Suggestions for Book #3

I plan on using the summer to focus on finishing the second book in the Katie and the Magic Umbrella series. The first book  A Stormy Adventure covered all the main aspects of a thunderstorm. Book #2 is called Katie and the Magic Umbrella: On Snowflake Trail. This one I am so excited about. It will teach kids about severe winter storms and the fun side of winter weather ..and there’s even a new character. A hint: he has 4 legs and is very furry! I’m really going to try and get this out in time for the winter season.

My dilemma now is what weather topic to cover in Book #3. 

I have some ideas… 

1. Tornadoes

2. The Water Cycle 

3. Hurricanes

Vote Now…or make a suggestion.

(Remember I’m reaching 4-8 year olds and trying to work with curriculum that fits nicely with TAKS requirements)

Thanks  a million!

Kristine

I’ll be live on 95.9 FM-The Ranch beginning at 9:30am. My host will be Heywood.. this fabulously funny guy who is never afraid to tell it like it is. 

They play a lot of classic country with great jocks who can definitely entertain. The cool thing too is that they are located right in the heart of Ft. Worth, whereas most of our DFW stations are closer to Dallas. So this station really has the heartbeat and the soul of Ft. Worth.

Their website: www.959theranch.com

Not sure what we are going to talk about..but I’m sure the question as to why my early “retirement” will come up.

Stay tuned!

Kristine

Are you a working mother? If you are, you understand how challenging it is to balance the demands of your career with your family life. My children are 7 and 10 years old. While I’m no expert, I was flattered when Barbara Arnondin the co-founder of metroplexbaby.com asked if I would like to be featured as their May Metroplex Mom of the month.

For the past 2 years, I have been working 2 full-time jobs (TV meteorologist and Children’s Author) while also trying to be a the best mom, wife, friend, home organizer, cook, shopper, gardener, party hostess, handyman, list maker  I can be. Sometimes I fail miserably, and sometimes I am amazed on the rare occasion I do get it all done.

Here’s the interview…enjoy..and I’d love to hear your thoughts about how you handle “The Balancing Act”.

http://www.metroplexbaby.com/MetroMoms/FeaturedMoms/2009/MayFeature.htm

If you’ve never checked out www.metroplexbaby.com …you should. Spend a few minutes browsing a world of information just for moms. You’ll find all kinds of great ways to connect with other moms just like you. 

And a big thank you to Barbara for making this interview so easy and fun.

I’m so thankful for all the calls and emails from viewers and friends since it was announced I was leaving CBS11. The past few days have been a blur.

It’s difficult leaving a career I’ve spent 20 years building…no matter what the circumstances. So I hope you’ll keep the comments coming. They soften this landing and remind me that all the time and sacrifice was worth it and the time spent away from my family.

I must say….that I find it very disappointing that the station, just a day after my departure has already removed any sign that I existed. There was a nice little place at the top of the homepage on Friday (my last day) where viewers could make a quick comment regarding my departure. I thought that was such a nice gesture and it was wonderful getting a chance to read them as they flowed in following the announcement.

But when I checked the site  Saturday morning…NOTHING.

I have my thoughts on this..but I’d love to hear yours

Kristine

After 7 years at KTVT-TV…it’s time to go.
I am writing this today, my last day on the air at KTVT.

There will be little fanfare on the air, and no long good-byes ….and that’s okay.

It’s bitter and it’s sweet.
Since the decision was made earlier this week, I am still pinching myself wondering if all that’s happening is real. My co-workers will be surprised by the announcement made today, and it will be difficult to say good-bye to the people at the station whom admire and respect..my work family.
Broadcast television is a tough place right now. Like so many industries, with the economic downturn, revenue is down, and companies are restructuring and downsizing. This all needs to happen, and my position at the station is a casualty of the times. 

It really started a year and a half ago, when the station decided to take me off the 10pm show. It was a blow and unexpected. But their decision came at a time when I was already searching for something else more meaningful and significant to do with my life. Not doing the 10pm show, gave me the opportunity to have dinner with my family most nights..read to my children before bedtime…and get myself to bed before midnight!

Last September I started only doing the 4pm show. This gave me the opportunity to focus on building my publishing business and launching my first children’s book “Katie and the Magic Umbrella”. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Now that I’m leaving…I can really focus on writing and finishing what I started..a series of Katie books. After that, I’m not sure.

I pray for that answer. 

God does work miracles, and does answer our prayers, if we can be still enough to listen. I have been so busy just trying to manage 2 full-time careers these past 12 months, I haven’t been able to really quiet my mind enough to hear his soft voice. Now I will have time to do that. Be still……

I’ve even thought about going back to school and getting a masters degree…not sure in what discipline. More than likely the earth sciences, or I’ve even considered going in a totally different direction.. medicine.

But as I explore new opportunities, I know that what’s behind  this next door must be a path that feeds my soul. I feel like it’s been running on empty for quite awhile. I want to make a difference in peoples lives, and while I may have done a bit of that while on television…I’ve only scratched the surface. There is so much more I can and want to do…. whether it’s helping people who are sick, or teaching 20 year olds about earthquakes and thunderstorms, or helping children conquer their fears.

It’s been a great ride! I’ve worked with many amazing people..Troy Dungan, Tracy Rowlett, Karen Borta, Doug Dunbar, Jeff Jamison, Mike Burger, Scott Sams, Garry Seith and so many other true professionals …you know who you are! 

I also want to mention John Miller…he is the reason I came back to television the first time I left the biz. He is still my hero, and I will always be grateful to him for believing in me and bringing my family to North Texas. He’s no longer in the business, but his influence can still be felt in the newsrooms he touched.

To my Viewers…. you are the reason I’ve loved what I’ve done for so long. Thank you for all your love and support and loyalty over the years. I’ve read all of your emails, appreciated your calls of support and concern.. and enjoyed every meeting and handshake. 

Thank you…Thank you…Thank you….North Texas.

I’m not going anywhere…This site will be my forum..and my way of reaching out and listening to you.

I still love to forecast, and I’d like to continue to do that in some capacity. Who knows, maybe I’ll start up my own forecast page and work with those who need a customized forecast for events and venues around North Texas. The sky is the limit..and I’m  looking forward to the peace of a new path outside of TV.

Wishing you all Sunshine and Rainbows…always

Kristine

This Saturday, May 2nd, I will be a celebrity guest for the Metroport Rotary Club’s WineDiscovery Event.

It starts at 7pm at the Solana Marriot in Westlake. The public is welcome to attend.

This event will raise money for charities such as GRACE, Metroport Meals on Wheels, the Roanoke Food Bank.

There are so many non-profits suffering because of the economic situation…so come on out and join me for some fun, food, friends, and some great wine.

I am also proud to be a sponsor of this event. I have donated a book and Katie doll which will be featured in the silent auction.

Here the website for more information….

http://www.metroport.org/events.html

Hope to see you Saturday!

Kristine

On Saturday, April 18th, I was invited to be a celebrity reader and guest author at the Dallas Library  Children’s Book Fair.

This was a HUGE 2 day event wit authors and illustrators invited from all across the US. Unfortunately because of work and storms, I could only participate in the Saturday events. But I did hear that on Friday more than 4,000 children passed through the doors of the library. WOW!

My station, KTVT was the media sponsor and we ran a brief story about the event and my appearance on the Saturday 10pm newscast. 

Please click to view the story  below….

Thank you Dallas County Public Library, Dr. Emma Dawson, Miriam Rodriguez, and Jo Guidice for inviting me to be a part of this special event.

Kristine on KTVT-TV at Dallas Library’s Children’s Book Fair from Kristine Kahanek on Vimeo.

I know this is posted 3 weeks after the fact, but I really wanted to share this….and I was having trouble getting the video that aired on my station to upload. 

On March 26th, I was asked to read “Katie and the Magic Umbrella” to a group of preschoolers at Reading Friends of Ft. Worth. 

So at 9am, 40-50 sweet faces piled into one of their colorful classrooms and  listened intently as I read them the story about thunderstorms and told them about Katie.

A big thank you to Ruth Anne Douglass, the staff and parents. They made my visit a true pleasure. To find out more about Reading Friends, here is their website. www.readingfriends.org

Mike Keene a photographer from my station KTVT-TV was sent to cover my reading. Here is the snippet of video that the station aired during the 4pm show that Thursday, March 26th.

Kristine Reads to Preschool in West Fort Worth from Kristine Kahanek on Vimeo.

Having fun at Old Union Elementary in Southlake

Last Tuesday I visited Old Union and read my book to the kids. I had a great time talking to all the K-5th graders about storms and severe weather.

A big thank you to Keri LeJeune for sending along this photo of me standing with Mrs. Johnston the principal.
Also a big thanks to Jennifer Mitchell for making me feel so welcome and preparing the kids for my visit.