By Shirley M. Carolan,ATM-G
This is not my usual post. I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself. I never imagained the day would come whereby I'd have to put my life on "hold." A part of me is very grateful to be “on the mend” and gaining more strength daily. Another part of me says “Bah, Humbug!” you’re not that sick! Well, I found out this week, when I saw the pulmonary specialist, that age and body have their own agenda for healing. Despite my wishing otherwise, I have to acquiesce to the good doctor’s counsel.
To say that he read me the riot act is putting it mildly. When I asked him if I could go on jury duty in June he got apoplectic and said “Absolutely not, you’re recovering from a severe lung disease and must stay on oxygen 24/7 for another 2-3 months! “... It was no good fighting with him and so I knew other activities I’d planned on would have to be curtailed too.
I know a part of my problem is that I never planned on ever “retiring,” and to have an enforced “down time” is anathema to me. Of course, I know that has its roots in childhood when I was never allowed to be sick! But this is pure agony for me. Yes, I’m reading a lot of books and downloading all kinds of goodies from the internet but that’s not quite the same as gadding about. I miss my Toastmaster Club, friends, and all the weekly activities.
This week I will be celebrating birthday number 76! I don’t know how I got to be this old because I really feel I’m in my late 20s. The one good thing about looking in the mirror at myself is the white hair. I used to pay good money in San Francisco to get this color and now it is natural! Toastmaster friends are taking me out to dinner for my birthday and I’m really looking forward to it.
So, instead of complaining, I guess I’ll get my “Gratitude” journal dusted off read it and start adding some new ideas and things that I am grateful for. This week both my little dog, Krissy, and I had minor surgery. She’s a little trouper despite the fact she’s only 12 pounds. I don’t know what I would do without her. Now, she’s something to be grateful for!
Adieu!
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.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
MIRA COSTA COLLEGE AWARD
By Shirley M. Carolan
Last Saturday, April 25, 2009, I, along with many others celebrated the Annual "EXPRESSIONS" Awards from Mira Costa College. Many art caategories were honored, from poets, writers, digital works, and beautiful drawings and sketches by continuing education students. Our work can now be seen published in the Spring 2009 "Expressions" yearbook from Mira Costa College.
It was a very festive day with artists, friends, colleagues, teachers, and scrumptuous refreshments. I feel so honored that my work was selected and that I got to read it in front of a live audience. Following is my poem. I hope you enjoy it too!
HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN
By Shirley M. Carolan
Home again, home again
That’s where I long to be
In the land that bore me
And gave me liberty
Oh, it’s been a long time since I left
That ancestral land
Whose noble virtues
Molded my character and dreams
Whose history saw the Magna Carta
Signed by the king at Runnymede
Oh yes, the New World is
Full of opportunities
and changes everywhere
‘Tis a place of new beginnings
and scenery beyond compare
But it’s home again, home again
To that isle across the sea …
For I’ve done my duty,
And long to rest my bones again
In the English countryside
In quiet anonymity!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Artist ● Speaker
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.
Last Saturday, April 25, 2009, I, along with many others celebrated the Annual "EXPRESSIONS" Awards from Mira Costa College. Many art caategories were honored, from poets, writers, digital works, and beautiful drawings and sketches by continuing education students. Our work can now be seen published in the Spring 2009 "Expressions" yearbook from Mira Costa College.
It was a very festive day with artists, friends, colleagues, teachers, and scrumptuous refreshments. I feel so honored that my work was selected and that I got to read it in front of a live audience. Following is my poem. I hope you enjoy it too!
HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN
By Shirley M. Carolan
Home again, home again
That’s where I long to be
In the land that bore me
And gave me liberty
Oh, it’s been a long time since I left
That ancestral land
Whose noble virtues
Molded my character and dreams
Whose history saw the Magna Carta
Signed by the king at Runnymede
Oh yes, the New World is
Full of opportunities
and changes everywhere
‘Tis a place of new beginnings
and scenery beyond compare
But it’s home again, home again
To that isle across the sea …
For I’ve done my duty,
And long to rest my bones again
In the English countryside
In quiet anonymity!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Artist ● Speaker
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.
Monday, April 20, 2009
OCEANSIDE DAYS OF ART FAIRE
By Shirley M. Carolan
This past weekend Oceanside celebrated its Annual Days of Art Faire. I had it scheduled on my calendar for months and was avidly looking forward to it. Alas, this is the first time in years that I have missed it. I was looking forward to meeting the artists and learning new painting techniques, and,I had planned on writing a wonderful article about the merits of living in North San Diego County, specifically Oceanside.
However, I have a good reason for not making it to the Faire this year. Since I got home from my 10-day hospital stint because of complications from pneumonia, I have been on oxygen 24/7 and tapering off meds. On Friday, April 17, 2009 I “volunteered” at the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League Gallery from 2-5 PM. While it was a lot of fun, and I met some wonderful people from all over the USA I ran out of oxygen on the drive home. I kept my cool and said a few prayers to help me get safely home and to avoid any traffic accidents. My concern was for others as well as myself.
The next day, I was flat on my back and didn’t rise until about 4 PM. I guess I overdid it at the Gallery. I was so intent on telling everyone about the Faire, making sure they got the flyer, and telling them they would see our “Artist of the Month,” Dave Gulewich there. Also, I got about 50% of them to fill out our “People’s Choice” award form so that they would be eligible for a prize at the end of the month. A very busy afternoon indeed. In addition, I locked up the Gallery which was not on the original agenda.
It was then I discovered that my oxygen tanks only hold enough oxygen for three (3) hours which would include travel to and from any event. H’m, I thought the tanks held more oxygen than that but at least I now knew I had to plan any future trips carefully.
Hot weather is not my bag since I’m a transplant from San Francisco. The weather this weekend was indeed hot, some might call it balmy. After much soul searching I chose not to exhaust myself for two hours at the Faire. I missed it dearly and can only hope that all the visitors I met at the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League made it to the Faire especially since I told them I would be there!
If you made it to the Faire, I'd love to hear from you. Meanwhile, here’s to next year’s Faire, Oceanside!
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© 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.
This past weekend Oceanside celebrated its Annual Days of Art Faire. I had it scheduled on my calendar for months and was avidly looking forward to it. Alas, this is the first time in years that I have missed it. I was looking forward to meeting the artists and learning new painting techniques, and,I had planned on writing a wonderful article about the merits of living in North San Diego County, specifically Oceanside.
However, I have a good reason for not making it to the Faire this year. Since I got home from my 10-day hospital stint because of complications from pneumonia, I have been on oxygen 24/7 and tapering off meds. On Friday, April 17, 2009 I “volunteered” at the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League Gallery from 2-5 PM. While it was a lot of fun, and I met some wonderful people from all over the USA I ran out of oxygen on the drive home. I kept my cool and said a few prayers to help me get safely home and to avoid any traffic accidents. My concern was for others as well as myself.
The next day, I was flat on my back and didn’t rise until about 4 PM. I guess I overdid it at the Gallery. I was so intent on telling everyone about the Faire, making sure they got the flyer, and telling them they would see our “Artist of the Month,” Dave Gulewich there. Also, I got about 50% of them to fill out our “People’s Choice” award form so that they would be eligible for a prize at the end of the month. A very busy afternoon indeed. In addition, I locked up the Gallery which was not on the original agenda.
It was then I discovered that my oxygen tanks only hold enough oxygen for three (3) hours which would include travel to and from any event. H’m, I thought the tanks held more oxygen than that but at least I now knew I had to plan any future trips carefully.
Hot weather is not my bag since I’m a transplant from San Francisco. The weather this weekend was indeed hot, some might call it balmy. After much soul searching I chose not to exhaust myself for two hours at the Faire. I missed it dearly and can only hope that all the visitors I met at the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League made it to the Faire especially since I told them I would be there!
If you made it to the Faire, I'd love to hear from you. Meanwhile, here’s to next year’s Faire, Oceanside!
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© 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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, February 20, 2009
GIVING BACK … is a priviledge!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
One of the true perks of being a long time member of Toastmasters International is that many civic groups get to hear about you and offer you the opportunity to judge high school contestants using their public speaking skills at the various levels of competition.
This is an opportunity I truly love. It takes me back to my teen years when I represented my high school, Queen of the Rosary Academy, Amityville, NY, in the Long Island Oratorical Championships. I was 15 ½ years old and had emigrated to America just one year earlier. I was a senior in high school. The nuns felt they had a winner in me because of my strong British accent. Alas, I came in second place because the judges said that the American students had to acquire “that accent” (British) in order to be heard distinctly all over the auditorium. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful experience.
February 8 was any opportunity to give back to my community again as a judge.. The Lions Club of Carlsbad held their local public speaking contest. It was wonderful and I was in awe of all the students who participated. They were all talented and unique in their content and delivery. I wrote the following article for local newspapers:
CARLSBAD LIONS CLUB HOLDS CONTEST
The Carlsbad Lions Club hosted its annual Students Speaker Contest on February 8, 2009 at The Granary, Magee Park, Carlsbad. Four students from Carlsbad High School participated. Their topic was “Water – Will California be Left High & Dry?” Each contestant researched, wrote material and spoke for 5 to 10 minutes.
Local Toastmasters, Pat Rarus and Shirley Carolan from Tick Talk Toastmaster Club, Carlsbad, were again invited to be part of the panel of judges and later gave feedback to the speakers.
The goal of the contest is to encourage youth involvement, develop self-esteem, confidence in public speaking and offer financial scholarships for the formal education of the students. For more information on this event contact Elaine Brammel at 760-753-1175, or EPBCMA@aol.com.
Students participating were: Ibriham Keyrollos, Natasha Maldi, Kathryn Allan and Yujia Pan. The winner was Yujia Pan who received $50 and each of the contestants received $25. Yujia will now go on to participate at the Zone level.
(Pictured above are, left to right: Toastmaster Shirley Carolan, Yujia Pan, winner, and Toastmaster Pat Rarus).
Monday, February 09, 2009
CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS JOURNAL
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
My Toastmaster club, Tick Talk Toastmasters of Carlsbad, California joined the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce last November. This is almost an unprecedented action for a non-profit, educational organization like us to undertake. We did so to boost our membership and attract local businesses and merchants to our club.
We were also asked to write a brief article on public speaking… or what steps to take when giving a speech, without actually mentioning Toastmasters or Tick Talk Toastmasters. I found this assignment challenging to say the least. The first two articles were rejected because they were considered blatant advertising for Toastmasters.
Finally, I attacked it through the eyes of an Evaluator giving constructive feedback to a speaker. Voila, that idea was accepted!. Following is the article I wrote which appears in the February 2009 Carlsbad Business Journal, entitled: “HOW TO STREAMLINE YOUR SPEECHES! “
"You know you’ve “arrived” when someone asks you to give a presentation to a live audience. Whether you talk about your business, products, services, new market trends, or hobbies, the rules are the same.
As a newbie, It is very tempting to want to tell your audience everything you know about your specific topic. But, a word of advice “Less is More!” It’s better to leave your audience clamoring for more than overdoing it with minutiae clichés, pet words, and jargon. The mind and the seat can only absorb so much. Better to save some material for a follow-up speech than to overdo it.
While the topic may be of utmost interest to you, if you’ve not engaged your audience, or given them something to think about, or take action on, then you run the risk of losing them!
Here are some tips, from a 28 year veteran of public speaking, to help you streamline your talk:
• Organize your material. Make sure it has a strong opening, body, and conclusion!
• Rehearse your speech! Make sure you “own the words” before getting in front of an audience. This will help you stay focused, handle nerves, stay within a specified time frame!
• Start your presentation with a quote, statistic, or controversial idea … it’s a good way to grab your audience’s attention.
• Use audio/visual aides: a handout, or miniature CD to give more details or examples.
Use slides, an overhead projector, flipchart, or music to create a mood.
• Wrap it up by asking your audience a question, e.g., “Before I conclude, are there any questions?”
• Tell your audience you’d be happy to send them more information, if they’d like to leave their name and email address at the end of your presentation.
The latter point is an excellent way to follow up with them and to assess if they have a genuine need of your products or services. It is a non-threatening way to market to a possible future client
These are just a few tools to help you streamline your presentation so that it flows, is interesting, and lets the audience know you are an expert on your subject. Hence, Less is More! If you’d like more information, please contact me at: 760-732-0663 or www.ticktalk.org."
Happy Speaking!
Shirley M. Carolan
Speaker Writer Artist
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
artistwithaflair@att.net
www.shirleycarolan.com
http://angelscross.blogspot.com
http://smcarolan.blogspot.com
My Toastmaster club, Tick Talk Toastmasters of Carlsbad, California joined the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce last November. This is almost an unprecedented action for a non-profit, educational organization like us to undertake. We did so to boost our membership and attract local businesses and merchants to our club.
We were also asked to write a brief article on public speaking… or what steps to take when giving a speech, without actually mentioning Toastmasters or Tick Talk Toastmasters. I found this assignment challenging to say the least. The first two articles were rejected because they were considered blatant advertising for Toastmasters.
Finally, I attacked it through the eyes of an Evaluator giving constructive feedback to a speaker. Voila, that idea was accepted!. Following is the article I wrote which appears in the February 2009 Carlsbad Business Journal, entitled: “HOW TO STREAMLINE YOUR SPEECHES! “
"You know you’ve “arrived” when someone asks you to give a presentation to a live audience. Whether you talk about your business, products, services, new market trends, or hobbies, the rules are the same.
As a newbie, It is very tempting to want to tell your audience everything you know about your specific topic. But, a word of advice “Less is More!” It’s better to leave your audience clamoring for more than overdoing it with minutiae clichés, pet words, and jargon. The mind and the seat can only absorb so much. Better to save some material for a follow-up speech than to overdo it.
While the topic may be of utmost interest to you, if you’ve not engaged your audience, or given them something to think about, or take action on, then you run the risk of losing them!
Here are some tips, from a 28 year veteran of public speaking, to help you streamline your talk:
• Organize your material. Make sure it has a strong opening, body, and conclusion!
• Rehearse your speech! Make sure you “own the words” before getting in front of an audience. This will help you stay focused, handle nerves, stay within a specified time frame!
• Start your presentation with a quote, statistic, or controversial idea … it’s a good way to grab your audience’s attention.
• Use audio/visual aides: a handout, or miniature CD to give more details or examples.
Use slides, an overhead projector, flipchart, or music to create a mood.
• Wrap it up by asking your audience a question, e.g., “Before I conclude, are there any questions?”
• Tell your audience you’d be happy to send them more information, if they’d like to leave their name and email address at the end of your presentation.
The latter point is an excellent way to follow up with them and to assess if they have a genuine need of your products or services. It is a non-threatening way to market to a possible future client
These are just a few tools to help you streamline your presentation so that it flows, is interesting, and lets the audience know you are an expert on your subject. Hence, Less is More! If you’d like more information, please contact me at: 760-732-0663 or www.ticktalk.org."
Happy Speaking!
Shirley M. Carolan
Speaker Writer Artist
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
artistwithaflair@att.net
www.shirleycarolan.com
http://angelscross.blogspot.com
http://smcarolan.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
