Thought for the Day

"There are two modes of establishing out reputation, to be praised by honest men, and to be abused by rogues.  It is best, however, to secure the former, because it will invariably be accompanied by the latter."

--Charles Caleb Colton

Clearing the record

There has been a lot going on the last couple days.  Many of you saw the controversial guest post by my husband directly responding to some vicious attacks against me.  I have chosen to take the high road and remove the post.  Not because of the threats from an individual, I'm a strong woman and not easily deterred if I believe my path is just.  I removed it because someone very dear to me was hurt by the words in the post.  That she was upset hurt me more than the lies and aspersions on my character.  For her, the post was removed.

I sincerely hope that the others involved will follow this example, do the right thing and stop the attacks.

Thanks you, and Safe Shooting.

Moving Forward

Several are blaming me for the actions of many in recent days.  Seems I touched off a bit of a crap storm by posting on a public FB page about a local business and what I considered an inappropriate and unprofessional action.  I got a lot of support, from men and women, and I’m grateful.  It is unfortunate that some are spinning like tops to lay the blame at my feet while disavowing any responsibility or bad acts.  Unfortunate, but not surprising.  Responsibility for your actions seems to be a concept that some Gen Y’ers have difficulty with.

Thank you to those who looked at the facts and offered me words of support.

Shame on you to those who offered only condemnation and accusation without bothering to uncover what happened.

As for me, I am moving on, and not allowing this to be a distraction in my mission or business.  I will continue to pursue a just end to this situation, but I will keep it as low key as possible.  When it is resolved, I will let you know.  There are so many positives on the horizon that I can’t let myself get weighed down by people with negative agendas.

Now, bigger and better.  The second book is quickly coming to a close, I have a few more chapters to complete and then a re-read / edit and off to the publisher.  I am pursuing a concept for a third book, more on that when the details are in place. 

National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day received it’s first inquiry for a 2014 event and I predict an awesome year for us.  We have so many changes coming, new name, new logo, new website, new volunteer positions, and a whole month of activities! 

If you haven’t done so, pop over to www.GunShowsToday.com and check out the blog.  They have several guest bloggers, including me, and there is lots of interesting commentary to be found. 

I will be at Books a Million in Potomac Mills, Woodbridge VA, this Saturday from noon to 4:00 pm doing a signing.  I will be at the Shooting For Women Alliance National Conference in Tennessee in Oct, can’t wait!  It looks like a great time.  Visit http://shootingforwomenalliance.com/sfwcont.html for more information. 

I think we finally have the question with the new Remora Micro Clip holster figured out, I had the wrong size, which is why you haven’t seen a review yet.  I’ve talked to them and a new one is en-route.  Can’t wait to share my thoughts!

Safe Shooting!

Training for strength

I met a nice lady recently, she will be a student of mine soon.  She is a cancer survivor and still getting her strength back following her treatment.  I offered to work with her one on one over as many days as it took for her to complete a class at her level of strength and comfort. 

I've never endured the rigors of serious cancer treatment, my bout with C was relatively minor and caught very early, requiring surgery only.  I spoke with a friend of mine who is a cancer survivor and she explained to me the vulnerability she felt, physically weakened by chemo; thin, frail and bald...she felt like a walking target.  Hearing that really made me think.  I haven't walked in those shoes, but I've been on crutches, my ability to respond compromised.  I tried to imagine that feeling times 10, or more likely, 100.  It was frightening and offered me a partial insight into the challenges of recovering from a serious illness.

Instructors need to give these people the gift of patience, time and caring...working at their pace to help them not only learn to shoot, but to gain comfort, confidence and empowerment.

Those who are recovering, please don't be afraid to let us know that we may need to spread the training out over a longer period of time, let us work with you, help you, and show you the respect you have earned for you have survived your fight and now are facing a new fight, the fight to regain your confidence, your strength and your empowerment.

Be safe, be strong and be patient.

How do you handle a student with a disability?

It depends on the disability, I know. 

However, in this case, the gentleman is an amputee, missing most of his left leg.  He is right handed.  At first, he thought of a shotgun for home defense, but further discussion prompted a concern that if awoken in the night, it would be difficult for him to manage a shotgun and maintain his balance. 

Much discussion later, we came to a conclusion that a hand gun, in a quick access vault (there are kids at home) would be more manageable.  Then we had to look for the best options.  For a man who must balance on one leg, in the middle of the night, the conclusion was that shooting one handed, with the non-dominant hand, would allow him to balance on one leg, and use his other hand to help balance.

It was an interesting exercise in physics and balance and counterbalance.

As instructors we need to be prepared to think outside the box to help students find the solution that works for them.

Safe Shooting