Category Archives: Matters of heart and soul

Film about Nature and Wild Horses

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“…and God took a handful of southerly wind, blew his breath over it and created the horse.” ~ Bedouin legend

Once again, it is Film Friday. Today we will put the spotlight on another award-winning documentary that has been aired on PBS.

The independent film, Wild Horses in the Winds of Change, by Sky Dancer Productions challenges us to think about nature and the treatment of wildlife, particularly wild horses. Horse lovers who know equines intimately say these sensitive creatures teach mankind about their own humanity, yet there are some people who place little value on the bond between these animals and people.Click for more information and ordering the film

What responsibility does man have to protect the wild species of horses as part of the natural world around us? Should we change our thoughts and actions towards horses who roam the earth in freedom?

A prestigious premiere opening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood indicates that the Wild Horses in Winds of Change was worthy of drawing a good audience and had appealing elements on many levels.

Essentially this film is a plea to all inhabitants of the earth to protect wild horses from obliteration. Filmmaker, photojournalist, screenwriter and film director Mara LeGrand, PhD’s brings insight to this film from her career in holistic health.

Wild Horses in the Winds of Change is now available on DVD and can be ordered through this site. http://bit.ly/aEEsva.

Equine enthusiasts are encouraged to see this film and speak out against what many see as atrocities that are being committed against wild horses.

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

Telling Stories about Community

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In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it. ~ Marianne Williamson

Have you ever noticed that every community has its own unique “characters?” You know, people who are known to everyone in town, in all social circles. North, south, east or west, all neighborhoods have their own quirky people.

Author Sandy St. Clair offers a panoramic overview of the culture and climate in “Ski Town U.S.A.” in her new novel “Living with Miss Scarlett.” A real mountain resort town that she writes about, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is where locals describe their community as a place “where the odds are good but the goods are odd.”  Click here for info & ordering

This book is about two mismatched widowers whose lives converge in “the Boat” and leave you laughing and weeping at the spirit with which they rebuild life together in a town of diverse people. Many women will relate to the plight of the two main “characters,” Sissy Rawles, a Dallas socialite and Ali McDaniel, an Iowa housewife.

Although the story is set in a tourist town in the Rocky Mountains, readers may feel as if they have met the characters before. Perhaps similar to a person who has drifted into their own life, has found they liked it and stayed put. Or akin to someone who has journeyed through on the pathway of life, managing to leave their mark on the hearts of hometown residents.

This delightful read, Living with Miss Scarlett, is available in e-book format through all major e-book retailers.

Sandy Eshbaugh St. Clair is also the author of The Cookbook for Non-Cooks published in 1984 by Workman Press.Click for info and ordering

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

Blessings Rain Down

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“A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world. “ ~ Joseph Addison

I had a busy and fun-filled weekend. I feel the pressure to fit in all of the summertime  activities that bring me personal fulfillment before the arrival of cool weather in NW Colorado.

Yesterday, my husband and I went paddle boarding on Steamboat Lake in north Routt County. It was fun and much easier than I would have expected. The board was big, wide and easy to balance. As I paddled out to the center of the lake, I purposely propelled myself around in a circle to take in the 360 degree views of the 10,000 ft. mountain peak surroundings. A small colony of artists have settled in the area of Hahn’s Peak, where the landscape is indeed inspiring, in its natural beauty. In a recent article, the Steamboat Pilot interviewed some of the artists living in the area and they spoke of what the area brings to their art. http://bit.ly/TwfrM0. 

Saturday evening, my husband and I went to a B a B y Q – a rancher’s version of a baby shower. I am so happy for the parents-to-be who are in for the gift of a lifetime in about four weeks. Parenting will change their lives in more ways than I could ever tell them.

Babies and the blessing of rain that has come, toward the end of summer, were topics  of conversation throughout the evening. As we looked out over the 200+ acres of the ranch landowner’s property, it was good to see that they are haying. Pastures, all summer, have suffered the effects of drought conditions – not good for the agricultural industry.

On Friday evening, I ushered at my last Strings Musical Festival assignment for the season. The 25th Anniversary year is almost behind us. Johnny Clegg, a musician from South Africa was terrific. The music his band played was different and multi-cultural, as was the commentary between each number. This Grammy-award nominee has spoken out against apartheid, and he considers himself a cultural ambassador which has earned him honorary degrees from Dartmouth, CUNY and the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. To read more about his accomplishments, and his music, Click here

The seasons of our lives and the seasons throughout the year come with their own pleasures. An extended fall for me would be most welcomed. I find all kinds of fulfilling things in the harvest season.

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

Do the Thing that you Fear the Most

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You’ve heard them all – time and time again….”Do the thing that makes you most uncomfortable, do the thing that bothers you the most, step out of the box for self-growth, do the thing that you most don’t want to do.” 

Well, I just did it. I signed up for a course in creative writing . It is something I’ve kind of, sort of, wanted to do but kept backing away from it. No more procrastination or excuses, this time I am going to tackle it! 

Over the past few years, I have stepped out of the box a lot, only to find self-satisfaction in my accomplishments. I’ve learned to read out loud to a writers group in voice that is not my own (or is it?), I started blogging and have written 900+ postings (only to find out that I have lots of readers and I love writing it), I am getting comfortable with public speaking (which I used to shy away from). With each one of these things, opportunities have come my way that I would not have otherwise had if I hadn’t done the thing I feared the most.

  So, rather than think “How much worse can it get?” I am approaching this writing course with the attitude of how much better can it get?” 

All set now, I have talked myself into seeking personal fulfillment in  the creative writing process. It is the next right thing to do.

You know what scares me the most? It’s not the teacher; it’s being asked to write poetry. On second thought, I’ll bet that requirement is in Creative Writing 2. I will escape it. Dear God, please have my back on that one….. I am shaking.

Note: This pillow can be ordered through www.casaandco.etsy.com.

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Ripening Thoughts of Creative Writing

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“There are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt.” ~ Andre Lord

Today, I am thinking about growth as a writer. I am betwixt and between about whether or not to sign up for a creative writing course. One minute I am resolute in my decision; the next  I am waivering.

“What’s the hesitation?” you might ask. It’s scary. What if my left brain attributes override my creative side?  Except for a lot of independent publishing education, I haven’t stepped into a classroom for many years. But, then I think of all the benefits that a creative writing course could bring me. Perhaps I’d find ways of putting together  new bouquets of words that have meaning, and I’d grow as a writer.

For now I will let thoughts of  signing-up deepen on the vine.  Just like after a long cold winter, the warmth of sunshine on my skin brings fufilling and enriched feelings. If I decide to harvest the idea of becoming a more creative writer and jump into action, I will commit and register.

I don’t know what to do. I am thinking.  “Do I really have time to fit it into my already busy schedule?”  You are thinking ” She’s procrastinating and not making a decision.”

It is the reason for this blog posting. It has been said that if you write down your intentions, thoughts are more likely to become a reality. Now that my blog readers know of my dilemma, I feel the pressure. Why, oh, why did I ever mention it?

In a few days, I will let you know what I’ve decided, in the meantime, perhaps a book on creative writing might
motivate me. Lets see what’s on the list.Creative Writing Books.

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

Tribute to the Indies

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Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles. ~ Edwin Louis Cole

 “I just learned that Publishers Weekly reviewed my upcoming novel Tributary. That’s a near-miracle, as my publisher is both small and independent!” Barbara K. Richardson wrote on an on-line communication from www.SheWrites.com, a web-based group about publishing that I belong to.  

I am so excited for Barbara! But, I am not sure it is a near miracle; I have come to expect there will be more stories like hers. More and more book reviewers are finding there are good reads to be had by the independents. Thus, non-traditionally published books are having increasing success in the marketplace.  That translates into authors having wonderful, fulfilling feelings about their efforts in writing. 

For more information on Barbara K Richardson’s book, Tributary, we have tracked it down for you. http://bit.ly/99BjmH. 

Just last week, an article appeared about four authors who digitally  published through www.Smashwords.com that reached New York Times Best Selling author status all in one week. To read the article, follow this link. http://bit.ly/OzYdOo. 

These days, stories of independent publishing success arrive weekly. It’s hard to keep up but, this blog site, All Things Fulfilling, strives to share stories like this with you, our readers. Please return again tomorrow!

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

Novelists Benefit from Movies

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I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.  ~ Walt Disney

On this Film Friday, we will share an article for the benefit of novelists. Going to the movies and watching TV has added value other than just entertainment- it can help with story writing.

If writers are attentive when watching movies and TV, there are numerous tips that can be picked up. Learn about how to draw an audience into the story from the off-set, the importance of having “meat in the story” and then how to bring the story to a fulfilling conclusion. 

From the context of the dialog in the movie, characters and their development, as well as ideas for creating mood with words can be learned . Thinking about how much detail or how too little detail grabs us or loses us, as an audience is helpful, too. 

Learn something about pacing of a story. What is important to moving a story forward? How essential is the timing of significant peaks and valleys in the narrative for the audience? 

This article  more fully describes the benefits for novelists of watching movies . http://bit.ly/KcckW7. 

 I am eagerly anticipating the release of The Odd Life of Timothy Green. It is a film that I think will demonstrate some of what this article talks about. http://bit.ly/KlSrK9. Disney has a way of drawing people of all ages into their creative story telling for good reason.  Happy Film Friday, everybody!

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

What is Your Focus?

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“Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate profits.” –- Edward de Bono, creativity writer

Back in February, as author of  All Things Fulfilling, I was featured on Ann Kochenberger’s “Out of Focus Again” website.  http://bit.ly/IpusLy.

Ann said this about my blog site “Her articles vary in subject matter so you never know what each day will bring.” I like that! She got it right. My primary focus is all things independent publishing. But art and inspiration tops the list, too. In fact, sometimes those subjects consume me. When you consider it, all are linked in with  creativity – independent words, views and thought.

Many published authors shy away blogging and from social media marketing, in my opinion, a big mistake! Fewer and fewer companies and individuals are using direct mail and print advertising to promote their products and services to potential buyers.  E- Marketing provides opportunity for reaching large communities of people who are interested in the same thing you are – your product or service. Isn’t  that the objective,  if you want to sell your independent publications?

What many independent publishers do not realize is that blogging and social media marketing is fun – an opportunity to use your creativity. Although it may seem like  there is an “out of focus again” variety of subjects that are on this website, believe me when I tell you, there is a method behind my madness. In fact, I am astonished at the number of followers from all over the world that have an interest in All Things Fulfilling. Thank you readers, for that!

So, I will continue to share my passion for independent publishing, art and inspiration. Sometimes in my blogging,  I even manage to surprise myself. When that happens, I really feel as if I have hit the marc!

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

Take Charge in 2012

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Have you  made your New Year’s Resolution yet? I have and it was easy, too.

I’ll write it and it will consist of eight words. 

“IT IS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR!”  

Now, it is up to me to begin fulfilling it!  I’ve got to get on with it. Time’s a wastin’!

 Cheers!  All the Best in 2012!

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A Fulfilling Look Back

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“Feeling a part of that community is my greatest reward.” ~ Paul Parker

As I write this final blog post for the year 2011, I am taking stock of many of the exciting things that have transpired over the past year within the independent industry and in my corner of the publishing universe.

 The independent publishing industry is gaining momentum here and everywhere. In June, I formed a networking group for independent publishers in Routt County. Six months later, I am happy to report She Writes Steamboat is an affiliate member of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. We are over 30 “independents” strong, here in Steamboat. A healthy interest group, ranging from want-to-bes to newly-published to experienced publishers who are looking for support. All wish to be successful in their writing efforts and in selling their quality books. Many have new projects in the works and are exploring e-book publishing, too. Just yesterday, at our monthly SHe Writes Steamboat meeting, a bright and ambitious 16 yr old high school girl joined us. She has already published and is selling her first e-book. 

My downloadable webinar, “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry” is now available, thanks to the Colorado Independent Publishing Association. This 18 minute presentation is offered at the reasonable price of $10. CIPA’s mission is to provide affordable opportunity for education about the industry. I am onboard with that idea, too! tp://bit.ly/oIkV2g. 

Over the past year, I have been a contributing writer for the Steamboat Today Newspaper (The Steamboat Pilot). Interviewing and featuring the work of artists in different fields – painters, an actress/producer, independent filmmakers, writers and more on this blog site, has been fun. I am thrilled and grateful for all the opportunities I have had this year. It has been so rewarding to build relationships with blog readers, too. Thank you for visiting this site!  

Over 750 blogs have been published on All Things Fulfilling. The blogs are searchable by category and I invite you to peruse the many topics that have been covered. I will return to this post right after the New Year. In the meantime, I will be planning for the upcoming year and working on something that is very near and dear to my heart – my own book!  Merry Christmas to all. I hope you had a fulfilling year, too!

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