By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Thank God I am now over the fear of cataract surgery! Despite the good wishes, and advice from family, friends and neighbors that cataract surgery is a “piece of cake” I could not get my head around the fact that I was facing it last Monday morning. I truly was dragged kicking and screaming to surgery. I have a fear of pain. You might call me a professional coward. And, you’d be right. I even told the nurse to have that “piece of cake” ready for me when I came out of surgery! Now, I can honestly say the fear of that surgery was the worst part and I’m sure glad it’s over.
This is turning out to be a noteworthy summer... one I never would or could have planned myself. Had I known ahead of time some of the events that would transpire I doubt I would have had the courage to face them. I say this because it all started at the end of May, with the loss of my beloved little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, to being attacked and killed by a coyote. I had her for 10 wonderful years. She was almost like the daughter I never had. Her loss still weighs heavily on me but I am learning to forgive myself and stop blaming myself for what happened.
A month later I adopted an adorable, golden, one year old, cocker/poodle named Teddy from the animal shelter. He is very active and so lovable and I am truly blessed to have him in my life. I’ve made a few adjustments to help him fit in although he is still afraid of riding in the car. I am working on this because my other two dogs went everywhere with me. He wants a lot of loving but he also gives a lot of loving too. He is teaching me new lessons, particularly Patience!
I am working on raising my energy vibrations, doing meditations, affirmations and journaling so I can clear out all the old and sad memories. Hence, I am working with an energy healer is this regard. My dream is to be able to able to walk 1-2 miles daily without oxygen or walker!
Perhaps I will look back on the summer of 2011 some day and say “that was the summer that was!”
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© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article. Thank you.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
GRIEF …
By Shirley Carolan, ATM
Grief is so personal and yet a necessary part of the human condition. I’m sure it’s there to teach us to live, laugh and enjoy each day to the fullest that we have on this beautiful planet … to focus on the NOW instead of spending time and energy focusing on our loss... Without grief, we probably would not appreciate all the other wonderful things happening around and in us. Even animals are not immune to loss and suffering …
Yes, the opposite of grief is joy. But I am not there yet! Somehow, I still mourn the loss of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, on May 25, 2011. I blame myself for what happened to her even though I am aware that will not bring her back, or, change what happened. I don’t feel that I’m on the pitty-pot, but rather expressing my loss in the only way I know how. How long will it take me to get over her? Perhaps never … but I’m sure over time the pain will lessen and I will understand or see what lesson I can learn from the tragedy. Therein lies my liberation.
What happened in Oslo this weekend, and the incredible loss of human life is inconceivable. I can’t get my mind around it. The loss and grief families, friends, teachers, leaders, neighbors, etc. must be experiencing is mind blowing. How they mourn, and try to rebuild their lives is entirely up to them and my heart goes out to them.
Also, the tragic loss of Amy Winehouse, at such a young age, in London leaves thousands mourning and asking WHY? Why did this happen?
We may never know the full answers to any of the above, but it’s important to acknowledge those we loved and be grateful they were an important part of our life. We are the person we are today because they touched our lives in some meaningful way!
Perhaps if I had Krissy in my life today I would not have my little cocker/poodle, Teddy and he might still be living in that animal shelter. He is truly a joy to have and be around and brings new meaning to my life. He is totally unaware of my loss and that’s OK! I continue to miss Krissy but am grateful for all the wonderful things she brought into my life… especially unconditional love!
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© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article. Thank you.
Grief is so personal and yet a necessary part of the human condition. I’m sure it’s there to teach us to live, laugh and enjoy each day to the fullest that we have on this beautiful planet … to focus on the NOW instead of spending time and energy focusing on our loss... Without grief, we probably would not appreciate all the other wonderful things happening around and in us. Even animals are not immune to loss and suffering …
Yes, the opposite of grief is joy. But I am not there yet! Somehow, I still mourn the loss of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, on May 25, 2011. I blame myself for what happened to her even though I am aware that will not bring her back, or, change what happened. I don’t feel that I’m on the pitty-pot, but rather expressing my loss in the only way I know how. How long will it take me to get over her? Perhaps never … but I’m sure over time the pain will lessen and I will understand or see what lesson I can learn from the tragedy. Therein lies my liberation.
What happened in Oslo this weekend, and the incredible loss of human life is inconceivable. I can’t get my mind around it. The loss and grief families, friends, teachers, leaders, neighbors, etc. must be experiencing is mind blowing. How they mourn, and try to rebuild their lives is entirely up to them and my heart goes out to them.
Also, the tragic loss of Amy Winehouse, at such a young age, in London leaves thousands mourning and asking WHY? Why did this happen?
We may never know the full answers to any of the above, but it’s important to acknowledge those we loved and be grateful they were an important part of our life. We are the person we are today because they touched our lives in some meaningful way!
Perhaps if I had Krissy in my life today I would not have my little cocker/poodle, Teddy and he might still be living in that animal shelter. He is truly a joy to have and be around and brings new meaning to my life. He is totally unaware of my loss and that’s OK! I continue to miss Krissy but am grateful for all the wonderful things she brought into my life… especially unconditional love!
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© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article. Thank you.
Monday, July 11, 2011
MEET TEDDY...BEAR!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Yesterday, July 10, 2011, I celebrated 3 three weeks with my new, adorable, rescue shelter dog! Teddy is one year 3 weeks old. He is a golden cocker/poodle, very calm and low key. I must learn how to get pictures of him posted because he is truly adorable.
I had not realized the benefits of having a rescue shelter dog before. The fee ($105.00) is well worth it because Teddy has been neutered, microchipped, checked over by a shelter vet for an ear infection, his one-year license, and his first visit to an outside vet all included.
My biggest challenge todate is to get Teddy in my car. He is petrified of it, but I hope I can help him overcome his fears! Before I had him groomed he looked like a sheep dog and you could not see his beautiful eyes. His fur was badly matted too. When I went back to the groomer to pick Teddy up I did not recognize him. I saw the groomer with this cute dog and said: “Oh, isn’t he cute?” She said “You think so?” I said “Yes!” She said “Well, you should like him, he’s yours!”
Teddy loves other animals, all shapes, sizes and gender. I don’t think he has a mean bone in his body. He likes people too, not kids and some men scare him if they move too quickly… I’ve only heard him bark 5 times in three weeks and all for a good reason!
I’m still healing over the loss of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, when she was attacked and killed by a coyote on May 25. She was the daughter I never had. I think she would approved of Teddy and I know he would love her to death!
Thank you God for giving me the courage and wisdom to adopt Teddy. I pray we will have many happy and rewarding years together!
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© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article. Thank you.
Yesterday, July 10, 2011, I celebrated 3 three weeks with my new, adorable, rescue shelter dog! Teddy is one year 3 weeks old. He is a golden cocker/poodle, very calm and low key. I must learn how to get pictures of him posted because he is truly adorable.
I had not realized the benefits of having a rescue shelter dog before. The fee ($105.00) is well worth it because Teddy has been neutered, microchipped, checked over by a shelter vet for an ear infection, his one-year license, and his first visit to an outside vet all included.
My biggest challenge todate is to get Teddy in my car. He is petrified of it, but I hope I can help him overcome his fears! Before I had him groomed he looked like a sheep dog and you could not see his beautiful eyes. His fur was badly matted too. When I went back to the groomer to pick Teddy up I did not recognize him. I saw the groomer with this cute dog and said: “Oh, isn’t he cute?” She said “You think so?” I said “Yes!” She said “Well, you should like him, he’s yours!”
Teddy loves other animals, all shapes, sizes and gender. I don’t think he has a mean bone in his body. He likes people too, not kids and some men scare him if they move too quickly… I’ve only heard him bark 5 times in three weeks and all for a good reason!
I’m still healing over the loss of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, when she was attacked and killed by a coyote on May 25. She was the daughter I never had. I think she would approved of Teddy and I know he would love her to death!
Thank you God for giving me the courage and wisdom to adopt Teddy. I pray we will have many happy and rewarding years together!
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© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article. Thank you.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
MEET TEDDY!
by Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
I am a golden Cocker/Poodle, 1 year-old male whose name is TEDDY. My hair is a mess, I have an ear infection, but see the Vet this Friday! I met Shirley last weekend at the SDSPCA. She came back Sunday and took me home with her. Boy am I glad because I need a lot of loving and I give a lot of loving too.
Shirley needs to be with me and train me this week, so she can't come to TOASTMASTERS. Can someone fill her place as General Evaluator?
Thank you very much. I hope to meet you all soon because she doesn't stop talking about you!
TEDDY,
I am a golden Cocker/Poodle, 1 year-old male whose name is TEDDY. My hair is a mess, I have an ear infection, but see the Vet this Friday! I met Shirley last weekend at the SDSPCA. She came back Sunday and took me home with her. Boy am I glad because I need a lot of loving and I give a lot of loving too.
Shirley needs to be with me and train me this week, so she can't come to TOASTMASTERS. Can someone fill her place as General Evaluator?
Thank you very much. I hope to meet you all soon because she doesn't stop talking about you!
TEDDY,
Friday, June 03, 2011
IN THE BEGINNING …
By Shirley Carolan, ATM-G
My name is Krissy and I am writing this post from “Doggie Heaven.” I am a pure bred, 12 pound, black and white Shih-Tzu who was brought here to California from Texas. My first owners were a lovely young couple who lived in an upstairs apartment in Vista. I shared this space with another little dog. Things were OK until the new baby arrived. My young mistress found she could not handle all three of us in this small space. Hence, at age two I was put up for adoption.
Don’t you know I lucked out. My next caretaker, Shirley, had just lost her little male, Pug-Terrier, Jake. She had no intention of getting another dog so soon after Jakey passing. After all, it not even been a week since his passing.
However, God works in mysterious ways. Shirley came, saw me, and took me home with her! That was 10 wonderful years ago.
All my love, Krissy-Pooh!
My name is Krissy and I am writing this post from “Doggie Heaven.” I am a pure bred, 12 pound, black and white Shih-Tzu who was brought here to California from Texas. My first owners were a lovely young couple who lived in an upstairs apartment in Vista. I shared this space with another little dog. Things were OK until the new baby arrived. My young mistress found she could not handle all three of us in this small space. Hence, at age two I was put up for adoption.
Don’t you know I lucked out. My next caretaker, Shirley, had just lost her little male, Pug-Terrier, Jake. She had no intention of getting another dog so soon after Jakey passing. After all, it not even been a week since his passing.
However, God works in mysterious ways. Shirley came, saw me, and took me home with her! That was 10 wonderful years ago.
All my love, Krissy-Pooh!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
MY NAME IS KRISSY!
By Shirley Carolan, ATM-G
I am writing this post from “Doggie Heaven.” My wonderful owner, Shirley, is grieving over my loss on Tuesday, May 25, 2011, when a coyote attacked and killed me at 11 PM. I want her to know it was not her fault. I had a habit of wanting to tinkle before I got up on her bed for the night. She had no idea the coyote was there and neither did I.
I had over 10 wonderful years with Shirley and I believe I came into her life to show her how to live each day to the fullest, with kindness, respect, compassion, and love for all God’s creatures. She was a good learner. When she is over her grief, I know she will write about me, because that is what she does. You see she’s a writer.
Meantime, she knows I love her and am looking down on her from “Doggie Heaven” and hoping she is not blaming herself and will heal soon.
All my love, from “Krissy-Pooh!
Labels: grief
posted by Carolan's Corner at 9:51 AM
GRI
I am writing this post from “Doggie Heaven.” My wonderful owner, Shirley, is grieving over my loss on Tuesday, May 25, 2011, when a coyote attacked and killed me at 11 PM. I want her to know it was not her fault. I had a habit of wanting to tinkle before I got up on her bed for the night. She had no idea the coyote was there and neither did I.
I had over 10 wonderful years with Shirley and I believe I came into her life to show her how to live each day to the fullest, with kindness, respect, compassion, and love for all God’s creatures. She was a good learner. When she is over her grief, I know she will write about me, because that is what she does. You see she’s a writer.
Meantime, she knows I love her and am looking down on her from “Doggie Heaven” and hoping she is not blaming herself and will heal soon.
All my love, from “Krissy-Pooh!
Labels: grief
posted by Carolan's Corner at 9:51 AM
GRI
Friday, May 13, 2011
WOUNDED WARRIORS WELCOME TOASTMASTERS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Once again, it's a joy to share the wonderful communications and leadership skills I have fine-tuned through my 31 years with Toastmasters International! And, I cannot think of a more worthy audience than our wounded warriors who are trying to regain some semblance of order in their lives after serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Pakistan, some even serving several tours of duty.
The wounded warriors battalion at Camp Pendleton invited Carlsbad’s Tick Talk Toastmaster Club to the base, on Tuesday. May 10, 2011, to demonstrate how Toastmaster meetings work, while highlighting the different roles and functions each Toastmaster plays during a meeting, The warriors learned the importance of impromptu speaking (Table Topics), the components of giving a good speech, constructive feedback to the speaker through a brief evaluation, and Robert’s Rules of Order for a meeting.
It was a well-timed , educational and fun assignment for all. The warriors were invited to attend Tick Talk’s regular meetings on Thursdays, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, at Carlsbad-by-the-Sea, 2855 Grand Avenue, Carlsbad. The warriors may also form their own Toastmaster Club on the base. Stay tuned for more information.
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© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Once again, it's a joy to share the wonderful communications and leadership skills I have fine-tuned through my 31 years with Toastmasters International! And, I cannot think of a more worthy audience than our wounded warriors who are trying to regain some semblance of order in their lives after serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Pakistan, some even serving several tours of duty.
The wounded warriors battalion at Camp Pendleton invited Carlsbad’s Tick Talk Toastmaster Club to the base, on Tuesday. May 10, 2011, to demonstrate how Toastmaster meetings work, while highlighting the different roles and functions each Toastmaster plays during a meeting, The warriors learned the importance of impromptu speaking (Table Topics), the components of giving a good speech, constructive feedback to the speaker through a brief evaluation, and Robert’s Rules of Order for a meeting.
It was a well-timed , educational and fun assignment for all. The warriors were invited to attend Tick Talk’s regular meetings on Thursdays, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, at Carlsbad-by-the-Sea, 2855 Grand Avenue, Carlsbad. The warriors may also form their own Toastmaster Club on the base. Stay tuned for more information.
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© 2011 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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