AN ECHO FROM THE PAST!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

One never knows when a gift from our past will surface via correspondence, email or telephone call; but when it does it can bring back profound memories from our past. Some may be painful, others poignant and truly heartrending...

This week, my twin brother, Terrence, sent me an email with a link to “Bartram's Residence” in London, England. As I clicked on the link it brought tears to my eyes. It gave a brief history of the original Bartram’s Convent, which I was unaware of at the time being only 6 years old.

Following is that brief history: “Bartrams Residence is owned and maintained by the Sisters of Providence. In 1865 His Eminence Cardinal Manning, invited the Sisters from Belgium to London to work in prisons. The Home Office, however, did not share the Cardinal’s view with regard to having Sisters involved in prison work in England.

The Cardinal then asked them to open an orphanage in High Street Hampstead. In 1868 the orphanage was transferred to a house called Bartrams in Haverstock Hill. It was turned into a boarding school, and remained as such until the Convent was destroyed by bombs in 1940. A new building was erected as a residence for students and was officially opened in 1959 by His Eminence Cardinal Godfrey…” www.bartramsresidence.com, or e-mail: bartramsresidence@yahoo.co.uk

So why did this bring tears to my eyes? My twin brother and I attended Bartram's Convent in northwest London in 1939. During the “Battle of Britain” we were evacuated along with the nuns to Kettering (southern England) in 1940 when the school was bombed. We were 6-1/2 years old at the time. Our parents had no idea where we were being sent with bombs dropping everywhere no shelter was safe. The nuns were wonderful to us. I will never forget Sister Michael and the bravery of all the nuns!

My parents finally found out where we had been taken and immediately set out to bring us back. My father felt strongly that if we were to die then we would die together. It would be the last I would see of Sister Michael and my old school chums.

We also lost a beautiful 3-storied house near the school during the bombing. We attended Mass regularly at the “Priory” where well known Father Vincent McNab, OP baptized and gave us our First Holy Communion. Years before he also married my parents.

My parents, twin brother and I emigrated to the USA December 1947 (when I was 14-1/2) to my Uncle's farm on Long Island, New York. I very luckily finished high school at Queen of the Rosary Academy, Amityville, New York one month after my 16th birthday.

In a sense, I had no childhood. The war started when I was 6-1/2 and ended when I was 12-1/2. But, I would not trade the memories I have of surviving a brutal war and learning what courage, sacrifice and love really mean. I was surrounded by them!

I hope your past memories are as significant as mine!


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© 2012 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

THE HOLISTIC FAIRE

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

The highlight for me this month was visiting the Holistic Faire last Sunday in Carlsbad, CA. This is a bi-annual Holistic Faire. It was fun and time well spent. There were usual vendors with all kinds of jewelry and beautiful gemstones which I had a tough time resisting since I have quite a collection now. Their were psychic and tarot card readings, aura photographs, health foods and potions, various massage techniques, and my all time favorite the Yuen method of healing. Dr. Marcella T. Jones is a wonderful Yuen practioner and healer. I thoroughly enjoy her lectures and healing expertise.

Usually I come home with several metaphysical books at a nice discount but on this visit I only bought one: “The Divine Matrix” by the New York best-selling author Gregg Braden www.greggbraden.com. It‘s a little deep because in it he shows how to translate the miracles or our imagination into what is real in our lives.

Other activities included (free) mini seminars throughout the day on a variety of subjects from “Natural Health Remedies,” “Discovering EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)” “UFOs and their Spiritual Mission” “The Akashic Records,” etc. The ones I attended left me wanting for more.

The highlight of the Faire undoubtedly was the free film screening of “Metaphysia 2012” from 5:30 PM to 7 PM, that included meetings with Native American Visionaries, Shamans, Healers, Authors, and the Rev. Michael Beckwith, Chief Sonne Reyna, David Wilcox, etc. I was sorry I was unable to stay for this wonderful film. Perhaps I will catch up with it in the near future.

The price of admission for all of this is great, since I always get an advance agenda and free pass to the Faire, (worth $10.00) which I can also share with my friends. If you would like more information on the Holistic Living Expo and which city it will appear in next please go to: www.holisticlivingexpo.com.

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© 2012 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

WHEN IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

One of the toughest lessons in life for me to learn has been knowing when it’s time for me to “move on” and then moving on.

I am a creature of habit and change does not always come easily for me. Change could be a change in habits, career/job, relationships, school, hobbies, food, exercise, etc. You get the message. Maybe it has something to do with my mother’s favorite adage “Don’t rock the boat!” which was drummed into me. I kept thinking maybe they’ll change. Of course “they” never do and neither should I expect “them” to. I’m the one who has to change and march to my own drummer.

Recently, the universe offered me another opportunity to see that it was time for me to move on from a club I dearly loved, but knew I had outgrown. The other club members are all wonderful people but their level of awareness and mine are quite different. I was not learning anything new and , I was stagnating. I tried hard to share my vision with them but was rejected many times.

It took something I care deeply about to realize the dye was cast and I had outgrown my club. I remember Tony Robbins telling us during my first Firewalk with him that you should always join a club that will challenge you. Once I was able to accept that “they” were not going to change I realized that I was OK and could make positive changes in my life without expecting others to see things my way or acknowledge and validate my gifts and talents.

My ego was a bit battered but this time I knew I would survive because I was going to live life on my terms as Shakespeare said “To Thine Own Self Be True.” That felt good. Then it dawned upon me that the “Serenity” prayer was the greatest gift of all: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference.” Not a bad mantra to live by.

This time I did not journal over my disappointments, as I usually do when faced with a challenge. Somehow I knew, I just knew at the core of my being, that I needed to honor myself, and validate myself that the decision I’d made to move on was the right decision for me!! I cannot begin to tell you how liberating this makes me feel. The freedom to be myself, to believe in myself and my God given talents. I don’t need permission from anyone else to live my dream! I don’t need permission from anyone else to acknowledge that I am worthy of what I seek. I just need to listen to that inner voice and, move on!

I hope this story helps someone out there who is facing a challenge, especially if it’s fraught with emotion, to listen to your inner voice, and choose the path that resonates best with you! 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

TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE!

By Shirley Carolan, ATMG

This month just got away from me. I had so many different ideas and thoughts for articles but couldn’t seem to find the time to put pen to paper. However, I feel the above title covers a multitude of things that happened to me this month that required some sound thinking, assessing and decision making on my part. Shakespeare did indeed say it with panache: “To Thine Own Self Be True!”

A few things happened that were somewhat painful for me and upon journaling about them I found in some cases my expectations, of myself, and others, did not match reality. Whenever my expectations of others gets in the way my ego takes a beating. I found I need to validate myself and not expect others to do that for me... Hence, the above title is applicable.

Wonderful progress, healthwise, this month: I’m now walking almost one mile daily, with the walker and my little dog, Teddy, but without oxygen! I’ve not done that in 3 years! I am so excited. I’ve lost a little over 10 lbs. (mostly by cutting down on sugar and extra walking). I’m riding my exercise bike daily and have trimmed down my figure even more! I bought a new walker from a fantastic Thrift Shop at a great price and donated the other walker to them along with some new clothes that just hung on me. Then, I donated more clothes and household items to “Goodwill.” This served the purpose of my getting rid of the clutter! Wow, I’m on a natural high from this and still have a way to go to reach my goal.

Two doctors last week practically apologized to me for calling me on the “Elephant in the Room”… my age! They admitted that “one size does not fit all.” They feel I’ve made tremendous progress, have more energy, and am determined to reach my long range health goals of walking 1-2 miles a day, without walker or oxygen! I told them I was entering the Toastmasters International Speech Contest at my club and the title would be: “The Elephant in the Room!” They laughed heartily and wished me well.

Last week I entered two International Speech Contests, “Table Topics” (which is “impromptu” speaking) and the “International Speech Contest.’’ I spent untold hours writing, rehearsing and delivering my speech last week. I felt I had good quotations, some humor, stayed on focus with good examples and dressed like a professional speaker. However, I did not feel I got through to the audience, particularly because one side of the room seemed to have their faces in “neutral.” I found it disconcerting and allowed it to affect me. I did win the “Table Topics” Contest.

Once again, I expected my family, and some friends to be supportive of my efforts only to realize, once again, it was not on their “agenda.” Ah yes, expectations seem to do me in every time! I know, I know, “ambition should be made of sterner stuff.” Thank God for Journaling because it has brought me back to earth and now I can accept that life is not about expecting others to validate you, or to act the way you think they should. It’s about being able to validate yourself! I’ve now come full circle “To Thine Own Self Be True!”

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© 2012 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article please give me credit and a link back to my website. Thank you.

LIONS CLUB SPEECH CONTEST

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

One of the perks of being a Toastmaster, whether fairly new, or an old veteran like me, is that you learn skills that you can use along the way to help others. Once you’ve mastered the fine art of giving feedback to a speaker, when you evaluate their performance, their delivery, body language, voice, pace, pausing, organization and sometimes their content too, you will have opportunities to give feedback to other speakers outside your Toastmaster club. You won’t even have to look for them, they will find you!

When I evaluate a Toastmaster Club member, or I am acting as the General Evaluator of a meeting, I always tell the speakers that we (evaluators) are not paid critics, rather we are there to give “constructive feedback” to the speaker. This helps them to relax a little knowing that we are not going to criticize them. Our goal is simply to point out what they did well and where and how they might improve.

Over the years, I’ve been asked to be a judge in a speech contest for high school teens sponsored by some civic club. At these events, the speakers use numbers as an introduction rather than their names, to eliminate favoritism, etc. Last Sunday was no exception. I was invited by the Encinitas Lions Club to be a judge for their annual speech contest. It is always a thrill for me to do this because I love hearing what our youth thinks, how they research their topic and how they deliver it. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community.

The topic last Sunday was, I thought, a difficult one: “What Can The America of Yesterday Teach The America of Today!” I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Each student had original content, great quotations and concrete examples. I particularly liked one student who talked about our Founding Fathers and the Right To Vote, along with the Great Depression and the apathetic attitude today towards voting. In a presidential election year it brought home the importance of getting out there to vote!

After the contest, I got to speak to each contestant, congratulate them and give them some personal feedback. They each received a money gift depending on their placement in the contest. It was a win-win situation for all! Here’s to future contests!.

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

CHRISTMAS MIRACLES

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

This past year has been fraught with health challenges for me right up until Christmas. The worst time was between October and December 2011 when I was in excruciating pain 24/7 and I thought my back would come off its hinges. For instance, on a scale of 1-10, the pain was 100! That gives you some idea of what I was up against. Pain killers and muscle relaxants were useless! A CT scan and MRI were also useless.

December came, and I thought about what kind of a life I wanted to live in 2012. I knew I had to get out of this pain first. That was a top priority. Next came seeing myself in good health and walking 1-2 miles a day without oxygen and without a walking cane (as I did the Spring of 2009 before everything hit the fan). Pretty important stuff. Once again, I refused to accept that my age was the sole culprit for my present circumstances.

Well this week leading up to Christmas was a turning point in my life. After a lot of praying for help and relief I experienced miracles happening! Yes, folks, Santa is alive and well! Wednesday morning I had Physical Therapy and in afternoon I saw Dr. Patel, the pain specialist, expecting to have the first in a series of epidurals. (The day before, Tuesday) I saw two MDs. My co-payment for these (4) doctors in (2) days was $150.00.

Would you believe Dr. Patel said I didn’t need the epidural because the physical therapy was helping me and that I should cancel the next appointment on 12/28 but keep the 1/4/2012 appt. I went to check out and Danielle, the secretary, asked me what Dr. Patel did to me. I said “Nothing – he just talked to me.” She said “Wait a minute,” then came back and handed me back my co-payment check! I was stunned. I figured they’d keep it as a “consultation” fee.

So, three (3) miracles occurred:

1. I didn’t need the epidural because I’m not in the severe pain as before.
2. I got my co-payment check back.
3. I was able to give my newspaper carrier (woman) a nice check for Christmas.

Ain’t that something! I’m walking on air! To be out of that dreadful pain is a miracle in itself.

Yes, folks, Santa is alive and well and miracles are happening… Folks, I do hope you are experiencing similar miracles, or kindnesses from your fellow man. If so, do email me at: artistwithaflair@att.net and let me know.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!


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 please give me credit and a link back. Thank you.
Labels: Inspiration

THE NUTCRACKER IS ALIVE AND WELL!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

When I lived in San Francisco I always treated myself, at Christmas-time, to a performance of “The Nutcracker.” I’ve carried on that tradition since moving to Southern California December 1997. To me Christmas isn’t Christmas without seeing a production of The Nutcracker…

I’m happy to say that there are some wonderful productions here in San Diego County. A few years back I got to see it performed by the famous Kirov Ballet Company in Escondido. I’ve also seen it performed by many local Junior Ballet Companies. The costumes are so different, varied and colorful, as are the renditions.

Last night was no exception. I had the privilege of seeing a “dress rehearsal” with some friends of this wonderful ballet featuring The Junior Ballet Ensemble, a non-profit organization created in 1997. (Their mission is to provide under-privileged youth and under-served seniors with a beautiful, and enriching cultural experience).

The cast was superb. Playing Herr Drosselmeyer was Thomas Deak,
Clara was Jessie Fendler, and the Nutcracker was played by Jonathan Shapiro. Of course, the music by Tchaikovsky was exquisite.

Other performances throughout the weekend will be held at the Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside. For more information please call: 760-433-8900, www.oceansidetheater.org.

I encourage you to set a new tradition for yourself at Christmas. If you already have one I’d love to hear from you.

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 please contact me. Thank you.