By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I first broke out in Shingles blisters. But that is so. I’ve since had many opportunities to regret my cavalier attitude when my doctor first asked me, at the beginning of 2009, if I’d like to have a Shingles vaccination and I immediately said No! without asking what Shingles is and how severe can it be.
Shingles is not something to mess with! I am still suffering from some symptoms of it to this day! Sometimes the itch is so unbearable that I just scratch myself to pieces, at times even drawing blood. Sometimes the pain is unbearable … My doctor has prescribed 3 different salves, all to no avail.
But, I’ve come a long way in this past year. I look back and remember that if something dropped to the floor, even a pencil, I was unable to bend down and pick it up, so covered in blisters was my waist…Even daily setting down my Shih-Tzu’s food and water dishes was painful. Today, I can at least bend down and retrieve almost anything from the floor. I can do small gardening jobs. Why I can even vacuum, or mop, the house!
I tell myself that it could be worse. I could be in an assisted living place with limited mobility and immediately I am grateful for what health I do have. And when I get really down I take out the photos from a year ago and look at the terrible mess I was in. When I see all down my back and across my waist to the middle of my chest, the horrible blisters I can appreciate why my doctor told me I had one of the worst cases of Shingles she had ever seen!
It is my fervent hope that by sharing my ordeal with you, particularly if you are over 55, or, your know of someone who is, that you will urge them to get the Shingles vaccination! You, or they, will be so glad you did. To live in daily pain, or itch, is very debilitating and depressing. It can rob you of energy and living a normal life. Why take that chance. Life is too precious and much too short!
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© 2010 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, August 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
THERAPEUTIC GARDENING!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
This summer, I am finally getting back to enjoying my garden as well as light pruning of bushes and small trees. So different from last year when I couldn’t move or do anything without oxygen. I feel truly blessed to be able to be outdoors admiring nature. I do have a handyman do the heavy work, plus picking up the branches and leaves, which I can’t do yet.
Gardening, for me, is truly therapeutic. I had not realized how much I missed it. Unlike my mother who hated gardening, which I could never understand all the years I lived in an apartment.
I repotted several small plants on the outdoor windowsill of my living room, and the white wicker table on the patio. The reds, pinks, yellows are just gorgeous! I even tended my palm trees and fed them.
It’s also amazing that while indulging in this small pleasure the number of ideas that have flittered through my mind for articles, or chapters for my book “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over!” It’s like getting a bonus for something I enjoy doing anyway! Maybe working with one’s hands has its own rewards? When I feel I’ve had enough, I’ll take a short rest and then go back to my computer and crank out drafts of things that came to me while gardening. I’m never disappointed. Sometimes it may be some questions to ask when next I am the Table Topics Master at my Toastmaster Club.
If you don’t have a garden, don’t fret, houseplants, which I have all over my house, are also fun to work with, talk to and enjoy. I love all the different styles of pots my plants are in and get enormous satisfaction knowing I can redecorate with them.
Now, if only I could get off this oxygen full time! I'm working on it!
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© 2010 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, July 13, 2010
CARLSBAD PSYCHIC FAIRE
by Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Yesterday, I visited the Windmill and the Carlsbad ”Holistic Living Expo” affectionately known as the Psychic Faire and had a marvelous time and learned a lot. I went to 3 free mini seminars: The Yuen Method of Energy Healing (later had a free healing) by the Rev. Marcella Jones; Palmistry-the Ancient Art and Science of Hand Analysis, by Kathlleen Robertson, CLC and, Esoteric Numerology, by Merry Street,which I'm very much into. I learned to include your middle name when using numerology, which I had not done before and which changed my personality, heart, and expression numbers.
I also bought 2 books: "10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace" by Dr. Wayne Dyer, and "The Birth, Life, Ministry, Ascension and Coronation of Mary, Mother of Jesus" which I've not been able to put down, it's so fascinating and I have a much different concept of who she was and is!
This time, instead of gem stones I bought several scarabs, one made from limestone which the Pyramids are made from. I probably will add some to some jewelry that I design.
As I glanced at my watch I saw it was after 5 PM and I knew I had to get home to my litle Shih-Tzu. Hence, there was no time for a private reading from Kathleen Robertson on Hand Analysis, nor Merry Street on Esoteric Numerology. So this is unfinished business in my life which I will pursue. Kathleen is from LA and her website is: www.TheHandAnalyst.com. Merry is from San Diego and her website is: www.MerryStreet.com. Both have ongoing workshops and events.
Don’t feel badly if you missed the Carlsbad exhibit because the Holistic Fair will be in Newport Beach and San Diego in August. For more information about this wonderful event, people, and services please go to: HolisticLivingExpo.com and you may even download a free admission pass.
There was so much to see and learn that I did not have time for it all. So, I’ve made a promise to myself to henceforth start out earlier in the day and just enjoy everything. Hope to see you at the next Expo!
Cheers!
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© 2010 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, June 29, 2010
WORDS, WORDS AND MORE WORDS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
This year is certainly flying by with summer now upon us. As many of you know I am passionate about words – both spoken and written. I even coined the phrase “Words are the poetry of the soul. They are as unique as your fingerprints You owe it to yourself to leave the finest imprint™”.
With that said, I don’t think I’m any closer to writing the great American novel! Maybe that’s because I write non-fiction pieces and have not researched potential markets for some of my material. Or, maybe it’s because the month of June saw me reading avidly, at least two books a week. You might say that’s not a lot but I truly devour words as I read chapter after chapter.. When I get to the end of the book I ask myself would I have ended it that way? Most of the time I have to say NO! And then, I torment myself with how I would end the book.
I think to be a good writer you have to also be a good reader. There are so many authors out there and so many different styles. Characters are also very important to me, including their names. If I can’t associate the name with the character, or the character’s deeds, words, thoughts, then I get frustrated. But that’s fairly rare, whether I read a murder mystery, autobiography, political and religious intrigue/scandals, historical novel, etc..
If the story has truly resonated with me then I like to contact the author, either through their website, publisher, or snail mail and tell them how much I enjoyed their book and ask them if they have another one in the works and when it will be published. Some authors only want to be contacted through their publisher and that’s OK too. But, I do get a thrill when I can contact the author direct and write/ask some questions that may have come up for me when reading the book and they, goodnaturedly, respond.
Once I’ve finished a book I ask friends if they’d like to have it, if not, I put them in a box and haul them off to the local senior center. The senior center is always happy to receive them. Last week I took 15 books to the new senior center in Oceanside, CA. It felt good to recycle something I’ve enjoyed and had a lot of fun hours with..
Local libraries and thrift shops are also a good source to recycle your books. I even buy books from these places and the cycle continues. It helps me to also get rid of some of the clutter even though I have plenty of books and shelves that might say otherwise..
I hope this will encourage you to pass your books along. Meanwhile, keeping up with all my books helps me to think about and write the great American novel!
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© 2010 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 year is certainly flying by with summer now upon us. As many of you know I am passionate about words – both spoken and written. I even coined the phrase “Words are the poetry of the soul. They are as unique as your fingerprints You owe it to yourself to leave the finest imprint™”.
With that said, I don’t think I’m any closer to writing the great American novel! Maybe that’s because I write non-fiction pieces and have not researched potential markets for some of my material. Or, maybe it’s because the month of June saw me reading avidly, at least two books a week. You might say that’s not a lot but I truly devour words as I read chapter after chapter.. When I get to the end of the book I ask myself would I have ended it that way? Most of the time I have to say NO! And then, I torment myself with how I would end the book.
I think to be a good writer you have to also be a good reader. There are so many authors out there and so many different styles. Characters are also very important to me, including their names. If I can’t associate the name with the character, or the character’s deeds, words, thoughts, then I get frustrated. But that’s fairly rare, whether I read a murder mystery, autobiography, political and religious intrigue/scandals, historical novel, etc..
If the story has truly resonated with me then I like to contact the author, either through their website, publisher, or snail mail and tell them how much I enjoyed their book and ask them if they have another one in the works and when it will be published. Some authors only want to be contacted through their publisher and that’s OK too. But, I do get a thrill when I can contact the author direct and write/ask some questions that may have come up for me when reading the book and they, goodnaturedly, respond.
Once I’ve finished a book I ask friends if they’d like to have it, if not, I put them in a box and haul them off to the local senior center. The senior center is always happy to receive them. Last week I took 15 books to the new senior center in Oceanside, CA. It felt good to recycle something I’ve enjoyed and had a lot of fun hours with..
Local libraries and thrift shops are also a good source to recycle your books. I even buy books from these places and the cycle continues. It helps me to also get rid of some of the clutter even though I have plenty of books and shelves that might say otherwise..
I hope this will encourage you to pass your books along. Meanwhile, keeping up with all my books helps me to think about and write the great American novel!
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© 2010 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, May 24, 2010
TOASTMASTERS STRUT THEIR STUFF at LEGOLAND
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Last week I had the privilege of conducting a workshop with two fellow Toastmasters from my club at LegoLand. Following is the report I wrote.
Recently, Tick Talk Toastmaster Club 2113, Carlsbad, CA was contacted by LegoLand to see if they would be interested in conducting a brief presentation on the “Art of Public Speaking” to tsome of their management team. They specifically wanted to know the components of putting together a good speech and the fine points of delivery. They were also interested in how and when to use audio/visual aids effectively.
Three advanced Toastmasters rallied to the occasion: Marc Weyl, who handled the audio/visual portion; Shirley Carolan, who spoke on the importance of good organization and “Substance, Style and Staging;” and, Pat Rarus, who spoke on “How to Use Humor” effectively, and appropriate grammar and word usage! A question and answer session followed each presentation.
If “a picture is worth a thousand words” then Marc Weyl did an outstanding job of designing his slides and using a laptop computer to convey the latest in technology and how to use it effectively.
Shirley Carolan, a freelance writer, well-known for her English accent, captivated the audience with vocal variety, gestures, and enthusiasm.
Pat Rarus, a marketing professional and former English teacher, showed her talent with words, grammar and lively humor.
Thus, each Toastmaster brought something unique to the overall presentation, complementing each other and Tick Talk Toastmasters! They stressed the importance of Toastmasters in their personal and professional lives, what growth they’ve experienced and risks taken as a result of their Toastmaster membership. Pat Rarus gave an overview of what Toastmasters is all about and Shirley Carolan held up “The TOASTMASTER” magazine, highlighting the additional benefits of membership.
All agreed that this was a win-win presentation. LegoLand got to hear presentations from some top-notch Toastmasters, and Tick Talk Toastmasters got a bold opportunity to promote their Club. While this was the first time Toastmasters joined forces to give their all to promoting their Club and increase membership, it certainly won’t be the last!
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© 2010 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 week I had the privilege of conducting a workshop with two fellow Toastmasters from my club at LegoLand. Following is the report I wrote.
Recently, Tick Talk Toastmaster Club 2113, Carlsbad, CA was contacted by LegoLand to see if they would be interested in conducting a brief presentation on the “Art of Public Speaking” to tsome of their management team. They specifically wanted to know the components of putting together a good speech and the fine points of delivery. They were also interested in how and when to use audio/visual aids effectively.
Three advanced Toastmasters rallied to the occasion: Marc Weyl, who handled the audio/visual portion; Shirley Carolan, who spoke on the importance of good organization and “Substance, Style and Staging;” and, Pat Rarus, who spoke on “How to Use Humor” effectively, and appropriate grammar and word usage! A question and answer session followed each presentation.
If “a picture is worth a thousand words” then Marc Weyl did an outstanding job of designing his slides and using a laptop computer to convey the latest in technology and how to use it effectively.
Shirley Carolan, a freelance writer, well-known for her English accent, captivated the audience with vocal variety, gestures, and enthusiasm.
Pat Rarus, a marketing professional and former English teacher, showed her talent with words, grammar and lively humor.
Thus, each Toastmaster brought something unique to the overall presentation, complementing each other and Tick Talk Toastmasters! They stressed the importance of Toastmasters in their personal and professional lives, what growth they’ve experienced and risks taken as a result of their Toastmaster membership. Pat Rarus gave an overview of what Toastmasters is all about and Shirley Carolan held up “The TOASTMASTER” magazine, highlighting the additional benefits of membership.
All agreed that this was a win-win presentation. LegoLand got to hear presentations from some top-notch Toastmasters, and Tick Talk Toastmasters got a bold opportunity to promote their Club. While this was the first time Toastmasters joined forces to give their all to promoting their Club and increase membership, it certainly won’t be the last!
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© 2010 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, May 21, 2010
A TOASTMASTER’S BIRTHDAY!
by Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
It’s not always possible to spend our birthday with our family. So, the next best thing is to spend it with supportive friends. I feel so blessed to have the friends I do both within and outside Toastmasters International.
Thursday was my birthday and it started with a bang! I opened my front door to walk my little Shih-Tzu and there was this beautiful card from a neighbor wishing me well. As I returned home, another neighbor dropped by with a lovely gift with writing on the outside of the bag “Fabulous You!” Besides the lovely gift was the smallest birthday cake I’d ever seen with a beautiful gold bow flowing from it!
Later, a Toastmaster friend dropped by with a Happy Birthday balloon and a super card. Since Thursday night is my regular Toastmaster Club meeting night, in Carlsbad, CA and I was the Table Topics Master for the evening, I knew I would be with great company to celebrate this birthday.
At the intermission they wheeled out this magnificent, iced, birthday cake! They presented it to me with a birthday card signed by everyone! Who could ask for more? Well, would you believe they insisted I take home the small piece that was left. I didn’t have to be asked twice.
Throughout the evening, various dignitaries mentioned some tidbits they’d found out about me to share with the audience, through my blogs and website! I was tickled. It felt like a jolly good roasting!
Yes, this was one undeniably special birthday shared with some very special people and friends. Here’s to many more!
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© 2010 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’s not always possible to spend our birthday with our family. So, the next best thing is to spend it with supportive friends. I feel so blessed to have the friends I do both within and outside Toastmasters International.
Thursday was my birthday and it started with a bang! I opened my front door to walk my little Shih-Tzu and there was this beautiful card from a neighbor wishing me well. As I returned home, another neighbor dropped by with a lovely gift with writing on the outside of the bag “Fabulous You!” Besides the lovely gift was the smallest birthday cake I’d ever seen with a beautiful gold bow flowing from it!
Later, a Toastmaster friend dropped by with a Happy Birthday balloon and a super card. Since Thursday night is my regular Toastmaster Club meeting night, in Carlsbad, CA and I was the Table Topics Master for the evening, I knew I would be with great company to celebrate this birthday.
At the intermission they wheeled out this magnificent, iced, birthday cake! They presented it to me with a birthday card signed by everyone! Who could ask for more? Well, would you believe they insisted I take home the small piece that was left. I didn’t have to be asked twice.
Throughout the evening, various dignitaries mentioned some tidbits they’d found out about me to share with the audience, through my blogs and website! I was tickled. It felt like a jolly good roasting!
Yes, this was one undeniably special birthday shared with some very special people and friends. Here’s to many more!
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© 2010 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, April 30, 2010
THE TOASTMASTER MAGAZINE
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
This may sound like a pitch for Toastmasters International and that’s OK with me. I’ve been a member of this prestigious organization since 1981, having joined in the San Francisco Bay Area. Folks, that’s 29 years of wonderful association and it has been one of two constants in my life since that time. It has been both a lifesaver and a catalyst for personal and professional growth!
Today, instead of just promoting this organization I’d like to express my deep gratitude for its wonderful, glossy, informative magazine. I believe this magazine is the unsung hero of our membership even today! I think Forbes, Smithsonian, Entrepreneur would envy its world-wide distribution and readership.
But don’t just take my word for it. Please visit the Toastmaster’s International HQ in Rancho Santa Margarita. Guided tours are available daily from 9-4 PM. More information is available at: www.toastmaster.org. or (949-858-8255). When I took my family for a visit they were amazed at the plethora of information and help there. I was both overjoyed and overcome when I saw our beautiful glossy magazine neatly stacked for shipment to countries all over the world, (106 countries to be exact) in Spanish, French, English, German, Italian, Japanese! It was an awesome sight and I felt proud to be associated not only with a wonderful organization, but also this wonderful magazine.
Whether you aspire to become a professional speaker, or are a manager, supervising others, in sales or marketing, “The Toastmaster” magazine has worthy information in each issue that will benefit your professional and personal life! It keeps up with the latest in technology, trends, and language.
Members seem to take this magazine for granted but if you can get your hands on a copy of one you will appreciate and understand why I feel so strongly and positively about it. In fact, you will 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© 2010 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 may sound like a pitch for Toastmasters International and that’s OK with me. I’ve been a member of this prestigious organization since 1981, having joined in the San Francisco Bay Area. Folks, that’s 29 years of wonderful association and it has been one of two constants in my life since that time. It has been both a lifesaver and a catalyst for personal and professional growth!
Today, instead of just promoting this organization I’d like to express my deep gratitude for its wonderful, glossy, informative magazine. I believe this magazine is the unsung hero of our membership even today! I think Forbes, Smithsonian, Entrepreneur would envy its world-wide distribution and readership.
But don’t just take my word for it. Please visit the Toastmaster’s International HQ in Rancho Santa Margarita. Guided tours are available daily from 9-4 PM. More information is available at: www.toastmaster.org. or (949-858-8255). When I took my family for a visit they were amazed at the plethora of information and help there. I was both overjoyed and overcome when I saw our beautiful glossy magazine neatly stacked for shipment to countries all over the world, (106 countries to be exact) in Spanish, French, English, German, Italian, Japanese! It was an awesome sight and I felt proud to be associated not only with a wonderful organization, but also this wonderful magazine.
Whether you aspire to become a professional speaker, or are a manager, supervising others, in sales or marketing, “The Toastmaster” magazine has worthy information in each issue that will benefit your professional and personal life! It keeps up with the latest in technology, trends, and language.
Members seem to take this magazine for granted but if you can get your hands on a copy of one you will appreciate and understand why I feel so strongly and positively about it. In fact, you will 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© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
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