Creative Communications Center

07/11/2025

First planting of my petunias that Brad did for me….

04/30/2025

04/16/2025

09/08/2021

Dear Facebook Friends,

Do you believe in Signs that nudge you to do something - or not?

I do and I just received one a few days ago.

Because my sweet friend, bonded companion and CHaD teammate Bella passed in May, I was thinking of giving up requests for CHaD Half Marathon donations this year - she has been the spirit behind our endeavors these past 5 years and it didn’t/doesn’t feel the same without her by my side, literally and figuratively…

But then the Sign: a call from Barbara, a woman from Charlottesville whom I met 26 years ago when I was there subcontracting with Chrysler and their Customer program. She has been trying to reach me off and on all these years and one of her latest endeavors took her to my CHaD request last year on FaceBook.

Synchronicity: “What are the odds?” My definition, not Webster’s. What are the odds that I’m going to get a call from someone after 26 years - and she found me by linking to my name which took her to my FB page last year - asking for donations to CHaD?!

The Sign. Result? Here I am again. Bella may have passed but thanks to the exquisite skill, love and caring of the staff at CHaD (Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth), hundreds of thousands of kids have not. They are alive and well and loving life.

So thank you, Sign. If anything, with Covid and all the challenges it has brought to still another endeavor, CHaD needs us even more than ever….

This year it is a “hybrid” CHaD Hero event. Most of the event activities will be taking place virtually but they are scheduling an in-person 5K Run on Sunday, September 26 on the Dartmouth Green.

The photo is my grandson Sam and girlfriend Karina running “virtually” last year.

So I am asking you, still once again, to consider contributing to such an important cause as CHaD (one of many important causes to which you are asked to support, I am fully aware). Whether I continue requests in the future or not, this will be the last time as Bella’s teammate. (Maybe not - she has communicated with me 4 times since she passed, so maybe she’ll be nudging me again - nothing is impossible from that beautiful soul).

Nearly $8 million has been raised since Jeff started the CHaD Half Marathon 15 years ago. Bella and I got involved 5 years ago and our team has donated $34,844 in the ensuing years, thanks to friends like you.

We are also very fortunate to have another great challenge grant from The Byrne Foundation and all donations will be matched 1- 1 until The Byrne Match runs out.

I do not have a goal this year. I just ask you to check in with your heart to see if you are feeling a nudge - a sign - to support CHaD, a Hospital for Children that requires nothing financially of parents, just that they give their time and love as their child struggles to heal.

I’m glad I listened to my Sign …and my heart, though reluctantly initially. Every little bit helps.

There are two ways you can contribute:
1) click this link: http://getinvolved.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/goto/susie21
Or
2) send a check made out to “D-HH/CHaD” with my name in the memo line to:
CHaD Hero HQ
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, N.H, 03756

Thank you so much for your consideration!

Wishing you all the best…and hoping you are finding gratitude in these challenging days,

Susie and Bella (in memory December 22, 2005 - May 15, 2021)

10/16/2020

I have been spending all my free time for 3 days and nights writing thank you/personal notes to over 70 people who have donated to CHaD (Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock) for Team Susie and Bella.

Not only do I support the cause, I have a personal pride since it was my son Jeff who initiated the CHaD Heroes 15 years ago. The result: nearly 7.5 million dollars!

I do not have a humble bone in my body!

Bella and I are at it again...🙂

This Sunday would be CHaD’s 15th CHaD HERO on the Dartmouth Green! Sadly it is another example of Covid 19’s influence.

However, it is also an example that CHaD (Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock) needs us even more than ever without the excitement that happens every year on the Green with participants, volunteers and yes, donors.

This year, the CHaD HERO is virtual... Community fundraising events like the CHaD HERO help to support critical CHaD programs like the Child Advocacy and Protection Program, which helps evaluate and treat suspected victims of child abuse. While an in-person event is no longer possible this year, the needs of their programs and their 95,000 pediatric patients are still very real. You can support our fundraising efforts for CHaD here: https://secure3.convio.net/dhmc/site/TR/CHaD/CHaDHero?px=1034714&pg=personal&fr_id=1610

As you know, this is a family affair for me beginning with son Jeff initiating the HERO 15 years ago. Below is a picture of him continuing the momentum which I just happened to see on Facebook a few days ago....

CHaD HERO Half Marathon 2020
13.1 quiet, solo, contemplative miles in the pre-dawn and early morning hours yesterday, the memories of 14 previous Heroes giving me plenty to consider and appreciate... and carry me along.

Since it began, the CHaD HERO has raised nearly $7.5 million dollars!

Bella and I talked about it and decided we wanted to continue our contribution by asking for yours. But a little different this year in that we are not setting a goal ....last year, we had a goal of $7,000 and actually, thanks to you, CHaD received $12,835 which included a generous contribution from the Dorothy Byrne Foundation, which is always giving to worthy causes.

We are just asking you to again look at what feels appropriate for you to help the children at CHaD as you have in the past. Thank you so much for your donations - it has made a significant difference as you can tell.

Some fun/inspiring facts this year: since this is the 15th HERO, there are 10 Kid HEROES this year instead of the usual one! One of these kids is two year old Owen - he and his parents are amazing. He was born at 24 weeks and was a triplet, but his two brothers passed away after being born. You can read a little about Owen and his family’s story here: https://chadhero.wordpress.com/2020/07/15meet-kid-hero-Owen/

Keeping with the family/virtual theme...below is a picture of my grandson, Sam, and his girlfriend, Karina Lukovits, who ran a 26.2 marathon on the first official HERO day, Sunday October 4th. It was exciting for all of us to see their ease in such an accomplishment, knowing there were lots of other virtual events going on all over the Universe. (You may remember years ago hearing about Kid HERO Jasper - a miracle he lived, had a leg amputated and was known for walking Cam’s 1mile Heroes Course on his crutches - he and his Dad just completed a 3 day backpacking trip for their Virtual event)


If you would like to donate online, please go to https://secure3.convio.net/dhmc/site/TR/CHaD/CHaDHero?px=1034714&pg=personal&fr_id=1610

And if you’d like to mail a donation, checks can be made out to “D-HH/CHaD” and mailed to CHaD HERO HQ, One Medical Center Drive Lebanon, NH 03756. I hope you will put “Susie and Bella” in the memo line of your check.

Thank you for sharing the CHaD HERO’s success with us!
Susie and Bella

You Make A Difference!

Susan C Hastings
53 Lyme Road #11
Hanover, N.H. 03755
802-683-8834
[email protected]
www.adifference.com
www.hastingshypnotherapy.com

08/24/2020

Where to begin...it has been so long ...if ever...that I have posted on this page.
If you are reading this, I am wondering how you are doing...how are you dealing with what is now an out of control pandemic? Are you at peace with what is or you striving to have things go your way, whatever that looks like for you to be able to do?
I am at peace. I believe what I have heard from a variety of sources: the way we were living can not be sustained. We need to get back to a much simpler way of life.
I have actually enjoyed doing so. This is what I am doing in case it is of any help for you:
1). I keep my connections with family and a few very close friends in person. Others, I email or call.
2). I meditate in the morning. I am a fan of Deepak Chopra and usually do one of his meditations. They are free for 21 days and then you can purchase them for your library, which I have done.
3). I love the simple life. For someone who is seen as an extrovert, my introvert has taken precedence. I love watching the birds at my feeder, the little chipmunk who is getting pretty tame eating some food in his special little feeder, eating, reading on my chaise lounge....
4). I spend a lot of time on my patio, sometimes just taking in the beauty of my small garden, telling my plants - and meaning - how beautiful they are to me. And when I water at night, I make a special point of telling them I love them.
5). I am full of gratitude and express it often, even if just to myself.
6). I miss not being able to take Bella, my blind/partially deaf 14 1/2 year old Therapy dog to our nursing home buddies but we are not allowed now. I am so grateful for her and had a real scare a few days ago when she got very sick. I am a dowser and checked a new product I was giving her - a clear No! I stopped it and she’s fine now after almost $300 to the vet. I am grateful for getting the insight to dowse. She is my very special buddy —-my therapy - and she no longer is needy, as she was just a couple of days ago,
7). I stay out of stores unless really necessary..
8). Can you tell? I still enjoy a lot of isolation...
9). My big news is that I have started seeing hypnotherapy/coaching clients again....outside on my patio or FaceTime/phone. It’s great to be able to facilitate peace/reduce stress and positive change for others.
10). And finally, I am doing easy exercise....And walking with Bella in a pet stroller, healing from back surgery a couple of months ago, doing self=hypnosis for my own healing.
The above are just a few things that came to my mind....I’d love to hear what you’re doing/not doing as you navigate these challenging... but full of opportunity...times we are living
Let me know if I can support you in any way...my thoughts are with you!
Love,
Susan/Susie/Suz

01/28/2020

It’s January...which means I’m in Hilton Head Island. SC until April. My goal is to relax a lot, walk the beach, work with my new trainer to really get in shape, heal my back, enjoy my friends ... and do some writing about some of my synchronicity/spiritual experiences.

And you? I’d love to hear from you and what’s new/special old in your life!

11/08/2018

I am not used to seeing that I have views on my business, Creative Communications Center....and not sure how to respond but I will give it some thought. For now, I am semi-retired, love my life with a few workshops and consulting - hypnotherapy is what I do most.

For now, if you want to have an update, visit my website www.hastingshypnotherapy.com...or www.adifference.com

I’d love to hear from you...Susie

Achieve weight loss, stop smoking, reduce stress, improve relationships and more with Certified Hypnotherapist Susan Hastings serving Norwich, VT, White River Junction VT and Hanover CT

09/21/2018

Dear Friends

“I think a hero is any person really intent in making this a better place for all people.” Maya Angelo

At CHaD (Children's Hospital @ Dartmouth) Heroes are seen every day.

They are the children themselves undergoing sometimes painful procedures with such courage and valor; their parents struggling with gut wrenching emotions and emerging with strength and inspiration for the rest of us; the amazing staff that help make healing possible with their love, care and expertise. No child is turned away because of inability to pay.

And the Heroes are You! You who recognize the need, a need that is supported by the CHaD Half Marathon for the past 12 years.

I have tears for 3 days because of how inspired and touched I am by the amazing courage of these kids and their parents. One example (there are many): at the Tribute event the night before the CHaD Half, people and organizations are recognized for their support of the event, and several people spoke.

One was 6 year old Elliott, microphone in hand as he shared what CHaD meant for him. His message: don't ever give up! When he was finished, he went to the back row of the auditorium and started there, going in front of everyone and giving a high five to all. The prevailing thought is that Elliot may well be our president one day.

He was followed by his Dad who, in tears, said that Elliot was 1 pound, 9 oz when born and was given an 18% chance to live - and look at him now. Inspiring to the core of our hearts, not a dry eye in the room.

Again, Bella, my little Maltese Therapy dog, and I are a team and last year raised over $3700 dollars - so of course we have to up our goal to $4000 this year, being the competitive souls we are for great causes - and we are asking for your help again this year.

Donations from our friends have ranged from $10 - $1000. I love that people give what they feel is right for them.

Nearly $900,000 was raised last year and almost 6 million dollars has been raised in the 12 years of the CHaD Half Marathon.

Just a vision 13 years ago. Just shows what's possible.

There are two ways to donate
1. www.chadhero.org

2. Make a check payable to DHH/CHaD, putting Team Susie and Bella in the subject line and send to:
CHaD Hero
CHaD Community Relations
One Medical Center Drive,
Lebanon, NH 03756.

Thanks so much for considering making a difference for CHaD!

Susie and Bella

09/08/2017

Susan Hastings, President of Creative Communications Center of Hanover, N.H. recently attended the 30th Annual Convention of the National Guild of Hypnotists at the Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, Marlborough, MA. This convention draws approximately 1000 participants from all over the world.

Susan will be offering, as a result, 1) Hypnosis for Student Athletes to Achieve Peak Performance. Although it is well known that Olympians and professional athletes often use hypnosis to achieve their best, the importance of using hypnosis for young people in sports is just now being brought to the forefront with impressive results and 2) Hypnosis: An Excellent Alternative for Health Challenges. Hypnosis can help significantly, both independently and as a complement, for traditional health care to help with pain, stress, depresssion and anxiety.

Achieve weight loss, stop smoking, reduce stress, improve relationships and more with Certified Hypnotherapist Susan Hastings serving Norwich, VT, White River Junction VT and Hanover CT