Category Archives: Building community through partnerships

Headed Between the Covers

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“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” ~ St. Augustine

 I am ready for a little traveling. Where am I headed? To Between the Covers Bookstore. http://bit.ly/NaKzRg. Where is that? In a “box canyon” in a place called Telluride, Colorado; where the mountains soar to altitudes of almost 13,000. According to Wikipedia, “a box canyon is a small ravine or canyon with steep walls on three sides, allowing access and egress only through the mouth of the canyon.” The bookstore co-owner is like me, a Baltimore transplant, who has ended up in the West. 

I suspect at certain times of the year, when large shipments of publications are delivered, Between the Covers Bookstore, feels as if it is a box canyon, until all the books are shelved. There is a certain book that I will be searching for at this bookstore that would come in handy on days when I struggle to put down my digital devices and stop working. This two minute video, shot last February, gives a quick glimpse into the book I am looking for.  http://vimeo.com/37703165.  

The video is courtesy of film editor, visual effects artist, independent filmmaker Marc R. Leonard. http://marcrleonard.com/editing.  Thank you, Marc, for a little insight into Telluride in the other season, winter.

Telluride is, from what I understand, a neat little “artistic town” and very scenic! It is home of the Telluride Film Festival.  http://www.telluridefilmfestival.org/. 

Our trip to Telluride will be timely. My husband and I will watch our son run in his first half-marathon, which goes over Imogene Pass – seventeen miles of climbing and running, traveling from 8,000 ft in altitude to 13,000. The boy has energy, I tell you! It’s time to play catch up and see what else he has been doing.

Come on back next week. On Film Friday, we will be featuring a new Disney movie that both adults and children, who enjoy Celtic legend, may enjoy seeing. Have a good weekend, everybody.

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Growth of an Emerging Technology Industry

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 “Many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book.” Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862), Walden 

On October 4, 2011, almost a year ago, I posted a blog called Libraries Kindle the Flame. If you missed out or don’t remember it, here is the link. http://bit.ly/TaxQPo  I invite you to go back and read it. The gist of the blog was the number of libraries that have included e-books in their catalogs. 

A year later, the numbers have changed and show about a 9% increase. It is too bad we don’t see those kind percentages in the growth of our economy. That would be extremely encouraging; evidence that other emerging technologies are coming to the forefront.

These graphs show how the numbers stack up, side by side,  for 2011  and 2012.

Being the eternal optimist, I believe the entrepreneurs of our country can develop other technologies that will show the same kind of promise. But, some may take longer than others to come to fruition. And let’s face it, e-books didn’t arrive on the scene overnight. The momentum has been growing since 2007.

Energy, enthusiasm, vision, initiative, motivation to lead others, self-motivation and resilience is what is needed in new businesses. In other words, pioneering qualities!

The United States of America is only sixty-some days away from our next political election. Here is an article that outlines traits of good business leaders. http://bit.ly/PvOIRg. As  Americans, it is our God-given right to vote but with that comes responsibility to know the issues, and to listen, with open minds, to both sides of the story. Then vote in good conscience. What is best for our country as we go forward? Who has the experience to lead our nation in the right direction so that the American spirit will not continue to suffer?

This time next year, I will make it a point to look in on the e-book statistics once again, to see how far the electronic book industry has traveled to bring a more sustainable way of publishing to our citizens. We need to commend and support our local libraries and  bookstores for making adjustments to the way they do business and for spreading their roots in community in different directions – it hasn’t been easy. 

 Business owners who have figured out how to adapt to the “digital age” are proving that, indeed, the traits that are outlined in the article can be found in every American who runs a successful business.

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Artistic Community Brings Commerce

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“If you have only two pennies, spend the first on bread and the other on hyacinths for your soul.”–Arab Proverb 

“Hello, Minturn! I’m back!” I thought to myself on Saturday morning, as I entered the little village just off I-70. The first time I frequented this town, nestled near the glitz and glamour of Vail, and the not yet built Beaver Creek Resort, was in the mid 1970s. That evening, I visited the Minturn Saloon, infamous for its Mexican cuisine. I had traveled there with my entire family, and another from Maryland, to Eagle County for a ski vacation.

Minturn is still small. If you blink, you can miss it. But now, it is doesn’t look like a ghost town of total wrack and ruin. Many of the bungalows and cottages have been artfully painted. There were eye-catching large buckets, planters and window boxes of brightly colored flowers everywhere – attractive. Now there is some commerce going on – I was shocked at the transition and you can see the modern day influences in this town.

Author Bill Burnett writes about the historical background of this old mining town in his independently published book  Minturn, A Memoir. https://www.bookwormofedwards.com/aff/SueLeonard/book/v/9780977113620

Saturday morning I had come to see the Minturn Market; I had read about it. Arriving a little early, at 8:30am,the vendors were still setting up, so I took myself on a walking tour of the village. By 9 am people began arriving in large numbers. This popular, weekly, summertime open-air market even requires a crossing guard on Main Street. The morning was delightful; I visited with artisans of all kinds selling their wares. I came home with a large loaf of “oh so fragrant” lemon, white chocolate bread that I had sampled and loved, and a unique, hand knit scarf  by Venda, that fit my fancy. I knew it was a scarf I couldn’t create myself.

Just a few of the notable business establishments that have opened in this eclectic little village are:

  • Scarab – An oriental rug and tribal arts store  http://www.thescarab.com/
  • The Yarn Studio – a wide and interesting selection of yarns for fiber arts crafting
  • Holy Toledo – a fashionable, boutique consignment shop located in  an old church http://holytoledo.co/
  • Mountain Pedaler, a bike shop
  • Gemini Gardens – a floral shop with gifts and home decorating accessories
  • Four or five coffee shops and restaurants

It was such a fulfilling weekend; I explored and enjoyed my own company. So tomorrow, I will blog about some of the ideas that I and my cohorts talked about on Friday evening, because they spilled over into my visit to Minturn. 

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The Power of Words and Images

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“Art is not in some far-off place. A work of Art is the expression of a man’s whole personality, sensibility and ability.” ~ Japanese Proverb by Shinichi Suzuki

Last week I received quite a number of birthday greetings – all from people using different types of electronic communication. Some “Good Wishes” came from as far away as: 

  • Finland
  • Macedonia
  • France
  • Bangkok
  • Africa
  • Belgium 
  • Argentina

Not looking for accolades or congratulations, just trying to make a point in today’s blog posting. Other people who use social media probably get the same kind of attention from their on-line networks of people.

Many “hellos” were from individuals I have been building community with in one way or another through this blog site All Things Fulfilling or by other on-line communication. 

For some reason, people have been touched by words I have written, information I have shared or  by images I have put out there into cyberspace and it has traveled. I am not sure why people latch onto it and like it but I am delighted and humbled. 

The point is – never underestimate the power of words and images and how they can travel. Be careful and be sensitive – they may end up in places you never expected. 

What does that mean for those who publish electronically? The e-book industry is just beginning to show us the possibilities. 

For those who think that internet marketing is ineffective and a big time waster, it can be. But, learning how to use digital content effectively to reach people with like interests is important. 

I used to share my birthdays with my twin sister, but through social media, I have found others who celebrate their day of birth on the same day as we do. HAPPY  BIRTHDAY TO ALL AUGUST BIRTHDAY BABIES.

This wonderful art work is by Kagaya. Here is the website so you can see more. http://bit.ly/5YcO3f

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Local Authors in the Limelight

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“If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” ~ Edward Hopper

Saturday was a day of great fun for me as a person who works in the independent publishing industry. The literary community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado came  out from behind their computers and into the limelight at the Written Arts Festival. I am aware of the fact that we do, indeed, have a growing population of independent publishers in this community. Nearly thirty were gathered; some having just published their debut novels, while others have more than one book published.

Panel discussions added interest to the event. “How should history be portrayed in writing?” was a subject that drew differing opinions from the authors. In the opinions of some, there is an obligation to write stories true to history; while others contend that history can be written from different perspectives.

Other authors specialize in fiction writing. The panelists in this genre seemed to agree that authors draw, to a certain extent, from personal experience and background which often gives them the basis of the story. Then the storyline “is pushed in different directions,” sometimes ending in a total surprise, even for the author. One panelist mentioned how her deeply felt spiritual beliefs influences her writing and a prolific romance writer admitted that individuals she encounters inspires her characters.

Sites, smells and visual landscapes also influence writing. A third group of panelists discussed how stories are crafted from experience in travel as well as from their rootedness in community. Place plays great significance in our identity as people and as writers. Local issues are often brought into books of regional interest.

The event culminated with an interview of a very talented poet and the Home Ranch owner, Ann Anderson Stranahan. Words, when used with the right cadence and meter makes music, she said. When Stranahan was asked  if “her poetic images come to her in black and white or in color?”

“Vividly and suddenly, perhaps as in a photographic image, rather than an oil or watercolor,” was her answer.

The Bud Werner Memorial Library http://www.steamboatlibrary.org/ and the efforts of their staff made this inspiring event possible. Also, the support of the Steamboat Arts Council http://steamboatspringsarts.com/and Off the Beaten Path Bookstore’s  http://www.steamboatbooks.com/ handling of the bookselling allowed the authors to visit with potential book buyers and answer questions.

I would have liked to have mentioned each of the authors individually, in this blog writing, but there were too many. I did get around the room to talk to each of them briefly. Thanks to all who participated and coordinated the Written Arts Festival. It was encouraging for anyone who is contemplating writing and publishing a story.

This blog brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard, author of Gift of a Lifetime:Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

Telling Stories about Community

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In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it. ~ Marianne Williamson

Have you ever noticed that every community has its own unique “characters?” You know, people who are known to everyone in town, in all social circles. North, south, east or west, all neighborhoods have their own quirky people.

Author Sandy St. Clair offers a panoramic overview of the culture and climate in “Ski Town U.S.A.” in her new novel “Living with Miss Scarlett.” A real mountain resort town that she writes about, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is where locals describe their community as a place “where the odds are good but the goods are odd.”  Click here for info & ordering

This book is about two mismatched widowers whose lives converge in “the Boat” and leave you laughing and weeping at the spirit with which they rebuild life together in a town of diverse people. Many women will relate to the plight of the two main “characters,” Sissy Rawles, a Dallas socialite and Ali McDaniel, an Iowa housewife.

Although the story is set in a tourist town in the Rocky Mountains, readers may feel as if they have met the characters before. Perhaps similar to a person who has drifted into their own life, has found they liked it and stayed put. Or akin to someone who has journeyed through on the pathway of life, managing to leave their mark on the hearts of hometown residents.

This delightful read, Living with Miss Scarlett, is available in e-book format through all major e-book retailers.

Sandy Eshbaugh St. Clair is also the author of The Cookbook for Non-Cooks published in 1984 by Workman Press.Click for info and ordering

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Community of Writers in Steamboat

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“Writers will happen in the best of families.”  ~ Rita Mae Brown

This week is the All Arts Festival in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Art, in all kinds of mediums, will be represented. Performance artists, visual artists and culinary artists will be involved in this five day event that runs from August 14 to August 19th. For more information, please visit this link http://bit.ly/QsiJPR.

In 2012, the literary arts have been added to the annual event with A Festival of Local Authors. Stop by the Bud Werner Memorial Library on Saturday, August 18th from 10am to 2pm in Library Hall. Book signings along with panel discussions on writing history, writing the outdoors, telling stories in novel form, poetry reading and conversation is on the agenda. Book selections from the local writers will be on sale ranging from poetry, to publications of regional interest, to non-fiction to fictional stories – something for everyone.

The Steamboat Springs Art Council, Steamboat Writers Group, Off the Beaten Path Bookstore & the Bud Werner Memorial Library have teamed up to bring together 27 Yampa Valley authors and  publishers.

Indeed, there is a growing population of writers in Steamboat and the surrounding county. Some have been traditionally published while others have jumped on the Fast Track with Independent Publishing.

To learn more about how you can turn your dreams of becoming a published author into reality, there is a 18 minute webinar available through the Colorado Independent Publishers Association that will give you insight and perhaps pique your interest in going forward with your aspirations. http://bit.ly/oIkV2g.

Keep your eye on this website, All Things Fulfilling. We will continue to feature a growing number of authors who come to the Steamboat area seeking inspiration for their writing. Click here if you want to know more about Steamboat and the surrounding area.

This blog brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard, author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

The Real Deal in Albuquerque

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According to the L.A. Times, the city of Albuquerque, NM is the “next best haven for filmmakers.” As mentioned in the Times article, a sign that hangs in the city’s airport proclaims Albuquerque as “Hollywood’s newest home.” To read more about the filmmaking culture that is growing in the Sandia Mountains, thanks to financial incentives from the State, please visit this link.http://lat.ms/fEXR2. 

There is a competition among filmmakers in Albuquerque and other cities called the 48 hour film project. During this incredibly short time given to write, shoot, edit and “score” their production, there is high pressure on the producers to finish their “short”. Teamwork skills are put to the test, as well as creativity. In 2012, over 50,000 filmmakers participated producing 4,000 films on 6 continents in 120 cities. For more information on the 48 hour film project, please visit this link.http://bit.ly/OnBB0D.

One of the best films that came out of Albuquerque, NM was The Real Deal, by Lindele Media. Their film won five awards in this season’s contest.

  • Best director
  • Best use of a Character
  • Best Original Song
  • Runner-up Film (2nd place)
  • Best male actor (Bernardo) 

The Real Deal, is a 7 minute “short,” by next generation filmmakers who are striving to become some of the best on the planet. Inconceivable to me, that within a 2 day period a film, so professional in quality, can be produced.  Today’s digital equipment and software and people who know how to make the most out of using it makes it possible.

 Congratulations to all who were involved in the award winning 48 hour film project crafted by Lindele Media – from the writer and actors, to director  and the editor/colorist to the production assistants. A few of these people work at Reelz Channel.

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Art Installations from Recycled Books

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“If civilization has risen from the Stone Age, it can rise again from the Wastepaper Age.” ~Jacques Barzun 

Can you imagine how many books have been thrown in dumpsters and landfills over the years? More than I care to think about. 

Overprinting books means wasting money by having to pay rent for storage space. It also uses up natural resources – trees. 

Thanks to print-on-demand, and the development of electronic publishing (e-books), future generations will be much wiser in the way they produce books.

Last week the U.S.A. Today newspaper cited how for the first time ever, in 2011, e-book sales have exceeded hardcover sales – up 28% from the previous year. That is progress towards sustaining the environment and the publishing industry. To read the article, please visit this link. http://usat.ly/MhU10F. 

Digital publishing also means that updating books is economical and easy. To post new e-ditions you just download the new version through a computer. Gotta love it! 

What to do with all those books sitting in warehouses taking up space because the publisher has over-estimated sales and over-printed? 

Here is a creative solution:

 

Photo: A library information desk made out of recycled books. 

Artists, do you have other good ideas for large permanent art installations made out of outdated publications, that will spare landfills and dumpsters from receiving them? We would love to hear from you.

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