Category Archives: Libraries and e-books

Treasured Time with a Child

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“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.”  ~  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

If you visited All Things Fulfilling yesterday, I made a promise I intend to keep today. Here is a short list of my favorite children’s books, published in the 1980s ,when I was raising our young son. At the time, there was  nary whisper of the changes that were on the horizon for the publishing industry, at least not that I was aware of. Thus, the following books are mostly, if not all,  traditionally published. 

In today’s world, there are many fulfilling reads, for children and adults, published independently of the big six or seven conglomerates. What changes we have witnessed in publishing over the past ten or twelve years!  

Jan Brett’s books ranked high on our list of treasured children’s books. Living in the north country of Vermont, our family related to the Nordic themes and art illustrations that were present in most of Jan’s books:

  • The Mitten
  •  Trouble with Trolls
  •  Annie and the Wild Animals
  • Wild Christmas Reindeer

New Hampshire author, Tomie DePaolo’s books, claimed a stake in our hearts, too. My son’s love of Native American history and lore drew us to several of Tomie’s books.

  • The Legend of Indian Paintbrush
  • The Legend of Blue Bonnet
  • The Legend of the Poinsettia 

A few others to consider by various authors:

  • The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (now adapted for film)
  • The Napping House
  • The Jolly Postman
  • The Polar Express (also was adapted for film) 

Don’t forget to take time out of this busy holiday season to appreciate God’s gift to you, your child. Spending time with the little ones is far more valuable than anything you will ever find in a shopping mall! The rewards are great for both parent and child. 

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

Northeastern Book Angels

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“If one looks closely enough, one can see angels in every piece of art.

 ~ Terri Guillemets 

“Mama, Do you Love Me?” Yes, I do sweet child! “More than a walrus loves his tusks,” I would recite. Barbara M. Joosse’s lyrical story, “Mama, Do You Love Me?” offered the perfect opportunity to teach my son about the unconditional love a mother has for a child along with learning about the Inuit culture and Artic wildlife, too. 

With my child, I read a staggering number of enticing and magnificent children’s books as he went through the years of growing up. Because reading together was not something either of us was willing to let go of, I had the privilege of reading to him daily until almost age 12. It was the most treasured and fulfilling part of our evening routine. 

Children have a natural ability to learn language. The importance of reading to a child and talking with them, even about simple things, can not be overstated. It is how a child builds a solid vocabulary for understanding the world around them and how they learn to communicate effectively with others. For more information on this topic, check out this article http://bit.ly/np1Xzh. 

The most fulfilling Christmas shopping I did each year was stepping inside the Publishers Weekly award-winning Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vermont. Picking out the most meaningful books I could find for my child, I knew my buying helped to support a top-notch independent bookstore. I also loved the mission of their Book Angel program which put worthwhile books into the hands of many underserved children in the State of Vermont. http://conta.cc/txlh5s. 

 As far as I was concerned, the best gifts given to my child at any time of year were new books or DVDs. Besides Legos, books and films were always his most prized holiday presents. They were gifts that kept on giving for many years. The money spent became a real investment in my child’s future, too.  

Come on back tomorrow. Since I am in the reminiscing mode, I will share a list of my favorite children’s books, published in the 1980’s that “Santa” gave my child over the years. It may help out with some last minute shopping ideas.

More independent, thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com tomorrow! Come on back!

 

A Mysterious Relationship

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“The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable.”

~ Ralph W. Sockman 

Don’t you just hate it when you think you are finished your holiday shopping only to remember you need just one more thing? If you have a family on your list who lives and loves the equestrian lifestyle, there is one more worthwhile item that you will want to add to your shopping cart this year. 

Executive V.P. of Marketing from the U.S. Equestrian Foundation, Kathy Knill Meyer, has called The Lost Legend of the First Christmas “the perfect “Christmas gift” for people who wish to know more about the mystical bond between humans and horses. This book, the first in The Lost Legend Trilogy by Jo Hardesty, is a gift that will be read year after year because of the appeal it has to the heart and spirit of mankind. The inspiring tale takes children and adults alike on a horseback journey that will lead the reader to a civilization that existed during the time of the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus. 

Besides being a skilled author, Jo Hardesty managed the top three Arabian horse farms in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. As a horsewoman herself, she has known the companionship of horses her entire life. Through her fictional stories about the relationship between horses and the people who love them, she also incorporates living with faith into the storyline. 

Add this Christmas book or the entire Lost Legend Trilogy to your shopping cart. It is the perfect holiday, birthday or  “just because you’ll love it”  gift for the horse enthusiast in your life. For more information and to order, please visit http://bit.ly/vSAPTH.

Happy Holidays from Steamboat Springs,Colorado.

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

Things that Serve Writers and Filmmakers

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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.”  – Mark Twain

New and improved digital publishing software and digital filmmaking software for editing and post production is appearing on the scene.  In this world of producing digital content for all kinds of screens, there is a growing need. 

Perhaps you are a budding writer or independent filmmaker who has made a resolution to invest in stepping things up a notch by purchasing professional software for digital publishing or for creating films or video in  2012. Choices can be confusing and many when it comes to picking the best software. 

Adobe has a website that may be useful in fulfilling your need for knowledge about which way to turn. Their full range of software is suitable for individual and enterprise solutions. Investment in professional software means the ability to create high quality, professional results. 

Adobe Digital Publishing Suite has solutions for those who wish to create content that will captivate viewers and readers on mobile devices. The publishing suite is all encompassing software and it includes individual programs such as:

  • Photoshop
  • InDesign
  • Flash
  • Premiere
  • After Effects
  • Dreamweavers
  • Illlustrator 

Along with the need for software may come a need for education on how to use it, too! There are certified instructors who can lead you through the effective use of these products. They have the experience and the know-how. To help you explore the right product for your needs and to find out how to locate a certified instructor, please visit this link, http://adobe.ly/r0ONyr. 

Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC does not endorse any one software program. This information is offered to fulfill a need for independent publishing help. By using your favorite search engine, look for digital publishing software. The choices are varied. Be wise! Research before you buy. 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

 

Collaboration Strengthens the Indies

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“Individually, we are one drop. Together we are an ocean. ~ Ryunosuke Satoro 

Independent publishers in Steamboat and the surrounding Routt County have good reason to celebrate this month. Our meet-up group, SHe Writes Steamboat has grown to include 29 members. We are fulfilling networking opportunity for independent publishers and fostering independent publishing success. Some members are first time publishers, others have several titles under their belt and many are working on new books. The group has been in existence since June 2011. 

Last weekend we made a collaborative appearance at Holiday in the Rockies. This event was organized by the Steamboat Art Council. http://bit.ly/uJFXs7.   SHe Writes Steamboat is also pleased to announce that our individual member’s publications are being considered by book clubs affiliated with the Bud Werner Library for reading in 2012. 

If you are an independent publisher, male or female, in Routt County or in the surrounding counties looking for a meet-up group of this type, we invite you to join us at our monthly meetings. We meet every third Tuesday of the month from 4pm to 5:30pm. For more information on the group and where we meet, go to the SHe Writes Steamboat Facebook page and send us a message you would like to be included in this group. Here is the link http://on.fb.me/oOWKWm. You can also contact me, Sue Leonard of Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC, through SheWritesSteamboat@gmail.com. 

We look forward to learning more about you as an author, independent publisher and as a contributing member of this collaborative group!

Things that Sparkle

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“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. “

 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Tis the season for illumination. Today, on All Things Fulfilling I am going to focus on all things that shine. 

  • A clear star lit night
  • Tinsel on the tree
  • New parents and child experiencing their first Xmas together.
  • Icicles hanging from the eave of a roof
  • Lives spared by a Kiwanis and UNICEF Maternal and Neo-natal Tetanus vaccine
  • Polished silverware
  • Rudolph’s red rose
  • A gemstone given as a surprise gift
  • Glitter on a holiday card or an ornament
  • Candles on a tree, a mantel or on a festive holiday table
  • Snowflakes as they fall from the sky
  • A child’s face when they discover a book that draws them in
  • A beautiful painting, surrounded by golden frame
  • Crystal stemware
  • Someone who is passionate about the Art they create
  • Sequins on festive holiday clothing
  • Love discovered, love renewed in the spirit of Christmas
  • The face of the elderly or a veteran knowing and feeling that others really care
  • Twinkling white lights decorating a house
  • A lit lamp post standing sentinel for the arrival of holiday guests 

If you really want light up your own spirit this year, adopt a holiday family. Make some one else’s holiday shine by giving some gifts or fixing’s for a big holiday meal.Holiday buying this Christmas,  was especially fulfilling for me. I bought a few items for a set of twins who otherwise may not have had Christmas at all. More fun than the gifts given inside of the box, I created wrapping that really showed that I cared. When all is said and done, I think the packaging will be as treasured as much as the gifts inside! 

This year, buy one less gift for your own family, and give it to a family less fortunate and in need.  Here is a website that lists the top five Christmas charity projects. http://bit.ly/8ZBCef. 

Make your heart merry and illuminate the spirit of someone else this holiday season!

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

Crafting Words and Wares

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“Do what you can with what you have, where you are” ~ Theodore Roosevelt 

Here in our own little center of the Writers universe in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the Steamboat Writers Group ww.steamboatwritersgroup.com  has grown since early this fall. Perhaps people have decided the time to tell their story is now. 

“Holidays in the Rockies” is a featured event this weekend, in town. Artisans, craftsmen (and women), and other “creatives,” including local authors, will be gathered and selling their wares. Support those who work with great entrepreneurial spirit in cottage industries and in the independent publishing industry, too. 

Members of our meet-up group, SHe Writes Steamboat, an affiliate of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipacatalog.com will be selling and signing books. We will be located at Booth #l at the Bud Werner Library from 9am to 4pm. Some of our gifted writers such as Kathy Cunningham Guler, Dawn V Obrecht, Susan Mead, Karen Gilroy and Jo Hardesty Lauter will be there to introduce you to their books and to greet you. Ali Boehm will be in attendance with her brother’s book “Louie’s Saxophone” too. Stop by the Steamboat Art Depot across the street. Our member Mary Kurtz will be selling her books and her photographic note cards at the second locale for the event. 

Have plans and unable to attend? You’ll get a second chance. Join Karen Gilroy at the Bud Werner Library on Wednesday evening the 14th at 6:30pm. She will be giving a presentation based on her book “Discovering the Healer Within.” The following evening, on Thursday, December 15th at 6pm Mary Kurtz will be introducing her book. It is of great regional interest here in Routt County and the surrounds. Mary’s book is “ At Home in the Elk River Valley: Reflections on Family, Place and the West.” 

Literature will be available for those who are considering telling their stories in the New Year. The mission of SHe Writes Steamboat is to support independent publishers and to foster independent publishing success. 

See you on Saturday, December 10th! 

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

Explore a Future with Positive Growth

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“What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” ~ Napoleon Hill

Today, on All Things Fulfilling, we are going to turn our attention back to the very reason some readers return to this website time and time again.

The publishing industry is increasingly changing and we use this space to keep our readers up to date about new developments in independent publishing. Now at a time where independent publishing represents more than 50% of all publishing revenue, every day someone new decides to tell their story through the written word. No longer do you have to have an agent or a letter of acceptance from a publishing house in order to move forward with publishing a book. Anyone can be an independent publisher and sell their books, films or music through e-commerce and learn to promote it through e-marketing. For best results, however, some education is needed to learn how to become visible and effectively reach potential book buyers through the internet. 

 The Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA )is a great resource, and especially for beginning independent publishers. There are valuable downloadable webinars available that will provide you with a basic introduction to the industry and help you along the way. The webinars are affordable and will help you explore and navigate your way through the independent publishing process. To start you along the journey, take an 18 minute tour of “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry.”  http://bit.ly/oIkV2g. 

Before you jump in with your publishing project, my advice would be to learn what you can through downloadable webinars, join an independent book publishers association in your State of residence and attend independent publishing conferences.

Here in Colorado, the Colorado Independent Publishers Association is at the forefront of developing a fulfilling relationship with libraries for e-book selling. Learn about this partnership, through this article http://bit.ly/dNEX6N.  

Check back with us tomorrow, and we will bring you more independent thoughts, words and views about an industry that is fulfilling the needs of many people who want to be visible through their written words.

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

Bringing Behind the Scenes Looks

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“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~ Gail Devers 

What do you get when you put together art, religion, crisis, history and architecture together? The basis for a great televised mini-series, of Ken Follett’s novel Pillars of the Earth, adapted for film. 

Tonight and tomorrow (12/2 and 12/3/11) , on the Channel known for bringing outstanding behind the scenes Specials about films to viewers everywhere, a look at the making of the Pillars of the Earth  mini-series will be featured! Don’t miss out. 

For broadcast times and channels, please visit the website of Reelz Channel. Here you go, I will hook you up! http://bit.ly/rYU4km. 

Congratulations go out to the crew that brings these Weekly Specials to broadcast on a regular basis! I am proud to say, our favorite filmmaker is part of the team, as lead editor. Way to go Marc! A Shout Out to you and the others dedicated at  Reelz to bringing outstanding productions to the viewers. For more information on the visual effects and film editing work of Marc R Leonard, please visit http://bit.ly/tWdLnk.

Have a great weekend everyone! I will be back on Monday with more independent words, thoughts and views on www.AllThingsFulfilling.com.

Historic Setting Filled with Jewels

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 “Art is something that has real value. It deepens each person’s respect for life.”         ~Dana Levin 

On the corner of 9th Street andLincoln Avenue, sits an historic building that has always been filled with riches. The building bequeathed to the city of Steamboat Springs,Colorado in 2006, now houses the Steamboat Art Museum. It is a gift from the estate of a long time artist and rancher, Helen Rehder.  The building no longer contains currency of the First National Bank. To fulfill the donor’s request, the building is now filled with wealth of another kind – top quality art exhibits. The community of Steamboat is so very fortunate to have this substantial acquisition. The museum attracts top-notch artists who wish to share their craft with area artists and tourists, alike. As each new exhibit is brought to town, emerging artists can learn from the master’s work through observation, painting workshops and demonstrations. 

On December 2nd, the historic setting of the Steamboat Art Museum will be installed with gemstone paintings of another of the country’s top master painters, Quang Ho. This artist, of Vietnamese heritage, immigrated to the United States in 1975. He became a U.S. Citizen and began wowing this country with his art five years later at the age of 16. Two years later, he earned a National Scholarship award at the Colorado Institute of Art, the same year his mother was tragically killed. He then began the responsibility of rebuilding his life and raising four younger brothers and a sister, too. 

Despite adversity and challenges, Quang Ho has become a well-respected top national artist who is accomplished at figurative painting, landscapes and still life. He has invested his time and energy in learning how to paint in oils and watercolor. He teaches emerging artists at the Denver Students Artist League and also through his publications of art books and DVDs on how to paint. 

Quang Ho’s paintings will be shown for a four month period, beginning December 2. An opening reception for members of the Museum will be held from 4pm to 5 pm. The general public is invited to attend during the Friday Art Walk hours from 5 to 8 pm on December 2nd. Quang Ho will be giving a painting demonstration the following day (December 3rd). Purchase tickets early! The demonstration is guaranteed to sell out. There are also tickets available to have dinner with the artist. For more details, please visit www.steamboatartmuseum.org. 

This exhibit is not to be missed, and it will hang until the closing on April 14th. Both locals and tourists will find a fulfilling range of compositions that this extraordinarily talented artist has allowed the Steamboat Art  Museum to bring to this town.

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