The fork in the road

There are times in every life where you find yourself looking around and realizing that is it time to make a change.  I've been wrestling with that recently.

I'm making some changes, looking to refocus my teaching, refine my writing, build a few classes of my own.  It is exciting, it is scary and I will be bouncing ideas off of you, looking for feedback!

Thank you for being on this journey with me.

National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day Founder’s Event June 15, 2013!

The Founder’s Event has a new host range this year.  We will be at the Silver Eagle Group (SEG), 44620 Guilford Drive, Suite 100 , Ashburn, Virginia.  SEG is graciously donating range time and support to promote shooting sports and the NTYDTTRD message of Safety, Education and Family.

The event will begin at 8:00 am and go through 11:00 am.  We will have all lanes dedicated for NTYDTTRD use during this time.  The event is open to children ages 6 through 18.  All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  Parents are welcome to shoot with their kids.  Firearms will be available to be borrowed, ammunition for the most common calibres is being donated, souvenir targets will be provided and credentialed instructors will be available to assist anyone who would like assistance. 

Advance registration for the event is required, and registration will open May 1.  Time slots will be available on the hour, for 45 minutes.  This allows time to transition and clean the lane for the next family.  To register, email Lynne@InnovativeDefensiveSolutions.com with your name, names and ages of children and total number in your party along with your preferred time slot (8:00, 9:00 or 10:00).  You will receive a confirmation for your slot.  When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a range waiver, a NTYDTTRD waiver and a photo release granting us the right to use any photos for promotion of the event.

There will be prizes for the kids as well as a raffle for larger prizes such as gift certificates for training at Front Sight or a Range Bag from Brownells.

A donation jar will be available at the sign in desk in case you would like to contribute to the organization to help defray our costs.

Last year the two responses we saw the most were huge smiles on the faces of the kids and their proud parents, and we heard over and over “This was AWESOME!  When can we do it again!”.  NTYDTTRD, Inc is hoping to implement an education program for kids in the future to help them find the joy in developing their shooting skills in a safe ans supportive environment.

We look forward to seeing you on June 15!

Photo Shoot was Amazing

I was lucky enough to have seven women join me at the NRA Range. A couple traveled several hours to get there.  We did the needed pictures quickly and easily, and then had lots of fun!  I'd never done a shoot with just "the girls" and now I can't wait to set up another one!  What fun!!!

Thank you to everyone who came out, you were gracious, cooperative and FUN!

Big plans for the weekend!

You may know that I’ve begun writing magazine articles, in addition to the book and blog…I have written two for Combat Handgun so far, the first of which is scheduled for August publication.  Well, I just finished drafting an article on range drills, ways to practice.  But, I need photos.  I posted a notice on my Facebook page (Women Firearms Instructors) and 5 lovely ladies volunteered to come to Fairfax Va Sunday evening and participate in a Ladies Fun Shoot/Photo session.  I’m excited.  I will get to meet some of the women who read and participate in the blog and FB page and it will be fun to have a share tips, tricks and guns!  What could be better?  I’ll be posting a few photos and some highlights after the shoot (pun intended).  I can’t wait!

Tragedy at Home

First, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston, and around the world, who were impacted by the senseless bombing at the Boston Marathon.

Unfortunately, this most recent act of terrorism is likely to be used by the Anti-Gun forces to further their agenda, ignoring that there were no guns involved, and numerous laws broken.  I see this as further justification that we, the citizens of this incredible country, need to be prepared to defend ourselves and need the right to do so at any time. 

Law Enforcement is sorting out the facts now and in time we will know a lot more.  The fact that this attack was April 15, Tax Deadline day causes me to suspect domestic, rather than foreign, hands.  While the investigation continues, what can we do?  Continue to do your normal activities.  Don’t let this senseless act change your behavior, except to be more alert and aware.  DHS sponsors the “If you see something, say something” campaign.  This is good advice.  Alert authorities is something looks out of place, such as someone acting strangely or in a threatening manner, or unattended packages in public places. 

Be alert, be aware, and stay safe