An unexpected announcement

For the past several months I have struggled with my publishing company. I would get the run around, or ignored no matter how many phone calls I made. I was beginning to think something was fishy. Boy, was I right. I can no longer get on their website and they have major law suits filed against them. In the meantime, I am working on a second edition of Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors." I will continue my speaking events and book signings and am excited about the future. It is our hope that Matt's Last Call" will turn out better than before.When all is said and done I hope to blog more and get my website up to date. God is Great!

A Long Drive South

Ron and I just returned from Klamath Falls, Oregon where I spoke at three different facilities. The first one I spoke with doctors, nurses, veterans, firefighters, law enforcement and a few general pubic. I basically had a training power point followed by Q & A. The firefighters were called out on a call - I talked with them before the presentation and told them if they were called out I might ask if I could go with them. They chuckled - they received a call - I said, "Be Safe , can I go too?" They chuckled as they left. Before I go any farther I must say my dear husband gave me his nasty cold. Luckily that 7:00 in the morning was the only one I had that day. Throat was sore and voice raspy. My classmate who started this entire process put us up at the Running Y World Mark. It was beautiful. We walked around, ate in their restaurant and then went back to get some sleep and try to recover from these colds. Actually, I spent about two hours getting ready for my second event at 9 in the morning on Wednesday. This was open to the general public. The tech guy told me his story of his friend's suicide. So sad. As I spoke I noticed how intently he was listening. A great young man and so helpful. First thing that morning I received a call from my friend who told me the military event was definitely on. The Oregon Institute of Technology event was a good group of people although not many had and questions. At 1:00 on Wednesday afternoon we headed for Kingsley Air Force Base where we met the Chief!. What a personable man. So much energy and so happy I was able to come speak to his Airmen. As my friend and husband followed us we discussed exactly what he wanted. He shared that 5-6 air force personnel had committed suicide that month due to failed relationships and just wanted me to share my story which was perfect for me. Prior to my speaking we had about an hour to kill. I was all set up so the Chief took us on a tour of the base. We saw the F-15 and learned the process they go through before they ever start flying. He showed us the mechanics room, which is being remodeled, where the Airmen mechanics were working. It was so quiet - I expected a lot of noise. We saw how the engines work. He then introduced me to many coworkers. These people were so friendly and thankful that I was able to come to the base. My husband wanted to take pictures but he wasn't allowed due to high security. The room was filled for my presentation - and off I went. As I shared, "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors," Ron and I did a little role play. One of my main points was to consider all who will be left behind if that awful choice is made. At that point I opened it up to Q & A. As the questions began, the conversation took on a life of its own as one after another shared a personal story or made a comment on someone else's question, etc. Everyone was engaged and talked about what might be done to help the Airmen on base. At the end, I was given a picture of the F-15. So cool. One of my highlights is that before I started speaking I was chatting with two young men who had been Marines. After talking with them for several minutes we realized that they were in boot camp in San Diego the same time Matthew was. They were one and two classes behind him but thought they might have met him. What an end to a fabulous trip. Unfortunately, my cold kept getting worse and worse. However, God made sure my voice held out until I was done speaking. Our trip home was about 9 hours. To my friend - thank you for all the work you did and for believing in me. If we hadn't had colds we would have spent a lot more time with you. May God richly Bless you. Thanks to all involved in this week's presentations.

Possible Hacker

There is a possible hacker on several websites, mine is one of them. Since I can not access my site for updates, I will post my events on my blog and face book page so everyone can follow what I am doing. I will let you all know when my website is up and running again.

January 14 - I will be speaking at a private event. PEO - 10:00 AM. I look forward to sharing my story with this great group of women.

More to come - just waiting for some confirmations. If I can be of help to anyone just let me know.

My website is: http//mattcutshort.tateauthor.com
God is great and has provided me with so much. I am so thankful.

A New Year

I am looking forward to 2012. I am retiring from coaching tennis, effective June 30. My book, A Life Too Short: Matt's Story, should be ready for prelaunch around July.
With retirement my husband and I can do so much more. Promoting my book, travelling, working in the yard, seeing the grandkids more and basically doing what we want without a schedule. My husband wants to do more Men's Ministry. I know he is a bit nervous about the retirement "thing." He knows it's time but has a fear what will "I" do. He will be fine but I guess it can be a little scarey. To tell you the truth I am just plain excited.
God is great and I know with us following His will, Not our own, we will be just fine.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year - 2012. Be sure to checkout my FB Julie Zielinski Author and follow along with little teesers from my up and coming book.
May God Bless You all.

I'm Back

Wow! Where has the time gone. In June I helped my husband with our high school tennis camp. When that was over we  went to Hawaii for a week. We had a great time. The weather was perfect unlike home where it continues to be windy.

After Hawaii we stayed at our daughter's and her family for the night and then brought our grandson home with us for a week and a half. We had so much fun playing, football, tennis, baseball, swimming etc. He is 7 and adorable. Reminds me of Matthew. He has so many of Matthew's mannerisms. A joy to have any time. He loves to go to grandmas.

Both our kids, spouses and grandchildren were home to help me celebrate my birthday. We had a great day boating (the hottest day of summer (94!) and BBQ. Then home for cake and ice cream and gifts! Ron's cousin and his wife had us over for dinner with special friends on my actual birthday. My birthday continues as I was taken out to lunch and a cool gift with a great friend. Plus my sister-in-law stopped by with another great gift. I will continue to celebrate next week with a couple other friends.

God is great and He has provided me with very special people. My family is awesome and I love watching the family grow.

I am also back working on my book. I have to find that part that will grab an agent or publishers attention. The Lord will guide me because I cannot possibly do it by myself and my editor.

Until next time. BE SAFE!