By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
As many of you know, I have a penchant for falling and kissing the sidewalk! Last Monday night, November 24, was no exception. About 6:30 PM while walking my dog, Krissy, I tripped, fell on the sidewalk and smashed up my face. Somebody with a cell phone heard me screaming and paramedics rushed me to Tri City Hosp.
Mercifully, I didn’t break my nose this time, as last March, but I did manage to bugger up my teeth, lips, chin, and my eyeglasses are a total loss. While at the hosp. the Fire Dept. called in to say they had found Krissy and had locked her in my house, where she was when I got home at midnight.
And, this time, it was pitch black outside, so I have a good excuse but I’m determined to find out why I keep falling and breaking bones! Meanwhile, I am so grateful to be puttering around my home – it could be a lot worse!
Tuesday night while playing with my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, I detected a large, thick, lump on her back. Was it there last week when I took her in for her annual checkup and rabies shot? Did the vet miss it? H’m. I’d better call and take her in again. She was scheduled for Friday at 3:30 PM.
Thanksgiving was spent with my chiropractor and his family and was wonderful despite my “Halloween” appearance. This holiday is significant to my family since we boarded the SS America at Southampton, England on November 27, 1947 and set sail for America, arriving in New York on December. 4, 1947. It’s been an interesting 61 years.
Friday, the vet insisted the lump was not there the week before when he examined her but it needed to be removed immediately! They did some blood work and a biopsy and scheduled her for surgery at 8:00 AM Saturday morning.
I spent all day Saturday worrying about her and the severity of her condition. When I picked her up last night I didn’t recognize her. Her little 12 lb. frame seemed to have shrunk and she was all doped up. I quickly got over my worry as I settled the vet’s bill, $805.00! I know, I know you, can’t put a price tag on love and she’s my entire family!
It’s been an expensive week, when I tally all the drama up: the ambulance will cost $650.00 + emergency room treatment and x-rays. Plus cab fare home from hospital at midnight and now Krissy’s bill $805.00.
I’ve been up all night tending to Krissy. As I tried to get her out of the car to bring her into the house she screamed sending a blood curdling chill up my spine. She has part of her back (fur) shaved showing a 3 inch gash with tons of staples!! She goes back in 14 days to have them removed …
That was the week that was … and I’m glad it’s almost over!
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.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
TOASTMASTERS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Tick Talk Toastmasters Club is a new member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. This is quite remarkable since we are a microcosm of a huge, world wide, non-profit, educational organization. Our club is pro-active and seized the opportunity to join the Chamber when one of our members, Debra Simpson, also a Chamber member, presented us with the challenge to get out of our comfort zone and spread the word about Toastmasters, Tick Talk Toastmasters in particular.
HOW We Do It!
We believe we can help business owners and their sales staffs reach new heights and more business by taking advantage of what Toastmasters has to offer: the opportunity, in a safe, professional environment, to learn how to communicate effectively, before an audience of peers, who will then give positive feedback on how well the presentation was given, as well as concrete suggestions as to where and how the individual can improve. This is invaluable feedback and gives the individual an opportunity to grow, gain confidence, and avoid the same mistakes repeatedly.
A great tool and benefit of a Toastmasters meeting is that everything is timed, thus members learn to give a verbal presentation in a specific time frame. They also learn how to put a speech/presentation together so that it embodies the techniques of good public speaking: an Opening, Body, and a Close, followed by delivery, vocal variety, and gestures.
Getting Your Feet Wet
Newcomers are encouraged to participate in “Table Topics” and practice the fine art of impromptu speaking! Before long, their confidence soars and they are ready to give their “Icebreaker” speech, thus introducing themselves, their company, their goals and objectives to the Club.
A Grammarian and an Ah Counter give reports at the end of each meeting so that members can learn where they need to pay attention, and how well they express themselves (grammatically).
Members are never left floundering for ideas or feedback. They receive a speech manual from Toastmasters International outlining their first ten speeches, with topic suggestions, delivery, and specific objectives for each speech. An evaluator is assigned to give instant, positive, feedback on each speech given. Once the ten speeches are completed they receive a badge from TI with their new designation “Competent Communicator.”
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPEECHCRAFT
Tick Talk Toastmasters is having a 6 week “SPEECHCRAFT” open to the public, starting in January. You’re invited! It’s a great opportunity to see firsthand how Toastmasters works, and how it can enhance your speaking, listening, writing and leadership skills! Yes, Toastmasters is more than just smacking your lips together and hoping something .
worthwhile comes out! We also have most professions represented: lawyers, chiropractors, therapists, teachers, etc. … those people who must address clients, students, etc.
Tick Talk Toastmasters meets every Thursday evening, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at Carlsbad-by-the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd. For more information: www.toastmasters.org. Our website is www.ticktalk.org. Our President, Doug Britton can be reached at: (619) 571-2263, or, info@ticktalk.org.
To Recap
When you join Toastmasters International you have joined one of the most prestigious, international, educational, organizations in the world! Not many organizations can boast this. It is among the largest, non-profit organization in the world! Members are committed to learning how to be better communicators, listeners and better leaders. This translates into being better workers, managers, leaders, teachers, parents, etc.
I look forward to meeting and greeting you at our next meeting!
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.
Tick Talk Toastmasters Club is a new member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. This is quite remarkable since we are a microcosm of a huge, world wide, non-profit, educational organization. Our club is pro-active and seized the opportunity to join the Chamber when one of our members, Debra Simpson, also a Chamber member, presented us with the challenge to get out of our comfort zone and spread the word about Toastmasters, Tick Talk Toastmasters in particular.
HOW We Do It!
We believe we can help business owners and their sales staffs reach new heights and more business by taking advantage of what Toastmasters has to offer: the opportunity, in a safe, professional environment, to learn how to communicate effectively, before an audience of peers, who will then give positive feedback on how well the presentation was given, as well as concrete suggestions as to where and how the individual can improve. This is invaluable feedback and gives the individual an opportunity to grow, gain confidence, and avoid the same mistakes repeatedly.
A great tool and benefit of a Toastmasters meeting is that everything is timed, thus members learn to give a verbal presentation in a specific time frame. They also learn how to put a speech/presentation together so that it embodies the techniques of good public speaking: an Opening, Body, and a Close, followed by delivery, vocal variety, and gestures.
Getting Your Feet Wet
Newcomers are encouraged to participate in “Table Topics” and practice the fine art of impromptu speaking! Before long, their confidence soars and they are ready to give their “Icebreaker” speech, thus introducing themselves, their company, their goals and objectives to the Club.
A Grammarian and an Ah Counter give reports at the end of each meeting so that members can learn where they need to pay attention, and how well they express themselves (grammatically).
Members are never left floundering for ideas or feedback. They receive a speech manual from Toastmasters International outlining their first ten speeches, with topic suggestions, delivery, and specific objectives for each speech. An evaluator is assigned to give instant, positive, feedback on each speech given. Once the ten speeches are completed they receive a badge from TI with their new designation “Competent Communicator.”
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPEECHCRAFT
Tick Talk Toastmasters is having a 6 week “SPEECHCRAFT” open to the public, starting in January. You’re invited! It’s a great opportunity to see firsthand how Toastmasters works, and how it can enhance your speaking, listening, writing and leadership skills! Yes, Toastmasters is more than just smacking your lips together and hoping something .
worthwhile comes out! We also have most professions represented: lawyers, chiropractors, therapists, teachers, etc. … those people who must address clients, students, etc.
Tick Talk Toastmasters meets every Thursday evening, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at Carlsbad-by-the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd. For more information: www.toastmasters.org. Our website is www.ticktalk.org. Our President, Doug Britton can be reached at: (619) 571-2263, or, info@ticktalk.org.
To Recap
When you join Toastmasters International you have joined one of the most prestigious, international, educational, organizations in the world! Not many organizations can boast this. It is among the largest, non-profit organization in the world! Members are committed to learning how to be better communicators, listeners and better leaders. This translates into being better workers, managers, leaders, teachers, parents, etc.
I look forward to meeting and greeting you at our next meeting!
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, November 06, 2008
O’ ROCKING CHAIR!
By Shirley Carolan, ATM-G
If you have a rocking chair and enjoy using it, then this article is for you! If you don’t have a rocking chair in your life yet, then I urge you to get one… whether you use it indoors or outdoors it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It’s also very therapeutic for your physical, mental, and emotional well being. Now, I know why President Kennedy appreciated his.
This morning, after I walked my dog, I decided to read the morning papers while sitting on my porch and gently rocking in my rocker. It was a beautiful morning, with the sun’s rays gently streaming down my body, a light breeze fluttered, and a stillness, bordering on peacefulness, filled the air.
Today’s news was positive … gone were the snide and cutting remarks of political parties, the rattling of old skeletons s in the closet, the candidates jockeying for position, etc. It was quite a relief to have the presidential and local elections over with and the results finally announced.
No more would I have to worry about whether or not to switch my party and vote for the opposing candidate. No more would I have to feel guilty if I did so. No more would I have to worry about the sanctity of marriage. As a naturalized American citizen I am proud to have voted and, I am proud to see my “adopted” country mature. I feel truly relieved.
As I put the newspaper away, I chose to spend a few minutes, with eyes closed just rocking in my chair. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! I started to unwind and just let my mind wander. I was amazed at how grateful and privileged I felt. I had no ax to grind, nothing to prove, no regrets about aging, or fretting over health issues or finances. It was like an out-of-body experience. I felt like I was floating in the air, The birds sounded chirpier, the traffic was muted, my little Shih-Tzu was behaving, all was peaceful as I gently rocked to and fro in my rocker. I didn’t want the experience to end.
How happy I am I made the decision to redo my front porch this summer. Gone is the old outdoor carpeting, being replaced by a bright terra-cotta coat of paint over the cement. Nice rattan furniture, a sofa, a king-sized rocker, a queen-sized rocker, a lovely rattan coffee table, all surrounded by geraniums, chrysanthemums, grape ivy, jade and assorted evergreen plants. It has made this little doll’s house come alive!
Ah yes, I can now experience a glimpse of heaven whenever I want as I sit quietly rocking in my old rocking chair! Do yourself a favor and invest in one too. The benefits are enormous!
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 have a rocking chair and enjoy using it, then this article is for you! If you don’t have a rocking chair in your life yet, then I urge you to get one… whether you use it indoors or outdoors it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It’s also very therapeutic for your physical, mental, and emotional well being. Now, I know why President Kennedy appreciated his.
This morning, after I walked my dog, I decided to read the morning papers while sitting on my porch and gently rocking in my rocker. It was a beautiful morning, with the sun’s rays gently streaming down my body, a light breeze fluttered, and a stillness, bordering on peacefulness, filled the air.
Today’s news was positive … gone were the snide and cutting remarks of political parties, the rattling of old skeletons s in the closet, the candidates jockeying for position, etc. It was quite a relief to have the presidential and local elections over with and the results finally announced.
No more would I have to worry about whether or not to switch my party and vote for the opposing candidate. No more would I have to feel guilty if I did so. No more would I have to worry about the sanctity of marriage. As a naturalized American citizen I am proud to have voted and, I am proud to see my “adopted” country mature. I feel truly relieved.
As I put the newspaper away, I chose to spend a few minutes, with eyes closed just rocking in my chair. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! I started to unwind and just let my mind wander. I was amazed at how grateful and privileged I felt. I had no ax to grind, nothing to prove, no regrets about aging, or fretting over health issues or finances. It was like an out-of-body experience. I felt like I was floating in the air, The birds sounded chirpier, the traffic was muted, my little Shih-Tzu was behaving, all was peaceful as I gently rocked to and fro in my rocker. I didn’t want the experience to end.
How happy I am I made the decision to redo my front porch this summer. Gone is the old outdoor carpeting, being replaced by a bright terra-cotta coat of paint over the cement. Nice rattan furniture, a sofa, a king-sized rocker, a queen-sized rocker, a lovely rattan coffee table, all surrounded by geraniums, chrysanthemums, grape ivy, jade and assorted evergreen plants. It has made this little doll’s house come alive!
Ah yes, I can now experience a glimpse of heaven whenever I want as I sit quietly rocking in my old rocking chair! Do yourself a favor and invest in one too. The benefits are enormous!
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
