Facing the Sun

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“If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.” ~ Napolean Bonaparte 

One of the top reasons I’ve loved living in Colorado for the past five years, is the high percentage of sunny days we are able to enjoy. Typically, the sky is clear blue and for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, over-exposure to a warm weather or high altitude winter sun is a concern. We hear many warnings about too much exposure to  the sun from doctors but still, many bask in it fulfilling an indomitable need to soothe mind, body and soul that comes with being outdoors.

cover sydney P waud Sun book

Author Sydney P Waud has written a book called Loving the Sun… Exposed without Fear which provides a fascinating look into the biological imperative that drives some 300,000,000 people around the globe to vacation annually in warm climates, think Hawaii, the Caribbean, Palm Springs, the Seychelles, Marbella and Cancun. The book gives up-to- date information on the dos and don’ts when spending time in bright sun relaxing, attending outdoor sporting events, gardening, playing sports, sunbathing, fishing, boating, hiking or swimming.

In spite of ample warnings not to sunbathe, the author realizes people will persist in doing so and therefore takes the pragmatic approach providing sound advice on how to prevent over-exposure to limit as much as possible damage to your skin and importantly what to look for when it has suffered the effects – both early and cumulative – of too much ultraviolet radiation. He emphasizes the importance of using quality sun screen products and having check-ups for anything that looks “suspicious” on our skin. With the use of sufficient protection, the book encourages people to get away to sunny vacation spots, take cruises and participate in outdoor recreation without fear of damaging effects. As the author points out, being in the sun and  having skin tones that do not resemble “winter whites” helps us to maintain an uplifted spirit and feel more youthful.

If you enjoy nature and getting outdoors, this book should be part of your inventory of “stuff” that you take with you when going off to sun-soaked destinations. If you like basking in the sun, purchase Loving the Sun… Exposed without Fear as a resource to keep near, so you will be prepared to face the sun with the right kinds of protection and advice, the medical parts of which have been vetted by a noted dermatologist.

Sunny spots located all over the globe are beautiful places to luxuriate, but sun spots on the skin can be damaging and even life threatening, problems this book can help avoid. As is quoted on the cover, the book is “interesting, provocative and ultimately compelling.” All in all, it is informative and a light read – perfect to take on a vacation or cruise – with idyllic photos that will make you wish you were there.

Waud’s book can be ordered through Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/19vjhRR  or through Amazon. http://amzn.to/KjZjxs.  Buy now. so you’ll be prepared for your next excursion outdoors.

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You’ve Got to Love It

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Humor is the great thing, the saving thing.  The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.  ~Mark Twain

Why is it that people think that those who practice a little faith have no room for humor?

In my opinion, I think it would help all religions to “lighten up.” After all, those who walk through the doors of a church, synagogue, temple or other place of worship on Sunday mornings are looking for insight and understanding into their lives – and sometimes if we look at things from a more light-hearted perspective it helps us to unload our burdens.

Every week  our minister manages to incorporate  humor into his sermons, and still does a fine job of getting a very meaningful message across. I got the biggest kick out of him during the Christmas season. As the congregation stood to sing  “We Three Kings,” he said “I want you all to listen up. We are going to sing verse #1 and #5 with the chorus part and verses #2, #3 & #4 without. Otherwise, the three kings will arrive with the gifts and go on back home, and we will still be singing this song.”

Reverend Tim, thank you for bringing your good-natured humor into the church. God gave us the gift of laughter and you, a good sense of humor. I am glad that you use it! It makes going to the United Methodist Church on Sunday mornings that much more inspiring and fulfilling.

Just sayin’… from underneath more than 225 inches of white fluff this season in  Steamboat Springs, Colorado….

advice & snow

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

Sunny Thoughts Welcomed Here

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Life is not about what happens to us, it is all about how we respond to it. ~ Unknown

I laughed the other day. My niece posted on her Facebook page that she was at a Baltimore Ravens game and it was “freeeeeeezzzzzzing.” Really, in mid-November? The geographic coordinates of Maryland wouldn’t indicate terribly dramatic temperatures.  I commented that she doesn’t understand what cold reeeealy means. She has never lived in locations where there are artic temperatures. As I write this blog this morning it is twenty-four below zero here  in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It is not expected to rise above zero today.

sunny thoughts  My motto every winter becomes “The sun is going to shine on me today, no matter what!”. Where I live 350 – 400 inches of snowfall annually is not unusual. It’s piled steep and deep for many, many long months. Sometimes when the temperatures dip so low, I have to dress in so many layers, I walk and move like a penguin.

I put out a welcome mat for Mother Nature, and look what happened she arrived in all her fury. Up until now she has been just teasing us.  I’ll turn these cold blustery days into warm, sunny fulfilling  thoughts through visualization.  http://expertenough.com/1898/visualization-works.

Where has this week gone? Did you notice it is snowing as you read this blog? Today on this thoughtful Thursday, I’d like to encourage you to return to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow for Film Friday. I will be featuring a movie and the critique of it from a New York Times best selling author. He has some very interesting things to say about weathering life’s storms.

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Tearing up over Books

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Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.” – Bill Cosby

I have found out over the past few years that writing a book about a character who cracks you up with laughter and who has played a powerful role in your life can be just as fulfilling as reading a funny book.

Today, I’m in such a happy mood – feeling very chipper. All as a result of reading a few books that have had me in stitches lately.

Ok, I’ll admit it – you couldn’t classify either book as fine literature. You’d be hard pressed to compare the books to the top classics of all time. That would be akin to trying to compare comic books with the Bible.

But to my way of thinking, both books are a panacea for lifting the spirits. Publisher’s Weekly says Belle Weather: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Scattered Hissy Fits  “is a hilarious read, perhaps best enjoyed while eating Krispy Kremes with a few girlfriends.” I concur with PW vehemently.

belle-weather I love the author’s humor. The Chicago Sun-Times says Rivenbark “Dishes out what Southern women really think and say when they’re not performing that soft-syllable grits-and-grace routine.”

Belle Weather is food for the soul. It has all necessary ingredients to cheer the spirits even though there is not a whole lot of meat in it to stew over. The thing you might learn is that it has been too long since you’ve read a book that’s made you laugh so hard you’ve got tears running down your face. Don’t you love reading books for pure pleasure?

Another book that has captured me hook, line and sinker  was Rebecca Wells’ New York Times Bestseller called Little Altars Everywhere. I adored it and as I read it, parts were as if I was experiencing a case of deja vu.

Little Altars

You’ll learn more about the value of humor in one’s life when my book is published in the spring.

Do return on tomorrow for more thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Nostalgic Images Stirred

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When people…rethink their personal stories, they begin to build a sense of connection and responsibility…they begin to view their personal stories as intertwined with history.”~ Paul Rogat Loeb

I have kept it no secret that I have been writing a memoir over the past few years. For those who knew me in my early childhood days, they’ve asked “has writing a life story  been painful?” I have to laugh.

I laugh because as I have written the personal narrative, it has stirred and returned me to some fulfilling memories of an era that has gone by and will never come again. That’s life. That’s progress – ever moving forward.

I realize how woven history is with my story. I am a survivor and have lived through times of great historical importance. As an author, in telling the story, I’ve tried to capture those nostalgic times. If you are of the baby boomer generation, what societal changes do you think has had the most impact on life in America since the 1950’s? I’m interested in your opinion.  

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

Fulfilling Potential

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The choices you make now, the people you surround yourself with, they all have the potential to affect your life, even who you are, forever.”   ―     Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever  

Do you feel like this Weimaraner puppy – up a tree without a paddle? Knowing you are not living up to your full potential?

up a treeYou are not alone. There are many people feeling the same way you are in this economy. It may not be a good time to quit the full time job or change careers, but that does not mean you are stuck forever. Above all, maintain the faith that better things are in store for you, believe it and work toward it.

Next, recognize that change begins within ourselves There are always little things you can do to make your life more fulfilling. For instance -perhaps you’ve always wanted to be a hiking guide but are stuck in corporate America. It may not be a good time to let go of that full time job – but maybe you can get outside everyday to take a jog, a walk or a hike around the block before or after work. On weekends or on days off, take to the hills – no excuses!

Here is an article from Shake off the Grind about finding something positive in every situation. http://bit.ly/1cmCuq1. The tips might help you.

Remember, change begins with little things. What is it that makes your heart zing?  What ever that is find a way to do it!

weimariner

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Spirited Young Children

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Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

joyfulchildI love the spirit and innocence of young children. Few have reason to doubt the world until they reach emotional maturity, which according to Katherine Lee in this article, http://abt.cm/Hk0mge, is somewhere around  the age of nine.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful, as an adult, to have a child’s spirit and have the ability to let your joy shine through from the depths of your soul not caring about what others think of your most delightful thoughts and actions.

I love the book we shared yesterday on All Things Fulfilling, by Trevor Boehm, because I think there is wisdom in the words he shares with respect to living in the world feeling personally fulfilled. If you didn’t read yesterday’s blog, scroll down to it.

On Monday, we will be sharing some tips for people who feel they are not living up to their God given talents, and wish they could be doing something else in their lives or careers. Please join us!

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Minds, Metaphor and Imagination

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Have you ever wondered why we use metaphors in writing and speaking and the influence the imagination has on clearly understanding concepts?

children-quoteIn James Geary’s book, I is An Other: The Secret Life of Metaphor and How it Shapes the Way we See the World, Geary explores how children think differently than adults and thus their perceptions of the world are different. Intuition and pattern recognition also may play a part in children’s comprehension of concepts that are too big for them because they have not yet experienced certain ideas in life. Geary’s book is an interesting read for anyone who wants to know more about how children learn and think.

Metaphors are interesting. If you want to know more about the use of them in communication, http://www.brainpickings.org/  is a site that will stretch your mind and imagination. A summary of Geary’s book is posted on the site www.brainpickings.org, as well as other things for your brain to digest and to conjure about.

The beautiful child was the center of attention, with his golden curls and tuna fish complexion. – Author Unknown

See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling, the blog of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Filled with Essentials

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Every child born has innate goodness.” ~ Chinese proverb

President of Bucket Fillers, Inc. is a title that Carol McLoud proudly wears along with her designation of award-winning author of six publications that teach individuals how to fill themselves up with fulfilling things in life.

Bucketfillers, Inc. independently publishes children’s books  and they include:

  • Have you Filled a Bucket Today
  • Fill a Bucket
  • Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness
  • My Bucketfilling Journal
  • Will You Fill My Bucket
  • Bucketfilling A to Z

Bucketfillers, Inc has won 58 awards. The author of these publications, Carol McCloud is also an energetic professional public speaker who uses creative storytelling in her presentations to all ages. Mccloud is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Talent SmartTalent Smart® Emotional Intelligence Certified Trainer, and the National Association of Professional Women, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

bucket filler“For the past five years, Bucket Fillers, Inc. has been busy creating bucketfilling schools, families, workplaces, and communities” through presentations and workshops, books and through other downloadable resources available through their website.  http://www.bucketfillers101.com/about-us.php .

As former educator, McCloud understands that happy kids grow into well-adjusted adults, who deal well with challenges when their buckets full of happiness get knocked over and depleted due to the  stresses of life. Learning how to gather a bucket full of happiness as a young child has life-long advantages.

Parents, help fill your child’s bucket full of happiness by sharing these books with your family. They have won the prestigious Mom Choice Awards and they have gained a top 5 Star ranking on Amazon.com.

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See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfulling!

Film Friday: Romance

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Love never gives up, never loses faith, always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance ~ from the Bible

This Film Friday I thought we would focus on romantic comedies.

Here are a list of twenty of the most popular romance movies from 2012. http://www.movie-moron.com/?p=20914. I am pondering over which one my husband and I might enjoy seeing tonight the most. Will it be The Vow,Click for Info & Ordering Perfect Sense Click here for Info & Ordering, The Lucky One Click Here for Info & Ordering or What to Expect When You Are Expecting Click here for info & ordering or shall it be something else?

Indeed, to survive a long term marriage, humor is important as well as devotion that just doesn’t quit, even if the other person in the relationship might be driving you crazy. And believe me, that happens in holy  matrimony.

Heart-shaped-waffles-490x329Today my husband & I celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary. I ‘m going to share this very short video with my husband, as we sit down to eat our “Eggos” for breakfast. He hasn’t seen it. It’s called My Waffle Wedded Wife.  It’s a good way to start the morning! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3E9U3GDrmI

Do Return to All Things Fulfilling on Monday. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com  The place where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business.