Monday, November 28, 2011

You win some, you lose some

Sometimes you win some, sometimes you lose ....but what is important is that you can put it all into perspective. Not to turn all cynical but in life I've realized that "not all that glitters is gold"...or "not every grin, is a smile." People come in all different disguises feigning authenticity but sometimes you just have to pick your battles and choose which of those acquaintances or "friendships" you want to keep close. Even with strangers. Someone once said that "You can please all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot please all the people all the time."" For this reason I choose to please myself ALL of the time that way I don't ever lose. Once I'm not breaking any rules of nature or laws I'm good to go. As for fake people...what can I say? You win some, you lose some. There's nothing you can really do to prevent that. Live right and everything else shall follow.

With that said, on a brighter note...Christmas is in the air...I'll leave you with some more mall decor....I took this on my way to the gym last week...hope you enjoy!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sights and sounds of Christmas

These past 2 days I happened to be in the mall doing errands...and seeing that my gym is IN the mall I am there practically all the time. I couldn't help taking some candid pics of all the decorations. I know we ought not to get caught up in the flash and material part of the season, but once you remember and commemorate the true meaning which is the birth of our savior, no one said that you can't stop to notice and appreciate the sights and sounds for all it's worth. All the radio stations are playing parang and Christmas music now and the different neighbourhoods are starting to decorate with their festive lights, reindeer and snowmen in their front yards. What a beautiful time of year that this is!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Signed, Sealed and Delivered!!!

I am super happy ...my books were delivered to my office today. Even better I saved the Fed-ex guy a trip out of the city and myself the anticipation of having to wait til I got home tonight to see them. I sold my first 9 copies at the office and one to a business owner on the way home. My boss even bought some as Christmas presents:-) Our CEO also showed his support and may even carry it at our in house libraries. On the way home, I also dropped off a copy at the bookstore to proof. It feels good to be an entrepreneur!! Everyone seemed real pleased and proud. All my hard work has finally paid off. Tomorrow I have to deliver some more copies to my editor, photographer and close friends and associates. The excitement continues!! I could not have given myself a better Christmas gift.

Peace & Love.
XO

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Christmas tree!

We put up our Christmas tree and outdoor lighting this week...
image © C. K. Correia
that special time is here once again and it also brings with it sentimental, happy feelings.
Luv it:)

Let's all join together to make it a collectively superb and spectacular Christmas ---one that we would remember for a long time!!
And remember to give thanks for all your blessings great & small.

Forgive me this was taken with my bb...for now.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

You've Got Mail!!

Once again I must pay tribute to technology!! I'm getting excited again that the shipment of my books are almost here!! I've been tracking it since last night. Follow with me---->

1st Pick up -NY -New York
TN - Memphis Tennessee
PR - Puerto Rico

It's carded to be delivered on Tuesday but my estimation is that it's gonna be here by tomorrow! But I may not get it till Monday:(
The count down is on once again!

Excitement:D

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Book Launch

Will be going to check out the location of the private book launch this Sunday with the decorator:)

Have to come up with a budget....let the shopping begin!!

We went over our list and so far this is what we've come up with:

Banner with book cover
Red, green & gold garland

Red candles

Poinsettias

Centre piece for table

Festive table cloth (red or white)

Chair slip covers

Festive cutlery & disposables

Hanging Christmas decorations

    My friend already has a tree so we are going to bring the Christmas cheer and decorate her tree!


    #Excitement!!

    Stay tuned soon for the Christmas menu!
    Thinking of having a second book launch after all in January at the library depending on how this one goes. Any suggestions on any of the above are welcomed! Clicking anywhere on this post will take you to the comment page.

    Thanks!
    XO



    Waiting with bated breath!

    My local order has just been shipped!! woohoo:D Can't wait....

     http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/thinking-out-loud/18459340?showPreview

    For those in various parts of the globe...you can order here --> (click)
    (Wait a moment...image may take a while to appear.)

    Monday, November 14, 2011

    Welcome to my new visitors!

    Isn't google jus fabulous?! Well thanks to google analytics I am able to see the different countries that are visiting my blog. I want to say a special hello and welcome to all my new visitors to my blog from Spain, Netherlands, South Korea, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, United Kindgom, France, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago and my biggest guest The United States. Thank you all very much for stopping by. It would be great if you can comment on my posts by clicking on the title or text to get the prompt to comment. I would love to know what you are thinking!!

    How is Christmas shaping up for you? I hope you're making preparations to spend some quality time with the special people in your life. I'm not going backpacking through Europe this year but gonna have a jolly good trini Christmas right here at home. With all the excitement of my book launch etc. how can I not! Will give it to you as it unfolds...right here Moment to Moment. Stay glued! You don't want to miss a thing!

    xo

    A New Beginning

    Good Monday Morning!!

    Wishing my online community a wonderful day and week ahead!! As we hurry through our many duties and events, let's not get caught up or become stuck in a routine and fail to be thankful for the positives in our life. Each moment is important and it's an opportunity to start anew and influence change or meaning in someone else's life. Wherever this day takes you, let's all remember to MAKE IT COUNT!!!

    Peace & Love,
    C.K.C.

    Sunday, November 13, 2011

    The Original Parang Queen!!

    Couldn't let the season go by without paying tribute to D ORIGINAL PARANG QUEEN!!!!

     - Daisy Voisin - gone but not forgotten!!! You will forever live on in our hearts:-)

    video credit courtesy - you tube - "caribbeanvibes1"





    It's Getting Closer!!!

    Just had to share this vid...this one reminds me of my primary school days. We put up our Christmas tree today....Yes folks it's inching closer and closer to that special time of year....let's remember the reason for the season and Make it Count!!:-)


    Friday, November 11, 2011

    11.11.11

    Couldn't let the day pass without blogging about this...this day will never come again!! A great end to a busy and productive week. This week was verrrrryyyy exhausting but I'm soo proud that I made it through to the end in one piece and did not "burn out!"

    On a global scale, today signifies Veterans Day in the US and Remembrance Day in Canada. So let us join with our North American neighbours to pay tribute to all the soldiers who fought to defend their country in wars.


    On another note, today I ordered the copies of my book for distribution locally. So hopefully I will receive it in time for the Christmas launch. Waiting to hear from the publisher. Just a few minutes ago I received a call from my bank to find out if I indeed made a transaction on my card...I'm thinking what great service!! It's now after 8pm where I am...did not know people are still at work! Just goes to show...there is still #goodcustomerservice. This afternoon, I also got a pleasant surprise when I realized that someone I thought to be something else...turned out to have a soft side after all. Sometimes people may have a tough exterior due to circumstances, but every once in a while you need to find out first hand by listening to their point of view and give them a chance...sometimes their bark may be worse that their bite. #knockonwood...let's hope they don't disappoint.

    But it's the weekend and I plan on making it last! Thanks and praises for a great week and now it's "cheers to the weekend!!"

    Wherever you are, whatever you're doing...remember to MAKE IT COUNT!! :D

    Peace
    xo



    Wednesday, November 9, 2011

    My New Book Now available online!!!!

    I am overjoyed to announce that my new book is now available online at lulu.com for sale!!! So to my online global community that have joined me on my journey, you can now have your own personalized copy of my thoughts. It is a collection of my articles. This is my pride and joy and I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing and compiling it. It was made especially with you in mind! Local sales will commence soon and will be announced. I look forward to your support. And please send me your feedback!! Many thanks. Please click here to purchase! Peace & Love...Carolyn:)
    Isn't the cover image just fab??!! courtesy Neville B. Alexander EllivenEye photography

    Support independent publishing: Buy this book on Lulu.    


    My 1st Career Day!!

    Today I visited a school to speak at their Career Day as our Company was invited to address the Forms 3, 4 & 5 students. This was the first time that I ever did anything like this and I must say that it was a "rush." It was very liberating and satisfying to see all these young faces giving you their full attention and absorbing every word. I made it interactive and they all participated and seemed to relate to what I was saying. They were very attentive, friendly and helpful. It was well organized so much so that as soon as I drove into the parking lot, a group of about 4 kids came to greet me and even opened the car door for me and offered to help with my bags and ushered me upstairs into the classroom to set up. How lovely! My colleague and I did 3 forty-five minute sessions. At the end of it all they even gave me a hearty round of applause...I was taken by surprise. Even the parents and teachers seemed moved by my motivational talk with the kids. Most of the stuff I spoke about was taken from my book in the article "Fruits of our Labour." I must say I am glad that I went. I have to admit that initially I did not want to go...I never really did public speaking before except for brief interludes. I was really proud of myself that I overcame my fear and memorized almost all of my speech as I was able to speak for 15-20 minutes without barely looking at my script.

    Is this a sign of more things to come?! Hmmm. Perhaps. It was a good launching pad for my book. One thing I would like to achieve is that these kids put some of the things I spoke about into motion and one day remember my words. I still remember the guest speakers at our school ages ago! Those things stay with you and if I could achieve that, I would have fulfilled my purpose. Could it be that I have found my calling??!! My colleague seemed to think so. I actually attended an interview some years ago and the interviewee told me that I should not be job hunting but should be doing motivational speaking, writing books and start my own company!

    Maybe some day I will take that plunge! But for right now...it's survival of the fittest! Please look out for my new book Thinking out Loud...coming sooon!!!

    Here's to new beginnings!
    Cheers!
    xo

    Saturday, November 5, 2011

    Coming Soon!!!

    Today I approved my book for distribution. So 6-8 weeks from now my new publication would be available online at Amazon for sale. It is however, available on lulu.com for sale RIGHT NOW!!! Support independent publishing: Buy this book on Lulu.

    I want to publicly thank the folks at Lulu publishing for all their expert help and guidance during this journey. They truly made my first publishing experience easy and exciting! I would definitely consider using their services again. The finished product was professional and impeccable. Everyone was impressed. Everything I learnt during this experience can be carried forward in order to make my next book even more spectacular! This has given me even more drive that I needed to resume the next two publications which I started a few years ago.

    Next week I would be ordering the copies of my book for sale locally in the bookstores and hopefully through my marketing and word of mouth and the help of my friends and family my book will be a big success! I can't wait for it to all unfold week by week. 

    Will keep you posted!


    Stay tuned:)

    Tuesday, November 1, 2011

    Special Delivery!!

    Greetings and Happy 1st November,

    Today was a very special day for me. For those logging on for the first time - welcome! Just to recap I have just published my first book - which is a collection of my articles over the years. I'm very excited to announce that I received the proof/gallery copy today. I was able to track my package last night and I was telling a couple co-workers how amazing technology is. I saw where my package was every step of the way over the past few days. Before getting to Tunapuna yesterday afternoon, it was in NYC, North Carolina and Puerto Rico. The fed-ex guy called me right before noon to find out if I'd be at home and to confirm directions but he seemed to know where he was going - which was one less thing I had to worry about! I wasn't at home at the time but someone was able to receive it for me. The suspense was literally eating me up. Finally I got a call on my way home to say that it was delivered. I couldn't wait. I had them open the package and describe it to me. If cars could fly I think I would have went airborne. Seriously! I was taking every shortcut I knew until finally I reached into my doorway and shrieks were heard from a mile away!! lol. I am very grateful indeed to hold my first published book in my hands for the first time. It is in fact a dream come true. I've been wanting this for soo long and finally I can reap the rewards of hard work and perseverance. I want to especially thank all the people that have encouraged me and gave me support along the way. All the tips, advice, kudos, information, expertise, skill, encouragement, inspiration and motivation. You all are indeed blessed beyond words and your presence is a God-sent in my life. I am also grateful to all my readers for without you this would not even be possible. I look forward to your feedback. Many thanks.

    The next step is to review the publication one more time and approve it and order copies! Then to start planning the book launch. Excitement:-)

    Stay tuned for more details...