Some Serious Reporting

This serious group of girls had a seriously great opportunity ... and even though it has taken me a while to get up a post about it, it's still one of my favorite moments. 

Tulsa Shock graciously worked with us on a BIG event where girls had the opportunity to experience different roles through the night.  I brought in a good friend of mine who is a real reporter and journalist to lead and inspire the girls.  Not only did he do that, but he was able to get them an interview with the coach after the game!

This is what makes my heart so soft ... people who volunteer simply by sharing their skills and abilities, making a new opportunity open up for girls.  I don't know if they realized how lucky they were, but they took full advantage of the moment!  I was so impressed.  They asked not only great questions, but GUTSY questions!  One, in fact, made the other reporters in the room gasp and scribble in their notebooks, too.  But even better than that, they made the coach's day and she encouraged them as well.

One young lady submitted her story to the Girl Scout Council, so we put it up online and you can read all about it (including her gutsy question) by clicking here.

Diversity and Legacies

It does my heart good when I hear about inspiration and encouragement that simply relies on the human experience. Neither age nor race should play a discriminating role in the impact a person's life can have on the future of a girl. And I'm proud to say that I have found Girl Scouting to truly be a place where that is demonstrated.

Take Dawn and Dorothy, for instance. Dawn (left) grew up in McAlester with Dorothy (right) as her troop leader. At a recent event to honor Dorothy, the thanks and the stories that poured from Dawn's heart brought both laughter and tears. Dawn is NOT the outdoor type and as a girl had a hard time spending time away from home. Dorothy always encouraged her and always let her go home when it got to be too much ... time and time and time again.

Because of Dorothy's open encouragement, Dawn continued to take steps as she was ready, and eventually she made it through a night, and a weekend, and she has even successfully camped. But it wasn't just about staying overnight. It was about developing those core leadership skills - courage, confidence and character. The wisdom of patient leadership is what Dawn needed. And as a result, she had more than just a successful experience as a Girl Scout. She is now a professional Girl Scout staff member along with Dorothy! And maybe even more importantly, she is guiding her own daughter on a similar path in Girl Scouting to discover her strengths and master them one step at a time.

Dawn and Dorothy are both women who embody the Girl Scout Mission of making the world a better place ... one step at a time, one girl at a time. These women make me proud to be a Girl Scout, too!

It Only Takes A Spark ...

This morning, six girls were out making the world a better place. I was there, I took photos, and I had my proud moments again. But you know what made me stop and think today? This young girl.

As we took photos, she had an idea for a picture. Then another idea ... and another. I offered her one of my cameras, and she told me that she liked being in front of the camera but not really behind it (quite the opposite of me). My daughter and I showed her a couple of things about the camera and how it worked. Before we knew it, the photographer had been unleashed!

There were no lack of ideas, and I think we attempted nearly every one of them. There was laughter, delighted squeals when something turned out extra special, and the animated gushing only pre-teen girls can do that makes everything feel like an adventure. So, an adventure we had! All it took was a little spark of inspiration and someone to take note and fan the flame.

(Get ready to sing ... I'm taking you back to my junior high church choir and our favorite song.)

It Only Takes A Spark ... To Get A Fire Going ... The words are more than a song in my head. At least they are when I stop to think about it! As a mom, I think I'm guilty of letting sparks die far too often. I admit it. I'm busy. We have a demanding schedule. And there are opportunities that slide by on a daily basis. I think it's that way for so many of us moms out there. It's probably that way in any realm for ANY of us out there.

I'll admit something else. This adventure was not something I did by choice. It's humbling, but I truly only made the effort because my department made a mistake in posting the information for this particular opportunity. While I probably could have waved a boss wand and sent the situation elsewhere, I decided to personally get involved and try to make it something special. I had to wrestle myself out of the house to go do it!

Roll that all together, and there are several life lessons to toss around. But you know what? I'm just glad I somehow had the patience to let the moments unfold. It really was only a spark. And out of the 441 photos we brought back with us ... less than 100 were mine! Yep, I'd say that was a fire.

Forever and Ever

Katie is yet another superstar Girl Scout. Today she came by the office to show off her tattoo (and get a Girl Scout Cookie order form). I'm thinking maybe GSUSA could consider partnering with tattoo shops to offer discounts for lifetime members!

Girl Scouts are thinking outside the box!

Click here to see them on CBS!

Zandra and the United Way

Engaging, gregarious and full of life, Zandra charms everyone she speaks to during a video shoot for Tulsa Area United Way. She spoke about what being a Girl Scout means to her. Born with a rare medical condition, Zandra has to overcome many challenges that the rest of the world never things about. She was born without ribs. While you would think that would keep most people from enjoying life, Zandra has not let it slow her down one bit. In fact, she is one of our top cookie sellers! Zandra admits it is her favorite time of the year, and she thoroughly enjoys selling cookies. But above and beyond the thrill of the sale, she talks about how Girl Scouts is her chance to be around other girls and do all the exciting things Girl Scouts do. Her troop meets weekly (led by her physical therapist) and the three nurses that provide constant care also provide "taxi service" and make sure Zandra is part of everything the troop does.

Zandra's story is heartwarming and challenging, which warms my heart in and of itself. But something surprising melted my heart while we stood in Woodward Park waiting for the shoot to begin. She looked up at me, eyes sparkling, "How is your summer going?" She asked and she really wanted to know. Her pure curiosity broke through the world of busy schedules, no-time-for-others lifestyles, and other adult and work pressures. I stopped and realized that I couldn't recall anyone asking me that question, (and I don't know that I had asked anyone else, either). "Why thank you for asking," I said, "I don't know that anyone has asked me yet!" I can't remember what I mumbled initially, but I tried to tell her what I still feel at this moment ... "My summer is definitely brighter after meeting you!"

Beth Burnett Shares Inspiration

Our Gold Award girls had a special treat ... Beth Burnett, a reporter with our local Channel 2 (KJRH). She shared her personal story and encouraged the girls to pursue their dreams. Overcoming obstacles was a way of life for Beth. She made it through some very difficult years in her youth and has become an award-winning reporter. I loved her response when she was invited to speak for Girl Scouts, "I would be glad to speak! That's why I do what I do. I want to be able to make a difference."

Stunned and Stunning

Magic Empire Council held both Gold and Silver Award Ceremonies. It was my first exposure to a taste of what these girls do. It isn't just a "simple project." The list of qualifications just to begin a project is impressive! A minimum number of hours is required when working on these projects, and it's probably more than most adults would ever realize. Not to mention that these aren't girls with extra time on their hands! They are high achievers.

I loved one moment I overheard while a Tulsa World reporter was interviewing one of our girls ... He asked what her grade point average was. "4.2," she replied. There was a moment of stunned silence. "On what scale?" When he found out she held a 4.2 on a scale of 4.0 (evidently advanced courses can earn a little extra!), he was truly stunned. And I loved it. Of course, I believe our girls are simply stunning as it is! But it sure is wonderful to witness a moment where someone else is truly surprised and impressed.

E-N-V-I-S-I-O-N it in D3!

The pleasure of having Dominique Dawes was all ours. She spoke to our Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon about E-N-V-I-S-I-O-N, her keys to success. If I hadn't been behind a camera, I would have been taking notes so I could have blogged what each one stood for! Maybe my Girl Scout sisters can help me out with the acronym.

My favorite reference, however, was to her "D-3" inspiration, which she first squirted on her mirror with her father's shaving cream: Determination, Dedication, Desire. It reminded me a little of my "IngShui" elements which are a visual reminder of my desires and goals. I think it is SO important to find ways that are personally meaningful to envision goals!

Two Women Who Made History

Today we had the great privilege of having Olympic Gold Medalist, Dominique Dawes, as our guest at the Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon. She had the pleasure of being introduced to our own Girl Scout "Hall of Famer" Ann Graves, the woman behind JLLS. If I have my details straight, they both have a common connection ... the National Board of GSUSA. Ann Graves has served (and I believe is on the nominating committee currently) and Dominique is hoping to serve. What a beautiful connection!

All Smiles For The Tulsa World Camera

Our Juliette Low Leadership Society held a fabulous tea in the home of Sally Hughes (seated at left). Among the notable guests is the legendary Ann Graves (pictured right), who started the society years ago. Seated between these two amazing women, our own Girl Scout, Julia, shared the afternoon with the expansive group of ladies and imparted an eloquent speech on what Girl Scouting means to her.

As always, our Girl Scouts make me so proud! We truly do have the most remarkable young women around.

And a side note ... while I have a plethora of beautiful photos of the event, this one tickles me because of Paula's reflection in the mirror. She is truly the event diva for all things Juliette Low!

Standing Ovations All Around ...

Little miss Abigayle spoke to an important crowd at the Annual Meeting for Girl Scouts of Magic Empire Council and received a standing ovation. She shared a bit about her Bronze Award, which brought her on an unexpected path that went beyond a good deed. Inspired by her cousin who is faced with immune deficiency challenges, she attempted to get 100 new plasma donors. She didn't meet her goal ... she was on her way to 300! The company that she worked with recognized her with a plaque and when the national organization found out what she had done, they flew her and her cousin to Florida to speak at their meeting as well.

Aren't our Girl Scouts amazing? This little 10 year old is already making an impact on her community and the lives within it. I'm so proud to be a Girl Scout!

Speaking of proud to be Girl Scouts ... we are all proud to become Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma! The vote to accept the plan and agreement of merger passed unanimously.

After 5:00 ... it's Girl Scout Cookie Time!

It's after 5:00 ... sometimes it's the time when I can settle in and finally get some work done! Tonight as I walked back into the east wing of the Girl Scout office, I am dreaming of my Lemon Chalet Cremes and have decided they are just the thing I need to keep the thinking juices going for a little longer.

I walk by Pam's office and laugh to myself as I see her Lemon Chalet Cremes open on her desk. I walk by another office with an open box of cookies ... then another ... and another! I couldn't resist getting the camera out. Here's what I found (if you don't see captions that tell who had cookies, click on the little yellow icon on the bottom left):



One thing is for sure ... We sure support our local Girl Scout Cookie Sale!

Channel 2 Just Ate Us Up!

Yummmmmmminess abounds at KJRH Channel 2 with a food segment featuring our own Sasha and PR Star Alyson! The decadent cookie shakes are enough to make you swoon ... or exercise!

Smart Cookies!

Hannah, Kacie, and Rachael are interviewed by intern Nicole Macia for a feature in the March issue of Tulsa Kids Magazine. For those of you in the Tulsa area, pick up a free copy to see the cute photo! While PR can be exciting, there are parts that aren't the most glamorous. I had to laugh at the difference between the fun photos and the body language during the interview.

Brownie Cuteness in Tulsa People Magazine

Emilee, Heather, and Faith are photographed by Michelle Weeks for the March issue of Tulsa People. For those of you in the Tulsa area, pick up a free copy to see the absolutely adorable photo!

Thank you, Channel 8!

While we get media attention from many stations, I just had to post this because I'm so proud! My daughter had to come with me to two morning shows, and wore her uniform because she hoped she could sit on the set (I told her only the older girls were being interviewed). Well, at Channel 8, they asked if she could be part of it and weren't supposed to give her a microphone, but did anyway! When asked on camera what she liked about selling Girl Scout Cookies, I held my breath. You never know what the young ones will say. "I like meeting new people," she said. What an awesome answer! I was so proud!

PR Stars Hit The Set of Channel 6

Hannah's TV debut had the news anchors eating out of her hand (well, at least figuratively). They quickly dived into the cookies we brought along to the set! I have to say, this was a GREAT interview. The value of leadership and the learning involved in the Cookie Sale was highlighted, and that made us all quite happy!

Channel 8 is Really Great!

OK ... so the cheesy rhyme is cheesy. But our segment with Channel 8 wasn't cheesy. It was cookie-riffic! Our own Cookie Diva took the stage with our PR Star Olivia for our first TV appearance of the season. Way to go, girls!

Thanks K95.5 FM Tulsa!

Three of our "pilot" PR Stars girls had their first taste of radio today at K95.5 FM with two gracious hosts, Karla Cantrell and Matt Bradley. Between laughter, giggles, and trying on the blinking nose we managed to say that these cookies help girls go to camp and that we have three new cookies this year - Lemon Chalet Cremes, Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, and new All Abouts! Personally, I didn't realize until I was a mother of a Girl Scout that these cookies don't just "in general" help girls go to camp ... but each girl earns cookie credit with each box sold. And that's in addition to the all the other ways the cookie "crumbles" to help the troop, council, scholarships, etc.!