Sharon Osbourne, Grace & Heroes

I've never met Sharon Osbourne, MrsSOsbourne on Twitter, and I probably never will. She's known worldwide and I am only a small Canadian writer. I doubt she's ever read any of my novels, though I really wish she'd read WHALE SONG because it has impacted so many people's lives and I believe she would love it.

I'd love to meet Sharon, but that's not why I'm writing this post. The chance of Sharon Osbourne "dropping by" my little piece of the blogosphere is slim to none. And I can pretty much assure you she's never heard of Cheryl Kaye Tardif, or read my blog or my books before.

The reason I'm blogging about a woman I've never met is that she inspires me. Truly. Deeply.

Sharon inspires me because of all she has accomplished and overcome in her life. She has managed countless performers, including her husband and famous rocker Ozzy. Yeah, I bet that hasn't been easy. I can barely manage to get my husband to take out the trash some days.

I do share one thing in common with Sharon. We both have red hair. Okay, two things maybe. I love music. Almost any genre, young or old performers, professional and those just starting their dreams.

Sharon has raised her children, and any parent will tell you that's not easy. Sure, they've had their ups and downs, but don't we all? Through everything, through the grime of celebrity, Sharon rises above with grace and genuine caring. Just watch her on America's Got Talent! She wants people to find their dreams.

So do I. I've always been a dreamer. My motto has been "Dare to Dream...and Dream BIG!" I have that on the wall of my office. Being a part of someone's dream might mean giving them advice or a little direction or a caring word or encouragement to keep on keeping on.

I'm sure Sharon has had her awful days. I'm sure she's lost her cool at times. She's probably done things she regrets. Haven't we all? I know I have.

I suspect Sharon has had some ungraceful moments. But again, haven't we all?

I love Sharon Osbourne. Not the crazy kind of fan worship love, but just one human being to another. She epitomizes grace, selflessness, determination, persistence and more, and I strive to be just like her "when I grow up".

Sharon has faced cancer. Again, with grace. In this, she reminds me of my mother, who also faced cancer and won. Two very strong ladies, in my books. Two strong, heroic, admirable ladies. My mom and Sharon Osbourne should get together...and then invite me over for margaritas.

Sharon is my hero, and I don't say that about just anyone.

My novels are filled with fictional heroes, strong courageous men and women who have to battle against darker forces of evil. Jasi McLellan from Divine Intervention. Sadie O'Connell from Children of the Fog. Del Hawthorne from The River...

You probably know a hero, maybe even have one in your family. Maybe it's your neighbor, or a teacher.

My hero is Sharon Osbourne--and all the Sharons out there like her. I salute you for your grace.

Who's your hero?

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
I invite you to check out my novels

Remember our Canadian heroes: 2 minutes is "a pittance of time"

Today, Remembrance Day, is the day we need to remember our Canadian troops, those Armed Forces men and women who have fought for us, died for us and survived for us. While you walk through the day, please remember that there are children without father or mothers because of their commitment and dedication to our country. Mothers and fathers have lost sons and daughters. Many have lost spouses and countless have lost dear friends.

If you haven't yet taken 2 minutes out of your busy life to remember that these men and women have fought for their country so that you can enjoy the freedoms we are so richly blessed with here in Canada, please take your 2 minutes after watching the video below. ~Cheryl

The story of A Pittance of Time:

On November 11, 1999, Terry Kelly was in a drug store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the store's PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.

Terry was impressed with the store's leadership role in adopting the Legion's two minutes of silence initiative. He felt that the store's contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.

When eleven o'clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the two minutes of silence to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.

Terry's anger towards the father for trying to engage the store's clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, A Pittance of Time. Terry later recorded A Pittance of Time and included it on his full-length music CD, The Power of the Dream.



Thank You to the Royal Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch #10 and Woodbine Height Branch #2 for their participation in the Video.

You can read the lyrics of this inspiring song at:

http://www.terry-kelly.com/pittance/pittance_en_lyrics.htm

Please visit www.terry-kelly.com