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

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!