By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
The fickle finger of fate can impact anyone of us unexpectedly at any time. We never know when adversity is going to hit, and if you’re like me, you certainly don’t go around expecting it or preparing for it. It can happen in an instant, even on a bright, warm, sunshiny day, while walking your dog, with birds chirping and blossoms opening and sharing their fragrance with a promising world.
That’s what happened to me on Sunday, March 16 (Palm Sunday) when adversity reared its ugly head and literally struck me in the face!
Voila, my right foot hit an uneven chink in the sidewalk sending me unceremoniously, catapulting head first to kiss the pavement! The impact was sudden, loud, and excruciatingly painful. I knew I was in trouble when I saw the blood flowing down the sidewalk into the street. My head was pounding but I was able to see out of one eye and finally was able to hear my voice cry out for help. Unable to move a muscle I saw my little dog bend over me and lick me. I knew she was OK and then I realized I am alive, I am alive!
Returning home from Tri-City Hospital emergency room was an ordeal and I was now faced with some unexpected downtime while my broken nose, ribs, and assorted bones healed. I was now determined to make the most of my recovery time. I share that journey with you now:
1. Doing a daily crossword puzzle became my favorite pastime. It was a positive experience because I learned new words, improved my vocabulary. As a speaker and writer, this was a definite win-win “situation.” I am a daily “crossworder” anyway but this extra downtime helped further increase my arsenal of “words!” No speaker or writer could want for more and the daily newspaper costs so little!
2. Reading one of the numerous books I’d purchased on Amazon was one option. Alas, I found my attention span wandered and I was not able to concentrate … so serious reading was replaced with more frivolous stuff!
3. In my head I wrote rough drafts of future speeches, articles, and blogs. Thoughts and ideas just seemed to flow to me non-stop. Writer’s cramp would not be a problem for me!
4. As each day passed and I was able to do more physically, I sat at my computer and banged out my wonderful thoughts, ideas, dreams, etc. Seeing them take more concrete shape inspired me and impelled me on.
5. Daily seeing and experiencing improvement physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually had a profound positive impact on my state of mind and well being. My energy was gradually returning. My sense of gratitude multiplied as I vowed never to take my life for granted again, or for that matter the world around me! Taking time to smell the roses, admire nature at her best, being cognizant of the wonderful gifts, talents, hobbies and friends that make up my life.
Vital Lessons I Learned While Convalescing!
Healing time after any accident or loss can vary from individual to individual. It depends on each person’s mindset (physical and mental makeup). Hence, I want to share some important observations I made and perhaps they will help you if you ever become momentarily disabled. Since I can be a workaholic, I learned not to set impossible standards/tasks for myself at this time of great incapacity. I learned to be grateful each day for what I could accomplish! Just seeing a small improvement in daily activities can bring a smile of acceptance to even the most jaded among us.
Here are some other gems.
For those who can’t say “No” This is for the “people pleasers” among us, myself included! I was amazed how often I would give in to others requests of my time, energy, skills, expertise, etc. when interrupted by a phone call or email from someone. Wow, this had to stop. I needed to respect and appreciate my time and talents more. I made up my mind to do that henceforth, especially after I recovered. While, I don’t like to say NO, whether to a client, friend, neighbor, Toastmaster, or someone from my volunteer activities, I quickly discovered that not everything has to be handled right then and there when asked to do so.
For example, if some writing project was expected of me, such as a press release or newspaper article, and the event was way in the future, I suggested that the caller e-mail me all the details so I could absorb it in more detail (and at my leisure). This cut down the time listening on the phone when I was not feeling up to par. It also conveyed to them I was interested in their project, and it left me feeling more professional! Yea, it bought me time to heal and not expend valuable energy!
This downtime certainly made me aware of some behavior I needed to change and incorporate when healed and dealing with others in the future. So, let me recap here what I learned:
DO:
1. Set boundaries on your time, energy, people, priorities!
2. Be firm with yourself and others … this may take practice but will pay dividends!
3. Be aware of what you can do at this time and prioritize those things
4. Do keep a Journal of your thoughts, feelings, and progress – it could be worse!
5. Learn to compromise. You can’t always say “yes” to others. Find new ways to handle others’ requests and get results without compromising your own healing time!
DON’T:
1. Say YES to every request. Choose wisely what you can handle, let go of the rest.
2. Don’t let others sidetrack you, or start feeling sorry for you! You are not a victim! You are merely choosing to use your time/skills/energy/money, etc. more purposefully!!
3. Feel guilty because you’re taking care of yourself (for a change) you deserve it.
4. Trade war/horror stories with callers, neighbors, friends – it drains you of energy, and nothing gets resolved
5. Play the victim role or obsess over why this accident happened!
You can Convalesce In Style! Regardless of your occupation, writer, speaker, artist, etc. there is something to be learned while going through recovery from any situation. Use your downtime to do some real soul-searching on how you live your life, how you see yourself and who and what’s truly important to you!
A votre santé!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 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, March 31, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
“IT’S LEAP YEAR – SO WHAT?”
by Shirley M. Carolan
How wonderful to get a year with an extra day in it! It’s like getting a bonus. I wonder how many people are taking advantage of today and what they are doing to celebrate it?
I remember when I was a young girl we were taught that Leap Year was very special because if you were unattached, or did not have a steady boyfriend, when Leap Year came around you could ask the boy, or man of your dreams for a date, a dance, a favor without feeling the least bit forward or out of place. You could even ask him to marry you!
How quickly time, and customs change. With female emancipation has come the freedom of asking for what we want, when we want it, without having to wait four years to have “permission” to do so. Yes, the 21st century has changed a lot of customs and yesteryear seems quaint by today’s standards.
Be that as it may, I intend to honor Leap Year, not just February 29, but the entire year! I have a feeling that some wonderful events, happenings, and opportunities will occur for me this year. Hence, I know my Journal will be kept busy recording these wonderful events,
When the year is over I will be able to look back on my writing and speaking gigs and see what interesting events and opportunities unfolded and what new friends and customs came into my life as a result. I might be tempted to ask would these things have happened had it not been Leap Year? Who knows, but it’s fun to dream, isn’t it.
Meanwhile, I wish you all a very happy and productive Leap Year!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
How wonderful to get a year with an extra day in it! It’s like getting a bonus. I wonder how many people are taking advantage of today and what they are doing to celebrate it?
I remember when I was a young girl we were taught that Leap Year was very special because if you were unattached, or did not have a steady boyfriend, when Leap Year came around you could ask the boy, or man of your dreams for a date, a dance, a favor without feeling the least bit forward or out of place. You could even ask him to marry you!
How quickly time, and customs change. With female emancipation has come the freedom of asking for what we want, when we want it, without having to wait four years to have “permission” to do so. Yes, the 21st century has changed a lot of customs and yesteryear seems quaint by today’s standards.
Be that as it may, I intend to honor Leap Year, not just February 29, but the entire year! I have a feeling that some wonderful events, happenings, and opportunities will occur for me this year. Hence, I know my Journal will be kept busy recording these wonderful events,
When the year is over I will be able to look back on my writing and speaking gigs and see what interesting events and opportunities unfolded and what new friends and customs came into my life as a result. I might be tempted to ask would these things have happened had it not been Leap Year? Who knows, but it’s fun to dream, isn’t it.
Meanwhile, I wish you all a very happy and productive Leap Year!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 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, January 28, 2008
WHY TAPE RECORD YOUR SPEECHES?
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Often folks who know I’ve been around Toastmasters for a few years ask me “What’s the best way to improve my speaking skills?” Without skipping a beat I usually say “One of the best tips I’ve learned, as a Toastmaster and would-be speaker, is to tape record my speeches after I’ve written a final draft.” It helps me to hear how my voice sounds and whether the material flows.
Here’s a short list of questions I ask myself: Is it well organized or does it need some more editing? Does it address the objectives of the manual speech? How is the pitch and the tone, too fast, too slow? Does it have too many repeat words or phrases? Can an audience understand the flow and purpose? Did I include something for the audience to chew on?
Once I’m satisfied with the material I try to listen to it whenever I can.... sometimes driving to work, getting caught in traffic, or driving down the freeway are good times to play it. Each time I play it and hear it I get more comfortable with it, until finally, I feel I own the words. This doesn’t mean that I sound like a parrot but it cuts down my fear of public speaking and gives me confidence in knowing that I am well prepared.
When it’s time to give my speech to a live audience I like to tape record it again. However, if you belong to a Toastmaster Club that is lucky enough to have a video camera you may want to use that as well. I know Toastmasters who then post their speeches on their websites or have copies made to sell down the road.
And, over the years, I’ve even learned to tape record my Evaluator’s comments too. It’s another educational tool or bonus to help me improve my speaking skills. So why not take advantage of everything Toastmasters has to offer?
Regardless of why you joined Toastmasters, whether you aspire to become a professional speaker, are an entrepreneur who must market yourself to others, or have received a promotion and now must conduct meetings, your credibility and success will be greatly improved when you take the trouble to record yourself.
The next time you prepare to give a speech, I urge you to take a few minutes during rehearsal and ask yourself the above questions about your material. When you are comfortable and sure that you’ve covered all the bases the next step is to tape record your material. Only you will know when you are ready to do this. If necessary, remind yourself of the benefits you will gain from taping your speech:
Here are a few benefits to consider:
• You will cut down on rambling
• You will hear how you sound delivering your material
• You will stop needlessly repeating yourself
• You will avoid jargon, slang and misunderstood terminology
• You will avoid crutch words and overuse of pet phrases
• You will avoid outworn or overused clichés
• you will be able to adjust your pitch, volume, pace!
I leave you with these thoughts: “Words are the poetry of the soul! They are as unique as your fingerprints. You owe it to yourself to leave the finest imprint!™ Stay tuned. My next session deals with “Why You Should Use A Videocam in Your Presentations.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any portion of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net.
Monday, December 31, 2007
GOAL SETTING FOR THE NEW YEAR!
By Shirley M. Carolan
December is my favorite month not because of Christmas and New Year’s, all the giving and receiving, parties, great food, and catching up on friends’ lives, but because it’s a great time of reflection and how my overall year turned out.
I enjoy looking back and seeing how all the events came about, assessing what went well, what did not, what needs changing, what relationships grew, which ones changed, what I learned, what I’m more grateful for, etc. Now, I understand why it’s said that “masterpieces take time!”
My life is far from being a masterpiece but going into my 75th year I feel I’ve at least put a few layers of paint on the canvas. As a result, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions any more because I find I’m not held accountable if I give up or change my mind about a resolution. Whereas setting a goal is much more meaningful. It gives some direction and meaning to my life. It gives me a challenge, a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and the opportunity to celebrate when the goal is completed, it gives me a sense of fulfillment, and joy that I can trust myself when I put pen to paper and commit to doing something.
It also means the journey isn’t over once a goal is completed. It means that I am ready to commit and continue on the journey of discovery… This year, I commit to having more fun in my life and stop worrying about finances, and/or jockeying for position to get clients to write for, or lucrative speaking engagements, or preparing and delivering motivational workshops.
I intend to do more oil painting, take pictures of nature with my new digital camera, and do more writing, articles, eBooks, blogs, etc. I’ve signed up for sketching classes through Mira Costa College and digital camera classes through Vista Adult Ed. What fun! Being a senior today is wonderful because there are so many classes out there to take whether it’s for a hobby, upgrading professional skills, or learning new work skills!
This year I learned that it’s OK to exhibit some of my oil paintings at an art gallery. At first, I dreaded letting go of my art work because it was like letting go of a baby. Today, I am at peace with letting go and joined the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL) and exhibited some oil paintings there. I’ve also met some wonderful new friends and great artists that I can learn more from.
At Christmas, I indulged in another hobby, astronomy. The first Christmas gift I bought this year was a telescope. I so want to see Mars and the rings around Saturn again and this is the perfect time of year to do that. Back in the early 1980s I took an astronomy class at the College of San Mateo. It was the last science class I needed to get my AA degree and it was one of the most fascinating classes I’ve ever taken. It was a time when Carl Sagan had his popular series “Cosmos” on PBS television. We were also lucky the college had a huge telescope to view the universe.
Yes, I am looking forward to the New Year! Whether I make a lot of money, or not, is immaterial because I will be doing what I love, writing, oil painting, and viewing the heavens! And, you can’t put a price tag on that!
Happy New Year all!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
December is my favorite month not because of Christmas and New Year’s, all the giving and receiving, parties, great food, and catching up on friends’ lives, but because it’s a great time of reflection and how my overall year turned out.
I enjoy looking back and seeing how all the events came about, assessing what went well, what did not, what needs changing, what relationships grew, which ones changed, what I learned, what I’m more grateful for, etc. Now, I understand why it’s said that “masterpieces take time!”
My life is far from being a masterpiece but going into my 75th year I feel I’ve at least put a few layers of paint on the canvas. As a result, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions any more because I find I’m not held accountable if I give up or change my mind about a resolution. Whereas setting a goal is much more meaningful. It gives some direction and meaning to my life. It gives me a challenge, a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and the opportunity to celebrate when the goal is completed, it gives me a sense of fulfillment, and joy that I can trust myself when I put pen to paper and commit to doing something.
It also means the journey isn’t over once a goal is completed. It means that I am ready to commit and continue on the journey of discovery… This year, I commit to having more fun in my life and stop worrying about finances, and/or jockeying for position to get clients to write for, or lucrative speaking engagements, or preparing and delivering motivational workshops.
I intend to do more oil painting, take pictures of nature with my new digital camera, and do more writing, articles, eBooks, blogs, etc. I’ve signed up for sketching classes through Mira Costa College and digital camera classes through Vista Adult Ed. What fun! Being a senior today is wonderful because there are so many classes out there to take whether it’s for a hobby, upgrading professional skills, or learning new work skills!
This year I learned that it’s OK to exhibit some of my oil paintings at an art gallery. At first, I dreaded letting go of my art work because it was like letting go of a baby. Today, I am at peace with letting go and joined the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL) and exhibited some oil paintings there. I’ve also met some wonderful new friends and great artists that I can learn more from.
At Christmas, I indulged in another hobby, astronomy. The first Christmas gift I bought this year was a telescope. I so want to see Mars and the rings around Saturn again and this is the perfect time of year to do that. Back in the early 1980s I took an astronomy class at the College of San Mateo. It was the last science class I needed to get my AA degree and it was one of the most fascinating classes I’ve ever taken. It was a time when Carl Sagan had his popular series “Cosmos” on PBS television. We were also lucky the college had a huge telescope to view the universe.
Yes, I am looking forward to the New Year! Whether I make a lot of money, or not, is immaterial because I will be doing what I love, writing, oil painting, and viewing the heavens! And, you can’t put a price tag on that!
Happy New Year all!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Friday, December 28, 2007
CHRISTMAS 2007 AT OUR HOUSE!
by Shirley M. Carolan
It was a quiet but peaceful Christmas this year. The newly adopted traditions that I had so carefully put in place these last few years fell by the wayside, i.e., the Oceanside Harbor Annual Boat Parade (Holiday of Lights)and a different rendition of The Nutcracker! Some totally unexpected trauma entered my life instead. Little did I know it would bring some new perspectives, observations and gratefulness on my part.
My little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, had major surgery on her left eye, December 19th by gifted ophthalmologist Dr. W. A. (Dean) Vestre because of two ulcers. She came through it with flying colors and wears a “lampshade” to protect her little face. Prior to that we went through two weeks of different medications with her regular veterinarian. Finally, her vet suggested a second opinion by an ophthalmologist. The diagnosis and fees were staggering; to date $2,500.00.
Today, Krissy is recovering nicely and getting some of her old personality back. It’s a joy to hear her little bark, if you can call it a bark. She has taught me some valuable lessons: patience, humility, acceptance, love and gratefulness. What precious gifts to receive at this sacred time of year. And, you certainly can’t put a price tag on those!
As a result, I will no longer call her “selfish or demanding” when she wants or needs something. She has her boundaries and I need to honor them. She has given up her regular habits and independence to be cared for instead. She has been a real trooper and in her own little way has taught me some important life lessons!
This downtime gave me the perfect opportunity to assess how well my year went, what worked, what didn’t, what needed changing, and what goals I want to set for the New Year! All very heady and time consuming stuff. I will be addressing these important issues in a later blog.
Meanwhile, Christmas was quiet but blessed at our house this year!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
It was a quiet but peaceful Christmas this year. The newly adopted traditions that I had so carefully put in place these last few years fell by the wayside, i.e., the Oceanside Harbor Annual Boat Parade (Holiday of Lights)and a different rendition of The Nutcracker! Some totally unexpected trauma entered my life instead. Little did I know it would bring some new perspectives, observations and gratefulness on my part.
My little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, had major surgery on her left eye, December 19th by gifted ophthalmologist Dr. W. A. (Dean) Vestre because of two ulcers. She came through it with flying colors and wears a “lampshade” to protect her little face. Prior to that we went through two weeks of different medications with her regular veterinarian. Finally, her vet suggested a second opinion by an ophthalmologist. The diagnosis and fees were staggering; to date $2,500.00.
Today, Krissy is recovering nicely and getting some of her old personality back. It’s a joy to hear her little bark, if you can call it a bark. She has taught me some valuable lessons: patience, humility, acceptance, love and gratefulness. What precious gifts to receive at this sacred time of year. And, you certainly can’t put a price tag on those!
As a result, I will no longer call her “selfish or demanding” when she wants or needs something. She has her boundaries and I need to honor them. She has given up her regular habits and independence to be cared for instead. She has been a real trooper and in her own little way has taught me some important life lessons!
This downtime gave me the perfect opportunity to assess how well my year went, what worked, what didn’t, what needed changing, and what goals I want to set for the New Year! All very heady and time consuming stuff. I will be addressing these important issues in a later blog.
Meanwhile, Christmas was quiet but blessed at our house this year!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
CARLSBAD OCEANSIDE ART LEAGUE
By Shirley M. Carolan
It never ceases to amaze me that one of our best kept secrets is the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, affectionately known as COAL.
If you are looking for something special this Christmas for a loved one, or even something beautiful and decorative for yourself, why not visit this best kept secret in town – the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL) at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., #101.You will find oil paintings, water colors, mixed media, photography, and sculptures, etc.
After much harranging with myself, I finally gave myself permission to exhibit another oil painting for sale. While I don’t consider it my best work by any means I am exceedingly happy to be able to let go of one of my “babies.” Yes, artists consider their work just like giving birth to a baby and are very attached to their work. I am no exception either, so it is a major breakthrough for me. This means I will have more wall space at home to produce more paintings as I let go of others that I have clung to.
It also means that in the New Year I am going to be much more productive. I’ve signed up for several art classes starting in January and want to learn more techniques of using the palette knife. I love 3-dimensional art!
I’d like to extend an invitation for you to visit the galIery over the Holidays. I will be sitting the gallery on Friday, December 21 from 11AM to 2 PM and will be happy to show you around. The Holiday viewing schedule has changed so you may want to call first to be sure they are open at 760-434-8497.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist/Speaker/Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
It never ceases to amaze me that one of our best kept secrets is the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, affectionately known as COAL.
If you are looking for something special this Christmas for a loved one, or even something beautiful and decorative for yourself, why not visit this best kept secret in town – the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL) at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., #101.You will find oil paintings, water colors, mixed media, photography, and sculptures, etc.
After much harranging with myself, I finally gave myself permission to exhibit another oil painting for sale. While I don’t consider it my best work by any means I am exceedingly happy to be able to let go of one of my “babies.” Yes, artists consider their work just like giving birth to a baby and are very attached to their work. I am no exception either, so it is a major breakthrough for me. This means I will have more wall space at home to produce more paintings as I let go of others that I have clung to.
It also means that in the New Year I am going to be much more productive. I’ve signed up for several art classes starting in January and want to learn more techniques of using the palette knife. I love 3-dimensional art!
I’d like to extend an invitation for you to visit the galIery over the Holidays. I will be sitting the gallery on Friday, December 21 from 11AM to 2 PM and will be happy to show you around. The Holiday viewing schedule has changed so you may want to call first to be sure they are open at 760-434-8497.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist/Speaker/Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Friday, November 23, 2007
THANKSGIVING & BLESSINGS
By Shirley M. Carolan
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. For my family and I, it holds very significant memories. We were living in London, England in 1947. World War II had ended the summer of 1945, yet England was still on food rations in 1947. That November, my parents announced to my twin brother and I that we would be emigrating to America shortly. We were 14 and a half at the time.
We boarded the SS AMERICA at Southampton, England on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947 and set sail for New York. At the time we did not know the meaning of Thanksgiving Day but we soon found out. At first, we were quite overwhelmed by the wonderful food and fresh fruits. During the war, we had not seen bananas or peaches, or even white bread. It was a novelty to take these back to our cabin to eat. We were not sure if we should peel the fruit first and had to ask our parents.
Eggs where another novelty. At breakfast, the steward asked how my family would like their eggs served? There was dead silence. He persisted … sunnyside up? …over easy? …hard boiled? They settled for sunnyside up which became their undoing because when the eggs arrived and the cheerful yolks looked up at them they bolted from the huge ship’s dining room, not to be seen, or heard from again until we were close to New York harbor.
Indeed, I was the lucky one because I couldn’t eat eggs and thus my long anticipated freedom to explore this magnificent ship on my own was now realized. However, not to be outdone, my twin brother did not eat all of his eggs and thus insisted upon accompanying me.
As we surveyed the various decks and assorted amusements we entered an Ice Cream Parlor. We were in heaven ordering and eating ice cream sundaes until we tried our first Coca Cola and got quite a shock because it reminded us of cough medicine we were forced to take when ill. H’m …
Since that first Thanksgiving I’ve enjoyed this holiday in various settings. While I never married or had children to share this lovely holiday with, I’ve never lost my childhood fascination with the meaning of Thanksgiving. In recent years, I’ve set my own traditions. Yesterday was no exception. After giving morning thanks and watching the Macy’s Day Parade, I took my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, down to Carlsbad by the sea to enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk.
It was a magnificent afternoon with the sun shining warmly on my back and bouncing off the waves in majesty. My spirits soared as I breathed in the beautiful fresh air and observed the wonderful Pacific Ocean. How lucky I felt to be living in this wonderful paradise! Tourists and residents were out in full swing. I exchanged pleasantries with so many people I was almost hoarse when it was time to come home. Dog lovers and owners were also out in full force. There were so many breeds to ooh and ahh over. Krissy got her fill of pats and loving too. One young lady even asked could she have a picture taken with her!
Then I came home to Cornish Hen, Brussell sprouts, yams, pearl onions, stuffing, etc. Dessert was a surprise. Ah yes, I have so much to be thankful for as well as blessings galore!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist/Speaker/Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
www.angelscross.blogspot.com
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. For my family and I, it holds very significant memories. We were living in London, England in 1947. World War II had ended the summer of 1945, yet England was still on food rations in 1947. That November, my parents announced to my twin brother and I that we would be emigrating to America shortly. We were 14 and a half at the time.
We boarded the SS AMERICA at Southampton, England on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947 and set sail for New York. At the time we did not know the meaning of Thanksgiving Day but we soon found out. At first, we were quite overwhelmed by the wonderful food and fresh fruits. During the war, we had not seen bananas or peaches, or even white bread. It was a novelty to take these back to our cabin to eat. We were not sure if we should peel the fruit first and had to ask our parents.
Eggs where another novelty. At breakfast, the steward asked how my family would like their eggs served? There was dead silence. He persisted … sunnyside up? …over easy? …hard boiled? They settled for sunnyside up which became their undoing because when the eggs arrived and the cheerful yolks looked up at them they bolted from the huge ship’s dining room, not to be seen, or heard from again until we were close to New York harbor.
Indeed, I was the lucky one because I couldn’t eat eggs and thus my long anticipated freedom to explore this magnificent ship on my own was now realized. However, not to be outdone, my twin brother did not eat all of his eggs and thus insisted upon accompanying me.
As we surveyed the various decks and assorted amusements we entered an Ice Cream Parlor. We were in heaven ordering and eating ice cream sundaes until we tried our first Coca Cola and got quite a shock because it reminded us of cough medicine we were forced to take when ill. H’m …
Since that first Thanksgiving I’ve enjoyed this holiday in various settings. While I never married or had children to share this lovely holiday with, I’ve never lost my childhood fascination with the meaning of Thanksgiving. In recent years, I’ve set my own traditions. Yesterday was no exception. After giving morning thanks and watching the Macy’s Day Parade, I took my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, down to Carlsbad by the sea to enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk.
It was a magnificent afternoon with the sun shining warmly on my back and bouncing off the waves in majesty. My spirits soared as I breathed in the beautiful fresh air and observed the wonderful Pacific Ocean. How lucky I felt to be living in this wonderful paradise! Tourists and residents were out in full swing. I exchanged pleasantries with so many people I was almost hoarse when it was time to come home. Dog lovers and owners were also out in full force. There were so many breeds to ooh and ahh over. Krissy got her fill of pats and loving too. One young lady even asked could she have a picture taken with her!
Then I came home to Cornish Hen, Brussell sprouts, yams, pearl onions, stuffing, etc. Dessert was a surprise. Ah yes, I have so much to be thankful for as well as blessings galore!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist/Speaker/Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
www.angelscross.blogspot.com
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