Category Archives: Next Generation of Careers in the Arts

Unique Christmas Gift for Writers

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Christmas Gifts 1“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” ~ Albert Einstein 

Know someone who is loathe to the idea of giving up their typewriter for a computer? There are still rare individuals who write books using a pen and paper  or with manual typewriters. I personally can not fathom it. Seems painfully slow and unforgiving to me.

Using a typewriter was my ultimate source of frustration in writing term papers in high school. I took a course in personal typing and I was the worst kid in the class. It was so embarrassing. Our teacher charted, throughout the year, our  typing speed progress. The chart hung on the bulletin board at the front of the class and my speed stayed steady. It never improved. I knew right then and there, my career goals did not include becoming an executive secretary at a Fortune 500 company. I’d have to find something else fulfilling to do.

 The problem was my mind and fingers raced faster than the typewriter would go, thus the keys always got stuck and locked up together. And then there was the problem of correcting mistakes. There was no delete or backspace button. Every time I made a typing error, (which was about every other word) I wanted to stand up and scream. Long gone are those days, and I am much better with a computer. The keyboard can keep up with my thoughts and my “quick on the draw” digits. 

usb-typewriterThere are companies that are taking manual typewriters and retrofitting them to USB typewriters. Imagine that!  They sell conversion kits whereby you can do it yourself,  in relatively short order, if you like to tinker. Or the company will sell you an upcycled antique model. 

If you are still hunting and pecking to find a last minute Christmas present for a writer, visit this link. http://bit.ly/TzLtXW. It may just be the solution to a creative gift.

Return tomorrow, so I can share some special Christmas words and images. Come  on back!

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Fulfilling Holiday Appetites

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Something about an old-fashioned Christmas is hard to forget.” ~Hugh Downs 

Isn’t it odd how we associate certain foods with certain people? My maternal Grandmother passed away when I was a very young child, but one of my most lucid, wonderful memories of her is the chicken stew she fed me when I went to her house. It was so delicious, right out of a can, heated up.  Thoughts of the stew, makes my mouth water. And my paternal grandmother’s greatest joy in life was feeding others. Her basement pantry was large. My sister and I loved going in her cellar to see what was stocked. 

When I was a child, our neighbors found personal fulfillment in “gifting” home baked food at Christmastime. HomemadeChristmas in a jar root beer arrived each year from the family next door. Other neighbors sent cookies, date nut bread or a can of pickled beets or green beans from the garden. My mother always gave back,  something a little different each year – to surprise. This type of gift giving is fun, economical and it  “feels good” because it comes from the heart.  It is  just one way of  how we form  associations of certain foods with certain people.

Christmas has gotten so commercialized and out of control. Need some suggestions of homemade gifts to give someone? Here is a list of one hundred. Some of these gifts can be made by getting children involved in the process, providing quality time between parent and child. http://bit.ly/ZdmMqE. 

goulasch-with-spaetzleAt our house,  Christmas Eve dinner is a recipe that was passed along from my maternal grandmother.  “Spiced Beef” with spaetzle or egg noodles. I cook it for my husband and my son just once a year so it is special. There would be trouble in the house, if it wasn’t on the Christmas Eve table. Since cooking is not one of my passions, (although I do enjoy baking), it brings me great joy to think that a few recipes that I have fed my family over the years brings them fulfilling feelings during the holidays. It is really what Christmas is all about.

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Sign of the Times

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spread the loveI wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. ~Harlan Miller

I love getting Christmas cards in the mail, even those once a year letters telling me about the lives of friends I seldom see. You know, the letters that say Johnny is on the honor roll, the smartest kid in the school. Mary plays the violin, at age three, with an adult symphony. Jane was the star in the school play and was contacted by Hollywood to do a bit part in the movie that will probably win an Oscar this year. We are often inspired by those around us. Learning about other’s goals and accomplishments helps us to think about our own ambitions and dreams for the coming year.

Over the past decade fewer Christmas cards have arrived in my mailbox. I miss that. People are watching their pocketbooks and practicing time management skills by eliminating some Christmas rituals. I’m no different.

The other day I sent my first batch of Christmas cards – digitally. It was so easy! And my address book is kept in one place, so I can send anniversary, birthday, graduation cards with ease. Sad that I’m included on the list of people who are less frequently sending cards in the mail, I am buoyed by the thought that I can stay in contact with my friends by sending e-cards for every occasion, economically and easily. I like sending cards as much as I enjoy receiving them.

Even Hallmark and American Greeting cards are offering e-cards, their sales have been diversified, and business revenue is now made in  e-commerce. Both companies have been long known for wonderful sentiments on their cards, and I am sure the digital artists they work with have great ideas. E-cards even come with audio sound!  http://www.hallmark.com/.

this emotional lifeIt is important to stay in touch with people who have meant much to us in life, even if we don’t often see them. Friends enrich our lives enormously. There is a DVD called, This Emotional Life, available through Amazon, brought to you by PBS. It addresses just how important friendship is to our happiness. Check it out, and share this link with your pals.Click for info & ordering

Return tomorrow, and we will see what else we can stir up on the subject of personal fulfillment.

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Film Friday: Ted

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“Teddy bears don’t need hearts, they are already stuffed with love.” ~ Anonymous 

Ted_posterWho didn’t have a favorite teddy bear as a child? For some kids, giving up a favorite stuffed animal is more difficult than others. Letting go means growing up, and sometimes that is hard to do. 

Ted, which is a movie that is all about a boy’s fulfilling relationship with his treasured friend, and how his unwillingness to let go of it affects others in his life. 

This comedy, from the creators of FamilyMan, staring Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth McFarland has gotten good reviews. To read more about the movie and watch a trailer, please visit this link. http://imdb.to/WJwMkr. 

Please note this movie is NOT FOR CHILDREN, IT IS “R” RATED. While the storyline sounds “cute”, it has a spoiler to some people’s way of thinking. Unfortunately,  “Ted” a lovable, cuddly little creature long associated with childhood, good feelings and innocence has beenTED pared with a film with swear language, scenes with drugs and booze. “Ted” learns some realistic but not so nice things about life from it’s owner. But, as we all know, far too often filmmakers feel the need to include “bad boy” behavior to draw in the audience, create conflict or make movies appeal to adults. Never the less, their is some good humor to be found in this movie.

Click here for info & ordering Ted

 Come on back next week for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com .

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

Connecting Children Worldwide through Literacy

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“There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.”
― Frank Serafini

Have you heard about the Flat Stanley literacy project? Not only is it a great way to engage children in reading, it also teaches children about geography and interesting places around the world. I love this concept. The books were written by an author in Canada.

Flat Stanley “is about the adventures of a little boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board. During one part of the story, his parents put him in an envelope and send him to visit his friend in California.”

flatstanleySimilar to a chain letter, if you receive a “Flat Stanley” in the mail, from a child, you send a postcard or mail a letter (through the USPS), back to the student’s class to notify them of the place where “Flat Stanley” landed. Click for info & ordering

I just participated by sending my first cousin, Hope’s daughter, Grace, a postcard at her school in Baltimore, Maryland from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Shhhh…..don’t tell her! She is a 2nd grader, and I hope she will be surprised when she sees the city it came from.

This literacy program even has a digital component, an i-Tunes app, so students participating in this literacy project can communicate with each other and talk about the places their “Flat Stanley” traveled.

To date, there are nine “Flat Stanley” books with worldwide adventures. To learn more about “Flat Stanley” and the mission of connecting children worldwide, through common interest in a book and it’s character, please visit this website. http://bit.ly/XLuTcn.

Happy Travels, Stanley! I have sent you along on your journey and you will travel far. I hope you have the opportunity to travel out of the country, too.

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

Mystery of Inspiration

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The_Snow_Fairy_by_thefantasim

Mystery of Inspiration

©Sue Batton Leonard

Magical mistress, help me finish my book.

My pen is burning, yearning to see it complete. On Nook.

 Writing the spirit befriends, transcends. Like a jigsaw,

filled with turning points, wonder and awe.

I’ve got another idea in mind, a different kind,

equally as fulfilling and revealing.

I must keep writing. Give into this urge, purge.

Magical mistress, keep me creating, articulating,

help me turn my actions into satisfactions.

Forevermore, I’ll be faithful and grateful.

 The photo is from www.deviantart.com. Visit their website and check out their other fantastic images!

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End of the Year Reflections

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“We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decisions rather than through our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things, we accomplish goals.” ~ Stephen Covey

It is getting toward the end of year and we all know what that means – reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the coming.

Over the past year, it has been so very gratifying to have worked with a variety of authors consulting on selling publications through e-commerce and steering them with internet marketing strategies and direction. I’ve had the opportunity to learn of unique independent publishing projects, and meet authors who have creative minds and stories. It is extremely fulfilling work.

What I love about independent publishing is the vision people have for their projects and their ability to carry out those visions because the only “gatekeeper” is their own power of motivation, creativity and inspiration. “Independent publishing types” understand Napoleon Hill’s philosophy that “what the mind can conceive, it can achieve!”

My involvement with the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, http://www.cipabooks.com also grants me a chance to work with associate service providers who are so knowledgeable about what they do – from editors, to e-book formatters, cover designers, indexers, to copyright experts, traditional book promotion companies, proofreaders, legal experts in publishing issues and so much more.

decisionLast week, when I was walking about Steamboat celebrating my landmark day of 1,000 blogs that I had written on All Things Fulfilling, I made a decision for myself about this coming year. I am rather excited about it. Come on back tomorrow and I will tell you more about it.

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More Fulfilling Signs of the Season

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“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” ~ Washington Irving

On Friday I posted photos of my walking tour in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I had given myself permission to enjoy the day doing something different, in celebration of my 1,000th blog on All Things Fulfilling. 

Today I continue with more photographic images of Ski Town U.S.A., and over the weekend Mother Nature left us with a fresh coat of white, which was greatly appreciated by this tourist town that relies on winter recreation of all kinds. 

My husband and I are grateful to live in such a beautiful and inspiring place, with gorgeous landscapes. Join me on this tour of historic Lincoln Avenue. The town has been bedecked, bedazzled and looks forward to welcoming all. It’s a very friendly place. Thanks for those who let me photograph their spaces.

IMAG0037Steamboat Art Company, offering wonderful coffee table art books and  unique hand hooked wool pillows from Chandler 4 Corners ,  designed by Laura Megroz.

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Center for Visual Arts, the CVA is a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization and community art center. Their mission is to support emerging artists , provide exhibition space,  educate through guest artist series and work with youth.

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Homesteader Kitchen Shop, specialty food items and wonderful kitchen gadgets and accessories.

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Nutcrackers Stand at Attention in the Windows, Handsome Fellows!

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Oh, look! The winter exhibition at the Steamboat Art Museum begins December 21st – a Retrospective of painter Jean Perry and sculptor Curtis Zabel. Can’t wait to check it out.

Photo Below: Lyon’s Drugs and alot more! Great gifts also.

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Photos above and below, more gift suggestions from Off the Beaten Path, the Indie Bound Bookstore in town.

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Branches – home decor and accessories. Pictured above and below.

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This town in filled with businesses of all kinds, including a host of location neutral businesses and people with lots of entrepreneurial spirit. Makes living here, very interesting.

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Street Walking with Joy

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“Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.”~ Napoleon Hill 

Yesterday I gave myself a break; took time to do something fulfilling for myself. I strolled the streets and retail spaces, preparing for my personal celebration today. This is a landmark – my 1,000th blog on All Things Fulfilling. I can hardly believe it, myself. 

Today, I  share all things Christmas with you through photographic images. Enjoy this day, and I am going to do the same myself. I may even make a little yummy, sweet, holiday treat and put my feet up, just for a little bit, then I’ve got more work to do. 

Thanks in advance to all shop-owners who let me photograph their retail spaces – there will be more pictures of my walking tour of Ski Town, U.S.A next week, too!. Come on back.

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Entry of the United Methodist Church “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

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Off the Beaten Path, a fine Indie Bound Bookstore is loaded up with The Lost Christmas Gift. A winter adventure set in Steamboat Springs, on the Colorado’s Best Seller list, it hit LA Times Holiday Book Gift list and is sold out in most outlets. OTBP has plenty and the author will have a book signing tomorrow – 12/8/12 at 2:30pm!

 

 

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Always a Beautiful Retail Space to visit in town, Steamboat Art Company all decked out!

 

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Window Shopping, a scene outside the Bucking Rainbow Outfitters – what is inside is even better! Attention, fly fishing enthusiasts!

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Fuzziwigs Candy Shop – Stocking Stuffer Sweets Galore!!

 

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Christmas Tree bedecking Colorado Mountain College’s brand new facility – meets all LEED standards and has a great business enterprise center, too! This new building raises the college to all new levels!

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F.M Light Store’s horse ready for Xmas. A real landmark in town. This business has been selling  cowboy boots and hats for more than 100 years! Best selection for miles around!

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Homesteader Kitchen Shop – The aromas coming from this shop were enough to draw me in! Daniella was cooking up her chocolate treats and toffee (more pictures of Homesteader next week). The cinnamon,vanilla coated almonds are outstanding!

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Aptly Named, “Om” this shop is a great place to calm the spirit after walking the streets. Love the lit decorative hangings that you can buy year round to add to a sacred spot in your abode, or for a thoughtful gift for a loved one.

 

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Lyons Drug, yes indeed, great thoughtful gifts in this store, and even an old fashioned soda fountain!

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Branches, Home Decor. Come back next week and there will more images of places to shop locally. Support local business, it’s what makes communities tick!

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Not a Person Stirring, Just a Mouse

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“Do give books – religious or otherwise – for Christmas. They’re never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.” – Lenore Hershey

 In the mood for reading a Christmas book, but you don’t have time to go buy one or borrow one from the library? There are many low-priced and free holiday e-books and short stories available for downloading on your computer. Here are some titles available through one e-book retailer, Smashwords: 

  • Scrooge, American Style
  • Footprints in the Snow
  • The Lights of Christmas Street
  • Kristmas Collins
  • The Road to Tucson
  • Hullabalou and Holly, too
  • Suburban Christmas 2012
  • Snowman’s Chance in Hell
  • Fools Rush Inn
  • The Christmas Cottage _mouse

If you have never read an e-book before, try them out! I have found some very satisfying reads in electronic book format, and generally, they are not pricey, since there are no printer’s costs,  binding/physical manufacturing or shipping costs.  Let’s face it  – a good read is a good read whether printed on paper or not. Even bookstores now carry e-book formatted publications. Check out your local bookstore’s website to see if they are available, if you can’t get out.

I am in need of a good read. So this weekend, when no one is stirring, I will click the mouse and select one of these holiday books from the Smashwords list and enjoy myself. See the full list of books from Smashwords in the holiday category, by visiting this link http://bit.ly/TDMNLq.

Where shall I start?

Stay tuned, www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com  will be featuring a beautiful Christmas story, first published in 1999, that has been fulfilling people’s need to know about the first Christmas, that will be available for the first time in electronic format this year.