<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468</id><updated>2011-11-27T20:06:09.423-05:00</updated><category term='contest'/><category term='girlfriend spring break'/><category term='ohio'/><category term='son'/><category term='parenting'/><category term='christmas'/><category term='web of fame'/><category term='treasure'/><category term='home business'/><category term='baby boomer'/><category term='book'/><category term='Beverly Mahone'/><category term='daytona beach'/><category term='library'/><category term='earrings'/><category term='jewelry'/><category term='authors'/><category term='treasure hunt'/><category term='added income'/><category term='single mother'/><category term='work at home'/><category term='girlfriend getaway'/><category term='best selling'/><category term='amazon'/><category term='bracelets'/><category term='family'/><category term='diva'/><category term='boomers'/><category term='wish'/><category term='mother'/><category term='love'/><category term='adoption'/><category term='google'/><title type='text'>Debra Shiveley Welch</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>11</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-4419650658089784957</id><published>2008-07-23T09:00:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2008-07-23T09:01:11.317-04:00</updated><title type='text'>Boomer Diva Nation Celebrates First Birthday</title><content type='html'>&lt;h1&gt;Boomer Woman’s Group Celebrates One Year Anniversary&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;  &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.webwire.com/"&gt;WEBWIRE&lt;/a&gt; – Wednesday, July 16, 2008&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;They’re known as Baby Boomer Divas---women over 40 who are on the move and making a difference in their personal and professional lives. This month the group celebrates its one year anniversary.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The idea to create a Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame came from baby boomer author and expert Beverly Mahone who says, “This was my way to pay tribute to baby boomer women who were doing great things at midlife but weren’t getting their deserved recognition.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So what is a DIVA? According to Mahone, she’s a baby boomer woman who’s Divinely, Inspired, Vivacious and Anointed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mahone says the Divas are all very talented women who come from very diverse backgrounds around the globe. “We come from all walks of life and different races and are eager to share our knowledge and resources. We’ve had a few bumps in the road and some detours but we continue to persevere. Mahone adds that in addition to a global presence, they are also honored to have celebrities like actresses Debbie Zipp and Bern Nadette Stanis who are active members and want to offer their assistance in helping them grow.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The official anniversary date is July 22, 2007. Since its inception, the Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. Mahone says the Web of Fame is now officially known as Boomer Diva Nation—a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of resources to assist fellow boomer women in their endeavors. It’s also a place where women can network&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mahone anticipates the groups continued growth over the coming year. “Who would’ve ever thought last year that something called the Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame would turn into what it is today?”&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Charter Diva Members:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Linda Alexander, Pam Archer, Angela Betts, Natalie Cole, Cynthia Frazier, Linda Hall, Donna Maria Harris, Kathy Holmes, Gayle Hurd, Karlyn, Betty Lynch, Heidi Richards; Beverly Mahone; Ginger Marks, Carine Nadel, Kathie M. Thomas Kathy Walsh, Debra Shiveley Welch, Gloria Mount, Ora Stearns-Smith and Vicki M. Taylor.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To learn more about being a part of Boomer Diva Nation, visit: &lt;a href="http://www.boomerdivanation.org/" target="_blank"&gt;http://www.boomerdivanation.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-4419650658089784957?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/4419650658089784957/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=4419650658089784957' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/4419650658089784957'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/4419650658089784957'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2008/07/boomer-diva-nation-celebrates-first.html' title='Boomer Diva Nation Celebrates First Birthday'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-4535261883305947609</id><published>2008-06-26T09:39:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2008-06-26T09:44:49.040-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='single mother'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='added income'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='work at home'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='home business'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='baby boomer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='boomers'/><title type='text'>Worth More Than Rubies</title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_S_GWg4HyQ6I/SGOc1m9pgEI/AAAAAAAAABo/anKY_SZ0Ymw/s1600-h/rubies.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_S_GWg4HyQ6I/SGOc1m9pgEI/AAAAAAAAABo/anKY_SZ0Ymw/s320/rubies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216185238231285826" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;table id="receivestrings" dir="ltr" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"&gt; &lt;style&gt; .BORDERREG  {margin:2px;cursor:hand;width:'26px';height:'26px';}  .BORDERMO  {border:1px solid buttonshadow;border-left:1px solid buttonhighlight;border-top:1px solid buttonhighlight;       margin:1px;cursor:hand;} .BORDERREG2  {margin:2px;cursor:hand;width:'9px';height:'26px';} .BORDERCLCK  {border:1px solid buttonshadow;border-right:1px solid buttonhighlight;border-bottom:1px solid buttonhighlight;       margin:2px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0px;cursor:hand;} &lt;/style&gt;  &lt;script&gt;  function MouseOverEffect() {  var item = event.srcElement;   if(IsValidId(item.id) ){   item.className = "BORDERMO";     }  if(IsValidChevron(item.id))  {   document.getElementById("soundbutton").className = "BORDERMO";   document.getElementById("soundchevron").className = "BORDERMO";  } } function MouseOutEffect() {  var item = event.srcElement;    if(IsValidId(item.id)){   item.className = "BORDERREG";  }    if(IsValidChevron(item.id))  {   document.getElementById("soundbutton").className = "BORDERREG";   document.getElementById("soundchevron").className = "BORDERREG2";  }   } function MouseOverClick() {  var item = event.srcElement;    if(IsValidId(item.id)){   item.className = "BORDERCLCK";  }  if(IsValidChevron(item.id))  {   document.getElementById("soundbutton").className = "BORDERCLCK";   document.getElementById("soundchevron").className = "BORDERCLCK";  }  } function IsValidId(elemId) {  var isValid = false;   if(elemId == "contentbutton" ||      elemId == "attachbutton" )  {     isValid = true;  }   return isValid; } function IsValidChevron(elemId) {  var isValid = false;   if(elemId == "soundchevron" || elemId == "soundbutton")  {     isValid = true;  }   return isValid; } &lt;/script&gt;  &lt;tbody&gt; &lt;tr&gt; &lt;td width="100%"&gt; &lt;div id="receivestrings"&gt; &lt;div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;b&gt;Date:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/i&gt; 6/26/2008 9:37:49  AM&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;b&gt;Subject:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/i&gt; Amazon Book Campaign  for "Worth More Than Rubies"&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/td&gt; &lt;td valign="top"&gt;&lt;img onmouseup="MouseOverEffect();" class="BORDERREG" onmousedown="MouseOverClick();" id="contentbutton" onmouseover="MouseOverEffect();" style="display: none;" onmouseout="MouseOutEffect();" src="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6645299910269638468" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt; &lt;td valign="top"&gt;&lt;img onmouseup="MouseOverEffect();" class="BORDERREG" onmousedown="MouseOverClick();" id="attachbutton" onmouseover="MouseOverEffect();" style="display: none;" onmouseout="MouseOutEffect();" src="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6645299910269638468" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt; &lt;td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top" width="26"&gt;&lt;img onmouseup="MouseOverEffect();" class="BORDERREG" onmousedown="MouseOverClick();" id="soundbutton" onmouseover="MouseOverEffect();" style="display: none;" onmouseout="MouseOutEffect();" src="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6645299910269638468" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt; &lt;td valign="top"&gt;&lt;img onmouseup="MouseOverEffect();" class="BORDERREG2" onmousedown="MouseOverClick();" id="soundchevron" onmouseover="MouseOverEffect();" style="display: none;" onmouseout="MouseOutEffect();" src="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6645299910269638468" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;&lt;/tr&gt;&lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt; &lt;div dir="ltr" align="left"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;  &lt;div dir="ltr" align="left"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="1" width="770"&gt; &lt;tbody&gt; &lt;tr&gt; &lt;td&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hi!  I'm posting this for my good friend, Kathie M. Thomas&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Kathie M. Thomas here. I'm writing today to invite you to participate in a  book campaign I'm organising.  &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I am a mother of 5 daughters and wife of Graham, and I also run an  international business online that is now over 14 years old. During that time  I've experienced the real value of being a work-at-home-mom and I know what it  means to the whole family when the children can have an adult in the house  fulltime. It meant so much to our daughters as they were growing up and I know  of women worldwide who want to experience the same.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I am also an author who has written  a new book entitled,  &lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Worth More Than Rubies: The Value of a Work At  Home Mom.  Worth More Than Rubies &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;takes you on an  exploration of what the Proverbs 31 woman is about, bringing her into the 21st  century, and showing how a business can be run from home whilst also caring for  the family. This book is being launched at Amazon very soon. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here's what of few reviewers had to say: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“An inspirational read. Just goes to show you can do anything you want  to, and not let family be an excuse for not achieving your dreams. Let them be  the reason instead.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;”&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Lorraine Pirihi, &lt;a title="http://www.theproductivityqueen.com/" href="http://www.theproductivityqueen.com/"&gt;www.theproductivityqueen.com  &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Worth More Than Rubies is a great starting place for moms who desire to  work from home. Packed full of practical, useful information as well as the  story of Kathie's own journey, I know this book will bless many, many women.”  &lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;~ Jill Hart, &lt;a title="http://www.cwahm.com/" href="http://www.cwahm.com/"&gt;CWAHM.com &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span class="style1"&gt;This is one Woman's great picture of Success!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;This is one Woman's great picture of success in raising her  children and building a strong home-based business at the same time. Kathie  Thomas, the author, tells us her inspirational and educational story based on  her real life experiences.&lt;br /&gt;Every woman who is struggling to combine her  roles as a mother and contributor to her family budget should read this book. It  might be the answer to your searches!&lt;br /&gt;The book has a strong Christian theme,  but even if you don't belong to Christian faith, you'll find this book very  useful. There are resources provided if you are thinking of starting your  home-based business. &lt;em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Olga Kellen &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2 align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src="c:/Users/Debra/AppData/Local/IM/Runtime/Message/%7B30BAE413-5D5B-4997-AE45-9DC2214C7CFE%7D/Show%5Camazonlogo32.jpg" height="36" width="124" /&gt; Launch! &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt;On June 27, 2008 (&lt;em&gt;June 26 if you are in the northern  hemisphere&lt;/em&gt;), Kathie will be hosting an international book launch aimed at  reaching well over 100,000 people.  In return for ordering a copy, customers  will be invited to receive a number of free valuable bonus items at a page that  I will have set up. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I believe that you have direct connection in line with my target audience  (women in the 25-55 age group), and I would love for you to participate in the  campaign that will target hundreds and thousands of people&lt;strong&gt;.  &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Do I Need From You?  &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Step 1 &lt;/strong&gt;: Decision to participate. Most of you on this list  have already made that decision - thank you. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Step 2 &lt;/strong&gt;: Offer a bonus gift to attract readers to your  website.  I will need a brief description (50-100 words), a picture of you or  the bonus item, value of the gift and the link for buyers to claim the  gift. Please note this means you could get many new subscribers to your own  list, as well as receiving what you have to offer. If you haven't yet given me  your information or perhaps need to include items such as the value,&lt;strong&gt; you  will send this information back to me at &lt;a title="mailto:kathie@vadirectory.net?Subject=Amazon%20Book%20Launch" href="mailto:kathie@vadirectory.net?Subject=Amazon%20Book%20Launch"&gt;kathie@vadirectory.net&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Step 3 &lt;/strong&gt;: Agree to send an email to your subscribers on June  27, 2008 (&lt;em&gt;June 26 if you are in the northern hemisphere&lt;/em&gt;) announcing the  book. (Don't worry! I will provide you with a sample email copy). The free gifts  will be made available for a 24 hour period only. People can buy the book  anytime but to receive the free gifts they need to purchase during the 26/27  June 24 hour period - depending on whether they are in the northern (26th) or  southern (27th) hemisphere. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;I would appreciate your commitment and gift by June 20th &lt;/strong&gt;so  I can ensure a complete compilation of all the bonus materials.  I greatly value  and appreciate your support and participation.  &lt;strong&gt;Please contact me  at&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a title="http://us.f321.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=Lisa@JoanMarieWhelan.com" href="http://us.f321.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=Lisa@JoanMarieWhelan.com"&gt;kathie@vadirectory.net&lt;/a&gt;  if you have any questions about participating and I can send you a pdf version  of the book for your enjoyment and review. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;With gratitude, &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Kathie M. Thomas &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;P.S. If you know anyone else who would benefit from this opportunity, I  would appreciate an introduction.  Thanks again for your consideration and I  hope you will choose to join with me in this book launch. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;&lt;/tr&gt;&lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-4535261883305947609?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/4535261883305947609/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=4535261883305947609' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/4535261883305947609'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/4535261883305947609'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2008/06/worth-more-than-rubies.html' title='Worth More Than Rubies'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp0.blogger.com/_S_GWg4HyQ6I/SGOc1m9pgEI/AAAAAAAAABo/anKY_SZ0Ymw/s72-c/rubies.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-6506133777732137462</id><published>2008-06-17T10:56:00.001-04:00</published><updated>2008-06-17T10:56:48.564-04:00</updated><title type='text'>Amazing Offer to Boomer Women</title><content type='html'>If you're a  professional woman with a book or product, give us an&lt;br /&gt;opportunity to purchase  from you on Friday, June 20.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is the day we are celebrating who we  are as women---as women who&lt;br /&gt;are on the move and making a difference! June 20  is the 2nd annual&lt;br /&gt;celebration of Baby Boomer Diva Day.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Showcase your  product for 15 minutes for the very low price of $10. A&lt;br /&gt;few vendor slots  still left.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Also, there will be plenty of prize giveaways with special  guest&lt;br /&gt;speaker, Heidi Richards, who will discuss how blogging can turn  into&lt;br /&gt;$$$ for your business or product.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's going to be the most fun  you've had online in a LONG time. 10am-3pm&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To get more information or to  sign up now:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a title="mailto:keybusinesspartners@verizon.net" href="mailto:keybusinesspartners%40verizon.net"&gt;keybusinesspartners&lt;wbr&gt;@verizon.&lt;wbr&gt;net&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-6506133777732137462?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/6506133777732137462/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=6506133777732137462' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/6506133777732137462'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/6506133777732137462'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2008/06/amazing-offer-to-boomer-women.html' title='Amazing Offer to Boomer Women'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-4490185329659594134</id><published>2008-04-09T09:43:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2008-04-09T09:44:19.443-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='girlfriend spring break'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='girlfriend getaway'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='diva'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='daytona beach'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='baby boomer'/><title type='text'>April 19 Proclaimed Boomer Diva Nation Day by Mayor of Daytona Beach</title><content type='html'>&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial Narrow&amp;quot;;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;st1:city st="on"&gt;&lt;st1:place st="on"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial Narrow&amp;quot;;"&gt;Westerville&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:City&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial Narrow&amp;quot;;"&gt; Author Debra Shiveley Welch to Attend&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial Narrow&amp;quot;;"&gt;BAM Enterprises presents:  The first-ever "Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!" Boomer Diva Nation Girlfriends' Weekend Getaway April 18-20, 2008. &lt;span style=""&gt; &lt;/span&gt;Comprised of a dynamic and diverse group of women who want to make a difference, members of this hand-picked group by founder Beverly Mahone, will gather for relaxation, networking and workshops during the three-day get-together.&lt;span style=""&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;Events include a luncheon featuring Bern Nadette Stanis, “Thelma” from Good Times, as the keynote speaker, an awards ceremony and a televised fashion show.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;st1:city st="on"&gt;&lt;st1:place st="on"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial Narrow&amp;quot;;"&gt;Westerville&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:City&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial Narrow&amp;quot;;"&gt; author, Debra Shiveley Welch will be attending the event along with her son Christopher.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-4490185329659594134?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/4490185329659594134/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=4490185329659594134' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/4490185329659594134'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/4490185329659594134'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2008/04/april-19-proclaimed-boomer-diva-nation.html' title='April 19 Proclaimed Boomer Diva Nation Day by Mayor of Daytona Beach'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-4936636858169221302</id><published>2008-02-13T08:42:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2008-02-13T08:43:53.581-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='treasure'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='earrings'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='treasure hunt'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='jewelry'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='contest'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='bracelets'/><title type='text'>It's a Treasure Hunt!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:arial;"&gt;Come join in on the fun!  Sign Up to play the Treasure Hunt!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Go to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:arial;"&gt;www.DebraShiveleyWelch.net&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:arial;"&gt; to begin! &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:arial;"&gt;Find all 56 pieces of the puzzle to win the grand prize&lt;br /&gt;The "Trinity Rose Bracelet."&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-4936636858169221302?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/4936636858169221302/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=4936636858169221302' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/4936636858169221302'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/4936636858169221302'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2008/02/its-treasure-hunt.html' title='It&apos;s a Treasure Hunt!'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-5301452737107217096</id><published>2008-01-24T19:44:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2008-01-24T19:51:23.563-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='best selling'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='parenting'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='amazon'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='diva'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='authors'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='adoption'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='baby boomer'/><title type='text'>Best Selling Baby Boomer Author is a Big Hit on Amazon!</title><content type='html'>Best Selling Baby Boomer Author, Debra Shiveley Welch of Westerville, Ohio, is a writer to be reckoned with in the literary world! In just a few short months, her book Son of My Soul: The Adoption of Christopher jumped all the way to the Top 20 on Amazon.com.In a recent review by MidWest Books, senior reviewer Shirley Johnson wrote:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;“I believe it is true that God anoints the pen of some writers to bring forth words from their heart to those with a specific need. In my opinion, author Debra Shiveley Welch has the anointing of the Lord upon her words in her newest work, Son of My Soul - The Adoption of Christopher, as she tells the story of her adoption of her beloved son, Christopher ... Her story and Christopher's is one you will treasure and remember in your heart for a long time to come...One that will bring a tear and a smile. A story of horror, pain, and rejection that is replaced with courage, hope, faith, love and victory. This is a book every adoptive parent should read, and every person who has a child of their heart, for in this read you will find the true meaning of love."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Order at: &lt;a href="http://www.amazon.com/Son-My-Soul-Adoption-Christopher/dp/1894936930"&gt;Amazon.com&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&amp;amp;EAN=9781894936934&amp;amp;itm=1"&gt;BarnesandNoble.com&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="http://www.sagabooks.net/"&gt;Sagabooks.net&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/" target="_blank"&gt;http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Beverly Mahone, Founder – Baby Boomer Divas Wall of Fame&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.thebabyboomerdiva.com/feature_diva2.htm"&gt;http://www.thebabyboomerdiva.com/feature_diva2.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-5301452737107217096?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/5301452737107217096/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=5301452737107217096' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/5301452737107217096'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/5301452737107217096'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-selling-baby-boomer-author-is-big.html' title='Best Selling Baby Boomer Author is a Big Hit on Amazon!'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-8692457895708273823</id><published>2008-01-06T13:50:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2008-01-06T21:48:50.502-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Beverly Mahone'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='web of fame'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='diva'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='google'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='baby boomer'/><title type='text'>Baby Boomer Diva’s Dishonored through Pornographic Ads</title><content type='html'>&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Arial;"&gt;I am a member of the Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame.&lt;span style=""&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;It is an honor to be a part of this selective, dynamic, diverse group of&lt;span style=""&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;women, comprised of Virtual Assistants, Jewelry Designers, Published Authors, Radio and TV hosts, Actors and Singers and Ordained Ministers, just to name a few.&lt;span style=""&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Arial;"&gt;We are proud of our good names and our reputations.&lt;span style=""&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;We work hard, raise our families, attend our respective churches, and work together to make this world a better place.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Arial;"&gt;Therefore, when the founder  of the Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame recently issued a press release through Google, and pornographic ads associated with said release were attached to it through the Google Web site by a second party, we were dismayed to put it very mildly.&lt;span style=""&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Arial;"&gt;Founder Beverly Mahone has repeatedly written to the parties involved, asking that the disgusting ads be removed.&lt;span style=""&gt;   Thankfully, they are now gone from our press release.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-8692457895708273823?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/8692457895708273823/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=8692457895708273823' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/8692457895708273823'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/8692457895708273823'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2008/01/baby-boomer-divas-dishonored-through.html' title='Baby Boomer Diva’s Dishonored through Pornographic Ads'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-6518560649180526722</id><published>2007-12-03T09:30:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2007-12-03T09:32:28.112-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='wish'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='library'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='christmas'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='adoption'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='mother'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='son'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='book'/><title type='text'>Ohio Teen Has Unusual Christmas Wish</title><content type='html'>In direct contrast to what we normally call teenage behavior, Ohio teen, Christopher Shiveley Welch stands up in support of his mother.  He wants to see his mother’s Christmas wish come true.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;“All I want for Christmas is to see my mom’s newest book on the shelf when we walk through the library doors,” states young Welch. “As a young girl, she was recognized as a gifted writer and dreamed her books would be in libraries across the world.  I am taking action to help make that dream come true.”&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;During this age of mp3 players, video games, and commercialism, this young man’s Christmas wish is one from the heart and is one that he is not satisfied to sit back and dream away.  He is determined to help see it come true by taking bold steps. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He learned this determination and spunk early in life, in part from his mother, and in part from overcoming his physical and learning challenges that he came to earth with.  Welch has turned his wishful-thinking into deliberate action by contacting his local newspapers and media with the news of his mother’s newly released book, Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When asked why he is doing this, Welch states, "She writes from her heart and her soul, and that is what makes this book so special. She has always given so much to others.  Now I'd like to give her this."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His additional plan is to contact as many libraries as possible with the information needed to purchase the book for placement on their shelves.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To help Christopher achieve his goal, you can contact him through Kim Emerson with WritingPro.biz at 801-447-2614.  He happily gives interviews.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-6518560649180526722?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/6518560649180526722/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=6518560649180526722' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/6518560649180526722'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/6518560649180526722'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2007/12/ohio-teen-has-unusual-christmas-wish.html' title='Ohio Teen Has Unusual Christmas Wish'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-2518124642831022552</id><published>2007-11-26T14:37:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2007-11-26T14:41:16.621-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Can You Make a Dream Come True?</title><content type='html'>As you know, my autobiography Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher is  now available. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I know that you all want to support me, but many cannot  afford to buy anything right now, especially with Christmas coming up.  Frankly,  I wouldn’t ask you to because it’s just not what I’m about.  But with an  investment of just a few minutes, you can help me in a very profound  way.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you could call your local library, or go online at their web  site, and request that they order the book, you will help me to possibly reach  my goal of having the book released in hard cover.  This is a very emotional  write for me, and means more to me than any other work of mine that has been  released.  If I could have it published in hard cover, it would make a long-held  dream come true, not only for the cover, but to be in libraries across the  country.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Here is the information you will need:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;•&lt;/span&gt;  &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Title:&lt;/span&gt;  Son  of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;•&lt;/span&gt;  &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Author:&lt;/span&gt; Debra Shiveley  Welch&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;•  Publisher:&lt;/span&gt; Saga Books (October 17, 2007)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;•  Language:&lt;/span&gt; English &lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;•  ISBN-10:&lt;/span&gt; 1894936930&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;•  ISBN-13:&lt;/span&gt; 978-1894936934&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This would mean so much to me!  This is  about my journey toward the adoption of my sweet son and is his legacy.  I would  love for him to have a durable hard cover to keep and hand down to his  children.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank you so much!  I appreciate your help.&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-2518124642831022552?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/2518124642831022552/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=2518124642831022552' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/2518124642831022552'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/2518124642831022552'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2007/11/can-you-make-dream-come-true.html' title='Can You Make a Dream Come True?'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-1377934276256287053</id><published>2007-11-15T11:04:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2007-11-15T11:06:21.265-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='ohio'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='parenting'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='adoption'/><title type='text'>Ohio Author Speaks Out For Special Needs Adoption</title><content type='html'>&lt;div align="left"&gt;(Westerville, OH) November 15, 2007.  Ohio native and author, Debra Shiveley Welch, announces the release of her new book, Son of My Soul - The Adoption of Christopher to coincide with National Adoption day on November 17, 2007. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;President George W. Bush proclaimed on October 31, 2007 that November 2007 was designated National Adoption Month.  The President also stated that by accepting the gift of these young children into their lives, parents are helping to contribute to the strength of our nation.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is the exact story of Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher. The reader experiences first hand the sometimes joyous, sometimes heartbreaking journey of the adoption of one special needs baby and the profound way that child has changed those around him. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;“There is a myth that there are many people standing in line to adopt special needs children.  This is not true.  Thousands of children are languishing in the system, waiting for a home – for love,” states Welch.  She adds, “Special Needs – shouldn’t that translate to Special Love?”&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Welch is a top selling author who has achieved a reputation as a master storyteller and Son of My Soul follows that legacy. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Midwest Books’ Senior Reviewer, Shirley Johnson has this to say about Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher, “This is a book every adoptive parent should read, and every person who has a child of their heart, for in this read you will find the true meaning of love.”&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Debra Shiveley Welch is available for interviews and speaking engagements.  You can contact her at 624-882-6683&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;                                                                          ###&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-1377934276256287053?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/1377934276256287053/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=1377934276256287053' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/1377934276256287053'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/1377934276256287053'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2007/11/ohio-author-speaks-out-for-special.html' title='Ohio Author Speaks Out For Special Needs Adoption'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645299910269638468.post-9102041301825845164</id><published>2007-10-24T15:07:00.001-04:00</published><updated>2007-10-28T14:43:20.982-04:00</updated><title type='text'>National Adoption Month</title><content type='html'>Since its 1976 proclamation as National Adoption Month in Massachusetts,&lt;a title="" style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6645299910269638468#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"&gt;[1]&lt;/a&gt; November has remained a part of our National tradition as a time to celebrate the gift of love.  A little over fifteen years ago, such a gift was given to me when my seven-day-old son was placed in my arms.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As I gazed into the face of my new son, I could not have imagined that a mere twelve hours later, I would fall completely, irrevocably in love.  I could not have comprehended that this “Son of My Soul,”&lt;a title="" style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6645299910269638468#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2"&gt;[2]&lt;/a&gt; would capture my heart completely and forever hold it captive.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have often been asked the question, “Do you ever wish you had a child of your own?”  I’m sure the quizzical look on my face must have baffled such interrogators until they heard my response:  “But I have!”  It seems to many, that a magical contribution of DNA is all that can make someone yours, but that is not so.  Life together, commitment and love, work their own magic.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I also often hear, “I’d love to adopt a baby, but I just don’t think that I will feel the same towards an adopted child as I would had I given birth,” to which I can only reply, “Then I feel sorry for your husband.  He doesn’t carry the child.  I guess he can’t love any children you have as his own.”  But you can find love through adoption, and through Special Needs Adoption, you can find a deep and satisfying love with the added knowledge that you are helping a child who is desperately waiting for a home, is in great need of an advocate…is urgently waiting….for  love.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I remember the first time I was told that my son was considered “special needs.”  “Really?” I queried.  I was confused.  Why would he be considered so?  Yes, he was born with cleft lip and palate, and there was a concern about hearing loss, but to me his “specialness,” was in the sweet way he clung to me when I picked him up, the curl of his bright hair, his incredibly large, luminous eyes.  I have to admit, that it took a little while for me to realize what I was being told, and when I fully understood, the impact hit me like nothing had before.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Special Needs.  What does it mean in relation to adoption?  A child is considered special needs if: they are an older child, usually over five-years-of age; a part of a sibling group where the local Children’s Services is trying to keep brothers and sisters together; a minority or of mixed race; physically challenged, such as my son; children considered to be at risk, like those born to drug-addicted mothers or who have been abused or neglected; mentally or emotionally disabled because of inherited conditions or resulting from abuse.  Special Needs.  Shouldn’t that translate to Special Love?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On the practical side, Special Needs could mean Special Expenses.  In the case of special needs adoption, when conducted through your county Children’s Services, many times there are no fees.  Therapies and medical expenses are often covered, and frequently help is offered for schooling such as tutoring.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Special Needs.  A way to open up your life, your home, your soul to a child who needs a family.  An opportunity to finally form that family you forgot about on your way up the corporate ladder.  Or maybe just a chance to finally fill that empty space in your heart, which has been waiting for someone special.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Special Needs.  Indeed:  Special Love, Special Memories, a Special Family for a very Special Child.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a title="" style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6645299910269638468#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"&gt;[1]&lt;/a&gt; www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2004/cb04ffse-12.pdf&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a title="" style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6645299910269638468#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2"&gt;[2]&lt;/a&gt; Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher, Debra Shiveley Welch, copyright 2007&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6645299910269638468-9102041301825845164?l=debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/feeds/9102041301825845164/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6645299910269638468&amp;postID=9102041301825845164' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/9102041301825845164'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6645299910269638468/posts/default/9102041301825845164'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://debrashiveleywelch.blogspot.com/2007/10/national-adoption-month.html' title='National Adoption Month'/><author><name>Debra Shiveley Welch</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09419680216946005541</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='30' height='32' src='http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/debbiopic.jpg'/></author><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry></feed>
