Category Archives: ecology

A Gift in Perpetuity from Japan

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“The government of the United States is a device for maintaining in perpetuity the rights of the people….”  ~ Calvin Coolidge 

It is April 4th, and as I sat inside yesterday, in the middle of yet another snowstorm, I wondered where springtime went. On Friday, it was a balmy 66 degrees in the mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. www.steamboat.com.  The warmth felt delicious and I was finally able to shed some of my winter wraps for lighter-weight garb. The reprieve from winter, albeit much appreciated, lasted only one day. I am sure Old Man Winter returned again yesterday, to make sure he was fulfilling his duty of giving us plenty of snow. 

Right now, in other parts of the country, springtime has really arrived, no fooling around. There are no more lapses of lingering snowstorms and cold temperatures to contend with in many places. 

In Washington, DC the Cherry Blossom Festival is underway. Thanks to the kindness of the Japanese people, the United States Capitol is at its most beautiful, every spring. Millions of people, from all over the globe, visit our National Museums http://bit.ly/hdiuth  and our governmental center, in April, and  witness the magnificent blooming of the “sakura.” http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/. 

The trees, planted in 1912, grow more beautiful with each passing year. The blossoms provide a wealth of natural beauty to our country, and are a gift from Japan in perpetuity. We anticipate, with optimism, that  friendship with Japan, will be everlasting, too. 

Our prayers remain with the Japanese people during this difficult time. We harbor hope that our country’s financial assistance and our shipments of gifts in kind will provide a glimmer of brightness and light to the Japanese people in their time of need.

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Living with Art and Soul

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“A fellow who does things that count, doesn’t usually stop to count them.”  ~Variation of a saying by Albert Einstein

The Japanese people have been in the hearts and minds of so many of us in past weeks. The aftermath of a tsumani, an earthquake and fears of radiation contamination are what the people of Japan are coping with right now.  Despite catastrophic events that are enough to turn any country into chaos and confusion, it has been widely reported that the Japanese people are calm and have a cooperative demeanor. 

Traumatic occurrences in our lives leave us feeling helpless, out of control and at a loss. Coming to light are heart-warming stories of Artists and others who are raising funds, in their own creative ways, for the victims of the devastated country of Japan. It is fulfilling to hear of instances of people, communities and countries coming to the assistance of each other. It gives us faith that there are, indeed, compassionate individuals who are leaders in this world. When communities of people and individuals have benevolence and generosity of spirit, rebuilding of lives and healing can begin. 

In era of independent publishing, many non-profit organizations are sharing their missions of building a better world through the power of documentary films. Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home, a project of a Tribe of Heart, a non-profit documentary filmmaking organization, brings awareness to the interconnectedness of life all over the globe. Living by commitment to kindness and respect for others and this earth, we can become agents for change. For more information on this award-winning film, please visit http://bit.ly/hQtDEi.

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Harvest Home and Heart

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“All freezes again – among the pines, winds whispering a prayer” ~ Rieki, 18th Century Japanese Poet

Last  night I had a strong reminder that winter is not too far away. As I stepped into the chill of the evening air, I was all but overcome by the pungent smells of autumn – rotting leaves and woodstove smoke.  Our sense of smell is heightened in the darkness of the night.

At this time of year, with every drop of precipitation, I say a prayer that the gorgeous guest of winter will decide not to arrive too early and stay too long.  I appreciate her presence when she first appears. She is white, pristine and new. But as she over stays her welcome every spring, she turns brown, dingy and old. I grow tiresome! As I age, the gap between fall and spring seems to be extended and the glamourous guest of winter, snow, does not quite fulfill me the way it used to. Rather than bemoan the fact that winter will have her way with me again this year, I think I will savor the sublime provisions of autumn and have a grateful heart that remembers the gift of life in all seasons.

Mysteries, such as the routine changing of the seasons, are profound. Thirteenth century mystic,  Dame Julian of Norwich, must have been thinking of nature as he declared “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all matter of things shall be well.”

During this autumn season, be thankful for all matters of the heart, health, home and harvest.

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Seasonal Fulfillment

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“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.” ~ Stanley Horowitz

Have you ever noticed that with seasonal changes, what is personally fulfilling to us takes a turn about, too? As summer fades into fall, I no longer thirst for frozen fruit smoothies, potato salad and all things grilled. A diet of chili, stews and soups that has been non-existent all summer long begins to creep back into my repertoire of evening menu fare. Basking in the mid-day sun becomes sitting by the warmth of the fireplace on nippy mornings. 

Our color choices of clothes we wear are a reflection of our moods and they can affect the way we feel. In fall, we often substitute brightly colored, summer clothes with a wardrobe of more earthy colors – golds, greens, tans, grey-blues. When I need to feel a burst of energy or want a zip in my step, I’ll return to wearing fuschia or bright, periwinkle blue whether it clashes with mother nature’s colors or not! There is no need to always submit to the color choices of autumn herself.

Each season has its own charm, and how we fulfill our idle time is different from season to season, too. In fall, out come the knitting needles and in come the piles of books to read and movies to watch. 

If you are an independent publisher, try to wrap up those projects and keep your eye on the calendar! Christmas is a mere few months away – a prime time for selling! Don’t miss out.  

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Sweeten the Deal

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“The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” ~ Eden Phillpotts

Some companies become more famous for their legendary marketing ploys than for their products. For years, Ben and Jerry’s has been the focus of attention for their accomplishments in innovative marketing and product development. Since the start up of the company, decades ago, it’s visionary leaders have tested what happens when combining business with social consciousness. The taste of sweet success for this company, has been the result.

On June 20th, Ben & Jerry’s unveiled Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder. You can be sure the sales of these two new ice cream flavors will be closely watched and scrutinized by the company’s marketing and advertising gurus. They will be watching their target markets to see whether the sales performance of these two concoctions have the anticipated results that they expect.

Ben & Jerry’s has never waivered from their belief in the value of being a socially responsible company. The names of these two flavors leave little doubt in the minds of the consumer that volunteerism is supported and positively endorsed by this company.

Having resided in the state of origin of Ben & Jerry’s, Vermont, for over 30 years, I can attest to the fact that Ben & Jerry’s puts “their money where their mouth is.”  The promise of a free ice cream has sweetened the deal for many a volunteer or supporter of non-profit fundraising events. The company takes the cake in their stellar example of giving back to community.

Thanks, Ben & Jerry’s, for dipping into your profits to make this world a better place!

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Rewarding Regional Writing

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“I’d rather have an aggregator than a filter – 100 different viewpoints from all over the world”  ~ David Weinberger

My vantage point today comes from atop a lighthouse overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. This point of view has led me to consider how our experiences in life lead to the subjects we write about and how independent publishing provides the perfect opportunity to share our knowledge, experiences and subjects we know best, with others.

Last night, I read about writer Tom Horton, who for 35 years has been documenting the decline of the Chesapeake Bay’s wild places. His regional writing has earned him a reputation for eloquent environmental reporting. Tom attributes his love of words from  having witnessed the life a reporter, his mother, who spent her career as a Baltimore Sun news reporter and also from his love of Marvel and Disney comic books. Also the son of a poultryman, he has experienced life on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay first hand. These experiences have led to numerous books and copious articles filled with a rich and deep understanding of the subjects he knows best.

Whether you are from the Bayou of Louisiana writing about recent environmental issues concerning oil spills, a Western writer sharing stories about ranch life, an international traveler  documenting cultural differences, or an author writing about the California art scene, independent publishing is possible and can be rewarding both personally and financially.

Sharing thought, views and perspectives is what independent publishing is all about! Do you have a book in you?

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Volunteer & Vacation All at Once

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“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion as the things which renew humanity.” ~ Buddha

Schools will soon be letting out, and millions of Americans will be taking to the highways and byways for their annual summer vacation. One of the hottest trends in vacationing, voluntourism, is becoming a subject that many want to read about! Independent publishing is a great way to share, with others, unique experiences you have had through travel.

Voluntourism is becoming increasingly popular for those who are looking for a vacation experience unlike any they have had before. Volunteer vacations can be fulfilling, fun and sometimes, a less expensive way to travel. Retirees and senior citizens represent a large segment of people who have jumped on the bandwagon and are participating in this new travel trend.

Service vacations are often good values for seniors on a tight budget. They provide unique and active vacations rather than spending time on golf courses, on beaches or on a cruise ship. The travel living conditions may include shared accommodations or family style food arrangements, but, for those that ordinarily would not be able to travel, it is a great alternative to staying home and growing old. For more information on this growing trend of service vacations, please visit http://bit.ly/bQ4X9j.

Retirees, is becoming a published writer on your “bucket list” of things to do? Perhaps you have been part of this new trend in travel aimed at renewing humanity,  having fun and seeing the sights, all at once! Share with others, through independent publishing,  how a service vacation enriched your life. Anyone can become a published writer, thanks to the independent publishing industry! What are you waiting for?

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Fast & Fascinating!

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“All positive change in the world comes from our ideas of what we believe is possible.” ~ Alexandra Jamieson

Over the past few months, I have done some public speaking about order fulfillment for independent publishers and also about the independent publishing industry in general. One of the questions that I have posed to my audience is “Can you imagine that a manuscript can be downloaded from a digital file, printed, pages trimmed, bound and covered with a custom-designed book cover, all within 15 minutes time?”  All eyes meet mine with a look of disbelief!

Well, it is true, folks! Learn about the Expresso Book Machine! No longer do you have to print 20,000 copies of a book at at time, have them sit around in warehouses waiting to be sold and pay for excessive warehousing fees. Books can now be printed in small batches and be reprinted as they are sold. The Expresso Book Machine is evidence that there is a revolution taking place in the publishing industry, specifically the independent publishing industry. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/NQWc.

The independent publishing industry has taken responsibility in their approach to a green economy. By printing only what will sell, a whole lot of trees will be spared and dollars can be spent on publishing and marketing rather than unnecessary warehousing. Makes green sense, doesn’t it?

Furthermore, people without big name visibility as writers, but with great stories to tell, now have a chance at becoming publishers! As I have spoken with groups over the past months, it has been interesting to see the eyes of disbelief turn to eyes of excitement! Almost everyone has a story to tell, educational information to share,  inspiring thoughts or a wish to entertain – what do you have  under your hat?

To begin your journey into the world of independent publishing, start with a few minutes of education about the Expresso Book Machine, documented in this short, 2-3 minute, independently published film. The independent publishing industry is growing and fulfilling the dreams of many “want to be published,” who through traditional publishing would not ordinarily have a chance. It is exciting – now readers get to decide whether a book is any good, and not editors!

Artist’s Predictions

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“In all things, it is better to hope than despair.”  ~ Joann Wolfgang von Goethe

Someone sent me through the internet, an article about Vatican researcher, Richard Owen who has stated that daVinci predicted that the world will end on November 1, 4006 by a “universal flood.” (“The Times”, March 15, 2010). In daVinci’s “Last Supper” mural, the half-moon window above his painting of Christ with his disciples, contains a “mathematical and astrological” puzzle which has been deciphered to mean the flood will begin on March 21, 4006 and end the world, as we all know it now, on November 1, 4006. At which time, there will be a new start for humanity.

4006? Wow – we have a lot of generations to go before that time comes! I am happy to hear the world will not be ending before my time of natural death, whenever that may be. I have a lot of dreams to fulfill in my lifetime and humanity has a lot to accomplish in working towards a better world!

What gives me great hope is this generation of college graduates. Many of them have their eyes wide open to living and working in a more global world than past generations. There are brilliant students who have spent their college years studying foreign relations, international trade, e-commerce, other cultures and global environments as part of their curriculums.

Even some architectural students are thinking globally! My niece is a mid-year graduate of The Roger Williams University School of Architecture. For her masters thesis, she decided to plan and design a global project. She designed The Ocular Orientation Center, for those suffering from blindness and visual impairment, young and old. The Center was designed for a site in Chittagong, Bangladesh. She took into consideration every variable, such as climate, soil, topographical layout, local natural materials of the region and more, so that the school can be viably built. Her dream is to see this project come to fruition.

If daVinci’s predictions are correct, that is music to my ears! I want to see what is in store for this generation of college graduates. Despite the less than ideal economic situation at this moment, I think the up and coming generation of college graduates have a lot up their sleeves!

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Once in a Blue Moon

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“The only thing you live to regret are the risks you didn’t take”~ Unknown

Today, I am feeling very fortunate. Since starting my company, I have had the opportunity to meet many incredible people that I would not have ordinarily met, had I not taken a risk. Among them have been extraordinarily talented artists, filmmakers, and individuals who serve their communities through the non-profit sector – all of them independent publishers. All have had similar goals – to share beauty, kindness and knowledge through their unique and creative talents.  All have been so very committed to changing our world for the better and each person is awe-inspiring in their very own way.

Tonight, as the New Year approaches, I will be taking some time to reflect on these past few years to remember some of the individuals that I have crossed paths with. Many of these individuals I have not met face to face, yet through an e-mail or a telephone conversation, they have left a mark on me. I can recall the discussions we have had about their goals and aspirations for their independent publishing companies. All have inspiring, educational or entertaining stories to tell through their books, films or music or through their commitment to a cause or a mission. All are the kinds of people you meet only once in a blue moon.

We want to hear from more of you! By posting your comments to our blogsite, we can together build a community of like-minded people who have independent thoughts, ideas and dreams to share.

Happy New Year 2010! May this coming year bring publishing success to each and every one of you!

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