Thursday, July 30, 2009

“WHEN THE STUDENT IS READY THE TEACHER APPEARS!"

By Shirley M. Carolan

How many times have I heard that tenet, or, given it lip service? Innumerable. July has turned out to be one of the most exciting months of my life. Every time I turn around another Aha moment manifests itself. I know there are no coincidences in the universe but as I’ve changed old habits, beliefs, and values to honor myself more, an article, book, seminar or CD has appeared talking about that very subject. It’s almost like a validation of my actions.

For example, last week I let go of something and some people who were very dear to me. Something triggered my taking a closer look at the relationship and I knew it had become toxic. I thought it would be painful parting ways but it was not, because I let them go with love.

I realize that everything in the universe is energy and we each vibrate at different energy levels. Sometimes we try to give a gift to a person vibrating at a different energy level from ours and that person cannot accept the gift because they do not see the value in it… alas, because they do not value themselves.

While I’ve purposely left names and events unsaid I trust you get the message. Our feelings are very important and should not be swept under the rug. Many years ago, in London, England, just after WWII, I attended a girls’ boarding school. I can vividly remember a lay teacher (Ms.Kelleher) telling me “I’m not interested in your feelings. I’m interested in your thoughts!” I was eleven years old at the time and have never forgotten her or her admonition. As a result, all my life I’ve stuffed my feelings and downplayed my skills and talents…

Hence, last week’s action on my part is a gigantic leap forward, a true act of faith! If you’d like to read a wonderful article that came across my computer yesterday, regarding “toxic relationships” by Maria Mar, then please go to David Riklan’s website at www.selfgrowth.com

Meanwhile, I’m still journaling on and celebrating other powerful Aha moments this month that are rapidly changing my life. I look forward to sharing these insights with you shortly.


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.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

OCEANSIDE SR. CENTER DEBUTS!

By Shirley M. Carolan

One of the perks of being a freelance writer is that I get to write about my community, Oceanside, California. This city, by the magnificent Pacific Ocean and breathtaking harbor, can now boast a beautiful new Senior Center. It is the second senior center in this growing populace.

Why am I raving about it so much? Because ever since I moved here from San Francisco, in 1997, I’ve heard about and waited for the “powers to be” to sanction it. I know, twelve years is not a long time for such a project to manifest. Others have waited far longer than I. But, I am very happy and grateful that it is now fait accompli!

The Grand Opening took place on June 6 and was presided over by Mayor Jim Wood, and councilman Mark Feller among others. Attendance was expected to be about 500 people but it must have reached at least 2,000!

It was a very festive occasion with a society band, folks dressed in exquisite evening attire and ladies in bejeweled evening gowns dancing to the sound and songs of the Big Band era! I was transfixed by memories of dancing to the Dorsey Brothers at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. Yes, that was my era, and I’m proud of it… when you could actually understand and swoon to the words being sung!

Why have I waited so long to report this happy event? I was lucky enough to capture two beautiful women dancing in all their finery. One was 93 years young, and dressed in a gorgeous black, bejeweled evening gown! The other, was dressed in a romantic lavender evening gown with exquisite hat. Unfortunately, I did not get their names and, not being a techie, I have been unable to get their photos uploaded to my website and blogs. But I will keep at it!

Meanwhile, I urge you to check out this wonderful new facility. It is located not far from my home, right off Oceanside Boulevard and Plaza del Oro, in the new Corozon complex. It boasts the latest in gym equipment, a fitness center, spacious classrooms, a grand cafeteria, which will serve hot meals come the Fall, computers, an outdoor patio for various events and, of course, a friendly and courteous staff!

It is well worth a visit when you are next in the area. I’d love to hear from you when you do!

Ciao!

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, June 06, 2009

SHAKESPEARE ANYONE?

By Shirley Carolan, ATM-G


For those Shakespeare lovers out there I thought you’d like to know about this new group which is just forming here in North San Diego County.

Shakespeare Votaries of Carlsbad is a new discussion group devoted to the study of the works of William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon.

The purpose of our group is to feature lectures by guest speakers about Shakespeare’s poetry, plays, and soliloquies, followed by an open discussion.

Meetings are held the first Monday of every month, tentatively set at various locations within Carlsbad and the North Coast area from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. This is not an established organization. Any suggestions you may have will be most welcome.

If you are interested in meeting on a regular basis to hear these talks, please email us at the.bard1564@gmail.com, or follow on us on Twitter (user name: "shakes_votaries") for upcoming details.

For more information please call Paul Uhler at (760) 730-9166.

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.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

GIFTS OF RECOVERY!

BY Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

As we wrap up May, I am astounded at all the books, newsletters, blogs, and eBooks I have either bought or subscribed to in the last two months. In the next few weeks I’ll be sharing some links with you to free eBooks on subjects ranging from the metaphysical to the “how to” e.g., “Program your Subconscious Mind, Fear of Money and Success in Freelance Writers, Keys to Phenomenal Self Confidence.” But first, I want to be sure that all the promises are sincere before referring these links to others. Hence, I will be busy doing a lot of the exercises in each program.

I’ve read eight books in the last two months and passed several on to others. They’ve ranged from strong mysteries - psychological thrillers to church intrigues and murder such as “The Secret Supper,” by Javier Sierra which I could not put down, to “The Jesus Papers,” by Michael Baigent(which has me spellbound). Then the two books on Hillary Clinton, one pro the other con, “The Case For Hillary Clinton” by Susan Estrich, and the other by Edward Klein, whose title I now forget since I’ve given the book away.

I won’t get into all the new blogs and newsletters I’ve discovered but they are a treasure trove of ideas and possibilities. So stay tuned because I’m sure I’ll be passing on more information that you might be able to use (at no cost).

Perhaps it’s just as well that I’ve had some “downtime” else I would not have discovered so many new things, people and ideas. I’m excited about the 2 phone calls I got this weekend about starting two completely different groups in north San Diego County. There are folks with a plethora of ideas out there that I did not know existed before.

Once I am totally recuperated from the after effects of pneumonia and being on oxygen 24/7 I am sure I will look back on this period of “downtime” as the catalyst for the beginning of a whole new life and friendships! I already feel blessed so it can only get better!

Yes, there’s a golden lining, or lesson, to learn even when things don’t go our way, if only we can find it! Stay tuned!


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

CONVALESCING IN STYLE!

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.

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.

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.