Category Archives: Links

These pages show Maria’s favorite links

I have entered the world of dogs!

Miss Millie & chew toys - 2I was in San Diego last month attending to the needs of my elderly parents when I first encountered a foster mommy, her forever dog and the pup that she was taking care of that had been rescued from the streets of Los Angeles. I stopped and talking with her about the rescue organization and the circumstances regarding Millie’s need to be adopted.

The next day at a different time, in a different place I once again encountered Miss Millie, her foster mommy and forever dog. I asked if I could pick Millie up and I was told that’s what she lives for.

I scratched Millie’s face, she closed her eyes and leaned into my face. I was enchanted.

I have never had a dog as an adult. I was raised with a pet dog while I was growing up but it was clear that our dogs belonged to our father who took care of them, fed them, trained them etc.

I raised four children as a single mother. They were 2, 4, 6 and 8 when their father and I divorced. I used to say that I didn’t have time to potty train a dog because I was potty training children. I’ve been ‘home alone’ for nearly 5 years since my 4th child went off to college. The resulting freedom, independence and solitude were luxuries to me and the thought of taking on another responsibility was not in my game plan.

However, after I returned to my home last month, I couldn’t stop thinking about Millie and her circumstances. I logged onto the rescue’s website, www.forgottenpaws.org and saw Millie’s picture as available for adoption.

I contacted the woman that founded the rescue and she told me that Millie was indeed still available for adoption. I decided then and there that if I could raise 4 children, surely I’d be a good forever mommy to Miss Millie.

I drove back to San Diego to pick up Millie and we’ve been fast friends ever since! Millie loves everyone she encounters and every four legged friend too.

I take her to as many places as I can (that allow dogs) so as to incorporate her into her new life and make her as much a part of mine as possible.

Helping Others Achieve Their Goals

Norbert TanReinventing, retraining, attaining a dream is achievable for all of us.  Please join Maria on a special 2-part podcast about folks doing exactly that!  The Phoenix Scholarships are awarded by the Ventura College Foundation and it is helping to change people’s lives.  Executive Director, Norbert Tan and Scott, one of this year’s recipients share how VCF and their scholarships are assisting folks to reach their dreams. 

Click here for the VCF website.

Tuesday, November 5th, 2013 – CA State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson

HBJ_DOMESTIC_VIOLENCE__MG_3647.JPGCA State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson visits with Maria about the unveiling of the Purple Heart Trail extension along Highway 101. Jackson authored legislation this year to extend the Nation Purple Heart Trail through Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. She also discusses the positive year the state has had as well as some of the legislation that she authored and that Governor Jerry Brown signed into law.

Click here for her website.

Click the player below to listen!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 – Pichuberry, Manuel Villacorta R.D.

The lost Incan treasure and possibly the greatest superfruit to ever enter the United States has arrived.  Hailing from the Andes of Peru, meet the Pichuberry with guest and nationally respected dietitian, Manuel Villacorta, R.D.. 

 

Click here for the Pichuberry website

Click the player below to listen: 

Monday, September 9th, 2013 – Suicide Survivor Kevin Hines

Suicide survivor Kevin Hines shares his compelling and riveting story about his jump from the Golden Gate Bridge almost exactly 13 years ago.  He is an award-winning speaker, author, and mental health advocate.

 

Click here for Kevin’s website.

Click here for the Bridge Rail Foundation’s website.

Click the player below to listen: