THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT ….

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

There’s something about being called, or named, a “National Treasure,” as I was recently, that changes the dynamics of how one lives one’s life, perceives their fellow man, and gets to eradicate all negative behavior … or, at least decide if the ego is right, and reward it! H’m, how can that be?

Since this is a new phenomenon to me, I am intrigued by what I am discovering about myself. The “national treasure” bit is starting to sink in! After all, one must be at least in their 70s to be even considered for such a noble title! . Furthermore, one must at least have a modicum of sensory acuity, as my dear friend, Tony Robbins, would say. And, one must be willing to say “NO” when appropriate, not buy into other’s treatment of you and above all get rid of the need to major in minor matters! Wow, all this from just once being called an “NT!” .

Quirky as that may seem, that’s what I’m discovering on a daily basis! For example, before being called an “NT” I would rise to the bait if I heard something unsavory being said about me or someone else. Now, it seems I’m getting dozens of emails telling me to vote NO for Governor Sarah Palin, even before the election. I truly do not like being told what to do! I am quite capable of making up my own mind, especially with politics, without succumbing to being a sheep!

Another huge benefit of being called an “NT” is that I don’t have to fall into someone else’s agenda for my life. If someone reneges on something they told me earlier I don’t get into a snit anymore. Instead, I stop and ask myself “How would a “National Treasure” handle this!? Sometimes the answer surprises me! The end result is I get to see how much I’ve let my ego control my life! This is the latest in behavior modification!

How about you? Even if you’re not yet an “NT” how do you live your life? If you’re not sure how often you let your ego rule you, try Journaling the next time you are faced with an important decision!

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets.

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© 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.

YOU’RE A NATIONAL TREASURE!

By Shirley M. Carolan

Recently I addressed the Women’s Aviara Club in Carlsbad, California. The original invitation was for March but unfortunately I had a nasty accident where I “kissed the ground” again and ended up with a fractured nose, and multiple cuts and bruises, resulting in my looking like a giant panda, and having to cancel the engagement.

Last week when I arrived at the speaking engagement facility I discovered to my horror that I had left all my notes behind! My first reaction was akin to panic, even though I had rehearsed repeatedly that day, and even days before, what I was going to say. Next, I told myself to stay calm because I had a good message to deliver, and a nice gift for them.

As their business meeting progressed, I quickly made some notes of the key points and stories I wanted to cover. Fortunately, I had arrived early, and had spoken to several women before things got underway and who warmed up to me when I told them who I was. When they heard the title of my speech was “Life Is A Firewalk” they were even more intrigued.

Once I was introduced by the president, Nancy Conti, (an introduction I had written earlier for her) my adrenalin, and 27 years ooastmasters International experience kicked in! I was able to tie in how my first firewalk, in 1989, with Tony Robbins changed my life! I was 56 years old at the time. I explained how we all have a “firewalk” to overcome in our lives, whether that be the loss of a relationship, family member, job, home, pet, etc. That then becomes our “story.”

Our “story” becomes how we live our lives! The stories I selected to share were powerful and personal: the women in jail that I taught and got permission from the Sheriff’s Dept., ROP, and the San Mateo County Bd. Of Education, to teach some Tony Robbins skills. How we can live in two different time zones simultaneously, as I did when my family and I emigrated from England to the United States but I left one foot back in England and only had one foot here! How living in the past can zap our energy and impede us from living life fully! I think you get the message.

I did not hold back anything that I felt would serve the goal of showing these women how to overcome any adversity that life throws us. I explained how “Journalling” has helped me to overcome many adversities, including loss of a job, a fractured back, and an escalating mortgage all in the same year! I shared who my heroes are and why I enjoy teaching “Journaling for Success” workshops.

Right in the middle of my presentation a woman yelled out “You’re a National Treasure!” Now I know I’m only 75 years old but I’ve never been called a “National Treasure!” This woman inadvertently made my day! They loved it when they found out I had a website and two blogs, they I’m an avid oil painter and pet lover. As a result, I am mulling over my priorities. Have I missed my calling?

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© 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.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND - Art Festival

by Shirley M. Carolan

Here are just two of the oil paintings I exhibited at the recent Village Faire Art Festival over the Labor Day weekend. Once I get the hang of it I will post a few more.

Also, I am planning for next year's Art Festival because I know this will become an annual event!

LABOR DAY ART FESTIVAL

By Shirley M. Carolan

The VILLAGE FAIRE ART FESTIVAL, co-sponsored by the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL), held their first Annual Labor Day weekend Art Festival. Along with a collection of area artists, I exhibited several of my oil paintings, displaying some on my new outdoor, tripod easel, which my nephew bought me. I’ve been trying to get them from my digital camera to here, but have run into a glitch.

The Festival was actually 2 days, although I only participated on the Saturday. What a fun way to spend a holiday weekend ... sharing something you love, ART, with others. The weather was balmy, the air was festive, the music was delightful, and tourists and residents were out in droves! We had different musical groups playing throughout each day.

A highlight of the event was a live model dressed in colorful clothes, who posed for us during the afternoon. She was magnificent in the various poses and held our attention. There’s something challenging and unique about drawing the human figure. I used pencil, others used crayons, charcoal, watercolors and even acrylics. I was so enrapt in my drawings that I hated to see the day end. When I showed my drawings to my Mira Costa College Art Teacher, Sally Pearce, she encouraged me to draw a face of someone every day to improve my perceptions of depth, size, features, composition. You know what? I am loving it and don’t know why I’ve not done this sooner! I just did a drawing of LaDamion Tomlinson from a huge newspaper photo and may exhibit it.

Folks, the Festival had something for everyone: children, adults, seniors, residents, visitors, artists of all kinds, and, of course, musicians. It was such a resounding success that I am sure it will become an annual affair. If you missed it, mark your calendars now for next Labor Day weekend! Not only will you enjoy Art, but also the quaint restaurants, shops, and festive atmosphere! The Village Faire Shopping Center is located at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad , CA.

I look forward to meeting you and seeing you there next 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.