Master of Children’s Creative Imagery

April 30, 2012

To bring anything into your life, imagine that it’s already there. ~ Richard Bach 

On Friday’s blog, I reminisced about a popular TV character from the 1950’s – a nostalgic look back.  If you missed it, scroll below to the previous blog “The Power of Imaginative Intelligence.” 

The king of reaching children’s hearts through creative concepts and images is Disney! Although Mr. Disney himself is no longer with us in this world, his legacy lives on . The engine that powers all Disney Enterprises is a strong vision and knowledge about human imagination and intelligence. 

In May, a new theme park will open in Florida, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Children will no longer just dream about the world of their favorite animated characters as they sleep, they will have an even more fulfilling experience surrounded by  fantasy lands created inside the hotel rooms of the destination resort. http://bit.ly/9IAT5J

In Friday’s blog we also discussed the line of merchandise that developed as a result of the Howdy Duty Show; that’s smart business. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) “is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, reaching more than 100 million readers each month in 75 countries.” www.Disneystore.com  sells books, DVDs, art and other consumer products branded with the Disney trademark. 

Other independent publishers can learn from that! When in the development stage of your independent publishing project, think …Is it possible the theme of your book could be parlayed into another brand product? Consider that and use your power of imaginative intelligence to create.

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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.


What is Your Focus?

April 26, 2012

 “Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate profits.” –- Edward de Bono, creativity writer 

Back in February, as author of  All Things Fulfilling, I was featured on Ann Kochenberger’s “Out of Focus Again” website.  http://bit.ly/IpusLy.

Ann said this about my blog site “Her articles vary in subject matter so you never know what each day will bring.” I like that! She got it right. My primary focus is all things independent publishing. But art and inspiration tops the list, too. In fact, sometimes those subjects consume me. When you consider it, all are linked in with  creativity – independent words, views and thought. 

Many published authors shy away blogging and from social media marketing, in my opinion, a big mistake! Fewer and fewer companies and individuals are using direct mail and print advertising to promote their products and services to potential buyers.  E- Marketing provides opportunity for reaching large communities of people who are interested in the same thing you are – your product or service. Isn’t  that the objective,  if you want to sell your independent publications? 

What many independent publishers do not realize is that blogging and social media marketing is fun – an opportunity to use your creativity. Although it may seem like  there is an “out of focus again” variety of subjects that are on this website, believe me when I tell you, there is a method behind my madness. In fact, I am astonished at the number of followers from all over the world that have an interest in All Things Fulfilling. Thank you readers, for that! 

So, I will continue to share my passion for independent publishing, art and inspiration. Sometimes in my blogging,  I even manage to surprise myself. When that happens, I really feel as if I have hit the marc!

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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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Reaching Out with YAL

April 24, 2012

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” ~ Frederick Douglass

Yesterday, as a volunteer giver for World Book Night, and as a representative of our independent publisher’s meet-up group, SHe Writes Steamboat, I made several stops to distribute the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian. 

One of the stops was at the Boys and Girls Club in Steamboat where I met with a group of “junior high students” – middle school students as they are called now. I asked the group several questions; it went like this: 

  • “How many of you like to go different places?” Every hand went up.
  • “Does anyone like to meet new people?” All hands were raised.
  • “How many of you like to meet people just like yourself?” All hands went up.
  • “How many of you like to meet people different than yourself, maybe even people you think are weird?” Most hands were raised.
  • “Does any one like to laugh? Do you like cartoons and comics?” All hands wavied enthusiastically.
  • “Does anyone ever wonder what it is like to live on an Indian reservation?” Almost all hands went up. 

“Then there is something in this book for you all.” I said. However, I had forewarned the folks at Boys and Girls Club that even though the book was approved for WBN, please make sure the book is reaching only the appropriate age group. I said “it should not be loaned out until it has been reviewed and approved by an adult leader at the Club.” 

Over the weekend, I took the time to read it. I loved it! National Book Award winning author, Sherman Alexi could not have written in a better voice to reach today’s middle school students. It is a very important coming of age story with social and societal messages that are relevant for this generation. 

Because I was born in a much different time and place, some of the language in the book for me, was a little difficult. I am a bit of an old maid when it comes to that.I’ll have you know, six years ago I asked my son “What would you most like to do before you graduate from high school?” His reply -“Hear you swear, just once!” 

“It serves no purpose,” I told him for the one-millionth time. 

Thank you, World Book Night, for including Steamboat Springs, Colorado as one of the 5,000 communities involved throughout the U.S., the U.K.and Ireland. And thank you to Off the Beaten Path for being the pick-up point for volunteers.

 I am especially pleased that we were able reach out to support teens at such a wonderful organization, The Boys and Girls Clubs, with young adult literature (YAL). I hope to participate again next year!

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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.  

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Solutions in a Book

April 17, 2012

We could never have loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it.”      ~George Eliot 

Ok, I am a push-over for nostalgia, I’ll admit . Last week I stumbled upon a book in the library that satisfied my need to sometimes look back. Patty Jane’s House of Curl tickled me pink with its references to Dippity Do, Motorola televisions, permanent solutions, gingersnaps, jukeboxes, and Duz detergent. 

The author of this book, Lorna Landvik, writes with warm humor and has crafted a book of charm without the storyline being too sappy sweet. Much of the special appeal of the tale is a result of where the narrative takes place – in Minnesota among a strong community of Norwegians. 

Landvik effectively bridges the gap between an era gone by and present day by approaching issues that have always existed, but were much less talked about. The human emotions of the characters in dealing with topics presented in the book run the spectrum in a very real sense. 

I really liked this book. Check it out of your local library!  Pour yourself a grape Nehi, settle into your armchair, pull up a footstool and enjoy a delightful read. Have a handkerchief and the antimacassars on the arm of the chair ready to catch the tears of both laughter and sorrow; you may possibly need them. Patty Jane’s House of Curl is a fun and fulfilling read on a very humanistic level.

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Hark! Songs from Childhood

April 16, 2012

It is not the honor that you take with you, but the heritage you leave behind.”

 ~ Branch Rickey 

On Friday evening, I was transported to a different time and place all through the power of song. Thoughts of my childhood came alive through a concert celebrating traditional American and Anglo-American music. 

I was drawn back into the early days of growing up on the Mason -Dixon line almost from the start of the performance, as the Yampa Valley Singers sang out Pick a Bale of Cotton.” As I listened, I thought  ”we used to sing this song in Junior High School; it will be familiar to everyone.”  But interestingly, my husband, a New Englander by birth, said he has never heard that song before in his life.” 

Amazing Grace: Music of our Heritage was a well-orchestrated collection of songs that helped me to realize how far we have strayed from our country’s roots in so many aspects. I’m sorrowful for generations who may never come appreciate this nation’s beginnings; the struggle of our forefathers, who worked so hard to make the United States the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” Our country’s culture has changed so much. Perhaps that’s just progress. 

The audience was reminded of God’s “Amazing Grace” shed on this country by various renditions and arrangements of that song throughout the concert. Other beautiful American folk and spiritual songs of our country’s heritage, such as I’m Winging my Way Back Home, Hard Times Come Again No More, Bright Morning Stars, An Irish Blessing, Home Sweet Home and Down in the River to Pray are a few other musical compositions that made for a personally fulfilling concert. 

Fortunately, and beneficially, with our country’s high value on the freedom of speech, independent productions and publishing of stories of America’s history can be preserved for families and easily shared through cds, DVDs and books in this age of high tech. 

A DVD of the concert Amazing Grace: Music of our Heritage will soon be available on to the public. For more information on the Yampa Valley Singers, please visit this link  http://bit.ly/HJD8LR.

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Film for the Inner Child in You

April 13, 2012

Joy is not in things; it is in us.” ~Richard Wagner

Talk about a feel good family movie - last Thursday evening I was flipping through the channels and came to Rocky Mountain PBS. The documentary  “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” by filmmaker Constance Marks, was being aired. What a delightful film – I couldn’t help but love it! 

Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind the Sesame Street character, Elmo, is from my native soil of Baltimore. At 10 years old, Kevin began creating characters with foam, fleece and other materials that suited his needs. His puppet creations almost ran his parents out of their house! 

If you followed our blog last Friday, entitled Living with Easter Spirit, Kevin is a perfect example of living with joy and delight. His career necessitates that he dwell in the world of awe and wonder and the emotions of a child. 

Kevin’s advice  ”focus on what makes you happy” clearly has brought him fulfilling things in life including success.  His heartfelt dedication to his industry and his creative abilities has given him the opportunity to work with Stu Kerr at CBS Channel 2 in Baltimore and also with Bob Keeshan’s show Captain Kangaroo, which aired for more than 30 years. Finally, as his talent was recognized by Jim Henson, he forged a successful career with the folks at Sesame Street. 

For more information on the film and how to purchase this fabulous award-winning documentary, aired through PBS’ Independent Lens, please visit this site http://bit.ly/ekBVJ4.

Although Christmas is many months away, it will be at the top of my list as a gift for our filmmaker/visual effects artist son, Marc. Shhhh! Don’t tell him! He may not be able to wait; he may beat me to the punch and purchase it himself.

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