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mar's Desk

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marcoujor: tAKING oWNERSHIP

6/14/2014

32 Comments

 
Picture
On May 17th our community gathered for an annual West Norriton Day in an area high school parking lot. With the support of local police, fire and emergency personnel, neighbors with strollers to walking canes enjoyed glorious weather, attractions, entertainment, food, and fellowship opportunities of all kinds.

I had a fabulous chance to do a book signing and selling of my children's book, Kylie's Blossoms.  For me, it helped the character of Kylie come alive.  In other words, I was able to explain where Kylie came from and what she was all about, to the youngsters and the not so young who stopped by to chat.

I was blown away when a young lady told me that I was the first author she had ever met!  It hit me like a thunderbolt that I was indeed an author, and I took ownership of this feeling.

The character of Kylie is a way for me to portray some of the childhood values that my mother instilled in me.  I also had a teddy bear that never left my side and we loved to take walks and pick flowers for Mom.

Written in dedication to my Mother, Miss Sammie, and named for my great-niece, Kylie Samantha (who was born nine months after Mom's death), this book was a labor of love and a therapeutic act of healing for me. 

It was inspiring to speak with young children who love to read.  A few aspired to be writers and one, an illustrator. While most read with Kindles, some actually preferred books they could hold in their hands. One young lady was with her grandmom and they still read with each other. That touched my heart.

It was equally sad to observe the number of children and adults who ignored the idea of a book. Some, who stopped for a free piece of candy, looked shocked at the idea of saying thank you, let alone reading a book. Their eyes were busy darting to the next available free attraction or food item that their parents allowed them to indulge in.

The day lit up again when my niece, Jennifer, joined us with her two children, Kylie Samantha, herself, and her little bro, Brayden! Aren't they the sweetest children?? Oh yes, Auntie mar is biased for sure!  I want to note that Jennifer has a fantastic library of books, including Kylie's Blossoms, and she and her hubby, Chris, read to their children on a daily basis.

Pennstar

PicturePennStar in flight. Foto via marcoujor.com
I was thrilled to learn that PennSTAR was going to make an appearance at West Norriton Day.  Many people, even living in our immediate area, have never heard of PennSTAR.

Here is an excerpt taken directly from their website about exactly who they are:

"The PennSTAR Flight Program provides critical care air and ground medical transportation to the Tri-State Area (the Delaware Valley region, which includes eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and northern Delaware is also known as the tri-state area) within a 100-mile radius of Penn Medicine. PennSTAR provides rapid transport of critical care patients between medical centers, as well as "on-scene" services at the site of accidents and trauma-related incidents.

"They operate six helicopters and one critical care ambulance 24-hours a day, seven days per week, staffed by expert pilots, critical care flight nurses and flight paramedics. All clinicians are cross-trained to operate in both helicopter and critical care ambulance so the superior level of care delivered to our patients is consistent regardless of the transport modality. All transport requests and support communications between transport teams, medical centers, and emergency crews which are coordinated and integrated by a dedicated communications center."



"Since 1988, PennSTAR has safely transported 40,000 patients in six states."


I am one of the 40,000 blessed and grateful individuals who was safely transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for life saving surgery, June 18th,1999, on a PennSTAR helicopter under the safe and competent care of these flight angels. 

It was not until almost fifteen years later that I could proudly climb onto a PennSTAR helicopter of my own volition and take ownership of that part of my life again. True, it was not the exact same helicopter but I was okay with that.  The three wonderful gentlemen present on West Norriton Day had not been working for PennSTAR in 1999, but I was able to shake their hands and thank them on behalf of the life saving work they do today.

I walked back to the table with tears of empowerment and gratitude in my eyes. 

Life is filled with second chances and I, for one, embrace them each and every time.

Until next time, be peaceful and be proud of yourself.

mar

32 Comments
Martie link
6/15/2014 12:47:48 am

My dear Maria, I am so glad May 17th has turned out to be such an awesome day for you. Your report reveals the ups and downs of real life - the good as well as the bad.

And there you are, a survivor sharing the knowledge and wisdom you have obtained with all of us. Encouraging hope, courage and endurance, forcing people to overcome the bad and treasure the good, is obviously your purpose on this planet. You have a special talent to portray the saddest events in a positive and constructive way.

Your pictures are so REAL and alive, giving me the feeling that I've been there with you in person.

"Kylie's Blossoms" is also one of many books in my grandchildren's libraries, and most certainly one of their favourites.

Love you lots, Mar. Sending you a bag filled with hugs for 17-18th June.

Reply
marcoujor link
6/15/2014 04:28:43 am

Dear Martie,

Thanks for being my first visitor. This virtual world feels quite real indeed with beautiful and ever - present friends like you and the mastery of technology with pals like our femme (Angelia), who did such a brilliant job with my slideshow of pictures from this amazing day.

Hope you are having a relaxing day. Love you, mar

Reply
kimmie
6/15/2014 02:03:29 am

Hello Mar...
This sounded like a terrific day all the way around. What a special time to share your book, and face some challenges along the way. A day to remember for sure. Thank you for sharing this day with us.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
marcoujor link
6/15/2014 04:31:11 am

Hi sweet Kimmie,

You are most correct about this being a terrific day in every way.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Hope you are enjoying the special Dads in your life today. Love you, Maria

Reply
Shauna Bowling link
6/15/2014 02:07:15 am

Mar, what a glorious day for you! It must have been so inspiring to know that today's generation is still in love with books and reading - in whatever form they absorb the written word.

I can only imagine how overwhelming and touching it was to step into one of the helicopters that helped save your life on that awful day in 1999.

It seems May 17th was a day of closure and new beginnings all wrapped into one sunny day. What a feeling!

Reply
marcoujor link
6/15/2014 04:33:49 am

Dear Sha,

Wonderful to see you!

I love the way you expressed this day -- one of "closure and new beginnings all wrapped into one sunny day".

May your day today be as beautiful as you. Love, Maria

Reply
Vicki
6/15/2014 02:26:55 am

Dear Maria,
Thank you for giving us this great glimpse of a special day in the circle of life. I loved your photos, and you have that mysterious celebrity look with your amazing sunglasses! ( glad it was a sunny day for you)!
I'm celebrating you taking ownership of your roles as author and proud survivor.
However your major role in life, as I see it, is that of a giving and loving person. You have inspired so many people, online and in your regular life too. And that's often not an easy thing to do.
You are a living example of how to recover from what may seem initially impossible - using small steps, but always moving forward.
So you are a teacher, a model, and a shining light. You could take ownership of those too . . . And a font of musical knowledge, a fur child Mom par excellence . . . Oh come on . . . Any more and it will seem like greed that you own so many titles!
Love you, Vicki.

Reply
marcoujor link
6/15/2014 04:46:16 am

Now, Vickster,

How can your comments get me into a 'giggle fit' sometimes...?! You are aware of some of my 'less glamorous' titles and you are discreetly opting not to share them - thank you for that! You even know the scoop on those SuperStar shades :))

Thanks for being a friend through all seasons. Love, Maria

Reply
Mike
6/15/2014 02:40:27 am

First I want to say, 'What in the world is everyone doing awake so early this Sunday morning?" Hi mar. It looks like you had a great time and here again turned the day into a learning and teaching experience. I am sure you touched the lifes of those youngsters that came by to 'meet the author'. You set an example for us all.

Reply
marcoujor link
6/15/2014 04:51:12 am

Happy Father's Day, Captain Mike!

I know you and Miss Vicki are always checking in 3 - hours earlier than me and we always seem to be drinking coffee...hmmmmm?? What does that say about the caffeine intake of writers??

Speaking of examples, you set the bar for me with talent, creativity and dedication. So, please keep doing what you're doing and thank you, my friend.

Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Paula link
6/15/2014 03:22:49 am

Maria.......What a wonderful opportunity this special day/event provided for you to take ownership and embrace a true awakening into the world of your amazing accomplishments! You must have been lifted off the ground......and rightly so, my sweet lady-friend.
I truly wish I could have been lucky enough to be there with you.....to share such a magical experience. You are an exceptional woman. You need to know how proud & honored I am to know you. and best of all...I LOVE you Maria.....Paula

Reply
marcoujor link
6/15/2014 04:55:15 am

I LOVE you too, Paula. In a way, all of those I love were with me in my heart as I took ownership on the PennSTAR helicopter. My heart is really big that way (LOL)!

Thank you for your friendship and your amazing remarks, girl!

Reply
Ruby link
6/15/2014 03:39:11 am

Dear Mar, sounds like you had a fun day and was able to give thank's to the people who provide such a wonderful and lifesaving service. I'm happy that you accept the fact that you are an author ( because you are ) I loved your book and my granddaughter loved it too. Have a peaceful Sunday. I love you.
Ruby

Reply
marcoujor link
6/15/2014 04:58:58 am

Oh sweet Ruby,

Love seeing you here today, thank you for stopping by. Yes, it was quite important to thank the heroes of PennSTAR. I would actually do it any and every chance I have...sort of like when we encounter a Veteran and we thank them -- OR WE SHOULD...!!!!!!! (PS- I know you do)

Be good to yourself, my gal pal and meet you at the Cafe for "tea" later on...Love you, mar

Reply
Theresa
6/15/2014 05:11:18 am

Hi Dear Author Extraordinaire, Maria!

Thank you for sharing of your wonderful experiences of your book signing and of those beautiful "flight angels" ... What a blessing that was for those flight angels to be there on the day of your book signing. I received a blessing reading this post this day.

My grands (all of them) truly love reading "Kylie's Blossoms" and her adventures with Teddy. I knew that you were sharing what you learned from your precious Momma and that you and your Teddy had beautiful walks together ... so sweet and special.

I love all of your photos, and that first one made me tear up, being it must have been taken after your interaction with those flight angels (I am assuming) and your eyes filled with empowerment and gratitude.

Here's to life's second chances!!! Love you, Theresa

Reply
marcoujor link
6/16/2014 02:35:55 am

Dear Theresa,

Thank you for your warm and encouraging support of me every step of the way. You are a faithful friend in every sense of the word and I love you dearly.

Hoping your week is beautiful. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Randi Benlulu link
6/15/2014 06:00:31 am

What a beautiful day! , You, my friend, are an author in rense of the word! I brought Kylie's Blossoms for my Jace. While he is not quite ready to truly understand it, he loves the rhythm and cadence ( and grandma did the read,!) How amazing and exhilarating tire cat must if been! What serendipity that PennSTAR was there at a tune when you had the strength.
We who know you, are blessed by your goodness. So happily for you!

Reply
marcoujor link
6/16/2014 02:37:51 am

Dear Randi,

I always love when you stop by with your sweet and kind remarks. You are a lovely lady and I wish you a beautiful week. Love you, Maria

Reply
Pamela Oglesby link
6/15/2014 07:31:10 am

Dear Maria, It sounds like it was a perfect day. I loved all the pictures, which made the day come alive to us. You looked great with your books stacked around you, a real professional author. I am so happy for your. God bless.

Reply
marcoujor link
6/16/2014 02:40:28 am

Dear Pam,

I very much appreciate you taking the time in your busy schedule to leave such a supportive comment. I value the fact that you think I look "professional", which means a great deal to me.

Have a peaceful week. Take good care. Love, Maria

Reply
Sannel Larson link
6/15/2014 08:36:13 am

Dear Maria,
Thank you for sharing such a special and beautiful day with all of us. A day full of inspiration in so many ways. Isn't life just absolutely wonderful, say? :-)
You, my friend is an amazing woman. How much you had to overcome to be where you are today, and not only that, you have done it with flying colors.
I'm happy to hear about the children who stopped by, getting to know a wonderful author. But saddened by the rest who missed out on a fantastic opportunity to get to know, not only a cool, courageous lady, but also a fabulous author. Oh well, their loss! :-( At least they got some candy. . . ;-)
I love you dearly!
Hugs,
Sannel




Reply
marcoujor link
6/16/2014 02:45:52 am

Dearest Sannel,

Yes, life surely is wonderful and days like this remind us of this very point.

Thank you for your most kind words. I am similarly inspired by you, finding "you" to be a most "cool and courageous lady" as well! It's wonderful to have you visit and I hope you know how much I appreciate all that SWEET TWEETING you do 7-days a week on my behalf.

Have a lovely week and TTYL. Sending big hugs, Maria

Reply
Peg Cole
6/15/2014 10:39:38 am

That wonderful slideshow is such a great capture of that special book signing day. I LOVE the second picture with your beautiful smile and the ones with your darling niece are so precious.

What a beautiful thing to be able to go back and give meet those brave medics who fought so hard to keep you in this world. What an honor that must have been to give recognition to them. Bravo, Maria, for writing this tribute to the PennStar Flight team and for your success on your book signing day. Love to you from Texas.

Reply
marcoujor link
6/16/2014 02:52:06 am

Dear Peg,

Thanks for stopping by...I just put a fresh pot of coffee on and some scones I made from Vicki's recipe, so please join me!

I am ever grateful to Angelia for her expertise with the slideshow and picture "wrapping" and "G", who actually takes the pictures - so happy you liked!

Will be thinking of you and the ladies tomorrow, especially Mom. Hoping you get the envelope in a timely manner. Love, Maria

Reply
Vicks
6/16/2014 03:34:19 am

Maria - did you really try the scones? If you did, I am really excited!
Thanks so much.

marcoujor link
6/16/2014 04:28:01 am

I confess and totally unrehearsed...Chef G brought home some delicious 'close to homemade' scones from the local Farmer's Market bakery, where everything is made on the premises so no, dear V...but I have every honest intention of trying and photographing your beautiful recipe.

BUT, while you're here, will you join us gals for some tea and company??

Genna East
6/15/2014 12:40:16 pm

Dear Maria...

You are an inspiration to us all. Thanks to talented authors like you, I have faith that more children will be inspired to read, and often! My granddaughter is only 15 months old, but I look forward to the day when she will read “Kylie’s Blossoms” with her grandma…and much more.

Thank you!

Reply
marcoujor link
6/16/2014 02:55:47 am

Dear Gen...

I cannot wait for your granddaughter to have an entire shelf of books written by her Granny Gen that she can brag to all her peeps about!

YOU inspire ME, my friend and I am appreciative of your visit and kind remarks. Have a great week. Love, Maria

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
6/15/2014 11:53:06 pm

Dear Mar,
Sounds like you had an amazing day on so many levels-- pure joy with the visit from Jennifer, Kylie Samantha and Brayden plus the opportunity to speak with other young people about being an author and about reading.
And also to directly face some of the horror of being wounded and requiring emergency transport on PennStar 15 years ago. Even though the flight angels were different, I'm sure it was uplifting for them to meet someone whose life was saved by the work they do on a daily basis and to see that you are doing so many wonderful things that wouldn't have been possible without their kind of expertise and care.
I am so proud of you and continue to be awed by the amazing journey of life you are taking.
Love You Dear Friend,
Gail

Reply
marcoujor link
6/16/2014 03:18:53 am

Dear Gail,

Thanks for your wise, insightful and thoughtful remarks. I am so looking forward to talking to you about this and so much more later in the week. Until then, love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Peggyruth Bossert
6/18/2014 04:22:25 pm

Maria, Maria!!
I am so pleased and in awe of your ability to be able to touch the young lives in our world. I was blessed to have you as an instructor I hope these young bright readers realized how fortunate they are to have someone to empower them to believe and love. And to Penn Star thank you for saving this woman in doing so you have enriched and most likely saved many others.

Thank you,
Maria

Reply
marcoujor link
6/18/2014 11:07:26 pm

Dear Peggyruth,

It is fabulous to see you here and thank you for your beautiful remarks. You, G and C have been on my mind and I'm hoping your classes are going well.

Take good care and always remember how special you are. Hugs!

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me