Books and Films with Inspirational Messages

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“No heart has ever suffered when it has gone in search of its dream.” ~ Paul Coelho

heart pillows stuffedFebruary is Happy Heart Month! Over the course of the past month, messages from inspirational books and films have been at the core of our minister’s sermons at the UnitedMethodistChurch in Steamboat. Many people without religious backgrounds have read and appreciated these books also. They have been New York Times bestsellers. Here are the titles:

  • The Alchemist by Paul Coelho  (the movie is coming in 2014)

Click for info & ordering

  • Tuesdays with Morrie  by Mitch Ablom   (film adaptation also available)

Click for info & ordering

  • The River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean  (film by Robert Redford)

Click for info & ordering The authors of each of these books have created stories that take the reader on a journey into their own hearts, in search of the meaning of life and the Universe. Thought provoking, illuminating and inspiring, they raise awareness of some of the best parts of human nature, as well as stir up more difficult issues we are faced with as people who were created with faults, weaknesses and a full range of emotions that run from admirable to undesirable. The truth of the matter is that good books and films give us reason  to stop and ponder.

If you are searching for good reads with heart and soul content, you may want to consider Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

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

Crossing Mountains to Get There

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Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain. “ ~Author Unknown

event-sundance-filmThe Sundance Film Festival is on my mind this week. If you have been to Park City, Utah, the venue of this independent film festival, you know  the area is surrounded by the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and the historic downtown is steep with artistic flair. The screening venues for the event, such as the Egyptian Theatre, entertained locals from the “rough and tumble days of exploration and active mining.”

The festival, founded by actor Robert Redford in 1981 brings together, every winter, scores of people who love independent films, as well as people who work in the industry. What began with 10 emerging filmmakers decades ago has grown and evolved into one of the most respected film-award contests in the country. To read more about the history of the Sundance Film Festival, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/VVfrFe.

A few of the many films that will be screened throughout the week are:

To read about other official slections, films that were juried into this festival, please visit http://www.sundance.org/

This morning, my husband and I would like to send a shout out  to our favorite filmmaker, who will be working very hard at the festival, behind the film camera. Hopefully, he will remember to take a few minutes to enjoy and take it all in! He deserves it, he’s successfully climbed mountains in his career field, since before high school, to get there! http://bit.ly/UJrK73.

Look forward to visiting with you, our readers, tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling – where sharing independent thoughts, words and views is all part of the business; I hope you’ll join us. This blog brought to you from Sue Batton Leonard, author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com.

Connected Through a Gesture

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Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. ~Scott Adams

It’s hard to find good news on TV. The other day, I was getting more disturbed by the moment, as I flipped through the TV news channels. Everything I heard was negative and upsetting. I subject myself to that, as little as possible.

Finally, I flipped to Fox News and just happened to catch the story of Laura Schroff & Maurice Mazyck. Have you heard their beautiful story? It is about the power of one person to change the life of another. Although, if you listen to interviews of these two people, whose lives came together many years ago, this is, by no means, a one-sided story.

The tale is about trust, family, hunger, need, rebuilding lives, compassion. One person’s stepping out to help another is now helping to drive the fulfillment of other’s needs throughout the country, through the publishing of this inspirational true to life story. Click here for info and ordering An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-Year-Old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny.

Proceeds from this book are being donated to No Kid Hungry, a non-profit organization. http://bit.ly/Wmsej9.

an invisible threadThe story, The Invisible Thread, has become a NY Times Best Selling book. It would make for an outstanding book to film adaptation. I hope it is in the works!

Rather than tell you more, please take the time to visit this website. Be prepared! It will deeply move you, but in a way that is very different than most news stories. http://www.aninvisiblethread.com/

Look forward to visiting with you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling –  where sharing independent thoughts, words and views is all part of the business; I hope you’ll join us. This blog brought to you from www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com.

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Spreading the Joy in Indie Publishing

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Joy isn’t in things, money or positions. It is IN us. And we need to bring it with us and SHARE it!” ~ Unknown 

Day Two of 2013!  My resolution this year is to do something a little different each month, to promote our growing population of independent publishers here in Routt County, Colorado. 

snowboarding tricksWhy? Because I believe greatly in each one of our We Write Steamboat, independent publishers. They are a creative and well-educated group of people, male and female. Many of them are award-winning authors with award-winning books! Each of them is a healer of mind, body and spirit! They have career knowledge in all sorts of fields. Our members include teachers, physicians, life consultants,a chef, holistic health consultants, experts on our natural environment,  just to name a few. All with valuable experience in life to write about. Our group also includes young people and retirees who like to spin yarns just for the fun of it! (Of course, they don’t object to selling their books, also!) 

In my opinion, all writers are helpers and healers of mind, body and spirit! After all, we publish books to educate, inspire others, entertain,and inform readers. Could there be better reasons? I don’t think so. In fact, writing is as therapeutic for the author as well as the reader. It gives us a way to share our thoughts, emotions, experiences and our imaginations. http://bit.ly/ZSk0Yc.

A networking group of independent publishers, She Writes Steamboat, that I began almost two years ago, has grown, and as of January 1, 2013 we have changed our name to We Write Steamboat. From the very first meeting, we have had male writers attend, and we don’t want them to feel slighted! We’ve welcomed them and have been delighted to have them part of the group from our inception.

We, independent publishers here in Ski Town, USA and Routt County, Colorado, come together and meet monthly. In a nutshell, because producing independent books, films and music is a win-win for the artist creating the work as well as for the audience who so enjoys it! Our mission is to provide networking opportunity and to promote success of independent publishing. Our affiliation with the Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com , also fosters our growth as award-winning writers and publishers.  

If you wish to learn more about starting up an independent publishing networking group in your area, contact me through this blog.

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

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.

merry-christmas-sign

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

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

A Holiday Respite

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The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

norman-rockwell-christmas-homecoming-1What is it that draws us into reading books and watching movies about Christmas? Many are corny and unrealistic, yet there is still something that enchants us. I suppose we want to experience feelings of fulfillment – joy, love, hope, tenderness, amusement, generosity, faith, peace, harmony. Click on the link For info & ordering Norman Rockwell books

Art images of Christmas, such as this iconic Norman Rockwell painting, enfolds us in thoughts of things that keeps us believing in the goodness of our world and humanity; providing us with a respite from the more difficult realities of life.

Last fall I was introduced to author David Baldacci through his book, I Wish You Well, and found him to be a great story teller. He has a newly released book called, Forgotten, that is near the top of the NY Times Bestselling List, in print and e-book format. So, last week I decided to read his holiday tale, The Christmas Train. I enjoyed this light read and liked his quirky characters. The story was as sappy as maple sugar. In one turn of the story, had it been a true case scenerio, people would have died, or at the very least, frozen to the point of injury. But, in the spirit of Christmas, all turns out well. I did I really expect anything else? Click here for Baldacci books

Santa has always brought our family at least one new Christmas book or movie annually. Holiday Inn had to be replaced last year. The DVD was so worn with use it no longer had a clear picture.

If you are looking for a Christmas movie to watch with your family, here is a list of the top holiday movies of all time, listed in the Independent. http://ind.pn/Ta76PY.

nostalgic christmas2Heat up some hot chocolate, pair it with some popcorn and enjoy a holiday film in the comfort of your own home this weekend. It will do you good to relieve you of the stress of holiday preparations.

Return on Monday, and then I will be taking a break from blogging for a few days to fully enjoy the holiday.

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

Imparting Knowledge to Younger Generations

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There is so much we can learn from generations who came before us, if we would only listen and read about what others have to say through their writing.

On Sunday afternoon, the photography of Andrew Zuckerman and his wisdom project was featured on Rocky Mountain Public Broadcast Service (RMPBS). Zuckerman’s portrait photography is really stunning. He captured 51 important celebrity personalities who are familiar to most of us through their careers in all different fields. Each person’s image was captured, through the lens of the camera, with a pure white background; completely eliminating any distraction to the eye when viewing the aging faces. Hence, each person’s unique facial characteristics really pop. The stark photographs allow the viewer to better see beyond the external.

Zukerman’s book, Wisdom: The Greatest Gift One Generation Can Give To Another  is accompanied by a DVD. An oral recounting tells each person’s truth about life as they know it. To read more about the people who are featured in this project, Click here for info and ordering

There is also a show produced by Maryland Public Broadcast Service called My Generation, hosted by Leeza Gibbons in association with AARP.  This weekly, Emmy nominated show also highlights individuals, aged 50 and older, who have much to share with younger people about living healthy, active lives. Lifetime experience and knowledge is the basis for great words of advice. http://bit.ly/SYWDae.

 The advice and knowledge imparted in the book/DVD and the TV programs all give insight into the art of living a fulfilling life. Check them out.

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

Generation of Smart, Healthy Children

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As a kindergarten teacher, I have come to understand the powerful interplay between our senses, memory and food.” ~ Grady Turner

There is an e-book project in the works that I am more excited about than many others I have heard about. I desperately want to see it come to fruition. Why? This independent publishing project is about the new generation and teaching through interactive e-books.

Eat, Play, Learn Books, LLC is a company that is developing “kids activities that use healthy food as a learning tool.” These lessons have been successfully used and tested in the classroom by award winning  kindergarten teacher, Grady Turner, B.A., MEd. They meet and reinforce academic standards.

The impetus behind this Eat, Play, Learn Books is a need our country has – raising children who know about the benefits of staying healthy and fit. 

This series published by Eat, Play, Learn Books, LLC covers four diciplines of learning – reading and writing, math, science and social studies. The e-books, complimented with video, will lead parents and children through a series of fun activities that reinforce healthy food choices. It is geared for children aged 4 to 9. The activities can be done at home, providing parents and children outstanding quality time together. Through the activities in the books, children are introduced food that is both nutritious and commonly found in homes and the grocery store.  

Electronic books published by Eat, Play Learn Books, LLC are downloadable on e-readers, computers and palm-size digital devices, too – such as cell phones.Click here for Eat Play Learn – Lessons 1-3 Reading and Writing

Please join me in supporting this wonderful publishing project and raise a generation of healthier children.

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

Film Friday: Adaptation

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It has been a busy week on All Things Fulfilling. I feel as if I have been knocked over by a self induced hurricane this week. Between daily blogging, my creative writing course and other business meetings and commitments, I am glad it is Friday. It was a delight to be part of author Mara Purl’s blog tour this week also. If you missed out, scroll down to read my interview with Mara about her second book “Where the Heart Lives.”

At lunchtime today, local writers from the independent publishing networking group that I started a year and a half ago here in Steamboat, will be presenting their books and will talk about the independent publishing process with the Yampa Valley University Women. Another group I belong to. 

This morning as I start my blog writing, I feel exactly like Charlie Kaufman in the film Adaptation. Here are his words and also my thinking.  

“To begin… To begin… How to start? I’m hungry. I should get coffee. Coffee would help me think. Maybe I should write something first, then reward myself with coffee. Coffee and a muffin. Okay, so I need to establish the themes. Maybe a banana-nut. That’s a good muffin.” 

Too bad I am not a coffee drinker, hot tea will have to do as a substitute. I will take that banana-nut muffin, though, sounds good!

Speaking of the film  Adaptation, my creative writing teacher says that it is a good movie suggestion to pass along to others. The movie is  directed by Spike Jonze.  She says, it is well worth watching.  “Interesting,” she said “how the screenwriter creates a story out of a person who has a passion for orchid collecting.” For information on this movie, Click here.

This is not a newly released movie. It hit the movie screens back in 2003. It is an adaptation of the book “Orchid Thief.” It won an Oscar and many other film awards.  Actors include Nicholas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, just to name a few of the cast. 

Sorry for the quick blog, today. Have a fulfilling fall weekend, everyone! Please return on Monday for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Film Friday: Books for Indie Filmmakers

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“A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them.” ~Lemony Snicket 

The holiday buying season will soon be upon us. In order to give you a head start on gift ideas for family or friends who are interested in filmmaking as amateurs or professionals, today’s blog will be focused on books about the industry. 

The Independent lists a selection of thirty books, many independently published, on things such as: 

  • Visual effects in films
  • Directing Films
  • History of Film and Cinematography
  • Finding success and fulfillment as a filmmaker
  • Legal issues of the film industry
  • Acting
  • Techniques for photography and filming
  • Film Editing
  • Film Distribution 

To see the list of recommended books, please visit this link. http://bit.ly/VaeoQQ.

Help your favorite filmmaker or want-to-be filmmaker build his or her library and career by purchasing one or more of these books to give as gifts this holiday! You will be giving a gift that will contain valuable information to reference from year after year. 

See you on Monday, for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.