan0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ifvri6D82t2yKbpGTOG4O4amobYZV4qhrUf2XXbmQ5-e6nX2zlzQL21rvlX_C181XFtd5jQzbsfn6TFWTK5yyct7Q6z_TuPDGu2stIiw-SdKifXJacsa7HL11ZfPeF9ijgpbKH37IHI/s400/scan0003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Brule Sioux Reservation<br />
South Dakota<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_PvWQLlWkS4JiCyK6xQ_a1APeqDMvHZCr0-Kx45hOk1hfKPCde0tnccjfWiEDrf1RW3fK_qOLraPZLy-SbeUh8ml6HBF4wFzmLQAlqwbRgekHBfstziq8j-RJGLHBXYyMter5cZ6DVM/s1600/MT+%2526+ND+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_PvWQLlWkS4JiCyK6xQ_a1APeqDMvHZCr0-Kx45hOk1hfKPCde0tnccjfWiEDrf1RW3fK_qOLraPZLy-SbeUh8ml6HBF4wFzmLQAlqwbRgekHBfstziq8j-RJGLHBXYyMter5cZ6DVM/s400/MT+%2526+ND+040.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montana section road</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulvrZxc4ndNOwHGx-BaohFjioOC0b4nC2AHgaF2gUecv93wipdM1zXqqWdRhT2xOwxq6CqBUac5T1gl5NZnGHHxG7UmfJFqqeSVg_B71MVPkTjmmx3Km2F2wj33d-07CCNJisnqDcwNs/s1600/MT+%2526+ND+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulvrZxc4ndNOwHGx-BaohFjioOC0b4nC2AHgaF2gUecv93wipdM1zXqqWdRhT2xOwxq6CqBUac5T1gl5NZnGHHxG7UmfJFqqeSVg_B71MVPkTjmmx3Km2F2wj33d-07CCNJisnqDcwNs/s400/MT+%2526+ND+102.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montana sunset over the Missouri Breaks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7hL5V6FfLI0yas9-jCoyjoGMj8OxJB5a51Wyq9g6XAohONeqcV8wIKX74xs7_CCIvTuehZoIdVlTF7nf1H0jYxOKQWbZKJ21mz3Mr67T6OoHJEpzZPKlTxtwbzgAo74rFZy5NyAcCjQ/s1600/Saginaw+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7hL5V6FfLI0yas9-jCoyjoGMj8OxJB5a51Wyq9g6XAohONeqcV8wIKX74xs7_CCIvTuehZoIdVlTF7nf1H0jYxOKQWbZKJ21mz3Mr67T6OoHJEpzZPKlTxtwbzgAo74rFZy5NyAcCjQ/s400/Saginaw+085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding shotgun with Joaquin on patrol</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Looking back, think all I would have missed had I not stepped out in faith back in 2002. Come to think of it, that was the very same year we got our dog Miss Abbie, my puppers, who was always at my side, waiting for me to speak. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0czZhZalzfimUqca2xL0Aym73-k80ZU6cbAFGIcLs9r_O_MeY0SPak49zwYQqu8rpM_pjER6boo3yephC2-NAIix2T-Q9Ndh01xcg6g6osFUYTPvsKv8R7aF_QUd8MFWKj2wxe5ThLM/s1600/SrProm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0czZhZalzfimUqca2xL0Aym73-k80ZU6cbAFGIcLs9r_O_MeY0SPak49zwYQqu8rpM_pjER6boo3yephC2-NAIix2T-Q9Ndh01xcg6g6osFUYTPvsKv8R7aF_QUd8MFWKj2wxe5ThLM/s400/SrProm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My faithful and loyal Miss Abbie, helping me write<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I dunno…I think Joaquin’s onto something with lessons from a dog. <br />
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BarbaraAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-46190924307517070452011-06-10T15:04:00.000-06:002011-06-10T15:04:40.248-06:00Michigan & Rookie...Things I LearnedThe manuscript is written, the edits are complete, and now it’s time to move into the design phase. After months of research, interviews, discussions, and rewrites, it’s exciting to know Joaquin and I are mere weeks from having a published book. <br />
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One of the coolest parts of being an author is learning about the topic you’re writing about, in this case a K9 police officer. When I think back to last summer at this time, the <em>Hidden Heritage</em> episode with Joaquin’s story, “Native American Heroes” had just aired. At that time I only had an outline written and had no clue all the things I was about to discover. <br />
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<strong>CITY OF SAGINAW</strong> – Even though both Minnesota (where I live) and Michigan (where Joaquin lives) are in the Midwest and border Canada, the two states are quite different culturally. The outlying cities in Michigan (including Saginaw) that supported the automotive industry and manufacturing plants of Detroit created a much different way of life than out-state Minnesota, where farming and small businesses were the prominent employers. <br />
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<strong>K9 POLICE OFFICER</strong> – Like most people I was aware of the typical duties of police dogs, but I had no concept for the intensive training that is required for the handler. The partnership between a working dog and officer is much deeper than a family pet because it’s a 24/7, life-and-death, love and loyalty. The extraordinary bond begins on the first day of training and continues from that day forward, both on and off the job. Officers who begin K9 training are told they will become closer to their dog than their spouse, kids, or fellow officers because of all the time spent with the dog, a statement that in fact turns out to be true.<br />
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<strong>DANGERS IN POLICE WORK</strong> – Even though I worked in police records for the City of Lakeville Police Department for 7 years, my comfortable third-ring suburb of Minneapolis saw much less violent types of police calls than Saginaw. In contrast, Joaquin worked the nightshift for the City of Saginaw Police Department for 22 years and was routinely involved in high-stress calls: shootings, homicides, fatal crashes, escaped fugitives, armed robberies, fatal fires, violent domestics, narcotics busts, gang violence, and more. As Joaquin said, “You learn what you have to do in order to go home at the end of your shift.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYxzj54lmLExRbX9731f7SaupFTLRsmQypYQIjj_TAwigUSqbnBBjKIpKhefl0DgfDYuJqdcAL6DkXxtaMldep0MnyCF-K44Y2kV50Sa4OgDgix62-w4qS1x9khXf6yw4XsINd2gQtTo/s1600/Back+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYxzj54lmLExRbX9731f7SaupFTLRsmQypYQIjj_TAwigUSqbnBBjKIpKhefl0DgfDYuJqdcAL6DkXxtaMldep0MnyCF-K44Y2kV50Sa4OgDgix62-w4qS1x9khXf6yw4XsINd2gQtTo/s400/Back+Cover.jpg" t8="true" width="285" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>GIVING BACK </strong>– Even though Joaquin worked fulltime as a police officer, he went above and beyond and found another way to give back to his community. Using his K9 partner Rookie as his mascot, he created Precinct 131, an educational program designed for young kids in Saginaw to “say no to gangs, guns, drugs, violence,” in a community besieged by gang violence. What began as a short K9 demo to one classroom at a time, Joaquin turned into a multi-faceted ministry with outreaches to nearly every group of people in Mid-Michigan. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEu7HzaTnanZ-UxI6ghnwAaqa_5A4svLx7lqjS_evm165qQNFxlwN5o_GGAavnnAPTz_PaijUF1jYdv5cn1WGI2JU9ucofK6kRZ1G1y8oGFvnjvFgBWl_4kDrTzPtsa51iZBNfPanvgQ/s1600/8-1+Joaquin+%2526+Rookie+%2526+Rookman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEu7HzaTnanZ-UxI6ghnwAaqa_5A4svLx7lqjS_evm165qQNFxlwN5o_GGAavnnAPTz_PaijUF1jYdv5cn1WGI2JU9ucofK6kRZ1G1y8oGFvnjvFgBWl_4kDrTzPtsa51iZBNfPanvgQ/s400/8-1+Joaquin+%2526+Rookie+%2526+Rookman.jpg" t8="true" width="353" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>SEARCH-AND-RESCUE</strong> – Through the eyes of Joaquin and the nose of Rookie, I learned what it was like to be at Ground Zero following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, thrust into the dangerous work at The Pile. More importantly, I realized the responsibility Joaquin felt in helping the victims and families, and the never-give-up spirit among the search-and-rescue volunteers. Joaquin’s experience started with the devastating images at Ground Zero, compiled with the survivors retelling their painful stories…and how heavy the totality of it weighed on his heart. <br />
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<strong>SERVANT’S HEART</strong> – After spending this past year working with Joaquin on his memoir that included two trips to Saginaw—seeing Joaquin’s K9 facility, joining him on ride-alongs in his K9 patrol vehicle, attending K9 training, long phone conversations—what I discovered was a man with a servant’s heart. Joaquin turned his love for his dogs into a gift for his community; a tool to reach out and make a difference in the lives of young school kids and local citizens. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_nTFGAnXo6IbQegIV_hHGIcLq5gHFTAENcNNsPQ4sHQTeuxtT67sAiBOhyBDpPYgQHZGckB2DI4z2LnoZIgdebRFo76sX-0RUXGIBEs26LTO_XjeOd3R3GK0xK9aK4LMDmAh8wortyc/s1600/8-4+Precinct+131+%2526+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_nTFGAnXo6IbQegIV_hHGIcLq5gHFTAENcNNsPQ4sHQTeuxtT67sAiBOhyBDpPYgQHZGckB2DI4z2LnoZIgdebRFo76sX-0RUXGIBEs26LTO_XjeOd3R3GK0xK9aK4LMDmAh8wortyc/s400/8-4+Precinct+131+%2526+kids.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Bottom line, I can’t wait to share this heart-warming and touching story of Joaquin and Rookie with everyone!<br />
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BarbaraAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-85317594773005546232011-05-13T16:35:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:35:08.762-06:00Michigan & Rookie, the Marathon!Running a marathon is a popular goal for people these days. Personally, I don’t get it. I’m more inclined to think, “Who would want to run 6 miles, let alone 26!” Yet there they are, lined up by the tens of thousands at the starting line, eager to begin. Whenever I meet one of “those people” and they happen to say, “I ran a marathon last year,” I always detect a sense of pride in their voice. <br />
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I think it’s more about achieving a goal, like, <em>I did it</em>. Well, I just finished a marathon of a different kind. Between January and May of this year I cranked out over 60,000 words for Michigan & Rookie, my new book about Officer Joaquin Guerrero and his K9 partner Rookie. When I hit “Send” and electronically forwarded the completed manuscript to the publisher this week, I raised my arms in jubilation, thrilled that I’d accomplished my goal. Whether you’re a marathon runner, a writer, or a K9 handler, the common thread is the steadfast commitment to a passion of the heart. <br />
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In my last post I shared a little about how K9 handlers like Joaquin train and the long hours they spend with their four-legged partners. After my day observing the K9 handlers in Detroit, I had one more ride-along with Joaquin and Rookie II in Saginaw. <br />
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Once again I cruised the streets of Saginaw with Joaquin and Rookie, the Saginaw River dividing the city into two parts, east side and west side. The downtown area rests right along the scenic river’s edge. <br />
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Joaquin shared bits about the history of Saginaw, how in its early days it was a great lumber city, where the logs floated from upriver to the mills. Saginaw thrived once again when the automotive industry made its home in Michigan and families worked the plants that supplied parts to Detroit’s Big Three—GM, Ford, Chrysler. <br />
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The Saginaw city seal reflects both great industries. <br />
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When the manufacturing plants closed down, economic hardships hit the city, changing the face of Saginaw. The population dropped from 75,000 to 50,000, leaving many homes abandoned, something that’s still evident today. <br />
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Joaquin took me past the locations of some of his more interesting police calls, stories that are included in the book: <br />
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-an abandoned house where Rookie found a young man buried in concrete<br />
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-the old train depot where officers captured a dangerous fugitive <br />
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-a dumping ground on the edge of town where K9 teams found body parts from a homicide<br />
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And just when I had this sense that Saginaw was a city without hope, the violence imbedded so deeply, we stopped at a 7-Eleven to pick up Joaquin’s “rocket fuel”, (a/k/a Arizona ice tea). One car over an older woman waved at Joaquin, very animated, like she had something <em><strong>important</strong></em> to tell him. Even though it was late afternoon the woman got out of her car dressed in her Sunday best, a long dress coat, heels, and fancy feathered hat. Joaquin walked over to see what she needed. “I just want you to know I’m praying for you,” she said, her brown eyes beaming. “You have a good night now.” <br />
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Message delivered, she turned and went into the store. Well up in years, this woman <em>had</em> to share what was on her heart, to let Joaquin know she was praying for him, a policeman in her city, going about his nightly job. Watching their brief but tender exchange, I was touched…especially knowing what police officers in Saginaw routinely face. This is not Mayberry RFD.<br />
<br />
Here’s what I mean: In 2011 Saginaw rated #1 for having the worst violent crime per capita in the country, and has held that distinction for 10 years running. <br />
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It amazed me to watch these officers, men and women, rush to answer every call that came over the police radio, from minor things like two (adult) sisters fighting over cigarettes and calling 911, to a man with a history of mental illness reporting someone in his house with guns threatening to kill him. They responded to each call without hesitation. It’s in their blood. <br />
<br />
Must be that passion of the heart thing. <br />
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BarbaraAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-18131671484986595222011-04-11T17:13:00.003-06:002011-04-11T19:48:39.244-06:00K9 Training with Agent Annie MarshakIn continuing my research for “Michigan & Rookie” I returned to Saginaw last week to take training one step farther than mere police work. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rookie II...keeping an eye on "Dad" whenever Joaquin gets out of the patrol car</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joaquin & Rookie II</td></tr>
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<div> This time I tagged along with Officer Joaquin Guerrero and Rookie II down to Wayne, Michigan (on the west edge of Detroit) to K9 Academy with Master Trainer Terry Foley. A total of 58 K9 handlers from all over Michigan show up at Terry’s facility five days a week, from newbies just starting out to seasoned handlers like Joaquin. Terry starts out each session by having handlers talk about any K9 issues, which gives officers a sense of support they don’t often have in their own departments. </div><br />
Different types of training go on simultaneously, depending on the level of the handlers. Joaquin suggested we hook up with 2 brand new handlers at Lower Huron Park to do a straight-line track, which made sense since it was my first day of K9 training too. <br />
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<div><strong>#1 Rule in Tracking:</strong> training goes on despite the weather. This is the nitty-gritty world of police work—rain, snow, mud, whatever, you train in all the elements. </div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straight-line track</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tug-toys for a reward on the track</td></tr>
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<div>I learned that obedience is key to all areas of training. And it’s not as easy as it looks. If you’re right-handed you have to use your left hand to switch between the tracking harness, leash, and long lead in order to keep your right hand free for your weapon. Added to that is the timing of commands and praise to the dog. </div><br />
<div>After a couple hours sloshing through wet grass, we took a break for lunch and then met at an empty school used for building searches and narcotic finds. Trainers come up with various scenarios and play different roles: Bad Guy, Back-up, Decoy. </div><br />
<div><strong>#1 Rule in Searches:</strong> when the handler sends the dog, make sure you stay BEHIND the handler so the dog doesn’t mistake you for the Bad Guy. </div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building search</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German shepherds thrive when given a task and want to please their handler</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpb54VOKZ1HUbgGmmNmnV2qfo9sDE4HpN_wVjU74TiKSLdbAgGtZpw-IPipb9edg2JvruhQG6KgVM5-InJUp7R58Hff8ATvMBxVPFNorqdLnIUFm0zW3U790snZ4jqdfw8BkhFlGmxqs/s1600/Detroit2+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpb54VOKZ1HUbgGmmNmnV2qfo9sDE4HpN_wVjU74TiKSLdbAgGtZpw-IPipb9edg2JvruhQG6KgVM5-InJUp7R58Hff8ATvMBxVPFNorqdLnIUFm0zW3U790snZ4jqdfw8BkhFlGmxqs/s320/Detroit2+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4ujTHCte-O51qbrkK4s2pARHpENwjZFxSCJUOOHVapFTClmLd9scG1pUsBo3HZEGhVcoNONoBOlx0Ju4tJuLQvL8YeALpRRKemlMlh5_HPVLVXJoyC7fgnxSAi1jsClMq1uz_jjZBxE/s1600/Detroit2+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4ujTHCte-O51qbrkK4s2pARHpENwjZFxSCJUOOHVapFTClmLd9scG1pUsBo3HZEGhVcoNONoBOlx0Ju4tJuLQvL8YeALpRRKemlMlh5_HPVLVXJoyC7fgnxSAi1jsClMq1uz_jjZBxE/s320/Detroit2+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bad Guy" gets a bite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The atmosphere among officers was somewhat subdued by the loss of a Michigan State Trooper early that morning. Trooper Jeffrey Werda, from the Bridgeport Post near Saginaw, was killed in an on-duty rollover crash. Trooper Werda had responded to assist the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department in pursuit of a suspect who had fled from deputies. Flags were lowered to half staff in honor of Trooper Werda…another reminder of the constant danger facing law enforcement officers. <br />
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<div>Terry’s goal at the academy is to train handlers for situations that officers see on a daily basis…and prepare them for the worst. Terry speaks from experience…24 of his 29 years are in the K9 field, a career that includes three full-service dogs. As a Master Trainer his objective is to have every K9 officer become an expert in:</div><ul><li>Court testimony</li>
<li>Health of the dog</li>
<li>Report writing</li>
<li>Training documentation</li>
<li>Legal issues pertaining to K9</li>
</ul><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bLb2RRxhVPCcBdzWpGofW_Oq1E5BB7M20mWwdxuKWPFgd366C7y6VhvtEtvTITZJMMguln22kwdPzJeoEeejx6ZmNHPz_oJ_IizbWYOLaMZs2FePvNzZjkR_A7dgy3-X4jYEjeI-K5g/s1600/Detroit2+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bLb2RRxhVPCcBdzWpGofW_Oq1E5BB7M20mWwdxuKWPFgd366C7y6VhvtEtvTITZJMMguln22kwdPzJeoEeejx6ZmNHPz_oJ_IizbWYOLaMZs2FePvNzZjkR_A7dgy3-X4jYEjeI-K5g/s320/Detroit2+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down time between searches</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>#1 Motivation for Becoming a Handler:</strong> love for the dog. <br />
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Training dogs is as art; handlers learn to read the dog…and ultimately trust the dog. A canine is the only “tool” that police officers can’t put on the shelf when they go home at night. SWAT officers have told Terry that K9 training is 10% harder than SWAT.<br />
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<div><strong>#1 Interesting Fact:</strong> a canine is the only “bullet” an officer can send out…and call back. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmBleZdKu4Kuzfv7Q0IV2SAgiNMZuBVTJyv2AqxEgBfFv0f-M46QPA92-_UhpV45_FbPO65kzp1xDmxDO5cusRkunoYhe-c9We2CiLiVmbjRpYus1aA_ViUSlr4ZU95VALNAQWpQw4ZY/s1600/Master+Trainer+Terry+Foley+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmBleZdKu4Kuzfv7Q0IV2SAgiNMZuBVTJyv2AqxEgBfFv0f-M46QPA92-_UhpV45_FbPO65kzp1xDmxDO5cusRkunoYhe-c9We2CiLiVmbjRpYus1aA_ViUSlr4ZU95VALNAQWpQw4ZY/s320/Master+Trainer+Terry+Foley+.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Trainer Terry Foley</td></tr>
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<div> For more information on K9 Academy & Training Facility, go to www.K9ATF.com </div><br />
The day ended with a drive home in the pouring rain, a two-hour drive Joaquin and Rookie II make every other week in order to continue their ongoing training. <br />
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<div><strong>Next up:</strong> news & notes from Thursday night’s ride-along with Joaquin, Rookie II, and Saginaw PD’s nightshift. </div><br />
<div>Agent “Annie” Marshak</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-77792623881088053082011-02-08T21:26:00.001-06:002011-02-09T12:26:26.008-06:00Barbara "Annie" Marshak; Reporting from Saginaw, MichiganIn order for me to get a clear picture of what it's like for Officer Joaquin Guerrero and his K9 partner Rookie II to work Saginaw's dangerous night streets, I decided to make a trip to Saginaw to join him on a couple ride-alongs. Having worked at the Lakeville Police Department for seven years of course, I felt I had the experience necessary to serve as Joaquin's crime-fighting partner for two nights. Picture Annie Frost, US Marshall on the new NBC show "Chase". <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Marshall Annie Frost in black vest with weapon drawn</td></tr>
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You can probably see where I'm going with this, the resemblance is obvious...blond(ish) hair pulled back, black vest, a serious, lets-get-down-to-business attitude.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganJvqDoYv7A9nlAzaKH38csJgcMMNHh7wIdxeacrhImCgc6tmTi933XMw6JSvZNHRlCJHrJgqF0rWIO9mJeUi3tCHf9vxgB0pXwJylqzGKnJjo-eiDA1ubzqzilpISVl0Gl2I-g5o4I0/s1600/saginaw2+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganJvqDoYv7A9nlAzaKH38csJgcMMNHh7wIdxeacrhImCgc6tmTi933XMw6JSvZNHRlCJHrJgqF0rWIO9mJeUi3tCHf9vxgB0pXwJylqzGKnJjo-eiDA1ubzqzilpISVl0Gl2I-g5o4I0/s400/saginaw2+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara "Annie" Marshak reporting for duty with pen and paper ready. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
One important factor to keep in mind is that the difference between Saginaw and Lakeville is like comparing Mayberry to Detroit. No kidding. Lakeville has virtually no violent crime and Saginaw has ranked #1 the last ten years for having the worst violent crime per capita in the country. Joaquin reassured me, however, that's due to the high number of <strong>shootings</strong>, not necessarily <strong>homicides</strong>. When it comes to police stats, there is a difference. Nonetheless, Joaquin advised me to wear a bulletproof vest and I complied. <br />
<br />
The Saginaw PD operates on 12-hour shifts, so we reported in Friday afternoon for the Umbrella shift, 3:00 pm to 3:00 am. <br />
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As it turned out, the weather played a big role in my weekend visit to Saginaw. Michigan had just been hit with the massive winter storm that covered most of the country, and dumped over a foot of snow on Saginaw, followed by more blowing, drifting snow. (Poor Joaquin even got stranded on the road and had to sleep in his squad the previous night!) Because of the winter storm Joaquin advised it would probably be quieter than usual. I filled out the ride-along paperwork while Joaquin checked in with the sergeant on duty.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzYMmcJGprvsC6H5RkHcVLL4PHxy9UmhDeM6nj6Ky17pTCvbQr9SCgvL1FgkJY1pe8VSJsRtNICttiCUeYNjtX4mkE4SSjlehtR1z0TaVjl15r8-QoQi0NjvRxmMO-JmLLI32D_1DWVU/s1600/Saginaw+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzYMmcJGprvsC6H5RkHcVLL4PHxy9UmhDeM6nj6Ky17pTCvbQr9SCgvL1FgkJY1pe8VSJsRtNICttiCUeYNjtX4mkE4SSjlehtR1z0TaVjl15r8-QoQi0NjvRxmMO-JmLLI32D_1DWVU/s320/Saginaw+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>Friday Night Ride-Along:</strong> Looking back, I'd like to consider this my "practice" night, only because everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. I had packed all my necessities--notebook, pen, camera, brush, money, sunglasses, chapstick, etc--in my bag and placed it on the floor by my feet, thinking I would need everything within easy access. The first course of action was for Joaquin to show me some of the pertinent sites around Saginaw, on both the east and west sides of the Saginaw River. It was a good idea, except only the main streets were plowed, leaving all the side streets plugged with snow. <br />
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Unfortunately Joaquin's K9 squad (a 2-wheel drive Tahoe) didn't handle well in the snow. Each time he sped up, the back end would slide and spin all over the road. Every intersection meant a quick stop, slide some, take off, slide more. This was then repeated over and over as we cruised throughout the city. Meanwhile I start taking notes, forgetting that <em><strong>writing and riding</strong></em> in a car is not a good combination for me. Next thing I know my stomach is doing flips. <br />
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While I was thankful for the bulletproof vest, I knew right off the bat it was NOT meant for a size DD. My chest was crushed with each breath. By then I was too hot, so I took off my outer vest. We got our first call, a domestic, and Joaquin raced to the address. We pulled up to the house and Joaquin advised that it was safe for me to join him. As I opened my door, my boot caught in my bag and I flew head-first into the snowbank with the contents of my bag spilling onto the snow-covered street. (Thankfully Joaquin was on the other side of the Tahoe and couldn't see any of this.) By this point I'm feeling more like Barney Fife than Annie Frost. I gathered my things, brushed off the snow, and acted like nothing happened. Except now I'm cold and wish I had my vest back on. <br />
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A short time later the domestic was resolved, without an arrest. We hopped back in the truck, and after a few more slip-and-slides in the snow, my face is a lovely shade of sage green and I confessed to Joaquin I was car sick. End of ride-along #1 for Barbara "Annie" Marshak.<br />
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<br />
<strong>Saturday Night Ride-Along:</strong> Thank goodness for second chances, amen?! This time I knew exactly what to expect. <br />
<br />
#1-Skip the bag and stuff only the bare basics in my pockets <br />
#2-Take Dramamine <br />
#3-Put the size-B bulletproof vest in the back of the Tahoe until needed<br />
#4-Only write when the car is parked<br />
<br />
-The night started out quiet and then around 9 o'clock things got rolling. Central (a/k/a Dispatch) sent out the calls, one after another. <br />
-Drunk man sleeping in snowbank; transported to ER. <br />
-Two-year old with the front section of a computer tower stuck (somehow!) around his neck; transported to ER. <br />
-Reports of shots fired; UTL. <br />
-Man with warrants; transported to jail. <br />
-Reports of shots fired; UTL. <br />
-10-48 (mental case) reports men in his house with long guns; transported to mental health unit. <br />
-Domestic--drunk husband kicked in front door; transported to relative's. <br />
-Fight at the liquor store; drunk female surprises the life out of me with a giant bear hug. <br />
-Reports of shots fired; neighbor sees young men run down the street. <br />
-Young man arrives at ER with 2 bullet wounds; follow-up at ER. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Police call on Saturday night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Later, when things were quiet Joaquin and Rookie took me to their nightly stop at the drive-through of Tim Horton's, a fast-food bakery and sandwich shop. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfKqEoQz8ipCeyuQgFXzC2FzG88k6nES4_jktsCp06TMbLOpKVXSSqU1OJ7pyBnSyYJgHKNC-LS5inX7qnjxdjIQUF443Z-dbfJJw_JzvwvisXTRqJZOAzqRLbT1FVqB1v83ftaOJZUk/s1600/Tim+Horton1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfKqEoQz8ipCeyuQgFXzC2FzG88k6nES4_jktsCp06TMbLOpKVXSSqU1OJ7pyBnSyYJgHKNC-LS5inX7qnjxdjIQUF443Z-dbfJJw_JzvwvisXTRqJZOAzqRLbT1FVqB1v83ftaOJZUk/s1600/Tim+Horton1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Joaquin pulled up to the speaker and the girls inside said, "Welcome to Tim Horton's...can I take your order?" That was Rookie's cue. <strong>"Rouw, roouw, rouw, rouw!"</strong> he responded, barking out his order. The girls said, "Hi there, Rookie! How you doin' tonight hon? You want your Timbits?" (a/k/a doughnut holes) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsQT89QwX-e8CK9jF0clSP1AFzu2WZsVSVtC6IdvR81KUoexuqLFZ1ba952u4RywfICKbXvnOav_B_53XwIxxwFUbFPc5h9Pb9h2pVS3axAp1Rx5GCz-QDqU6S9ZvfTaa9B3T9NpYgoU/s1600/Tim+Horton2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsQT89QwX-e8CK9jF0clSP1AFzu2WZsVSVtC6IdvR81KUoexuqLFZ1ba952u4RywfICKbXvnOav_B_53XwIxxwFUbFPc5h9Pb9h2pVS3axAp1Rx5GCz-QDqU6S9ZvfTaa9B3T9NpYgoU/s1600/Tim+Horton2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Rookie barked again, <strong>"Rouw, rouw, rouw!"</strong> (which meant <em>Yes!)</em> We pulled up to the window and the girls inside all come over to the drive-though window to see Rookie. They hand Joaquin a little box labeled "Rookie bits" for his nightly treat. Cutest thing I ever saw, promise! <br />
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Then it was back to work...we answered more calls and cruised the city streets while Joaquin told me more about the history of Saginaw.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoAlfFWLCAFCtM03fnblR0yIxSdeYmpMJ2TyBo_p00Rgt0CIWLsxQlgUMRbrTfJ4rUgKsXyeoBh0RXTeW6FU0S88Urz94pKeSSlttU-hHfCthUKLYKPbmKY5u4OCWTFrYLvUqp4v87Iw/s1600/Saginaw+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoAlfFWLCAFCtM03fnblR0yIxSdeYmpMJ2TyBo_p00Rgt0CIWLsxQlgUMRbrTfJ4rUgKsXyeoBh0RXTeW6FU0S88Urz94pKeSSlttU-hHfCthUKLYKPbmKY5u4OCWTFrYLvUqp4v87Iw/s400/Saginaw+050.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joaquin talking about his city. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsBA9UXebhjz_WfElTRbeLR1MjHDYS8dprmIO6D-Rc2HHGi7G3Y8vgBMEuXSHQ8BgHh9-pIwGDjU-BwK3RXedBwx75GDhn5opmwUQUEQmLzJSzZHztES1augmiUZ5OB_2EDas4vIBRFM/s1600/Saginaw+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsBA9UXebhjz_WfElTRbeLR1MjHDYS8dprmIO6D-Rc2HHGi7G3Y8vgBMEuXSHQ8BgHh9-pIwGDjU-BwK3RXedBwx75GDhn5opmwUQUEQmLzJSzZHztES1augmiUZ5OB_2EDas4vIBRFM/s400/Saginaw+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State computer in the squad car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Saginaw was once part of Michigan's big car industry, although many of those plants are now closed. Joaquin shared what it's been like to be an officer in Saginaw for the past 22 years and how much the city and demographics have changed through the years. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIPkIFSbZXEexpcrATCVY-I5RnDIIsLE874gbeMPfvPb9FEaT9DCTHra2jssYkZc9_5TPhfrldZXN1NcY3Vs5U4MUJfGOsUgFPk-bt6uu74D0JnxJepiqiOp87a9phLYeaIv35RtfJjk/s1600/Saginaw+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIPkIFSbZXEexpcrATCVY-I5RnDIIsLE874gbeMPfvPb9FEaT9DCTHra2jssYkZc9_5TPhfrldZXN1NcY3Vs5U4MUJfGOsUgFPk-bt6uu74D0JnxJepiqiOp87a9phLYeaIv35RtfJjk/s320/Saginaw+084.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
And so our Saturday night came to an end on a much more successful note. I didn't fall out of the Tahoe, I didn't get car sick, and I managed to stick it out for the whole 12-hour shift. <br />
<br />
End of PART I - trip to Saginaw, Michigan.<br />
<br />
PART II - coming soon!<br />
<br />
Barbara "Annie" Marshak,<br />
Reporting from Saginaw, MichiganAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-59375254940233508532011-01-29T20:16:00.000-06:002011-01-29T20:16:56.754-06:00"Award-Winning Tales" Released!It's always a joy to receive a new book in the mail...especially when said book contains one of my stories! I received that kind of "joy" today when I opened a thick bubble-envelope and pulled out two complimentary copies of <em>Award-Winning Tales, </em>a western anthology complied by R. L. (Becky) Coffield. My story <em>Lost Letters </em>was a Finalist in the short story contest sponsored by Moonlight Mesa Associates. Following the contest Becky was so pleased with all the stories that she decided to publish a book with selected stories from the 2009 and 2010 contest entries. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgBOM-vQcpODezxrEK5gJYFCzes8E3tSiPgHOPB-1gnSQGbvjF654HWbyYvH6jnLf53FAQiN-JaPNCg9yyVi4SUfdc4e_IxDoue6OCNONIWnEp_jhi3Nes1ydLiKNhJuf0h0yiwbqGU0/s1600/Award+Winning+Tales-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgBOM-vQcpODezxrEK5gJYFCzes8E3tSiPgHOPB-1gnSQGbvjF654HWbyYvH6jnLf53FAQiN-JaPNCg9yyVi4SUfdc4e_IxDoue6OCNONIWnEp_jhi3Nes1ydLiKNhJuf0h0yiwbqGU0/s400/Award+Winning+Tales-Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<em>Lost Letters </em>is a fictional story I took from the title of one of my articles I wrote as a regular contributor for the <em>Hidden Heritage </em>feature page in <em>RFD-TV The Magazine. </em>In <em>Lost Letters </em>the article, I shared the story of Paul LaRoche's adoption papers being lost in the back of his adoptive mother's writing desk for years, thus hiding Paul's true American Indian heritage. When thinking "what on earth can I write about for a western contest?!", I looked at the two simple words, <em>Lost Letters</em>...and the ideas began to emerge. <br />
<br />
I placed the story in western Minnesota and South Dakota, settings familiar to me, and told the story through the eyes of Marsha, a young college student who always knew she'd been adopted, and Josephine, a woman who had given up her baby girl for adoption...and why. Becky said the story brought tears to her eyes when she read it, which to me means it touched her heart, and as a writer that is what matters. <br />
<br />
Here's the review Becky received from Shirley Johnson, Senior Reviewer with the MidWest Book Review:<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I was not quite sure what I would find on the pages of this book, but I knew it would be good. Looking upon the read I had a hard decision to make. Should I start the read from the beginning or just pick a tale? It was not easy because some of the titles seemed to be calling my name. That is one of the pluses of a book filled with different tales, and one that I truly enjoy. You can read it in one sitting, or read a full story when it fits your fancy.</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">As I began the read I was taken into the magical words of the authors that stirred many an emotion within me. Not something I expected to happen from this book. I usually only experience this when reading a full novel where I have become totally immersed in a longer storyline. It was a pleasant surprise. The stories were down front and personal. In other words, they were so well written I felt I was part of each story, knew the characters, faced the challenges, and felt the emotions of every story I read. Unbelievable but true.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">However, the styles of each tale changed like rapid water, always keeping the Western flare, yet cascading me into the rapids of the moment that the author touched upon. Each story showcased that particular author's ability and talent. The fiber that each author wove into his/her story was like a burst of fresh air as I anticipated what was to be unfolded. I was never disappointed, as each story introduced new characters and new locale, like a fresh new picture being painted while I watched. Each story was different and could stand alone, yet they merged under the western skies as one. It may be a tale of romance, murder, competition, struggles, joy or sadness, each brings just the right dish that fills a banquet table before you. Let the feast begin.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This is an outstanding read. Very well written by authors who truly know how to spin a tale that will grab you and not let go. Highly recommended.</span><br />
<br />
If you are interested in reading <em>Lost Letters</em> or any of the stories in <em>Award-Winning Tales</em>, please visit the website for Moonlight Mesa Associates at <a href="http://www.moonlightmesaassociates.com/">http://www.moonlightmesaassociates.com/</a>. I haven't had a chance to read the stories yet, so guess you know what I'll be doing this evening! <br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
BarbaraAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2299231202742278604.post-82791159874629092362011-01-19T22:34:00.001-06:002011-01-20T07:33:41.662-06:005th Annual Winter Writers RetreatEvery Martin Luther King weekend my good friend, author Julie Saffrin, hosts a writers retreat at her cabin in northwestern Minnesota on Dead Lake. This year four hearty writers made the drive "up north" to work on projects in a variety of genres:<br />
<br />
Jannelle Huston - humor writer<br />
Sheri Jacobs - playwright<br />
Julie Saffrin - nonfiction<br />
myself - memoir<br />
Julie's dog, Mick - author in waiting <br />
<br />
My focus was to keep working on <em>Michigan & Rookie...Guardians of the Night, </em>the story of Officer Joaquin Guerrero and his K9 Rookie. Joaquin's intentions in sharing Rookie's story is to bring honor and recognition to all K9 handlers and their partners. And since Rookie is really the "star" of the book, the idea came to me that I should tell by story by alternating POVs between Joaquin and Rookie. It sounded like a good idea anyway. <br />
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The first time I sat down to write out a scene in Rookie's POV I managed to come up with three weak sentences and that was it. Hmmm... How does a dog think? What would a dog say? Maybe I should rethink this grand idea. <br />
<br />
Then again, I shouldn't give up that easy. After all, we writers are hearty souls that never give up, right? So I dragged a dozen library books on dogs up to Julie's cabin and took a few notes:<br />
<br />
-its estimated dogs can use their noses a thousand to ten thousand times better than humans<br />
-dogs can distinguish between scents to an extraordinary degree<br />
-German shepherds have a high degree of intelligence, if not the highest,<br />
-German shepherds love to work and be active<br />
<br />
I studied Rookie's pictures for awhile, talked to Mick for awhile, stared out my window awhile, and tried it again. Suddenly my 'dog mind' clicked, and away I went, typing out a bunch of scenes from Rookie's POV. Witty and clever scenes, even. So maybe, just maybe, this whole dog POV will work after all. <br />
<br />
What do you think, Mick?<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHJVnRXKuF9nI9vwD9hJQGokghOnN9Eu1iZtpU3zcSFhhrzELQz79gJUEDwdV-VI5IdxNYFpxMW3UZyogbbhKoHkJaR9SeOYYiLGzmxjMIj4KxxzK0Sa_Gv6mOMhCI2ZlIgrnh0XeXxo/s1600/Dec+2010+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHJVnRXKuF9nI9vwD9hJQGokghOnN9Eu1iZtpU3zcSFhhrzELQz79gJUEDwdV-VI5IdxNYFpxMW3UZyogbbhKoHkJaR9SeOYYiLGzmxjMIj4KxxzK0Sa_Gv6mOMhCI2ZlIgrnh0XeXxo/s320/Dec+2010+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's fine...just don't touch my pillow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I made some good progress on the manuscript each day. My favorite part of writing up at Julie's cabin is the fact I can push my work table up against the south windows that face the lake. It's a great way to spend the day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlylrZR_SmP7E9-E3IjBZpubWwRz9cv31nI6oyH8kGP11lpP88TPKIyp4awJr-TWJdeeg6WcRor4J_r1XXr_SELhwgXHFt7dcqEXSqGF4sJXCI9iaQqrsO0Mx11cP454X-8AaObqz3Lc/s1600/Dec+2010+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlylrZR_SmP7E9-E3IjBZpubWwRz9cv31nI6oyH8kGP11lpP88TPKIyp4awJr-TWJdeeg6WcRor4J_r1XXr_SELhwgXHFt7dcqEXSqGF4sJXCI9iaQqrsO0Mx11cP454X-8AaObqz3Lc/s320/Dec+2010+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning sun out my window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6rxDz0J-fiiSTG7inb1aenTrZ22O9b6tgSDbDaZnbw9kO9BG_U8TB8MyXj3rqchCxYOha2qmCjh20Fflr2cWp40S_P1nvxiUm49LjBpTZLZbaRVvlVElB1V0d_Ot3_AXxWBYfp0qTeQ/s1600/Dec+2010+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6rxDz0J-fiiSTG7inb1aenTrZ22O9b6tgSDbDaZnbw9kO9BG_U8TB8MyXj3rqchCxYOha2qmCjh20Fflr2cWp40S_P1nvxiUm49LjBpTZLZbaRVvlVElB1V0d_Ot3_AXxWBYfp0qTeQ/s320/Dec+2010+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening sun out my window.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvzWc-UJqVFslkNTi_CvSWYs8AHkWKd4FDsfwFZLUdWAjFKLiGsAZtfpWdhCf-MXq_rFPxIX83BIYy-p8Q3JYUHvdFHWRD2FLcNUSM7eQj-v7H4rVwm7TtyAj_CSgK4PnCo1vmoM21JI/s1600/Dec+2010+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvzWc-UJqVFslkNTi_CvSWYs8AHkWKd4FDsfwFZLUdWAjFKLiGsAZtfpWdhCf-MXq_rFPxIX83BIYy-p8Q3JYUHvdFHWRD2FLcNUSM7eQj-v7H4rVwm7TtyAj_CSgK4PnCo1vmoM21JI/s320/Dec+2010+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie and Mick out my window</td></tr>
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Of course there are certain requirements for every writers retreat: coffee, great food, and a little wine to close out the day. I'm just saying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Kx2O81W6drhtMEUVhyphenhyphenAEz8wFVqO8zV2NJMZIDnR8RckW1LZhy2IkMrpOOROLDu4p3pG5S2hDOsWCW0uI5oeSyi0AKkREbTnyTA_KrZ4pidBd3y4OlsrwpqUJnZS1iItGpSysdjM4k_w/s1600/Dec+2010+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Kx2O81W6drhtMEUVhyphenhyphenAEz8wFVqO8zV2NJMZIDnR8RckW1LZhy2IkMrpOOROLDu4p3pG5S2hDOsWCW0uI5oeSyi0AKkREbTnyTA_KrZ4pidBd3y4OlsrwpqUJnZS1iItGpSysdjM4k_w/s320/Dec+2010+047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheri's fabulous French salad!</td></tr>
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Julie and I have dueling coffee pots: she likes her coffee strong and dark; I like mine weak, flavored, and equal parts coffee and Half & Half. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm-aIpPfVFJWlkxtnOC7ho-fbize0CfuxN1se3UnsBr5W8kiY5mygZBLvQdOT1Ih_HvGvdyjmMvGx8-s__mbC1a2WPvrIzEwErN_m89bndouw_9KiEh1ycUIt0adeDGqmv406DRpB4Ik/s1600/Dec+2010+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm-aIpPfVFJWlkxtnOC7ho-fbize0CfuxN1se3UnsBr5W8kiY5mygZBLvQdOT1Ih_HvGvdyjmMvGx8-s__mbC1a2WPvrIzEwErN_m89bndouw_9KiEh1ycUIt0adeDGqmv406DRpB4Ik/s320/Dec+2010+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning and nighttime necessities </td></tr>
</tbody></table> We had some good laughs (Janelle could be a stand-up comedian, seriously..."off with the foot!"--what a story!), shared some "cries of the heart" with each other, and bonded in that special way that women and writers do. Proud Mom, Sheri's son Kyle Jacobs, a songwriter in Nashville, just married the love of his life, Miss Kellie Pickler, on New Year's Day in Antigua and the couple is featured in this week's People magazine. Once again, our time was blessed. <br />
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BarbaraAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365629870350177811noreply@blogger.com0