S from the editor So, I’m sitting at a table in a small meeting room, armed with just my notebook and pen. However, I’m surrounded by three tall, strapping and good-looking he-men in uniform, guns holstered at their hips. It was my Jessica Rabbit moment. “I’m not bad,” I wanted to say. “I’m only drawn that way.” I’m telling you people, I can’t make this stuff up. This was just another day-at-theoffice for the Blue Water Woman editor. It turns out that when you ask to interview a federal officer, the federal government wants to know what you are going to ask her. So, three male public affairs officers sat in -- or rather I should say stood in -- on my interview with the very gracious and coolas-a-cucumber (in a good way) Denise Dupuie, a supervisor with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. I noted how quickly the boys fled the room when the conversation turned to spa visits and nail polish. This issue is dedicated to “women in uniform”…and I mean all uniforms: Police officers, firefighters, federal officers, paramedics, and members of all branches of the U.S. military. Most of them work in an environment that remains predominantly male. I interviewed three women in uniform for this issue and all of them have thrived in their work environment and all of them oozed of care and compassion for the citizens they encounter in their work life every day. The truth of the matter is this: I could never in a million years do what all of them do. The very thought of getting up for work every morning and understanding that I was going to work in a potentially very dangerous environment possibly surrounded by bad guys just scares the bejeebers out of me. When I shared that thought with Detective Karen Brisby of the Port Huron Police Department, she noted that she isn’t scared of going to work because members of law enforcement go through a tremendous amount of training that prepares them for virtually any situation so that when they encounter a dangerous situation, their training kicks in and enables them to handle it. I’m really super-duper glad that makes her (and I’m editor patti samar with her third place sure all of the officers I talked to) feel better about getting medal at the end of her first 5K up and going to work in the morning because people like me -- who are scaredy cats -- need people like them (Wonder Women, all!) to protect me. Really, I do. I’m not at all ashamed to admit that. And that is why I have the utmost respect for anyone -- both men and women -- who gets up every day and puts on a uniform and keeps the world safe from bad guys (and gals), whether that is on the streets of Port Huron, or in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan or some other far away land where I just cannot even comprehend the many dangers encountered on a daily basis. I am ever so thankful for their service and for the heart and compassion that women bring to the uniform because, though not all of the women I interviewed said it directly -- but some did -- women bring a little something more to this kind of public service. In a good way. And all of us should be grateful for that. And on an unrelated note: At 50 years of age, I recently ran my very first 5K race. I offer this not looking for praise, but to help inspire anyone who thinks they cannot do something based on age, or a perceived lack of physical fitness. I am no cardio queen, but I managed to trot out the three miles. Shock of all shocks, I won a third place medal in my age category. I also came in last place in my age category, as only three women aged 50 to 54 ran. So please, put your fears aside and come give me a run for my money in an upcoming race. Medal or no medal, the satisfaction of completing it brought tears to my eyes. Whether it is running or something else, here’s the deal: Face your fears and just do it. You will be glad you did. content Danielle Quain 5 Denise Dupuie 6 Karen Brisby 8 advertise in Blue Water Woman! it works! just ask our advertisers! The ad deadline for the next issue of Blue Water Woman is July 1, <strong>2014</strong>. Prices start at just $125 for a business card sized ad! Our most popular ad size is a quarter page at just $250; sign a one-year contract and it becomes just $225 a quarter! What a deal! For more information, contact Patti Samar at 810-987-1256 or email her at pjsamar@aol.com volume 4, number 2 <strong>summer</strong> <strong>2014</strong> Blue Water Woman is published quarterly by The Write Company, 3155 Armour Street, Port Huron, MI 48060. Circulation 7,500. Editor & Publisher: Patti Samar, owner, The Write Company Advertising: Patti Samar at 810-987-1256 or pjsamar@aol.com Subscriptions: To receive Blue Water Woman at home, mail $25 to: Blue Water Woman, 3155 Armour Street, Port Huron, MI 48060 News releases can be emailed to pjsamar@aol.com Questions or comments? Call Blue Water Woman at 810-987-1256 Mission: Blue Water Woman is the premiere publication for women living, working and playing in the Blue Water Area of Michigan. Its stories and features are written and designed to be inspriational, motivational and encouraging. www.BlueWaterWoman.com © Blue Water Woman is the property of Patti Samar of The Write Company The Write Company is a writing, graphic design and marketing consultation firm. View our online portfolio at: www.TheWriteCompany.net Patti Samar Editor & Publisher Blue Water Woman 2 <strong>summer</strong> <strong>2014</strong> BlueWaterWoman.com
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