This is Ron Heagy with your Motivational Message,

What a terrible crappy day, everyone seems to poop on me, I feel like crap. I got dumped on. My boss is a jerk….

I was having one of those poor me days. As I sat painting these delicate little owls, I changed my focus and I asked myself what unique characteristics they possess that I might learn from. So I asked my secretary Ashley to look up some facts, check it out, they even use cow dung!

• Burrowing owls are one of the smallest owls in North America.
• When alarmed, young birds will make a hissing call that sounds like a rattlesnake.
• Unlike most owls, these owls are awake during the day, especially in the spring to hunt for their large broods. They next in large colonies about 100 yards
• They build their nests in burrows that other small animals have excavated such as moles and prairie dogs.
• The most common material for their nests is mammal dung, usually cattle. Researchers once thought the dung was to mask the smell of juvenile owls, but now it is believed the dung helps to control a microclimate and it attracts insects which the owls may eat.
• The chicks can fly well at 6 weeks old, and leave the nest after 45 days to hunt insects.

In application I thought of my own life, am I fixated on new stuff? Having something for the first time, I responded, “no I like garage sales, their junk my treasure.” My stepmom decorations are dazzling, her clothes, and jewelry is sophisticated. She is a first class act, and get this her birthday request was a goodwill certificate. She converts her home like a burrowing owl, using others unwanted material, or ‘crap’ and turns it into her own beauty.

The real impact for me,
I instantly smiled when it donned on me how much I can’t complain about having a ‘BAD DAY’.
Is there any reason we cannot have the Burrowing owls attitude? Could i see the piles of ‘poo’ in my life and turn it into something positive. Yes, here is one- I broke my neck, life dumped on me. I can’t even move my hands. But I can paint with my mouth. It’s not fair if there are not accessible camps. The disabled are treated like crap. So I built a camp. Where disabilities rock and roll! Its crappy situation hiring drivers when i need to travel to the store but I had a nice conversation, and it turned out to be a meaningful relationship. Now don’t get me wrong, not everything i have touched has turned into gold. I have failed in many ways, but I am not a failure.
Is it possible to turn our losses into gains, negatives into positives? Find the beauty in the ashes

Turning dung into a nest

Can you get a whiff of the Burrowing Owls innovation?

Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Who
Who-Who?
I didn’t know you were an owl!

To your inspirations,

Ron

STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER

This is Ron with your motivational message,

When I was a kid my first real job that actually paid more than an allowance was to hop on a bus at 6:30am to head to Oregon’s finest strawberry fields. When we arrived it was literally strawberry fields forever.

Our job- to fill crates full of ripe, red, juicy, and incredibly sweet strawberries. I was determined and dedicated to turn this freshly picked fruit into fists full of cash. My imagination and entrepreneurial side visualized 20 crates at a dollar a piece. I had seven hours and boy did I get into a good patch, I had both hands going, and I was picking faster than anyone else across the field. Within the first hour I had picked three crates. The second hour two more, and the third hour two more and I was quickly reaching my goal.

And then it happened..

How could such a small mistake end my motivation and extinguish my enthusiasm?

I came upon the biggest, brilliant, deep red, succulent strawberry. It was actually two that were stuck together, like Siamese twins there sides were completely joined.
I slowly picked it and held it to the sun, watched the reflection, and gazed upon its seeds placed so perfectly.I looked around, waited for a moment and then temptation over took me. It was so inviting, my mouth literally watered- I had to eat this strawberry. I slowly put it in my mouth and when I bit down the juice was heavenly, it was the best. The closest I’ve gotten to a nature high.

The rule was simple: do not eat the strawberries.

I vigorously began to panic but only for a few minutes, and it happened again. I couldn’t get the taste out of my mind and I ate strawberries for hours. I averaged 1 half crate as I ate for the next 4 hours. I was addicted, an addict I couldn’t get enough, and I needed help overcoming my weakness. That day ended with only 7 crates total, could it be that I ate 13 dollars in profit. Fortunately with much council, and discussion with my mother who also loved strawberries. I went to work a changed man.

The secret: Don’t eat a single berry, until the last five minutes of your day.

Sometimes in life, things, people, stuff is so enticing, we see it, we want it, we experience, and later addiction- we can’t stop. One is never satisfying, for example my are perfectly good cell phone is replaced by faster, sleeker, technological IPhone 6s plus.
The pretty little Mai Tai Drink turns into drunk. The need for speed results in a crash.
I have been challenged lately to ask myself a question, do I really need this strawberry? Or do I want it because it’s soooo appealing?
Would you join me in creating a strategy? Denying yourself something you don’t need. Maybe giving someone a hamburger and French fry that needs rather than buying myself a five dollar latte.

Here’s the ten cent remedy:

D- Be Determined
I-Imagine the end result
M- Don’t let others/things destroy your Motivation
E- Remembering Indulgence destroys our overall Enthusiasm for life.

Now that I’ve told you what not to do, here is my recent Mouthpainting.

GO AHEAD PICK A STRAWBERRY

P.S.

I don’t recommend eating a big bunch of un-rinsed fertilized berries. My mom didn’t know why I was throwing up so much red bile, and thought i was bleeding. It scared us both and I became almost strawberry sober.

To your inspirations,

Ron

This is Ron Heagy with your motivational message,

On Christmas Eve I was totally excited to take my family on a new Christmas Adventure when the unexpected happened..

2015 has come and gone. For the most part I had a really good year. My daughters Gracie 11 years old and Roni 16 years old and I had a wonderful Christmas. One of our highlights was a trip to the Oregon Gardens. Oregon finest plants and boldest flowers placed in midst of majestic mountains. They feature a most spectacular Christmas light display. In one of nature’s most beautiful places you can walk trails and stop at the fire pits along the way to warm up. Gracie’s favorite part was the ice skating rink at the end of the trail.

When we arrived we were blessed with the last wheelchair accessible parking spot. I nudged my chin control wheelchair out of the van and on to the slippery pavement. It was very cold, and had started raining. I had my caregiver Alanna wrap my scarf around my head tightly. Feeling semi warm and extremely excited I yelled, “Let’s go girls.” I am of course the dad and I plowed forward into the lead. I felt confident in my trailblazing skills.

As I heading down the sidewalk leading straight into the gardens I suddenly felt my wheelchair launch-I was airborne. I was completely caught off guard, and blame the rain and dark pavement. But the truth is I had driven myself right off an 8 inch curb with my snoopy scarf blowing in the wind.

It happened so fast, there was nothing I could do. The front of my chair began to dive in a downward direction. I could hear my girls with fear in their voices yelling daaaddddd. As I began my decent, the first thing to land was the front left wheel that inadvertently shot me in 180 degree direction to the right. I felt my body jerk against my chest strap which sent both of my hands flying upwards towards my face. As I was catapulting forward my face heading towards the ground. I thought it was time for the ‘Christmas lights’ to go out. But miraculously my chair flipped back and spun down flat on my wheels. Rocking back and forth from the impact, my body was sent into muscle spasms; arms and legs jerking uncontrollably. I sat there dazed for a few seconds, blood pumping through my veins full of adrenaline and not to mention complete embarrassment. I looked up at my daughters, and stated, “Who in the world put that there?” We laughed for a minute after realizing the close call.

What makes this story funnier is I had laughed at a friend doing the same thing a few years back. He went flying out of the doors of a building and he was mad and not paying attention so he went straight off the edge of the sidewalk. He was fine as well. Sitting there, unable to help him, I laughed and said. “You’ll never catch me doing that!”

Thank you Jesus for Christmas miracles. I was left upright instead of smashing my face into the pavement and sending me to the hospital for stitches.

2016 is here and like you I want each year to be a better year than the year before. Would you agree with me that the number 1 ingredient for making it our best year possible is to start with an attitude of gratitude? Join me in thinking a little more positive. Let’s turn the past losses into gains. I personally got to spend quality time with my daughters, family and friends. I am blessed, therefore I am extremely grateful. Although the problems, the paralysis, the painful past, doesn’t disappear as a human being we are given the unique ability to lift our heads up and see Christmas Miracles as they take place throughout the entire year.

As you think back on 2015, are there any miracles you can recall?

Tell your story. Someone is listening. You may be their inspiration.

To your inspirations,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message,

“Mr. Heagy you have qualified for an upgrade since 2012” She said with a smirk.

I waited for 20 years and the technology has finally arrived. A truly voice activated cell phone. The IPhone 6s, can be operated without a single touch and the technology is amazing. I speak, she listens. It’s incredibly accurate. I have upgraded from being a smart person to a smart phone. It is remarkable how addicting the phones can be and how easy it is to text and never talk. Now that I have an Iphone 6s I don’t have the excuse of not texting.

Would you agree that verbal communication is important? The youth of today need to be educated on these skills, technology and social media-should not take place of verbal communication. The presence of a person coupled with nonverbal communication, reflection/deflection in the voice, empathy, and connection, is all nearly lost!

I recently spoke to an 8th grade class of 200 students. As I was speaking I was impressed by the response of the audience. One young man said “I will never forget your speech, it was like you were talking directly to me. “ Your speech made me cry,” said another female student The principal was impressed and thanked me for the speech. The principal informed me it was the way I engaged them during my speech.
The young people will remember my face, that moment, and my life. The way they felt will change their lives. The students couldn’t figure out how I knew so much about them. They had no clue how their nonverbal communication, facial expressions, and body language spoke to me. My school assemblies demonstrate the importance of communication skills, engaging, reflecting and responding in the presence of another.

Verbal communication is becoming a thing of the past, but it is still very important.

Therefore I will continue to speak and deliver school presentations. It’s been a while since I have asked for your support in making sure that I continue keeping my wheels on the road. Would you consider financially supporting my next speech? Simply making s donation online, through PayPal or you can Please click here
You can also mail your donations to PO BOX 972 Albany, OR 97321

Even $5 a month would make a difference!

To your inspirations,

Ron Heagy Jr.

This is Ron with your Motivational Message,

Each building will represent a different culture of the early history of Hawaii. Five buildings would move outwards from the center in the shape of a plumeria flower. There will be a connection locally with the schools and their agricultural departments. Kids will get a great opportunity to explore gardening and possibly bring back so indigenous fruits and vegetables plants. There will be trails, raised gardens, and flower beds for kids to reach the soil from their wheelchairs. Trails will be leading down to the ocean, into the neighboring cultural reserve, and up into the backside of the Volcano. A stream runs down alongside the camp that will be shaded and easy to get to. Each camper will learn art and other crafts from the old ways. Kids will be painting on a stretched bamboo, or working with palm branches to build hats and other articles from Hawaiian Culture. In the camp we will build a beautiful raised area for sunsets to be viewed from wheelchairs. An amphitheater will be constructed for concerts, music, and expressive art where anyone can enter on different levels, including wheelchair users. There will also be horseback riding and a zip line!

The sky is the limit!

We are Walking and Rolling Today September 24th, 2015 4:30PM at the Maui Parade! Here’s our Banner

Be apart of the dream, and like our page!

www.facebook.com/therollonranch

To your inspirations,

Ron

This is Ron with your motivational message,

I recently had the opportunity to speak at the CMA bike rally. I must admit it was one of the coolest things I’ve done in a long time. I arrived in Centralia, Washington and I was in Awe at the towering trees that overshadowed the beauty in the park setting. Christian Motorcyclist Association ministers to bikers. Physically emotionally, and spiritually the CMA reaches out across the nation to provide hope and inspiration to our American Bikers and their families. Yes we might have our opinion about bikers-but like mine yours may be biased. As soon as I arrived I was instantly welcomed by smiling men and women. They were unbelievably helpful and I was awarded the privilege of speaking to more than 250 people on an elevated stage in this pristine park surroundings. I felt invigorated and empowered by god’s creation. And as I told my life story I felt what all speakers long to feel, “Connected” with the crowd. I spoke about the struggles I’ve overcome, problems I am facing and future issues. Afterwards the feedback comments and personal stories completely blessed my heart.

Thank you CMA for allowing me the opportunity to experience the blessing of your kind people. The fact is we all struggle, and some of us are alone in our challenges. Please be reminded of your purpose. You are alive for a reason. Be inspired, and ask god for a light.
Believe something will happen today that will dispel the dark so you can see how beautiful you are. Thank you for being my friend, we need each other. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I am praying for better days.

To your inspirations,

Ron

This is Ron with your motivational message:

Do you see God, The tower, and airplane?

I nudged my chin control wheelchair down the empty streets of New York. I had this eerie feeling like I was in a ghost town. Papers were blowing across intersections and people dragged on like zombies with dusk masks. This was my first trip to New York, and it was September 11th.

As a quadriplegic and a person this tragic event was one of the most devastating things that I have witnessed. I was invited to the premiere in New York called ‘Wisdom of Dreams’ by Martin Luther King Jr the 3rd. He wanted my story to be the premiere.
When my family and I woke up on 9/11, we were so excited to start the new day. New York City, The Big Apple I was ready to be a tourist. Suddenly out of nowhere, I could hear screams and people running out of the hotel, the intercom’s voice was telling the hotel guests to evacuate. In the street I could see the 2nd tower was hit. Thank god my family wasn’t any closer and we were for the most part safe.
My heart hurt as we watched the tragedy unfold, many lives were lost. I began to cry when heard a gentlemen report that he barely made it out alive. But on his way out people were screaming for help as they sat in there wheelchairs. Many people were trapped in the building because they couldn’t physically use the stairs and leave. When a building is in crisis, the first thing to get shut down is the elevators. The sign reads ‘In case of fire use stairs’ I wonder if the individual who made the sign ever attempted stairs with a wheelchair. As people crammed into the stairwell to save themselves, individuals that could not physically move were left sitting. Later that day I heard an incredible story that lifted my spirits, a gentleman picked up his friend up and threw him over his shoulder and carried him down the stairs to be rescued.
Accessibility is so important, with the amount of Men, Woman, and Children in America that are physically disabled. We should safely be able to get out and go do things at our leisure and have access to it! I realized firsthand the importance of wheel chair accessible facilities.
The day the towers came down reignited my passion and in 2004 the first part of my dream was complete. Camp Attitude-The very first fully wheelchair accessible camp located in Sweet Home, Oregon. Families and children of any age can experience a week of barrier free life changing experiences. The camp covers 40 acres of lush timber, is located next to Santiam river, and has accessible tree houses!

My dream did not stop there I envisioned camps all over the United States. Incredibly, we have secured property on Maui by a dear friend of mine. This beautiful piece of land is next to a protected tropical culture reserve and it overlooks the ocean. Imagine watching beautiful sunsets bursting in color over the island of Lanai with whales migrating. It would be the first fully wheelchair accessible camp located on Maui.

I am asking you to partner with me and help me build the first fully wheelchair accessible camp in Maui. Hawaii. It will be accessible to all, but those in particular with mobility impairment. If you can walk it that doesn’t mean I can roll it but where I roll you can walk. So let’s Walk and Roll together! Can you picture a disabled child floating with fish for the first time, to feel the salt water and swim. The camp will have horseback riding, agriculture, and gardening. Most of all; a fully accessible ramp that leads right into the ocean!

14 years ago tragedy struck this great country of ours. In remembrance in those who lost their lives on 9/11. I am asking you to join with me in building the Roll on Ranch Camp, Maui.

Today we are alive my friend. Let’s live today like it could be our last. Say. Do. Think. The things you’ve always dreamed of. Together we will Walk and Roll!

May God Bless America, and one more time remember to be thankful for the days we are given.

To your inspirations,
Ron