Category Archives: creation

2014 The Year of the Horse

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year of the horseHappy New Year! It ‘s the year of the horse. Although we can read all kinds of predictions about the year ahead, we chart our own course when it comes to the arena of our life. Positive results come with positive action.

Curious about what is predicted for the next 365 days from other sources? There is an article that says “This is the year full of immense turning points that opens a new period of fate.” To read the full article, go to this link. http://bit.ly/1dRheo9.

 Have a fulfilling year ahead, everyone!                                                                               New year5

This blog brought to you by www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com. Where independent thoughts, words and views are all of the business. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling.

Cheers! Moving Forward

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“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” –Jim Rohn

Ring in a New Year tomorrow! Acknowledge and forgive the past, accept and bless the new.

Did you ever consider the two things that we can not change are our genetic predispositions and our family lineage?  But, we do not need to be limited by either. Although we may not be able to do anything about the fact that we are related to eccentric Aunt Mabel or the way we are engineered to age, our attitudes toward both can be altered. We can limit our exposure to Aunt Mabel if her attitudes or lifestyle rub us the wrong way or we can make resolutions and act on changing our habits, so that our bodies can better cope with the hand we were dealt genetically. That’s good news.

Taking responsibility for our choices is the first step toward changing what we do not like in our lives. The first of every year is the best time to do some personal house cleaning of our environments – physically, emotionally, environmentally and in our relationships. A New Year provides us with the opportunity to get rid of the things that have gotten us stuck. Start anew.

51yt7mbRA-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_[1]Conspiracy for Greatness: Mastery for Love Within, a book about personal fulfillment, addresses how our lives change when we take responsibility for ourselves, our actions and decisions.Click for info & ordering

Looking inward, fully committing to the thought that the past need not determine our present and future, is a start to personal change. To read an article by Behnam Bakhshandeh, the author of this book, please follow this link. http://bit.ly/UeGg6B.

Kudos to you on this New Years Eve, if you have decided that 2013 will be the year you are going to eliminate, from your life, what has been holding you back from moving ahead in a positive direction.

Happy New You! Happy New Year! Cheers!

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 All the Best in 2013 from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Spinning Yarns

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“The key to a healthy society is a thriving community of storytellers.” ~ Franco Sacchi

Yesterday our blog was about New Year’s resolutions, and the need for Americans to add PLAY MORE to their list of priorities for 2013. “Play more” means something different to everyone, depending on our own interests and hobbies.

growingbookLast fall I enrolled in a creative writing course, just for the fun of it. I enjoyed it immensely; it was enlightening. As a result of the class, I feel as if my brain has been fertilized and my garden pot of memories has sprouted and grown. I have thoughts that would be rewarding to share with others, in a way that never occurred to me before. Funny, how that has happened.

I made a decision for myself this morning.  Creative Writing II has been added to my “to do” list this winter. I have an independent publishing project I’m pondering; I wish to work through it, with the guidance of a skilled writing professor.

Finding inspiration is not always easy, but, researchers say that the more we create, our minds become more open and receptive to invention, ingenuity and artistry. I suppose this explains why “mad scientists” who come up with one great idea to patent, often go on to explore and invent other key concepts to copyright. Authors, after writing one book, often find the motivation to continue, and write a second.

 Imagination How Creativity WorksImagine: How Creativity Works by Jonah Lehrer addresses how many factors in our lives  nurture creativity.Click for more info & ordering

There is an interesting review in Psychology Today magazine that both questions and validates what Lehrer says in his book. To read the article, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/W7A4xh.

There is also a good article for writers and artists on how to stay inspired. http://bit.ly/YlZKaS.  Many people who live long, fulfilling lives attribute satisfying lives to the fact that they never stop growing and learning. Is there something you have always wanted do but haven’t dared to? Perhaps 2013 should be the year to pursue it.

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

Kindle your Aspirations and Share the Peace

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“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” ~ Sy Miller and Jill Jackson 

christmas-earth-dove-painting_1280x1024Reading these words reminds me that although I can not control others actions in this world, I can be mindful of my own. 

So, in that vain, I would like to pass along a message of gratitude to all of you who have visited this website All Things Fulfilling over the past year. Your readership and comments makes blogging worthwhile. 

I have enjoyed learning about our client’s inspiring independent publishing projects in 2012 and look forward to seeing what 2013 brings, for others, who have just begun the process. For so many around the world, having the ability to tell and publish a story that has been burning inside, just waiting to be told, has been a first step towards peace within. We are fortunate to have freedom of press freedom in our country, and the choices in publishing platforms has grown with the development of e-books.

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Merry Christmas, Everyone! May you celebrate this holiday in a way that is meaning and fulfilling to you, personally.

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Expectancy and Hope Worldwide

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 “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ” ~Norman Vincent Peale  

Diversity in culture makes our world so interesting. Christmas unites children around the globe in emotions of expectancy and hope, awaiting a visit from Santa or St. Nick. In Belgium and France, Pere Noel is revered. Kerstmann comes to the Netherlands and Weihnachtsmann(Christmas Man) comes to Germany. In the United Kingdom children await the arrival of Father Christmas and Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz) comes to Russia. 

This day before Christmas Eve, I would like to share some beautiful faces of children awaiting Christmas  around the globe. Worldwide, some children’s  dreams are fulfilled, thanks to generous people and organizations such as Operation Shoebox. To read more about the organization Samaritan’s Purse, please follow this link. http://bit.ly/T6T4kl . 

Return tomorrow to All Things Fulfilling for one more message for Christmas Eve.children and christmasIs he here yet?

chinese child closing eyes No peaking!

ethiopian children with crosses

Children in Ethopia, faithfully awaiting the story of Christmas 

 

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Operation Shoebox, organized by Samaritan’s Purse delivers smiles to children all over the globe

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Scandanavian Children in native garb ready to celebrate

beautiful african american boy

Beaming all things beautiful

canadian children

No doubt about their heritage

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In Peru, children as sweet as the lambs they hold.

africa child waving

Merry Christmas and blessings to you, too! 

 guatemala children

Sisters from Guatamala herald in Christmas together

 chinese children as santa

Appropriately dressed and waiting

 children learning

The Gift of Education

 child praying

Hands together in hope, faith and grace

worshipping the animals

Worshipping the Animals

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Children – the light of the world.

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Fulfilling Holiday Appetites

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Something about an old-fashioned Christmas is hard to forget.” ~Hugh Downs 

Isn’t it odd how we associate certain foods with certain people? My maternal Grandmother passed away when I was a very young child, but one of my most lucid, wonderful memories of her is the chicken stew she fed me when I went to her house. It was so delicious, right out of a can, heated up.  Thoughts of the stew, makes my mouth water. And my paternal grandmother’s greatest joy in life was feeding others. Her basement pantry was large. My sister and I loved going in her cellar to see what was stocked. 

When I was a child, our neighbors found personal fulfillment in “gifting” home baked food at Christmastime. HomemadeChristmas in a jar root beer arrived each year from the family next door. Other neighbors sent cookies, date nut bread or a can of pickled beets or green beans from the garden. My mother always gave back,  something a little different each year – to surprise. This type of gift giving is fun, economical and it  “feels good” because it comes from the heart.  It is  just one way of  how we form  associations of certain foods with certain people.

Christmas has gotten so commercialized and out of control. Need some suggestions of homemade gifts to give someone? Here is a list of one hundred. Some of these gifts can be made by getting children involved in the process, providing quality time between parent and child. http://bit.ly/ZdmMqE. 

goulasch-with-spaetzleAt our house,  Christmas Eve dinner is a recipe that was passed along from my maternal grandmother.  “Spiced Beef” with spaetzle or egg noodles. I cook it for my husband and my son just once a year so it is special. There would be trouble in the house, if it wasn’t on the Christmas Eve table. Since cooking is not one of my passions, (although I do enjoy baking), it brings me great joy to think that a few recipes that I have fed my family over the years brings them fulfilling feelings during the holidays. It is really what Christmas is all about.

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

Warm the Heart and Spirit

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 “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”  ~ Mother Teresa 

Himalaya Mountain HeartIn the aftermath of Friday’s senseless occurrence, it is important to keep the faith in humanity in tragic times, as hard as that may be.  There are many people who do good deeds, day after day, which reflect the goodness of people in our country. Each one of us can find opportunities to help our fellow man, in some small way, to make this place a better world. 

  • During the holidays, give to the person on the street ringing the bell for charity, no matter how big or small your contribution.
  • Give Christmas cookies or a thoughtful token to someone who is alone at Christmas.
  • Use every opportunity, you can find, to let your child know you believe in them.
  • Give your unused grocery coupons to someone who needs them.
  • Carry groceries for the elderly or offer a kind word.
  • Volunteer at a food shelter or donation center for the needy.
  • Say “thank you” to military men and women on the street, veterans and those actively serving.
  • Be grateful there are men and women who are willing serve in public office positions, at the local and state level, even if you may not agree with their opinions or decisions.
  • Leave your newspaper at the coffee shop, neatly folded, for someone else to read.
  • Offer your position in line at the store to someone who looks like they need it.
  • Compliment someone on a job well done. 

There are small heartfelt things we can do to help each other know there are still people who  are warm hearted and care in this world. We can never afford to lose the faith in the human race.

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

Mystery of Inspiration

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Mystery of Inspiration

©Sue Batton Leonard

Magical mistress, help me finish my book.

My pen is burning, yearning to see it complete. On Nook.

 Writing the spirit befriends, transcends. Like a jigsaw,

filled with turning points, wonder and awe.

I’ve got another idea in mind, a different kind,

equally as fulfilling and revealing.

I must keep writing. Give into this urge, purge.

Magical mistress, keep me creating, articulating,

help me turn my actions into satisfactions.

Forevermore, I’ll be faithful and grateful.

 The photo is from www.deviantart.com. Visit their website and check out their other fantastic images!

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

End of the Year Reflections

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“We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decisions rather than through our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things, we accomplish goals.” ~ Stephen Covey

It is getting toward the end of year and we all know what that means – reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the coming.

Over the past year, it has been so very gratifying to have worked with a variety of authors consulting on selling publications through e-commerce and steering them with internet marketing strategies and direction. I’ve had the opportunity to learn of unique independent publishing projects, and meet authors who have creative minds and stories. It is extremely fulfilling work.

What I love about independent publishing is the vision people have for their projects and their ability to carry out those visions because the only “gatekeeper” is their own power of motivation, creativity and inspiration. “Independent publishing types” understand Napoleon Hill’s philosophy that “what the mind can conceive, it can achieve!”

My involvement with the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, http://www.cipabooks.com also grants me a chance to work with associate service providers who are so knowledgeable about what they do – from editors, to e-book formatters, cover designers, indexers, to copyright experts, traditional book promotion companies, proofreaders, legal experts in publishing issues and so much more.

decisionLast week, when I was walking about Steamboat celebrating my landmark day of 1,000 blogs that I had written on All Things Fulfilling, I made a decision for myself about this coming year. I am rather excited about it. Come on back tomorrow and I will tell you more about it.

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More Fulfilling Signs of the Season

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“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” ~ Washington Irving

On Friday I posted photos of my walking tour in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I had given myself permission to enjoy the day doing something different, in celebration of my 1,000th blog on All Things Fulfilling. 

Today I continue with more photographic images of Ski Town U.S.A., and over the weekend Mother Nature left us with a fresh coat of white, which was greatly appreciated by this tourist town that relies on winter recreation of all kinds. 

My husband and I are grateful to live in such a beautiful and inspiring place, with gorgeous landscapes. Join me on this tour of historic Lincoln Avenue. The town has been bedecked, bedazzled and looks forward to welcoming all. It’s a very friendly place. Thanks for those who let me photograph their spaces.

IMAG0037Steamboat Art Company, offering wonderful coffee table art books and  unique hand hooked wool pillows from Chandler 4 Corners ,  designed by Laura Megroz.

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Center for Visual Arts, the CVA is a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization and community art center. Their mission is to support emerging artists , provide exhibition space,  educate through guest artist series and work with youth.

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Homesteader Kitchen Shop, specialty food items and wonderful kitchen gadgets and accessories.

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Nutcrackers Stand at Attention in the Windows, Handsome Fellows!

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Oh, look! The winter exhibition at the Steamboat Art Museum begins December 21st – a Retrospective of painter Jean Perry and sculptor Curtis Zabel. Can’t wait to check it out.

Photo Below: Lyon’s Drugs and alot more! Great gifts also.

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Photos above and below, more gift suggestions from Off the Beaten Path, the Indie Bound Bookstore in town.

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Branches – home decor and accessories. Pictured above and below.

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This town in filled with businesses of all kinds, including a host of location neutral businesses and people with lots of entrepreneurial spirit. Makes living here, very interesting.

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