By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
The last five weeks have been extremely stressful and a real challenge for me. In fact, I put much of my life on “hold.” I had a health scare that bordered on terrifying. It all began with a simple annual physical, including some blood work on September 29. That afternoon I received a call telling me that more blood tests needed to be taken and to fast and return the next day. A week later my doctor informed me that I needed to see an oncologist.
That was my 2nd experience in “hurry up and wait.” Getting approval from my insurance company to see an oncologist of their choosing took another week! Getting an appointment with the oncologist took almost 2 weeks. More examples of hurry up and wait!
The oncologist ordered more blood tests (which my insurance company would not give her permission to take. I had to go to an insurance company lab resulting in more delays). Then an ultrasound was ordered.
Another week passed and still no word on a diagnosis of what might be ailing me. Since so much cancer runs in my family, I was really feeling quite nervous and upset. Once in a while I would catch myself silently crying. It took effort to say to myself “Now, Shirley, how would a national treasure handle this?” That thought was enough to calm me down. The woman who called me a “national treasure” back in September will never know the precious gift she gave me!
Since there is just my little Shih-Tzu and me I don’t have much family to share things with. My twin brother was off to New York and had his own challenges to handle. Fortunately, I have a few close, caring, and wonderful friends. They told me to keep my thoughts positive and reminded me that we attract what we think, whether that’s something we want or not. They also said that everything happens when it is supposed to happen. Therefore, let go of “hurry up and wait!”
Be that as it may, I decided to be pro-active about my health. I was not comfortable in my own skin any more. So, I called the oncologist’s office wanting to know the results of all the tests on Monday, October 20. I was told the doctor’s Assistant would get back to me. That didn’t happen.
This Monday, October 27 Dr. Frakes told me I do not have cancer or leukemia but my thyroid needs further testing and more blood work! While emotionally, mentally, and spiritually I feel so relieved and grateful, physically I am exhausted ... Now, I look forward to the results of the latest blood work. Also, I am learning that “hurry up and wait” seems to be the normal pace for the medical world and I am learning to live with it.
Meanwhile, I have just taken my life off “Hold” and intend to live it with gusto!
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, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
OPEN HOUSE @ TOASTMASTERS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
For those who love to speak, lead, or listen to excellent speakers, why not come to my Toastmaster Club’s Open House this Thursday, October 23? Tick Talk Toastmasters, Club #2113, is a dynamic group of men and women dedicated to self development and improving their communications skills, at work, at home, and at play! We are an eclectic mix of men and women, representing various industries and professions who meet every Thursday, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM to hone our skills and get feedback from our peers! This feedback is priceless and helps us to understand what worked well and where and how we can improve.
The theme of our Open House is “politics as unusual.” Yes, you heard that right. It’s a spoof on the national policital scene. We will have a fake Geiger county to frisk you at the door and you will be asked to remove your shoes.
Come early because we will also have a scrumptious pot luck dinner starting at 6:30 PM. Yes, we have professional bakers as members. And, there will be drinks served too.
Once you see how talented and helpful our members are you may want to participate in our 6 week mini-course known as a “Speechcraft.” This is at a nominal fee and the money can also be applied to a regular membership in Toastmasters International. You will get to write, structure, and deliver a speech on a topic of your choosing and then get an oral and written evaluation. You will participate in “Table Topics” and see how much fun it is to speak extemporaneously! You will also learn the many functions of Toastmastering that come into play at every meeting.
You’re invited to our Open House on October 23, at Carlsbad by the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad from 6:30PM to 9 PM. Best of all, it’s free!
What a wonderful opportunity to let go of your fear of public speaking, learn from some pros, have fun and good food in the process. For more information call Sal de Casas at 760-224-1199, or visit www.ticktalk.org.
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.
For those who love to speak, lead, or listen to excellent speakers, why not come to my Toastmaster Club’s Open House this Thursday, October 23? Tick Talk Toastmasters, Club #2113, is a dynamic group of men and women dedicated to self development and improving their communications skills, at work, at home, and at play! We are an eclectic mix of men and women, representing various industries and professions who meet every Thursday, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM to hone our skills and get feedback from our peers! This feedback is priceless and helps us to understand what worked well and where and how we can improve.
The theme of our Open House is “politics as unusual.” Yes, you heard that right. It’s a spoof on the national policital scene. We will have a fake Geiger county to frisk you at the door and you will be asked to remove your shoes.
Come early because we will also have a scrumptious pot luck dinner starting at 6:30 PM. Yes, we have professional bakers as members. And, there will be drinks served too.
Once you see how talented and helpful our members are you may want to participate in our 6 week mini-course known as a “Speechcraft.” This is at a nominal fee and the money can also be applied to a regular membership in Toastmasters International. You will get to write, structure, and deliver a speech on a topic of your choosing and then get an oral and written evaluation. You will participate in “Table Topics” and see how much fun it is to speak extemporaneously! You will also learn the many functions of Toastmastering that come into play at every meeting.
You’re invited to our Open House on October 23, at Carlsbad by the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad from 6:30PM to 9 PM. Best of all, it’s free!
What a wonderful opportunity to let go of your fear of public speaking, learn from some pros, have fun and good food in the process. For more information call Sal de Casas at 760-224-1199, or visit www.ticktalk.org.
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.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
RUMPELSTILTSKIN SOARS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
If you missed Sunday’s live performance of “Rumpelstiltskin” by the San Diego Opera ensemble you missed a rare treat indeed! This wonderful and talented cast of six thrilled the audience with this classic children’s fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. It literally springs to life!
This lovely fairytale was transformed into a one act opera written by Opera’s own Geisel Director of Education, Dr. Nicholas Reveles , and Librettist /Stage Director J. Sherwood Montgomery. The six Ensemble artists accompanied by their Music Director, perform for a diverse audience, from kindergarten through college students and senior citizens. This outstanding group of artists brings the excitement of live performances to more than 35,000 students and adults each season.
The six Ensemble singers are chosen from auditions held in San Diego every Spring They bring significant professional credits with them, e.g., the Tanglewood and Aspen festivals, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Music Center Opera, Seattle Opera, and Long Beach Opera, Many artists who participate in the Ensemble perform roles in the San Diego Opera’s International Season. Some go on to contracts with such major companies as the New York Metropolitan Opera. All members of this Ensemble have master’s degrees and above.
For those who may have forgotten the Rumpelstiltskin story I offer the following: A poor miller tells a fateful lie to the king” his daughter can spin straw into gold! When Nell discovers what her father has done. She turns to the bad tempered, magical creature Rumpelstiltskin to do her spinning for her. But, in doing so he extracts a terrible demand: her first-born child. He offers the one means of escape: discover his true identity and he will relent. Fortunately, Nell guesses correctly and the opera ends on a triumphant note!
Let’s keep music alive in our community! It’s not too late to purchase tickets to any performance of the rest of this short season. You can purchase tickets through Genevieve Wunder at 760-433-3632, or email 1ndrwm@sbcglobal.net, or you can purchase tickets at the door.
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.
If you missed Sunday’s live performance of “Rumpelstiltskin” by the San Diego Opera ensemble you missed a rare treat indeed! This wonderful and talented cast of six thrilled the audience with this classic children’s fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. It literally springs to life!
This lovely fairytale was transformed into a one act opera written by Opera’s own Geisel Director of Education, Dr. Nicholas Reveles , and Librettist /Stage Director J. Sherwood Montgomery. The six Ensemble artists accompanied by their Music Director, perform for a diverse audience, from kindergarten through college students and senior citizens. This outstanding group of artists brings the excitement of live performances to more than 35,000 students and adults each season.
The six Ensemble singers are chosen from auditions held in San Diego every Spring They bring significant professional credits with them, e.g., the Tanglewood and Aspen festivals, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Music Center Opera, Seattle Opera, and Long Beach Opera, Many artists who participate in the Ensemble perform roles in the San Diego Opera’s International Season. Some go on to contracts with such major companies as the New York Metropolitan Opera. All members of this Ensemble have master’s degrees and above.
For those who may have forgotten the Rumpelstiltskin story I offer the following: A poor miller tells a fateful lie to the king” his daughter can spin straw into gold! When Nell discovers what her father has done. She turns to the bad tempered, magical creature Rumpelstiltskin to do her spinning for her. But, in doing so he extracts a terrible demand: her first-born child. He offers the one means of escape: discover his true identity and he will relent. Fortunately, Nell guesses correctly and the opera ends on a triumphant note!
Let’s keep music alive in our community! It’s not too late to purchase tickets to any performance of the rest of this short season. You can purchase tickets through Genevieve Wunder at 760-433-3632, or email 1ndrwm@sbcglobal.net, or you can purchase tickets at the door.
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.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
MUSIC… HOT OFF THE PRESS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
For all you music lovers out there who are thinking of buying tickets to the October Oceanside Music Festival, here’s an item hot off the press: The price for the ‘Gala Reception’ has just been reduced to $30/per person!
The ‘Gala Reception’ will kick off the Festival on October 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM with a champagne reception in the Oceanside Museum School of Art, and then at 7:00 PM move to the Sunshine Brooks Theatre where Rich Langen, Don Megill, Dave Megill and Elaine Weidauer will be honored by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation for their lifetime achievements in promoting and supporting young artists. This will be followed by preview performances from several OMFest concerts.
Let’s keep music alive in our community! You can purchase tickets through Genevieve Wunder at 760-433-3632, or email 1ndrwm@sbcglobal.net, or you can purchase tickets at the door.
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.
For all you music lovers out there who are thinking of buying tickets to the October Oceanside Music Festival, here’s an item hot off the press: The price for the ‘Gala Reception’ has just been reduced to $30/per person!
The ‘Gala Reception’ will kick off the Festival on October 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM with a champagne reception in the Oceanside Museum School of Art, and then at 7:00 PM move to the Sunshine Brooks Theatre where Rich Langen, Don Megill, Dave Megill and Elaine Weidauer will be honored by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation for their lifetime achievements in promoting and supporting young artists. This will be followed by preview performances from several OMFest concerts.
Let’s keep music alive in our community! You can purchase tickets through Genevieve Wunder at 760-433-3632, or email 1ndrwm@sbcglobal.net, or you can purchase tickets at the door.
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.
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