My Solitary Travels
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
My Solitary Travels
Sitting alone in my solitary spot,
I am at peace for awhile
where I can dream of sailing in my yacht
while my spirit travels and smiles.
I leave not the spot in my body,
but alas where few can see.
I fly and soar in my mind
and land far away where I can be me.
While flying, always return do I,
for I am but a woman
who yearns to fly
and to not yet die.
Monette Benoit: I dedicate my poem to my sister-in-law. Cynthy Ellinger Walters died 2-12-04; her Memorial was on Valentine’s Day.
After her diagnosis with pancreatic, liver cancer, I volunteered to step into a role to ‘listen’ and to ‘ask hard questions’ as she faced new challenges. For two-and-a-half years, Cynthy lived with intense medical care and memories of a trip gifted by the Make A Wish Foundation. She demonstrated dignity as a pillar of strength to her family, Michael, Jared, Noelle, and to me, as her world changed.
Cynthy Walters taught me how brave one can be to face each new day and dark night.
She did not want to die, astounding her ‘team’ and Hospice with her deep inner strength.
I bow my head; heaven is brighter since Cynthy’s arrival.
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the NCRA Written Knowledge Test and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, life coach, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/, http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
"Heart And Soul" and Dr. Bruno Cortis
Heart And Soul
By Monette Benoit
Copyright 2008 by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
The alarm rang at 4:30 a.m.; too soon I stood within the San Antonio airport. I traveled all day, changing planes after a lengthy layover. Walking to the luggage carousel, I first spotted the well-dressed man, wearing a light cream-colored suit. He did not appear to be tired, hot or stressed like everyone else.
My sweater was tied around my waist, my sleeves rolled up, and I wore my hat. I did not look comfortable or relaxed like this gentleman. I retrieved my luggage, headed to the hotel shuttle. Sternly, I was instructed to “stand over there.”
Then I was led outside, to wait under the hot sun and inhale exhaust fumes. Perched on the small cement island, each person hovered protectively near his or her luggage as cars, vans and buses sped past.
No hat, no sweat and smiling, this man calmly observed the world around him. I thought, “He looks like a modern-day Gandhi. And he looks happy.”
He was the only person not sweating and not frowning. I climbed into the shuttle. I politely nodded and smiled as he passed my seat.
I dragged my luggage into the hotel and stood on one of many lines. I scanned the lobby, and yes, this gentleman was two people behind me. I smiled; he nodded, smiled. Again I thought of Gandhi observing his posture and dignity.
As I departed the counter, I looked at him, tilted my head while I tipped the brim of my hat. He slowly bowed saying, “I really am not following you. I hope you have a pleasant stay.” I smiled and hurried to follow the bellman, five steps ahead of me, who was briskly pushing my luggage.
The next day this gentleman, wearing a light gray suit, flew past me. Seeing me, he stopped (on a dime), smiled and bowed dramatically; then off he went.
Later I attended a seminar and was standing at the back of the room. Alone I leaned against the wall, foot perched on the wall, sipping a glass of cold water. Then I saw the gentleman from inside the room; he stood and walked towards me to fetch a glass of water.
I looked into his eyes, calmly saying, “Okay, enough.”
I extended my hand introducing myself. He slowly repeated my name a few times and said, “Bruno Cortis.” He handed me his card which said, “Bruno Cortis, M.C., F.A.C.C., Cardiologist, Author, Speaker.”
I softly teased, “I thought your card might say ‘Modern-Day Gandhi’ because of your suit and the way you appear to look directly into people’s souls.” Bruno laughed. He explained his accent; he was born and raised in Italy. He shared about his mother – how wonderful she was, her cooking, health, his family, and how he came to this country. He shared he had written two books. I listened, sipping water.
Then Bruno asked, “May I send you a copy of my books? They detail how to prevent and heal heart disease.”
I replied, “I would be honored.”
The speaker began. I asked Bruno if he would like to sit with me. He said, “As a court reporter you will take excellent notes. My English is slower than my Italian. I would love to sit with you!” He ran up to his chair, retrieved his material and sprinted back to my chair.
During the seminar I leaned over and whispered, “I saw you in the airport yesterday. You stood out in your cream suit, not looking hot or stressed.” He smiled, “I saw you, too, wearing your hat.” We giggled. I took notes; he copied what I shared. Together we focused on our seminar.
After the seminar, Bruno spoke to me about food, health and the spirit. He was passionate and centered; I was charmed by this gentleman.
When two books arrived at my office on Valentine’s Day, one book was inscribed “To Monette, Creative Spirit …” The other book also had a personal inscription. What blew me away was his credentials and the people who endorsed his books – none of which he mentioned while we spoke.
Dr. Bruno Cortis is a Diplomat and fellow of the American Board of Cardiology. He trained at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
The cover flap of Heart and Soul reads “Bruno Cortis, M.D., F.A.C.C., is a board-certified internist and practicing cardiologist and a pioneer in angioplasty and laser applications. A native of Italy, Dr. Cortis now lives and works in the Chicago area."
"He is the author of the best-selling Heart and Soul: A Psychological and Spiritual Guide to Preventing and Healing Heart Disease and over seventy-five published articles. Dr. Cortis has been interviewed on the Phil Donahue Show and shows across the U.S. and Canada and has spoken to audiences on five continents.”
The cover has a prominent endorsement by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Spiritual Heart, Meditations for Health and Happiness has an endorsement by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.
The inside flap shares, “Dr. Cortis believes the spiritual power of healing is as real and important as medication and surgery. Dr. Cortis teaches all of us how to preserve the quality of life by exploring spiritual benefits that ground our lives and give us meaning and purpose, as well as peace and comfort. This book has essays, exercises, and meditations. Dr. Cortis leads readers on a reflective journey that will help all of us enjoy happier, healthier lives.”
The back flap continues, “Dr. Cortis is the Founder of the Exceptional Heart Patient Program, an organization dedicated to the prevention and healing of heart disease. He is also the CEO of Mind Your Health, a health strategy and management consulting firm.”
His resume states: “In addition to pioneering research in angioscopy and laser angioplasty, Dr. Cortis has done in-depth interviews of heart transplant recipients and has learned how their persona could be influenced by the donor. His mission is to promote wellness and spiritual values for successful living. Dr. Cortis reaches into the heart and mind. He inspires people to create true change.”
I read his personal inscriptions on the books, his bio, and his busy public speaking schedule around the United States. I immediately phoned Bruno, my friend. He took my call.
I remember saying, “Hmmm, you did not share details of your work or your books.”
He laughed, “Monette, I want you to have my books. I planned them to arrive today – Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you will learn from them and help others. This is my reason for sharing.”
As I prepped this article, I wrote Bruno. I was not sure if he would remember me (because of his work and public speaking schedule). I asked for an update. Bruno replied, “I remember ... The AHA statistics report 2,600 cardiovascular deaths per day, one million two hundred heart attacks per year, 700,000 new infacts (heart attacks), 500,000 recurrent ones.”
Dr. Bruno Cortis has a wonderful web site, http://www.brunocortis.com/.
He has written articles, including “On-site Emergency Strategies for Heart Attack,” “Talk Yourself Out of Stress,” “Find Your Inner Strength”, “Exceptional Heart Patients Do Not Always Obey Doctor’s Orders,” “Win With Your Heart Intelligence,” and “Your Heart is a Spiritual Organ.”
Each day is a blessing – even days involving lengthy travel, perhaps. I desire to share Bruno’s talents; unique spirit; wisdom; humor; and to me, Gandhi-like qualities.
Heart disease can be cured and prevented, according to Dr. Cortis. I believe we all know people who will benefit from his spiritual writings, documented healings.
Happy Valentine’s Day to each of you from my heart to your soul.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA. She is the author of multiple books to include the NCRA Written Knowledge Test and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist.
She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
By Monette Benoit
Copyright 2008 by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
The alarm rang at 4:30 a.m.; too soon I stood within the San Antonio airport. I traveled all day, changing planes after a lengthy layover. Walking to the luggage carousel, I first spotted the well-dressed man, wearing a light cream-colored suit. He did not appear to be tired, hot or stressed like everyone else.
My sweater was tied around my waist, my sleeves rolled up, and I wore my hat. I did not look comfortable or relaxed like this gentleman. I retrieved my luggage, headed to the hotel shuttle. Sternly, I was instructed to “stand over there.”
Then I was led outside, to wait under the hot sun and inhale exhaust fumes. Perched on the small cement island, each person hovered protectively near his or her luggage as cars, vans and buses sped past.
No hat, no sweat and smiling, this man calmly observed the world around him. I thought, “He looks like a modern-day Gandhi. And he looks happy.”
He was the only person not sweating and not frowning. I climbed into the shuttle. I politely nodded and smiled as he passed my seat.
I dragged my luggage into the hotel and stood on one of many lines. I scanned the lobby, and yes, this gentleman was two people behind me. I smiled; he nodded, smiled. Again I thought of Gandhi observing his posture and dignity.
As I departed the counter, I looked at him, tilted my head while I tipped the brim of my hat. He slowly bowed saying, “I really am not following you. I hope you have a pleasant stay.” I smiled and hurried to follow the bellman, five steps ahead of me, who was briskly pushing my luggage.
The next day this gentleman, wearing a light gray suit, flew past me. Seeing me, he stopped (on a dime), smiled and bowed dramatically; then off he went.
Later I attended a seminar and was standing at the back of the room. Alone I leaned against the wall, foot perched on the wall, sipping a glass of cold water. Then I saw the gentleman from inside the room; he stood and walked towards me to fetch a glass of water.
I looked into his eyes, calmly saying, “Okay, enough.”
I extended my hand introducing myself. He slowly repeated my name a few times and said, “Bruno Cortis.” He handed me his card which said, “Bruno Cortis, M.C., F.A.C.C., Cardiologist, Author, Speaker.”
I softly teased, “I thought your card might say ‘Modern-Day Gandhi’ because of your suit and the way you appear to look directly into people’s souls.” Bruno laughed. He explained his accent; he was born and raised in Italy. He shared about his mother – how wonderful she was, her cooking, health, his family, and how he came to this country. He shared he had written two books. I listened, sipping water.
Then Bruno asked, “May I send you a copy of my books? They detail how to prevent and heal heart disease.”
I replied, “I would be honored.”
The speaker began. I asked Bruno if he would like to sit with me. He said, “As a court reporter you will take excellent notes. My English is slower than my Italian. I would love to sit with you!” He ran up to his chair, retrieved his material and sprinted back to my chair.
During the seminar I leaned over and whispered, “I saw you in the airport yesterday. You stood out in your cream suit, not looking hot or stressed.” He smiled, “I saw you, too, wearing your hat.” We giggled. I took notes; he copied what I shared. Together we focused on our seminar.
After the seminar, Bruno spoke to me about food, health and the spirit. He was passionate and centered; I was charmed by this gentleman.
When two books arrived at my office on Valentine’s Day, one book was inscribed “To Monette, Creative Spirit …” The other book also had a personal inscription. What blew me away was his credentials and the people who endorsed his books – none of which he mentioned while we spoke.
Dr. Bruno Cortis is a Diplomat and fellow of the American Board of Cardiology. He trained at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
The cover flap of Heart and Soul reads “Bruno Cortis, M.D., F.A.C.C., is a board-certified internist and practicing cardiologist and a pioneer in angioplasty and laser applications. A native of Italy, Dr. Cortis now lives and works in the Chicago area."
"He is the author of the best-selling Heart and Soul: A Psychological and Spiritual Guide to Preventing and Healing Heart Disease and over seventy-five published articles. Dr. Cortis has been interviewed on the Phil Donahue Show and shows across the U.S. and Canada and has spoken to audiences on five continents.”
The cover has a prominent endorsement by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Spiritual Heart, Meditations for Health and Happiness has an endorsement by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.
The inside flap shares, “Dr. Cortis believes the spiritual power of healing is as real and important as medication and surgery. Dr. Cortis teaches all of us how to preserve the quality of life by exploring spiritual benefits that ground our lives and give us meaning and purpose, as well as peace and comfort. This book has essays, exercises, and meditations. Dr. Cortis leads readers on a reflective journey that will help all of us enjoy happier, healthier lives.”
The back flap continues, “Dr. Cortis is the Founder of the Exceptional Heart Patient Program, an organization dedicated to the prevention and healing of heart disease. He is also the CEO of Mind Your Health, a health strategy and management consulting firm.”
His resume states: “In addition to pioneering research in angioscopy and laser angioplasty, Dr. Cortis has done in-depth interviews of heart transplant recipients and has learned how their persona could be influenced by the donor. His mission is to promote wellness and spiritual values for successful living. Dr. Cortis reaches into the heart and mind. He inspires people to create true change.”
I read his personal inscriptions on the books, his bio, and his busy public speaking schedule around the United States. I immediately phoned Bruno, my friend. He took my call.
I remember saying, “Hmmm, you did not share details of your work or your books.”
He laughed, “Monette, I want you to have my books. I planned them to arrive today – Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you will learn from them and help others. This is my reason for sharing.”
As I prepped this article, I wrote Bruno. I was not sure if he would remember me (because of his work and public speaking schedule). I asked for an update. Bruno replied, “I remember ... The AHA statistics report 2,600 cardiovascular deaths per day, one million two hundred heart attacks per year, 700,000 new infacts (heart attacks), 500,000 recurrent ones.”
Dr. Bruno Cortis has a wonderful web site, http://www.brunocortis.com/.
He has written articles, including “On-site Emergency Strategies for Heart Attack,” “Talk Yourself Out of Stress,” “Find Your Inner Strength”, “Exceptional Heart Patients Do Not Always Obey Doctor’s Orders,” “Win With Your Heart Intelligence,” and “Your Heart is a Spiritual Organ.”
Each day is a blessing – even days involving lengthy travel, perhaps. I desire to share Bruno’s talents; unique spirit; wisdom; humor; and to me, Gandhi-like qualities.
Heart disease can be cured and prevented, according to Dr. Cortis. I believe we all know people who will benefit from his spiritual writings, documented healings.
Happy Valentine’s Day to each of you from my heart to your soul.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA. She is the author of multiple books to include the NCRA Written Knowledge Test and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist.
She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
Monday, January 28, 2008
Will You Accept My Invitation?
Will You Accept My Invitation?
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
I began my 2005 National Court Reporters Association, NCRA, seminar in Phoenix introducing Robert McCormick, teacher of 32 years, National Court Reporters Association, NCRA, 2004 Teacher of the Year, CATapult’s CD programmer, and Sheryl Stapp, RPR, realtime writer. Bob, a professor at State University Of New York, SUNY, At Alfred, Deacon and Counselor, was playing with the word “y’all.”
As the audience laughed, applauded, I began: “Sign language applause is like this (indicating). And people who are blind and deaf — do you know how they applaud? They pound the floor and/or a table with their hands and/or feet. You can feel the vibration, applause, through your hands, feet.” I jumped from my position, pounding my open hands onto the floor.
Then I asked, “Did you just learn something new?”
The audience voiced, “Yes!” I replied, “Good, we’re still in the first minute; you already learned something. Remember that.”
“Now I’m going to extend an invitation. I ask that you consider accepting this invitation. Can you do that for me?”
The audience nodded. I shared, “Every day, we have choices, we make decisions. I don’t know what you’re going to learn within this room, but I’m going to give you as much as I can. I hope you take as much as you can, and realize you’re going to process.”
When you read my articles, or have heard you me speak, you know I believe people process information at different intervals. The phrase 'see Spot run' may not mean anything now, not a darn thing. But later with additional information that phrase may be insightful, leading you to a new goal.
You may be thinking, “Hey, I’m just here to get points, is there a door prize? I read an article where you gifted a pearl necklace …”
The audience roared with spontaneous laughter.
I said, “Come on, guys. It’s 4:30 on Friday afternoon. I have friends who are getting a massage right now. They said, ‘I love you, Monette, but I’m not coming.’ For you to be here, I want to be respectful of your time; I also want to tell you what I expect from you.”
I expect you to listen to what we’re sharing here. I invite you to ‘check-out’— you will mentally check-out of this seminar. You will hear the little voice in your head: Can I do it, should I do it, why am I doing it? Look at all the money this is costing -- that ‘mental’ list is still running when you check back, to continue listening here today.
I invite you to accept that your ‘court reporter retention’ will permit you to check-back, placing all information from this seminar into a little ‘court reporter processor’. It happens. This drives our families crazy. They say, “You weren’t listening; what did I say?” Then we respond, ‘I was.’” We quickly look away for a moment, re-channel our listening. We all do it.
So I’m asking you to give yourself permission that what you’re taking in here is not overwhelming. I don’t expect people to leave saying, “I’m going to …”
But I’d love for you to leave here saying: “I have goals. My goal is to do more than when I walked into this room, sat in this chair.” Even if your goal is to never come and listen to that woman again, it’s a goal.
The deal is to make goals with you. Give yourself permission to accept and reject what you hear today because even if you reject a message, you still heard a message you didn’t have before. You still have information from what you ‘reject’ to perhaps lead you to a new goal.
So if you’re a student, a teacher, a court reporter, what do you really want to be doing with your life?
The common answer from the audience that day: “Making it easier.” I replied: If your goal is to grow or to stay where you are, then you are familiar with a goal. You are willing to challenge yourself.
Even if your goal is to stay where you are, you must know that goal is a challenge because with current technology, ‘staying where you are’ is going to take more energy than moving forward. It will. Sometimes we think we are going uphill, sometimes we are.
If you’re going uphill, there’s a point where you can coast, but you have to make that decision based on the goals you make, the goals you create.
Quyen N. Do, from California, won the white pearl necklace my Vietnamese sister-in-law, Wenny, made from her store Tong Sing Jewelry, located at 615 Grant Ave, San Francisco. Quyen jumped up, bounced. She ran to the front, hands in the air, threw herself at me. I told the audience I felt like Bob Parker’s ‘Price is Right’.
DyeAnne Littlejohn, from Michigan, won the peach pearl necklace from the captioning and court reporters' ‘CATapult Your Dictionary Software Program’ exhibit booth drawing.
When I phoned, DyeAnne screamed into the phone, then shared she attended my seminar in Chicago last year during the 2004 National Court Reporters Association on “How, When And Where To Publish Your Creative Ideas, Skills and Stories.”
DyeAnne had been praying to God and believes my phone call was an answer to prayers. DyeAnne now has new goals. How do I know? I asked.
As I write this, it’s August, 99 degrees hot tar, Texas weather.
When you read this, you may be preparing for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I now ask you to extend invitations, such as here, to those around you, and to create new goals.
And now I’m off to my cousin’s.
Uncle Joe served in WW II and carried “treaty” papers for General Eisenhower in Potsdam, handcuffed to his body.
Joe, a “lowly second lieutenant” was a German interrogator, working under the rules of the Geneva Convention. I am asking questions, listening.
I’m going to Joe’s house because I extended an invitation to myself after meeting a mature man who cleared the land in Iwo Jima for “those soldiers to raise the American flag.”
The Marine I met was wearing a WW II hat, a red windbreaker, and he had a small medal on the necklace around his neck.
He volunteered, “I share respectfully, the boys in the picture were not the heroes. The heroes were the Marines who cleared the path, then that picture was taken. Many boys died for that picture, and the real heroes were the boys who cleared the path before the boys were able to raise our American flag.”
I am preserving Uncle Joe’s story — the family member right in my backyard. Joe’s wife was my grandmother’s brother.
My maternal grandmother, Monnie Rae Floyd, a piano prodigy at four years old, was his first music teacher — also a court stenographer— in Corpus Christi, Texas. (She had her own orchestra where each person was required to play four instruments. My grandmother was the first music teacher in Corpus Christi volunteering to teach music to the students enrolled in public school.) And my grandmother's father, Adolphus Floyd enlisted in the Civil War in 1861 as a 'flutist in the band'.
My great-grandfather, Adolphus Ward Floyd was named after his uncle who died fighting within the walls of the Alamo, March 6th, 1836.
His 32-year old uncle walked from Gonzales, Texas, answering the call for volunteers that spread throughout the countryside while they were waiting for reinforcements to arrive.
This volunteer arrived behind the enemy line in 1836, moving through the gunfights to join the Alamo fighters within the fort. Dolphin Ward Floyd died on his 32nd birthday, leaving a wife, pregnant at nine months, and a four-year old son, knowing he would never see them again.
During the Civil War, Adolphus was a soldier in the 7th Regiment Texas Infantry was a Prisoner of War twice from 1861 to 1865. He was captured and released 'for exchange' from POW camps — the notorious— Fort Donelson, Illinois, and also Camp Douglas ('received from' Louisville, Kentucky and sent to Vicksburg 'to be exchanged) in Franklin, Tennessee, before walking back to his home in Corpus.
We were always told that his having been a musician and being of strong-stock, kept Adolphus Floyd alive - having been a POW in the Civil War twice - to return home to his family and cotton farm, Adolphus walked home.
After the war, he married and with family and stagecoaches, moved the family, walking down to Corpus after he had tested the soil for cotton. (Tales of fighting bandits and Indians are still shared -- how my great-grandmother loaded rifles for the men during battles.) As I grew up, my family always told me: You come from strong stock: Yes, you do.
My cousin, also a professional musician, who rarely spoke of WW II, is now answering my questions. He’s talking, crying, laughing and sharing mischievousness of “the boys.” Uncle Joe is saying, “Others have better stories; you should take their stories.”
When I reassure Joe, ‘I really want your stories; we’ll make sure the others share, too,” he says, “Sure you can have my stories! Come and get them while I can remember. Can you come tomorrow?”
Uncle Joe is 92, planning a trip to Africa this fall “because I’ve never been there!”
This afternoon I’m going into the Texas heat to complete a goal I made to myself, to preserve a goal Uncle Joe made when he raised his right hand, entering WW II.
Will you accept my invitation? What will you do?
Happy Holidays. Happy New Years to each of you.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the NCRA Written Knowledge Test and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, and columnist with 120 published articles. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals.
Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
I began my 2005 National Court Reporters Association, NCRA, seminar in Phoenix introducing Robert McCormick, teacher of 32 years, National Court Reporters Association, NCRA, 2004 Teacher of the Year, CATapult’s CD programmer, and Sheryl Stapp, RPR, realtime writer. Bob, a professor at State University Of New York, SUNY, At Alfred, Deacon and Counselor, was playing with the word “y’all.”
As the audience laughed, applauded, I began: “Sign language applause is like this (indicating). And people who are blind and deaf — do you know how they applaud? They pound the floor and/or a table with their hands and/or feet. You can feel the vibration, applause, through your hands, feet.” I jumped from my position, pounding my open hands onto the floor.
Then I asked, “Did you just learn something new?”
The audience voiced, “Yes!” I replied, “Good, we’re still in the first minute; you already learned something. Remember that.”
“Now I’m going to extend an invitation. I ask that you consider accepting this invitation. Can you do that for me?”
The audience nodded. I shared, “Every day, we have choices, we make decisions. I don’t know what you’re going to learn within this room, but I’m going to give you as much as I can. I hope you take as much as you can, and realize you’re going to process.”
When you read my articles, or have heard you me speak, you know I believe people process information at different intervals. The phrase 'see Spot run' may not mean anything now, not a darn thing. But later with additional information that phrase may be insightful, leading you to a new goal.
You may be thinking, “Hey, I’m just here to get points, is there a door prize? I read an article where you gifted a pearl necklace …”
The audience roared with spontaneous laughter.
I said, “Come on, guys. It’s 4:30 on Friday afternoon. I have friends who are getting a massage right now. They said, ‘I love you, Monette, but I’m not coming.’ For you to be here, I want to be respectful of your time; I also want to tell you what I expect from you.”
I expect you to listen to what we’re sharing here. I invite you to ‘check-out’— you will mentally check-out of this seminar. You will hear the little voice in your head: Can I do it, should I do it, why am I doing it? Look at all the money this is costing -- that ‘mental’ list is still running when you check back, to continue listening here today.
I invite you to accept that your ‘court reporter retention’ will permit you to check-back, placing all information from this seminar into a little ‘court reporter processor’. It happens. This drives our families crazy. They say, “You weren’t listening; what did I say?” Then we respond, ‘I was.’” We quickly look away for a moment, re-channel our listening. We all do it.
So I’m asking you to give yourself permission that what you’re taking in here is not overwhelming. I don’t expect people to leave saying, “I’m going to …”
But I’d love for you to leave here saying: “I have goals. My goal is to do more than when I walked into this room, sat in this chair.” Even if your goal is to never come and listen to that woman again, it’s a goal.
The deal is to make goals with you. Give yourself permission to accept and reject what you hear today because even if you reject a message, you still heard a message you didn’t have before. You still have information from what you ‘reject’ to perhaps lead you to a new goal.
So if you’re a student, a teacher, a court reporter, what do you really want to be doing with your life?
The common answer from the audience that day: “Making it easier.” I replied: If your goal is to grow or to stay where you are, then you are familiar with a goal. You are willing to challenge yourself.
Even if your goal is to stay where you are, you must know that goal is a challenge because with current technology, ‘staying where you are’ is going to take more energy than moving forward. It will. Sometimes we think we are going uphill, sometimes we are.
If you’re going uphill, there’s a point where you can coast, but you have to make that decision based on the goals you make, the goals you create.
Quyen N. Do, from California, won the white pearl necklace my Vietnamese sister-in-law, Wenny, made from her store Tong Sing Jewelry, located at 615 Grant Ave, San Francisco. Quyen jumped up, bounced. She ran to the front, hands in the air, threw herself at me. I told the audience I felt like Bob Parker’s ‘Price is Right’.
DyeAnne Littlejohn, from Michigan, won the peach pearl necklace from the captioning and court reporters' ‘CATapult Your Dictionary Software Program’ exhibit booth drawing.
When I phoned, DyeAnne screamed into the phone, then shared she attended my seminar in Chicago last year during the 2004 National Court Reporters Association on “How, When And Where To Publish Your Creative Ideas, Skills and Stories.”
DyeAnne had been praying to God and believes my phone call was an answer to prayers. DyeAnne now has new goals. How do I know? I asked.
As I write this, it’s August, 99 degrees hot tar, Texas weather.
When you read this, you may be preparing for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I now ask you to extend invitations, such as here, to those around you, and to create new goals.
And now I’m off to my cousin’s.
Uncle Joe served in WW II and carried “treaty” papers for General Eisenhower in Potsdam, handcuffed to his body.
Joe, a “lowly second lieutenant” was a German interrogator, working under the rules of the Geneva Convention. I am asking questions, listening.
I’m going to Joe’s house because I extended an invitation to myself after meeting a mature man who cleared the land in Iwo Jima for “those soldiers to raise the American flag.”
The Marine I met was wearing a WW II hat, a red windbreaker, and he had a small medal on the necklace around his neck.
He volunteered, “I share respectfully, the boys in the picture were not the heroes. The heroes were the Marines who cleared the path, then that picture was taken. Many boys died for that picture, and the real heroes were the boys who cleared the path before the boys were able to raise our American flag.”
I am preserving Uncle Joe’s story — the family member right in my backyard. Joe’s wife was my grandmother’s brother.
My maternal grandmother, Monnie Rae Floyd, a piano prodigy at four years old, was his first music teacher — also a court stenographer— in Corpus Christi, Texas. (She had her own orchestra where each person was required to play four instruments. My grandmother was the first music teacher in Corpus Christi volunteering to teach music to the students enrolled in public school.) And my grandmother's father, Adolphus Floyd enlisted in the Civil War in 1861 as a 'flutist in the band'.
My great-grandfather, Adolphus Ward Floyd was named after his uncle who died fighting within the walls of the Alamo, March 6th, 1836.
His 32-year old uncle walked from Gonzales, Texas, answering the call for volunteers that spread throughout the countryside while they were waiting for reinforcements to arrive.
This volunteer arrived behind the enemy line in 1836, moving through the gunfights to join the Alamo fighters within the fort. Dolphin Ward Floyd died on his 32nd birthday, leaving a wife, pregnant at nine months, and a four-year old son, knowing he would never see them again.
During the Civil War, Adolphus was a soldier in the 7th Regiment Texas Infantry was a Prisoner of War twice from 1861 to 1865. He was captured and released 'for exchange' from POW camps — the notorious— Fort Donelson, Illinois, and also Camp Douglas ('received from' Louisville, Kentucky and sent to Vicksburg 'to be exchanged) in Franklin, Tennessee, before walking back to his home in Corpus.
We were always told that his having been a musician and being of strong-stock, kept Adolphus Floyd alive - having been a POW in the Civil War twice - to return home to his family and cotton farm, Adolphus walked home.
After the war, he married and with family and stagecoaches, moved the family, walking down to Corpus after he had tested the soil for cotton. (Tales of fighting bandits and Indians are still shared -- how my great-grandmother loaded rifles for the men during battles.) As I grew up, my family always told me: You come from strong stock: Yes, you do.
My cousin, also a professional musician, who rarely spoke of WW II, is now answering my questions. He’s talking, crying, laughing and sharing mischievousness of “the boys.” Uncle Joe is saying, “Others have better stories; you should take their stories.”
When I reassure Joe, ‘I really want your stories; we’ll make sure the others share, too,” he says, “Sure you can have my stories! Come and get them while I can remember. Can you come tomorrow?”
Uncle Joe is 92, planning a trip to Africa this fall “because I’ve never been there!”
This afternoon I’m going into the Texas heat to complete a goal I made to myself, to preserve a goal Uncle Joe made when he raised his right hand, entering WW II.
Will you accept my invitation? What will you do?
Happy Holidays. Happy New Years to each of you.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the NCRA Written Knowledge Test and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, and columnist with 120 published articles. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals.
Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
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