Film Friday – Top Spiritual Movies

May 25, 2012

Don’t go through life, grow through life.” ~ Eric Butterworth 

During times of economic, social, political or personal upheaval, people more actively seek escape and look for things that bring them a sense of inner peace and fulfillment. 

Some individuals look inward (finding ways to rebuild life through self-examination, spirituality and religion) and others search for answers outside of themselves – perhaps a bigger home, an exotic vacation, more money, a new car.  Attached is an article that may provide some insight into why each of us explore different avenues and what we value when looking for personal fulfillment. http://bit.ly/LevZ8M

Today is Film Friday. Our focus is top spiritual movies that help people discover inner ways of finding satisfaction in their lives. Here are ten suggestions: 

  • What the Bleep?
  • Peaceful Warrior
  • The Celestine Prophecy
  • The Secret
  • From Ambition to Meaning
  • Wishes Fulfilled
  • Conversations with God
  • Small Miracles (Family appropriate)
  • The Blue Butterfly
  • The Kid (Family appropriate)
  • You Can Heal Your Life 

I do more reading and writing than anything else, so I have only seen a few of these films. It’s time I put down my reading glasses and do more “inner work” by gaining new perspectives through film. A journey through cinema can be equally as satisfying. 

If you were to cast a vote, what is your favorite spiritual movie?  I would love to hear more suggestions from our readers. Click on the comment section, below and send it in.

Have a good Memorial Day weekend, everyone!

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Hidden Meanings, Parallels and Metaphors in Art

May 23, 2012

Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.”
~Vernon Howard 

My husband, son and I stumbled upon Vladimir Kush’s work at the Chalk Farm Gallery “The World’s Leading Gallery for Visionary Art” in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Kush’s metaphorical artwork grabbed me line, hook and sinker with symbolic images that tell stories through their relationships to each other.  Hidden meanings and unexpected likenesses and connections all combined into one composition left me with one puzzle to ponder after another. The parallels Kush draws between objects inspires the viewer to think creatively, abstractly and with great depth and insight. 

Each piece of work featured in The Chalk Farm Gallery compliments the theme of visionary art; spiritual and metaphysical in nature. Some of the other artists represented by Chalk Farm Gallery include:

  • Daniel Merriam
  • Robert Bissell
  • Michael Parkes
  • Tomasz Kopera 

If you are on the East Coast, Daniel Merriam will be featured at The Allentown Art Museum, At the Edge: Art of the Fantastic from June 3rd to September 9th, check it out. Fans of Maxfield Parrish will appreciate his work. You can see the influence in Merriam’s work. Merriam has several exquisite coffee table books, including “The Art of Daniel Merriam: The Eye of a Dreamer.” For more information, please visit this site http://bit.ly/KJIB99

We returned twice throughout the day to Chalk Farm Gallery. It was one of our favorites on Canyon Road. Fascinating work that none of us would thought we would have been particularly drawn to. We couldn’t help but appreciate the elements of carefully constructed thought that went into the making of each composition. 

To read about these artists and many creatives that are represented by Chalk Farm Gallery, please visit http://bit.ly/Jns3Qr.


Book Buzz

May 21, 2012

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” ~ Calvin Coolidge 

We are full of excitement here at Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC! Spring means book awards. On Thursday evening,  four SHe Writes Steamboat members came away with EVVY awards from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. The award ceremony and reception was held at the beautiful Lone Tree Art Center in Lone Tree, Colorado.

Trevor’s Boehm’s book Louie’s Saxophone won first place in the legacy category. Parents Leslie, Darnell and his sister Ali were on hand to accept the award. The sales of this very inspirational book go toward supporting NAMI – the National Association of Mental Health. http://bit.ly/L2BR1t.

Karen Gilroy’s book, Discovering the Healer Within took first prize in the Health/Fitness category. Karen is a RouttCounty resident fromHayden,Colorado. She also is business owner of All Natural. http://bit.ly/qRB1lm.

At Home in the Elk River Valley, by Mary B Kurtz took two prizes – a Merit award for cover design and an award in the category of Non-Fiction/Experience. http://bit.ly/K0d3u7.

Mission Possible by Dawn V Obrecht, M.D. garnered an EVVY award in the Legacy category. Mission Possible also recently won a Montaigne Medal at the Eric Hoffer Awards this spring. Congratulations are also in order for Dr. Obrecht’s release of her newest publication From the Edge of the Cliff, published in April 2012 by Richer Press. http://bit.ly/KnFqxW.

A total of 190 books were entered into s and can now add “award winning author” to their personal CVs.  To see where these books may be purchased, please go to each individual author’s websites.

Karen Gilroy, Dawn V Obrecht, M.D., Ali Boehm. Missing from photo Mary Kurtz

To read more about this event, please visit this link to the Steamboat Pilot article, published on May 19, 2012. http://bit.ly/K3xDtG.

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Canyons of Art and Culture in the Wasatch

May 14, 2012

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” ~ Confucius  

Last week I had an enjoyable three days exploring the art scene in Park City and Sundance, Utah. Both places you’ll you find yourself nestled between steep canyons that have a high emphasis on nature, recreation, art and culture; literary, visual , performing arts and filmmaking. 

I came across two wonderful bookstores while exploring downtown, historic Park City. Dolly’s Bookstore http://bit.ly/dfGVjX  is a small, independent bookstore but the selection of titles was impeccable. The organization of the store was flawless with a cheerful, bright atmosphere.  They must have known I was coming! One of the first books I noticed as I walked into the store was a book that has been nagging at me for a long time, yet I have not read it. This time, without blinking, I bought! It has been said that it takes 10 times for someone to see a book before they decide to buy. I believe it! Good argument for the need for continual marketing! 

My book of my choice was Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. What a surprise when I turned to the author’s bio. I discovered Anne Lamott studied writing at Goucher College http://bit.ly/huNMDI   - a University well-known for it’s outstanding writing program, in the town where I grew up -Towson, Maryland. Perhaps the reason so many have told me to read the book! 

The second bookstore was called the Expanding Heart http://bit.ly/KdulFo   - a retail place filled with books, music and other wares all focused upon spirituality and personal fulfillment; subjects such as angels, miracles, yoga, meditation, mysticism, religion, the power of attraction, miracles, chakras,  and much more filled the shelves. So much to absorb; I could have spent forever in that space. 

If you are ever in the area of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, do stop by both Park City bookstores! Plan on extra time so you can visit historic Main Street in its entirety! Their retail establishments and restaurants, including Robert Redford’s Zoom are outstanding. I can understand why Park Cityand Sundance draws a huge audience to their annual film festival. It is a great place to visit or live! 

Tomorrow, I’ll give you an overview of my fulfilling trip to Sundance and an upcoming literary event which is scheduled for this coming weekend. More independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Humor: It is Innate or Nutured?

May 10, 2012

“A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It’s jolted by every pebble on the road. ~ Henry Ward Beecher

The Department of Behavioral Sciences at my alma mater, Johnson State College in northernVermont, is involved in a research project on infant humor. http://on.fb.me/KDvKjj. Professor Gina Mireault’s findings were presented at the International Conference on Infant Studies in Baltimore in 2010. Since then, the study on infant humor has gained a very positive response worldwide from infancy researchers. In October 2012, this project will air on PBS’ NOVA. A very fascinating subject, I think. 

Infant humor leads me to wonder whether an individual’s feelings of a life time of happiness and fulfillment has it’s beginnings with parenting and in the home or is it innate; a human being’s personality? How much of our lifetime experience is determined by whether a child is raised in home filled with laughter versus a home with an austere environment? In my opinion, there could be a very real correlation. 

We have so often heard that “laughter is the best medicine.” http://bit.ly/ZRPQp.  According to research, humor, positive attitudes and faith are all components to rapid healing and fulfilling living. In recent years, hospitals have begun inviting professional clowns to visit sick patients. There is a whole website devoted to the art of humor for healing. It is called www.AHeart4Clowing.com. Books, audios and training videos are available through this site for people who are interested in sharing laughter with others and making life brighter for people suffering from an illness. 

I look forward to seeing the NOVA production on infant humor. Perhaps the PBS production will answer some of my ponderings.  I’ll keep my eye on TV programming for it. Stay tuned to this site, All Things Fulfilling, and we will share what we find out.

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Dressed for Creativity

May 9, 2012

People in good moods are better at inductive reasoning and creative problem solving.” ~ –From Emotion, Disclosure, and Health, 1995

Over the next few days, I am working from a different geographical location – the art scene in Park City and Sundance, Utah. About to step out, it just occurred to me am dressed like an Orange Julius. I’ve never had much use for the color orange in my wardrobe, but lately I have been sporting it. Why not? Orange reflects my mood. I am ravenous for creativity and new perspectives. Perhaps I’ll pin a sprig of fresh spearment to my lapel. According to the book  The Language of Flowers, it will add warmth to my spirit.

Stepping away from routine always brings new thoughts and mental stimulation. Sundance and Park City,Utah are great places to start working on a few  e-marketing plans for some newly published authors. One book involves a serious subject that affects many people, in every community. I believe the book is written in a voice that reaches the right people in a very effective way. It has already received wonderful recognition from a national association. 

Other independent publishers I will be working with have written books that are fictional in nature with global issues. They have interesting storylines that just beg for conversation and thought. 

All of the book’s themes supposes how life would be in different circumstances. Putting together a good e-marketing approach  for each one will mean transporting my mind from life as I know it, into different cultural scenarios. I’ll have to dig deep into the emotions that come as a result of that.  E-marketing is mentally and creatively stimulating, I like the challenge and  love what I do. 

You are probably asking at this point “What are the books titles?”  I plan to share them with you at a later date. Giving the books themes due diligence is the first order of business and then I need to consider markets of potential buyers. When I am ready, I will reveal. 

Ok – I’m off to Sundance! It will be a fulfilling morning, I just know it! http://bit.ly/Iz5V3S.  Observing  colorful work of amazing artists is guaranteed to inspire. How will colors other than orange, affect my thinking?  I’m confident seeing fresh galleries and studios will generate a full spectrum of creative thought. This afternoon and this evening, I ’ll attack my work with new focus and gusto.

More independent thoughts, words and views tomorrow. Come on back to the blogsite of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Power of Imaginative Intelligence

April 27, 2012

Everyone has a photographic memory… some just don’t have film.” ~ Unknown 

It’s another fun-filled day on All Things Fulfilling. Once again, it is time to do my duty by saying “Howdy…Good Morning, to fans of independent publishing.” Blogging is my way of getting my creative juices flowing in order to complete the work that is ahead for the day. 

If you were on this earth in the 1950s, you know that Howdy Doody, was an innovative character for children’s television programming. A pioneer in imaginative intelligence! Howdy Doody was a puppet for his creator’s thoughts. Bob Smith’s use of a marionette was a unique channel for reaching children through TV media. A line of merchandise developed as a result! How hunky dory was that? 

Interested in taking a nostalgic look back at other vintage puppet friends of the freckle face boy Howdy Doody that were created for the show? Please go to this link http://bit.ly/5vqXK8

Don’t freak out because this blog is short and sweet. I am going to break-away since I have other things to attend to. I hope I have reached my objective and have brought you, my readers, something fulfilling to reminisce about today. 

See ya later, alligator! Come on back tomorrow for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


A Visionary Shipment of Creative Thought

April 25, 2012

When you have vision it affects your attitude. Your attitude is optimistic rather than pessimistic.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll

All winter it felt as if I was trying to describe a scene, while looking through dirty windows; everything was cloudy and blurred. No matter how hard I tried, I could not find a clear vision for my writing project.  

Suddenly, it is as if a shade has been lifted from the window pane, and things are now crystalline. I have made more progress over the past few days on my project than I had in a few months. 

Did the rant I posted the other day entitled “Moving Heaven and Earth” actually work? Or did change come with the official arrival of spring? What is it that  has given rise to a renewed spirit and creativity? Perhaps it is inside of me.

 It really does not matter what the catalyst behind the incoming stream of  inspiration is.  Now I’ve got better focus! A clear direction and faith in what I am writing about. I will keep going and not stop until I have reached my goals. 

Today’s blog post is just one way to celebrate the arrival of a shipment of fulfilling  thought. There are plenty more ideas on  how I can celebrate success as I move closer to the culmination of my endeavor, here’s a list http://bit.ly/A8gXuR

Today, I will simply lionize by saying “I feel great and have the courage and momentum needed to finish this publishing project!

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Moving Heaven and Earth Day

April 23, 2012

“Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles.” ~ Edwin Louis Cole 

Yesterday was Earth Day. Today, I am left wondering “Why on earth did I do it?” Wasn’t I told many, many months ago when I began writing a book “never, never trash any of your work?” Hadn’t I already gone through mourning the loss of a film script with my son? His computer had  a serious meltdown sometime ago and his work in progress was devoured with no chance of recovery. “He  would move heaven and earth ” he said “if only he could retrieve the script again.” 

Why, oh why, didn’t I learn from that? 

And, why, dear God, didn’t  I listen to Harriet? She’s the co-leader of the Steamboat Writers Group; full of wisdom and good advice. My source of encouragement! “Keep it going,” She says. “Don’t stop!” 

Now, this leaves me with a confession to make. I am in  desperate need of some of the writing I had cast aside as no good. I can never get it back; it’s trashed. Some of what I now see as my best laid chapters are kaput! Sure, I can try to recreate, but that is a difficult thing to do. I am no longer in the same mindset. 

According to an article, the first step in learning from our mistakes is to acknowledge where you went wrong. Ok, I’ve done that. Then, you have to stop blaming others. I’ve already said “sending my writing to the trash bin was my own fault. ”

 All I can think to write right now is - 

  • Don’t delete, modify!
  • Don’t delete, modify!
  • Don’t delete, modify!
  • Don’t delete, modify!

A third step in learning from our mistakes is to categorize. http://bit.ly/ySPFr. Trash  is no longer an option. All words can be modified. I have already started a new file called  Don’t delete, modify

Why, oh, why am I still hindered in creating more text for this book?

That’s it. I am finished; I am done. I will  no longer bemoan the fact that what I trashed is lost. I am moving ahead. Nothing good will come out of wondering “Why on earth did I do it?”  I am also moving Earth Day to every 4 or 5 years. That way I’ll have more time to celebrate every time the heavens open up and I receive a new fulfilling shipment of creative thought.

When I finally publish my book, I will indeed be celebrating a miraculous birth. “I am a believer; it can be done. ” I will shout out. “Hallelujah and Amen.”

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Embracing the Future in Publishing

April 18, 2012

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.” ~- Dale Turner

Mark Your Calendar! The 2nd Annual New England Publishing Conference Embracing the Past, Imagining the Future is just ten days away. 

The Independent Publishers of New England will be sponsoring this two day event which includes seminars with valuable information on book production, distribution and financing your publishing project. There will be vendor exhibits and information about the new generation of digital publishing which means book selling through e-commerce and e-marketing and producing video trailers for book promotion.

  • Dates of the Event:  April 27, 2012 at 3:00 PM – April 28, 2012 at 5:30 PM
  • Location of the Event:  Holiday Inn,Boxborough,MA
  • How to register:  Please visit this link: http://www.ipne.org 

For first time authors, attending publishing conferences is one of the best ways to become educated about the process.  Traditionally published authors, are learning that since the year 2000 the industry has undergone dramatic change; it is necessary to keep up with new technology and progress. There is a lot that can be learned from the independents. 

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Register right away and begin writing a new chapter in your life. Here are some tips to help you begin fulfilling your dreams as an writer http://bit.ly/f4EOGX . It is a great time to rebuild your life -become an independent publisher.  

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.