Farewell 2011...

As the sun sets on 2011, may we put away what is old and welcome a brand new beginning. May the Lord smile and shine His face upon you this new year and may He bless you richly fulfilling all of your dreams!! As the last few hours count down let us look at someone and thank them for being part of our lives. Let's release the past and leave our wishes up to God. Let's make it count!!

See you next year!!
XO

one for the road....last time we would see and write the date December 31st 2011!!

Auld Lang Syne

New Year Countdown!!

photo credit - theideadesk.com

The time has come again for my ole year's (as we say in these parts) ritual. I always get a tinsy bit sad and reflective as the year ends. With just one more day and a few hours remaining for 2011, I must give thanks to God for another great year. I am deeply humbled and grateful for ALL of my blessings both great and small. As I sit here on my porch having a drink of punche de creme under the moon and soaking up the last of the Christmas lights, not only at my house but in the neighbourhood I also look back on the Christmas season that passed by soo fast (in fact the entire year passed by in a whoosh! I remember last year December as if it was yesterday). In the background the silence is punctuated by passing cars and the popping of the occasional firecracker which has started already...

I must admit that when this year had just begun I was yearning for change in certain aspects of my life that I was almost positive that I was destined for before the year ended...however this was not to be :( As I always tell myself: there is a purpose for everything that happens. Fortunate for me I was able to fill my life with other things to occupy my time:) For my regular visitors to my blog, you would have witnessed this progression and transformation unfolding day by day. It was indeed a very exciting and eventful year for me. As 2011 comes to an end, I am thankful for life and all the wonderful people in it. I am grateful most of all for my health and the health and presence (and support)of my family in my life. Thanks for my friends that stayed true to me and the new people that entered my life or the ones that I got to know better and friendships forged and renewed. I am grateful for my ability to earn an honest and comfortable living. I am gratfeul for all of the simple luxuries that we often take for granted that many others may not be fortunate enough to enjoy. I am appreciative of my blessings and my gift of writing and other talents and most of all I am very grateful for my ability to share this with my readers all over the world - especially via my book Thinking out Loud that was published in the latter part of this year 2011. This was the best Christmas present I could get myself and the rewards surpass my expectations which I imagine can only get better.

I pray and look towards 2012 with hope for new blessings and memories. New people to enjoy and spend the many days with. I pray that I would be able to travel and experience new cultures and destinations that I have never before visited (and take lotsa pictures:). I pray that I will learn the lessons of 2011 and past years and take it with me in the new year 2012 and beyond. I pray that my blog and my book will help many people and provide healing for both you and myself included. I pray that I am able to live up to the expectations of my writing at every moment and be an example to others.

My resolutions are simple: that I will put the past behind me and completely let go of my tribulations, fears or unresolved feelings; that I will not let negative people or situations get the better of me; that I will let go of my anxiety for the future which is not under my control; that I would stand by my decisions and second guess myself less and of course get better control my emotions.

So as I bid 2011 adieu, I commit to learning the lessons and go boldly forward into the future with passion, fortitude, wisdom, gratitude and grace. I will remain open to ALL possibilities and welcome ALL opportunities for growth.

Wishing everyone a blessed, bountiful and abundantly rich New Year 2012 in all the ways that count - filled with peace, happiness, eternal love, humility, fortitude and wonderful people to share it with.

Many blessings to you my online readers and thanks for your readership!

XOXO

Boxing Day flash back...

These past few days have been blissful to say the least. Waking up late…not having to go to work…relaxing with family…food…drinks…liming…sweet! Christmas Eve and the day before was spent with my mom doing errands around town and Christmas Day was wonderful. Today is Boxing Day where I am in T&T and I just came from a lime at a friend’s house.

I am now watching American Idol reruns on YouTube, which I never before viewed on television. Wow! Never knew what I was missing…what amazing talent.

A song by Jordin Sparks made me reflect on some things my friends and colleagues said at my recent Book Launch, which was really amazing. I wish I could upload the videos…but it will have to wait until I sort out my technical difficulties. Two of them said that all of us have talent and some of us never find it or allow God to use us for the benefit of mankind. They said it’s good that I have allowed that miracle to happen. Every day I am thankful for my gifts and I ask God that I am able to stay true to Him and live my inspiration every day. Jennifer Hudson said that all she ever wanted to do was sing for the world once and because of Amercan Idol she is getting to do it more than once. That's all I ever wanted to do [with my writing] and I'm getting to do it everyday because of modern technology, determination and my readers.

Another song made me reflect on my own life and the people in it. Throughout the past few weeks I realized that so many of us carry around burdens and hurt that have been unresolved. Some of us are hiding from different things…some from ourselves, some from love…some of us are just afraid of what could be waiting for us around the corner. And I’m not only talking about physical danger but the intangible things that do not pose physical harm. Some of us are afraid of ourselves…of what lies within us…I may even be guilty of that. Sometimes what is needed is some soul searching in order to find that much needed healing to mend that space within ourselves or in our lives. That epiphany that can lead to our “moment of truth” to find the key to unlock/remove that distance we’ve been placing between ourselves and others that prevent us from letting go of our fear or in some cases our hurtful past. Sometimes we pray for an answer and we think God doesn’t heed our call but sometimes he does indeed work in mysterious ways. And although he may not bring us exactly what we want, if we look deeper we may realize that he has sent a real blessing in disguise and it is exactly what we need in order to evolve to that next level in order to find peace.

Much of what I’m saying may not make sense to some but somewhere out there, it may be exactly what someone needs to hear.

Can you relate? Please post your comments...
XO

Caroling, caroling!!! - Nat King Cole!!!

Just gotta share this one.....one of my favourites!!!
Can't help but sing along...Gone but not forgotten! Nat King Cole
Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a Good Night!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Many blessings to you this day and alwayz:)

May all your Christmas wishes come true!! Hope you're having a great time with family whatever part of the globe you are!!

Remember to Make it count!!! :-)

Christmas Wishes

photo credit -abstract-thoughts.com

It's Christmas Eve where I am and the hours are counting down to the Big day - Christmas Day...I had something really special planned for my online viewers but it did not work out:( I was trying to upload a clip from my Book Launch - a book reading entitled The True Meaning of Christmas but it came up with an error...too bad. Until I figure out what's going wrong ...it will have to wait regretfully.

Whatever last minute finishing touches you're making on the turkey or perhaps wrapping the gifts....hope it's memorable. Every year we try to make it more special than the last but let's try this year to live in the moment and enjoy those special moments while it's here. I plan to do just that as I celebrate with family.

Yes Christmas is here once again! Let us rejoice for a King is born. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas filled with abundant peace, love & joy!

Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Vrolijk Kerstfeest, Fröhliche Weihnachten, Geseënde Kersfees, Milad Majid

Book Launch niceness:D

Hello All,

To all my readers that have been following my blog for the past few months I have a special treat for you. For the new visitors, I'm a new author and my Book Launch was last Saturday 17th December, 2011. It was one of the most exciting times of my life and I feel truly blessed to have so many wonderful people supporting me. To hear the nice things that were said was truly amazing. One of my friends joked and said I was lucky to hear my own eulogy while still alive! lol. But to all the persons who attended...heartfelt thanks and the ones who could not make it ...I know your thoughts were with me. There is some delay with the videos but here are some photos to get you started!

Enjoy!

Christmas is almost here...Are you ready??!

Christmas is soon approaching and we have but 1 more day left...Are you ready to receive Him?!

Had a day off from work today and the streets, malls and supermarkets were filled to capacity. Everyone is super busy cleaning, painting and scrubbing, decorating, baking, cooking and shopping away. At times we wonder what is all of this for. Is it that we don't do these things the rest of the year? Many times we forget the 'reason for the season' amidst all the chaos and festivities. The tradition is nice but do we remember what the celebration is for in the first place? Christmas marks the birth of a Saviour who was born to wash away all of our sins and give us eternal life. If we truly believe this then we would render our hearts and not the whole commercial part of the season. I too try not to allow myself to get caught up but it is indeed a special time of year to commemorate with family and friends especially ones that you haven't seen for quite a while. If Jesus were to meet us in the flesh, would you be ready to welcome Him into your hearts? Is your heart ready to receive Him? For it would not matter if you lived in a mansion and served Him a feast but rather a humble heart and home would win the King of Kings.

Whatever you're doing remember to give a gift of love this Christmas whichever form it takes...whether it's monetary or a meal, a feeling or time shared. You are fortunate and blessed and you ought to share it with others.


Make it count!!

XO

photo credit - rollnet.org

Book Launch Success!!!!! :-)

The day that I've been looking forward to for soo long has come to pass!!! The launch of my first book - Thinking out Loud. I must say despite the mad rush and panicking, everything went perfectly. The decor was spectacular, the photos were fantastic, my speech and readings went well. Every single person present said the best things about me...it made my heart swell with gladness and the room was aglow. My guests all seemed satisfied and pleased to be present for the proceedings and I was happy to host the event. It was just B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!!

Thank you all!!!!

Photos and videos soooooooonnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!

Many blessings to all of my customers, family, friends,  well wishers and to you my online readers local and international. Thanks for your support. Love U ALLLLL!!! XOXO

D-DAY!!!!!

The moment I've been waiting for is finally HERE!!! The day of My Book Launch -- woooohooooo

Excitement:-) Can't wait....you will see it all unfold here sooon.....sooonnn coming!!

Thanks for the support and please visit this space often and purchase a copy of my new book Thinking out Loud!!!

Available locally at RIK bookstores and online at https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11764998

Preparations are underway as we speak!!!

Stay tuned....

Making my list and checking it twice!!

Today we decorated the venue for the launch...I must say it went great! Sherry and Beverly are the bestest:) See for yourself....this is the balcony.

Isn't Sherry talented?!

 

I feel more at ease that everything is falling into place. Now just for some finishing touches...then I'm set!

Decor - check!

Catering - check!

Refreshments - check!

Photography - check!

Confirmed guests - check! 

Prepared speech - check! (or maybe I'll wing it)

Books - check!

Hair and makeup - check, check, check!

Just a little delay with the baking and so but we can remedy that tomorrow as the fruit cake, punche de creme will be made and the plates to be got!

Good nite...:)

2+ more days to Book Launch!!!

Things have been coming along nicely...been trying to secure some reviews and promotions in the press...3 newspapers down, 1 more to go. Can't wait to send the photos of the launch next week! Haven't had time for the radio interviews...still on the fence about that...what do you think? Oh! and a magazine...forgot about that!

I'm taking the day off from work tomorrow to set up the venue etc...what a beautiful sight it's gonna be when we're through with the decorating. The excitement is building. Been sweating hard at the gym trying to look photo ready then one of the trainers broke the news to me that I can't lose weight in 5 days! His exact words were: "if you lose weight in a week then U need to train me!" lol. This after I picked up the pace (the fastest I ever went) and on incline too! Skipped the weights and just did cardio and abs but needless to say I was burnt out by the 3rd day...my word! Today I skipped the usual Wednesday grocery shopping and swung by to pick up my mom and take a much needed time-out. Then we got an early start on the Christmas grocery list. Night time shopping is cool. The supermarket was P-a-c-k-ed!! I guess a lot of people had the same idea. Even ran into a long time school mate. AND I also picked up some stuff for my launch. Here's what my list comprised of:

Trapiche (white wine)

Arbor Mist (merlot)

Non-alcoholic wine

Sorrel

Royal Oak rum, milk, eggs for punche de creme

Angostura bitters

Cantaloupe

Seedless grapes

Assorted cheeses

Olives

Toothpicks

Did I forget anything? Hmmm....festive paper plates and cutlery will be sourced at Price Mart tomorrow! 

Can't wait...can you??

2+days -----The count down is on...

Friday is our staff lime...so you know I will be doing selective eating!

Thursday -----> Set up....more book deliveries...then gym.

Stay tuned for my checklist tomorrow:)

Remember you can get your very own copy of my book Thinking out Loud at RIK Book stores locally or online at https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11764998. 

Thanks much for your support!! Part proceeds go to charity.

Good nite world:)

Long Circular Mall

That's how we celebrate!!!

Hello world!

Lots of things have been happening this week. Here's how it went...On Monday I went to the venue of the book launch to look at the space with the decorator and photographer...it went pretty well. On Tuesday, RIK Bookstore agreed to carry my book in their 8 bookstore locations! YAY for me!! I was thrilled...I had to announce it to some of my colleagues at work during lunch:) They also want to arrange some radio and newspaper interviews. I said no to television for now since I have to get over that fear of live broadcasting:( I did my research and listened to the hosts on radio and I think I overcame my fear of that. I have always been afraid of "dead air but everyone tells me I have a "radio voice" and a good public speaker so I can't let my broadcasting course go to waste! I will go brave!! :-)

Parang the wrong house!

Well I can't report on any parang today because I overslept during the bad weather we've been having:S but there's always next week. [For my international readers parang is very catchy Spanish Christmas songs...check out my earlier posts for videos.] I'm looking forward to my annual church Christmas dinner this week at the Yatch Club....hopefully there'll be some parang there. Didn't even make it to the bookstore either because under my covers there was only room for thoughts of Zzzz and more zZZ. This weekend was quite restful and productive indeed. Just what I needed to clear my mind and refuel after a week fraught with exhaustion and ups and downs...(with the exception of a midweek escape from reality where I got my fill of sushi and margaritas for a friend's birthday:) 

Happy December 1st!!

Today we ushered in the first day of December and boy did we get here fast!!! Don't you remember January like it was just yesterday!? Wow....time certainly flies while you're having fun. And fun it was for me this year...I published my first book and many more milestones I am grateful for. The Lord has been showering his blessings upon me these past few years and for this I am elated, humbled and thankful. From time to time, we often complain about all and sundry...I know I am certainly guilty of that! There are things that I wish were different or more blessings I wish to receive but you know what? We are exactly where we need to be at any given moment. Right here in this moment...[yeah this one right now!] I am MOST grateful for life, the simple things that we take for granted like my sensory abilities, my health and I am equally grateful for the many gifts and talents that I possess, the people in my life...every single one that have been placed along my path....all the experiences I have had for they have shaped who I am today. We all need to be thankful and take a closer look at our lives and all the blessings we have for it is very easy to bemoan our situation or wish for one of those TV lives or something that someone else has, but you don't know that person's story and what they had to go through or are going through to enjoy that supposed "perfect life." All that glitters is certainly not gold.