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I'm dedicating this blog to all the great teachers out there.
You have no idea the seeds that you are sowing and the futures you are creating.
Lucky for me, I recently got to tell one of my best teachers ever what an impact she had on my life.
Mrs. Anfuso ran a very tight ship at with her 8th grade English class at Horace Mann Elementary School. She probably didn't even stand 5 ft. tall, yet ruled that classroom like an Italian drill sergeant. Truth is, most kids probably lived in fear of Wednesdays—that meant DOUBLE-period English.
But for me, Mrs. Anfuso's English class is where the light bulb went on. I can remember learning how to write a proper paragraph, about symbolism in literature, about point of view in telling a story. Before there was a book, a website, documentaries, and a 20-year TV news career, there was Mrs. Anfuso's English class. I honestly think I learned more collectively in that class than I did in high school and college.
About two years ago, a friend told me that Mrs. Anfuso was still alive and retired to Santa Barbara, CA. I got a hold of her address and wrote her a letter telling her what an impact she and her teaching had on my life.
Funny twist here—Mrs. Anfuso wrote back immediately. There was that perfect penmanship that used to mark up my papers. My stomach turned in knots. Yet, inside was the warmest letter. She was THRILLED to hear from me, as I was her favorite anchor on CNN and she watched me every day. My chest puffed proudly. "Mrs. Anfuso loves me!" I rejoiced.
However, then she added, that she actually has no recollection of me as one of her students. Yep. Coulda been just about anyone writing that letter. 8th grade Daryn was crushed. Just shows you not to get too proud too fast.
Anyhow, this exchange took place just as leaving CNN and getting ready to launch DarynKagan.com. At almost 88-years-old, Mrs. Anfuso doesn't do the internet or email, so we have exchanged hand-written letters over the past couple of years. (I know-how retro!)
When I was invited to a Ladies Who Launch event in Ventura County, I told them I could come under one condition—that I be allowed to invite my 8th grade English teacher who lived up the coast in Santa Barbara. The organizer, Vicky Rathje, did me one better. "I'll have one of our LWL member pick Mrs. Anfuso up and drive her to the event!"
That wonderful angel was a woman named Misty Gibbs, who is one of the early members of our DarynKagan.com online social community. Thanks, Misty!
What a treat to get to see Mrs. Anfuso in person after all these years.
"You must call me Bernice!" she insisted.
I froze. "Uhhhhh…." On one hand, you have to do anything Mrs. Anfuso orders. On the other…there was just no way.
"I'm sorry," I apologized. "I just don't think I can do that."
So, I flunked the "Call me Bernice" test. But I was able to share with a room full of inspiring women what an incredible teacher Mrs. Anfuso was for me. I had her stand and take a bow. I shared with the ladies that in a couple weeks, Mrs. Anfuso will turn 88 years old! They could see for themselves that she hasn't lost an ounce of that strength and presence.
That bow is for all you teachers out there. You aren't making enough money. You are working too hard. AND you are doing the most incredible work.
Who is your most inspiring teacher? Why don't you come over to our online community and share with the world!
I'm having a flashback to the movie, "Field Of Dreams." Remember the voice saying, "Build it and they will come."? That's turning out to be the case with our new social online media community.
I launched it yesterday in honor of the 2nd anniversary of DarynKagan.com. Boy, are they coming. We have folks from across the United States, Canada, and even South Africa! So we officially are an international social online community. I love it!
In case you missed all the hoopla yesterday, let me briefly explain that this is the place where you can discuss stories that inspire you. Share who your personal hero is. Post photos and videos. It's all free.
Starting today, I'm sweetening the pot. Each day for the next week, I'll randomly pick new members and send a special gift their way. An autographed copy of my book, "What's Possible!"
Sound good? How about a DarynKagan.com coffee mug or tshirt? It could be yours. Just go ahead and get started in our online community.
So great to have you!
It seems so amazing to say, "Happy 2nd Anniversary!" to DarynKagan.com.
Yep, it was two years ago today, 6 weeks after leaving CNN, that I launched what I envisioned to be the web's one-stop destination for inspiring news.
It's been a wonderful two-year ride. I tell folks all the time that I feel like I won the media lottery with a job that has me meet and interview inspiring people every single day, then share their stories with the world.
While that's been great, something these last few months was telling me it's time to expand to something more.
I am so happy to say that I believe I have found it. It is my gift to you, the thousands of visitors who click into this website from over 100 countries around the world.
DarynKagan.com is no longer just about my creating content for you. No, I'm breaking down the walls and inviting all of you in.
As of today, DarynKagan.com becomes a social media destination and community, as well!
What's that? Do you feel like you just opened a gift from you Aunt Mary and you have no idea what she just gave you?
Basically, you now have a place to create your own content. Join our community and comment on stories, post your own blog, photos and videos.
Does a certain DarynKagan.com story move your heart? Do you want the world to know about your own personal hero? Did you capture a photo of your child or pet that would make the world go, "Ahhhh!"? Want to review inspiring movies and books? Well, then let's get started!
Our online community is waiting for you. This is also going to be a place for you to meet and connect with people all over the world who love experiencing inspiration and "Showing The World What's Possible!"
I have to admit when I first saw everything on the page, my eyes crossed a bit. So, if you need some help getting started, just look on the right hand side of the screen. You'll find tips for getting started. Please also take a look at our Code of Conduct, as we want to keep this a place where everyone likes to come and hang out.
Oh, yeah…this is all totally free. My gift to you.
So, please sign up and tell your friends and family to come along, as well. I picture thousands of inspired-minded folks gathering each day under one tent.
And finally, whether you join our new DarynKagan.com online community or not, let me just say, "Thank you!" for what has been an amazing two years. I look forward to bringing you inspiring stories for a long time to come!
This message is for all of you who have sent the wonderful wishes and prayers for Tripod The 3-Legged Wonder Cat.
He is, indeed, doing amazing, cashing in that 999th life.
As they say, a picture tells the story.
"Mama Debra," the world's best pet nanny sent this picture to me as I travel on business.
As you can see, 'Pod is back to one of his favorite past times of taking over doggie beds. In this case, he's taken over the bed of Debra's dog, Jack. Just so you know, 'Pod does this without a single his or whack of that one front paw. It's all in his look and attitude. He just takes what he rightfully believes suits him. That would be funny enough. What really makes this picture is Jack apparently agreeing with this arrangement by somehow trying to make do w/Tripod's bed, as if he's saying, "Oh, yes, Mr. Tripod, uh, this will be just fine." as his 50 lb. body spills over the edges.
Yes, it's Tripod's world and we're all so glad he's still around. (Even Jack.)
It seems hard to believe, but one week from today, DarynKagan.com will turn 2! How can that be? Didn't I just leave CNN six months ago? Uh, that would be a big NO.
It has been a wonderful two years and I really wanted to find a great way to mark the 2nd birthday. I am thrilled to say I have found it.
Now, in my family, my brother and sister always want to open gifts right away. I've always been the one who likes to wait for the actual day, so that's how we're going to do it here.
But, I can give you a few hints. I will mark the second anniversary of DarynKagan.com by giving a gift to all of you. You'll be able to open it one week from today.
Without telling you exactly what it is, I will tell you that you can spend the next week thinking about some very fun and intriguing "What If's?"
What if you could have your own piece of DarynKagan.com real estate?
What if you had a place every day to discuss the inspiring stories you see here every day with folks all around the world?
What if you had a place to post and share your own inspiring stories, photos, and videos?
Start those wheels cranking because it's all on the way one week from today!
Stay tuned!
November 4, 2008: Any Other Ballot Criers Out There?
Ooh, there was some raging debate in the doggie park leading up to today's election.
Obama vs. McCain?
No. No. No.
The big talk and discussion was all about each person's strategy?
"What time are you going to try to vote?" Everyone wanted to know from everyone else.
Georgia had offered some of the most extensive early and advance opportunities of anywhere in the country. The response had been overwhelming. Anyone who tried to vote around here last week and waited less than 3 hours considered it a success.
And those early voters had snickering rights on those of us who were waiting for today, actual election day. After all, if the early voting had been that bad, just think what election day was going to be like! Now you get the reason behind the intense "What time you going?" debate.
I was pretty set that I was going to line up about an hour before the polls opened. I didn't want to get caught in any horrendous all day affair.
But I have to admit—Harry, father of Sterling The Golden Retreiver, swayed my thinking. He made a great argument for 10 am voting. "Morning crush is gone. Lunch hour hasn't started," he reasoned. I thought about and decided in addition to that, it was kind of my civic duty to go later in morning. Why clog up those early lines with someone who doesn't have to make it to a regular 9-5 job. After all, my current boss, uh me, is pretty understanding.
So, 10 am it was. 10:37 am, to be exact. And hats off to Sterling's dad—it was a good call. The whole thing took about an hour and 27 minutes.
And I have to say the entire time was very enjoyable. That great community feeling. I saw a ton of neighbors. "Hi Jodi! Hey, Maureen!" The polling place was run incredibly well.
And then there was the moment.
It's a moment that happens to me every time I step into a ballot booth.
Confession: I get choked up. Yes, sometimes even a tear. I just get overwhelmed with the huge privilege each of us gets in this country. I just love that I get a vote. It gets to me every time.
I have to say that I don't exactly fight the feeling. I never want to take that for granted. No matter what time I go to the polls; no matter if the candidates I vote for win or lose; I never want to lose that giddy feeling of appreciating the great gift of being able to vote.
So how about it? Am I the only one? Any other ballot criers out there?
Like most Sundays I'll be getting up tomorrow and putting in the regular 6+ miles with the ladies. It's kind of like our version of a weekly golf game. We enjoy the outdoors, the company, the exercise.
And even though I'll be pounding the streets of Atlanta, I'll be thinking about two special guys taking on the New York City Marathon.
Neither one will be at the front of any pack, but both have great stories that make my heart go, "Zing!"
First, there is Ted Fine. Ted is one of those guys who I've known so long I forget when I didn't know him. He's been at CNN for a long time. Of course, you can't place the face, because he a behind-the-scenes guy. When you see Anderson Cooper looking brilliant or American Morning anchors on top of their game, just know that it's because of guys like Ted doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. Not to take anything away from Anderson or John Roberts and company. They'd tell you themselves, they couldn't do what they do without great guys like Ted behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, the greatest thing about Ted is what he does outside CNN. He does fatherhood. Spend 5 minutes with Ted and you hear about his kids and how much he simply loves being a dad.
He learned way too soon how precious and fleeting that priviledge can be. Ted and his wife lost their first child to SIDS. So, Ted doesn't just run to run. He runs to raise funds. Here is what he shared with me this week,
I always support the Colorado SIDS Program. When my first child, Ripley, died in 1997 this group was a lifeline for my family. Nothing makes sense when a baby dies. Ripley was perfect, beautiful, healthy, but when she died at 10 weekas old they called it SIDS. The SIDS program (now called Angel Eyes) had people ready with support and information the day Ripley died. And they've been there ever since.
I'm supporting Ted with my thoughts, prayers, and check.
I'm also cheering on Saul Raisin.
Saul is an incredible young man who I profile in my book What's Possible! 50 True Stories of People Who Dared To Dream They Could Make A Difference.
About two and a half years ago, Saul was a promising 23-year-old professional cyclist. His dream of riding the Tour de France was well within his sights. But a catastrophic crash during a race in France changed his life forever.
First, he defied doctors' expectations by surviving. Then, he had to fight back from the ensuing devastating brain injury. That injury ended Saul's professional career, but he's not one to stay down for long.
He's created the Raisin Hope Foundation dedicated to raising funds for brain injury research and support families going through brain injury recovery with one of their loved ones.
I picked up my phone the other day, "Hey, Daryn! It's Saul! I'm in New York City to run the NYC Marathon!"
Nothing this young man does surprises me anymore. Saul's goal is complete the race without walking and to raise awareness about What's Possible! with your life after brain injury. Yes, he is "Raisin Hope."
What a fine way for two great guys to spend Sunday morning.
Go get'tem!
Apologies for the lack of fresh blog post in recent days. It's just been all I can do to keep up with various parts that have chosen to go on the fritz all at once. I'm talking both mechanical and body parts. I might just believe in some sort of conspiracy theory? Do all these parts get together and make a pact or something? "Let's all go kaput at the same time?"
It started with the furnace. The good news is the house didn't burn down. With the first cold snap here in Atlanta I went to turn the heat on. Turned it on. It turned itself off. Turned it on. It turned itself off. Enough of that fun game and I called my HVAC company. I thought maybe the pilot light had gone our over the summer.
Oh, that pilot light was working all right. Working a little too well. Mr. Fix It man explained that flames were licking OUT of the furnace. The automatic shut off valve is what was shutting things down. Thank goodness!
The premature passing of the furnace meant I was treated to a crash course in furnace/AC systems by various sales people this week. Anyone need a contrast and compare, I now have a new specialty. Final decision-uh, no, we won't be going for the deeeluxe furnace/AC system powerful enough to service a 10,000 McMansion. The new, sturdy and dependable model is going in as I type this. A week later, heat will momentarily return to our wonderful 80-year-old house.
But the lack of heat really became background noise as more important bodily parts went on the fritz.
First, it was Darla Dog's liver. No, she hasn't been hitting the bottle. She might be the only dog in the world to get her own credit card offers, but she's no boozer. She actually looks perfectly fine, she just has through the roof liver enzyme numbers that showed up at her check up and the vet is trying to figure out.
Even that news was trumped by the most serious parts outage of all. Tripod, the 3-Legged Wonder Cat is having big challenges with his kidneys. He's at least 18 years old. I've had him 16 years and he came full-grown (except, of course, for the missing leg part.) So, 18 is an educated guess. And yes, I am well aware what failing kidneys mean in an older cat.
You just have to hold on before you go writing 'Pod off. I don't know that I could've said that this time yesterday when I whisked him off to the vet. He was kind of listless and just felt punky. All he wanted was for Mom to hold him, bless his heart.
But, I swear this cat of 999 lives is a better rebounder than any NBA player! The vet showed me how to do an IV fluid treatment. We tweaked his diet with some special treats to entice him to eat, and 'Pod The Great is back among us.
Apologies to all the other cats who came after us at the vet--Tripod is so mellow and loving and lets anyone hold him, poke him, do whatever, that makes other cats look wacko.
So, there you have it--the updates on all the parts around here. Furnace is almost in. We'll figure out Darla's liver mystery, and 'Pod-well, according to the vet, he and his remaining parts might outlive us all.
I hear from some very reliable sources that it's Friday. Incredible.
How about this for a full-service website? I have your holiday shopping done for you.
Okay, maybe not all of it, but a big chunk. That part of your list that you have to give someone at the office, a hostess gift, that brother-in-law who is so hard to shop for.
I found the perfect gift last night.
Plop down $20 for Darius Goes West.
I featured the trailer for this inspirational documentary last week here on DarynKagan.com. But it was only last night that I got to watch the entire movie.
Oh my gosh. Where do I start?
Alright, perhaps with a brief description: Darius Weems was a 15-year-old boy with muscular dystrophy. He's from Athens, Georgia and had never been outside his hometown. In the summer of 2005, a group of 11 college students decided to change all that. They loaded up an RV and headed to Los Angeles. Their main purpose was trying to convince MTV's Pimp My Ride show to "pimp" Darius' wheelchair. Most days, the motorized chair barely ran. Darius is very clear on what his dream chair would include.
So, that's the basic idea. What happens on this journey is so much more. You'll laugh, this is a boys' road trip, after all. You'll cry, as Darius sees the ocean and the Grand Canyon for the first time. And your heart will swell, as you watch this journey take a turn these young men could never have predicted.
I'm telling you, it's the best 20 bucks you can spend. Not only is it entertaining, there's the great feeling of knowing $3 goes to cover the cost of the DVD. The other $17 is going into a fund to help find a cure for MD.
The producers sent me a copy to check out for free. I'm going to the website today and buying a whole bunch more so I'll be set for the holidays this year. Bottle of wine? Stinky candle? Those are so last year! Your friends and family will thank you for this gift.
Go ahead and be cautious, if you want. Order one and see if you like it. I'm telling you, you'll just be going back and getting a bunch more.
Looks like a touched a nerve with my September 30th blog where I fessed up to who is the real boss around here.
DarynKagan.com visitor Adam Watson gets it. He found this animated cartoon on YouTube that shares the same theme.
So for all of you with demanding bosses of the feline variety out there--here you go:
Thanks, Adam!
I'm off to please The Boss.
I'm just back from my first trip to Toronto. What a lovely city! So clean, diverse and I love the beauty of Lake Ontario.
I went up to speak and sign books at the Ladies Who Launch "Be Your Own Boss" event. By the looks of this gathering, Canadian women are as hungry to run their own business as so many of us American women are.
The travel was interesting. Toronto is not far from Atlanta. The flight took only an hour and 40 minutes. But the hoops you must jump through in these post 9/11 days make it feel much farther.
You have to clear customs both ways. I had reminders all over the place and with my various people. "Make sure I remember my passport!" Good thing.
Interesting tidbit: When you arrive in Toronto, you clear customs. And then they have you clear customs before you leave. They have American customs agents checking you out, even though you're still in Canada.
That's where I got "The Look."
It's that look you learn to recognize in someone's eyes after you've been on television for awhile. It's that look that says, "I know I know you, but I just don't know exactly from where."
And it usually leads to, "Did we go to school together?" or "Did you work at Procter and Gamble in the late '90's?" or something that leads into the recognizer's experience.
I get it. The face is so familiar, but totally out of context. It's amusing when someone is referencing their old school or company. Not so funny when it's a US Customs agent giving "The Look."
"So, what were you doing here in Canada?" he wanted to know, I swear looking at me sideways.
"I was here for my book tour," I replied enthusiastically.
"Book tour?" he questioned, getting more sideway'ish.
I squished telling him about my book and DarynKagan.com, the web's one-stop destination for inspirational news into a few sentences.
This only seemed to make him all the more suspicious.
"What makes you qualified to do all that?" he questioned.
(Why do I get a job where I get to talk to inspirational people all day long? I know, I get it. I won the media lottery. Why me?)
"It's just my next step after 12 years on CNN," I explained.
That's when I saw it. The lightbulb of recognition went on.
"Oh! That's where I know you from!" he smiled. "I was starting to wonder. You know we have these lists."
Yeah, I figured. What a relief! Mr. Customs Agent figured out it was CNN and not the latest 10 Most Wanted bulletin that he knew me from.
"Can I give you a bookmark?" I asked, not knowing the custom at Customs. Are you allowed to leave a little token of appreciation behind? Wouldn't want to get shot or anything.
He gave the nod that it would be okay, so I reached in my bag and gave me one my promotional bookmarks that has a picture of What's Possible! on one side and DarynKagan.com on the other. I would've given him the actual book, but they completely sold out at the event.
Then, he gave me his look indicating it was okay to move along. And so it was. Just the short hour 40 minute hop back into America.
January 28, 2008: Birthday-Palooza!>>
January 24, 2008: My Dog's Credit Card>>
January 21, 2008: Confessions of My 3-Legged Cat>>
January 17, 2008: Snow Geek>>
January 15, 2008: Revsiting "Finding Good From Evil">>
January 14, 2008: Rachel Ray discovers DarynKagan.com Star!>>
January 9, 2008: Crazy Good>>
January 8, 2008: New Year's Wishes>>
December 31, 2007: Who Are These People?>>
December 23, 2007: Actually, You're Not>>
December 18, 2007: Are You An Awesome Engaged Couple? Here's Your Chance for A Dream Wedding!>>
December 17, 2007: The Shoe Story>>
December 14, 2007: Why I Don't Have To Choose>>
December 10, 2007: Doing The Best They Can All The Time>>
December 7, 2007: Good Morning, America!>>
December 6, 2007: I'm Officially In The Holiday Spirit>>
November 26, 2007: Belated Thanks>>
November 12, 2007: Happy Birthday, DarynKagan.com!>>
November 9, 2007: Happy Birthday, Mom!>>
November 7, 2007: The Last Thing I Expected>>
November 6, 2007: A Great Bunch>>
October 30, 2007: What's In A Name?>>
October 24, 2007: Fires>>
October 21, 2007: A Proud Mama>>
October 15, 2007: For Mom.>>
October 14, 2007: History Is Made!>>
October 10, 2007: The Shop's Open!>>
October 10, 2007: Help Find The Mystery Flight Attendant!>>
September 24, 2007: Thank You>>
September 21, 2007: Dad>>
September 11, 2007: An Honor To Turn It Over>>
September 10, 2007: The Gratitude Bouquet>>
August 23, 2007: Am I Getting Punchy?>>
August 21, 2007: Sisters and Websites>>
August 15, 2007: We're Growing!>>
August 7, 2007: Hooray For Your Heroes>>
August 1, 2007: Our First Award>>
July 27, 2007: Arizona's Family>>
July 23, 2007: No Barriers To Big Thinking>>
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