In Pursuit of Personal Excellence

Unleash your imagination, spark your creativity and inspire your personal best!

In a unique fundraising event on March 27^th, join international speaker and trainer Brian Willis as he combines two of his most powerful presentations – Dare to Soar and Your Life IS Your Legacy – into a dynamic and insightful half-day presentation that will help unlock the door to your future and inspire you to seek excellence in your life.

Through the use of stories, examples and the analogy of The Ostrich and The Eagle, Brian will explore the causes of limiting thinking, which only serve to prevent us from daring to soar, as well as provide valuable insight into how to overcome the roadblocks on our path. You will learn the tools needed to write the new story of your life…free of limiting beliefs and behaviours that may have kept you back from achieving your dreams.

Who should attend:

· Individuals interested in getting more out of life and living fearlessly in the moment

· Corporate teams looking to jump-start their effectiveness

· Parents, teachers, coaches, counsellors and therapists

· Students – high school and post-secondary

· Emergency service personnel, social workers and social service providers

Saturday March 27^th, 2010

9am (sharp!) till 1pm

Sheraton Cavalier: 2620 - 32 Ave N.E., Calgary, Alberta

Tickets: $77

Students: $47

Each participant will receive a copy of the book A Widow’s Awakening by

Maryanne Pope (who was married to John Petropoulos)

To purchase tickets on-line, or for more details, please visit www.jpmf.ca

For cheque or cash payments, contact Kristin at kristin@jpmf.ca

or (403) 254-9978

Brian Willis is an internationally recognized speaker, trainer and writer. His focus is on helping law enforcement officers, trainers and leaders achieve personal excellence. Brian is the Founder & CEO of Winning Mind Training Inc., an innovative training company focused on helping law enforcement officers, trainers and organizations create a Legacy of Excellence. Brian was a police officer with the Calgary Police Service for 25 years. For further information on Brian, please visit www.jpmf.ca.

ALL proceeds from ticket sales go to the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund, a non-profit society that strives to eliminate preventable workplace injuries and fatalities to emergency workers. Cst John Petropoulos was a Calgary police officer who passed away in the line of duty in September 2000 after falling through a false ceiling, as there was no safety railing in place. Please visit www.jpmf.ca for details.

This event is generously sponsored by Winning Mind Training, the Sheraton Cavalier, Mike Starchuk Photography, Advanced Hypnosis Calgary

and the Philoptohos Greek Ladies Society

Calgary Sun (Page 7, this story also appeared on Pg. 4 of 24 hours commuter newspaper)
http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2010/01/31/12687946.html

Calgary Herald (Page B3)
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/city/story.html?id=3b95e77a-64bb-43c7-988e-d5755cf3b408

Metro News Calgary
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/local/article/439184—give-us-a-fighting-chance

Global News Calgary (2 minutes, 30 seconds - 2nd item after Phaneuf coverage)
http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/video/index.html?releasePID=hDgmRHaec_hJENNUd1iMjZCDVVPQAeXs

CTV Calgary (2nd item after Phaneuf - they also put this in their Twitter feed)
http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100131/CGY_put_yourself_in_our_boots_100131/20100131/?hub=CalgaryHome

CHQR
http://www.am770chqr.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1190801

660 News
http://www.660news.com/news/local/article/22551–new-campaign-promoting-safety-for-emergency-responders

Edmonton Sun
http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/02/01/12696316.html

Edmonton Journal
http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/cityplus/story.html?id=ef5dec9c-ccda-4db8-bb5c-95136aa10fdb

Metro News Edmonton (Yahoo News also picked up this story)
http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/local/article/440195–rescue-workers-ask-to-put-yourself-in-their-boots

Global Edmonton (48 seconds)
http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/video/index.html?releasePID=tsJPV1ZIT5p8RCTvhbIXyoyN61X3ahLb

CTV Edmonton (used CTV Calgary story)

CBC Radio News Edmonton (French radio also did a version of this story)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2010/02/01/edmonton-ourboots-campaign.html

Vancouver Sun (they used the Journal story)
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Organization+launched+raise+emergency+workplace+safety/2508666/story.html

Ian Wilson

Managing Director

John Petropoulos Memorial Fund

403-891-4269

ian@jpmf.ca

Shannon Lyons

Project Coordinator

Put Yourself in Our Boots

403-542-7478

shannon@jpmf.ca

]]> http://www.pinkgazelle.com/2010/01/29/jpmfs-put-yourself-in-our-boots-safety-campaign-kicks-off/feed/ http://www.pinkgazelle.com/2009/10/13/a-widows-awakeningwhat-readers-have-to-say/ http://www.pinkgazelle.com/2009/10/13/a-widows-awakeningwhat-readers-have-to-say/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:25:20 +0000 Maryanne http://www.pinkgazelle.com/?p=1049

Hello! Here’s some of the reader feedback for A Widow’s Awakening, the creative non-fiction book by Maryanne Pope

Sept/08 to Sept/09

“A powerful and courageous book.”

Brian Willis, Winning Minds Training, Calgary, AB

“A Widow’s Awakening gives a rare insight into the emotional roller coaster and psychological struggle experienced by the newly widowed wife of a police officer, senselessly killed on duty as the result of an unsafe workplace. This compelling account of personal tragedy and its aftermath is told with brutal honest and a sense of humour uniquely her own. The dangers and consequences of policing, its effect on family, friends and comrades, as well as the author’s determination to improve workplace safety in memory of her husband, results in a fascinating and thought provoking book.”

Chief Rick Hanson, Calgary Police Service

“I just finished reading your book. I enjoyed reading it and found it hard to put down. My husband is a police officer, so that alone made me interested in reading your book. The other reason is a tragedy that happened in my world this year. My brother was killed in Afghanistan 5 months ago. He was a Paramedic and when his group was ambushed by the Taliban, he was shot and killed. It has been a very rough, emotional time for me trying to deal with this and come to terms with what happened. Thank you for sharing your story through this book. It really was amazing and inspirational.”

Carolyn, Calgary, AB

“Your book is amazing and your story is an inspiration to everyone.”

Mary, Calgary, AB

“After waiting for 8 years, I was not disappointed with the excruciating, painful story that unfolded on each page. The mind-numbing experience of a young woman losing her husband cannot be comprehended by someone who has not gone through this. Maryanne’s gripping, raw account of her journey, during and after this tragic time in her life is worthy of a good read. Her vulnerability in describing the events of the day of John’s death and her minute by minute survival is the closest I have encountered to being inside someone else’s skin. A Widow’s Awakening will give great insight to those of us who have not experienced this loss.”

Deborah McInnes, Off-Duty Partners, Calgary, AB

“Just finished the book . . . loved it! I’m not a reader at all but I read the book hoping to relate to my mother’s situation of being widowed. I wanted to relate to her woman to woman rather than mother to daughter. I think your book has helped me to do this. Thanks for your honesty.”

Heidi, Calgary, AB

“All I can say after devouring your book in 24 hours (which I have not done in three years!) . . . is that you could see me reading it in bed, on the seabus, on the couch . . . it is wildly energetic and honest and authentic and funny and real. I loved it . . . incredibly heartbreaking but life affirming at the same time.”

Alex, North Vancouver, BC

“I happened to be in Chapters recently and walked by Maryanne. I had read about the book and I knew I needed to buy it. That was 3 days ago and I finished it last night. All I can say is WOW . . . what an incredible journey by a courageous woman. Thank you for doing this.

Verne, retired police officer, Calgary, AB

“A Widow’s Awakening is a brilliant tale of rage and redemption . . . prisoner, prophet, victim or visionary . . . Pope is a master of dialogue who lays her soul bare . . . an exhilarating ride!”

Claire Scott, Author, Butterfly Blessings and Butterfly Wisdom, Salmon Arm, BC

“I just finished reading A Widow’s Awakening and thought it beautifully written. I was completely absorbed in every page . . . it was funny, sad and shocking. People can learn from the honest insight, all of the emotions that people go through when grieving the loss of a loved one. I think it’s a wonderful gift that you have given back in John’s name . . . a memorial fund that can make a difference in other people’s lives . . . because isn’t that what John and all police officers’ intent is after all?”

Peggy, married to a police officer, Calgary, AB

“I couldn’t put this book down! As the spouse of a firefighter, this unforgettable book made me feel that although there are dangers faced by emergency workers, everyone has the same right to safety. By the author exposing her real feelings and asking questions about the tragic death of her husband, she gives a sense of hope that the threats faced by emergency workers can be reduced.”

Kristin Atkinson, married to a firefighter, Calgary, AB

“Told with brave candour and intelligent wit, A Widow’s Awakening takes you on an enlightening journey into the worlds of policing, hospital trauma units, Orthodox religion, unsafe workplaces, and the unexpected areas our minds can wander into when life becomes almost too painful to bear. An inspiring story of coming to terms with the unimaginable in order to live a life with purpose and meaning, this book is a testament to the capacity of the human spirit.”

Shannon Lyons, Communications Consultant, Calgary, AB

“It is painful, numbing and often infuriating. It is a tribute to the untapped strength we all have inside of us.”

Ian Wilson, Managing Director, John Petropoulos Memorial Fund

“You almost want to apologize, reading Maryanne Pope’s account of her husband’s death. So vivid is her description, you feel like an intruder . . . to follow a young widow through the horror, grief and gradual healing which follows a police officer’s death is something unique for a reader, a voyeuristic journey both heart wrenching and uncomfortable.”

Michael Platt, Calgary Sun

“In the opening of A Widow’s Awakening, Pope quotes the following from Stephen King: “Writing is not life, but sometimes it can be a way back to life.” With her first book the Calgary author has written her way back to life – perhaps not the life she has imagined, but a life nonetheless.”

Kim Gray, Calgary Herald

“Your book is FABULOUS . . . I couldn’t put it down! The story is gripping, and the writing is fluid and engaging. Bravo!! What I found the most intriguing is the religion/spirituality topic. I have already suggested the book to one of my clients and several of my friends.”

Susan Rochow, Therapist, Calgary, AB

“All I can say is WOW! How did you do it? I laughed, I cried . . . I laughed again and cried some more. It was the bravest piece of literature I have ever read.”

Ann L, Calgary, AB

“Your book had me captivated – I couldn’t put it down! At times it was very tough to read the details of John’s death and to hear about the pain you have gone through, yet you still had so much humour and intelligence intertwined throughout it all – amazing.”

Ann V, Vancouver, B.C.

“I am blown away by for so many reasons . . . if only I found more books like yours on my shelf. I am strongly encouraging my friends to read your book. They need to!”

Wendy, Calgary, AB

“Thank you for sharing your story and incredible journey. What struck me in particular was your search for spiritual answers to relieve the blinding emotional pain. It was great comfort to see you put into words some of the exact emotions I felt when I tragically lost my dad this year. I can see now that everyone does find their way to heal those very raw wounds in the process of grieving.”

Sandra, Calgary, AB

“I was deeply touched by your book. It got me thinking a lot about how to get back on track with what I deem success or a good life. Thanks for allowing your reader to taste the reality of your situation through your candour, cynicism, humour and hope.”

Darrell, Calgary, AB

“I’m halfway through your book and absolutely loving it. You kind of hang your heart and soul out on the line, which takes a lot of courage. It’s making me think a lot about religion, life, death, love, loss, family and friends.”

Colleen L, Saskatoon, SK

“Thanks so much for sharing your story. I love it – and I’ll be encouraging my colleagues to consider this book. Reading the book puts into much greater context the work that you’re doing through the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund.”

Barrie Harrison, WorkSafe Alberta, AB Human Resources & Development

“Just finished it – between the tears and smiles, I am overwhelmed. My last year has been an exercise in my own grief – the deaths of my marriage and my mother within hours. There is a certain kind of hurt that cannot be explained, only felt on the cellular. Your story was as close to capturing that hollow ache as anything I’ve read.”

Elizabeth, Edmonton, AB

“I got home Friday night and was going to “start” the book – well, I didn’t put it down till I finished!! I laughed but mostly cried. It was an amazing read . . . thank you for sharing.”

Sherry W, Calgary, AB

“I have read the first heartbreaking 100 pages and you really do have a sense of story, character and dialogue. I could feel your agony when you lost your husband and what happened in the hospital. Thanks so much for sharing your book with me and I wish you and your company all the best luck in spreading words and stories that mend the world. What else do we have?”

Evan Solomon, Host CBC News: Sunday and Sunday Night

“It’s absolutely fantastic! I cried like a baby, laughed like a hyena, and got angry like a summer storm all in the same book!”

Darren L, Calgary, AB

“I wanted to congratulate you on your truly remarkable book. God forbid, if I ever have to deal with such a tragedy, I hope I can do it with the strength and resolve that you did. Thanks for sharing your experience.”

Gwen Farnsworth, Health in Action

“I am fascinated and empathetic to an individual’s unique human journey. I couldn’t help but hope that Adri would awaken with a vision of what would be her mission in life and by the end of the book, she would say, “I’m getting there.” Thank you…she did!!”

Ted P, Montreal, Quebec

“What an incredibly powerful and moving book! Although I had tears in my eyes as I read each page, I think your messages are uplifting and are so important in challenging the human spirit to make our lives mean something meaningful in this world, by helping others and doing something more for society. It is so cleverly written and thought provoking. I haven’t enjoyed a book this much since I taught classic literature to high school students a few years ago.”

Sarah Hourihan, Calgary, AB

“It was awesome. We drove to LA and I could not put the book down. By the time we reached Primm, Nevada, I had read the whole book. You are a credit to the female population…a fighter to stand up for yourself and what you believe is right.”

Darlene C, Calgary, AB

“A Widow’s Awakening serves as an outstanding wake up call to the public regarding workplace safety for emergency services personnel. It lays out, in heart wrenching detail, what happens when a first responder doesn’t come home because of an unsafe workplace. The book acts as a poignant reminder of the constant dangers faced by emergency services workers every day. This book should leave everyone asking: ‘What can I do to make my workplace safer? How can I prevent this from ever happening again?’”

Ian Wilson, Managing Director, John Petropoulos Memorial Fund

“After reading Maryanne’s book, I felt it was necessary for others to hear her story. The reality is that emergency services personnel do die in the line of duty. It’s important that we learn from Maryanne and her life experiences. I’m confident that her story can be used as a tool to allow others cope with their loss.”

Vince Savoia, Tema Conter Memorial Trust

“It was a gripping read, so intense that I read it in small bits so I could absorb the information. Thank you for sharing this very personal journey…I know it will help so many people. Anyone who experiences the loss of a loved one and all of the crazy emotional roller coaster that accompanies will benefit from the knowledge that they really are not alone, and not crazy. Your book has also made me more aware of my surroundings, not only at work, but everywhere. I’ll be recommending your book to many others.”

Lesley, Paramedic, Halifax, Nova Scotia

“I just finished reading A Widow’s Awakening. I laughed, I cried, I reflected. I wanted you to know that it had exactly the effect on me that I imagine you wanted for your readers. My eyes, ears and heart were opened to many things; the belief and trust in love and soul mates (which I myself have sight of), the tremendous loss of others when a loved one, especially an emergency services personnel, loses their life, and of course the importance of passion and commitment to the work that we do, regardless of what it is. I just wanted to thank you for your honesty and openness. The book was amazing.”

Sarah Polson, Social Worker, Calgary, Alberta

“I just finished A Widow’s Awakening. Thank you. I laughed, I cried, I laughed when I was crying, and I found a fellow Anglican who asks a lot of the same questions I ask. Reading your touching work has realigned my thinking in a way that Tony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within and Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Deepak Chopra’s The Book of Secrets all have. You’ve shone a light on many of the same issues I have been wrestling with in terms of writing and making a difference. Thank you!”

Tim Reynolds, Stand-up Comedian, Calgary, Alberta

“My heart is beating harder and my breathing shorter. I am hugging Russ tighter and kissing him longer. I have burnt supper while reading! I have read books until wee hours of the night but I have not felt this much about a book before. You are an incredibly gifted writer…I feel like I am right beside you and that I am getting to know John and your relationship together. I love how he loved you. I love your writing style, how brilliantly you tie everything together and how you authentically share your soul.”

Kim Williamson, Photographer, Bragg Creek, Alberta

“I have just finished reading A Widow’s Awakening. Like others, I picked it up, became very absorbed and read it non-stop, every chance I got. It is perfect. The storyteller is wonderfully unpredictable and eccentric. I love her. Thank you for doing it and for doing it so well.”

Linda M, Alberta

“My husband passed away November 9, 2007 at the age of 43 (massive heart attack with no warning signs). He was not a police officer, however I can truly relate to a lot of what you say in your book. I’m realizing that what I am going through is normal. Good days and bad days.”

Gina B, Ottawa, Ontario

“In January, my husband’s best friend took his own life. During one of our many weekly phone calls, she mentioned that she picked up a copy of your book recommended to her by a victim services worker who had recently attended an engagement at which you were speaking. You began as an inspiring writer, overnight you became an inspiring person and I just want to thank you for helping my friend.”

Stacey C, Calgary, AB

“I read your book last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. The first part had me wiping my eyes at the end of every page but the last two parts basically summarized my time as a police officer! At first I was thinking ‘I don’t ever want my wife to read this book’ but when I got through the first part I started to think it would put things in perspective for her…it sure did for me.”

Jeff Z, Medicine Hat, AB

“WOW! As soon as I read the first line, I couldn’t put the book down. The truth on soul-mates, hope, after-life, happiness, sadness…you definitely told your tale as it is. I can’t stop talking about this book. I’m glad you shared your story with us.”

Parveen H, Calgary, AB

“I just finished reading your book and I found it extremely thought provoking and very well written. I am completely impressed with your strength of character and your perseverance.”

Darrell H, Calgary, AB

“I must tell you that I found your book heart wrenching and also had a couple of really good laughs. I couldn’t put it down. I think you have the ability with your writing to really make the reader live what you were living. Hopefully there will be many more books forthcoming.”

Sandra S, Calgary, AB

“I wanted to thank you, like so many people probably have, for sharing a part of yourself that was so raw. It made me feel at times I needed to close the book to give you your privacy back. Your book was amazing.”

Sherrylynn W, Edmonton, AB

“I bought your book yesterday and meant to wait until the next day to read it. I crawled into bed and tried to sleep but something kept at me. So I crawled out of bed and read your book from start to finish. It was amazing. I couldn’t put it down.”

Darcy C, Calgary, AB

“In a remarkable, can’t-put-it-down book called A Widow’s Awakening, Maryanne Pope lays bare the raw, painful and sometimes embarrassing truth of what it means to lose a ‘soul mate love’ to the hazards of law enforcement, including the heart wrenching truth that her husband didn’t have to die the way he did.”

Chuck Remsberg, Senior Correspondent,

PoliceOne/Calibre Press, Chicago, IL

“A Widow’s Awakening has touched my heart and given me the courage to make the changes needed in my own life as an aspiring author. My husband is a police officer and I can relate to some of the experiences portrayed within the book.”

April L, Grande Prairie, AB

“I LOVED your book! I cried, I laughed, felt your anger…and was willingly drawn into your opinions on Christianity, the transition from life to death, your feelings about the environment…it was really an amazing read. I selected your book for our choice for our book club, as I think it will spark so much interest and conversation in your experience. You have such an ability to move people in your speaking and your writing.”

Linda M, Calgary, AB

“As emergency services workers, we are tasked with protecting our community in environments that are never predictable, always volatile, and often beyond our control. We tread into environments that demand skill and knowledge; where putting one foot in front of the other is a way of life. Still, there are unsafe elements that exist in our workplace that we cannot expect, where only the unexpected happens.

John’s death and Maryanne’s life bring to the forefront the issue of workplace safety after hours – when our community is asleep we are protecting their businesses, properties and investments, which are often themselves the very menace we face. Maryanne inspires us to carefully continue putting one foot in front of the other while demanding that the community protect us as we protect them.”

Staff Sergeant Darren Leggatt, Calgary Police Service, ILEETA Review