By Shirley M. Carolan
For all you writers, speakers, and others who may need some uplifting thoughts today, I think you will enjoy this article. Hopefully, it will take you back to your childhood to discover what your favorite book from childhood was and how it may have impacted your life! It’s something you can write an article about, include in a speech, and lift your spirits.
Recently, I was reading Writer’s Digest on-line and really enjoying it. Then I saw a question that rang a bell with me. The author was feeling nostalgic and wanted to know what childhood books had had an impact on us. Without skipping a beat, I decided to respond.
Without a doubt, for me, it had to be “Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame. I loved how he introduced little animals into the story and gave each its own unique personality and character, as well as the way he painted word pictures of each character and scene. Some characters are easy to understand like “Ratty” and “Mole,” others like Mr. Toad, were more complex; he was a bit of a braggard and I identified with him. The story is fun, easy to read, and a wonderful adventure.
To this day, I lovingly pull out this book, read it and transport myself back in time. It has had a profound effect on my life. I remember visiting Disneyland in Anaheim in my forties, years after I’d emigrated from Great Britain to America.
I chose to go on the river/canal ride that takes you along river banks and childhood stories and events. I distinctly remember the guide calling out “Toad Hall Ahead!” I could hardly believe my ears. Quickly, I jumped up, nearly capsizing the boat and the rest of the passengers, and screamed “Let me out! Let me out! I want to see Toad Hall and talk to Mr. Toad.” My eyes caressed the rolling green hills and what I perceived as Toad Hall in the distance.
To my chagrin, and everyone else’s utter annoyance, I was unceremoniously told by the guide to “Please sit down before your capsize this boat!” Then it dawned upon me that there was no way I was going to see Toad Hall or have a one-on-one chat with Mr. Toad and tell him how much I enjoyed his adventures as a child and how much I identified with his personality...
I think it’s safe to say I’d still be there now if the guide at let me off at Toad Hall and who knows the mischief Toad and I would have fallen into... my kind of mischief! But, I can dream can’t I? That incident happened over 30 years ago but I still remember it fondly to this day So what childhood book has had a significant impact on your life…why?
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
FINIS! A Labor of Love Completed
by Shirley M. Carolan
IT FINALLY HAPPENED! THE END OF A PROJECT! Today, July 13, 2008. All you writers out there will appreciate my excitement and enthusiasm.
YIPPEE! It’s over! It’s been a work in progress for a long time. I never thought I’d see the day when I would finally finish an eBook that I hope will inspire others, get them to think about how they are living their life, be honest with themselves, especially if something needs changing, not expecting others to change for them, and then taking the appropriate action to live a richer, fuller life!
It's been enlightening, sometimes sad, sometimes painful, sometimes humorous writing about the myriad events and people in my life and what I discovered needed changing and daring to go for it! I am truly grateful to all the folks who gave me feedback, they didn't hold back anything! Even my doctor said "Shirley, folks of all ages will enjoy these insights but I hope you will address the senior citizen population too!"
Culling all the articles was perhaps the hard part and selecting those that had a true, viable message for others to enjoy was a huge challenge. I have enough chapters and articles left over to either do another eBook or think of converting into a full blown book!
Right now my focus is on editing the material and getting an ISBN number then loading it onto my website for others to see, download and enjoy!
My labor of love is entitled: “IT AIN'T OVER... TILL IT'S OVER!"
IT FINALLY HAPPENED! THE END OF A PROJECT! Today, July 13, 2008. All you writers out there will appreciate my excitement and enthusiasm.
YIPPEE! It’s over! It’s been a work in progress for a long time. I never thought I’d see the day when I would finally finish an eBook that I hope will inspire others, get them to think about how they are living their life, be honest with themselves, especially if something needs changing, not expecting others to change for them, and then taking the appropriate action to live a richer, fuller life!
It's been enlightening, sometimes sad, sometimes painful, sometimes humorous writing about the myriad events and people in my life and what I discovered needed changing and daring to go for it! I am truly grateful to all the folks who gave me feedback, they didn't hold back anything! Even my doctor said "Shirley, folks of all ages will enjoy these insights but I hope you will address the senior citizen population too!"
Culling all the articles was perhaps the hard part and selecting those that had a true, viable message for others to enjoy was a huge challenge. I have enough chapters and articles left over to either do another eBook or think of converting into a full blown book!
Right now my focus is on editing the material and getting an ISBN number then loading it onto my website for others to see, download and enjoy!
My labor of love is entitled: “IT AIN'T OVER... TILL IT'S OVER!"
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