I had a Forest Gump week. You know the kind. When you don’t know what to expect but you are certain that your life will be like a ‘box of chocolates”. That is how my week went. It all started with a little video I posted on the FRIENDS OF RICKI Facebook page. I was encouraged to do so by my friend, colleague and fellow co-founder of 411 VOICES, Britt Michaelian. Not long after the video uploaded I found out that I was in the running for FRIEND OF THE WEEK. (FOW)
What does FOW mean in terms of the RICKI LAKE SHOW. First, it is a woot! Great fun getting to know all the people involved in the show, their fans and of course for them to learn a bit about the FOW. However, in true Louise fashion, I wanted to make this experience a “teachable set of moments”. What can I share with this group of wonderful people that will be lesson. So, I decided to post throughout the week a series of videos that matched the daily themes. Others had posted videos, too. But, mine were in sign language.
On Monday, I posted a MY MOMENTS video about Daniella. She was a student from the back hills of Western Pennsylvania that made a lasting impression on me.
Tuesday, I had an opportunity to shine the spotlight on 411 VOICES and our unique story. How many of us met because of social-media, yet most have never met in person! Watch here!
Wednesday, I had the privilege of uploading my PSA for the I AM THE FACE OF THYROID DISEASE campaign. To help others be proactive against thyroid cancers has now become a passion of mine.
Thursday, was technology day. Which technology can’t you live without? Find out my answer
Today (Friday) was my farewell video as FOW. You will need to view the video to understand why the RICKI LAKE SHOW staff snapped a photo waving a hello/ I LOVE YOU in ASL. Also, today was jammed packed due to the TWEETCHAT which was a rapid fire Q and A. My Q and A is below.. for more of the Twitter stream go here–> http://www.TWEETCHAT/ROOM/FRIENDSOFRICKI
All in all it was an excellent experience. I must say that I both was unprepared and overwhelmed by all the support and kudos. So grateful to the amazing staff of the RICKI LAKE SHOW and my “family” at 411 VOICES.
Thank you all. Enjoy the videos. Transcript of the tweetchat is below, by request from those who wanted to have access. Have a groovy week!
~Louise
TWEETCHAT TRANSCRIPT – Posting this by request from those who couldn’t attend the TWEETCHAT but wanted to see what transpired.
Q1 Hi @LouiseASL We are thrilled to have you here! Tell us about YOU. #FriendsofRicki
A1a Hi @FriendsofRicki I am having such a good time in this community! #FriendsofRicki
A1b @FriendsofRicki I found this community via my friends from 411 VOICES #FriendsofRicki
A1c @FriendsofRicki I own Signing Families-> sign language + developmental psych melded together #FriendsofRicki
A1d @FriendsofRicki I help build communication bridges, special needs children, First Responders & more #FriendsofRicki
A1e @FriendsofRicki I am a mom of 2 grown kids. College student & a working actor! #FriendsofRicki
A1f @FriendsofRicki I’m married for nearly 25 years. He’s my best friend, makes me laugh #FriendsofRicki
Q2. @LouiseASL Tell us more! What are your hobbies and interests? #FriendsofRicki
A2a @FriendsofRicki Only ONE day 2 answer? I have many! #FriendsofRicki
A2b @FriendsofRicki I enjoy PHOTOGRAPHY (Im a novice but love it) #FriendsofRicki
A2c @FriendsofRicki I really love to TRAVEL! #FriendsofRicki
A2d @FriendsofRicki I also LOVE movies & watching vintage TV #FriendsofRicki
A2e @FriendsofRicki My daughter & I love INDIE films and have been to Sundance Film Festival! #FriendsofRicki
Q3 Describe to us your “Perfect Day” @LouiseASL #FriendsofRicki
A3a @FriendsofRicki Thanksgiving – family, friends around the dinner table laughing… #FriendsofRicki
A3b @FriendsofRicki Followed by Black Friday shopping at midnight! #FriendsofRicki
A3c @FriendsofRicki Love working with kids and families! #FriendsofRicki
A3d @FriendsofRicki Through SIGNING FAMILIES I get to help people on a weekly basis. REWARDING! #FriendsofRicki
Q4 @LouiseASL Tell us about the women’s media group #411Voices that you Co-Founded #FriendsofRicki
A4a @FriendsofRicki Social media brought us 2gether, we’re all invested in helping others #FriendsofRicki
A4b @FriendsofRicki We have really become more than colleagues, tight knit friendships #FriendsofRicki
A4c @FriendsofRicki Our #411VOICES speakers bureau rocks! #FriendsofRicki
A4d @FriendsofRicki We have many experts it our #411VOICES group. #FriendsofRicki
A4e @FriendsofRicki Experts from astrology – biz to education – family life. Empowering! #FriendsofRicki
A4f @FriendsofRicki Our site 411VOICES.com – is also multilingual #FriendsofRicki
A4g @FriendsofRicki French, Spanish, ASL- many of us in #411VOICES know multiple language #FriendsofRicki
Q5 @LouiseASL “You Have Cancer” – that must have been tough to hear two years ago? #FriendsofRicki
A5a @FriendsofRicki The clock stopped. Now my life is before cancer and after cancer BUT… #FriendsofRicki
A5b @FriendsofRicki Cancer does NOT define me. #FriendsofRicki
A5c @FriendsofRicki I now have an opportunity to educate others- why I made the PSA #FriendsofRicki
A5d @FriendsofRicki My desire to educate led me to making this PSA video http://ow.ly/bs4Mx #FriendsofRicki
Q6 @LouiseASL Tell us about your philanthropic endeavors #FriendsofRicki
A6a @FriendsofRicki My biz SIGNING FAMILIES donates many educational ASL materials #FriendsofRicki
A6b @FriendsofRicki Give free lessons to families and organizations yearly… #FriendsofRicki
A6c @FriendsofRicki My family also sponsors a college students ed yearly in memory of my Dad #FriendsofRicki
Q7 @LouiseASL You help First Responders and #EMS learn to sign – why? #FriendsofRicki
A7a- @FriendsofRicki Post 9/11 it was apparent that EMS was unprepared for much. #FriendsofRicki
A7b @FriendsofRicki Many EMS were unable 2 assist deaf & special needs communities #FriendsofRicki
A7c @FriendsofRicki EMS is now are taking courses in ASL & hoc to help special pops which is AMAZING!! #FriendsofRicki
A7d @FriendsofRicki I now travel nationwide training EMS & many other groups/ companies #FriendsofRicki
A7e @FriendsofRicki This work is VERY REWARDING! #FriendsofRicki
Q8 @LouiseASL How can we all learn more about you? #FriendsofRicki
A8a @FriendsofRicki I would love for you stop by my FB page http://ow.ly/brW17 #FriendsofRicki
A8b @FriendsofRicki You can learn more about my work here > http://ow.ly/brW4b #FriendsofRicki
A8c @FriendsofRicki And I would LOVE to have you stop in to #411Voice > http://ow.ly/brW82 #FriendsofRicki
