Fulfilling Flashbacks

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Posted on July 1, 2013

“God has given us our memories that we might have roses.” ~ Unknown

There is a book by Jim Chambers called, Recollections: A Baby Boomers Memories of the Fabulous Fifties that is a fun read if you grew up in the 1950’s and 1960s and like to return temporarily to yesteryear. Although I believe in the importance of moving forward in my life, just thinking back to childhood days is fulfilling.

Click for info & ordering

The other day, I returned to my childhood, when I stopped by a snowball stand (also known as snow cones, in other parts of the country) for a treat down memory lane. Choosing a flavor has not become easier as an adult, I can assure you of that. Tutti-fruity, blood orange, thunderbird, lemon-lime, they all sounded good, but root beer eventually won out. The girl manning the stand rushed me to a quick decision when she looked at me with her beady eyes, as if to say “Hurry up lady, make up your mind, I’ve got along line of people waiting.”

As I sipped and crunched on the giant-sized cup of crushed ice with artificial flavoring, I thought back to all kinds of fulfilling thoughts of summer from the 1950s and 60s. Do you remember?

“Sea and Ski” suntan lotion? Back then, the thought of adding a sun block to the lotion would have been a travesty!
The drive-in movies? The audio box that hung from the window emitted sounds that crackled and broke up.
Lazy days by the pool or laying on the bed reading The Bobbsey twin novels? One book after another?
Doing the twist or the “Freddie” with your friends? Loved the Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Pappas, the Temptations, the Righteous Brothers and the Supremes.
Walking between bolts of fabric at the sewing store? Dreaming about patterns, colors and materials you’d need to make a back to school dress for September?
Waiting for the weekly airing of Candid Camera? That show always tickled me pink.
Screaming like a raving maniac when the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan? How I adored Ringo and also Topo Gigio!

I was keenly aware that our family shared a special privilege, the summer of 1964. We went to the World’s Fair in NY. Oh, how I wish my youngest brother was old enough to remember it. He was just a baby. I marveled at seeing the huge globe on display, and colorful flags from all the nations represented, surrounding it. Our family sang “It’s a Small World After All” the entire way back to Baltimore.

Ahhhh…childhood. Beautiful childhood. I had all the time in the world just to be a kid and play. Unfortunate that today, kids get rushed through it, isn’t it?

This blog brought to you by Sue B Leonard, author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected Click for info & ordering Sue’s memoir and www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. A company specializing in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers.

Postcards Facing Extinction?

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Posted on June 27, 2013

“He who moves not forward, goes backward.” ~Johann Wolgang von Goethe

I tried, I really did, but there were no postcards to be had within a 20 mile radius. A few weeks ago I searched every convenience store, gas station and even inquired in local restaurants and marinas. Even on a remote island, where progress moves very slowly, postcards are like dinosaurs – they are non-existent. I had hoped to send some to my writer friends but, e-communication seems to have replaced most paper correspondence.

What with the price of gas, I couldn’t see traveling further than twenty miles just for a few postcards. So, for my author friends at the Steamboat Writers Group,http://steamboatwriters.com/ I’ll post my own image of my travels in this space and the message I would have written on a postcard if I’d had one.

Visiting with writers groups in my travels – listening to works in progress. All things western traded for narratives about all things nautical. Fictional tales about authors bagging the big buck in the Rockies replaced with bragging about the big catch in the Atlantic. I still wait with baited breath for a true story. All things fulfilling and fun! See you soon.

The next greetings go out to my other pals at We Write Steamboat ,http://on.fb.me/1a8jQzO a networking group that I organized a few years ago. And also to the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. www.cipabooks.com.

Hi Gang –

Wish you were here – great place for a meeting. Writing group conversations on East Coast are very familiar. Like the west, independent publishing, e-books, print-on-demand & how the industry has changed takes priority no matter where I travel. All things fulfilling and fun! Wish you were here.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. A Company Specializing in e-Commerce & e-Marketing for Independent Publishers.

Book Club Buzz

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Posted on June 26, 2013

“Reason, observation and experience; the holy trinity of science.” ~ Robert Green Ingersoll

As I conclude my blog series about book clubs, here is what I have ascertained from being a casual observer.

Conclusion: “Bookies” have their own opinions of what they like in a story. They are spirited and fight respectfully to uphold their side of the debate of whether they think a book was a good read or not.

Conclusion: Journeys of the heart, that incorporate lessons or themes involving moral judgments make for good book discussions.

Conclusion: Avid readers usually make decent writers. They know what makes for a fulfilling story, and have a vault full of their own wealth of experiences to write about.

Conclusion: Most members are as interested in the author, as the storyline. This leads to curiosity about learning more about the writing process and publishing.

Thus, the group asked me to explain what I do. I said “everything I do in my professional life involves writing and reading. I consult with independent publishers on how to market and sell their products over the internet.”

A discussion ensued about how the publishing industry has changed. No surprise to this group. Many have had the experience of reading e-books. We talked about how digital technology has changed the way books, films and music is being produced. I left them with the thought that people just like themselves who have stories to tell, can now do it and not fear having a warehouse full of books sitting waiting to be sold. Print on demand and e-books have eliminated that.

I’d like to say thank you to the women in the Dorchester County Maryland book club who allowed me to observe their group discussion of “The Postmistress,” and for the opportunity to share with them information about the independent publishing industry. I enjoyed it very much.

Please return to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow. The space where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Defending a Story

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Posted on June 25, 2013

The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.” ― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Today, on All Things Fulfilling, I’ll report my findings as a casual observer of a book club group from Dorchester County, Maryland.The New York Times bestselling book “The Postmistress” by Sarah Blake was discussed the day of the meeting.

In my experience, there are common things readers want to discuss about a book after reading it. The types of critique questions and discourse this East Coast book club had was not so different than any other groups I have witnessed. But, it was evident that each reader had a slightly different point of view about the story, which is why books are worth discussing. Here are some of the ideas the members talked about:

Did the readers relate to the era of this story? Yes. Most in the book group lived through the times this story was set – World War II era.

Were the characters believable? The postmistress character, one reader said “was too ‘rigid’ to be realistic.” Others disagreed saying it was, “part of the job.”

Did the author do a good job with character development? Some said yes. Others, no.

Was the storyline effective in evoking memories for the reader? In the case of this book, the answer was an overwhelming Yes!”

Did the readers like the ending? One “bookie” said admittedly, “it is the author’s prerogative to end the story however they see fit. But, she did not like it.”

Other points made in the discussion:
• More than one reader in the group said they “enjoyed her familiarity of the setting (small town Cape Cod),” but they were not fond of reading about war, they had already lived it vicariously through the stories of their fathers, brothers, friends and uncles.
• Another reader stated the meaning behind the narrative was much bigger than the immediate story. The book made a strong statement that “Life goes on despite war.” Note: I have found that universal lessons that go beyond the immediate story, are what makes for a very marketable book.
• One reader said “none of the stories within the book were finished.” Others defended the fact that the book left “things for the reader to figure out, in their own minds, and they like that in books.”
• The consensus seemed to be that a post office in a small town is still the center of community.

As I sat listening to the women’s discussion, I formed my own opinions about the ladies in the book group. Do return to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow as I share my general observances of the “bookies.”

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

For the Love of Reading

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Posted on June 24, 2013

To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work.” ~ Sister Mary Lauretta

We’ve all heard adages about having passion for our work, haven’t we? Author Joseph Campbell has written a lot about following our bliss. Some people take issue with his teachings but, it does give us fulfilling feelings when we become absorbed in the things we love to do. If you are interested in learning more about the life and writings of Joseph Campbell, please follow this link. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Campbell.

Today I am feeling so very grateful because I love what I do, and do what I love – consult with independent publishers about selling and marketing their publications over the internet. It affords me the opportunity to delve into the desires of both readers and writers to learn what sells books and what makes for fascinating stories.

Writers, in general, are an interesting group of people. Learning how authors draw from their careers, experiences and their imaginations to create fulfilling tales to share with others, is always insightful. Some authors tell tales that are true to life, others have made up characters, settings and plots, all contrived through the power of their own creativity.

Last week I took an inside look at a book club. I was a casual observer and purposely did not enter into the conversation. I only listened. What factors, I wanted to know, have the greatest influence on the way a reader perceives a story and forms their opinions. Is it the age of the reader or some other individual perspective, or experience that determines whether a reader likes a book or not? Does geographical location change the dynamics of how a book club runs its meetings and critique sessions?

Do return tomorrow as I share my findings as an observer of a book club group. This blog brought to you by www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com.

Film Friday: Looking for Unity

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Posted on June 21, 2013

“Place your hands in the sea and you are united with the whole world.” ~ Unknown

So, today, on this day of summer solstice, I place my hands in the sea to celebrate World Handshake Day with others around the globe.

A handshake means different things in different countries. Did you know Americans shake hands less than people in other countries? Some say Belgians are a population of people who shake hands most frequently. To learn some interesting facts about extending a hand in good will across the globe, follow this link. http://bit.ly/11r5bYe.

If only the answer to peace and happiness was as easy as clasping hands. Unfortunately, because of diversity of culture, political opinions, racial differences, incongruent ideals, achieving harmony in our own lives and across the lands is not so simple.

There is a documentary film, called Unity, set to be released in September 2013 which focuses on what life’s ultimate goal for different people is. “Enlightenment,” many say is the answer. Today’s foremost thought leaders, and other notables share their personal philosophy, in this movie, on how to wash our hands of age old indifferences between cultures to achieve a fulfilling life.

Looking for this movie? It is guaranteed to be a thought-provoking.Click here for info & ordering Unity [HD]

All Things Fulfilling is brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard.Click here for info on her memoir and www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com . Where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business.

Bay to Ocean Writers Conference

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Posted on June 20, 2013

To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. —Joseph Chilton Pearce

Winter is a good time to hold a Writers Conference. It’s the time of year when people spend more time indoors reading and writing! Mark your calendar!

What: The 17th annual Bay to Ocean Writers Conference

When: February 22, 2014

Where:KentHumanitiesBuilding, ChesapeakeCollege, Wye Mills, Maryland

How do I know if this conference is for me?

The mission of the non-profit organization that sponsors this one day conference is “to inform, encourage and inspire writers of all levels from beginners to published authors.”

More details, please. To see the list of 2013 presenters and their offerings please visit the website for the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference.

Please visit this link. http://bit.ly/1ackcUn.

The line-up is jam-packed with fulfilling subjects for writers in every genre. Workshops range from the Craft of Writing, to Poetry, to Marketing and Using Social Media. You will have an opportunity for one on one manuscript review, there will be agents available.

If independent publishing and e-book publishing (digital/electronic publishing) strikes your fancy, sign up now. There will be independent publishing industry experts on hand to educate you on this growing trend of publishing, which now represents more than 50% of all publishing revenue.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to publish. We all have our own preferences and ways of doing things. In this day and age, publishing can be whatever your heart desires!

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

The Viewpoint of a Famed Writer

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Posted on June 19, 2013

“The past actually happened. History is what someone took the time to write down.” ~ A. Whitney Brown

“The town that fooled the British” is a tagline that St Michaels Maryland http://bit.ly/140ExHA earned during the War of 1812. As I entered through the gates of the Inn at Perry Cabin and came upon the rose gardens with a fabulous garden conservatory, my exact thoughts were “I do, indeed, feel as if I am in England.”

Above: Garden Conservatory on Grounds of Inn at Perry Cabin http://bit.ly/17JGjCc

Below: Entrance to Inn at Perry Cabin

St. Michaels, named after the patron saint of mariners, is filled with seafaring history. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a popular attraction for tourists, and locals alike, who want to learn about the legacy of the town and share its place in history with children.

Above: Building at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum http://bit.ly/11bNJu2

Below: More sites on the grounds of the Museum

A trading post for trappers and tobacco farmers back in the mid-sixteenth century, today St. Michaels offers great recreational opportunity on the waters of the Miles River and Broad Creek, just some of the fabled places on the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay that author James Michener wrote about.http://bit.ly/140G54n.

A well-preserved vintage port, my exploration of “St. Mike’s” was fun, educational and inspirational as I took in the museum, shops, art galleries and other sites in heart of Chesapeake Bay country. Join me as I share my journey from St. Michaels to nearby Tilghman’s Island through photographs.

Above: Entrance to Marina at St Michaels

Below: How to Read the Weather from A Stone

Below: The very charming “Parsonage Inn” (circa 1883) http://www.parsonage-inn.com/

Love the turret uniquely placed in the center, at the heart of the structure, rather than on the corner as so many typically are.

Gallery Window

Photo above: Loved the name of this boat “Once Upon a Time.”

Bridge Restaurant at the Bridge onto Tilghman’s Island

To read more about the history of this region of Maryland, things to see and do, and to see more pictures, follow the links I have provided throughout this article. Thanks for visiting this site. Come back tomorrow!

This blog brought to you by www.allthingsfulfilling.com and www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. A company specializing in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers.

A Colorful Stroll

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Posted on June 18, 2013

The craving for color is as necessity as water and fire.~ Frenand Leger, “On Monumentality and Color”, 1943.

Walking through the streets of historic St Michaels, Maryland is like tip-toeing around dabs of color on an artist’s palette. The shops, restaurants and some of the houses are painted beautiful vivid colors with eye-catching contrasting trim such as lemon yellow, cerise, aqua, bubblegum pink, lime, amethyst, baby blue, coral, fuchsia, bittersweet and azure. Bright and bold, no watered down pigments and few earthy colors that reign in Western landscapes. There is no doubt I am in the Eastern part of the United States.

One can’t help entering through the doors of the retail spaces out of curiosity to see whether the goods inside are as decorative and enticing as the structures themselves. Come along on this photographic tour of the beautiful harbor town of St Michaels, Maryland. Return tomorrow , I’ll show you what else I found in St. Mike’s that was as tasteful as the gourmet cupcakes they sell at Sweetie Bakery . It was a fulfilling day of doing business in the “Land of Pleasant Living” and on the Chesapeake.

Thanks for visiting www.AllThingsFulfilling.com, the blog of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Film Friday: Red Doors

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Posted on June 14, 2013

Never lose a holy curiosity ~ Albert Einstein

I am trying to put two and two together, and it has me inquiring. As I have driven around the Mid-Atlantic States, I have noticed a trend that never occurred to me before.

What is it about churches and red doors? There must have been a run on them at some time in history because they seem to be prevalent. Or perhaps, I think, “maybe I am reading into something that isn’t there.”

As I have come to find out, red doors on churches, apparently, do have historical and meaningful significance. They indicate a place of harbor for those who are facing life’s storms. Physical and spiritual protection is found for many who open and enter into crimson-colored doors.

Did you know there is an award-winning film called Red Doors?

http://www.reddoorsthemovie.com/story.html. It is not a new release but it still has relevance in the world today and it is worthy of attention. The film is about a family that is trying to communicate its feelings and each member is doing their own soul searching about relationships. Diversity of culture is also a theme that runs throughout the movie.

If you are looking for something to do that is thought provoking this weekend, Red Doors may be the solution. Click for Info & Ordering Red Doors

Before you leave this website, there are photos below of some of the places that have given me inspiration for this writing.

Come back on Monday, we will share some other independent thoughts, words and views from author Sue Batton Leonard and www.allthingsfulfilling.com , the blog of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com .