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

Friday, June 12, 2015

Live Long and Prosper

I appreciate all the feedback on my blogs for the past few weeks from the bottom of my heart. It's because of this that I crawl out of my bed to make one last post to end off this week. It's my Friday special just for you :)

In the past I would not usually share so much, so I guess I really have grown both as a writer and a person over the last couple years. I have my friends and editor to thank for that. But yet, I am aware that I still have a way to go.

Admittedly I was opposed to sharing so much personal info in my writing. In fact I was kicking and screaming, so I'm at a loss what brought about the metamorphosis. (I also talk about this briefly in my new book.) But I digress...
Family time at Brasso Seco - photo credit C. K. Correia 2015

Today as I sat in the doctor's office waiting to review my test results, I flipped through an old edition of Marie Claire and was so inspired by the editor's note. Joanna Coles who was editor-in-chief at the time, spoke about passing up a high profile job in Britain because of the impending birth of her second child. 

She said that the long hours of work would have made it impossible to give her baby the necessary attention. In retrospect, it was the best decision, because it led to other editing roles that finally got her into the editor's chair at Marie Claire. She ended by saying something so powerful that I should have written it down, but I didn't :( If memory serves correct, it was (to paraphrase) live your life, whether it is work or play, don't fret over what's passed and new opportunities will find you. 

There was also a similar story about Mara Brock Akil who is the writer and producer of the Game and Girlfriends and how she was so driven in her job, then one day looked around the studio where she worked and (this I remember) saw that the men were all married and the women were single! lol. At that point, she realized something was missing in her life and wedded her boyfriend soon thereafter. But I digress once again!

While I was waiting (the things that go through your mind)...the song Evergreen by Barbara Streisand came on and caught me off guard...It took me back to elementary school during summer vacations when my mum had dubbed this cassette with all these (old) songs to which I learnt all the words as we often sang together (even at that age!). For some odd reason (I don't know when I became the sentimental mush to cry at movies and songs) I started to tear up. Before I knew it, I started to sniffle and wipe away tears in the middle of the waiting room! Woosah! I couldn't explain it, but a few hours ago it suddenly hit me the reason why.

I realized what my older friends have been telling me. Before you know it, you spin around twice and blink and your entire life has happened before your eyes! Wherever did the time go!!!?? I was just a lil' child, sitting on the couch with my mom, singing happy songs, watching Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music! Now we argue (and make up) and sometimes need our own space. 

With my Dad gone now, I often think about her longevity and what the future might bring when I can't argue with her any more. It's a sad, morbid thought. I shut it out of my mind as soon as it comes and pray for good health and long life for my family and I. I do what I can to take her to new places, shop for her when she can't and cook her favourite meals.

My test results wasn't as bad as I thought. I am healthy YAY! It drove me crazy with all the scenarios running through my head over the past few days, but all is well in Carolyn's world once again. Until next week.

Note to self: Make the most of life and cherish the ones you hold dear. Life is short, unpredictable, you have one chance at it. Tomorrow is promised to no one and it can all change in the bat of an eye. Make it Count.

Live long and prosper!

Peace & Love

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Tuesday, June 9, 2015

She Has Already Won the Battle

I learnt about a month ago that one of my former co-workers and friends has cancer. 

Age 38. Cancer. I still can't believe it. 

She has a husband and a 5 year old son. She came to my house with her family just a few months ago in seemingly good health. Wow! How life can change in the blink of an eye. I visited her today and she is surprisingly in good spirits and doing better than me! And some of us complain about our lives!

She thanks God every day that she can wake up and look at the sky and His glorious creation through her window. I was hesitant to step foot back into a hospital after the ordeal with my dad just months before, but I had a meeting today closeby and sucked it up and went. I did not regret the decision. 

It was difficult seeing her like this as she lost a lot of weight. When I first opened her door, I did not even recognize her...sadly. It was heartbreaking and I almost became emotional (so out of character for me). But when I heard her speak, I saw such courage and strength that was truly admirable. 

Imagine she wants to go on radio and talk about her illness and even write a book. Her hope fuels my strength and drive to make the most of my life, even on my off days. She said to me, "when you feel like that Carolyn, just think about me." 

Food for Thought:

LIVE life everyone. It's unpredictable and sometimes harsh, but as I told my friend today and a month ago, it's all about conditioning the mind. It's your greatest asset. Positive thinking and faith can restore hope and healing in even the dimmest situations. 

Every day can't be marshmallows and buttercups. You're gonna have your off days, this is life, but you must dig deep to find the strength to show up, put on your happy face (and your best dress or trousers!) and life your best life. You only have one crack at it.

As I prayed with her and read from my new book, I realized that she has already won this battle. 

I wish I had half her strength.

Until next time,
Peace & Love

Sunday, June 7, 2015

How I Squeezed 6 Years into 12 Chapters in 2 Days

I was telling one of my Tobago friends tonight that I think I lost my blogging mojo lol. She said to me: "It's normal Carolyn...like me and reading...sometimes I lose interest then when I pick up the book again, it's the most exciting thing...maybe you just need a little break." 

Okay? But I can't afford to take a little break, my book is about to be launched! Of course I didn't say this to her, but she understands me so well I didn't have to. So here I am, trying to save face. I recently submitted a writing proposal to a big league international magazine and I think I owe it to myself to blog more frequently, if I want to be considered committed to my craft (just in case they check my blog to see what I'm up to!). 

I look at my other author/blogger friends and some of them are churning out daily blogs for heaven's sake! On another note, I've been receiving more comments on my recent blog posts over the past couple months, so I guess this is a good sign. Thank you! (keep the comments coming:) 

When all is said and done, I must stay true to myself and the content in my books and articles. I reminded myself that no one's journey is the same and we all have different capabilities, goals, thresholds for making our circumstances work for us and balancing all the different things in our lives. 

I've been emotionally and physically drained over the past few months, so much so that I haven't been well for a bit. So I guess I've reached my threshold and I must listen to my body. So daily blogging is something to be grasped when both hands are free, to really do it justice and keep the momentum going. Every other day, yes maybe this is more likely.

In my last blog, I spoke about the delight of receiving the sample/proof copy of my new book- How To Find Yourself and Claim What's Yours. Over the past couple days I managed to read all 12 chapters and it was delightful to recall those 6 years of my life! It was surreal, like a dream that happened soo long ago! Yesterday, a friend of mine asked me if I took notes! "How did you remember what took place all those years ago," she asked! lol. I never thought of it that way before. I guess it's really a talent. 

It was just mind blowing to turn the pages of the actual book, smell that new book smell, marvel at the artwork (designed by Ms. Patricia Grannum:) and bask in that feeling of accomplishment to see your hard work in tangible form. It matches no other feeling in the world.

That's me with the book, to your right. My friend Roxanne refused to be photographed so instead
photo credit - C. K. Correia
All rights reserved 2015.
, she insisted on taking a photo of me! Do you see the delight on my face? ha! I can't wait for you to read. 

A few last minute arrangements to be made, then it will all unfold. It will be made available to pre-order on Amazon and I will have some copies shipped for sale locally. I may have to change the date of my book launch, but I am trying not to get anxious with the logistics. I'm hoping it will all fall into place this week like always.

Thanks for the support. Stay tuned to this space for how to order your copy!

Peace & Love


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Saturday, June 6, 2015

You've Got Mail!

Just a quick note to report that I've received the sample copy of my new book! :-)

Words can't express how happy I was to tear open that box yesterday. I should have blogged last night, but I was soo tired after being out all day and then having a mini celebration with my friend Roxanne (will post pics later). 

So after a full day of reading the sample to ensure there are no last minute changes, once again I'm pooped! Sheer exhaustion...I fell asleep on my sofa bed in between reading my book and watching two documentaries on Malcolm X and Hitler on CNN! I had to fight the urge to continue sleeping.

I've reached Chapter 10 and I'm super excited. 

Tomorrow I have a meeting to discuss my workshop with my guest speaker.

The excitement continues.

Some last minute changes to my book launch, but I'm praying everything works out.

I'd just leave you with a couple shots of my new book (I like the sound of that) that I took in the car yesterday on the way to an appointment.

Cheers!

Peace & Love


 


Monday, June 1, 2015

June is Bustin' Out All Over!

It's June! Hooray...Another month filled with possibilities.

I remember we were taught this song in school but due to intellectual property concerns, I cannot share the video on my blog, but you can youtube it if you like! Such a quirky little happy  song.

I've been delinquent with my blogging efforts and I've been postponing it for several reasons. Reason #1 because of time and sheer exhaustion (publishing a book is NOT easy!). 

The second reason is because I thought I was overkilling my readers with the frequency of my posts and they either delete or yelp each time they see my name in their inbox or worse read half way through, then get distracted! Imagine my joy when people email me and tell me they love reading my posts! I even got a text yesterday asking why they haven't been seeing my inspirational blogs! This is a little slice of happiness right there :-)

And thirdly MY BOOK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED! Whoopi:) I can do cartwheels :))) Yes as of last week Wednesday 27th May, 2015, I am now the proud author of 2 books. I feel like a chapter has ended and a new one is only beginning and I can't wait to see where it leads. I looked at the digital copy, turned the virtual pages and almost cried tears of delight! At present I am awaiting my sample/proof copy before I order copies and have them shipped.

So here I am to spread my joy and tell you more about my book. June is also the month of my book launch which I am in the midst of planning and actually started since February, but somehow got pushed under everything else going on :( 

Speakers have been arranged, guest list done and I am in the process of sorting out other details including PR stuff as well as preparing for a couple speaking engagements. This month and the ones that follow is also a time to catch up with friends who I haven't seen in a while and I am looking forward to that very much as they have really proven to be solid friendships that have stood the test of time.

photo credit - C.K. Correia 2013.
All rights reserved
One of the things I talk about in my book is family and friendships, especially my parents. In Chapter 4: Do You Know How Lucky You Are, I speak about all the things my parents did for me especially when I was employed in Trinidad and when I was a student at university. 

As I  read those words I wrote all those years ago when my dad was alive, I never could have imagined that he would not be here with me today to celebrate this moment and other moments to come. He went over and beyond the call of duty as a parent and so did my mum. I would never forget it for as long as I live. I was even teased at work for how good I had it. The epilogue is also a tribute to him as what I shared is an extension of his eulogy which I delivered.

photo credit - C.K. Correia 2013. 
All rights reserved
I really believe this book can bring closure to my family especially my mother or anyone who has loved and lost loved ones. 

Each time I read it, it takes me to a different time and place, as I remember the good times which elicits a catharsis. A whole range of emotions takes over: joy, sadness, forgiveness, gratitude and acceptance.

I also mention all the things I was grateful for like my former jobs, my bosses, my talents, my relentless drive and my friends who have helped me through some of the toughest times in my life especially when I moved back home from Tobago. I am forever grateful to you...all of you...you know who you are...even the ones who are not physically in the same country/island.

Here endeth my blog for tonight...(I did it in 30 minutes or less, despite my fatigue!)

Until next episode, Happy June. Make it Count!

Peace & Love

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

THE REAL DEAL! Book #2

Hope your Wednesday was just great. I have been super busy....I just published my second book! I've waited for this day for soo long. It's been a long journey but the rewards are sweeter by the day.

I wish to thank all those people that helped with the process: my editor and designer Patricia, my beta readers Yohann and Marie-Ella and all my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me and provided the encouragement and inspiration throughout this 6-year journey. You made sure I did not give up and for this I am grateful.


Most of all my dear Dad who is no longer with me physically as I write this...you started this process and I thank you for the inspiration. I will love you forever and I know you are here with me in spirit.

I just ordered my sample copy and anxiously await before I make any more announcements!! It was A LOT of work, but the digital copy looks great and I can't wait to share with all of you.The countdown is ON!!!

I can't THANK YOU enough for joining me on my journey.

Feel free to message or email me at inspirationescape@gmail.com if you want to touch base or subscribe to my mailing list.

LOVE, luv, xo

Carolyn

Friday, May 22, 2015

Listening to the Messages

Today I met two very courageous people when I did a story in keeping with Lupus awareness month. The sun was shining and the weather was sweet and I learned so much as we danced to our own beat.

Reeanna and Sherwin I am in awe of you! You delight and inspire me! I feel like doing a
photo credit - C.K. Correia 2015
All rights reserved
song and dance in your honour! Wow!

It's a lesson that sometimes some of us cry over spilled milk way too long, when we should really be giving endless thanks and praise for our abundant blessings! 

Once we have the ability to wake up to a brand new day with life in our bodies and can look after ourselves, there's no time for weeping. 

Today also taught me that our journeys are interconnected and we have much to learn from each other. I can't wait to see how this story turns out.

I also learnt from Reeanna and my mom that I should listen to my body more. I must know my limits. I ignored the messages, that's why I was out of circulation this week for two days. 

Although I'm excited to create more wonderful things, I must know when it's time to pause and refuel. It's now signalling me to get some rest.

Tomorrow's another day full of possibilities, I can't wait to make it count!

Peace & Love

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

A Writer's Dream Come True

Today proves that hard work pays off and dreams do come true.

In reality my day did not start off the best. I don't usually get headaches, but for some reason
photo credit - lime.tt
Buccoo Goat and Crab Races 2013
I had a mind numbing throbbing sensation in my head 
for most of the day and last night

I thought I could be just suffering from stress and sleep deprivation or some kind of allergic reaction to something I consumed. I even missed my interview for a story this morning (the interviewee was also suffering from a migraine, so I guess everything happens for a reason).

But today was absolutely awesome for many reasons.

A couple Sundays ago, I interviewed my former work colleague and chef friend from Tobago via Skype in a series on entrepreneurship. 

The article was published in the newspaper today and the response was overwhelming. You can read it here: http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,211422.html

Before I could call her this morning she had already received a couple phone calls from persons wishing her well. 

I quickly ran out of the house to purchase my copy of the Newsday, even before having my morning tea. After finally getting my copy at the third shop I visited, I couldn't wait to tear open the newspaper.  My delight was so contagious that the shopkeeper started to smile as I opened to page 1 of the features section, while I  began to explain who it was! lol

When I returned home, I got a call from Curlyn telling me she received another phone call and email, this time from the Dean of a school in South Trinidad! He said that he was going to talk to the Food & Nutrition teacher, since every student of her class should have a copy of that article because it demonstrates that hard work pays off! Ohmy!

photo credit - Frederic Dubray © 2014. All rights reserved.
He said that next time he was in Tobago he wanted to taste her "sweet hand"! I couldn't believe my ears, I was super excited.

I got a text a little while later from Curlyn telling me that I wouldn't believe how many people were contacting her to congratulate her and invite her to cook for them, mainly in Trinidad. 

By the end of the day, a little while ago, I called her to find out how her day went and she told me that she received over 20 calls and emails from people (mostly strangers) all so happy for her and wanting to taste her food, especially her Antiguan dishes. She said one woman even told her she cried when she read the ending of the article!!! Ohhhmmmy 

My heart is bursting with gladness for my friend. This is the greatest reward a writer can receive. Although Curlyn thanked and congratulated me, I congratulated her for having such a determined spirit and a wonderful and fulfilling life. (I want to be just like her when I grow up!)

I am glad I got to know her and see the person inside. We met at a Career Fair in March 2013 shortly after moving to Tobago and became instant friends (like so many of my other Tobago peeps :) As my Dad's aunt would say (or so I was told growing up!) "God blessed the day I found you!" :-)

I always visit her when I'm on the island and she even came to the launch of my workshop last year when I moved back home. Every word in that article is authentic and I live vicariously through her life, each time I read it. I feel connected to her in spirit and she feels like family. 

I love you with all my heart Curlyn John and I wish you the very best life has to offer!

Until next time...

Peace & Love xo