BY Shirley M. Carolan
For me, work is fun. And, in my free time I enjoy writing, journaling, painting, and of course, music, to name a few diversions. Sometimes I plan for these ahead of time while others are spontaneous. If you love music, then why not plan ahead to attend the Oceanside October Music Festival.
This wonderful annual Music Festival starts on October 11 and runs through October 24, 2008! How fortunate we are to have this lively Festival, now in its 7th year, on our doorstep! It is sponsored by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation.
The Festival has something for everyone’s musical taste, from opera to dixieland jazz to beautiful classical and liturgical music! What’s more the Festival will have performances at several, convenient Oceanside locations.
The Festival kicks off with the Gala Scholarship Reception at the Sunshine Brooks Theater on October 11, followed by the San Diego Opera Ensemble in “Rumplestiltskin,” at the Truax Theatre, El Camino High School on October 12. On October 14 there is the High School Showcase at the same theatre. Things heat up on October 18 with the Cuban salsa group at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, followed on Sunday, October 19 with the Pacific Concert Band, performing “Peter and the Wolf” at Mission San Luis Rey. On October 24 there will be a “Distinctly American” vocal and jazz theme at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, wrapping up on Sunday, October 26 with a Festival of classical and liturgical/music at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea! Wow, did I not say there was something for everyone’s taste!
Tickets are reasonably priced. You can purchase them individually or buy the complete set at a great discount!
Keep in mind that all profits go to support local arts and artists. The funds raised at the Gala Scholarship Reception, as well as additional donations, will be used to establish scholarships for local high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in music, and plan to continue their musical careers. This is tax deductible to you. What a great win-win situation!
For more information, please call 760/433-3632
Looking forward to seeing you at one of the concerts!
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.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT...
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
There’s something about being called, or named, a “National Treasure,” as I was recently, that changes the dynamics of how one lives one’s life, perceives their fellow man, and gets to eradicate all negative behavior … or, at least decide if the ego is right, and reward it! H’m, how can that be?
Since this is a new phenomenon to me, I am intrigued by what I am discovering about myself. The “national treasure” bit is starting to sink in! After all, one must be at least in their 70s to be even considered for such a noble title! . Furthermore, one must at least have a modicum of sensory acuity, as my dear friend, Tony Robbins, would say. And, one must be willing to say “NO” when appropriate, not buy into other’s treatment of you and above all get rid of the need to major in minor matters! Wow, all this from just once being called an “NT!” .
Quirky as that may seem, that’s what I’m discovering on a daily basis! For example, before being called an “NT” I would rise to the bait if I heard something unsavory being said about me or someone else. Now, it seems I’m getting dozens of emails telling me to vote NO for Governor Sarah Palin, even before the election. I truly do not like being told what to do! I am quite capable of making up my own mind, especially with politics, without succumbing to being a sheep!
Another huge benefit of being called an “NT” is that I don’t have to fall into someone else’s agenda for my life. If someone reneges on something they told me earlier I don’t get into a snit anymore. Instead, I stop and ask myself “How would a “National Treasure” handle this!? Sometimes the answer surprises me! The end result is I get to see how much I’ve let my ego control my life! This is the latest in behavior modification!
How about you? Even if you’re not yet an “NT” how do you live your life? If you’re not sure how often you let your ego rule you, try Journaling the next time you are faced with an important decision!
Stay tuned for more golden nuggets.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
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.
There’s something about being called, or named, a “National Treasure,” as I was recently, that changes the dynamics of how one lives one’s life, perceives their fellow man, and gets to eradicate all negative behavior … or, at least decide if the ego is right, and reward it! H’m, how can that be?
Since this is a new phenomenon to me, I am intrigued by what I am discovering about myself. The “national treasure” bit is starting to sink in! After all, one must be at least in their 70s to be even considered for such a noble title! . Furthermore, one must at least have a modicum of sensory acuity, as my dear friend, Tony Robbins, would say. And, one must be willing to say “NO” when appropriate, not buy into other’s treatment of you and above all get rid of the need to major in minor matters! Wow, all this from just once being called an “NT!” .
Quirky as that may seem, that’s what I’m discovering on a daily basis! For example, before being called an “NT” I would rise to the bait if I heard something unsavory being said about me or someone else. Now, it seems I’m getting dozens of emails telling me to vote NO for Governor Sarah Palin, even before the election. I truly do not like being told what to do! I am quite capable of making up my own mind, especially with politics, without succumbing to being a sheep!
Another huge benefit of being called an “NT” is that I don’t have to fall into someone else’s agenda for my life. If someone reneges on something they told me earlier I don’t get into a snit anymore. Instead, I stop and ask myself “How would a “National Treasure” handle this!? Sometimes the answer surprises me! The end result is I get to see how much I’ve let my ego control my life! This is the latest in behavior modification!
How about you? Even if you’re not yet an “NT” how do you live your life? If you’re not sure how often you let your ego rule you, try Journaling the next time you are faced with an important decision!
Stay tuned for more golden nuggets.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
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, September 18, 2008
"YOU’RE A NATIONAL TREASURE!"
By Shirley M. Carolan
Recently I addressed the Women’s Aviara Club in Carlsbad, California. The original invitation was for March but unfortunately I had a nasty accident where I “kissed the ground” again and ended up with a fractured nose, and multiple cuts and bruises, resulting in my looking like a giant panda, and having to cancel the engagement.
Last week when I arrived at the speaking engagement facility I discovered to my horror that I had left all my notes behind! My first reaction was akin to panic, even though I had rehearsed repeatedly that day, and even days before, what I was going to say. Next, I told myself to stay calm because I had a good message to deliver, and a nice gift for them.
As their business meeting progressed, I quickly made some notes of the key points and stories I wanted to cover. Fortunately, I had arrived early, and had spoken to several women before things got underway and who warmed up to me when I told them who I was. When they heard the title of my speech was “Life Is A Firewalk” they were even more intrigued.
Once I was introduced by the president, Nancy Conti, (an introduction I had written earlier for her) my adrenalin, and 27 year's Toastmasters International experience kicked in! I was able to tie in how my first firewalk, in 1989, with Tony Robbins changed my life! I was 56 years old at the time. I explained how we all have a “firewalk” to overcome in our lives, whether it be the loss of a relationship, family member, job, home, pet, etc. That then becomes our “story.”
Our “story” becomes how we live our lives! The stories I selected to share were powerful and personal: the women in jail that I taught and got permission from the Sheriff’s Dept., ROP, and the San Mateo County Bd. Of Education, to teach some Tony Robbins skills. How we can live in two different time zones simultaneously, as I did when my family and I emigrated from England to the United States but I left one foot back in England (and only had one foot here!) How living in the past can zap our energy and impede us from living life fully in the NOW! I think you get the message.
I did not hold back anything that I felt would serve the goal of showing these women how to overcome any adversity that life throws at us. I explained how “Journaling” has helped me to overcome many adversities, including loss of a job, a fractured back, and an escalating mortgage all in the same year! I shared who my heroes are and why I enjoy teaching “Journaling for Success” workshops.
Right in the middle of my presentation a woman yelled out “You’re a National Treasure!” Now I know I’m only 75 years old but I’ve never been called a “National Treasure!” This woman inadvertently made my day! They loved it when they found out I had a website and two blogs, that I’m an avid oil painter and pet lover. As a result, I am mulling over my priorities. Have I missed my calling?
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
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.
Recently I addressed the Women’s Aviara Club in Carlsbad, California. The original invitation was for March but unfortunately I had a nasty accident where I “kissed the ground” again and ended up with a fractured nose, and multiple cuts and bruises, resulting in my looking like a giant panda, and having to cancel the engagement.
Last week when I arrived at the speaking engagement facility I discovered to my horror that I had left all my notes behind! My first reaction was akin to panic, even though I had rehearsed repeatedly that day, and even days before, what I was going to say. Next, I told myself to stay calm because I had a good message to deliver, and a nice gift for them.
As their business meeting progressed, I quickly made some notes of the key points and stories I wanted to cover. Fortunately, I had arrived early, and had spoken to several women before things got underway and who warmed up to me when I told them who I was. When they heard the title of my speech was “Life Is A Firewalk” they were even more intrigued.
Once I was introduced by the president, Nancy Conti, (an introduction I had written earlier for her) my adrenalin, and 27 year's Toastmasters International experience kicked in! I was able to tie in how my first firewalk, in 1989, with Tony Robbins changed my life! I was 56 years old at the time. I explained how we all have a “firewalk” to overcome in our lives, whether it be the loss of a relationship, family member, job, home, pet, etc. That then becomes our “story.”
Our “story” becomes how we live our lives! The stories I selected to share were powerful and personal: the women in jail that I taught and got permission from the Sheriff’s Dept., ROP, and the San Mateo County Bd. Of Education, to teach some Tony Robbins skills. How we can live in two different time zones simultaneously, as I did when my family and I emigrated from England to the United States but I left one foot back in England (and only had one foot here!) How living in the past can zap our energy and impede us from living life fully in the NOW! I think you get the message.
I did not hold back anything that I felt would serve the goal of showing these women how to overcome any adversity that life throws at us. I explained how “Journaling” has helped me to overcome many adversities, including loss of a job, a fractured back, and an escalating mortgage all in the same year! I shared who my heroes are and why I enjoy teaching “Journaling for Success” workshops.
Right in the middle of my presentation a woman yelled out “You’re a National Treasure!” Now I know I’m only 75 years old but I’ve never been called a “National Treasure!” This woman inadvertently made my day! They loved it when they found out I had a website and two blogs, that I’m an avid oil painter and pet lover. As a result, I am mulling over my priorities. Have I missed my calling?
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
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, September 11, 2008
AREA CONTEST TOASTMASTER
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
If you ever get the opportunity to be the Toastmaster for any of the Annual Contests, Area, Division or District, I urge you to accept it! Regardless of how long you’ve been in Toastmasters it’s a special learning experience. Put all fears aside and tell your ego to be quiet, you can do it!
Last weekend, September 6, 2008 we held Area 18 and Area 23 Humorous and Table Topics Contests at the Tri City Hospital classrooms. Magic was in the air as folks gathered about sharing stories, friendship and rehearsing their Humorous speeches. There’s something about competing that changes the energy in a room! It is truly an exciting experience!
I was the Toastmaster for the Area 18 Humorous and Table Topics Contests! At first, I wasn’t sure my energy would hold up because we had a full contingent, 5 contestants in each contest! This also meant I had to keep proceedings moving if I wanted to bring the Contests in on time!
Once I hit the stage, I need not have worried however. My adrenaline and Toastmaster experience kicked in, I let go of my ego, and concentrated on the task at hand. It was pure joy being on the other side of the fence for a change. After years of being “trotted out” by my Toastmaster Club to be a participant in any contest, I was now playing the reverse role!
When you see and hear every contestant giving it their “all” you realize we are all winners regardless of where we place in a contest! A highlight for me was having a total stranger, a man in his 40’s, jump up on the stage early in the Contest, to tell me he “loved my energy!” Then, he said “look around you, it’s contagious!“ Not too shabby for a 75 year old recovering from some broken bones!
At the interval, between contests, some folks came up to me to tell me how much they enjoyed my energy and handling the job of Toastmaster! H’m, more music to my ears! And, to think I was concerned I was too slow entering and exiting the stage without my cane! When it was all over, other folks lined up to shake my hand and tell me how much they enjoyed my Toastmastering and humor! OK, ego, that’s enough for now!
I truly believe one of the highlights for me was “interviewing” the contestants after each Contest. I was struck by how many folks were self employed … the backbone of America! They recognized the value of what Toastmasters is all about … the listening, writing, feedback, speaking and leadership skills! These skills would help them in relating to their clients and living the American dream! My hat is off to them!
You can be sure I have happy memories to fall back on when life gets tough! I can’t wait to be Toastmaster of a Contest again! If this septuagenarian can do it, you can too!
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.
If you ever get the opportunity to be the Toastmaster for any of the Annual Contests, Area, Division or District, I urge you to accept it! Regardless of how long you’ve been in Toastmasters it’s a special learning experience. Put all fears aside and tell your ego to be quiet, you can do it!
Last weekend, September 6, 2008 we held Area 18 and Area 23 Humorous and Table Topics Contests at the Tri City Hospital classrooms. Magic was in the air as folks gathered about sharing stories, friendship and rehearsing their Humorous speeches. There’s something about competing that changes the energy in a room! It is truly an exciting experience!
I was the Toastmaster for the Area 18 Humorous and Table Topics Contests! At first, I wasn’t sure my energy would hold up because we had a full contingent, 5 contestants in each contest! This also meant I had to keep proceedings moving if I wanted to bring the Contests in on time!
Once I hit the stage, I need not have worried however. My adrenaline and Toastmaster experience kicked in, I let go of my ego, and concentrated on the task at hand. It was pure joy being on the other side of the fence for a change. After years of being “trotted out” by my Toastmaster Club to be a participant in any contest, I was now playing the reverse role!
When you see and hear every contestant giving it their “all” you realize we are all winners regardless of where we place in a contest! A highlight for me was having a total stranger, a man in his 40’s, jump up on the stage early in the Contest, to tell me he “loved my energy!” Then, he said “look around you, it’s contagious!“ Not too shabby for a 75 year old recovering from some broken bones!
At the interval, between contests, some folks came up to me to tell me how much they enjoyed my energy and handling the job of Toastmaster! H’m, more music to my ears! And, to think I was concerned I was too slow entering and exiting the stage without my cane! When it was all over, other folks lined up to shake my hand and tell me how much they enjoyed my Toastmastering and humor! OK, ego, that’s enough for now!
I truly believe one of the highlights for me was “interviewing” the contestants after each Contest. I was struck by how many folks were self employed … the backbone of America! They recognized the value of what Toastmasters is all about … the listening, writing, feedback, speaking and leadership skills! These skills would help them in relating to their clients and living the American dream! My hat is off to them!
You can be sure I have happy memories to fall back on when life gets tough! I can’t wait to be Toastmaster of a Contest again! If this septuagenarian can do it, you can too!
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
