 I had the honor to meet Shawn Smucker last summer at the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference in Montrose, Pennsylvania. I'm embarrassed to say Shawn was tortured to read a terribly written and poorly executed fictional piece I attempted BUT grateful for his desire to encourage writers. He was honest and encouraging as he offered suggestions. Months later as I listened to his podcast, The Stories Between Us, I hung my head thinking about how I wasted his time with my writing yet thankful I had because his feedback encouraged me as I attempted to do some of the things he suggested but his advice changed the way I read. Yup, you read that correct, he changed the way I read. Shawn encouraged me to read fictional stories I'd already read but to read them as a writer, not a reader. This was great advice. I spent time reading some of my favorite fictional authors and after hours of writing, outlining, and sharing my writing with someone else I came to a wonderful realization...I'm NOT a fictional writer and don't enjoy it. I enjoy reading a well written fictional piece of art. I enjoy reading Shawn Smucker's writing and encourage you to do the same. Not only will he encourage the dreamer, he'll encourage you as you walk alongside Dan in his newest book, These Nameless Things, that releases TODAY! Anyone willing to sit through a torturous fiction disaster like mine then welcome me to join his book launch team is as genuine as they come. His wonderful personality is only surpassed by his gift to write and create on his own, and with his wife, Maile Silva. Check out their podcast by clicking here. Visit Shawn's blog by clicking here, and most importantly, order his book and leave reality behind as you delve into #TheseNamelessThings, with Revell Books. You can also find him on Facebook, Shawn Smucker, Writer, on Twitter - @shawnsmucker, or on Instagram - Shawn Smucker. I hope you'll visit all the links and the photos also have links, the photo of Shawn has a link to his photographer's Facebook page. What are you waiting for? Order this book!
Hello and Happy Saturday! How are you spending your day? Did you get outside to absorb some natural Vitamin D? I slept so hard on Thursday night that I woke up at 7:30 Friday morning and thought it was Saturday. The good news, I checked my list after letting the dog out and realized it was only Friday. A special shout out to author, Alexendra Franzen, and her book, The Checklist Book. If it wasn't for my new and improved list making routine, I may have lost a day. I'm a 3rd generation list maker and this book still transformed my list making and ability to succeed with crossing everything off my list each day. Click on the book title if you want to read my review of her book. Anyway, today's blog isn't to review an amazing book on list-making, it's to share changes to my podcast. As with most things in life, change and modifications happen. Up until this week, Friday was known as "Faith Filled Friday". More people listened on Friday than any other day of the week. Since COVID-19, it's been a challenge to get the blogs done. I thought it was because I was working from home and this was cramping my creative style. There may be some truth in this but after having a few days off and not staring at the computer all day, I've realized a few things: 1) Exhaustion leads to burnout 2) Change is necessary to keep the creative juices flowing 3) Reflection opens our eyes to things missed or overlooked 4) Prayer brings clarity and healing The combination of all theses things has transformed the podcast. For the summer I'm piloting a weekly series. This past week focused on waiting and next week is on renewal. Mark your calendars and be sure to listen on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. My podcast, One Sister's Journey: Keeping it Real is available on 12 podcast apps: What is your favorite podcast app to listen with?
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o. Welcome to One Sister's Journey - Keeping it Real, the blog. It's nice to have some new readers. If you are joining us after listening to my podcast, you'll find photos or extensions from some of the podcasts. For my readers the past seven plus years, your faithfulness is a constant support and encouragement for me. Thank you!
The first T.O.P.'s Tuesday posted on August 28, 2012, you can read this blog by clicking on the previous link. T.O.P.'s Tuesday started as the blog each week my readers could rely on for information about upcoming speaking events, book signings, and where upcoming books are in the publication process. Over the years, T.O.P.'s Tuesday also shared special stories about Heidi and special moments in our lives growing up. The Tuesday blog is a family favorite.
As I move forward and start writing to publish again, Tuesday will be the day I'll share publication highlights and updates. This is an exciting time as I follow the Holy Spirit's leading and not only write, but write to publish and encourage other. This past February I started my first devotional. I shared the first few weeks with some Beta readers and their response was positive and they wanted more. I'm grateful for their honest feedback and suggestions. I've made changes and tweaks while writing.
Initially I planned to release it later this year but after talking it out with my daughter and looking at the calendar...my first devotional will release February 2, 2021. It's an Easter Devotional!
Yup, Only God would have seen this coming. I've fought it but when God is leading you, it's best to move forward in agreement for His plan. In order to accomplish this tight schedule, my first deadline is to have the first draft to the editor by June 30, 2020. I'm have to report, I'm on target for an on-time-submission, if not a couple days early. Instead of spending hours on my computer doing school work and teaching, it's time for a summer of writing and pre-publication.
Be sure to follow the blog, sign up on the right. As we move forward, you can participate in the book release preparations by voting and possibly being an Advanced Reader and sharing reviews. Does this sound interesting to you? I hope so. It will be a busy/relaxing summer of writing, writing, and writing! Your prayers are appreciated.
The first T.O.P.'s Tuesday posted on August 28, 2012, you can read this blog by clicking on the previous link. T.O.P.'s Tuesday started as the blog each week my readers could rely on for information about upcoming speaking events, book signings, and where upcoming books are in the publication process. Over the years, T.O.P.'s Tuesday also shared special stories about Heidi and special moments in our lives growing up. The Tuesday blog is a family favorite.
As I move forward and start writing to publish again, Tuesday will be the day I'll share publication highlights and updates. This is an exciting time as I follow the Holy Spirit's leading and not only write, but write to publish and encourage other. This past February I started my first devotional. I shared the first few weeks with some Beta readers and their response was positive and they wanted more. I'm grateful for their honest feedback and suggestions. I've made changes and tweaks while writing.
Initially I planned to release it later this year but after talking it out with my daughter and looking at the calendar...my first devotional will release February 2, 2021. It's an Easter Devotional!
Yup, Only God would have seen this coming. I've fought it but when God is leading you, it's best to move forward in agreement for His plan. In order to accomplish this tight schedule, my first deadline is to have the first draft to the editor by June 30, 2020. I'm have to report, I'm on target for an on-time-submission, if not a couple days early. Instead of spending hours on my computer doing school work and teaching, it's time for a summer of writing and pre-publication.
Be sure to follow the blog, sign up on the right. As we move forward, you can participate in the book release preparations by voting and possibly being an Advanced Reader and sharing reviews. Does this sound interesting to you? I hope so. It will be a busy/relaxing summer of writing, writing, and writing! Your prayers are appreciated.
What goal, or goals, have you achieved this week?
A blessing during this time of pandemic is the increased availability and creativity with virtual meetings. These are two of my high school BFF's. Up until a couple weeks ago, we talked every Saturday, if not a mid-week meeting.
In the midst of stress and sheltering-in-place, we found a way to encourage and uplift each other. We played with the photo effects like teenagers, shared secrets, and laughed until we could have wet our pants. Then again, at our age, who knows, we may have laughed and tinkled at the same time, but I digress.
What is my point? It's this...life is short and we need to find ways to enjoy it while we continue to make memories with the people we care the most about. These two ladies are the best. We raised our kids together. We've been through the good, bad, and ugly. We have the skill to rock the perfect 80's bang with only a hair brush, dryer, and Aqua Net hairspray. This is a talent that not everyone can rock.
As you sit alone in your living room or lying in bed and think of a friend, pick up the phone. Don't just think about them, act on your thoughts and reach out to them. Your call might be the bright spot in the day they need. What if tomorrow never came and you didn't pick up the phone? Would you regret not calling? I'm not trying to be a downer. Think of this as lessons learned in a lifetime. I'm thankful to not have regrets with the ones I love. I pray the same blessing for you because we all need someone to call us, and sometimes, we are the one making the call.
In the midst of stress and sheltering-in-place, we found a way to encourage and uplift each other. We played with the photo effects like teenagers, shared secrets, and laughed until we could have wet our pants. Then again, at our age, who knows, we may have laughed and tinkled at the same time, but I digress.
What is my point? It's this...life is short and we need to find ways to enjoy it while we continue to make memories with the people we care the most about. These two ladies are the best. We raised our kids together. We've been through the good, bad, and ugly. We have the skill to rock the perfect 80's bang with only a hair brush, dryer, and Aqua Net hairspray. This is a talent that not everyone can rock.
As you sit alone in your living room or lying in bed and think of a friend, pick up the phone. Don't just think about them, act on your thoughts and reach out to them. Your call might be the bright spot in the day they need. What if tomorrow never came and you didn't pick up the phone? Would you regret not calling? I'm not trying to be a downer. Think of this as lessons learned in a lifetime. I'm thankful to not have regrets with the ones I love. I pray the same blessing for you because we all need someone to call us, and sometimes, we are the one making the call.
This is one of my favorite songs growing up...
If you could call ONE person today,
who would you call and why?
This past year has been unique and quite an experience for everyone. Whether you are an independent business owner, law enforcement, medical worker, parent, child, or school employee...you have a back ground knowledge most never thought we'd live in these United States of America. Times have changed, are changing, and more change is in the near future. Are you ready?
If you are an adult with grown children and struggle with the stress, imagine being a college graduate denied your final semester of your college career, crossing the stage with your peers, and then enter the non-work force. Now add the attention high school seniors got and you, the seventeen year student, get no recognition or attention.
These young adults graduate with hopes and plans. Some transition into more schooling for their Master's then Doctorate's, while others, strive for landing their first career and starting salary to pay the insurmountable student loans arriving November. Not all graduates will enter the work force immediately. Not all graduates will proceed to further studies. Not all graduates have a career goal. BUT, one this they ALL have in common is this...THEY ALL WORKED HARD AND HAVE DREAMS.
These dreams are placed on hold while the world slowly "reopens". Their Master's Degree programs may, or may not, happen. A confirmed job offer is put on hold or worse yet, rescinded. These young adults are looking to us as role models of strength, determination, and hope. I'm proud to parent one of these amazing students and young adults. I've seen the direct impact on her, her friends, and and their futures.
I understand high school seniors lost a memory and deserve attention but so do our college graduates. They not only lost graduation, they lost that last semester with their friends. Their friends don't live in the same small town, they live across the country, if not out of the country. I'm thankful for Zoom, Google Chats, and other venues they found to stay connected. Even if the colleges offer graduation, many won't be able to attend because they'll already be at Grad school (which is starting early for an accelerated learning platform, ending before Thanksgiving), unable to return.
Today, I want to flood the blog, Facebook, and social media with shout outs of appreciation, love, hope, and encouragement for all our college graduates. They worked as hard, if not harder than, the high graduates. Their thesis papers and capstones were presented digitally, without the feedback of their peers. They won't see their peers while shopping at the grocery store or at the beach, instead, they'll share photos via social media and look forward to their first reunion.
If you are an adult with grown children and struggle with the stress, imagine being a college graduate denied your final semester of your college career, crossing the stage with your peers, and then enter the non-work force. Now add the attention high school seniors got and you, the seventeen year student, get no recognition or attention.
These young adults graduate with hopes and plans. Some transition into more schooling for their Master's then Doctorate's, while others, strive for landing their first career and starting salary to pay the insurmountable student loans arriving November. Not all graduates will enter the work force immediately. Not all graduates will proceed to further studies. Not all graduates have a career goal. BUT, one this they ALL have in common is this...THEY ALL WORKED HARD AND HAVE DREAMS.
These dreams are placed on hold while the world slowly "reopens". Their Master's Degree programs may, or may not, happen. A confirmed job offer is put on hold or worse yet, rescinded. These young adults are looking to us as role models of strength, determination, and hope. I'm proud to parent one of these amazing students and young adults. I've seen the direct impact on her, her friends, and and their futures.
I understand high school seniors lost a memory and deserve attention but so do our college graduates. They not only lost graduation, they lost that last semester with their friends. Their friends don't live in the same small town, they live across the country, if not out of the country. I'm thankful for Zoom, Google Chats, and other venues they found to stay connected. Even if the colleges offer graduation, many won't be able to attend because they'll already be at Grad school (which is starting early for an accelerated learning platform, ending before Thanksgiving), unable to return.
Today, I want to flood the blog, Facebook, and social media with shout outs of appreciation, love, hope, and encouragement for all our college graduates. They worked as hard, if not harder than, the high graduates. Their thesis papers and capstones were presented digitally, without the feedback of their peers. They won't see their peers while shopping at the grocery store or at the beach, instead, they'll share photos via social media and look forward to their first reunion.
Congrats to all the graduates...
Lay in the grass, relax & realize...YOU DID IT!
Leave a comment & Shout out
to the College Graduate in your life...
They deserve our attention too!
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!
Oh Happy Day! I missed my Monday podcast so I did it today. I feel like such a rebel. Today is the first day of summer vacation. How did I spend my day?
First, I went to the orthopedic surgeon and although I didn't get the MRI I so wanted, he did give me a steroid shot to help with the pain and range of motion. After this, I went to school and sat in the parking lot to help hand out end-of-the-year gifts to our students.
Once home, my daughter and I helped my aunt with a small project then returned home. I enjoyed time writing while Mags binge-watched something on the television. Hubby was napping. It has been a relaxing Tuesday and start to the vacay. Taking a relative to the doctors tomorrow then volunteering at the Mexico Food Pantry. Thursday, I get to help a friend lay out a quilt. Friday, we deliver the rest of our student's goodies, then, it's really Summer Vacation!!
It's been a great start to the week and I look forward to the fun ahead!
First, I went to the orthopedic surgeon and although I didn't get the MRI I so wanted, he did give me a steroid shot to help with the pain and range of motion. After this, I went to school and sat in the parking lot to help hand out end-of-the-year gifts to our students.
Once home, my daughter and I helped my aunt with a small project then returned home. I enjoyed time writing while Mags binge-watched something on the television. Hubby was napping. It has been a relaxing Tuesday and start to the vacay. Taking a relative to the doctors tomorrow then volunteering at the Mexico Food Pantry. Thursday, I get to help a friend lay out a quilt. Friday, we deliver the rest of our student's goodies, then, it's really Summer Vacation!!
It's been a great start to the week and I look forward to the fun ahead!
Can You Sum Up Your In ONE Word or MeMe?
Last Wednesday I shared the podcast I had the privilege to participate on. Diana Trepkov, Forensic Artist & Podcaster, interviewed me for her new and upcoming podcast, "Can I Help Find Your Missing Loved One?" If you enjoy true crime and listening to podcasts, then you don't want to miss this one ~ add it to your favorites now. I'm not saying this just because you can learn about my sister, Heidi M Allen. I have learned a lot in the few episodes Diana has produced so far. It's an educational, real, and encouraging podcast remembering and focusing on our missing and their families. The experts she's had on so far are engaging, knowledgeable and real.
As I reflect on my conversations with Diana, whether it be in a private message, email, or during the interview...one thing is evident. There is so much good in this world. We need to start focusing and highlighting all the good, positive, and beautiful things, people, and events in this world. If we spend half as much time on the positives as some do on negative things, the world would be a bright and beautiful place. T.O.P.'s Tuesday started as the one day of the week dedicated to sharing publication, speaking, events, and such. I think this is the best day to share the joy and thankfulness I'm feeling, even weeks later.
As you move into the rest of the week, remember there is GOOD IN THIS WORLD! Let us start focusing on, and sharing, the good things. Let's encourage, uplift, and appreciate those in our circle of influence and if they do the same with those in their circle, and so on and so on...the world is going to be a the wonderful, positive, and loving environment we all want it to be. Thank you Diana for being a light in the midst of darkness and sharing your talents to encourage others. Your time, podcast, and friendship are blessings I count and hope will start a snowball of hope to others.
As I reflect on my conversations with Diana, whether it be in a private message, email, or during the interview...one thing is evident. There is so much good in this world. We need to start focusing and highlighting all the good, positive, and beautiful things, people, and events in this world. If we spend half as much time on the positives as some do on negative things, the world would be a bright and beautiful place. T.O.P.'s Tuesday started as the one day of the week dedicated to sharing publication, speaking, events, and such. I think this is the best day to share the joy and thankfulness I'm feeling, even weeks later.
As you move into the rest of the week, remember there is GOOD IN THIS WORLD! Let us start focusing on, and sharing, the good things. Let's encourage, uplift, and appreciate those in our circle of influence and if they do the same with those in their circle, and so on and so on...the world is going to be a the wonderful, positive, and loving environment we all want it to be. Thank you Diana for being a light in the midst of darkness and sharing your talents to encourage others. Your time, podcast, and friendship are blessings I count and hope will start a snowball of hope to others.
Click here to here her interview with me released on June 3, 2020
Click here to visit Diana's website
Click here to check out Diana's other podcast episodes on
"Can I Help You Find Your Missing Loved One?"
Click here to visit Diana's website
Click here to check out Diana's other podcast episodes on
"Can I Help You Find Your Missing Loved One?"
I'm thankful for people like Diana...
WHO are you thankful for today?
It's been a week or so since Memorial Day. It's a year of firsts. The first year for most of us without parades, picnics, and spending the day at the beach. Instead of big family gatherings and parties, it was another day of intimate time at home. One thing remained the same for our family, we visited the cemetery. We waited until after supper so it wouldn't be as crowded.
It doesn't matter how many years I step into the cemetery on Memorial Day, it ALWAYS takes my breath away with the beauty of the flags blowing in the wind. We weren't sure the flags would be placed on the Veteran and First Responder stones would be there due to the COVID-19 Pandemic BUT our small community of service men and women did not let the community or our fallen down.
The cemetery was full of red, white, blue, and American pride. Thank you to the men and women who took the time to place the flags, and a special thanks to the men and women who honored our country with their service.
Our little New Haven, New York cemetery is one of the best I've visited. Our caretaker is the best and maintains the highest of standards. You can visit any time during it's open season and find it meticulously mowed and trimmed. There isn't an abundance of clutter or overgrown bushes and trees. It is always a breath taking experience to visit our cemetery. Remember to thank not only those who make the cemetery beautiful for a weekend but that maintain this level of respect and beauty all year.
It doesn't matter how many years I step into the cemetery on Memorial Day, it ALWAYS takes my breath away with the beauty of the flags blowing in the wind. We weren't sure the flags would be placed on the Veteran and First Responder stones would be there due to the COVID-19 Pandemic BUT our small community of service men and women did not let the community or our fallen down.
The cemetery was full of red, white, blue, and American pride. Thank you to the men and women who took the time to place the flags, and a special thanks to the men and women who honored our country with their service.
Our little New Haven, New York cemetery is one of the best I've visited. Our caretaker is the best and maintains the highest of standards. You can visit any time during it's open season and find it meticulously mowed and trimmed. There isn't an abundance of clutter or overgrown bushes and trees. It is always a breath taking experience to visit our cemetery. Remember to thank not only those who make the cemetery beautiful for a weekend but that maintain this level of respect and beauty all year.
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Today's blog is dedicated to the cemetery
caretakers who keep our places of
remembrance a place of serenity.
THANK YOU!
I've shared the transformation of the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden over the past week. It was a joyous, uplifting, and somber time. Maintaining the garden is one way I remember, show love, and keep Heidi's memory alive. This year I had this idea to dig out all the greenery and replace it with 30lb bags of stone, three different colors. My Dad, hubby, and daughter liked the idea and when we were finished, we all took a deep breath and smiled.
The one thing I didn't count on was banging up my knee prior to this renovation. I found myself thanking them more and apologizing for not being able to do more. Today's photo is a scene that caused much laughter as we worked. It was amusing to watch me try to rake while holding the crutch, cut the bag of stones and dump them, or move around taking pictures.
The one thing I didn't count on was banging up my knee prior to this renovation. I found myself thanking them more and apologizing for not being able to do more. Today's photo is a scene that caused much laughter as we worked. It was amusing to watch me try to rake while holding the crutch, cut the bag of stones and dump them, or move around taking pictures.
I even managed to figure out how to get down on one knee with my other knee extended. Getting up was a sight but I was able to help. There were times I got frustrated with the crutch and would toss it then be looking for it when I'd need to walk so I'd use the rake as my crutch. Why do I share this with you? It's simple, when we make a decision, we need to follow through regardless. One thing I chose to do, as long as I have breath in my lungs and the ability, is to keep the #HeidiAllenRemembranceGarden a beautiful symbol of hope and love.
We have all lost someone in our lives. We chose to remember and honor them. It's different for each of us, and I'll bet it's probably different for you than it is for another member of your family. Don't focus on the difference in your remembrance, focus on how loved this person is to you and others. Regardless of how you chose to remember, don't let the little things get in the way. Don't let the bumps and bruises of life get in the way of your dreams and follow thru. If one thing isn't working, use something else. Sometimes we need to toss the crutch to the side and use a rake. Other times, it goes like a well-oiled machine with no bumps.
We have all lost someone in our lives. We chose to remember and honor them. It's different for each of us, and I'll bet it's probably different for you than it is for another member of your family. Don't focus on the difference in your remembrance, focus on how loved this person is to you and others. Regardless of how you chose to remember, don't let the little things get in the way. Don't let the bumps and bruises of life get in the way of your dreams and follow thru. If one thing isn't working, use something else. Sometimes we need to toss the crutch to the side and use a rake. Other times, it goes like a well-oiled machine with no bumps.
The thing to focus on is remembering.
Our loved ones deserve to be remembered.
They helped us become who we are today.
Our loved ones deserve to be remembered.
They helped us become who we are today.
What is it you have to do?
What is holding you back?
Years ago, I met Laurie Travis Schirmer, at the New York State Missing Person’s Day after I spoke to the families about my sister, Heidi M Allen, and her kidnapping case. Laurie and I have a connection, both our sister’s are missing. Laurie’s sister, Rose Marie Gayhart, disappeared from North Fort Myers on March 14, 1985. Laurie is an advocate for missing persons, especially, her sister Rose.
Laurie is the one who introduced me to Diana Trepkov. Diana is a forensic artist, professional speaker, and now a podcaster. Diana’s passion and desire to help families of the missing is a blessing. To talk to Diana is like talking to a long-lost friend. Her calm openness when you talk invites you to share from the depths of one’s heart. My first interaction with Diana was in 2013 when she used her forensic artist talents to develop an age progression for my sister, Heidi. If you click on the age progression, you’ll be linked to an article written by Steve Yablonski with the Oswego County Today newspaper.
Laurie is the one who introduced me to Diana Trepkov. Diana is a forensic artist, professional speaker, and now a podcaster. Diana’s passion and desire to help families of the missing is a blessing. To talk to Diana is like talking to a long-lost friend. Her calm openness when you talk invites you to share from the depths of one’s heart. My first interaction with Diana was in 2013 when she used her forensic artist talents to develop an age progression for my sister, Heidi. If you click on the age progression, you’ll be linked to an article written by Steve Yablonski with the Oswego County Today newspaper.
Since this first “meeting”, Diana and I have kept in touch through social media. Diana started a podcast this year, “Can I Help Find Your Missing Loved One?” It's a must listen if you like true-crime. http://www.canihelpfindyourmissinglovedone.com
Since starting her podcast, she’s interviewed:
Since starting her podcast, she’s interviewed:
- Family of Diane Prevost, missing since 1966
- Gil Alba: NYPD New Detective First Grade, working with Major Case Squad and FBI/NYPD Violent Crime Task Force
- Denise Horvath-Allan: about the suspected murder of her missing son Charles Karoly John Horvath-Allan
- CECE MOORE, THE GENETIC DETECTIVE: An Investigative Genetic Genealogist gives Extremely Valuable Advice
- A Determined Mom Searching For Her Missing Daughter Jessie Foster
- Hamilton Police Service Missing Person Holly Ellsworth-Clark
- Today's Podcast about my beautiful sister, Heidi Allen - click here for a direct link to this podcast
- Follow her podcast to hear future episodes by clicking here
I shared Diana’s new podcast on my social media so others can learn of her selfless dedication to the families of the missing, and in hopes that someone listening might be able to help bring home someone else’s missing loved one. The day Diana messaged and invited me to be her guests, I teared up and was shaking. I accepted. I thanked God for her generosity and invitation. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share Heidi and her kidnapping case. Thank you Diana for all you do for the families of the missing and your heart to bring all the missing home.
You can listen to my interview with Diana Trepkov by clicking here. In addition, I embedded a link to her podcast, “Can I help find your missing loved one?” on the sidebar of my blog so you can follow her too. Happy listening! Feel free to visit any of the Youtube videos, book links, and other podcasts after reading today’s blog and listening to her interview with me. You are blessings I count!
You can listen to my interview with Diana Trepkov by clicking here. In addition, I embedded a link to her podcast, “Can I help find your missing loved one?” on the sidebar of my blog so you can follow her too. Happy listening! Feel free to visit any of the Youtube videos, book links, and other podcasts after reading today’s blog and listening to her interview with me. You are blessings I count!
More About Diana Trepkov
Diana P. Trepkov is a Forensic Artist, Author, Lecturer, Producer & Host of the Podcast, “Can I Help Find Your Missing Loved One?" She is best known for her work in forensic art. She started off her career volunteering at the Durham Rape Crisis center to help victims of crime. Throughout Canada and the United States, she has been an artist for many years and has been involved in 230 law enforcement cold cases to date, which involved her forensic artwork techniques. Ms. Trepkov has helped to solve high profile cases in the United States.
Ms. Trepkov has appeared on national television shows, such as CTV’s Canada AM, CTV news, Global News, Rogers TV, CTV National News, Mystery TV, WINK Florida News, GTA’s Most Wanted, First Local, My Community Rogers TV, CP24 NEWS, ABC 15 Phoenix, History Channel, Nancy Grace, CNN World News Live, CNN Headline News live with Ali Velshi, CNN Breaking News with Brooke Baldwin regarding Baby Doe from Boston and News 14 Carolina, and was featured as the cover story for PI Magazine, which is an international magazine and the cover story for Blue Line Magazine. She was recently on CBC Radio The Current-To catch a criminal, police sketches. Her forensic artwork has been published all over North America in various newspapers.
Ms. Trepkov has written articles for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Agenda. She was a presenter for the FBI Conference and was awarded a plaque. Ms. Trepkov was featured in the Toronto Star Newspaper “Face to Face with 2 Doomed Franklin members.” Another article was written in the World in Brief Exclusive Sunday Post in Scotland regarding the Franklin Expedition titled “170 years on, is this a face from one of the Navy’s darkest hours?” Diana’s work on the Franklin Expedition was featured many times in the Above & Beyond Magazine – Canada’s Arctic Journal (First Air, The Airline of the North).
Her work on the 1845 lost Franklin Expedition and the facial reconstructions have been displayed at the Canadian Museum of History with several other institutions both internationally and within Canada. The exhibition was open at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, UK before travelling to Canada. Diana presented a lecture about the Lost Franklin Expedition facial reconstructions at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in September 2016.
Ms. Trepkov previously worked for the York Regional Police Service in the Forensic Identification Bureau and previously served as a Toronto Police Auxiliary officer with the Toronto Police Service. She is a member of the Toronto Police Victim/Witness Advocate Committee. She is a good standing member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police since 2005, The Canadian Liaison for The Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State (ALDONYS) and Alba Investigations, Inc. Her articles have been published in Blue Line Magazine, which is Canada’s national law enforcement magazine and H.Q. which is the official magazine of The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.
Her forensic artwork has also been featured in Unsolved: True Canadian Cold Cases a book by R. J. Hoshowsky. Diana's first book was published in April 2011 and is called "Faceless, Voiceless- From Search to Closure, A Forensic Artist's Inspirational Approach to the Missing and Unidentified." Diana also has 4 children books published. These books have a mission and that is to help prevent children from going missing and to help them make the positive choices in life.
Ms. Trepkov has appeared on national television shows, such as CTV’s Canada AM, CTV news, Global News, Rogers TV, CTV National News, Mystery TV, WINK Florida News, GTA’s Most Wanted, First Local, My Community Rogers TV, CP24 NEWS, ABC 15 Phoenix, History Channel, Nancy Grace, CNN World News Live, CNN Headline News live with Ali Velshi, CNN Breaking News with Brooke Baldwin regarding Baby Doe from Boston and News 14 Carolina, and was featured as the cover story for PI Magazine, which is an international magazine and the cover story for Blue Line Magazine. She was recently on CBC Radio The Current-To catch a criminal, police sketches. Her forensic artwork has been published all over North America in various newspapers.
Ms. Trepkov has written articles for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Agenda. She was a presenter for the FBI Conference and was awarded a plaque. Ms. Trepkov was featured in the Toronto Star Newspaper “Face to Face with 2 Doomed Franklin members.” Another article was written in the World in Brief Exclusive Sunday Post in Scotland regarding the Franklin Expedition titled “170 years on, is this a face from one of the Navy’s darkest hours?” Diana’s work on the Franklin Expedition was featured many times in the Above & Beyond Magazine – Canada’s Arctic Journal (First Air, The Airline of the North).
Her work on the 1845 lost Franklin Expedition and the facial reconstructions have been displayed at the Canadian Museum of History with several other institutions both internationally and within Canada. The exhibition was open at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, UK before travelling to Canada. Diana presented a lecture about the Lost Franklin Expedition facial reconstructions at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in September 2016.
Ms. Trepkov previously worked for the York Regional Police Service in the Forensic Identification Bureau and previously served as a Toronto Police Auxiliary officer with the Toronto Police Service. She is a member of the Toronto Police Victim/Witness Advocate Committee. She is a good standing member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police since 2005, The Canadian Liaison for The Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State (ALDONYS) and Alba Investigations, Inc. Her articles have been published in Blue Line Magazine, which is Canada’s national law enforcement magazine and H.Q. which is the official magazine of The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.
Her forensic artwork has also been featured in Unsolved: True Canadian Cold Cases a book by R. J. Hoshowsky. Diana's first book was published in April 2011 and is called "Faceless, Voiceless- From Search to Closure, A Forensic Artist's Inspirational Approach to the Missing and Unidentified." Diana also has 4 children books published. These books have a mission and that is to help prevent children from going missing and to help them make the positive choices in life.
Click on the book cover to learn more about each book and/or to order through Amazon.
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http://www.canihelpfindyourmissinglovedone.com
Children's Book | Podcast | Forensic Artist |
Click here to listen to her podcast
For families of the missing,
Diana uses her gifts & passions to
inspire, uplift, and offer hope!
Please take time to visit her website,
listen to her podcast, and learn more about the science behind her forensic artistry.
Last week I shared an idea with my Dad and husband, to switch from dirt, plants, flowers, and mulch to multiple layers of black covering and stone. They liked the idea and we went to work. If you missed the blog about this process, click here.
As we dug out the old plants and flowers, and the solar lights, these four beautiful lake rocks were uncovered. To some visiting the garden, they might say, "Those are nice." I agree, they are yet their meaning is deeper and more precious than having a little of Lake Ontario at the garden.
As kids, we spent many hours on our bicycles riding between each other's houses and to Lake Ontario and back. These were the best days, before cellular phones, tablets, and technology at our fingertips. We talked, laughed, made plans, and too many memories to count or ever recount at reunions. These were the best of times and we knew how to spend time with each other, without the urge or need to record, post, or respond to others while enjoying each other's company. These four rocks were placed at the #HeidiAllenRemembranceGarden by one of our close friends as a remembrance of our childhood in a small New York town.
As kids, we spent many hours on our bicycles riding between each other's houses and to Lake Ontario and back. These were the best days, before cellular phones, tablets, and technology at our fingertips. We talked, laughed, made plans, and too many memories to count or ever recount at reunions. These were the best of times and we knew how to spend time with each other, without the urge or need to record, post, or respond to others while enjoying each other's company. These four rocks were placed at the #HeidiAllenRemembranceGarden by one of our close friends as a remembrance of our childhood in a small New York town.
The center of the garden has a cement statue of two kids reading a book. Heidi and I spent a lot of time together and reading. The cup of the book holds water after the rain, serving as a bird bath. When we made the change from greenery to stone, I knew we needed something in the center. Once I saw this, I knew this was the one.
It's a symbol of hope, sisters, love, and and the brilliant blue is highlighted at night, some of the surrounding white stones (900 of them to be exact) are solar rocks and will glow blue at night. I'll try and get a picture and share it on a future blog. A big thanks to all who hold Heidi close to their hearts and in their prayers. You encourage and uplift us, may God bless you in return.
It's a symbol of hope, sisters, love, and and the brilliant blue is highlighted at night, some of the surrounding white stones (900 of them to be exact) are solar rocks and will glow blue at night. I'll try and get a picture and share it on a future blog. A big thanks to all who hold Heidi close to their hearts and in their prayers. You encourage and uplift us, may God bless you in return.
How do you remember the ones you love?
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