Category Archives: music

An Adjustment

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“The winds of grace are always blowing; all we need to do is raise our sails” ~ Unknown  

Ok, so I couldn’t post the blog that I really wanted to post today. I had written a blog that I really wanted to share with all our readers. It was important and it needed to be said! But the image I wanted to post came to me in a format that does not want to cooperate. 

So, rather than pout, and fuss and stew, I decided to move on and I will share what I have to say, in due time. Hopefully tomorrow I can share it, but if not, we have until August 31st to share the news. 

I have been caught a little off-guard today, since what I had planned needs to be postponed. I will follow the words of a friend who has been a mentor to me for 10 years or more. As she says, “There are no problems, only solutions.” She has set a great example in finding grace during the most trying times, and has taught me to turn to Art for fulfillment and enjoyment! 

So, that is what we will do. Join me in a moment of sharing and caring.

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Gather Support and Reap Rewards

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“Creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found” ~ James Russell  

Raising money for independent films has gotten much easier. It can be attributed  to the internet and an innovative,creative idea. Thanks to a new funding platform, www.kickstarter.com, artists, filmmakers, writers, illustrators, performers and creators can inspire others to become fans of a project, and pledge their support.  

This website allows project developers to “test the waters” to determine whether the response to their project makes it viable. In other words, before a creator is in too deep, there is chance for honest evaluation from the public as to whether a project is worthy or not.

Kickstarter.com also provides a convenient way to find out about films, publications and other projects  that are in various stages of development. The creator posts a “pitch” of the project, and also posts the targeted funding level that is needed in order to see the project through to completion. Interested parties can commit to providing a donation, as small as $1 or as large as the pocket book and heart will allow.

For example: If people are excited about an independent film project they learn about on Kickstarter.com, they will spread the word, and donations will flow. If the needed funds are not raised, this is a great indicator that perhaps there is not enough interest garnered to proceed.

To read more about this new way of research and development testing for independent filmmakers, artists, writers and illustrators please visit www.kickstart.com.

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Fabulous and Fulfilling!

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The artist does not see things as they are, but as he is.  ~Alfred Tonnelle 

Now that’s what I call a talented artist and that’s what I call making it all worthwhile! I spent a few hours of my evening, last night, volunteering as an usher at Strings in the Mountains – a beautiful venue set high in the mountains of Steamboat Springs, CO. www.stringsmusicfestival.com. We were treated to a fabulous concert of jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and his extarodinarily talented company of musicians.  

It is no mystery why Chris Botti has become such a successful artist at the young age of 47!  What a charmer he is! And so too, is his music. Three of his albums have reached #1 position on the Billboard of jazz album charts. He holds Gold and Platinum  and Grammy Awards and travels the world entertaining audiences 300 days a year. Just last week, he played to a sold out audience at Carnegie Hall and his August tour schedule includes stops in Victoria, Australia and Johannesburg, South Africa. Now that’s one busy artist!  

 Kudos to Strings in the Mountains for attracting an artist of this quality to Steamboat Springs, CO. Thanks to Mary Brown and John Tomasini for sponsoring this evening of art and entertainment.  

Can’t wait till Sunday when “Classical Meets Jazz” in a free community concert – available to all!  

For more information on jazz musician Chris Botti, and to listen to a sample of his music, please go to  http://www.chrisbotti.com.

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Add them Up!

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“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!

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Bouncing Off Ideas

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“All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life” ~ M.C. Richards

My mind has wandered off this day as to why people reside in the places they do, and how location plays a part in inspiring artists in their work. Many artists attribute their creativity to majestic landscapes found in mountainous areas and seashore vistas. A wish to be continually be awed by nature is the very basic reason why many artists choose to settle in environments such as these. But, colonies of artists are found in all places across this continent, some expected and some unexpected.

Some artists thrive on city life, where galleries and art exhibitions are readily available and frequenting them are a large part of every day life. Through daily collaboration with like-minded individuals, many artists find great source of inspiration and connectivity in the art world.

Temporarily living and working in artist retreat environments can also be a great way to grow and be nurtured as an Artist. Artist retreats combined with beautiful, inspiring settings can found in many states across America. The Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont is a perfect example. Classes in creative writing, poetry, the visual arts, theatre and more are offered on a year round basis. The Vermont Studio Center provides an escape for city-based artists to experience a quieter, serene way of living and learning. For more information, please visit http://www.vermontstudiocenter.org.

Whether you are an artist from the cornfields of Iowa, the Ozarks of the Mississippi or hale from the Keystone State of Pennsylvania, a change of scenery will give you a whole new perspective on your art. This summer or fall, get out there and travel as far as your pocketbook will allow. It will do your heart and soul good too!

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Striking Gold

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“The two hardest things to handle in life are failure & success.“ ~   Anonymous

I was so disappointed last night not to find on TV, the National team’s baseball game. I wanted to watch first draft pick Stephen Strasburg, make his debut as a major league pitcher. I love all stories about finding personal fulfillment in life and career paths. And Americans have had as many stories about finding success and satisfaction in our personal gifts as you could find anywhere else. It is the land of opportunity and the freedoms we enjoy in this country provide a stage on which to rise to heights unknown if you are willing to work for it.

Many immigrants have come to this country pursuing their dreams. I am always in awe of those who have left their native land behind in search for more. It is not an easy thing to do. A suitcase full of determination, vision, good work ethics, dreams and focused aspirations is what is needed for the good life in America. Demanding that all legal immigrants pack living by the laws of our Constitution in their bags, is not too much to ask, is it?

Our country’s pastures, green with opportunity, will remain healthy and productive if our laws protect the freedoms that we enjoy. Do you have a Made It in America story you can share through independent publishing?

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A Sweet First!

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“Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare” ~ Dale Carnegie

Today, June 1st, 2010 is a very special day and reason for celebration! It is the first time, in all my years of living, that I do not  have to share a birthday with someone else! I can finally claim a birthday all my own. You see, being a twin I have never had a birthday to call my own!

Today is not the birthday of my natural birth, however. One year ago today, I became the author of this website. How sweet it is! It has been an extremely rewarding year of communicating with writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians and others all across the globe who believe in fulfilling their dreams through independent publishing.

Every once in a while, like today, for instance, my thoughts and writings have journeyed into other independent, fulfilling territories. Far away from the intent of this blogsite. Today – I’ll once again exercise my right to independent thought. No one has a say in how I spend this birthday! I don’t even have to share my birthday cake with anyone! I can even blow out the candles all on my own!

It’s my party, and I’ll write what I want to,

Write what I want to,

You would write too, if it happened to you!

I may be alone in my blogging today, but never lonely. Thanks to readers like you! It is because of your interest in this site and your interest in fulfilling things from the independent publishing world, I am kept motivated and engaged in my livelihood!

In honor of my blogging birthday, over the next few days I will be taking a break to take in some art and culture. A change in scenery and a break from the everyday, is good for the soul and for the writer. See you soon!This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

In All Things, Common Sense

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The only sense that is common in the long run, is the sense of change and we all instinctively avoid it” ~  E. B. White

Do you know who one of the earliest independent thinkers and writers in our country’s history is? Thomas Paine! On this Memorial Day weekend, I thought it would be a good time to remember the writings of Mr. Paine! His pamphlet Common Sense, which appeared in January 1776, pioneered a style of political writing which gathered momentum due to his complex ideas which were clear, concise and intelligible to all.

His pamphlet, Common Sense was often read aloud in taverns and other public settings, and although extremely popular, it is not known how many people joined the cause for separation from Britain, as a result of Mr. Paine’s publication. His writings however, had a definite influence by initiating a public debate about independence.

Is this not what every independent publisher hopes to accomplish- buzz about their ideas, book, film or music? His read aloud sessions of Common Sense in taverns and on public stages, was the forerunner of the book release appearances and parties that are so widely used today to launch a blast of publicity.

Happy Memorial Day and be grateful for the laws of our country that allow for freedom of speech and publishing! I am going to enjoy this Memorial Day too, so I will return on Tuesday!

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Displaying Heart and Soul

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“All forms of self expression are linked.”  ~ Alexandra Stoddard

On a very basic level, the reasons for independent publishing are to educate, inspire, inform and entertain others. But independent publishing provides an avenue for writers, filmmakers, musicians and artists to share their craft with others on a much deeper level too. Through independent publishing you are able to:

  • Share unique perspectives on the world
  • Craft uniquely stylized compositions of writing, music or visual self expression
  • Express oneself truthfully – baring heart and soul.
  • Capture the human condition and the world through words, pictures and sounds.
  • Translate emotion, feelings, thoughts and ideas.

These very deep needs for self expression are often lost in the editorial process through traditional publishing. Although sales are important to the independent publisher and traditional publisher alike, the need for authentic expression is often the force behind the reasons for independent publishing.

What are your reasons for composing, writing or otherwise artistically expressing yourself? Perhaps the independent publishing industry can help you reach your goals and dreams.

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The Beat Goes On

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“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.” ~ William Faulkner

Being a blogger, I am always on the beat looking for inspiration around which to write the next story. Saturday night, I did not have to stray far! Just a quick drive to the United Methodist Church in downtown Steamboat Springs, CO. A beautiful example of cultural harmony through the Arts, was waiting to be found.

The Macedonian Mission for Humanity brought together two artists, one from an ancient civilization and one from a much newer world order, to provide a night of amazing musical entertainment. Keri Rusthoi, and soprano soloist living in Steamboat Springs, CO and award winning, international concert pianist from Macedonia, Kalina Mrmevska, could not have better displayed a great example of two countries working toward the good for the other through the Arts. The proceeds for this concert will go toward getting medical supplies to Macedonian Children’s Hospitals, where they are so badly needed.

If you missed this concert, the two artists will be repeating  the performance at the Colorado Community Church on Saturday, May 21st at 7pm. The church is located in Englewood, Colorado at 3651 So. Colorado Blvd.

As I sat and enjoyed this outstanding concert, I couldn’t help but think what it would be like to hear these two diverse artists perform in an ancient church, in an ancient city, in a place like Ohrid, Macedonia. The Macedonian Mission for Humanity (A Colorado based 501(3)C, non-profit organization) is so very grateful to the United Methodist Church in Steamboat Springs, CO for making this concert possible, right in our own backyard. Don’t count me as ungrateful – the acoustics there were certainly more than good enough, for my untrained musical ear!

 

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