THANKSGIVING …

By Shirley M. Carolan

November has got to be one of my favorite times of the year. We are so blessed here in Southern California to have great weather – usually sunshine, making it possible and inviting to visit the wonderful Pacific Ocean and stroll along the beach dressed in summer duds. I’ve forgotten what it was like to live in cold New York all those years.

It’s interesting how different climates celebrate holidays differently. I used to look forward to watching the Macy’s Day Parade, rain or shine, but now, I can enjoy it on television from miles away and then head for the beach .,,

This year I have much to be thankful for, I’ve gained new friends, survived 10 days in hospital with pneumonia and now am healing from shingles. Gradually my health has improved. I’ve just started physical therapy twice weekly through the end of January to help rebuild strength in my muscles, back, stomach, legs, so that I can learn to walk upright instead of hunched forward parallel with the sidewalk. Eventually, I expect to be able to walk 2-4 miles a day again!

This Thanksgiving I spent with a special friend who took me to many doctors appointments when I could not drive. It was very festive, beautifully decorated and welcoming. I was even told to bring my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy with me. This meant the world to me. When it was time to come home she packed me up with enough goodies to last a week.

November is also a special time to take advantage of the many bargains in Dept. stores, etc. I never thought I would succumb to this folly but when I saw that “Michael Brothers” was having terrific art sales, on just about everything in the store I couldn’t resist. My eyes spotted a wood box table easel for $79.99 on sale for $29.99 and if you purchased it before 12 noon on Friday, there was a coupon for 25% off your entire purchase, making this wonderful easel only $22.50! What a steal!! I couldn’t resist and could hardly wait for morning to arrive. Of course, once in the store there were other art supplies I thought I needed and with that precious 25% off the total purchase price who could resist?

I came proudly home with my purchases and immediately set up my new easel and started painting in earnest. I painted for two hours before I realized how tired I was. Today, I’m paying the price for all that activity but it was well worth the “stretch.”

During my illnesses this year I’ve missed my oil painting lessons, visits to galleries, whimsical assignments and of course, my classmates. I couldn’t even hold a brush to a canvas I was so weak or in pain when I did. But, lately I’ve started to finish canvases from bygone days and it’s been a blessing as well as very therapeutic!

My other favorite activity is public speaking and my Toastmaster Club. I rejoined it two weeks ago and I am thrilled to be a part of this vital organization again! It keeps me on my toes mentally and I love the interaction with other members! I think I’ll post the recap of our last meeting next.

Before I forget, Thanksgiving Day has special significance for my family and I. On November 27, 1947 my father, mother, twin brother and I boarded the SS AMERICA at Southampton, England and emigrated to the United States. It was Thanksgiving Day that year! Wow, that was 62 years ago!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everybody!

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

PSYCHIC FAIRE - CARLSBAD

by Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

Last weekend the Psychic & Holistic Living Expo opened in Carlsbad. If you missed it you missed a wonderful opportunity to learn, interact and buy from many vendors displaying gem stones, jewelry, geodes, clothing, also psychic readings, aura photos, singing crystal bowls, several healing modalities, mini-seminars on many topics where questions were invited, etc. But, don’t worry it will come again next spring to Carlsbad.

I spent the afternoon there and had a fabulous time! I bought three semi-precious stones, two books, had a psychic reading, and an energy healing!! That’s a lot of mischief for one afternoon. Also, I met some old friends there too.

It was a smaller Fair with new vendors. The young couple I bought the gemstones from are from London, England (Hampstead) the same area of London as me!! Jeremy heard me talking about shingles and checked his book and suggested a stone, Fluorite, noted for its powers to help heal infections, cells, bones, DNA damage, etc. which I bought. This wonderful stone is also effective against computer and electromagnetic stress.

Next, I bought some Labradorite, a stone of transformation. Lastly, I bought a piece of Selenite – it cleans/clears stones, negative energy, and stimulates physical healing, etc. It will also clean my entire collection of stones, especially of any negative energies. Since I am out of sage sprigs Selenite will be a great substitute to use! You can find out more by going to www.energygems.com . I wanted to spend more time at this booth but the Faire had so much to see and hear that I finally bid a fond adieu.

There a many folks giving different psychic readings at these fairs but I’ve always thought the energy from so many attendees could affect the reading. But this Sunday, the noise level and shoppers seemed much more subdued. Hence, on stopping at a booth in a great location I decided to bite the bullet and treat myself to a reading by Angela, The reading was most interesting and it will be a pleasure to see what manifests! What I liked about Angela is that she does not go by the clock, (as so many psychics do) rather she takes her time, asks questions, and is very easy to talk to. Angela’s website is being revamped but she can be reached at: (949) 350-5369.

Interestingly, she said Jakey (my little Pug/Terrier) was my husband in another lifetime. Perhaps that’s why I wrote a book about him and all the lessons in life that he taught me. Today marks the 7th anniversary of his passing.

Next, I had a wonderful Chinese Yuen healing session with the Rev. Marcella Jones. She is a certified Yuen practitioner of the Yuen Method of Chinese Energetics. I’ve known Rev. Marcella for many years. We had a great visit and I truly appreciated her generosity if spending time with me and giving a healing. She goes from the cellular to the quantum level. (That should help my shingles which is now in its 10th week!). Rev. Marcella has a very busy schedule and can be reached at: 619)283-4782.

Since I am an avid book reader and collector I couldn’t leave the Faire without looking over the array of books they had, all I might add at 50% off! After much soul searching (no pun intended) I bought two books: “Tarot Journaling” by Carrine Kenner (who uses the Celtic cross to unveil your hidden story). The title interested me because I read the Tarot and also present seminars on “Journaling For Success!” Coincidence? Methinks not. Carrine’s lived in Brazil, the twin cities of Minnesota, and now the Midwest. I also noted that she got her BA from CSU Long Beach.

The other book that fascinated me is “The Standing Stones Speak,” by Natasha Hoffman and Hamilton Hill. After visiting Stonehenge, England in 1996, I’ve had an on-going interest in the true meaning of Stonehenge and other monolithic stones throughout the world. This book was written through channeled writing and is very metaphysical. According to its authors, “It unifies the underlying wisdom of Christianity, Buddhism, and the Sufis. It interprets the lives of the great teachers and recounts the dark history of Atlantis…..”

All in all, a wonderful afternoon spent seeing and learning new thoughts and ideas. These are just a few highlights of the Faire. I even got in free because I downloaded a guest pass which they emailed me. For more information on this wonderful event and other cities where they go contact Dean at www.HolisticLivingExpo.com. Hope to see you next Spring in Carlsbad !

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer●Speaker●Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.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.

“HAPPINESS IS … “

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Happiness, or success, means different things to different people and that’s OK. But, little did I realize I would ever equate doing humdrum housework with happiness!! Nay, success!

As many of you know, on August 17, 2009 I broke out in hundreds of brown lesions down my back, half way across my waist, and up over my right breast. I was horrified because I’d never seen anything like it. A week prior, I had felt a “strangling” sensation in my lungs like someone was crushing me to death. On August 14 x-rays gave a different diagnosis. Then on August 18, my doctor finally confirmed I had shingles!

Perhaps you’re bored by hearing this, but nine (9) weeks later I am still suffering the horrible burning/itching and soreness that this disease inflicts 24/7 on its victims. Tomorrow, October 20 I see a nerve specialist to see if he can numb the nerves in my back! I sure hope so because enough is enough!

If you are over 60 I highly urge you to get the “shingles vaccine.” I was offered it earlier this year by my doctor but declined thinking I’d never get that disease! This is one disease you don’t want to get.

Back to my story. Last Thursday, I was determined to do some menial housework like washing my kitchen and bathroom floors! They had not been done since just before my illness and I was ashamed of how dirty they were. (These floors are very tiny, maybe the size of a postage stamp). Nevertheless, it proved a real challenge for me. Also, I had to bend down and lift “stuff” off the floors that I had not been able to put away. Anytime I tried to bend down to pick something up I was in excruciating pain and had to give up!

What would normally take me about 30-45 minutes took me a few hours ... I could not keep my oxygen tank on because it was too heavy. Fortunately, I used a product called “mop and glow” that did not require any rinsing after applying and also leaves a nice shine. After cleaning a few squares of linoleum I had to sit down and rest. Hence, it prolonged the project. But my elation upon completion and the sense of true accomplishment were exhilarating!

Now, I go into my kitchen or bathroom and just look at the floors. I am thrilled to see them so clean. And, the beauty is that I did it myself for myself! Nothing can replace the feeling of satisfaction you get when you know you’re not a victim of circumstances! That you can take care of yourself regardless of the situation, even if it may take a little longer..

I forgot to mention that I also vacuumed my living room and dining area same day. Again, I had to take it in stages but it eventually got done.

When somebody comes to visit me now, I am not ashamed if they use the bathroom, or I go into my kitchen and offer them a cup of tea. Ah yes, happiness or success is being able to take care of yourself in your own home when you have the strength and willingness to try.

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.

QUIGONG TO THE RESCUE!

bY Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

It is hard for me to believe that I am coming to the end of my 5th week with Shingles!! I don’t ever remember ever having such a debilitating disease, and, it certainly can’t be compared with the Chicken Pox I had as a child. While many of the lesions have healed many still have not, which means I still experience periodic stabbing pain and incessant itching and a terrible burning sensation.

However, I took advantage of another, wonderful, long distance (free) healing session with Michael Mohoric on September 13. As the session began, I felt a warmth start in my feet, up my legs, and through the rest of my body. It’s remarkable, when you think that for days my feet had been ice cold, especially at nght. But I was either too tired, or too lazy, to get up and put socks on!.

Gradually, I became aware that the incessant itching and burning that I experience 24/7 had lifted. I was amazed and in awe of this revelation. I had not been free of these symptoms for a month, they were my constant companions, and now I sensed an unusual freedom from them. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, it had been so long since I felt like a normal person. Shingles had taken over my life! My body still looks hideous from the lesions, and I don’t know how much scarring will remain.

However, I still have occasional bursts of pain, burning, and itching, but nothing like the 24/7 symptoms I am used to experiencing. My doctor said I had a virulent case of Shingles and now I believe her.

Today, I am grateful I can drive my own car anywhere! I can shop for groceries on my own, and take myself off to doctors’ appointments, etc. Over the weekend, I even did laundry for the first time in 6 weeks! And, I sat at my easel and dabbled with my oil paints for about 2 hours! Something I’ve not done in months. I still get very fatigued after a couple of hours even though I’m on oxygen 24/7. But now I am listening to my body and not my head!
Gradually, I am getting my life back together but I need a lot of patience too. Maybe that’s my lesson to learn.

Meanwhile, if you would like more information about Quigong and the wonderful sessions Michael Mohoric conducts, please visit his website to learn more: www.qigongenergyhealing.com, or email him at mohoric9@gmail.com. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you, especially if you’ve ever had Shingles or have some good home remedies for 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© 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.

THANK GOD FOR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

As many of you know, I’ve just completed my 5th week of suffering the agonies of Shingles! Mercifully, I’ve turned the corner of this debilitating disease. While I still experience the occasional stabbing pains and incessant itching, it has lessened considerably in intensity and duration! For that, I am most grateful. To say that my personality has suffered is putting it mildly! My little dog no longer recognizes or listens to me! She sees me as some out of control moaning monster. Little does she know she is responsible for my even getting out of bed every day! Hence, she’s become a big part of my recovery.

But, I am also very grateful to friends and neighbors who rallied behind me and offered many services and help, e.g., driving me to doctor’s appointments, x-rays, lab work, etc., picking up prescriptions, driving me to the supermarket when I could stand long enough while clutching on to a cart for balance; others brought me home made soups, dinners and desserts! I am so blessed to have these folks in my life and hereby thank them again: Willeen Hassler, Darlene Siddons, Bev Hodges, Judy Carlisto, Barbara Cornell and Rudy, Louis and Bob Tharp, Gail Stillman and Bergie and Jack McClendon, to name a few. You all brought joy and hope into my life.

Today, I’m listening to my body and not my head! If I feel tired I will rest until I can carry on again. This week marked some precious milestones for me. I was able to drive myself to my doctor’s office and took my little dog with me. The freedom I felt was wonderful! On Friday, I got out my oil paints and some canvases and started painting again! While it only lasted 2 hours, it felt good to use my hands again. Saturday, I did my first laundry in 6 weeks – tons of sheets, towels, pillowcases, etc. Prior to this, I couldn’t even bend down to pick up a dropped pen or pencil I was in too much pain. I couldn’t even pick up the laundry it felt so heavy. While it might seem trivial to some, it’s a major milestone for me.

Each day brings me more independence, increasing good health, and gratitude for everyone and everything in my life. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who prayed for me! The power of prayer is well known and the results are unmistakable!

Ciao,


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

SHINGLES? WHAT’S THAT YOU’VE GOT?

By Shirley M. Carolan


As summer comes to a roaring end I, too, feel like I’m going up in flames and itching. I thought shingles was for young people, not senior citizens like me! I can’t repeat what the last two weeks have been like – agony, the tortures of the damned! Why try to be poetic about it, it’s been pure hell.

Yes, I’ve been under a bit of stress but this is ridiculous. Who doesn’t have some stress today? What started out as excruciating chest pains, like someone was turning my lungs inside out finally evolved into a full blown case of shingles! Ugly brown blisters that itched and burned simultaneously.

Be compassionate to anyone you know with this illness. It is not for cissies. I’ve not felt like cooking or eating so my doctor suggested I buy “Ensure” a drink with lots of vitamins, etc. If you can take your friend with shingles a home cooked meal, by all means do so. You will be reaped with eternal gratitude. Better yet, if you can walk the person’s dog, by all means offer. My little Shih-Tzu just doesn’t understand. I try to explain it to her but she just looks at me with those big brown eyes and cocks her head.

Just as I was getting ready for teaching my classes “Journaling for Success” and “The Dynamics of Goal Setting” at the new Oceanside Senior Center I get hit with this. This week should see a turning point in my battle with shingles!

Meanwhile, please keep me in your prayers! Thanks.

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© 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.

QIGONG ENERGY HEALING

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

Little did I realize there can be wonderful healing benefits from using alternative medicines. Traditional medicine does its best trying to heal our bodies and minds. We learn to accept and live with a diagnosis handed down by our doctors and specialists. It’s almost like we are a nation of sheep when we go in for the final diagnosis to a baffling illness, and blindly accept the prognosis!

I remember vividly how I felt on July 9, 2009 as I left the pulmonary specialist’s office in Encinitas, CA with his verdict ringing in my ears … I felt devastated, almost worthless! He told me I had emphysema and would need to be on oxygen for the rest of my life. Plus, I would have to continue both high powered, high priced medications daily. Seeing my distress, he said “Well, at least it’s not cancer!” That did little to improve my mood.

I stood outside his office door unable to move. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I tried to console myself that I had had a "good innings” as they say in England! After all, I was 76 years old and should be grateful for all the things I had accomplished… Then it dawned on me that I am a survivor. I had survived the Battle of Britain and came to America with my parents and twin brother to start a new life.

Then, a poignant memory flooded back to me from Spring 1981 when a doctor informed me “I can’t help you. You are an alcoholic. I’m sending you to AA. Frankly, you’re too sophisticated for them but I don’t know where else to send you!” Little did he or I know what I survivor I am. I took his diagnosis on the chin, went to an AA meeting and have been clean and sober by the grace of God for 28 years!

Hence, with that powerful memory and strong determination, I thought to myself “Doctor, thank you for sharing (your opinion) but you don’t know me. I’m going to beat this rap!” That’s when I got an email from Michael Mohoric advising or another, free, Qigong Energy Healing session on Sunday, July 19, 2009. I was besides myself with joy! I immediately contacted Michael and told him what my latest medical prognosis was and how I wanted to beat this rap!

Folks, without going into a lot of detail, MIRACLES are happening in my life! Each day brings new support and wondrous healing! I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Michael and his Qigong Energy Healing methods, as well as other holistic modalities that I use. If you would like to learn more about Qigong and its wonderful healing properties, please check out Michael’s website: http://www.qigongenergyhealing.com, or email him at mohoric9@gmail.com.

Feel free to leave me a comment.

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