Saturday, July 4, 2015

My Big News...

Hi all,

I have big (and maybe sad) news. I've been contemplating this move for a while. I am moving my blog to wordpress. Blogger has been really good to me and I am very grateful for the platform for the past 8 years, but the time has come for me to try new things.

I've had soo much fun sharing and engaging with you all and I thank you for your loyal support. I am inviting you to join me at my new home on this new journey. All my old posts will be available at this new space. You can find me here: Thinking out Loud

Thank you, thank you...Thank YOU!

See you soon!


Peace & Love,
Carolyn xo

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Book Launch Memories 2015

The big day has come and gone and I still can't believe it. I'm sort of writing less now...how ironic is that? Not that I've been resting...far from it...so much to do still and plan. I've been dropping off books at the various bookshops and meeting with the folks at the library, planning other book signings and presentations, doing my PR and tying up loose ends before I head over to the sister-isle.

I could not have had a better group of speakers: everyone was so witty and made me sound like a charming, fun loving person (that always gets her way!) My master of ceremonies, Avolon did an excellent job of adding a personal touch to the event with her poise and animated stories of our memories together. She connected all the dots as persons saw beyond the words and got to know a little more about the author. I found myself laughing and smiling and very honoured to have her as a friend as I realized how deep our friendship ran.

Marie-Ella's invocation was beautiful and pure and set the tone for the event. I've only known her a few months and she really came through for me as a beta reader and even accompanied me to Tobago in March and was there every step of the way throughout this process. I am forever grateful.

And Patrice!! oh em gee....Patrice!! She brought the house down as everyone now wants her to do a CD! The tribute to my Dad was beautiful...Wind Beneath My Wings brought tears to my mother's eyes and what the songstress said in between sets tugged at my heart strings...her original Jazz composition was incredible beyond words, so much so, 2 days later people are still talking about it! I love you dear girl...your talent and sincerity will take you to places beyond your wildest dreams.

Patricia (my editor) ...was funny as hay and added the realism to the book....both her and Marsha (my reviewer) made me sound so good...even I had to step back and really listen as I recalled the content of my book and how far I've journeyed! I feel so blessed to have them as part of my celebration and journey.

Nadia and Yohann! Wonderful, dramatic and captivating readings that made you visualize the road I just travelled. Thank you! I even got lost in a time warp as I listened. Yohann also a beta reader and my marketing support and advisor throughout this experience...you are a true gem. Nadia my true blue...no matter what, you've always stuck at my side. Words can't do justice to express my appreciation. 

Finally Bianca was the icing on the cake to seal the deal and tie all of the elements together as she recalled my development through the years in her closing remarks. I remember laughing out loud at 2 o'clock in the morning as I remembered some of things she said! 

My remarks which came before allowed me to connect with my audience and I couldn't believe it when people started to laugh at my jokes! lolol...My heart is soo full right now, I feel any minute now little multi-coloured hearts could burst from my chest! I am thinking of posting that speech to my blog for persons who couldn't be there.

I truly wish I could have recorded the event, but I will not dwell. I am thankful for the memories and the picture slideshow made me remember by Dad who inspired this book. I hope he was there in spirit.

I am still amazed at how well the launch turned out, after freaking out for so many weeks and months. Of course this took months of planning and research and I am thankful that I have friends who were willing to help. I just told someone tonight if I could have seen into the future I would have invited TV to cover the event. I am however glad that some media showed up. Oh, well there's always next time lol. 

Most of all I am happy for all the people that showed up to support me and also help on the day. That means the world to me. Persons who have attended, expressed delight for their experience on the day, even saying they were inspired to start their own business or take their existing business to the next level. How about that!? It is a deeply moving and humbling experience to know that my book (and launch) could have that effect! 

Yet I still have doubts from time to time...so I may have to re-read my book! I will stay committed to seeing this through to the end this time. All I have to do is look at the pictures and remember the love. 

Special thank you to NALIS for coming out on a Sunday!
The media: The Newsday, Deborah John and Verdel at the Express
My old boss lady who was the chief cook and bottle washer on the day lol aka Aunty Marion
Ishah Pereira
Nadia Thompson-Grandison
Sherry Ann Lee
Marie-Ella Williams
Yohann Sambrano
My photographer - Neville Alexander
My caterer Natasha Cooper
Dr. Basil Springer and his wife Judy for coming
My two author friends Maxine and Akosua 
RIK, The Book Sauce, Metropolitan and Charran's St. James

And everyone in between!


Peace & Love

Hope you enjoy the pics...You can view more via this link: https://www.facebook.com/CarolynCorreiaAuthor?pnref=story














Saturday, June 27, 2015

The Eve of The Big Day

I've been sleeping quite a bit. Today is the eve of my book launch of How To Find Yourself & Claim What's Yours! It's been a long journey but I am glad the day has finally come to celebrate all my hard work. It was exhausting but so worth it! 

This week in particular has been gruelling. I almost feel like I am planning a mini-wedding! Finalizing the artwork for the banner and programme, collecting the banner, table cloths, bookmarks, writing scripts, liaising with speakers, getting my press stuff organized, co-ordinating willing volunteers, getting my dress (yes!) and soo much more. Today was a rest day and I have to leave it all up to God now for the details to be worked out.

Tomorrow we'll see how things turn out. I am glad for all the stars to be aligning in my favour. I am looking forward to reaping the fruits of my labour.

Special thank you for those angels that surround me in human form. I will remember you always.

Stay tuned.

Till next time.

Peace & Love xo

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

This Is All I Know

I attempted to write this blog several times, but have no reasonable explanation why I haven't until now. I tried to contain my excitement after sharing it with a few, but I am here to tell you the reason for my smile.
photo credit - Percy Parker-Williams
2015. All rights reserved.

Last Thursday 18th June, I delivered a presentation to one the local chapters of our Rotary Club on "How To Live Your Best Life: What Will Matter Most When Your Best Years Are Behind You." I did not anticipate the response received. 

I always read about (motivational) speakers wowing their audiences and while I think I am not quite there yet. I was blown away by the comments made after and during the talk. One gentleman to the back even gave me a "thumbs up" lol as I told my stories. I even got a few laughs!

I remember attending a conference last year at the Carlton Savannah hotel facilitated by Robert Garcia of SHRM international. That day HR was the most exciting thing for me, as he used several anecdotes to paint a picture and make his subject matter come to life. It was real life storytelling at its best.

I remember driving him back to his hotel and telling him that I wish I could do what he did. The thing is, I didn't even try to on purpose, one day (and that day was Thursday), it just happened! How about that?

Persons came up to me afterwards saying that they enjoyed the talk and could identify. It was a humbling experience to hear them say what I shared struck a chord with them, some also wanted to find out how to find their purpose and get my book to help their children! Incredible.

It was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. I thought nothing could top the feeling when I addressed students (teachers and parents) at the graduation ball of my Alma Mater years ago or even when I addressed college students at Eastfield College in Dallas, but I was wrong. It keeps getting better.

Sometimes I think to myself that I am doing "too much" and I feel a bit guilty or bad about sharing my accomplishments/passion/joy with others, but then I remember something my author colleague Akosua Dardaine Edwards said at her book launch a few months ago: 

"Don't little yourself for anyone....don't dim your light. You are meant to shine. Why we like to little ourselves to make others feel better?" I thought about this for quite some time and I always remember it whenever I try to withhold my sparkle and passion for life. 

Something my other author friend said rings true when we sat down for dinner a year ago when I moved back home from Tobago: "Others think that I am doing so much, but this is the only way I know." To this I said with a nod and an excited glimmer of relief and empathy in my eyes: "I feel the same way."

Maxine and Akosua are my role models for where I want to go with my writing and speaking career. I am not anywhere near where I think I can become. The sky is the limit. I will try my best not to "little myself" and as the famous (former) Calypsonian Chris "Tambu" Herbert once said: "The journey now start!!!!"

Thank you very much for all the support thus far. The hits, the thank you's, the encouragement, the comments, the advice and most of all for just being there.

One more thing before I go, I wish to say thanks to Dr. Basil Springer for this wonderful mention of me in the Barbados Advocate today in his column: Serious Business: Are We Doing Our Best? http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=columnists&NewsID=44123 . 

I am humbled and deeply grateful! Abundant blessings to you!

You can find him on www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com

The countdown is on to my book launch!

Peace & Love!

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Happy Father's Day


Tribute to all Dads, especially my Dad and all those who play that role

He…

Gives you the best advice without even asking what the problem is


Taught you how to ride a bike and drive

Beautiful flowers in our garden just for you Dad!
Is the best storyteller and comedian of all time
Knows when you need a hug or a good laugh
Knows how to fix most things around the house and taught you what you know about positive and negative in a battery pole
Can be counted on to find a solution to any problem
Taught you the value of a dollar and the importance of saving for a rainy day
Makes the best sugar cake and punches in the world
Knows how to keep the peace
Dad we love and thank you ♥♥♥
Excerpt from Thinking out Loud - Chapter 3. 

Thursday, June 18, 2015

My Book is Now Live on Amazon!

It's remarkable what a difference a day can make. I had the most incredible day delivering a presentation to one of the local chapters of our Rotary Club. 

The response I received gave a soothing sense of fulfilment which is exactly what I spoke about in my talk entitled: "How to Live Your Best Life: What Will Matter Most to You When Your Best Years are Behind You." 

The feeling was describable and I will talk more about this in a subsequent blog.

Tonight I announce that my book is now LIVE on Amazon! LIVE! It will be made to pre-order and released in early July. 

As the reviews filter in, you can feel free to review the preview and make your own decisions about what you read. 

If you would like to pre-order your copy now and have Amazon notify you when it's released, please follow this link:




Peace & Love,
Carolyn!


Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Sometimes Age Is Just a Number!

A friend said something interesting to me tonight. While I can't repeat it, I will say this. The strength of a friendship has nothing to do with age, or how frequent you speak to each other or even if waters or distance separates you. 

I told her we don't lime (trini for hang out) or even speak often, yet we have this deep unspoken connection that bridges all gaps. She said to me, "we have meaningful conversations whenever we do speak." 

My friend just celebrated her 60th birthday and she doesn't look a day over 50! Tonight made me realize how deep our affinity for each other run. I am pleased to call her a friend.

I think this blog is long overdue! I've been consumed with putting together my upcoming book launch. It's quite stressful but I'm enjoying it. Tonight I also get ready for something major tomorrow that I will of course update you on once completed. 

In the meantime, I just wanted to express my appreciation again for stopping by and checking in on me...I wish I could have more frequent posts, but I would soon make it up to you:)

This week has been crazy, but I realized there is a master plan and meaning to everything that happens. I had a few last minute changes to the programme, but once I recovered from my panic, everything just fell into place like a dream. I am really humbled and grateful for the blessings and support. The stars are once more aligning in my favour.

Today I learnt that with age brings reason, but sometimes it's just a number.

Until next time,

Peace & Love