Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair: An Empowering Fairy Tale

by Jewel Kats

Join Cinderella in a World Where Anything is Possible!


In a Kingdom far, far away lives Cinderella. As expected, she slaves away for her cranky sisters and step-mother. She would dearly love to attend the Royal costume ball and meet the Prince, but her family is totally dead set against it. In fact, they have gone so far as to trash her wheelchair! An unexpected magical endowment to her wheelchair begins a truly enchanted evening and a dance with the Prince. Can true love be far behind?

* This fairy tale demonstrates people with disabilities can overcome abuse
*  Children with disabilities finally have a Cinderella story they can identify with
*  In this version, Cinderella uses her own abilities to build a new future for herself

Find out more about Jewel Kats and her other work at www.jewelkats.com.


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Conversations Book Club's Review of Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair: An Empowering Fairy Tale

There is nothing like having a fresh take on a story that you feel as though you know so well. That is exactly what Jewel Kats has done with her book CINDERELLA'S MAGICAL WHEELCHAIR. We are presented with a Cinderella that is not only dealing with special needs but unappreciated for what she has to offer.

When an opportunity arises to meet a Prince, Cinderella is tricked into thinking that she will be able to attend the costume party being held by the royal family, but that is not to be. Magically a special helper comes to help Cinderella not only make it to the party but see something special about herself as well.

The ending is not what you might expect but it shows you that we all have the power to do amazing things in our lives regardless of the challenges we face.

Jewel Kats has definitely given readers a special Cinderella that is easy to relate to and teaches us the importance of believing in ourselves. You can't ask for any more than that.

Erin Morgart: Transforming Her Life From the Inside Out

by Cyrus Webb

With a new month comes the thoughts of maybe bringing forth a new you. This could mean ideas of changing the way you look, the way you see your life and your role in t o clearing out the clutter that is keeping you from being the best of yourself.

Whatever it may be, remember that there is a big difference in just talking about a solution for your problems and acting doing something.

Take for instance fitness trainer and model Erin Morgart. It is safe to say that she is the perfect representation of marrying your thoughts with your actions.

Morgart grew up not thinking a lot about her weight because she was small and fit. As life happened to her, however, things (and her body) began to change, and she realized that decisions had to be made.

She made what she refers to as a "conscious decision" to change her life, and today she is reaping the rewards. "For most people there will be a catalyst that if they don't do something right now they can go down the slippery slope or do what they know they should do to change," Morgart told me. "I was there."

After having two children and seeing the way her body was hanging was enough to trigger the inner competitor inside of her. "I said to myself that this weight just had to go," she says. "I was tired of being sick and tired and depressed. I had this moment in my mind where I said I'm sick of it." She says it was like "a switch that comes on that says 'that's it.'" From there she was on her way to the transformation that people see today.

Training was a large part of her experience, but it began inside. "The decision to change is 95% mental," she says. "If we want it we have to consciously make an effort. "I took it to an extreme level where I didn't want to go back to where I was. It was a healthy obsession that continues to pay off."

Among the changes was her diet and starting a food journal. As the results began to show themselves Morgart decided to use her experiences to help others. It was beneficial for her as well. "I know I can do better," she would tell herself. It was like competing against herself. "I do better when I'm with people. I feed off other people's energy. It was more or less a self challenge for me. So many people have a history of health issues," she says. "I would really like to be around for my children, and I know others would as well."

Now Erin Morgart is enjoying not only the fruit of her own hard work but helping others as well. "It feels fantastic to be making a difference," she says. "There is no greater joy than helping others reach their goals. I hold them accountable." She tells them that this is their time for them to become the person that you once were and can be. For her it affects more than just the way you look. "It does carry over into all other points of your life: spiritual, relationships..everything."

You can find Morgart all over the country as well as taking advantage of the opportunities available through reaching clients and others online. "It's a joy to be a positive inspiration," she told me. "I really try to keep it personal. I see it as a blessing to reach other people on such a grand scale."

Erin Morgart's story is proof of how you can begin making changes in your life today. It all begins with a decision. "I did it on my own but that's my personality," she says. "There is nothing wrong with working out with someone else or hiring a trainer. There comes a time when you will say I can't live like this anymore. For those people who are out there they know it is not going to happen overnight. You have to be patient. It's a matter of being consistent.  It's doable. Believe me, I'm not the only one capable of doing it. "

Stay in contact with Erin at www.erinjmorgart.com as well as on Twitter at www.twitter.com/erinjmorgart as well as Facebook at www.facebook.com/erinjmorgart.

Ingrid Ullrich: Pursuing Purpose with Passion

by Cyrus Webjb

Anything worth having requires work, and Ingrid Ullrich is not afraid of doing what it takes to see her dreams come true.

She has been able to find success not only in modeling but is now a published author as well. Definitely she is more than just another pretty face. She is someone pursuing her purpose with passion.


Model Citizen: Ingrid Ullrich
Hometown: Pittsburgh PA

Interests: Dancing, Singing, Acting.

Ingrid in her own words: "I decided to model because I love being able to express myself through a single image. I have passion for life and what I do, and I try to bring that out in all of my work whether it be dancing, acting, singing, or modeling."

How do you stay inspired as you are pursuing your goals and dreams? "I remind myself that each day is a privilege to be alive, not a right. Everyone has the power to succeed, it is just the matter of how bad you want something. I strive each day to better myself in everything I do and that to me is the greatest success of all."

What advice do you have for others that are looking forward to go after their own dreams?
"The sky is the limit. Never give up on your dreams, especially if what your doing makes you happy."

For more information about Ingrid, visit www.ingridullrich.com.

John-Westley Dean: Living A Purpose-Driven Life

by Cyrus Webb

Many have gotten to know John-Westley Dean from his roles in movies like ATL, Madea Family Reunion and Stomp The Yard as well as tv shows like House of Payne and Single Ladies, but he is more than just another celebrity you see in a role. He is using the opportunities he has been given to fulfill  what he sees as a calling on his life.

Whether he is acting, modeling or sharing his love of fitness and health, Dean has found the key to having a purpose-driven life, and he is allowing it to lead him in everything he does.

"As I've gotten older I have learned to trust my own abilities," he told me in our interview. This trust has aided him in making the right decisions not just for the short-term but the future as well.

Growing up in the inner city, Dean says that school was a real balancing out. "My parents pushed me to be more into school and books, but I was still athletic." He says that because of his focus on his education he was "outside the cool kids", but because of his skills in sports was not considered a nerd. When the time came to make a decision what he wanted to pursue, it was his faith that became more of a guiding force.

"For a long time I was always walking that line," Dean explained. "I had people pulling me on both sides. What finally made up my mind was starting to see a trend of the guys who came before me. Some of them are doing the same things that they did years ago. That might be okay for them, but I didn't see those kind of limitations for myself. I always knew there was something in me that was destined to be better and more than what may have been expected."

What was next for him? Not modeling or acting but the Military. It was there that he learned a valuable lesson that would aide him when he would eventually enter the jungle that is the Entertainment Industry. "The Military teaches you how to hurry up and wait," Dean explained. That lesson also helped him to realize the truth about himself when it came to success and the importance of caring for the whole person. "In order to be successful in this business or any business you have to take care of the body," he says. "That means eating right but also having a healthy mental and spiritual life." Dean's belief in something larger than himself allowed him to understand the Law of Attraction. "Everything does come full circle eventually," he told me. "Your turn will come. You are going to get your time to shine. Just be prepared when that time comes."

 At the age of 28 John-Westley Dean entered the world of modeling and acting and has not looked back. "My first audition I landed the lead role in a pilot that was being filmed,"he says. "It wasn't picked up, but it definitely encouraged me to perfecting the craft. Just this year he even landed a role in Hunger Games 2, and he continues to star in stage plays and on hit tv shows. "Confidence for me has come over time. Taking acting classes and being around those who share the same goals has been important, but putting God first has helped me a lot."  He then added something that I think everyone can learn from: "I had to step out on faith and know this is my calling. I know this is what I'm supposed to do. Modeling and acting are my God-given talents. For me to not utilize them would be a sin in itself."

In a world where others attempt to define you, John-Westley has made the life-changing decision to be the best of himself in everything that he does. "Everyone has a notion as to who you should be and how you should be," he says. "I'm learning to have people accept me for me." At the end of the day he also believes that no matter how people feel about him, they will have no choice but respect him.

Fortunately he is not in this alone. His wife and business partner has been an amazing asset when it comes to keeping his ego in check. "She definitely keeps me grounded," he told me. "She is also one of my biggest fans and supporters. I am lucky and blessed to have her in my life."

Aside from the work he does in front of the camera, Dean is still helping individuals become their best selves as a personal trainer to those who are looking to change who they are from the inside. His message to them begins with this: "Anything worth having in this life is not easy. Set realistic goals for yourself. People have a notion to set outrageous goals for themselves. No matter what your profession you should want to be the best you can be. Even if I wasn't doing what I'm doing (in the entertainment industry), I would still want to take care of myself."

Adding on to his growing brand, Dean is currently working on his line of athletic comfortable wear for men and preparing for upcoming projects.

Being true to his name and the Biblical nature of it, John-Westley feels as though he is the one who is paving the way for you to reach your ultimate goals when it comes to health, fitness and success. "This is my passion. It's what I love to do. I'm preparing you for something that is coming of a greater value for yourself."

His words of encouragement for you? "Whatever your dream is, think about it..write it down. Recognize what brings you joy. You'll find your passion in that thing. Find out your passion and what motivates and moves you and make that your career."

To stay in contact with John-Westley Dean and his current projects visit him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jdeanonline and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/johnwestleyd.

Dr. Lombardo's A HAPPY YOU Reminds Us That We All Deserve Happiness

Wish you had more happiness in your life?
Imagine being less stressed and happier right now.  Finally, you can make this dream a reality! Based on scientific research and real life stories, here is your ultimate prescription to a joyful, fulfilling life, and it is a lot easier than you might think. Get ready to transform your life.
You will discover: 
* Quick steps to generate greater happiness despite challenges you may be facing
* Why finding positives in your life can not only improve your mood but also enhance your health, relationships, work and even bank account
* Easy skills to boost your self-confidence 
* Way to better your relationships: with friends, family, co-workers and even yourself
* Effective approaches to let go of regret and worry that prevents you from enjoying life

REVIEW BY CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB:

Let's face it: there is enough going on in the world to keep us feeling down and having a grim outlook on what is possible in our personal lives and the world in general. Every now and then we need that "pick me up" that reminds us of what is possible if we only remind ourselves of the role we play in having a better life. In her book A HAPPY YOU Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo looks at the things that can make us unhappy and realize what we can do to turn things around.

One of the things she talks about in the book is the benefit that comes from writing things down. You don't have to share it, but putting on paper what we are feeling and going through will also help us to identify how we want to bring about change in our lives. That leads to another important point: identify the thing you don't like and begin to make a plan to change them. Now this is not going to happen overnight, but beginning the process is the important thing.

The book takes you through what can be seen as the ABCs of building a sense of happiness in yourself, and what is interesting is that it also lets you see that alot of it has to do with our relationships not just with ourselves but others in our lives as well.

Thoughtful and informative, A HAPPY YOU is a pleasant reminder that we all deserve and can have better lives.

Dionne Warwick: Celebrating the Power of NOW

by Cyrus Webb

She is the Grammy-winning legend that has impacted the world through music for over half a century. Ms Dionne Warwick is a legend not just because of her voice but because of the life she has lived and continue to live. She is a perfect example of someone understanding the importance of the moment and living NOW. In fact, to celebrate her 50th anniversary in making memorable music she recently released a celebratory album called NOW that is not only pleasing her loyal fans but making new ones as well.

I have had the privilege of interviewing Ms. Warwick twice on Conversations LIVE, and each time she was nothing but gracious and appreciative. During the first conversation I was joined by Susan Violante from Venezuela , an author who told Ms. Warwick that her music helped her to learn English! What an amazing opportunity: to be able to impact someone's life in such a dramatic way.

As I spoke with Ms. Warwick for this interview she shared some with me what this 50 journey has been like for her. ""It's been a wonderful ride," she says. "I'm thankful to my supporters for 50 years. I basically thought that if I stayed true to who I am and sung the kind of songs that my audience expected of me then longevity was a given."

I asked her if she believed that what people responded to with her was the soul and the love that she puts into her music. "I think it's definitely that," she replied. "The music that I've been able to sing has grown. That is the beauty of music. It has the ability to live on and on."

Though she was confident in her gift and believed it could take her anywhere, even Ms. Warwick says she never believed she would be in the business this long. "I felt that my first 10 years would be it and I would go on to teaching," she told me. "But that 10 years turned into 10 more and on and on. Now here we are."

Because she is still here, she does understand the influence that music has in our lives. "Music generally has an amazing impact on people," she says. "I could never imagine a world without music. Artists are known as the messengers. I hope the messages that I have been sending have been effective and will continue to be."

Talking about the younger generations that are discovering her music, Ms. Warwick's says this: "I certainly hope they discover some really wonderful songs that were written before they were born. I want them to enjoy the messages I have been able to bring. " Thanks to the internet, that is exactly what is happening already, and this thrills her. "It's wonderful to hear all of the comments," she says. "I am humbled by so many young people listening to my music and enjoying it. I am glad they could jump on that train and take the ride with me."

Music is not the only way people of all generations are learning about Ms. Warwick. She is still active in her charitable work and her other businesses which include writing and even a fragrance. "As a youngster my grandfather told me that we are all on this earth to be of service to each other," she told me when I asked about the work she is doing to help others. "If my talent is the way I can do that then it's very easy to do." She then added: "I think that it's a part of what we are here to do. The messages that we send are vitally important."

To stay in contact with Ms. Warwick and her upcoming events and to get her album NOW visit www.dionnewarwick.info.

Recording Artist Estee: Reminding Us to Whom We Belong

by Cyrus Webb

When I compile my list of favorite female recording artists of 2012 there is one name you can definitely expect one name to be at the top of that list: Estee.

From the first time I interviewed her some two years ago I knew that she had a gift that was not only helping and inspiring others but truly blessed in a special way. Whether it's the singles "I Wouldn't", "I'm Still His" or the new track "Excuses", it seems that her music always comes at a time when it is most needed.

Estee has known all of her life that she had a gift, something that was special. It was further reinforced by her mother. She told me that its really been the past five years that she's used it for nothing but Gospel music.

When reflecting on how her voice is impacting the lives of others, Estee told me "I think it's an honor. I give God glory for it." The compliment, though, is not an ego boost for the singer/songwriter.She then added that the evidence of the music reaching people where they are is "proof that it's not me. I ask for God to remove me and have His way in what He wants me to say."

Part of what is able to keep Estee focused on her role in the spreading the Good News of God is the reminder of her own imperfections and flaws. She sings about this in the song "I'm Still His", and she expounded on it during our most recent interview. "I know that everyone has had their trials and tribulations. For me it is truly a blessing that I'm still here. I have a message to give that's God's message. He is using me to show that just my being here is a testimony."

The real beauty of what Estee shares is that it's not too late for her to turn things around. When we know we have fallen short and not done things the way we should, we have the opportunity to set things right. "We know who we serve," she said to me. "At the end of the day we get down on our knees and ask for forgiveness. We're His children no matter what. Don't give up. Start brand new. God gives you strength to move on."

To find out more about Estee and take advantage of the opportunity to be inspired by her music, visit www.omega7productions.com.