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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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.


Film Study: Dog and Human Relationships Worldwide

May 11, 2012

 “The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.” ~ Konrad Lorenz

Last Friday, I wrote a blog about the top dog films, and it had a very nice following. If you missed it,  visit this link http://bit.ly/Kkywjs.

 In this town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado dogs rule! It is as if owning a dog is a sign of prestige. I love dogs and I’ve always had one in my life except for brief periods of time when I have been “between dogs,” like right now. 

I’ve often wondered whether people’s obsession with their pets (specifically canines) is unique to the United States. Do families in other countries place as much importance on their animals well being as their own? 

It has been said that people who own dogs live longer and are more personally fulfilled. A study in the correlation between countries, dog ownership or not, and average life expectancy would be fascinating. Don’t you think? It would make for a very interesting global film study (by way of documentary). I’d be up for traveling the world with the objective of gathering information on the importance and value people put on their dogs in various countries. Of course, we’d need the help of some independent film investors . Perhaps a film like that has already been produced, and I am not aware of it. 

I can hear all the cat owners, now! “What about us?” they are asking. We find just as much satisfaction and companionship with felines! 

If anyone decides to invest in this proposed venture, please let me know way in advance – before my ship comes in and before I grab a flight out. I need to find a travel companion. My constant canine companion of 17 years went to doggie heaven last November. I sure do miss the ole girl, and it could take me a while to decide on a new breed.

On second thought, I’d better travel without a dog. Sometimes dogs are too territorial and they fight with other pooches. We don’t need any more soured international relationships; there is enough fighting going on in this world as it is!  I am looking for personal fulfillment.

Is that not the cutest picture you’ve ever seen? It made my day!  Have a fulfilling Friday, everyone!  This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


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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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.


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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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.