Tuesday, March 31, 2009

POETRY REWARDED!

By Shirley M. Carolan

Last January, at the encouragement of my art teacher, I decided to submit some poetry in an annual contest that Mira Costa College was sponsoring for its students. It was the first time I had submitted poetry for publication even though I’ve written it for years and kept it to myself.

Today, I received a lovely letter from Lynda L. Lee, Dean Community Education of Mira Costa College, Oceanside, CA advising that my poetry has been accepted for inclusion in the Continuing Education publication "Expressions from Mira Costa." There were 160 entries submitted so this is pretty neat.

Also, I've been invited to attend a special event in my honor on Saturday, April 25 at the Community Learning Center, from 1 PM-3PM, at the college and have been asked to read my work. What fun!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2009 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, March 27, 2009

YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR FORTUNE!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

It is with much joy and gratitude that I am now recuperating at home after spending 10 days at Scripp’s Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, CA. I was diagnosed with complications and pneumonia necessitating I.V.s and oxygen 24-7.

Without going into all the gory details, I feel like I am a far different woman than I was at the beginning of the month. I am much more pro-active where my health is concerned, which the hospital encourages its patients to be. I kept a daily Journal of everything that transpired… the good, bad and the ugly! Hence, you will see some articles from me that are both humorous and poignant.

The articles will offer tips to folks faced with an emergency hospital stay, what to take with you, who to notify, etc. Also, pointers on “How to Behave When Visiting Someone in the Hospital!” Yes, believe it or not, many folks don’t have a clue how to act when visiting a hospital! Some of my suggestions are being forwarded to the head of Scripps in the hopes that some much needed changes will take place for the betterment of patients!

For now, I am ecstatic for the health that I have. I realize I can handle any difficulty/problem or stress if I have good health. Health to me is more important than money, relationships or talent. I can go anywhere in the world and enjoy new sights, sounds, spices and savor the experiences when I have good health. Without good health, I am nothing… a shadow of my former self, perhaps even dependent on the good will of others to care for me…

Folks, take care of yourselves and be pro-active when it comes to your health… you’ll be glad you did!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2009 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.