New Developments taking shape...

photo credit - everythingtrini.com

Aren't co-workers the best sometimes? Let's face it: apart from school, you meet the most diverse bunch of people at your workplace. I was talking to a colleague about my soon to be published book and he had the most insightful ideas and inspiration. So I am wavering about the venue for this launch right about now. Let's  backtrack...so far I've moved from the bookstore to the library and now to  a more intimate setting and gone from having two launches to maybe just one - a private one. If my venue works out, it will just be spectacular and out of this world...small and cosy just the way I like it. I'm getting really excited...can you tell?! I did my budget tonight and things are looking up. I have the menu down - inclusive of some nice festive treats with a local twist since it looks like it's going to be a December launch. Christmas is always good to build the excitement. I asked my friends whose forte is photography and decorating and they're in as well. So you will be the first to see it unfold here complete with photos and videos! I even compiled the guest list. Invitations are going to be a dream...It's just to visit the venue and see where that leads! * fingers and toes crossed*. Can't wait:-) Maybe I can do that tomorrow since it's a public holiday here. Wish me luck! I might even have to time to check out the European film festival while I'm at it...

photo credit - phd2published.com

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing...soak it all in and make it count! The future awaits!

photo credit - gooddeals.com

Festival of Lights

photo credit -indiafun.net

Various countries all over the world at this time celebrate the Festival of Lights known as Divali. It symbolizes light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. Many Hindus commemorate the holiday by the lighting of little clay lamps known as "deyas" and the cooking and sharing of meatless curry dishes before which time they engage in fasting and prayer. Candied sweets such as Kurma, Ladoo, Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Peera and Barfie make many people with a sweet tooth happy. Persons can be seen in traditional East Indian garb such as saris and shalwars during the season and many people can be seen visiting various displays of lit deyas strategically placed over bended bamboo poles. However the most prominent display in our country can  probably be be seen at the Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas, which is transformed into a big flea market and cultural information hub the week leading up to the festival and culminating with fireworks on the last night. It's a nice precursor to Christmas and many persons from all religious denominations look forward to the celebration and bonding experience it brings, especially in a multicultural nation such as ours.

Let's join the Hindu community around the world to wish all a Shubh Divali.

photo credit -caribbeantravelmag.com

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

Do we ever wonder what the people around us really think of us? I was asked this once on a job interview - to which I responded to break the ice: "it depends on who you ask" [probably not the best answer in hindsight! lol]. I didn't think much of this question until today (ladies washrooms are an amazing meeting ground!). Our family are one thing...they are supposed to love us unconditionally no matter what and put up with all of our crap even those moments we are not proud of. Our friends last for seasons - the truly faithful that stand the test of time also love the good, bad and ugly qualities about us...or do they? Do they tolerate us or do they really accept and appreciate all parts of our personality? And if we're committed to another, we have to find a common ground where both partners are able to learn to live with and accept each other's flaws/quirks and compromise, otherwise problems are inevitable. What at first maybe easily overlooked, may not be the reality in the long term. It's not an easy task for all involved.

Then there are our co-workers and colleagues. Some we get along with and some we probably just stay out of their way for peace sake. Because the truth is: no matter how hard you try, some people would not like the best bone in your body even if you gave it your all. And the ones that feign pleasantries, are probably the ones you need to be most wary of, because you never know where you stand unless something happens for you to realize this. Others due to differences in opinion or fallouts at one time or another, prefer not to "get into your space" for reasons of their own. I heard this at church this weekend and I think it struck a chord with a lot of people in the congregation. The question was: what would you do if you and your neighbour did not get along? Would you cross the road and shake hands? Or would you prevent a likely trip to the dentist's office and just sit quietly and pray about a resolution to the situation? In the world in which we now live, it's possible that we would most likely opt for the latter.

On another note, I think a lot of times pride gets in the way. Sometimes we want to be the bigger person and shake hands, but something deep inside...that human condition that we are all susceptible to, prevents us from making that step. Would the other person ignore us? Worse yet - insult us or not even look our way? Can we really put aside our hurt and anger long enough to call the whole impasse off? Or do we avoid that step because in our head it just does not make sense? Would the other person just keep on making the same gross mistakes again and again if we called a truce and gave them another chance? Decisions...decisions. At the end of the day, you have to live with yourself and all of the choices you make. Sometimes it's best to just make peace with yourself, leave well enough alone and place it in the hands of the Almighty. As they say, "time is longer than twine" and most times situations resolve themselves on their own or the Lord places a [similiar] situation in your life so that you are forced to deal with your emotions and if necessary heal that which needs to be healed.

Indeed people are complex beings and one way to understand them is to embrace those qualities in yourself that remind you of them - sounds strange but we all are the same underneath it all. Then maybe "somewhere over the rainbow" we would be set free from the confines of our frailties/weaknesses.

As we inch closer and closer to that special and sacred time of year...let us find meaning in our daily existences and make it count! ©

photo credit - collthings.co.uk

Have you found your gift?

Now I've really been "sticking" with my posts of late, as we say in this country. It's just that being back out to work is taking a toll on me already! Thank God for the weekend. After this week, I really do believe in second chances, but we'll save that for another time. 

Some good news about my book - the formatting of the interior and cover design are completed so I am just awaiting the sample copy. When I'm finished vetting it ...it goes to distribution! YAY! I order copies and I believe 8 weeks after, it will be available online on Amazon. I could hardly wait. Then I have to organize my book launch. I'm thinking of having 2 launches. The first one will be done at the library as opposed to the bookshop as I orginally planned. And the second will be a small intimate gathering with family and friends. Of course there's lots to do. I have to find a venue, organize catering and decorating. And of course I have to budget first and foremost. Hoping I can do it all.

I was planning this very deep post last night, about our different belief systems after attending church last night and reading a book I bought recently...but I decided against it. I realized that I have to accept that everyone will ultimately have their own belief and who I am to judge - "to each his own." I know that I believe in God and He is responsible for everything that happens in my life. I don't think that I can do any of this without Him and for that I am eternally grateful for breath, for life, talents and the people in it. Like a friend of mine told me today, sometimes it takes a life-changing moment to bring you to YOUR Moment of Truth. And for you to believe that without God you are nothing. I will never change my belief and will never succomb to any other influence because I have come to know Him on a personal level and he has worked miracles in my life. Needless to say, I believe that I have been called to fulfill a deeper purpose which is to influence lives through my writing which is inspired from God. I am not saying that I am perfect, but I believe I have a gift that comes naturally and effortlessly which I feel motivated to share with as many people as possible. And I do it not to gain anything but simply because I feel I have a duty that I honestly enjoy above everything else.

This I say to you, we are all blessed with a natural talent/gift and if you have found it, give of it freely because it's rewards are abundant and priceless. Wishing everyone a great week ahead and an opportunity to right all the wrongs. ©

Back to reality

Well it's back to reality for me again...I returned to work on Friday after my 2-week vacation. I must say it was very productive and relaxing. I got to pack in as many things as possible into those 11 days. It's kind of nice going back to work on a Friday...only 1 day for the week, I get to ease myself gradually back into the work week. And you know what else is good about returning to work on a Friday? The after-work lime (as we say in trini)! I went to a sushi bar with a co-worker friend of mine and we had ourselves a time. I must say it was a great way to end the week.

We've been getting a lot of rain in this part of the world this past week and of course there's little you can do, but stay indoors and curl up under your covers with a hot drink and a book. My plans to go to the beach were foiled. And of course with technology nowadays you're connected to so many people, virtually anywhere in the world without even having to pick up a phone to make a call or log onto your computer. Our smart phones keep us connected with just the press of a few buttons. Isn't it just nifty?!

Apart from that, I tend to do a lot of thinking and planning on my porch in my favourite comfy chair just looking at the rain, mountains and trees. And I was thinking how grateful I am to be alive and have great people in my life. You know every year I meet a few new people and those meetings have blossomed into some great friendships. And I got to thinking that every single person that comes across your path is for a reason - whether they stand the test of time or not. It doesn't just happen by chance. The ones that don't last probably came into your life at that specific moment to impart a lesson or to provide a test.  You may think it's all you, but God works in mysterious ways and He indeed knows what He's doing, so we need to trust Him a little more often.

Today was a busy day but tomorrow it starts anew all over again. New opportunities await~

Sometimes all it takes is a good rain shower to wash away all the grime, so that we can refresh our view and get a new perspective on life.

Anytime I face a challenge or feel stuck, I go to a place where I feel at peace (like my garden watching a sunset) and get lost in my thoughts for few moments. And I always find the answers in my heart when I look above in prayer.

photos courtesy ©  C.K.Correia

What are you grateful for?

[Feel free to post your comments.]

Counting down to print...

Good Sunday vibes to all of you!!

Just touching base to say that things are coming along very nicely with regard to my book. I received the completed front and back covers as well as the formatting for the interior of my book on Friday! Super excited. Soo much so that I couldn't wait to finish renewing my driver's permit and skipped the gym to rush home and view my files. It's just fabulous...I printed it all out and can't stop staring at it! There are one or two little minor adjustments that need to be made but everything's looking just spectacular. I can't wait for the next step. I've been going to bed really late these past few weeks but my adrenaline's pumping and it's all worth it. Need to take a time out every now and then though...so I've been watching a lot of movies lately during my down time.

Next week is my last week on vacation and I'm going to just spent it relaxing and soaking up the last few days before the drama all starts again:S Perhaps another trip to the beach. Oh! and there's one last piece of business I need to attend to but I'll keep that a secret! Wish me luck!

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing this fine Sunday...enjoy it to the fullest...and make it COUNT!!!

Stay tuned...

Ciao!

The Best and the Worst of times

A special good night to all my new visitors and also my returning visitors from Russia and the United States...thanks for welcoming me into your lives if only for a few minutes...it is much appreciated! Please feel free to leave your comments on my blog.

Today was a long and rewarding day. My vacation is turning into quite a work out! I got some good news and bad news. It was nerve racking but the good news was greaT and worth the wait. I realize more and more the power of prayer as I journey through my daily challenges. God is indeed alive and present in each and everyone of us, if only we realize His potential to work in our lives and allow the miracles to happen. Sometimes we want to take the credit for the good that happens (it's only human nature) but we have to realize that we could never do it alone.

On another note, the other news I was waiting on did not turn out positively but we [I] have to find the lessons and silver lining in every situation. It's been a long journey but sooner or later the answer(s) you've been waiting on will present themselves, and by that time we should be ready for it to occur. You can't try to figure out why things did not work out the way you expected but understand that there is a Greater plan...something that is Bigger than both you and I. The waiting game is indeed excruciatingly painful at times but you have to rely on the knowledge that you are exactly where you need to be at any given moment. I can't say it is due to lack of trying in my case. If you sit around and do nothing then that's a totally different story. But if you're a go-getter then the age old expression - "what is for you, is for you" should provide some comfort. And that's it! Let it go...and wait for that #MomentOfTruth to unfold.

Sooo onto yet another story. Someone called me tonight trying to convince me of something (and don't ya just hate it when that happens??! Ohmygosh.) They were trying to convince me that you should be satisfied when things are "comfortable" and should not strive for greater heights. They told me that they don't believe in finding your passion but rather security is a higher priority! Needless to say, that conversation was deeply troubling since this is not the first time that individual has brought it up. What can I say? I guess if Steve Jobs believed that then he would have never invented the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Macintosh computer etc! My word. I hate it when people try to force their beliefs on you! I don't go around telling people how to live their life!? I should think I try to inspire/motivate individuals to bring about positive change while sharing my experiences. But what can you do? No matter how hard you argue your point of view some people would never see it. With that said, the world mourns the loss of the great inventor Steve Jobs...thank you for your invaluable contributions and RIP.

To all the workaholics out there burning the midnight oil (well not quite 12 yet) hard work pays off and if your work is adding to the quality of life...then hats off to you! Someone out there appreciates you without you even knowing it! But remember to slow down long enough to smell the roses and spend time with the ones you love...cos time is something you can neVer get back...and when you're gone...the work goes on but you won't live to see the finer things in life...your replacement will. Gruesome but true. Think about it.

Have a good one...

Cheers!

I'll leave you with another beautiful scenery...

© image courtesy Sherry Ann Lee

Nice progress

Just thought I'd report that my cover is coming along very nicely...Saw the "mock-up" today for the front and back covers...one word - fab-U-lous!


The excitement is building...counting down to the hard copy...


Stay tuned...


xo

Welcome October!~

Another month is here! Wishing everyone a great October! This month is yours....claim it and make it count!...cos you're one step closer to making some of your dreams a reality!
Remember it's never too late...

xo