SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!

Well it‘s almost here, the day and night before Christmas, are you ready? Well ready or not Santa Claus is coming to town, so...

"You better watch out, you better not cry! Better not pout, I'm telling you why- Santa Claus is coming to town! He's making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice, Santa Claus is coming to town! He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake! He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! OH! You better watch out, you better not cry. Better not pout, I'm telling you why- Santa Claus is coming to town!"

I’m sure all of you remember this song. As I write it out today and really think about what it says, I’m finding this Santa fellow to be pretty, well, pretty freaky! I mean, I need to watch out, not pout, and don’t cry- all because Santa Claus is coming to town. Who is this guy? Well lets check him out. It seems as though in some way, shape, or form Santa has been around forever, though Santa as we know him didn’t develop until the mid to latter 19th century. Santa Claus is said to have evolved from two religious figures: St. Nicholas and Christkindlein, the Christ child (Maybe that’s why he has special powers?). Anyway, this is what my research yielded. But I didn’t need any of these facts to believe in him when I was a child. As a child, Santa held promise. He was the man with the goods. And I wanted them! So yeah, I was rather inclined to behave and watch out, not cry, nor pout. Well, at least for the week leading up to Christmas.

Why? Because Santa Claus was coming to town, and he knew things! Like if I was asleep, or if I was awake, rumor had it that he was also privy to such information as to whether I was good or bad, so I tried to be good…for goodness sake. Now I must say that any one else who I didn’t know, who knew this much about me, well lets just say it would be problematic...but this was Santa Claus, and he was a coming to town with the goods, if I was good. Oh yeah, Santa Claus was coming to town with all the things on my Christmas list. The Close and Play, the Chatty Cathy, the Etch-a-Sketch, and Barbie. As I grew older, the all knowing Santa brought me clothes, and shoes that always fit. I guess that’s why he was watching me, so he could get my size right. He is truly amazing, this Santa guy. For all this he would do for some cookies and some milk.

Christmas used to be a lot more affordable, that’s for sure. Those were the Christmases of my youth. Full of magic and miracles. But miracles are not reserved for the young, nor specific to a season. And the miracle of Christmas was never really about Santa Claus or the stuff that he would bring. It was about believing in a babe born in a manger and the work he came to do, the world he came to save. So often we pray for miracles, but what if the miracle has already been done? It is said that miracles can sometimes happen when they are least expected. But I believe that miracles happen. Period!

For you see, this is what I know so far; Not unlike anything else in life, miracles can be cultivated. A miracle could be as simple as a shift in perception. So if there is any area in your life where you are not perceiving clearly, I encourage you to stop shouting about how bad things are! Cease your pouting and by all means dry your weeping eyes, for things are only what we think they are. Oh, and because Santa Claus is coming to town. Merry Christmas everyone, SEE you next year!!!

WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU...

OFF WITH HER HEAD!

The hosts of  REAL MILWAUKEE were all dressed up as Alice In Wonderland for Friday's show, and yes that's me...The Queen of Hearts! It was a wonderfully fun day on the set. Our Halloween Edition of the show just happened to land on my birthday, and the whole crew made a big fuss about it. Thanks so much guys-  for the cake, and all that  LOVE...!

If that wasn't enough a snippet from my new music video "Feeling Good" was also shown on Friday's broadcast, and then it premiered on Youtube.  This is such a beautiful time my friends...truly magical.

I've postponed the filming of Season 4 of the vlog until the end of the year. Really, I'd just like to take a few minutes to savor all of this...so thank you for your patience. When we do get it filmed,  I promise you'll see it first here, so stay tuned. Like a squirrel storing her nuts for Winter, I surely will have a bounty  of  morsels to share with you!

XO, Cassandra

FEELING GOOD: It's A Wrap!

Some evenings are more special than others.....

After some conceptual changes, and a few scheduling delays, we finally wrapped filming for my music video "Feeling Good" on Sunday night. The creative process will drive the car if you listen for directions!

With Michael directing and his small crew assembled, we filmed until "the wee small hours of the morning" in the ballroom at Hotel Metro. Special thanks to everyone (Aaron, Joe, Stacey, and  Sheena), and especially all of the gracious and accommodating folks at Hotel Metro. As soon as it's ready, it will premiere HERE!

THANK YOU!

Have You Met My New Family?

It's Friday, and the first week of REAL MILWAUKEE has wrapped. Yet I'm still not sure if I've wrapped my mind around what just happened! To say its been an amazing week would be a major understatement.

I'm going to keep this brief so that I might begin the process of decompression [and start making myself some things to wear NEXT week!], but I did want to take a moment to tell you how blessed I am to have been welcomed so warmly by my new family at FOX6. Each and every one of them- from management, to the crew, and of course my fabulous and gracious co-hosts, has gone out of their way to make me feel  right at home, you know- like family does.

If you haven't been able to catch the show, this clip should give you an idea what kind of fun we're having! Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

XO Cassandra

REAL MILWAUKEE PREMIERES!

 

Keeping It REAL MILWAUKEE!

In case you haven't heard the buzz, rehearsals have begun for the new FOX6  morning talk show, REAL MILWAUKEE. It premieres on Tuesday September 7th, will broadcast live weekdays from 9 to 10 am, and will be hosted by Katrina Cravy, Nicole Koglin, Rob Haswell, and yes- MOIS! I am so truly honored and excited to begin this thrilling new adventure in television, and to be sharing this journey with such fine folks....

It's been a whirlwind week, starting with the press release. Here's a little excerpt:

Two new faces will be joining “Real Milwaukee” when the program debuts on Fox 6 the Tuesday after Labor Day. Former WMCS-AM talk show host Cassandra McShepard will join Katrina Cravy, Rob Haswell and Nicole Koglin as a co-host for the show. Former WXSS DJ Tony ‘Zamboni’ Clark will be seen live on location as the ‘rover’ for the new program.

"I'm so looking forward to spending my mornings chatting it up with Katrina, Nicole, and Rob... just in the nick of time too. I was getting real tired of being at home talking to myself!" McShepard said.

“I’ve only known Cassandra a short time, but she’s amazing!” raved Fox 6 VP/News Jim Lemon. “When ‘Real Milwaukee’ debuts, Kat, Rob and Nicole will have a ball with her,” he added.

In addition to her radio talk show career, Cassandra is known for many talents, including fashion design and motivational speaking. She is a Milwaukee native.

“She brings a fresh energy and a unique perspective to our show, and her shoe collection is fierce!” said Fox 6 Special Projects Director Anne Brown who has been working to get the show ready for air. “It’s like herding cats,” Brown said, referring to the personalities of the on-camera and behind-the-scenes staff.

Real Milwaukee” is a brand-new local program produced by Fox 6 to give local viewers a chance to get involved in the community and learn more about what makes the Milwaukee area great. The show will deal with topical issues, fun segments and actively encourage viewers to join in the conversation via email, Facebook, Skype, carrier pigeon and smoke signals.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the hosts of REAL MILWAUKEE!

We started rehearsals the other day...Smile for the camera!

With the show hitting in just 3 days, I have much preparation to do, but I promise to keep you all posted. Look for updates about the show, Season 4 of THIS IS WHAT I KNOW SO FAR,  and my new web series DESIGNER LIFE real soon, okay? Can I just tell you how excited I am?!

And thank you, from the bottom of my heart for every well-wish, shout-out of support, and prayer-

Cassandra XO

http://www.realmilwaukeenow.com/home/

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE

In order to keep the video for my electronic press kit under 10 minutes, Michael had to edit-out this sequence about how I became involved with The Killer Bees. I share it with you here because it is special...you can see the finished product on my new website: cassandramcshepard.com

SUDDENLY, THIS SUMMER...

As I sat in my window journaling this morning, it occurred to me that I've never just stopped by here to say hello to everyone. Oh, I've shared plenty of what I know so far, but just drop in to let you know what's going on in my life? I don't believe so.

So hello then, and how are you doing this fine Summer? Well I hope!

Now that the new website and press kit are finished, you'd think I'd be by a pool, or on a beach somewhere by now, wouldn't you? Not this girl, not this Summer. You see Michael has me up to my collar-seams in projects for Fall. Sound exciting? It most certainly is!

With Michael directing, the second half of filming for my first music video "FEELING GOOD" will commence in September. The first day was actually filmed at the recording session for the jukebox on my new website. Michael captured these stills from the footage he shot that day. Aren't they fun? He's filming the whole thing in black and white for a Beatnik meets Film Noir feeling. Look for a Mid-October premiere on the Youtube Channel!

What's more exciting than that? Well, when Season 4 of THIS IS WHAT I KNOW SO FAR commences filming in September, we will also be concurrently shooting a new web series, tentatively titled "DESIGNER LIFE". We're in the pre-production and planning stage right now...details to follow!

Have I mentioned The Christmas Special? Oh yeah.
That I'm putting together a new band for live performances?
WHEW! You see, this Bee won't be bored!

Hope you're all having the best Summer-
Cassandra XO

USE YOUR WORDS!

YOU DON'T BRING ME FLOWERS

HEALTH IS A STATE OF MINE

Mommie Doesn't Live Here Anymore

GIMME THAT!

YOU GOTTA KNOW WHERE TO GO

I CHOOSE NOT TO STRUGGLE

BABY CARRIAGE FOR SALE

THE ANSWER ASKS THE QUESTION

GROWN GIRLS HAVE RECIEPTS

BETWEEN THE PAGES

YOUTUBE SEASON 3 PREMIERE IS MARCH 7th!

STINKING LIKE THE STABLE BOY

LEADING WITH THE HEART

Did you know that February is Heart Month?

Most of us simply associate it with Valentines Day, but long before and even after the 14^th of February, we should consider leading with our hearts. So let me ask you. How able are you to live or lead with your heart? To some this is a freighting concept. Still others would remind us that the heart is for pumping blood and not to be listened to or to be lead by, and to some degree I would agree. Still I have known times when I was free enough, or shall I say brave enough to lead with my heart.

So what does it mean to lead with the heart? And how is it done?Well, in traditional Chinese medicine the heart is considered the benevolent ruling organ of the body. It is said to be the seat of connection between the body and the mind and is a direct influence on one’s decision-making and clarity of perception. In doing research for this piece I was pleased to find the Institute of HeartMath in Boulder Creek, California. A place that teaches you to rely on the intelligence of the heart. Their research shows that the brain is an extension of the heart and that the heart has its own intelligence, that half the cells in the heart are neurons, or nerve cells, the same type of cells that are in our brain. The heart doesn't even need to be connected to the brain in order to beat, as demonstrated in heart transplants.

The research at the Institute of HeartMath has demonstrated that when we activate our heart-intelligence and manage our mind and emotions, we achieve what is called “energy efficiency, increased coherence, enhanced awareness and greater productivity.”

Still in what I suspect is an effort to protect ourselves, many of us attempt to think our way through life’s situations and challenges. Leaving the prompting of the heart completely out of the equation, and thereby potentially creating more challenging situations.

I know that when we are caught up in our emotions or our thinking, it is difficult to be so with out remembering all the past disappointments, as emotional experiences in life become imprinted in our brain cells and memory. Let us say for example, someone questions you about a certain choice you‘ve made, your emotional brain kicks in causing you to feel judged. You might act defensively outwardly or you may turn the feelings inward with a sense of anger, shame or unworthiness. The brain then becomes bogged down with all the outdated memories which can create stress and compromise your responses and your relationships, essentially ruling your life.

Yes, even I have said that the past is indicative of the future, but what if I’m wrong? What if it is not. What if the future is just that? The future, something that has yet to happen, something that can be created, and created beautifully if lead by the heart!

I suspect it takes an amount of trust, trust in one’s self. And if you are like many, caught up in self doubt and blame, this is difficult or next to impossible. But, in this month of the heart and Valentines Day, I am challenging you to trust your heart to lead you. In every situation check your heart. And I suspect that you will find, if you allow yourself to lead with the heart, a loving solution. For love is the first thing that comes to heart and if we acted out of love versus fear, versus pain and old wounds then, we are living in the intelligence that the heart offers. The heart creates a more impartial state. Defusing disharmony and transforming a seemingly negative situation, so that we may gain clarity. This gives us a chance to lead from the heart and to act from a place of harmony rather than discord. Because the heart doesn't solve problems, it dissolves problems and frees us from the delusion that righting wrongs will bring justice.

So you see this is what I know so far, or what I’m learning;

When we focus on positive emotions of love and appreciation, we increase order and balance not just in our bodies but in our universe. Leading with the heart means balancing and managing emotions and letting go the thoughts and perceptions based in fear, lack and limitation. It also means trusting the heart and evoking feelings of love and compassion. As is said in the Bible, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

PAY THE MAN

POOP POINTS

I started jogging many years ago and I love it. It is empowering. It is freeing. It is spiritual. But it didn’t always feel that way. Years ago while living in California I began to jog. I used to run 6 out of 7 mornings a week. I ran Lake Merritt, a man made lake covering 155 acres of land right in the heart of Oakland. I’d always park my car in the same place, walk the same distance to warm up, start my slow jog on cue and feel as if I could not run another step in the same place. I used to call it, the “poop point.” It was the place where I would allow myself to quit.

"The place where I would allow myself to quit" -WOW! That’s scary isn’t it?

Do you have poop point?

Anyway, I thought that I was pretty good up to that point. For when I was in High School I ran track. 110 yard low hurdles to be exact, won many medals, but couldn't even make it one lap around the track at practice for the warm up. And that was just a quarter mile. So now running ten times that distance, I’m thinking was pretty good.

Okay. So one morning I was sitting on the side of my bed feeling thick, wishing I could find a trainer to work with. You see, by not altering my work out, I had hit a plateau, and it had long since stopped yielding any further weight loss. Deciding to do something different I chose to warm up on the stairs which were about a city block long or high, if you will. I passed this guy I'd often seen floating around the lake like a gazelle, he ran so effortlessly it was beautiful to watch. I said good morning to him and he responded by asking if I were going to run. Yes I told him. Then he said "I'll run with you."

Well, I was immediately intimidated. I mean, what I had planed to do, and what he did were two entirely different things. I said, "Oh no I don’t want to slow you down." He told me not to worry, that he would simply run with me. Man, I thought there is no way I’m going to be able to do this- but off we went. I swear I had defeated myself even before I had started, but I was determined to make it. Well at least to my poop point. And so I did. But once there, I began to slow to a walk. "What’s the matter ?" he asked. "Well, I always stop here" I told him. He asked why. "Cause I get tired!" I said, really wishing he'd just leave me alone so I could crawl to my car and go home- never to say good morning to him again. But he did not leave me, instead he too stopped running, and walked with me. I’m thinking, man, leave me alone! But he stayed.

Then after about a block he said "okay lets run again." Well why would I want to do that?!" I asked, and he said "because we are almost there!" And because he would not leave me, I started to run again. I was surprised that my energy was renewed and making it to the end wasn't that hard.

Upon reaching my car he said "now sprint to the traffic light" (about a half block away), and without even thinking that I couldn't, I took off so fast that I actually beat him. When he caught up with me he told me "You can run this whole lake (3½ miles) if you have this kind of energy at the end of a run!" Immediately I thought of my poop point, the place where I allowed my self to quit. But I did not protest when he told me to meet him there tomorrow at 6am, so we could run again. I ask him what his name was, he said "call me coach". And so I did (let me remind you to be careful what you ask for). I met coach every morning and by the end of the first week, I was no longer stopping at my poop point.

Then one day he said "you can run the lake 2x’s around" by now I knew that arguing with him was futile, but that's 7 miles I thought. Long story short, one month to the day that we first started, I did it. I could see him peeking at me from the corner of my eye, we ran the entire second lap in silence. I think he thought if he told me what I was doing, I might stop. But you see, I had simply removed my poop point and replaced it with a finish line. I ran with coach all that Fall. We'd run 10½ miles each morning. Though he could run circles around me, he always stayed by my side.

And to think in high school (at 15 years old) I could not run ¼ mile, but at 35 I was running 10+...

Where is your poop point? I suppose the better question would be, how far could we go if don’t stop ourselves?

And so this is what I know so far;

I learned a very important lesson about possibilities that day. I learned a very important lesson about myself. I learned, and that was just the beginning of seeing how far I could go. I’m sill going. Will I see you at the finish line?

Remove your poop points and meet me there!

DON'T GET IT TWISTED!

A WINNING PLAN

By now we’ve all heard that no plan at all is pretty much a plan to fail. Still many of us are creeping along the road of life with no plan at all. But the beginning of each new year brings with it the optimism of resolutions. In other words we’ve got a made-up mind (at least on that day) for change. Now change is a good thing. Growth in my opinion even better. Still neither can happen without a winning plan...

The high ranking resolutions are around improvements in ones health and finances, often without a clue as to how to see it through. In other words we make noise or resolutions without the strategic steps, or how- to-do’s, or even a plan. So then what’s so hard about planning? Well, it dose take some thought, okay a lot of thought, and it takes work. Okay, okay a lot of work. But what are we doing that is so important that we cant take time to put effort behind thought for ourselves?

So much of how we operate is in the mind. Everything, at least for me starts there. I believe that with focus and discipline, any and I mean anything can be accomplished. Yeah? But that’s me, what about you? Does your life look like what you thought it would? Did you hold true to your resolutions made Jan. 1^st 2009?

There are any number of ways to make a plan. Many of us set time lines. And I think that that’s fine. Does this sound familiar?, By the end of___, I will have achieved____. You can fill in the blank. But the truth for many is that’s where the plan stopped. We give the thought, but not the effort or action.

By now you know that I believe that words are things, and that they have power. The words we say could, and can create situations which then prompt or move us into action. Even more powerful than words is thought. In order to make changes we must first give thought to where we are and why. What are our habits? What are the patterns we habitually fall into which keep us stuck? Equally important, what are our triggers? Those things, when they happen, make us revert back to our old behaviors. I’d advise you to write them down and then give thought and language to what it will take for you to move from where you are, to where you want to be. What will you do instead? This is the beginning of a winning plan.

We live in an amazing time, a time where we have access. We can obtain information quickly and easily. This is another crucial ingredient to a winning plan, for it could be that you have not known where to start- but remove this excuse. Plan to get the information you need. I mean if you don’t know, you should ask somebody. For we all have our strong suits, things we are better at than others. Create accountability by working your plan with a trusted friend to get the things that you are less able to do, done. Use the individual talents of many, therefor stressing no one. I mean, if you truly Plan to Win, do so by any means available. It should be a way of life. Embrace it, and encourage others to do the same. This can simply be done by asking, “Do you have a plan?” I love to ask young people this question, gets them thinking early, lets them know it is a good thing to have!

Now as I’ve said, as I see it [and remember, it’s just my opinion that with focus and discipline]- any, and I mean anything can be accomplished. Let us take a look at focus. For those of you like me with a short attention span could find this to be challenging! But I make focus a part of my day, like prayer, meditation and journaling. I plan Cassandra. I tell her she’s deserving of all good things. I encourage her to be real about what she thinks, does, and why. For without knowing oneself there is no hope of growth. Therefore I’m honest about the areas where she needs to improve, and I’m always compassionate with her. She is trying after all. Then I ask her what she wants. I visualize it, feel it and own it.

I set aside time each morning to do these things before I do anything else, and the doing of this is the discipline. I believe that human beings are creatures of habit. The more we purpose ourselves to do anything the easier it gets- and the better we get at it. Its like exercise for your life. It is in fact, working it out.

So let me ask you this; What are you doing for the rest of your life? Do you have a winning plan? I PLAN TO WIN! I also plan to have a good time and enjoy my life. I’ve got other plans too, but it’s not really about me, it’s about you! Do you have a winning plan? Might I encourage you to plan and plan big. For if you can conceive of it, and hold the thought you will find in front of you the appropriate steps to take. And if you can see yourself at the back end of a winning plan when the path presents, you will be ready and able to follow it.

This is what I know so far!