Happy May 1st!
I just remembered I wanted to blog on May 1st before the date changes! Arggh...so I now have about 35 minutes...let's see if I can make it.
Just a quick recap of my week and what I learnt!
Yesterday I spoke at my second Open mic session at the Bocas Lit Fest which is a huge literature 5-day festival where I live. The first was in 2012 when I read from my first book - THINKING OUT LOUD. This year I read from my soon-to-be-published memoir. The crowd seemed to have responded well...I saw some people actually "thinking" about what I was reading as I looked up and connected with the audience. They applauded as with all the other authors/poets, but you can never judge the responses at these events. I was elated and grateful for the opportunity to connect.
This week I realized how fragile life is, since a good friend of mine is now hospitalized. I kept in touch with her all week and my heart goes out to her and her family. I am also praying for another friend who is also not well.
I sent the FINAL draft of my manuscript to my editor earlier this week. It's only a matter of days now, till I publish. The excitement begins. I can't wait. All my hard work and sleepless nights are finally gonna pay off. Thanks for the tremendous support I've received thus far. Words can't explain. I can't wait for you to read it and experience my journey over the last six years :-) Love and thanks to my beta readers and editor most of all...Would not have made it this far if it wasn't for your expert advice and tips.
Yesterday I also visited my last place of employment in Trinidad before I moved to Tobago and it brought back a mix of emotions. Some of my final years were very unhappy because of my lack of fulfilment (which I spoke about in the book). So being back in the lunchroom, washroom, boardroom (where I conducted several interviews) and my old cubicle found me regressing to that period in my life. It made me appreciate what I have now even more and how far I've come.
On the upside, I LOVED visiting my old co-workers...my buddies....my partners in crime. My boys of IT, my girls of HR and everyone else in between. I had all intentions of just stopping in to use the washroom, but ended up "liming" (hanging out) until after closing time! lol. I just got carried away in the moment.
It was loads of fun as we strolled down memory lane and remembered all the fun times and inside jokes we had over the years. (You don't know it, but you'all added light to my days during those last few years of employment.) I even got advice on my upcoming workshop from the guru of all gurus aka "the walking encyclopaedia" = Nigel lol (Hope you're reading this blog!) Please delete those pics! #Priceless #FriendsForLife #LoveYouGuys
Hope your week was well spent. It's never too late to do all the things you always wanted to. Cherish the ones you love because time is precious and life unpredictable. Soak it all in while you can.
Until next time,
Remember to Make it Count
Peace & Love
