Monday, December 28, 2015

Achieve your Goals in 2016!

Happy New Year 2016

Time to celebrate the end of 2015 
and to usher in new year 2016.

A New Year means new chances, 
new opportunities, new goals. 
What do you want to achieve this year? 

Achieving your goals.

Wishing you all the best in 2016!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving

Gratitude quote by A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Can you tuck all the reasons you are thankful this season inside your heart? I bet you can.


Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving 
from J.Q. Rose

Monday, November 16, 2015

Pray for the People of Paris

Prayers for the People of Paris

Keeping the people of Paris and France 

and our world leaders in my prayers. 


Prayer is powerful. Please join me in praying for peace. 

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) Veterans Honored, Veterans Day 2015

"Our Eyes are on the Stars", the title of the float, celebrates the courage of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.
 ta
Because of the Wingtip to Wingtip Association float in the 2014 Rose Parade, the 1102 women who served their country as Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) received recognition for their contribution to the war in 1942-1944. These brave trailblazers dreamed of flying for their nation. Because there was a shortage of male pilots for combat duty, the women pushed to become pilots in order to free up the men for fighting the war. The WASP group members were assigned to ferry military planes between military bases in the USA and flights from aircraft factories to ports of embarkation. They also towed targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice, simulated strafing missions, and transported cargo. A few exceptionally qualified women were allowed to test rocket-propelled planes, to pilot jet-propelled planes, and to work with radar-controlled targets.

The reproduction of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the WASP decorates the side of the float. The 38 stars around the medal salute the 38 WASP who lost their lives in service to their country.
The courageous women  were not considered members of the military and received no recognition as veterans until 1977 when the WASP records were unsealed. According to Wikipedia, on July 1, 2009 President Barack Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. During the ceremony President Obama said, "The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country's call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve." 

More than 15000 red Freedom roses decorate the length of the float.

The first issue of the Fifinella Gazette was published February 10, 1943. The female gremlin Fifinella was conceived by Roald Dahl and drawn by Walt Disney, and used as the official WASP mascot that appeared on their shoulder patches.
The Girls Succeed blog salutes the WASP who opened the skies to later generations of female pilots in the military. Thank you to all those who serve in the USA military service both past and present.
Thank a vet this Veterans Day, November 11, 2015.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween
If you celebrate Halloween, have a happy, safe time! 
BOO!

Trick or Treat?
Save some candy for me!!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Young Author Aija Mayrock: Stop the Bullying

Something About Bullying: Pay It Forward with Aija Mayrock
This morning a young woman's voice broke through with a message about bullying. Aija Mayrock has appeared as a guest and written articles on the subject because Aija Mayrock became the target of bullies when she was only eight years old. This continued until she finally got help at fifteen. She didn't tell anyone, not even her parents, that she endured name-calling, physical confrontations, and cyber bullying.

Watch Aija tell her story in this YouTube video and discover what to do if you are being bullied.

VIDEO:

Something About Bullying: Pay It Forward with Aija Mayrock
from You Tube

Have you been bullied or are you being bullied? Tell your parents, your teacher, someone you trust. Don't suffer alone like Aija did. 



Aija wants to stop bullying so she wrote The Survival Guide to Bullying

From Amazon-"Written by a teenager who was bullied throughout middle school and high school, this kid-friendly book offers a fresh and relatable perspective on bullying. Along the way, the author offers guidance as well as different strategies that helped her get through even the toughest of days."

See if your teacher or school library has a copy for you. To learn more about the e-book and/or to purchase, click the book cover below.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

5-Star Review for Girls Succeed!, 5 Girls Book Reviews, Giveaway

Painting by Julie Ann McKevitt


I am thrilled to report that Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women received a five star review from 12-year-old Arianna!  Arianna and her three sisters  review books in their age range on the 5 Girls Book Reviews site.  I’ve had so much fun meeting and working with them. The fifth girl is their mom who is the overseer of the site and active in helping the girls with their writing and posting. 

Here's an excerpt from Arianna's book review.

The Book Review by Arianna at 5 Girls Book Reviews

I really loved this book because it proves that if girls put their mind to it, we can accomplish anything! Each inspiring story provides an amazing quote...
My favorite inspirational story is Mackenzie Woodring, because even after sustaining her injuries and losing her sister she still managed to come back and achieve her dream. 

 You can find the entire book review at the 5 Girls Book Reviews here.

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You can win this e-book! I’m giving away the book to a lucky winner. Click the linkto the page at 5 Girls Book Reviews to enter. 

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Excerpt from Girls Succeed!

Because Arianna was inspired by bike racer Mackenzie Woodring’s story in the book, I thought I’d share an excerpt from the chapter on Mackenzie.

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.”
Helen Keller, writer, lecturer

MACKENZIE WOODRING
CYCLIST ROAD RACER

Bike racer Mackenzie Woodring
Speeding Around the Track
Can you drink a bottle of water or eat a nutrition bar as you are zooming along on your bicycle at twenty-five miles per hour?  You have to eat something if you, like Mackenzie Woodring, are in a road race on your bike. The water and snacks keep your strength up and your mind alert during the three to four hour race.  Oh yes, and don’t forget that you are traveling at high speeds in a pack of forty to sixty racers only inches away from each other. One wrong move will bring down the entire group of riders resulting in serious injuries.
As a member of the Einstein racing team, elite cyclist Mackenzie Woodring is well aware of the danger and challenge when she competes in races all over the country.  Racing at forty miles per hour in a road race in Arkansas in 2006, she realized the front wheel of her bike began to wobble due to loose bearings.  Instead of letting the bike’s wheel snap off in the middle of the pack, she whipped off the side of the road to prevent an accident with the other riders.  Mackenzie hurtled into the ditch where she wrecked her bike and broke her left hand and wrist.  Her quick thinking avoided injuries to the other racers, but she ended up with six screws in her hand and wrist, sore muscles, and a painful back.
Mackenzie’s road to becoming a champion racer was difficult as she struggled to recover from her injuries. Another blow to her fragile health was the loss of her sister that same year. Growing up together in Western Michigan with their brother, Mackenzie and sister Sunny were close but each one excelled at different interests. Mackenzie loved solving technical and mechanical problems and could change a spark plug on the mower. Her younger sister Sunshine’s talent was in music and art. Sadly Mackenzie’s twenty-three year old sister passed away in 2006 after a fatal accident in her home.
Mackenzie fought back from the loss of her sister and from the injuries she sustained in the racing accident.  She was determined to continue to train and race with her team. It paid off for her when she won the Tour de Leelanau in Michigan in September 2006.  She continues to race knowing that her sister’s spirit is with her all the way.
Racing is her passion.
“It’s exciting, exhilarating, and fun!” the 2012 Michigan Women’s Champion said. “I love working with my team, the technical aspects of my bike, and being with a great group of people.”
The team sponsors finance the team of men and women racers who compete at professional and amateur levels of bicycle racing.  Their support allows the racers to have the finest equipment and to enter the many races held all over the nation.
The shiny racing bikes with their skinny tires cost $4000-$6000 each. These aluminum or carbon fiber frame bicycles are light, but very strong. The special equipment, such as helmets, glasses, padded gloves, and padded shorts, are essential for protecting the riders at high speeds.  The flat, hard plastic-soled shoes made for clipping into the pedals will not bend.  All of the rider’s power is put into pedaling and not overcoming the bending in the sole.  Even the tight fitting racing uniforms are designed to help the riders go fast.
Working in a team of four to six racers, the members practice tactics that will help them win.  The racers take turns leading the pack of riders, known as the peloton.  They block riders on the opposing teams so that their teammates can pedal on past to get ahead of the opponents. 
Another strategy for winning is drafting.  Team members closely follow the fast rider ahead of them. The rider in front breaks the wind ahead to make it easier for the back rider to race.  Team members take turns because it takes a lot of strength and energy to be the rider in front.
At this level of competition, Mackenzie has to keep training year round.  It is difficult for her to put in the ten to twenty hours of training each week because she also has a full time job as an engineer.  Ninety percent of the women who race need to work at another job.  The prize money for winning is not enough to depend on for a living.
Mackenzie is an athlete and was on the award winning softball, volleyball, and track teams in high school. While at Ferris State College in Michigan, she was voted the Most Valuable Player and named All Conference in cross country. Mackenzie realizes the work and discipline needed to excel in sports.  She applies these same work ethics to cycling competitions.
So how did Mackenzie go from running track to racing bikes? After Mackenzie graduated from college she began mountain biking. The bike helped her stay fit. She enjoyed the challenge and excitement in racing and decided to compete in a mountain bike race. When Mackenzie competed in Vermont at the Green Mountain Stage Race, a four day event, she came out as one of the top ten finishers in the mountain riding event. This was the race that convinced her to be a competitive cyclist.
In 2008 Mackenzie won a place on the Team USA Paralympics Cycling Team.  She was the pilot for blind rider, Karissa Whitsell.  Mackenzie and Karissa rode their tandem bike, a bike built for two riders, in this world class contest and won gold, silver, and bronze medals for the United States at the Beijing games in 2008.
Mackenzie and Karissa crashed their tandem bike in a race in Denmark in 2009 and suffered injuries, but they are healed and both are back on the 2014 Paracycling National Team.
Mackenzie and team mate Kara Vatthauer won two gold medals at the 2012 National Paralympics games. Mackenzie continues to train hard to achieve the goals of winning international races and to bring home gold medals in the 2016 Paralympics games.
While Mackenzie trains with Team USA in paracycling, she still competes in road races with her Michigan-based team. There are many different types of bike races, track racing, loop racing, mountain biking free style, and downhill races.  Cyclo-cross is like a road race, but it’s held in a park on a grassy course with lots of water crossings, mud, hills, and rugged terrain. 
Mackenzie laughs when she says, “I love cyclo-cross.  It’s a different kind of race.  You get muddy and it’s so much fun.”
Practice and determination to be the best she can be are all pieces that fit together to make up Mackenzie’s busy life of work as a quality engineering manager and racing as a cyclist at the elite level of competition.
“You are capable of doing anything you set your mind to,” she says. “Never doubt yourself in anything. And, always have fun!”
---Excerpt from Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women by J.Q. Rose.
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The role models for girls featured in Girls Succeed!

After sharing this excerpt from the book, I hope you’ll see why Arianna chose to feature Mackenzie Woodring in her review. Fourteen more women are in Girls Succeed. Maybe one of their careers is the one you are learning about.

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Follow the Girls Succeed! blog so you can be notified when a new post is added. Articles on remarkable women, trailblazing women, and books for Middle Grade and Young Adult books are the topics we discuss here.  You can sign up in the box at the top of the side bar. I promise, NO SPAM!

If you’re interested in sharing an article on a woman you admire, please send the article to me for consideration of publishing it on the Girls Succeed. Click the tab at the top of the page, You Can Write for Girls Succeed or click this link for more information.

Thank you for stopping in today. Remember to enter the drawing for the FREE e-book.

Please take a minute to leave a comment. The five girls and I would love to hear from you.



Sunday, September 13, 2015

Spotlight: Unveiling the Wizards' Shroud by Eric Price

Teen/YA fantasy
First book in the series

Winner of the 2014 Literary Classics Award for Best First Novel.


Back Cover
As the only son to King Kendrick, Owen despises the idea of being king one day. Magician may be the only career he’d like less. He has dreaded the days leading up to his fifteenth birthday, when his father will certainly declare Owen heir to the throne. But at the birthday celebration, his father falls ill. The only person in the kingdom that may be able to save him is a magician–the very same magician Owen holds responsible for the death of his mother.
Owen and his companions will have to travel the continent of Wittatun in search of the cure for King Kendrick. On the journey, they will battle strange beasts and harsh climates, befriend extraordinary magicians, and meet a dragon before returning to Innes Castle–where much has happened in the days since they departed.
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Eric shared his visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on the Travelogue at my blog, J.Q. Rose. Pop over there to see his great photos and narrative. Eric is a true Harry Potter fan. How about you?
About Eric:
Author Photo
Eric Price lives with his wife and two sons in northwest Iowa. He began publishing in 2008 when he started writing a quarterly column for a local newspaper. 

Later that same year he published his first work of fiction, a spooky children’s story called Ghost Bed and Ghoul Breakfast. Since then, he has written stories for children, young adults, and adults. 

Three of his science fiction stories have won honorable mention from the CrossTime Annual Science Fiction Contest. 

His first YA fantasy novel, Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud, received the Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval and the Literary Classics Award for Best First Novel. 

His second novel, The Squire and the Slave Master, continues the Saga of the Wizards. It is scheduled for a September 2015 release. 

Find him online at authorericprice.comTwitterFacebook, and Goodreads.

For more information and to purchase, click the links below:
MuseItUp Publishing 

and


Sunday, September 6, 2015

Happy Labor Day and Fantastic New School Year


In West Michigan Labor Day signals the end of summer 
and time to return to class.
Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day 
and an excellent New School Year!!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

United Nations Advocate, Actress Meghan Markle

Red Theater Curtain
Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net Photo by ponsulak

Actress Meghan Markle is best-known for her role as the overachiever paralegal, Rachel Zane, on the TV drama, Suits. She writes and curates the website, The Tig

Meghan says, "The Tig is a hub for the discerning palate - those with a hunger for food, travel, fashion & beauty. I wanted to create a space to share all of these loves, to invite friends to share theirs as well, and to be the breeding ground for ideas & excitement - - for an inspired lifestyle."

Last year this amazing actress and lifestyle leader was asked to present a speech at the United Nations after writing an article on The Tig on women's empowerment. She said, "As the UN Women Advocate for Political Participation & Leadership, I am proud to be behind a mission that empowers women to make their voices stronger, their influence bolder, and their support of one another unsurpassable."

Meghan is a champion for women to become leaders to change the world for the better. Everyone will benefit, men, women, and children. "We'll all win."
Take a peek at her message in this YouTube video.


You can become a leader too. Follow your dreams and become a world changer.
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Do you see yourself as a leader in your class, in your school? Leave a comment below.
Get every blog post on Girls Succeed by adding your email address in the Follow by Email box in the sidebar. I promise, NO SPAM! Thank you.


Thursday, August 20, 2015

Updates on Amazing Women Breaking Down Barriers in the News

Live your dreams.
Hello and welcome to the Girls Succeed! blog. I'm J.Q. Rose, author of the eBook for girls, Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women. 

I hope you've enjoyed lots of summer fun activities.
Beautiful Lake Cadillac, Michigan
I have, as evidenced by my hiatus from writing this blog. We've had lots of company, played with our grandkids, and camped at several beautiful places in Michigan with our family,
Sign on our camper
I finished writing a mystery novel, and I had eye surgery. And even that didn't ruin my summer, just slowed me down a bit using the computer.

Updates on Amazing Women Breaking Down Barriers in the News

1. Two strong, brave women will be the first females to pass the grueling course to become Army Rangers. Their names have not been released, but they will be soon when they graduate from the program tomorrow, Friday, August 21.


2. Sarah Thomas made news when she became the first National Fotball League permanent female referee and has started working pre-season games. Check out the blog post about Sarah on the Girls Succeed! blog here.

Female coach in the NBA
3.  Becky Hammond is the first woman to coach as a full-time employee of the National Basketball Association. She will be an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs.

Congratulations to all these amazing, successful women! They certainly had to Dream Big to achieve these accomplishments.
Dream Big!
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Do you know a woman who is a trailblazer? Do you have a role model you wish to emulate? Write a short article about her and email it to me for consideration for publishing on the Girls Succeed blog. Email me at jqrose02@gmail.com 


Writing an article
Learn more about submission by clicking this link for submission to Girls Succeed!

Add your email address to the Follow by Email box so you can receive notices of a new blog post on the Girls Succeed blog. I promse NO SPAM. Thank you.



Monday, July 6, 2015

Congratulations to the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team!

Jumping for Joy!!

Congratulations to the U.S Women's National Soccer Team on becoming the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Champions! Way to go!!


2015 FIFA Women
Team USA Women's Soccer World Cup Champions!
Photo from US Soccer.com
Teamwork and talent leads a team to victory like this. Congratulations to the team and staff. Individuals were recognized for their outstanding play. Carli Loyd and goalkeeper Hope Solo were awarded the Golden Ball and Golden Glove, as the best player and the best goalkeeper at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

We're thrilled the women went all out to achieve their goal of becoming the world champions! 

For the complete story of the game and the players go to the US Soccer site here.


Friday, July 3, 2015

Happy Birthday USA!


Wishing you all a fantastic Fourth of July!

Be safe and don't eat too many hot dogs!!

Friday, June 19, 2015

Vacation Time!

Packing my bags for a vacation.
Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com by Victor Habbick
Hi Friend,

Thanks for stopping in.

It's that time of year again. Vacation Time!! Woot woot.

I'll tell you all about our trip, but for now it's a secret. Shhhh...

What are your plans this summer? Vacation, road trip, camping, camp, bike rides, festivals, hanging out with friends?

Whatever you choose, have a great Summer!!

Janet

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Race Car Driver Danica Patrick: Great Role Model for Girls

Danica Patrick's Race Car
Photo from Danica's Facebook Page
Race car driver Danica Patrick is burning up the race track. But in between races, she enjoys time with kids. She's a great role model for girls. Watch this You tube video of Danica visiting the boys and girls club.



Click on the links for more stories about Danica Patrick on the J.Q. Rose blog:

Trailblazer Danica Patrick  

Danica Patrick Races Today in the Daytona 500

Books about Danica Patrick




Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Trailblazer: First American Woman into Space: Astronaut Sally Ride

Ride-s.jpg
Astronaut Sally Ride
NASA Photo
May 26 is Astronaut Sally Ride's birthday. Accepted into the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) training program, she was the first American woman to fly in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger. Her first flight in 1983 she was a mission specialist and helped deploy satellites and worked other projects. She made another trip on the Challenger the next year. She was scheduled to fly again in the Challenger, but unfortunately the shuttle crashed in 1986. She was appointed to the presidential committee to investigate the explosion. 

Sally continued her work at NASA until 1987 when according to the bio site, she "became the director of the California Space Institute at the University of California, San Diego, as well as a professor of physics at the school in 1989. In 2001, she started her own company to create educational programs and products known as Sally Ride Science to help inspire girls and young women to pursue their interests in science and math. Ride served as president and CEO."

VIDEO:

Listen to Sally talk about her experience on her first flight into space.

You Tube Video: Astronaut Sally Ride's First Flight into Space on the Challenger Shuttle
1983
Would you like to fly in space? Leave a comment below and tell us if you are interested in exploring space.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Memorial Day 2015: Remembering Women in Military Service


Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day in the USA. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began with the practice of remembering those who died during the Civil War in the 1860's. Women decorated the graves of the Confederate and Union soldiers. In the 1900's all of those in service to our country were remembered with flowers on their graves. 
Tribute to Women in the USA MilitaryForces
You may be surprised to learn that women began serving on the battlefield as far back in history as the American Revolution, the war for independence from England, as nurses, water bearers, cooks, laundresses, and saboteurs. Check out the highlights of the history of women in the military in this informative article. 

A memorial for these brave women is in Arlington Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. 

Women in Military Service for America Memorial
located at the Ceremonial Gate to Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA
The Women In Military Service For America Memorial honors the more than two million women who have served or are serving in or with the US Armed Forces starting with the American Revolution.

The Memorial houses an Exhibit Gallery,Hall of HonorGift ShopTheaterUpper TerraceCourt of Valor and, the heart of the Memorial, a computerized Register containing 250,000 women's stories. Admission to the Memorial is absolutely free. 

On Memorial Day, I hope you will take some time at your picnics and get-togethers to  remember those men and women who served so that we can enjoy the Freedom we have in the USA.
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More blog posts on the Girls Succeed blog featuring women in the military: