Category Archives: children

August Rules

2 Comments

“Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall cease to exist.” ~ May Kay Ash  

It is already August! The first eight months of this year are almost gone! Let’s see what fulfills all those born under the Zodiac sign of Leo the Lion.  

Character Traits of Leos – “I WILL” is the motto of Leos.  They are born leaders and good organizers. Leos have a strong sense of pride, are loyal and honest. It is very important for Leos to put their hearts into something they love!  

As I  did research for this blog post, I came across a fact that I never knew before! My husband shares the same birthday as Saint Francis DeSales! For anyone who knows my husband, he has always lived his life – as a Leo – in the truest sense of the word.  

Saint Francis DeSales (born August 21, 1567) is well known for his words “be who you are and be that well.” Over three hundred of years ago, St. Francis had astounding  insight into what it takes to become successful artists, writers, publishers, musicians, screenwriters, filmmakers, journalists and great human beings. (Note: Mother Teresa was also an August baby). Without doubt, it takes character traits that Leo’s possess in order to pursue the creative path. 

Can you imagine living in a household with two Leos? Our Pisces son can! And he can well explain just what it was like! A Pisces born on the 25th is “in tune with the world around them and they may possess an amazing psychic sensitivity! They are most powerful when they put their talents into a cause much greater than themselves.” http://bit.ly/8XNTFh. 

Yikes! Now this is scary, fascinating stuff! The stuff of compelling films! Do you have any good stories of one Zodiac sign meeting another zodiac sign and the fascinating combined result? If so, share it with us! 

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

Stirrings

2 Comments

“All humanity is passion; without passion, religion, history, novels, art would be ineffectual” ~ Honore de Balzac 

My field of study throughout college was economics and psychology. Therefore, the study of art history was not within my radar screen of classes to take. Many years of fulfilling internet orders for art books and films, stirred within me a deep seated interest in Art that I barely knew was there. 

In the past few years, I have stumbled upon several books that have brought me closer to knowing more about art history. “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” gave me insight into Vermeer, “The Painted Kiss” led me into life in Vienna during the late 1880s  and into the life of artist Gustav Klimt.  The other day, I began my journey into learning more about the life of Vincent Van Gogh through the book “Sunflowers” by Sheramy Bundrick. Fictional stories about artists have drawn me in and whetted my appetite for art history. I’d like to learn more!  

The other day I began to think how independent publishing is the perfect conduit for artists and art historians to teach others who would have no interest otherwise, about the finest masters of Art. Fictional stories provides an interesting way to explore art history without having to sit through classes filled dates, facts and figures.   

Artists, does your palette of creativity and knowledge include the ability to write and illustrate? If so, a unique opportunity stands before you! You can share your talents and knowledge of Art through independent publishing. Your market even includes people like me, who ordinarily wouldn’t be drawn to learning art history, but love a well told story. How about it, artists?

 P.S. Something I never took notice of before – Van Gogh signed all his paintings simply “Vincent.”

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

Grassroots Spreading Globally

3 Comments

“We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to live life fully in it’s total meaning of loving, caring, creating and adventuring.                            ~ Herbert A. Otto  

It is inspiring when a simple message and concept begins to grow beyond wildest dreams. When Salley Gibney, founder of You Are Never Alone Foundation, a Vermont 501(3)C voluntary, non-profit began her efforts to foster caring, connection and hope through Caring Coins, I doubt she envisioned her efforts would spread so quickly, globally.  

The message of  You Are Never Alone is passed along from person to person through Caring Coins. These simple wooden coins inscribed with the words “You are Never Alone” were first given to troubled teens, to senior citizens, to hospice patients and to troops from Vermont headed to war in Afghanistan. Little by little, “the good news of hope” began to gather momentum. These coins are now available in Spanish, too and have traveled to places far beyond Vermont. They have traveled to children in Uganda, Guatemala and Ecuador!  

A few months ago word spread even further when the You Are Never Alone Foundation was invited to Bangladesh to spread the news and share caring coins with children in India! Please take a few minutes to watch this video and you will see the joy that this simple concept is now bringing to children on the other side of the world!  

This non-profit organization is a wonderful reminder of how one person’s vision and passion for changing the world can bring fulfillment to others. Salley is so fortunate to have the assistance of volunteers. There is much work to be done and funds are needed to continue to share this valuable message with others who are so in need of knowing, that despite life’s hard knocks, YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

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

Add them Up!

2 Comments

“There are certain things that are fundamental to human fulfillment. The essence of these needs is captured in the phrase ‘to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy” ~ Stephen R. Covey

Hey! It’s a good day! 

I have just gotten word that my article on E-Marketing: Moving Books from Basement to Marketplace will be published within the next twenty four hours. http://bit.ly/ateGw7. 

That’s not all that is fulfilling in my life! There is so much more! Sometimes, when our lives are taken up with responsibilities in the workplace, in the home, as members of families and communities it is difficult to find quiet in the storm of life and remember that each and every day is a blessing, even during our most hectic times! 

For the next week, I am going to be completely engaged in some of the things that fulfill me the me most –volunteering for several events at Strings in the Mountains www.stringsinthemountains.org  which affords me the ability to enjoy the Arts, spending Sunday with precious, open-minded children learning about the value of faith and planning how I can best share the spirit of independent publishing with the writing community of Steamboat Springs, CO. 

Today, is fabulous Friday and I would like to share with you the miracle of nature. I have much to do this day, so rather than share words, I am going to share an image. Enjoy! 

See you in a few days!

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

An Eagle Eye Approach

Leave a comment

“He is a great communicator and teacher. He knows how to fix things when they go wrong.” ~ Kevin Steele 

Over the past week or two, my son and I have had a running conversation about deadlines, and how they become the all consuming focus for so many writers, filmmakers and artists. 

Sometimes in the rush to meet a deadline, details that are critical to the success of a project are often overlooked. Yes, rewriting or redoing is arduous and laborious, but, it is not worth risking quality for the sake of just getting the project done and out the door. Presenting a project that is representative of your capability as a talented artist is vital. 

Before the deadline, it is wise to have someone take a hard-line objective look at the project you have been so deeply engaged in. An opinion without bias can serve you well! This step should not be ignored, nor should it be left as a final detail. Suppose there are things that need to be reworked? 

Meticulous does not mean being inflexible. It means caring and putting your very best forward. Think of it this way, what do you look for when you are at the other end? Quality, probably!

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

Love Them, Support Them

Leave a comment

“We are an independent business first and foremost. …” ~ Erik Monge

I know we have possibly never met, but, I probably know something about you already! You favor the unique, your sites are set on something a little different, you tend to gravitate toward people who form their own opinions. How do I know? You are visiting this blogsite, aren’t you? We are all about independent, thought, words and views! 

Since we think alike, I thought I would share with you something that is taking our communities by storm! It is called Indie Bound. It is a community of people who are working to “strengthen the health of Main Street all across America.” You can find and locate businesses across the U.S. that have the same independent spirit that you have. You can find hardware stores, gift stores, specialty food stores, pet stores and more at the click of this link http://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder. 

We are all in this country together. I don’t know about you, or perhaps I do, but I want America to continue to exert her independence and thrive! That is why maintaining the cornerstone principles of our country are so important! It is also why an American fulfillment company specializing in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers was born!  

E-Commerce has it’s advantages and it serves a purpose, there is no doubt about that. But still – get out, support all kinds of independent businesses and support what you and I believe in – our country’s Main Streets!  

See you downtown! 

 My indie view – Weston, VT is the prettiest little town around! Don’t know if this store is Indie Bound but it is a worth a visit!

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

Out of the Valley!

Leave a comment

…all the pleasures prove, that valleys, groves, hills and fields, woods or steepy mountains yields.” ~ Christopher Marlowe  

Boy, do I ever feel better! I had been suffering from some low-lying, lackadaisical fog. It was like I was stuck in the muck! It had been hanging over me for a while.  Ten days ago, I decided I was going to change up my daily walking routine and no longer be at the command of my elderly, sixteen year old dog. My daily walks had gotten slower and shorter, all because I was at the mercy my walking companion’s aging needs. I decided it was time for me to go it alone, and leave her behind, and do what was best for me!

Yesterday, I got a sign from the heavens that my decision, made ten days ago, was a right one!  As I climbed my much more strenuous route from my place down in the valley, to the height of the mountaintop, it began to rain. As I reached my highest destination, I was huffing and puffing, all out of breath. I turned around to look at what was behind me, and across the valley was a magnificent double rainbow! It made the climb all worthwhile! 

A few moments later, I passed by a woman out walking her two dogs. I said to her “did you see the double rainbow ?” She said “I did, indeed! One for each of my dogs.”  I answered back,” yes, and you are the pot of gold. You feed them, love them and walk them. What more could they need?”

Later in the day, I reflected on my morning’s conversation with this woman. I decided I had made a statement, that was perhaps in my case, not true. The rainbow is my husband and son, and at the end, is the dog – teaching us lessons about life and aging, each and every day.

 

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

Short Snippets

Leave a comment

“Life is one fool thing after another, whereas love…….” ~ Oscar Wilde

 Have you ever written Haiku before? You know what I mean, a type of poetry from the Japanese culture. It all goes like this:  

  • Five syllables in the first line
  • Seven syllables in the second
  • Five syllables in the third line 

That’s all – three short lines! Haiku must “paint a mental picture” and it does not rhyme. The challenge is to put imagery in the readers mind in only 17 syllables! The possibilities are infinite, but the visual effect is created by using just the right words! Writing good haiku is much more difficult than reading it.   

Can you write a haiku about one of these works of art? Today’s challenge to write haiku is not for me, it is for you!!! 

One last directive – send me your haiku, through the comment section of this blog – I’d like to read it! 

 

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

Tender is the Night

Leave a comment

“The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind can not understand.” ~ Robert Valett

Tender is the night for tiny, premature babies and those who carefully and delicately nurse them through to another day.  I know all about that, firsthand. 

Premiering this week on Discovery Channel at 10 PM (ET/PT) is a 10-episode docu-drama series that visits behind the scenes of leading neo-natal intensive care units in Baltimore, San Diego and Cleveland. The Discovery Channel’s show NICU Diaries http://health.discovery.com/tv/nicu/   follows the lives of real families as they experience the rollercoaster than comes with giving birth to a premature baby. Watch doctors and nurses, as they work around the clock to serve the needs of their newborn, fragile patients. 

Without these dedicated professionals, neo-natal nurses and doctors, so many children’s lives would be lost and the dreams of parents seeing their child grow into adulthood could not be fulfilled. 

I am so grateful and appreciative of the extraordinary care that was given to me as a newborn many, many years ago, at a time when NICU units, as they are known today, were primitive at best. And for the blessings of God, without which I could never have survived. 

P.S. I am hoping to see my niece at work as a NICU nurse, in this upcoming docu-drama series! She works in the San Diego hospital featured. Thanks, E!! for dedicating your talents and expertise to the lives of teeny, tiny tots!

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

Wipe It Out!

Leave a comment

In faith and hope the world will disagree, but all mankind’s concern is charity.” ~ Alexander the Great 

 Last month at the 2010 Kiwanis International Convention, a historic decision was made to partner with UNICEF in an effort to eliminate all neonatal and maternal tetanus (MNT) around the world.

The $110 million dollar effort has it’s sites set on reaching it’s goals by the year 2015. The project will utilize 600,000 Kiwanis volunteers to help raise resources and awareness about MNT. This project helps in fulfilling the mission statement of Kiwanis International by “changing the world, one child and one community at a time.”  

 The first initiative to wipe out tetanus began in 1989. Kiwanis International contends that in this new century, no child or mother should have to suffer the devastating effects of MNT. This highly fatal disease is preventable.The partnership between Kiwanis and UNICEF will have the power to reach the 40 remaining countries where the disease is still a risk. 

I am proud to be a Kiwaniian! This is a very important project aimed at providing critical health services to some of the world’s most neediest countries. For more information on this important service organization, visit www.kiwanis.org.

  

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