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.

CONVALESCING IN STYLE!

BY SHIRLEY M. CAROLAN, ATM-G

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.