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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A Beautifully Understated Sundance

May 15, 2012

Simplicity is nature’s first step, and the last of art.” ~ Philip James Bailey 

Last Thursday, on a magnificent, crystal-clear, blue morning, I made the short trek from Park City,Utah over to Sundance; a simply stunning  “enclave” for artists. The surroundings are awe-inspiring and rustic – beautifully understated. The natural environment has been left as undisturbed as possible. Tumbling, sparkling clean streams run between the outbuildings on the secluded, small mountainous woodland resort appropriately called “nature inspired.” 

During the height of the summer season, the art studio where professional potters, jewerly makers, photographers and glass blowers teach their craft, is a beehive of activity. Glassblowers create glassware from recycled glass. Unfortunately, I arrived two weeks too early to see the place abuzz;  it was “off-season.”  It was still a worthwhile trip and I nearly had the place to myself. 

The summer season will officially open with the 10th Sundance author’s series. On Saturday May 19th, Ann Packer, author of Swim Back to Me will be presenting her book, a drama-filled collection of stories, about one family, that is filled with psychological twists and turns. The book is said to make “the reader see situations with new perspective.” 

The event includes admission to the book presentation, a ticket for brunch and an autographed copy of Swim Back to Me. Lodging can be arranged by the resort. I am sorry I will not be in the area to participate. For more information and to obtain tickets, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/KIOTGZ

Also on the calendar this summer, during the weeks of July 23 to August 18th, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers will grace the stage at the Sundance Resort. http://bit.ly/mHZvlh. Musical events and a harvest market of artisan crafts in the fall will keep the property, previously Ute territory, busy. The inital acreage for the resort was purchased for $500 in 1960. Additional acreage was purchased in 1969 and developed by Robert Redford. To read about the history of Timphaven, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/J1CYDT

The drive from Heber City around Deer Creek Reservoir is so scenic. If you are ever in the area, take time to drive up to Sundance. Although seemingly private, it is only two miles off the well beaten path of State Route 189. 

That is all from the fulfilling art scene from the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. It was a great trip!

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Films for Dog Lovers

May 4, 2012

An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” ~ Martin Buber

 Has the real potential for films about people and their canine friends ever been fully explored? Interactions between humans and their pets is fascinating as well as the social aspects of animal to animal relationships. We can learn a lot by listening to our pets!  Everytime I hear a story about a heroic rescue between a dog and it’s owner, I yearn for more.

According to the Humane Society, there are approximately 78.2 million dog owners alone in the United States – but the market for reaching all animal lovers through film is even greater. What better way than to communicate about animals than through visuals  in film that tug at the heart strings?

On this film Friday, we have scouted out just a few popular dog films, most all available on DVD:

  • Old Yeller (1957)
  • Homeward Bound (1993)
  • Marley & Me (2008)
  • Turner & Hooch (1989)
  • Beethoven (1992)
  • Eight Below (2006)

“You’ve already seen these?” you say. Here is a link to 70 of the most popular dog films ever http://bit.ly/r5lWzx.

Have a fun-filled film weekend, everyone! And remember, things are heating up in many areas of the country. Fulfill your animal’s needs for plenty of clean water and be pet smart! Don’t leave your dog in your car!

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Books and Films Change Lives

April 12, 2012

Why do so many creative people work with great intensity and then crash? Filmmaker Mark Moskowitz of Point of View Productions, delves into this subject in his film Stone Reader. 

As an 18 year old, the filmmaker began reading the book “The Stones of Summer.” Despite wonderful reviews, he couldn’t get beyond the beginning. As a mature adult, he returned to the book , and was hooked; struck by what a extraordinarily talented writer Dow Mossman was.

Moskowitz was so enthralled with the book that he wanted to find out everything about the author, Dow Mossman that he could. The authors voice meant as much to him as the storyline. While trying to locate Mossman he found that like many other authors of great American novels, such as Harper Lee, J.D. Salinger, Ralph Ellison, Poe and Margaret Mitchell, Mossman’s book was highly touted for a first time publishing attempt yet disappeared from literary scene with hardly a trace.

“How can this be, with an author as talented as that?” filmmaker Moskowitz asks. He attempts to find answers to this question and tries to make sense of the world of publishing in the production of his film  ”Stone Reader.” It takes an in depth look at books that are first rate, loved and then the author vanishes.

Stone Reader”  is an excellent film for discussion for book clubs, writers groups, bibliophiles, college writing programs or writers workshops. Moskowitz  made an important contribution in producing this film, The Stones of Summer is no longer out of print! Barnes and Noble is now selling this book.

Check your local library for this wonderful film. It captivated me, and now I want to read “The Stones of Summer” which has been said to be “a book that will change lives.”

More independent words, thoughts and views tomorrow from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Movies Featuring Financial Themes

March 30, 2012

Tis the Season! Tax season, that is. April 15th is getting nearer with each passing day.  It is March 30th and I am in good shape; my income taxes have been filed, and now I can relax and take in a movie or two. On this Film Friday, I’ve uncovered top films with fulfilling themes of financial lessons. Some are from the “independents” and some not, Here they are: 

  • Glengary Glen Ross – A drama about four real estate salesmen that are pitted against each other to vie for two spots. What determines their destiny is how they well they work with a motivational coach.
  • Confessions of a Shopaholic – 2009 romantic comedy based on the novels of Sophie Kinsella and a college girl’s shopping addiction.
  • Maxed Out: Hard Times. Easy Credit. The Era of Predatory Lending. The title of this feature length independent film says it all. It was released in 2006.
  • Working Girl:  Romantic comedy which features a New York secretary working in a world of mergers and acquisitions. An interesting twist comes when Katharine Parker, played by Sigourney Weaver breaks her leg skiing.
  • Brewster’s Millions – a baseball player has 30 days to waste $30 million in order to inherit $300 million. A 1985 comedy. 

To view more movies from a list of popular films that educate and entertain viewers about business, money management and other personal issues such as rebuilding life after financial loss, please follow this link. http://bit.ly/zoIegj.

Return on Monday for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Individual Integrity in Publishing

March 22, 2012

I received an interesting blog comment two weeks ago from a reader regarding the post “Paranormal Book Sales.”  The response from the reader was that if “he was going to put his work out there,” meaning publish it, “he wanted his book in-print.” I respect that! Deciding whether to publish an e-book or a book in- print, or audio book  is an individual decision, there is no right or wrong. Depends on your purpose and objectives for publishing and what feels right.  

The same reader went on to say that not only does he want his book in print, “he wants the second opinion of an editor.” My reply to his remark “publishing an e-book does not preclude you from having a book edited.” This brings up a good point for our blog subject today. 

Editors are key players when it comes to putting quality publications and productions into the market place. Authors use editors. Filmmakers use editors. Music producers use  audio editors. 

 From the point of view of a person serving the independent publishing industry, putting quality publications out into the marketplace is of foremost importance, if non-traditional publishing is to continue to grow. Having a publication edited is all part of the process. 

The Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipacatalog.com has been a leading force in getting high quality independent e-books into library catalogs. Excellence is crucial in order to advance this trend. I endorse this position whole heartedly! 

Eric Leppert’s words about fulfilling a responsibility to an industry in my opinion, is spot on. “Professionalism is not about adherence to the policies of a bureaucracy. Professionalism is about having the integrity, honesty, and sincere regard for the personhood of the customer, in the context of always doing what is best for the business.”

More independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com will be posted tomorrow. Please return!


Irish City of Literature

March 17, 2012

A loyal blog reader sent me this interesting idea for consideration for a blog writing subject. Today, I would like to thank Marie  from Australia for passing along this important and timely tidbit of information for St. Patrick’s Day. 

Did you know in 2010, Dublin was named a UNESCO City of Literature? It is well justified. There are many Irish writers from long ago whose legacies have continued to live on. 

Novelist and poet, James Joyce is just one of them. His major works include Dublineers(1914), Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man (1916) and Finnegan’s Wake (1939). Other notable writers from the Emerald Isle include: 

  • W B Yeats (1865-1939)
  • Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)
  • Samuel Beckett (1906 – 1989)
  • Sean O’Casey (1880-1964)
  • Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900)
  • Patrick Kavanagh (1904 – 1967) 

Although, these writers are from centuries gone by, there are contemporary Irish writers who are continuing the tradition of providing literature with excellent content. 

The daughter of Ireland’s Prime Minister, Cecelia Ahern is well on her way to fame. Walt Disney Pictures has bought film rights to her book If You Could See Me Now. I look forward to seeing how the film adaptation brings together the elements of fantasy and thoughtful dialogue into a fulfilling mix. 

Now partway through Cecelia Ahern’s book, I found an Irish proverb, by an unknown author, that could be applied to the theme of this book.

As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters never point in the wrong direction!” 
 

If You Could See Me Now  is available as an e-book. Readers, if you find connections between this wonderful Irish proverb and some of the internal conflicts in this book, send me comment on this blog. I’m interested whether your interpretations match mine. Let’s start an interesting discussion on this site. 

Sending Irish blessings your way on this March 17th. Join us on Monday. We will explore other cities that have been designated as a UNESCO City for Creative Industry, and the characteristics these cities have to fulfill the requirements. 

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Colorado Film Awards Coming Up!

March 16, 2012

Heads Up! The final deadline for the Colorado Film Awards is April 30, 2012. Only  month and a half away. Wrap up your project and submit!  

This is a non-traditional film award contest, without public screenings of the films. But make no mistake, this contest has prestige if you capture an award from this event. There is over $10,000 in prize money, too.  

Categories for awards include: 

  • Feature Film
  • Feature Screenplay
  • First time Director
  • Music Video
  • Editing
  • Acting
  • Cinematography
  • Short Film
  • Documentary Film 

Awards will be announced on August 31, 2012 over the internet and by e-mail acknowledgement. Explore the website of the Colorado Film Awards so you have all the facts. Visit this website http://bit.ly/AeDTmV.

 Tomorrow will be a special blog post in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Please return to this blog site brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Book Awards Spring Forth

March 15, 2012

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at worth doing” ~ Theodore Roosevelt 

I’ve been walking with more pep in my step, lately. Spring is on the way!

Winter’s wild ways force writers to hunker down inside. In retrospect, often a blessing and mandatory discipline needed to finish a book. As spring approaches, while winter’s memory begins to melt, the stirrings of voices are heard saying “Rejoice, I have finished my book!” 

 What ensues for many independent publishers is the process of submitting their publications into contests, then waiting and watching mailboxes for the arrival of treasured prize notifications from the EVVYs, the IPPYS, the Eric Hoffer Awards plus many more. 

Whether you covet becoming an award winning author or not – writing a book is a huge task! Sit back, relax and take a well deserved break but not for too long. Your obligations to yourself and your book, as an independent publisher, are not over yet.  Successful sales are a function of marketing efforts. 

“You don’t like fooling around with that marketing stuff. You’ve reached your limit.”  you say? You are not alone in your thoughts. Many authors like to focus on what they do best – write! 

Perhaps it is time to have someone else take a fresh look. There are freelance professionals who can help you develop a full range of marketing strategies – from traditional promotion and advertising to a non-traditional approach that incorporates tactics that are far reaching and more affordable through the internet. Look for a company that specializes in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers. 

Enough talk about that!  The real purpose of this blog today  is to honor and celebrate those who are fulfilling their goals of completing their publishing projects. Way to go!

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Thumbs Up to an e-Book Author

January 27, 2012

“We never know how far reaching something we may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.”  – B.J. Palmer 

Today, we are featuring first time author Darcie Chan. She will be the first of many to come authors who have found success as an independent publisher of an electronic book. Darcie Chan is an environmental lawyer who has entered into the contemporary publishing market with her novel The Mill River Recluse. 

 The story, set in Vermont, is about a wealthy occupant in mysterious marble house. The main character suffers from a social disorder, limiting her to communicate through her bedroom window with a few key characters in her town. Chan weaves a story of love and friendship that has landed this fictitious novel on the New York Times best seller e-book list.  Indie Reader touts the book  “as real page turner.” Excellent reviews have come from Kirkus and it also holds a place on the USA Today’s list of best selling books, too. 

More of 430,000 copies of Darcie Chan’s novel have been sold. It is downloadable from the leading on-line booksellers at a very affordable price of 99 cents. She has already made more than she in all likelihood would have been paid as an advance from a traditional publisher. 

Darcie Chan is just one example of an author who has decided to go the digital publishing route, and has found success as an unknown writer. She has been approached by film studios who want to produce an book to film adaptation of her story, too.  For more information on The Mill River Recluse, please visit www.darciechan.com

We will continue to feature other inspiring stories about e-book authors on All Things Fulfilling. Check back with this blog site.

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