Jr. Past President Sue Ann's Final Posting - Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

It is hard to believe that this will be my last blog email sent to everyone. Sometimes in life, experiences come to end. I am doing this last entry to tie the bow on a wonderful sorority year package! In addition, to let those Texas Sisters know who were unable to attend, including our Corresponding Secretary - Joyce Smith and TESAN Editor - Sarah Fox that we had a wonderful convention and how it all went! 

Convention in League City at the South Shore Harbor Resort was wonderful thanks to District 2 and Debbi Morris, General Convention Chair. I have already heard from ESA Headquarters and two IC Officers that our Texas Convention was great! I wonder who might have spilled the beans??? Could that be IC Officer, Miss Sandy Alexander, our representative... perhaps??? That means we excelled as we normally do! Thank you to all those involved! You deserve a rest before we start anew under the leadership of Susanne Dullack.... Sweetheart, as I said when I presented you our treasured gavel and block.... Tag you are it! I know you will use that gavel wisely and well! 

To recap, there were skits Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! Music from “Thanks for the Memories” to “Happy”, “Best Day of My Life” to “I’ve Been Everywhere Man”, “This Girl is on Fire” to “Roar”, and finally “So Happy Together”. We did selfies on Sunday with duets by Cheree Harper and Cassie Harper. Presentations produced by the Bell’s Angels and Sue Ann’s Storytellers. Of course, business was conducted, reports given, votes cast, and outstanding members crowned. The workshop was filled with a guest speaker on domestic violence and future needs of ESA as a whole by our IC Representative to Texas. Special recognitions were done for the Executive Board, prior Board Members, and former Outstanding Members over the years. Members did spend the Saturday morning shopping at Kemah, Kohl’s, going to NASA, visiting sisters, and sleeping in. This seemed to have been a great success!

I would like to share some of my remarks that I gave on Sunday. 

“Last year in my acceptance speech, I walked around the room telling the story of the little boy, the cocoon, the old man, and the butterfly. The morale of the story was “without the struggle, there is no flight”. At that time, I was referring to my adventure, my journey to the point of becoming your State President. Now fortunately, my year as State President was not filled with many “struggles”, and “flight” was predominant. The “struggles” we encountered were those of trying new adventures through change. Some of those changes were successful and others need to be adjusted should they be continued. This is expected and this was the “flight”. 

As elected officers, we realized we need to shift our paradigm to attract new members, to achieve growth. We, the elected board, have discussed this numerous times, not impetuous ideas to modify some of the things we do, but think of new ways, revolutionary ways to make our ESA life better and greater in numbers. Now, growth is not a new discussion during board meetings and conventions either. We have spoken of this many times and truly; growth is a critical, as we step up, tackle it, change it make it happen, and the outcome will honor the traditions. 

With all of that, this year has been successful, because of you! This was a wonderful year. It was not perfect. It never can be perfect. We cannot please everyone. However, I will take away that we made a difference and we tried. I am proud of that, there was “flight”, and as Mickey Rooney said he wanted to be known that, he tried. So, I tried! I hope you take that feeling with you as well!

I want to thank you for the journey, the experience of being your State President. This experience is one I will treasure. I am grateful – THANK YOU for the opportunity. I know I will look back in years to come and know that we made a difference and touched a person, helped a person, loved a person. 

This is the point of which this year was based, a simple movie theme, in Bedford Falls, America, a simple man, George Bailey learning that he did in fact make a difference. 

Before I end, I must take a moment to offer my thanks to my chapter, those who are here, Holly, Jon, Cheree, and Cassie. Our chapter is small and actually meets in a chat room, but we sure have done so much and multi-task. I love you all. And to my district, 

Thank you for your patience, advice, and love. You stepped up when our chapter shifted from one district to another. In addition, thank you to the “Sisters” of my district as you were there to encourage the support by the district. May I also thank those within another district no longer in existence, as you were there in the beginning for Joyce and me – we adore you!. 

To my friends here and at work, thank you for listening and loving. I appreciate your thoughts and wisdom. 

To Joyce, my best forever friend, we did this journey a decade apart. You were there through the loses and the wins, the successes and the rough patches, the fears and the joys, the smiles and the tears, the I have been thinking and the ideas. Thank you for sticking with it! I love you!

To my family, my sister, my parents who gave me the goal setter attitude I have. Without you, the drive for a goal would not be there. And mom, thanks for joining ESA when I was born! I literally would not be here without you. 

Now to Nick, Emma, Julie, Holly, Jon, and Owen – you are the loves of my life. As you can see, not everyone was able to attend this weekend, but I want to publicly thank you for the support, encouragement and the love you have given me over the years in my journey as a State Officer and President! You did this out of love and sacrifice for me, as it was my goal, not yours. I could never repay what you have given to me. 

To Holly, what can I say to you? You and I were raised in ESA, just different generations, different state councils, and different goals. You helped buffer issues, listen, advise, and love. You also helped with your brother and his developmental issues to help me make this all happen. And Jon, you are wonderful and Grammie’s favorite… boyfriend. 

Moreover, to Owen, you came into this in the midst of the journey. Wow, how you have had to figure this out in a very short period of time. Jimmy Cain told Owen (and Owen still remembers this), “Son, you had better get use to this really quick, ‘cause it ain’t gonna change.” I have loved you since the moment we met. Thank you for the love, support, friendship, our life…..!”

Several of you have asked, including Owen, what are you going to do with the blog after it is over? I have given this some thought. In all likelihood, I will initiate a new one, more focused on recipes, life, and more. We will see what develops! 

Good News…. No IAWL Trivia Question? It is true. You are in luck this final blog posting!

Before I close, allow me two more statements:
• Continue to send me recipes, as I will start working on this special Disaster Fund project.
• If you are attending IC Convention in Portland, please consider attending my workshop on Tuesday, July 15th. 

Sunday’s third general assembly, I completed my remarks with the following… and ESA Wonderful Wednesday comes to an end!

“May I offer this, Mizpah, may the Lord watch over thee

while we are absent one from another.

Finally, as I said one year ago on a stage much like this

May you have the wisdom to find your purpose

And the courage to make a difference.

So believe you can and you’re halfway there.

Be the EveryDay Angel I know you are, because you have

the wisdom, courage,

And belief to touch another… Why?

Because, ESA’s … A Wonderful Life!

Thank you and I love each of you…”

sue ann

(aka – susieQ to friends and family as they too have gotten the blog each and every week! 

Thank you! I love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

ESA Wonderful Wednesday The Early Edition - May 14, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

This is the second to the last final edition posting for ESA Wonderful Wednesday Blog! It is a few days early to allow you to review prior to convention……

This is dedicated to the Texas State Membership of ESA!

sue ann

“Angels are Everywhere!”

“Sometimes we feel that we are all alone,

as life brings us challenges to overcome and

hardships to bear. 

But when we least expect it,

help can appear.

It may be a kind word from a stranger

or a phone call at just the right time,

and we are suddenly surrounded with the

loving grace of God.

Miracles happen every day

because angels are everywhere!”

-Marci-

This last week has been really stressful on a number of levels – a family crisis that is resolving, finding out that my dear Joyce is unable to go to convention as Corresponding Secretary, responsibilities at my job, and somehow trying to complete all the tasks in preparation of convention. And as I write this Sunday morning before Mother’s Day activities begin, I still am printing, writing, making, and finishing, all despite starting many months ago…. A woman’s job, no… today, a mother’s job is never done… 

Happy Mother’s Day 

To 

Mothers, Grandmothers, Daughters, Sisters, and Aunts!

You all deserve the blessings!

Prior to May 2013, I got the idea to do this weekly blog from Suzy Winters, IC President for 2012-2013, as she was doing the exact same thing. I believe that it was the first one in ESA. I wrote her and asked if I could “copy” and do my own thing with a blog for you! Of course, she took that as a compliment, as that was intended, and said “Yes”. So I want to give her credit for the inspiration for the year and for some of the thoughts to follow, but I will make them my own…….

Suzy stated, “The two most important words anyone can say is THANK YOU!” You have made this year WONDERFUL! You did this for You and Me! I THANK YOU for that and the opportunity to serve as your State President. As angels, you served others in the Dream Home, Galas, Golf Tournaments, Thanks for Giving Walks, Bunco, Hope for Heroes “troupons”, Literacy commitments, Domestic Violence donations, March of Dimes Bingo events, Spaghetti or Chili feeds, Easter Seal projects, and so many more community events we love to embrace. I know this based on the quarterly board meetings to hear the results… the hours, goods, miles, and moneys you have reported are so huge and inspiring. Not only am I proud to be your State President, but I am proud to be a Texas ESA Sister. 

My thanks also extend to my appreciation to serve as your State President. The opportunity is a gift you have given me. I hope through the years of serving you, you do know I am grateful and treat it with the utmost respect and love. There are so many people to thank; it is so hard to come up with a finite list. I can say it took a village of friends, sisters, and family. It was WONDERFUL…And YES, “ESA’s … A Wonderful Life!” And Yes, those two words… THANK YOU!  

The other wisdom provided from Suzy, “The last word I leave you with is the word “YES”.  ESA is made up of people who don’t hesitate to say YES!” For 99% of my time in ESA as a child, a teenager, and an adult, is to say “YES”… there were just two occasions I did not. Regret, maybe, but I knew I did not know enough to do the job the best I could. That is my honesty to you! But my point here, say “YES” to serve yourself and others. Of course, that means service, but also doing educationals and supporting the fun activities, we do together. Sometime life gets in the way… I do understand that, but say “YES” to serve on a committee, chairmanship, or putting your name on a ballot for a chapter, district, and even a state elected office. You can do it. You have the skills. You can learn the duties and responsibilities. You have the commitment. How do I know this…? You have proven yourself by doing the service, the rushes, the educationals, and so much more. We all see this each day. You have not allowed yourself to take the next step to a WONDERFUL journey. Take it… it does not hurt, it helps!

There is one additional critical reason to say “YES”… if you say “YES” to leading in your chapters, districts, and on the state level, that is an example to show others, to inspire growth in new members, new chapters. Saying “YES” will insure ESA will be there for our future and those of our current sisters and those future sisters… I hope we will not say “No” when asked! I said “YES” and had this WONDERFUL opportunity!

Several of you have asked, including Owen, what are you going to do with the blog after it is over? I have given this some thought. In all likelihood, I will initiate a new one, more focused on recipes, life, and more. We will see what develops!

Good News…. No IAWL Trivia Question? Nope, here it is and the answer too! In 2006, the American Film Institute (AFI) released 100 films in 100 years, the 100 most inspiring films of all time. What was the number 1 film on this list? Well, can you guess? Okay, you got it… “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Yep, the number one film that inspired us! 

The AFI stated, “These 100 movies inspire us, encourage us to make a difference and send us from the theatre with a greater sense of possibility and hope for the future. A jury of 1,500 film artists, critics and historians selected the classic IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, starring James Stewart, as the most inspiring movie of all time.” I agree, it is my absolute favorite! I thank my parents, particularly my Dad for giving the love of movies! The AFI awarding of IAWL was not the spark for this year’s theme. No, that inspiration came back in the very early1980’s when I first fell in love with this film, moving it ahead of “White Christmas” as my most favorite movie. I saw this film as a way to live my life… 

to remember each moment to convey my care and interest in others… be an encouraging word, a smile, a hug, show interest, to listen, unconditional giving, a kiss,
and to say “love you” when closing a call to friends and family, 
all not to get it back, but to know I made the effort,
I took the time to care!

It was then; I did not know how or where, I was going to use IAWL to share with others to hopefully convey the ability to make a difference or to inspire that ability to make a difference. Because if it is not conveyed, then much of what we have done in ESA would not have happened. If George Bailey had never lived, then Bedford Falls would not have been………………………………. If we in ESA have not have happened, then what would have happened? There was a purpose and a reason!

My final message will come to you the Wednesday after convention and contain my thoughts expressed at the third general assembly… I look forward to sharing those thoughts with you, especially for those who were unable to attend convention, particularly Joyce…..!

League City, here we come! 

Travel safely! 

Bless you all!

Happy Mommy’s Day!

Love to all the everyday angels,

as you have touched my heart in countless ways!

sue ann

(aka – susieQ to friends and family as they too have gotten the blog each and every week! Thank you! I love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - May 7, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

It is just so hard to believe that convention is next week. Wow, time does fly – I truly believe that! Next week, I will have some thoughts to share about this last sorority year and more. As we speak, I am working on preparations for convention…. typing, printing, assembling, basically just getting it done. I will be sending out my blog early next week as many may not see Wednesday’s installment before leaving for convention. Look for it either Sunday or Monday. 

I am very sad, as my Corresponding Secretary Joyce Smith will be unable to attend Convention. Her back surgery last year was a great success; however, she now is suffering from a pinched nerve that is creating pain in her hips and down the legs. She is in therapy and taking multiple meds. She is as sad as I am. This will probably be the first convention that she has missed since joining ESA some 30 years ago! Joyce was telling me today that she has received many cards from both within Texas and throughout the US! I want to thank you sending your love! Isn’t that what the gift of friendship is all about? As I quoted a few weeks ago from Marci… “the exchanges of the heart that happen between friends create memories that last a lifetime, and those memories become treasures that warm us on the coldest of days”…  She knows we love her and that warms her heart and her memories. 

A couple of others will also be unable to attend, our TESAN Editor Sarah Fox and our Outstanding Youth Chairman Karen Luckenbach. We will miss both of them as well. 

Speaking of convention, remember to send in your registration for an Angel-filled weekend of Texas ESA, education, service, and association. We will have it all there for you! So send in that form and check to be a part of a WONDERFUL convention! District II has been working hard planning, preparing, and putting it all together to make our weekend pretty darn spectacular. 

At Convention, Friday afternoon, we will have a special donation to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters of Houston that supports Domestic Crisis. This is their website, “thebridgeovertroubledwaters.org”. Last week, I explained their mission in last week’s posting. But I want to include the types of donations The Bridge needs. 
• Toiletries & especially feminine products, and
• Gift cards to Walmart, Target, etc. 

In addition, for this convention year, for Service Awards and Pallas Athene Recognition, we are going to use a form to capture all of that information and keep us organized. Please use the form available on the Texas ESA Website OR send an email to or contact our Corresponding Secretary, Joyce Smith. She will be able to provide you the form and any information you may need to help us celebrate with you! In addition, we want to celebrate! Because Joyce will be unable to attend convention, our Jr. Past President Valerie Dickens will be collecting the service pins!!!

Recipes are coming in…. Thank you so much…. I hope what I am planning will work out next year. Please remember to bring or even send your recipes to me before, during, or just after convention. You are welcome to email, mail, or hand them to me personally. I am planning to begin working on my duties as Jr. Past President/Disaster Fund Chairman right after convention. It will include a special project. Your recipes will play a crucial part in my project. So keep them coming!

This was last week’s IAWL Trivia Question: Uncle Billy had a pet. What is the pet and the name of the pet? The answer was… a Edgar Allen Poe clue… The poem… The Raven. However, the raven’s name was not “nevermore”, but Jimmy. Trying to make a funny!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming weeks, through the end of May’s Convention! 
Debbie Weiss – May 9 of Epsilon Iota, District 11
Sharon Campbell – May 10 of Zeta Tau, District 2 and PPAC member
Elaine Brundrett – May 13 of Zeta Epsilon, District 3
Jenni May-Dennis – May 16 of Kappa Kappa, District 4 and
Darla Petty – May 16 of Epsilon Pi, District 5!

This will be the last installment of birthday wishes! It has been a pleasure and a joy to wish many, many sisters the happiest of birthdays through this sorority year! Thank  you for allowing me to share this recognition…

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - April 30, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

The last of the critical deadlines and due dates are listed below! There is only one left that I am aware of….it is coming up very quickly. 
• May 1, 2014 TOMORROW – ATTA Girl nominations are due to me as State President. You can certainly email the information to me – that is just perfect. I just need to have the information to properly have the awards at convention! Okay? Okay!

This month has been filled with travel and District visitations. I not only went to my own District, but I made my official visits to Districts 5 and 10. Of course, I will report on what happened during the visitations during convention. Let me say, I had fun, I slept, I ate, I learned, I just darn had a great time. I want to say that all of my visitations have been WONDERFUL. It is a joy to have traveled the state and meet so many blessed Sisters in ESA. I was welcomed with open arms and hearts. Thank you Sisters for the joy and love!

Off and on during the year, I have blogged about leadership, planning, friendship, etc. I saw something the other day on what it takes to be a leader. Much like what David Letterman would do… Here are the top 10 reasons for being a WONDERFUL leader!

1. Courage,
2. Self-control,
3. Justice,
4. Definitiveness of decision,
5. Definitiveness of plans,
6. Habit of doing more than asked or paid for,
7. A pleasing personality,
8. Sympathy and understanding,
9. Mastery of details...,

And the number 10 reason for being a WONDERFUL leader is…
10. Willingness to take responsibility.

This list comes from words of wisdom blog posting by Malik Mirza in 2010. I agree with the list. I believe I have these qualities, some of which are stronger than others, perhaps a nice blend. I know there are many, many in ESA who are leaders that have these leadership qualities. I am proud to have served with those Ladies in my Chapter, my District and State Councils, and in certain aspects of International Council. To those I have worked with in ESA, thank you for your leadership! You have helped me grow as a leader, a member, and as a person!

Speaking of convention, remember to send in your registration for an Angel-filled weekend of Texas ESA, education, service, and association. We will have it all there for you! So send in that form and check to be a part of a WONDERFUL convention! District II has been working hard planning, preparing, and putting it all together to make our weekend pretty darn spectacular. 

At Convention, Friday afternoon, we will have a special donation to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters of Houston that supports Domestic Crisis. This is their website, “thebridgeovertroubledwaters.org”. Last week, I explained their mission in last week’s posting. But I want to include the types of donations The Bridge needs. 
• Toiletries & especially feminine products, and
• Gift cards to Walmart, Target, etc. 

In addition, for this convention year, for Service Awards and Pallas Athene Recognition, we are going to use a form to capture all of that information and keep us organized. Please use the form available on the Texas ESA Website OR send an email to or contact our Corresponding Secretary, Joyce Smith. She will be able to provide you the form and any information you may need to help us celebrate with you! In addition, we want to celebrate!

Recipes are coming in…. Thank you so much…. I hope what I am planning will work out next year. Please remember to bring or even send your recipes to me before, during, or just after convention. You are welcome to email, mail, or hand them to me personally. I am planning to begin working on my duties as Jr. Past President/Disaster Fund Chairman right after convention. It will include a special project. Your recipes will play a crucial part in my project. So keep them coming!

Okay, Owen let me know a couple of days ago that I had forgotten to answer the IAWL Trivia Question on 4/16/2014. I am sorry…. Time is traveling fast these last couple of weeks…. 

The 4/16/2014 Blog Question: Did you figure out last week’s IAWL Trivia Question… Why did George Bailey jump into the river in Bedford Falls? Most believe it was George wanting to jump off the bridge to end his life. However, in actuality, George jumped into the river to save Clarence’s life. Did you guess? Some did! THE ANSWER – George jumped into the river to save Clarence’s life. Clarence jumped into the river to prevent George from committing suicide. 

The 4/23/2014 Blog Question… When George Bailey came home after seeing Mr. Potter to borrow money, George and Mary’s children were wearing something around their necks. What were they wearing? THE ANSWER – They were wearing opaque Santa Claus masks.

Therefore, here is this week’s IAWL Trivia Question: Uncle Billy had a pet. What is the pet and the name of the pet?

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming weeks, through the end of April!  
Nalley Prudencio-Olveda – May 3 of Delta Chi, District 4
Ren Goins – May 4 of Lambda Nu, District 5
Jenny Barker – May 5 of Alpha Tau, District 6
Nancy Hall – May 5 of Rho Theta, District 1
Kane Pierce – May 6 of Lambda Nu, District 5

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - April 23, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

The last of the critical deadlines and due dates are listed below! There is only one left that I am aware of….it is coming up very quickly. 
• May 1, 2014 – ATTA Girl nominations are due to me as State President.

This week, a very good friend needed a shoulder to “cry” on… she needed someone to speak with and share her hurt. I found this write up from Marci on “Friendship is a Gift”:

“Friendship is one of our most valuable gifts. It completes our desire to realize our capacity to love. It brings to our lives that closeness that makes us feel connected and whole and that lets us know we are not alone in the world. 

Friendship fills the universal need to share, and at the same time, it gives us a glimpse of our own true nature. The exchanges of the heart that happen between friends create memories that last a lifetime, and those memories become treasurers that warm us on the coldest of days. 

As we share our thoughts, fears, hopes, and dreams with another through friendship, we are given opportunity to really understand just how alike we are. When we support each other through life’s challenges, we are shown that we have so much love to give.”

We do a great many wonderful works in ESA. We educate ourselves; we serve others; and we associate through events. But one of the actions we sometimes forget to remember is that we are friends together and truly care about “life’s challenges” our sisters face on a day to day basis. Thank goodness for our sisters in ESA. And for some of us, thank goodness for our sisters in our family. They both share a bond with each of us. Wow………

Several weeks ago, I had requested you bring recipes to state convention. I have received some of them already via email. Please remember to bring or even send your recipes to me before, during, or just after convention. I am planning to begin working on my duties as Jr. Past President/Disaster Fund Chairman right after convention. It will include a special project. Your recipes will play a crucial part in my project. I have received several already to add to the recipes District III gave me when I made my official visit last fall. So keep them coming!

In addition, for this convention year, for Service Awards and Pallas Athene Recognition, we are going to use a form to capture all of that information and keep us organized. Please use the form available on the Texas ESA Website OR send an email to or contact our Corresponding Secretary, Joyce Smith. She will be able to provide you the form and any information you may need to help us celebrate with you! And we want to celebrate!

Speaking of convention, remember to send in your registration for an Angel-filled weekend of Texas ESA, education, service, and association. We will have it all there for you! So send in that form and check to be a part of a WONDERFUL convention!

At Convention, Friday afternoon, we will have a special donation to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters of Houston that supports Domestic Crisis. This is their website, “thebridgeovertroubledwaters.org”. Last week, I explained their mission in last week’s posting. But I want to include the types of donations The Bridge needs. 
• Toiletries & especially feminine products, and
• Gift cards to Walmart, Target, etc. 

This week’s IAWL Trivia Question… When George Bailey came home after seeing Mr. Potter to borrow money, George and Mary’s children were wearing something around their necks. What were they wearing?

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming weeks, through the end of April!  
Cyndy Long – April 25 of Kappa Beta, District I and District President
Genelle Sample – April 26 of Rho Theta, District I
Carolyn Sewell – April 26 of Rho Theta, District I
Marjorie Lyon – April 27 of Lambda Nu, District 5
Shannan Gollnick – April 30 of Epsilon Pi, District 5

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - April 16, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

The last of the critical deadlines and due dates are listed below! There is only one left that I am aware of….it is coming up very quickly. 
• May 1, 2014 – ATTA Girl nominations are due to me as State President.

Several weeks ago, I had requested you bring recipes to state convention. I have received some of them already via email. Please remember to bring or even send your recipes to me before, during, or just after convention. I am planning to begin working on my duties as Jr. Past President/Disaster Fund Chairman right after convention. It will include a special project. Your recipes will play a crucial part in my project. 

At convention, we will be celebrating a very special Service Award. I am thrilled that this sister will be joining us for that presentation. I am thinking that there may be a few others having significant and cherished celebrations of many years of service. Plan to join us in League City, in the Houston area, for the celebration of her years of service. 

In addition, for this convention year, for Service Awards and Pallas Athene Recognition, we are going to use a form to capture all of that information and keep us organized. Please use the form available on the Texas ESA Website OR send an email to or contact our Corresponding Secretary, Joyce Smith. She will be able to provide you the form and any information you may need to help us celebrate with you! And we want to celebrate!

Speaking of convention, remember to send in your registration for an Angel-filled weekend of Texas ESA, education, service, and association. We will have it all there for you! So send in that form and check to be a part of a WONDERFUL convention!

Be reminded that there are some changes to the convention agenda and events. Do not assume the schedule of events is the same as conventions in the past… Let me list them out by event and day only:

Thursday, May 15, 2014 – Pre-Convention Party
P&C Meeting
Vice President’s Meeting
PPAC Meeting
Elected Officer’s Meeting

Friday, May 16, 2014 – Flag Ceremony & First General Assembly
First Timer’s Meeting
Workshop & Domestic Violence Donation
Second General Assembly
Mixer Party & Skits & Campaigning

Saturday, May 17, 2014 – Open Morning for Your Shopping, Sleeping, Tourism, etc.
                               Awards Luncheon
                               Assn of Arts & Awards Viewing
                               Installation & Banquet

Sunday, May 18, 2014 – Celebration of Life
                              Third General Assembly

I hope to get the Convention Letter and Mini-Agenda out in the next several days. It will include a good deal I have addressed in the weekly blogs. I hope to have the list of items needed for us to donate to the domestic violence program in the Houston area. I am awaiting that information from the Women in Crisis Advocate, part of the Sharing and Caring Team. So stay tuned!

Did you figure out last week’s IAWL Trivia Question… Why did George Bailey jump into the river in Bedford Falls? Most believe it was George wanting to jump off the bridge to end his life. But in actuality, George jumped into the river to save Clarence’s life. Did you guess? Some did!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming week!  
Kymberly Searcey – April 18 of Delta Xi, District 6
Elaine Holcomb – April 18 of Theta Eta, District 11
Karen Yates – April 19 of Zeta Epsilon, District 3

“Bunnies are cuddly

The large and the small

But I like chocolate ones

The best of them all!”

~Author Unknown~

Lastly, may you all have a blessed Easter Holiday and a Happy Resurrection Day this coming weekend… 

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - April 9, 2014

ESA Wonderful Wednesday – April 9, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

Several weeks ago, I quoted some thoughts from Marci, who authors and illustrates “Children of the Inner Light”. I found a wee piece she wrote about the road of life has twists and turns. Read it, consider it, and share your thoughts…

“Sometimes the road of life takes us to a place we had planned. Sometimes it shows us a surprise around the bend we could never have anticipated. We make decisions based on the information we have. We accept the ups and downs as they come. We live ‘one day at a time’. But often we find it is only when we look back that we can see that what we had thought was a ‘wrong turn’ has brought us to exactly the right place and every step was a right one after all!”

Wow… powerful! Life is life. I live it one day at a time because that is the only way I make it through the hard stuff and the wonderful stuff. I have had my twists and turns, have been and experienced things and events I did not want to experience, and have made the best choices I could make based on what I have and what I know! Sometimes they choices and decisions have worked and sometimes not. But, if I did not try, I would never know. Lately, I have seen some outdoor church signs spelling out PUSH… Pray Until Something Happens… I pray to help me make those choices and decisions; I pray to work through the experiences; and I pray to work through the twists and turns… just one day at a time!

The following are several critical deadlines and due dates to remember! They are coming up very quickly. Here they are!
 April 15, 2014 – Annual RUSH Program is due.
 May 1, 2014 – ATTA Girl nominations are due.

At convention, we will be celebrating a very special Service Award. I am thrilled that this sister will be joining us for that presentation. Plan to join us in League City, in the Houston area, for the celebration of her years of service. In addition, for this convention year, for Service Awards and Pallas Athene Recognition, we are going to use a form to capture all of that information and keep us organized. Please see the attached form for your use! If you need more information about the form, contact our Corresponding Secretary, Joyce Smith.

Speaking of convention, remember to send in your registration for an Angel-filled weekend of Texas ESA, education, service, and association. We will have it all there for you! So send in that form and check to be a part of a WONDERFUL convention!

Be reminded that there are some changes to the convention agenda and events. Let me list them out by event and day only:

Thursday, May 15, 2014 – Pre-Convention Party
P&C Meeting
Vice President’s Meeting
PPAC Meeting
Elected Officer’s Meeting

Friday, May 16, 2014 – Flag Ceremony & First General Assembly
First Timer’s Meeting
Workshop & Domestic Violence Donation
Second General Assembly
Mixer Party & Skits & Campaigning

Saturday, May 17, 2014 – Open Morning for Your Shopping, Sleeping, Tourism, etc.
                               Awards Luncheon
                              Assn of Arts & Awards Viewing
                              Installation & Banquet

Sunday, May 18, 2014 – Celebration of Life
                             Third General Assembly

Next week, I will be sending out the Convention Letter including a good deal I have addressed in the weekly blog. I hope to have the list of items needed for us to donate to the domestic violence program in the Houston area. So stay tuned!

This week’s IAWL Trivia Question… Why did George Bailey jump into the river in Bedford Falls? It will be interesting to hear your guesses!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming week!  
Teresa Gray-Lee – April 12 of Lambda Nu, District 5 and our State Treasurer
Belle Guice – April 12 of Lambda Nu, District 5
Pat Dixon Spokes – April 12 of Beta Xi, District 6
Letha (Tarleton) Tatro – April 14 of Chi Kappa, District 1, Past California State President (1963-64) AND my mom! My dad used to joke that there were interesting things on April 14th… the day before Tax Day; the day Lincoln was shot; the day the Titanic hit the iceberg; my wife’s birthday; and the day he got married. My parents married on my mom’s 20th birthday! Sorry Mom…. Had to tell the story just one more time! Happy 85th Birthday! I love you!
Patsy Young – April 16 of Delta Epsilon, District 11

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - April 2, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

Last weekend, as a family, we went to Fair Park to see the musical “Wizard of Oz”. It was wonderful. Of course, there were many of the favorite lines, such as, “There is no place like home.” However, a few lines seem to be much more important… Let us set the scene, the Wizard is granting the wishes of the Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, Lion, and Dororthy – The Tin Woodsman asks, “What have you learned, Dorothy?” She replies, “Well, I - I think that it - it wasn't enough to just want to see Uncle Henry and Auntie Em - and it's that - if I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with! Is that right?”

“Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with”… Thinking about this, if I never had something, then it really was never mine to start with!” If I did not own the responsibility of doing the best I could leading Texas ESA this year, then I never took the responsibility seriously. If I did not own the skills to lead, I never had them to begin with. As an effective leader, one has to accept the accountability of his or her actions and that of the team. Sometimes, leading is not easy; it can be hard. The rewards make up for all adversity. Take a few moments and consider… “Because if it isn’t there, I never lost it to begin with….”

The following are several critical deadlines and due dates to remember! They are coming up very quickly. Here they are!
 April 5, 2014 – all of the Educational Programs for this sorority year are due 
 April 10, 2014 – Annual Chapter Report is due
 April 10, 2014 – Fourth Quarter of this sorority year is due.
 April 15, 2014 – Annual RUSH Program is due.
 May 1, 2014 – ATTA Girl nominations are due.

At convention, we will be celebrating a very special Service Award. I am thrilled that this sister will be joining us for that presentation. Plan to join us in League City, in the Houston area, for the celebration of her years of service. In addition, for this convention year, for Service Awards and Pallas Athene Recognition, we are going to use a form to capture all of that information and keep us organized. Please see the attached form for your use! If you need more information about the form, contact our Corresponding Secretary, Joyce Smith.

Speaking of convention, remember to send in your registration for an Angel-filled weekend of Texas ESA, education, service, and association. We will have it all there for you! So send in that form and check to be a part of a WONDERFUL convention!

Now for last week’s IAWL Trivia Question… Uncle Billy would often tie sting or ribbon around a finger. Why? He was absent-minded. Last week, I wrote about memory. So, this question fit right in. Did you guess what the answer was?

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming week!  
Dianne Brandt – April 9 of Sigma Iota, District 6
JoAnn Brown – April 10 of Epsilon Eta, District 6
Sue Caselton – April 10 of Delta Epsilon, District 11

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - March 26, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

Memory is an element of leadership. Organizing tasks and events requires remembering what it is one is aiming towards. I have noticed and actually recently seen reports on television, as we age, memory loss is an issue. Some theories reported our brains with age have become so over loaded with facts, figures, people, events, etc., that we are unable to quickly retrieve what we are trying to remember. Others believe the brain is not functioning as well as it once did. 

Whatever the reason for not remembering, as a leader, one needs tricks or ways to keep track of those facts, figures, people, events, etc. They are crucial not only for organizing, but also assigning tasks, managing decisions, creating opportunities, and more. I am a list maker. I have more lists, organized by topics. I have them in a small booklet in my purse, on my iPad, excel spreadsheets in my laptop, small piles of paper held together with a large paper clip, and a journal of lists I have kept for years. This is the only way I can keep track and remember the tasks I need to accomplish. My list for convention is very long. I constantly work on my grocery list. There are the lists of things I collect, so I don’t duplicate. The ongoing I need to do this in my life list. The books I want to read list. You name it, there is a list! This is how I remember. And how I have operated over the years as an elected officer.

Studies have shown mind/brain games increase our memory ability. This includes computer games, crossword puzzles, word/number puzzles, and so on. Other studies promote sleep, and others value reading as a method to enhance our memory. I have read where repetition is helpful… “I need to remember this” or “This is important”. However one does it, working on enhancing our memory will help us in our leadership skills! 

The following are several critical deadlines and due dates to remember! They are coming up very quickly. Here they are!
 April 1, 2014 – Distinguished Athenian Nomination due
 April 1, 2014 – Be sure to send in your May Convention Registration
 AND one very important reminder…. By April 1, 2014, all vouchers must have been submitted to me for approval. I will then forward onto the Teresa Gray-Lee, our Treasurer. I have a couple already to send onto Teresa. Now, if you are opting not to submit a voucher for reimbursement, that is so generous of you, but please let Teresa know if this is a line item that should continue next year. After convention, she will be working on the budget for the next sorority year.  

Here is the IAWL Question for this week… Uncle Billy would often tie sting or ribbon around a finger. Why?

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming week!  
Deanna Kempen – March 27 of Kappa Kappa, District 4
Peggy Kenvin – March 27 of Sigma Iota, District 6
Ro Guess – March 28 of Epsilon Pi, District 5
Sandra Perryman – March 29 of Rho Theta, District 1
Lynn Murray – April 3 of Epsilon Pi, District 3

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - March 19, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

Well this week, fighting a sinus infection, I am not thinking clearly enough to write any words of wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement – Sorry about that! 

I did think of something on the way home. Last November, Susanne Dullack, our First Vice President and Membership Chair, introduced the membership drive – BOGO! BOGO stands for “Be One Get One! This membership drive came from IC/Headquarters. Our IC President, Vickie Jones, inquired last week about our announcement in November and the results we have had since. Please let either Susanne or myself know of your BOGO opportunities and events! The more we report back with our activities, the better IC/Headquarters can enhance the BOGO membership drive. So let us know what has been happening!

Speaking of things being due, the following are several critical deadlines and due dates. They are coming up very quickly. Here they are!
 April 1, 2014 – Distinguished Athenian Nomination due
 April 1, 2014 – Be sure to send in your May Convention Registration

Now for the IAWL Question from last week! Here is the question – When George Bailey came home after his revelation that his life was valuable and worthy and he was yelling as he was running up the stairs for his wife Mary, what did he call his daughter ZuZu? The answer – ZuZu, my little ginger snap! Yum…. Love ginger snaps, particularly when they come from World Market!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming week!  
Julia Evans – March 21 of Epsilon Pi, District 5
Barbara Hickman – March 21 of Epsilon Eta, District 6
Ginger Riley – March 22 of Epsilon Pi, District 5
Donna Bray – March 23 of Zeta Tau, District 2 and PPAC
Patti Steinke – March 23 of Pi Delta, District 1
Sharon Simons – March 25 of Sigma Iota, District 6
Joy Gail Miller – March 25 of Zeta Epsilon, District 3

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - March 12, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  

I have this little calendar designed by Marci, “The Children of the Light.” In this particular calendar, she discusses simple things to remember… I thought I would include her message for one of the month’s messages. 

“Often times our path seems to be filled with roadblocks, and we wonder why life is so difficult. Things happen that leave us feeling as though we have little control over our circumstances. This is a time to remember that hope is a gift we can give ourselves… When we choose this attitude and tap into our inner reserves, we are rewarded with the knowledge of what we have learned in life. The decision to look forward, stay positive, and remain hopeful is a key that unlocks the door to possibilities, and when shared, returns to renew the spirit…” Marci states, “Hope is believing that miracles are possible.” 

Yep, there are times when trying to remain positive is tough. But we have to really work on sharing that positivity with ourselves and others. Maybe we need to share with ourselves first, before we can pay the positivity forward just as we do with other things. So stay positive!

And now, back to working on the Convention Agenda… We all have due dates of some nature… 

Speaking of things being due, the following are several critical deadlines and due dates. They are coming up very quickly. Here they are!

• March 15, 2014 – Assn of Arts Competition Entry Form due
• March 15, 2014 – Chapter and District History Entry due
• March 15, 2014 – Outstanding ESA Member Nomination due
• March 15, 2014 – Outstanding First Year Member Nomination due 
• March 20, 2014 – Outstanding Collegiate Member Nomination due
• April 1, 2014 – Distinguished Athenian Nomination due
• April 1, 2014 – Be sure to send in your May Convention Registration

Now for the IAWL Question for this week! When George Bailey came home after his revelation that his life was valuable and worthy and he was yelling as he was running up the stairs for his wife Mary, what did he call his daughter ZuZu?

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming week!  
Tillie Elizalde – March 14 of Kappa Mu, District 3
Darla Schitoskey – March 14 of Lambda Alpha, District 8, PCC Committee Member and PPAC
Trixie Bond – March 15 of Lambda Nu, District 5
Jodi Branger – March 15 of Kappa Kappa, District 4
Casey Tague – March 15 of Alpha Beta, District 10, Outstanding First Year Member and District 10 Vice President
Liz White – March 17 of Delta Zeta, District 5, Budget Committee Member, PPAC, and Past IC President
Susie Woods – March 17 of Kappa Kappa, District 4
Essie Johnson – March 20 of Epsilon Eta, District 6

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann

ESA Wonderful Wednesday - March 5, 2014

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!  
Happy Ash Wednesday and Beginning of Lent!

Just for the heck of it, I was reading about powerful words; as I wondered how they are used in today’s world. Looking out on the web, I found lists of powerful words. Of course, it all depends on who the person is to develop the list of powerful words; but there seemed to be a commonality of the words listed, such as peace, confidence, tolerance, inspiration, love, composure, hope, trust, gratefulness, and so on. 

The power of a single word can bring peace, initiate love, promote inspiration, lead thousands, heal the sick, bring hope, spark a war, and calm the weary. . . To me, all of these words are powerful and used by leaders and followers. Some words may be more powerful than others. Some may be used more often than others. One truth is that I try to use the words I speak honestly and timely, to be careful of the words I speak; otherwise, those are the words I will eat. . . 

The following are several critical deadlines and due dates. They are coming up very quickly. Here they are!
 March 15, 2014 – Assn of Arts Competition Entry Form due
 March 15, 2014 – Chapter and District History Entry due
 March 15, 2014 – Outstanding ESA Member Nomination due
 March 15, 2014 – Outstanding First Year Member Nomination due 
 March 20, 2014 – Outstanding Collegiate Member Nomination due

Now for the IAWL Question from last week! So here was the question: Was IAWL filmed in black and white or in color? Well it was filmed in black and white. There was a colorized version released in the 1990’s for VHS use at home. However, only purists watch the movie in black and white. To me the colorized version just looks odd. I own both versions. And if memory serves me, colorized versions of other old movies have been released back in the day for VHS, including “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Bells of St. Mary’s”. Interesting, those are all holiday films!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to the following sisters (and brothers) for the coming week!  
Mary Brown – March 7 of Epsilon Pi, District 5
DeeDee Allen – March 8 of Beta Zeta, District 11
Elaine Sellhorm – March 8 of Kappa Mu, District 3
Nell McPherson – March 9 of Rho Theta, District 1 and PPAC 
June Scheller – March 9 of Lambda Nu, District 5
Lucille Merilatt – March 10 of Kappa Alpha, District 10
Pat Polk – March 10 of Alpha Gamma, District 1, PPAC and PCC Chairman
JoAnn Boulter – March 11 of Theta Alpha, District 7
Glenda Hamaty – March 12 of Alpha Beta, District 10

If you desire to get the blog postings sooner than later, please let me know by email at sueannesa@yahoo.com and I will add you to a mailing group list I have set up. To see the blog, click on the following address: 
http://esawonderfulwednesday.blogspot.com/. 

Remember, ESA's . . . A Wonderful Life!

Love and hugs to all Every Day Angels,

sue ann