Originally published in Bakersfield Life, November 2015 As an only child, I treasured our holiday gatherings, filled with my large and animated extended family. As an adult, I appreciate those get-togethers even more. But now, there’s an empty chair at our holiday table. Even while part of me is looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, … More Dealing With Grief During the Holiday Season
I learned today that my friend and mentor of 27 years…my former boss…has lost his life to a battle with leukemia. I count myself lucky to have considered Steve Ruggenberg a “forever friend,” and mentor at the times I have needed it most: early in my career, and recently as I explore my passion for … More In Honor of My Friend and Mentor…and Boss of Long Ago
Tomorrow morning I will be on the sidelines. When the alarm buzzes at 4:00 a.m., I won’t have to get up (but I will). I won’t have to pull on my running clothes and make sure my bib is pinned on my shirt (is it straight?). I won’t have to elbow my way through thousands … More Injuries Put Runners on the Sidelines and We Don’t Like It!
Tomorrow is Country Music Sunday. Oh, you’ve never heard of it? Really, it’s a “thing,” at least in my little sliver of the world. No, you didn’t miss some kind of nation-wide hype about celebrating the country music scene. The weekly observance was designated by our Zack and his group of friends several years ago, … More Country Music Sunday and Other Ties that Bind
By: Cheryl Scott, Published in July Issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine http://issuu.com/bakersfieldlifemagazine/docs/july_blife_-_web The phrase “summer vacation” conjures up a crazy collection of memories for me, including national parks, long drives, skyscrapers, and lots of adventures. Just hearing the words fills me — and other summer sojourners — with anticipation. Work demands are changing, though, and … More Taking Back the Great American Summer Vacation
Tomorrow is yellow, pink, baby blue and sunshine. Flowers, sweet fragrance. Sparkle and bling, trinkets and charms. Smiles, laughs and a warm embrace. Endless, unconditional, one-of-a-kind love. Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. It’s my first without the woman who taught me, by example, how to be a mother and how to be a daughter. Two roles … More Tomorrow is Mother’s Day
Published in the May 2015 edition of Bakersfield Life Magazine. They call me the dot connector in my office. I enjoy connecting the who, why, how and the with whom of today and yesterday. In my business (economic development), that can come in pretty handy. The best part for me, personally, is the vibrant tapestry … More It’s All About Friends and Family…That’s Why I Call This Place Home
Her bright orange petals were tucked in, close to her body, like a cape ready to unfurl. She stood tall and proud. A single, regal-looking California Poppy, mostly protected from the warm, late spring sunshine. She may well have been striving to be the last poppy standing, and I think she might make it! She … More Discovering a Whole New World, Just Outside My Back Door
I had lunch with a friend yesterday who really gets me. She’s taken my hand many times over the past year, figuratively and literally, and walked with me through what she and I call “the fire.” She’s the person who taught me that, when we’re facing the loss of a loved one (or any loss, … More Walking Through the Fire
A couple of years ago, while running the Whiskey Flat Trail Run in the mountains near the Kern River, I took my first (please let it be my last) serious fall while running. Like it tends to do during a fall, time slowed down and I felt like I was watching from above. I can … More Scar Sisters
FlutteringBy 