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

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!!!

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:)

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...

The Voice Within

photo credit - flickr.com

It's the last day of October 2011 (already!) and I must say the past couple months have brought great joys to my life. For this I give thanks to God for all my blessings great and small. Today is no exception. I feel liberated that I am finally debt free (for the most part) and I own my vehicle wholly and solely! No more installments! It's cause for celebration once again. Now I can make much more strides in accomplishing some of my other goals. Now that we are only two more months away from the end of the year, as we reflect are there any last minute things we need to put in place in order to make this year go out with a bang? I could think of some things and who knows maybe it's not too late. Whatever we think...we subconsciously get the ball rolling already. Our thoughts alone are very powerful. We can also speak it into action by our words.  Our willpower is mighty beyond words. Sometimes we need a little push but most times we really need to focus and channel our energy to rise above our present circumstance. We can make it happen and bring about that change that we desire if we listen to that voice within...our own voice and the voice of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

As the last few hours of this month counts down (if you're on Eastern time), let's all peacefully give thanks and let it go. Tomorrow is a brand new day for another chance to make it our best yet! Let's focus and visualize our goal and make it happen! Planning is key but sometimes spontaneity works just as well. Make it happen in our head and watch it unfold in our lives! You have the power: Make it count! ©

 

Excitement is building!!!

The countdown is on to the delivery of my new book and I can't wait:-) It was officially published on October 27th 2011 with its own ISBN etc. This is the sample copy which I need to vet carefully before I approve it and is then sent to distribution. I would be then able to order copies which will be available for sale locally. Six -eight (6-8) weeks after this, it will be available for you to purchase online at amazon.com and amazon.co.uk from anywhere in the world.

This is a very exciting time for me since it is something every writer longs for...apart from seeing your work in print for the first time (published in a periodical)-  having your own book...and becoming an author is one of the most fulfilling experiences you can accomplish in your lifetime. To have multiple books published is no easy feat and I'm definitely up to the challenge...I can't wait to welcome this new chapter (couldn't resist the pun) in my life. I anticipate it will be everything I dreamed of and more. To do this full time is something I aspire to achieve and with the help of you my readers, it could become a reality. It's a lot of hard work and sleepless nights but to me it won't seem like work at all since it is my burning passion and purpose. It is very rewarding indeed to be able to touch and influence lives, arouse emotions and bring about change in people's lives and I hope to do just that. In fact I think this is my ultimate career goal and I am really looking forward to the feedback.

Only days to the delivery and I could hardly contain myself...you'll be the first to know!!!

Stay glued:-)

Congrats to Anya!

Congratulations to the newest winner of Project Runway - Season 9 - Anya Ayoung Chee!! After a head-to-head race over the past few weeks, her winning designs, style, innovation and ability to work under pressure has won her the 1st prize. Hats off to you! You did us proud!

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

photo credit - festivechristmasdecorations.com

It's official - Christmas is in the air! I went to Movietowne tonight to the European Film Festival and I can definitely feel a little something extra in the air. West Mall is also beautifully decorated. What a wonderous sight! Today being Divali, on the drive home, I also saw some lit deyas and it was equally appealing to the eye. Tis' the season for giving and sharing and this time of year, everything seems so magical and bright. I know you must not get sucked into the commercial aspect but it really adds to the feeling of joy and laughter. The Christmas music also plays a part to make everyone feel like humming a happy tune. Let's not get caught up and remember the reason for the celebration. Why not share our blessings and do something selfless for a good cause? This can make the world of difference for someone not as fortunate as us and it will surely make us feel better too. It does not have to be something monetary but it could be our time or talent. Whatever it is, give with a free heart and it all comes back to you in one form or another. You might even find yourself pleasantly surprised  one day, when suddenly everything in your life falls effortlessly into place. This Christmas I pray for life, health, strength, peace, joy, love  and wonderful people to share it with. I wish the same for each and everyone of you! Hope the season is shaping up nicely for you! Make it special, make it unique AND Make it count!

Peace

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