Thursday, December 29, 2016
Literary Classics Book Awards and Reviews: Priceless Penny, by Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf, earn...
Literary Classics Book Awards and Reviews: Priceless Penny, by Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf, earn...: Penny, a pound puppy, anxiously awaits adoption day. She's so excited to find a family to love and take her home with them. But Pe...
Monday, October 17, 2016
BarkWorld Expo 2016
My suitcase had been packed for two weeks. I meticulously planned
each outfit down to what jewelry I would be wearing. Now the day that I
had circled on my calendar had finally arrived.
As we began our eight hour car drive to Atlanta, Georgia, I started to imagine what BarkWorld would be like. Would there be dogs as far as the eye can see? Would I actually be able to hobnob with celebrities?
We checked into our hotel and decided to grab some lunch. Afterwords, we headed to the Loews Hotel to get registered for BarkWorld. We received our badges and an epic swag bag.
On Thursday, we started bright and early with a tour of the CNN building. Having majored in Mass Communications-Journalism, I loved every minute!
After lunch, we headed back to the Loews Hotel for BarkBites, a speed-dating session for brands and influencers. It was fast-paced, but we met some amazing people and learned about some truly philanthropic companies. Shorty Rossi then took the stage with his amazing Pitbull, Francis!
As we began our eight hour car drive to Atlanta, Georgia, I started to imagine what BarkWorld would be like. Would there be dogs as far as the eye can see? Would I actually be able to hobnob with celebrities?
We checked into our hotel and decided to grab some lunch. Afterwords, we headed to the Loews Hotel to get registered for BarkWorld. We received our badges and an epic swag bag.
My official BarkWorld badge!
Check out all of the amazing items in our swag bags!
The
first event to be held was Bark in the City. We were able to dine out
on the terrace of the Loews Hotel with other expansion pass holders and
their pooches.
I was so excited to see my favorite blogging dog, Preston!
I melted when I met Max! Look at that underbite!
Meet Echo! This adorable husky was a perfect gentleman.
Mango is a certified therapy dog with TDI!
On Thursday, we started bright and early with a tour of the CNN building. Having majored in Mass Communications-Journalism, I loved every minute!
Live from CNN, it's Lauren!
This is an actual set from inside a studio at CNN.
After lunch, we headed back to the Loews Hotel for BarkBites, a speed-dating session for brands and influencers. It was fast-paced, but we met some amazing people and learned about some truly philanthropic companies. Shorty Rossi then took the stage with his amazing Pitbull, Francis!
Shorty and Francis were awesome!
Bark's Nite Out was a fun dining event where we got to meet even more fabulous pet influencers and, of course, more dogs!
Cocoa the Chihuahua could not be any more adorable in that tutu!
This pooch was rescued from Sochi! He has an issue with one of his back legs, but you would never know it!
It's Instagram sensation Leona the Lion!
Check out Louie rocking that sweater!
I always love meeting wheelchair doxies!
Friday was a marathon of keynote speakers. It was exhausting, but I learned so much!
I was beyond honored to do a book swap with Seth Casteel!
Forget posing with cats! Travis DesLauier posed with a copy of Priceless Penny!
Aly from Why Does My Dog is a fantastic speaker and an awesome person!
Meeting Deirdre from Pinups for Pitbulls was amazing! Her passion for Pitbulls is contagious and she is an amazing speaker!
We
then took a break to support Tomlyn Products. They are going to send a
case of their product to dogs serving in the armed forces for every
photo they are tagged in.
After dinner, we were treated to a private screening of the ASPCA's Second Chance Dogs! I only cried at the end.
On Saturday, we listened to more fabulous keynote speakers. They were hilarious as well as informative.
I was beyond excited to meet Brian Fanzo! He even flashed the signature peace sign in honor of Priceless Penny!
Meeting Nala cat's parents was amazing!
I loved listening to presenters Bryan Kramer and Daniel Lemin.
Hamming it up with Shorty and Francis.
I am proud to be a Rescue Hero and support Halo Pets!
April and Binky are from Happy Tabby Cat Cafe right in Atlanta!
I
was sad to see the conference end. I was blessed to make so many new
friends who also have a passion for rescuing animals. All of the
celebrities that I met were so friendly and down to earth. We will
definitely be back next year!
This is exactly how I felt at the end of BarkWorld!
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
Nullifying No
My husband is one of the hardest working people that I know. He goes above and beyond the normal expectations of his job daily. And he simply refuses to give up on a project until it is completed. Maybe that is the reason why I only get to see him on the weekends...
Even though *Cole has remained loyal to the same company for six years, promotions seem to be elusive. When a position does manage to become available, the job is simply handed to someone that is chosen by the powers that be. No interviews are even offered to interested employees. So much for loyalty.
I began to see the warning signs two years ago. New responsibilities were being piled onto my husband without any talk of compensation. He also found himself working numerous back to back open to close shifts. Did I mention that he has a two hour commute?
While Cole is very proud of the work that he does, I can tell that it is simply wearing him down. He hardly ever gets enough sleep and he certainly does not have any time to relax or unwind. I told him that it might be time to start looking for other job opportunities.
At first, he seemed excited at the possibility of finding a new job. Maybe he would finally be able to work a normal schedule. He might actually be able to spend time with me and our fur babies. That's about the time when the no's started rolling in.
Cole would check his e-mail every morning. I learned to stop asking if he had any nibbles. Breakfast time was soon filled with expletive laced rants about how unfair the working world is.
By week two, a definite change had come over Cole. Instead of being angry, he was something far worse: defeated. He had completely given up. All of the rejections had taken their toll on his self esteem.
I am not going to lie; I do not have much sympathy for him. I know what you are thinking. How can I be such a heartless wife? The truth is, I know the great potential that lies within Cole. I also know that he has a tendency of being meek. When life pushes him around, he refuses to push back.
However, I find that the "no's" in life are what fuel my passion and drive to succeed. I see every "no" as a challenge. A chance to shatter all expectations and show the world what I can do.
I refuse to let the "no's" define me. When one bank refused to give us a loan for our house, I did not sit in a corner and cry. I grabbed the phone book and started dialing. We have now been in our wonderful home for four years.
I wrote a manuscript for a children's book about our three-legged dog, Penny. I sent my story to every literary agency that I could find. The flood gates of rejection soon opened.
Most were just generic canned messages. Some stated that there isn't a market for my story. Others claimed that it did not have a hook (something to grab the reader's attention). But something inside of me refused to give up. I was determined to prove the naysayers wrong.
I decided to self publish my story. I even went a step further and created my own company: Theuerkauf's Tails, LLC. The illustrations have been tested on children in my target audience group. The result? Children love Penny!
The book, Priceless Penny, is going to be published at the end of this month. The book launch party is being held at Stray Rescue St. Louis. Penny and her amazing spirit are going to change the way that people view differently-abled animals.
Cole needs to realize that there is great power in the word "no." It should never be seen as an ending, but a chance to fight for a new beginning.
*Name has been changed
Even though *Cole has remained loyal to the same company for six years, promotions seem to be elusive. When a position does manage to become available, the job is simply handed to someone that is chosen by the powers that be. No interviews are even offered to interested employees. So much for loyalty.
I began to see the warning signs two years ago. New responsibilities were being piled onto my husband without any talk of compensation. He also found himself working numerous back to back open to close shifts. Did I mention that he has a two hour commute?
While Cole is very proud of the work that he does, I can tell that it is simply wearing him down. He hardly ever gets enough sleep and he certainly does not have any time to relax or unwind. I told him that it might be time to start looking for other job opportunities.
At first, he seemed excited at the possibility of finding a new job. Maybe he would finally be able to work a normal schedule. He might actually be able to spend time with me and our fur babies. That's about the time when the no's started rolling in.
Cole would check his e-mail every morning. I learned to stop asking if he had any nibbles. Breakfast time was soon filled with expletive laced rants about how unfair the working world is.
By week two, a definite change had come over Cole. Instead of being angry, he was something far worse: defeated. He had completely given up. All of the rejections had taken their toll on his self esteem.
I am not going to lie; I do not have much sympathy for him. I know what you are thinking. How can I be such a heartless wife? The truth is, I know the great potential that lies within Cole. I also know that he has a tendency of being meek. When life pushes him around, he refuses to push back.
However, I find that the "no's" in life are what fuel my passion and drive to succeed. I see every "no" as a challenge. A chance to shatter all expectations and show the world what I can do.
I refuse to let the "no's" define me. When one bank refused to give us a loan for our house, I did not sit in a corner and cry. I grabbed the phone book and started dialing. We have now been in our wonderful home for four years.
I wrote a manuscript for a children's book about our three-legged dog, Penny. I sent my story to every literary agency that I could find. The flood gates of rejection soon opened.
Most were just generic canned messages. Some stated that there isn't a market for my story. Others claimed that it did not have a hook (something to grab the reader's attention). But something inside of me refused to give up. I was determined to prove the naysayers wrong.
I decided to self publish my story. I even went a step further and created my own company: Theuerkauf's Tails, LLC. The illustrations have been tested on children in my target audience group. The result? Children love Penny!
The book, Priceless Penny, is going to be published at the end of this month. The book launch party is being held at Stray Rescue St. Louis. Penny and her amazing spirit are going to change the way that people view differently-abled animals.
Cole needs to realize that there is great power in the word "no." It should never be seen as an ending, but a chance to fight for a new beginning.
*Name has been changed
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Mighty Midget Mascot
For decades, this comical character has adorned the hallowed halls of Freeburg Community High School. He is a symbol of strength and drive. The true embodiment of the community's spirit. Yet, some are demanding that he be banished forever.
The Little People of America claim this character to be offensive. He is viewed as a derogatory depiction of people with short stature. This is not the first time that the group has tried to change the mascot.
Four years ago, the LPA brought this case to the Freeburg School Board. Representatives explained the story of how the mascot came to be. In the 1930's, a journalist coined the phrase "Mighty Midgets" after witnessing the passion and tenacity of a basketball team that was made up of very short members. The LPA came to the decision that the mascot was not meant to be offensive, but inspirational.
Nothing about the mascot has changed. So, why now? How can this mascot suddenly become offensive again after just four years?
What I find offensive is the idea of people who do not even live in the community breezing into town and demanding a change. Have they ever come to a Midget's football game? If they had, they would see the crowd going crazy in the stands. They would hear the cheering and applause from the Midget's adoring fans.
The Midget inspires all sports teams to play their hearts out Even if the opposing team is larger, we face them head on with no fear. When in the midst of defeat, we never give up. That is the spirit of the Mighty Midget.
I also find the reasoning behind wanting the change to be lacking. In the clip that is circulating on TV, a spokesperson for the LPA states that: "If you ever have a family with dwarfism, you are going to create an uncomfortable situation for them." He also went on to say that bullying would ensue.
I fail to see how a cartoon mascot would make someone uncomfortable. The community would treat such a family the exact same way it treats all of the town's residents, with respect. I also feel that the bullying comment is a complete stretch. Why is our community and its residents being judged based upon our mascot?
This mascot does not affect the livelihood of the Little People. He does not prevent anyone from living a happy and fulfilled life. So why is he the target of such hatred?
As I mentioned before, the Midget is a CARTOON character. He is completely fictional. Is the LPA planning on attacking other fictional characters as well? How about going after Disney for those scandalous dwarfs in Snow White? And they most certainly will want to go after the producers of The Wizard of Oz for the demeaning munchkins, right? We won't even mention the despicable Oompa Loompas from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
I feel that the LPA is quick to get offended. You do not hear of people with speech impediments petitioning Warner Brothers over Porky Pig. They realize that he is just a character created to bring laughter and joy to others. No one is laughing at people with speech impediments when they enjoy a Porky Pig cartoon. Much in the same way that no one is making fun of Little People by maintaining our mascot.
I believe that the Midget represents our community's heritage. A heritage that we are proud of. Why would anyone seek to take that away?
The Little People of America claim this character to be offensive. He is viewed as a derogatory depiction of people with short stature. This is not the first time that the group has tried to change the mascot.
Four years ago, the LPA brought this case to the Freeburg School Board. Representatives explained the story of how the mascot came to be. In the 1930's, a journalist coined the phrase "Mighty Midgets" after witnessing the passion and tenacity of a basketball team that was made up of very short members. The LPA came to the decision that the mascot was not meant to be offensive, but inspirational.
Nothing about the mascot has changed. So, why now? How can this mascot suddenly become offensive again after just four years?
What I find offensive is the idea of people who do not even live in the community breezing into town and demanding a change. Have they ever come to a Midget's football game? If they had, they would see the crowd going crazy in the stands. They would hear the cheering and applause from the Midget's adoring fans.
The Midget inspires all sports teams to play their hearts out Even if the opposing team is larger, we face them head on with no fear. When in the midst of defeat, we never give up. That is the spirit of the Mighty Midget.
I also find the reasoning behind wanting the change to be lacking. In the clip that is circulating on TV, a spokesperson for the LPA states that: "If you ever have a family with dwarfism, you are going to create an uncomfortable situation for them." He also went on to say that bullying would ensue.
I fail to see how a cartoon mascot would make someone uncomfortable. The community would treat such a family the exact same way it treats all of the town's residents, with respect. I also feel that the bullying comment is a complete stretch. Why is our community and its residents being judged based upon our mascot?
This mascot does not affect the livelihood of the Little People. He does not prevent anyone from living a happy and fulfilled life. So why is he the target of such hatred?
As I mentioned before, the Midget is a CARTOON character. He is completely fictional. Is the LPA planning on attacking other fictional characters as well? How about going after Disney for those scandalous dwarfs in Snow White? And they most certainly will want to go after the producers of The Wizard of Oz for the demeaning munchkins, right? We won't even mention the despicable Oompa Loompas from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
I feel that the LPA is quick to get offended. You do not hear of people with speech impediments petitioning Warner Brothers over Porky Pig. They realize that he is just a character created to bring laughter and joy to others. No one is laughing at people with speech impediments when they enjoy a Porky Pig cartoon. Much in the same way that no one is making fun of Little People by maintaining our mascot.
I believe that the Midget represents our community's heritage. A heritage that we are proud of. Why would anyone seek to take that away?
Wild Weather
Lightning flashes across the sky. Thunder crashes in the night. Amidst nature's fury, a siren pierces the air. A tornado is coming.
I race to the local storm shelter. As a volunteer shelter manager for the local Emergency Service and Disaster Agency (E.S.D.A.), it is my responsibility to open the shelter when a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued.
Sadly, many people refuse to take action. The watches and warnings are viewed as a joke. Some even leave their safe area in order to film the impending storm. This is how lives are lost. In 2011, a devastating tornado ripped through Joplin, MO. Numerous people perished that day because they did not heed the National Weather Services' tornado watch that was issued. Instead, people continued with their outdoor activities until it was too late.
Some are brazen enough to think that they can "out run" a tornado or severe storm. With winds raging at over 100 miles per hour, throwing debris and destroying all objects in its path, tornadoes can easily overtake a vehicle.
My father has been the E.S.D.A. Coordinator for over 40 years. Weather awareness has always been important in our family. I can still remember being scared of the weather alert radio that would blare from my parent's bedroom.
Weather Alert Radios are devices that are activated via a special tone when a watch or warning is issued. The device has evolved greatly since I was little. Not only are portable versions available, but many models can be programmed to only activate for specific weather advisories.
In today's tech savvy world, there is no excuse for people to ever claim they are "unaware" of impending weather events. Numerous free weather apps are available on iTunes, Google Playstore, etc. Many TV stations have their own version of "Storm Mode" where they will not return to scheduled programming until all severe threats have passed the viewing area.
What I cannot understand is why a great number of people call the TV stations to complain. I recently watched a meteorologist on Channel 4 apologize profusely for interrupting an episode of "Big Brother." Seriously? People are more concerned about a faked "reality" show than they are about keeping their families (and themselves) safe?
Even with all of the advanced technology, there is no substitute for common sense. People have complained to my dad that they cannot hear the outdoor warning sirens from inside their home. The key word is OUTDOOR. These sirens are not meant to penetrate walls, basements, etc. They are designed to be heard OUTSIDE.
One resident became furious when he found out that a new siren was going to be installed in his subdivision. His issue? He claimed that he moved there for "peace and quiet." I suppose he is not concerned about the safety of his neighbors.
In 1968, a tornado ravaged our town. My dad decided that something needed to be done. He gathered his friends and went door-to-door gathering signatures to petition the mayor for outdoor warning sirens. Definitely not your typical high schooler.
Thousands of signatures later, the mayor purchased two sirens. Through grants, my dad was later able to secure two additional sirens. We are also designated as a StormReady Community by the National Weather Service.
Being weather aware is crucial, especially for those of us living in Tornado Alley. Remember that a watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather/tornadoes. A warning means that the severe weather/tornado is happening now. In the words of Channel 5 meteorologist Scott Connell, "Don't be a statistic."
I race to the local storm shelter. As a volunteer shelter manager for the local Emergency Service and Disaster Agency (E.S.D.A.), it is my responsibility to open the shelter when a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued.
Sadly, many people refuse to take action. The watches and warnings are viewed as a joke. Some even leave their safe area in order to film the impending storm. This is how lives are lost. In 2011, a devastating tornado ripped through Joplin, MO. Numerous people perished that day because they did not heed the National Weather Services' tornado watch that was issued. Instead, people continued with their outdoor activities until it was too late.
Some are brazen enough to think that they can "out run" a tornado or severe storm. With winds raging at over 100 miles per hour, throwing debris and destroying all objects in its path, tornadoes can easily overtake a vehicle.
My father has been the E.S.D.A. Coordinator for over 40 years. Weather awareness has always been important in our family. I can still remember being scared of the weather alert radio that would blare from my parent's bedroom.
Weather Alert Radios are devices that are activated via a special tone when a watch or warning is issued. The device has evolved greatly since I was little. Not only are portable versions available, but many models can be programmed to only activate for specific weather advisories.
In today's tech savvy world, there is no excuse for people to ever claim they are "unaware" of impending weather events. Numerous free weather apps are available on iTunes, Google Playstore, etc. Many TV stations have their own version of "Storm Mode" where they will not return to scheduled programming until all severe threats have passed the viewing area.
What I cannot understand is why a great number of people call the TV stations to complain. I recently watched a meteorologist on Channel 4 apologize profusely for interrupting an episode of "Big Brother." Seriously? People are more concerned about a faked "reality" show than they are about keeping their families (and themselves) safe?
Even with all of the advanced technology, there is no substitute for common sense. People have complained to my dad that they cannot hear the outdoor warning sirens from inside their home. The key word is OUTDOOR. These sirens are not meant to penetrate walls, basements, etc. They are designed to be heard OUTSIDE.
One resident became furious when he found out that a new siren was going to be installed in his subdivision. His issue? He claimed that he moved there for "peace and quiet." I suppose he is not concerned about the safety of his neighbors.
In 1968, a tornado ravaged our town. My dad decided that something needed to be done. He gathered his friends and went door-to-door gathering signatures to petition the mayor for outdoor warning sirens. Definitely not your typical high schooler.
Thousands of signatures later, the mayor purchased two sirens. Through grants, my dad was later able to secure two additional sirens. We are also designated as a StormReady Community by the National Weather Service.
Being weather aware is crucial, especially for those of us living in Tornado Alley. Remember that a watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather/tornadoes. A warning means that the severe weather/tornado is happening now. In the words of Channel 5 meteorologist Scott Connell, "Don't be a statistic."
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