Alive for the Ride

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“We should come home from new adventures, and perils, and new discoveries everyday with new experience and character.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Remember getting carsick on family road trips? I didn’t often have that problem, but my sister did. Our big ole station wagon with the wooden sides had three bench seats in it and to a child, it seemed nearly as wide as a yacht.

car stuffingTo a family of six, it didn’t matter how large the car was, when we went on vacation, there still was not enough room.

My father always folded the third seat down and packed it to the ceiling, leaving minimal room for us kids.

In the way back  there was no room for sitting up. My youngest brother, Scott and I always got relegated to the far back of the station wagon. My sister always claimed she’d get carsick if she didn’t sit up and face forward.Scott and I had to lay flat out with our noses hitting the ceiling because of the heaps of luggage and gear beneath us. Being the two more passive children in the family, we didn’t complain too much -only every other minute. Actually, I was glad I was alive to be going along for the ride! Now I look back and think if only audio books had been invented. Anything would have been more entertaining than staring straight up at the ceiling!

Speaking of taking to the road, I recently read that Baltimore film producer, John Waters is hitchhiking across the country and writing chronicals of his life on the road in his publication called Carsick. To read the article from the Towson Patch and to listen to his radio interview about his adventures, please visit this link.http://aol.it/1k4zPW3

This blog brought to you by author Sue Batton Leonard. If you are going on a road trip, take along Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected. You’ll love the voice in it. The audio book holds the treasure! Click on this link for more information.http://amzn.to/1ldxHXj .

A Spirited Community

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Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it…” ― Wilferd Peterson

Steamboat springs Cultural-Heritage-Banner

So much of what author Wilferd Peterson describes in his quote and in his books about living a fulfilling life can be found in the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and the surrounding Routt County. His words couldn’t peg this Western community of 10,000 people any better!

What a busy 4th of July weekend! What constitutes a perfect independence weekend in sunny Steamboat? All Things western, creative and American!

  • Thursday evening warm-up: A gondola ride, picnic dinner and hike on the mountain. Enhanced with a stunning sunset, I might add.
  • First Friday Artwalk
  • Deliciously drenched strawberry stained, scented hands after helping to slice 10 flats of fruit first thing in the morning on Saturday.
  • Parade on Main Street. All creatures, great and small, festooned with wearing the red, white and blue.
  • After the parade block party – Annual ice crèam and strawberry sundae fundraiser at www.umcsteamboat.org. Routt beer floats and all American hot dogs across the street at Tred of Pioneers Museum. www.tredofpioneers.org.
  • Celebration of a prestigious institute for the performing arts in Steamboat. Perry-Mansfield celebrates 100 years! www.perry-mansfield.org.
  • The next generation of Olympic hopefuls compete – summertime ski jumping on the 4th at Howelson Hill, the site of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Www.sswsc.org.
  • A beautiful sunset with fireworks to end the 4th with dazzle and spark.
  • Free concert on Saturday evening under the stars.
  •  Art on the Mountain throughout the weekend – arts and crafts to satisfy the most discriminating tastes and interests.

This is only a small sampling of things there were to see and do over the 4th of July weekend in Steamboat. Coming up next weekend is Art in the Park and the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo. For a full list of summer/fall events here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, please visit this website www.steamboat-chamber.com.

It’s another fulfilling summer here in da ‘Boat! Come and join us in the fun!

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Photo above: Stunning Vistas surround Steamboat!

summer steamboat 7 Perry Mansfield

 Photo Above: Perry-Mansfield celebrates 100 years of mentoring students in the performing arts. http://www.perry-mansfield.org

Steamboat Summer 4Tread-of-Pioneers-Museum

Above: Cultural Heritage Museum – Tred of Pioneers. Includes ski racing and Olympian history from Steamboat

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Hot Air Balloon Rodeo – Just one of many signature summer weekends in Steamboat

Colorado-Mountain-College Economic Development Council

Colorado Mountain College – Home of Steamboat Springs  Economic Development Council

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Historic downtown Steamboat in the other season

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The Arts are important year round. It’s a great community of  creatives -writers, painters, musicians, potters, photographers and multi-media artists.

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Photo Above: Steamboat has produced 88 Olympians and counting….

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Pro-Rodeo in Steamboat in Summertime

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Superb Fly Fishing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

What a gift of a lifetime for anyone to be living and working in Steamboat! There is so much to experience.

This blog brought to you by author Sue Batton Leonard.

Art Depicts Culture

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“Enjoyment is an incredible energizer to the human spirit.” ~ John C Maxwell

While I walked the streets of historic Park City I took in many art galleries and retail establishments filled with chic clothing, jewelry and handbags embellished with lots of bling. But what really struck me was the contrast when I walked into the Thomas Kearns McCarthey Gallery. It featured paintings of Russian Impressionism. The artists of this period celebrate in their paintings “the common people, depicting their lives, hopes and dreams and emotions in an intimate manner.”

Most of the pieces in this premier gallery of Russian Art, the  Thomas K McCarthey Gallery, are from the 1930’s to the 1980s. The pieces are carefully selected for their depiction of the human spirit while laboring at their trade. To read more about the McCarthey Gallery, please visit this link.www.mccartheygallery.net.

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The town of Park City is rich with mining history. But the attention to the arts and the stunning natural beauty of the area is what will draw me back, yet again. Hopefully, soon!

See you tomorrow – brave hearts and dragons will be discussed on All Things Fulfilling.Sue’s memoir

 

Fool Notions and Fun

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Anywhere is paradise; it’s up to you. ~Author Unknown

Can you hear me clapping? It’s Friday and I am happy! I came along for the ride with my husband to one of my favorite places to visit in the West – Park City, Utah. He’s here for some ski business meetings. It gives me a chance to explore and have a much needed change of scenery for a few days away from Steamboat Springs. This is another beautiful mountain resort town where Olympians reign supreme.

On Wednesday, I scoped out the area to see what I missed my first visit here two years ago. I visited Redstone – an up-and-coming upscale shopping area just down the road from the ski jumps in Olympic Park.

All things fulfilling is what I found at Paisley Pomegranate. http://paisleypomegranate.com.  The store was filled to the brim with whimsy, fun, creativity, art and design in this gift shop that has been voted #1 People’s Choice. It’s the kind of retail fantasy land I like to browse so I can think about fool notions and nothing at all, all at once. Pure escapism at it’s best. Here are some photos:

Paisley Pomegranite 1

Paisley Pomegranite #5

Paisley Pomegranite 2

Paisley Pomegranite 3

Next week I’ll post more of what I’ve mined from this training ground for Olympians and the home of the Sundance Film Festival. During the film festival the town is chock-a-block full of celebrity gatherings and independent filmmakers. They arrive on the scene to showcase their art and put their hopes in dreams of going home with an award-winning film destined for cinemas across the country.

It’s a gorgeous spring day here day here in Park City, Utah. The trees are just beginning to leaf out and turn green. There’s still white-capped peaks on the upper elevations of the Wasatch Mountains. Happy Friday, everyone! Do return to All Things Fulfilling on Monday.Sue’s memoir

 

Paper Flowers Redux

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My dear girl, you must cultivate a taste for the finer things. Civilized pleasures give meaning to life.” 

― Barbara Taylor Bradford,  Being Elizabeth

Did you read yesterday’s blog about my childhood fiasco of trying to take my little brother on a road trip? If not, check it out.

Speaking of road trips – A few weeks ago, a friend and I took a journey from Steamboat Springs, Colorado to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. We gallery hopped, window shopped and had a tasty lunch. It was a wonderful and a much needed day away for both of us just before Easter.

Not only did my friend get to return to something familiar from her past, so did I. My book, Sue’s memoirGift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected had only been published shortly before and as I entered into a fanciful women’s  clothing shop, called Confetti Design http://www.confettidesign.net. I was nearly blown away when I saw their window dressing!

glenwood springs paper flowers dressThere she stood a shapely women, a manikin, dressed in a fitting Easter outfit all made from tissue paper flowers. I couldn’t believe my eyes! My memoir has a chapter entitled Paper Roses. which recounts my fulfilling experience of learning to make and sell paper flowers as a project in  junior Girl Scouts.

I had never seen an entire frock made out of tissue paper flowers. As you can see from this image, it was gorgeous and so was the women’s clothing shop. The store had a real vibrancy to it, every color in the spectrum was represented in their high quality and creatively decorated shop. The sales clerks in it could not have been more hospitable either.

I could have shopped til I dropped, but instead I behaved myself. I’m trying to be fiscally conservative so I can properly get the word out about my publication through a diverse marketing plan and that takes some bucks.

Some day soon, I will take Barbara Taylor Bradford’s advice and will return to Confetti Designs with cash in my pocket to splurge on something deserved and special just for ME – perhaps an accoutrement to an outfit for a book talk! From all appearances, the ladies in Confetti have an outstanding eye for style and design.  Maybe they will help me find just the right thing. I will be back!

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I want to remind everyone to shop around by visiting different blogs – it’s a great way to discover fascinating sites and topics through the world-wide-web. You never know what you might run into that may peak your interest. Looking for a fun fashion blog? Visit http://invisiblecrowne.blogspot.com/. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling. 

 

Facing the Sun

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“If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.” ~ Napolean Bonaparte 

One of the top reasons I’ve loved living in Colorado for the past five years, is the high percentage of sunny days we are able to enjoy. Typically, the sky is clear blue and for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, over-exposure to a warm weather or high altitude winter sun is a concern. We hear many warnings about too much exposure to  the sun from doctors but still, many bask in it fulfilling an indomitable need to soothe mind, body and soul that comes with being outdoors.

cover sydney P waud Sun book

Author Sydney P Waud has written a book called Loving the Sun… Exposed without Fear which provides a fascinating look into the biological imperative that drives some 300,000,000 people around the globe to vacation annually in warm climates, think Hawaii, the Caribbean, Palm Springs, the Seychelles, Marbella and Cancun. The book gives up-to- date information on the dos and don’ts when spending time in bright sun relaxing, attending outdoor sporting events, gardening, playing sports, sunbathing, fishing, boating, hiking or swimming.

In spite of ample warnings not to sunbathe, the author realizes people will persist in doing so and therefore takes the pragmatic approach providing sound advice on how to prevent over-exposure to limit as much as possible damage to your skin and importantly what to look for when it has suffered the effects – both early and cumulative – of too much ultraviolet radiation. He emphasizes the importance of using quality sun screen products and having check-ups for anything that looks “suspicious” on our skin. With the use of sufficient protection, the book encourages people to get away to sunny vacation spots, take cruises and participate in outdoor recreation without fear of damaging effects. As the author points out, being in the sun and  having skin tones that do not resemble “winter whites” helps us to maintain an uplifted spirit and feel more youthful.

If you enjoy nature and getting outdoors, this book should be part of your inventory of “stuff” that you take with you when going off to sun-soaked destinations. If you like basking in the sun, purchase Loving the Sun… Exposed without Fear as a resource to keep near, so you will be prepared to face the sun with the right kinds of protection and advice, the medical parts of which have been vetted by a noted dermatologist.

Sunny spots located all over the globe are beautiful places to luxuriate, but sun spots on the skin can be damaging and even life threatening, problems this book can help avoid. As is quoted on the cover, the book is “interesting, provocative and ultimately compelling.” All in all, it is informative and a light read – perfect to take on a vacation or cruise – with idyllic photos that will make you wish you were there.

Waud’s book can be ordered through Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/19vjhRR  or through Amazon. http://amzn.to/KjZjxs.  Buy now. so you’ll be prepared for your next excursion outdoors.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. Do return tomorrow to All Things Fulfilling.

2014 Colorado Citizen of the Arts

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The strength of every democracy is measured by its commitment to the arts.” ~Charles Segars, CEO of Ovation

Today, I would like to acknowledge someone in our community! Photographer Jim Steinberg was recently named 2014 Colorado Citizen of the Arts. What a wonderful honor! http://bit.ly/1ky7g2V.

According to Steinberg’s website “he has traveled more than two million miles around the globe pursuing his passion for photography.” He and his mustard color 1980 Volvo station wagon have traveled many of these miles together. His car has been the subject of an article in the Steamboat Pilot. To read the full story, follow this link. http://bit.ly/1cSbImv .

His last book, Colorado Scenic Byways, Taking the Other Road won the 2008 Colorado Book Award in the pictorial category, as well as Forward Magazine’s 2009 National Book of the Year in the travel category. His stunning calendars featuring Colorado landscapes are also award-winners.

But, that is not all about Jim as an artist. He has proven himself to be a top-notch mentor and teacher for photography students. His workshops provide opportunities for students to travel with him in hot pursuit of captivating great scenes as well as intimate landscapes.

Chances are you have may seen some of Steinberg’s photographs in National Geographic, Backpacker, Audubon and Nature Conservancy magazines or other outdoors magazines.

Colorado Less TraveledSteinberg’s books provide treasured gifts for those who love Colorado as a place to ski, hike, live or travel. The outstanding panoramas that Colorado is known for are skillfully and exquisitely captured in all Portfolio Publications, including his calendars A Year in Colorado, the #1 Winner of the National Calendar Awards for 10 years running.

For more information on Steinberg’s award-winning publications, photo tours, photographic prints and calendars, please visit his website. Jimsteinbergphotography.com.

This blog brought to you by www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com. A space where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business.

Do return to All things Fulfilling tomorrow!

Treasuring Art

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 “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”   ~ Chinese proverb 

At a thrift store recently I came across an art print of Thomas Moran – imagine my delight! It seemed like a God thing – the image was just sitting there waiting for someone who’d appreciate it to pick it up . I gave in to my desires and purchased it – a real deal. I am very grateful to have the Moran art print hanging on my wall. He was one of the greatest illustrator and colorists of all times.

Every evening the week before last, I had been watching Ken Burns’ documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.  http://bit.ly/182xh1NMoran’s name was mentioned as one of the top landscape painters of the 19th century who ventured west. I learned he traveled to YellowstoneNational Park from the Hudson RiverSchool in New York, in the summer of 1871, to document on canvas what others described as a place where “hell bubbled up.”

Many artists traveled westward in the early days of the founding of the U.S. National Parks and they continue to be favorite places for artists who are seeking inspiration. Artists still go to paint, photograph and write about the dramatic landscapes in these protected government lands which are far more unique than many other places across the United States. Ralph Waldo Emerson described the National Parks as places where “God is more easily found in nature than in the works of man.” 

Lots of people find personal fulfillment in poking around in thrift shops. You never know what treasures you might find. I scored!

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

Do return to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow!

Booksellers Dream Wedding

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Dreams are illustrations….from the book your soul is writing about you.”

 ~ Marsha Norman

The best thing about planning any wedding is designing a day that is uniquely designed to reflect the tastes of bride and groom.

Last Saturday, The Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vermont http://www.northshire.com/  closed early for a private party. The store hosted the wedding of Sarah, one of their booksellers.

The event was everything fulfilling that a bibliophile could dream of. Even the bride’s bouquet was made from book pages and I’ll bet she tossed the paper posies from the commanding iron staircase that is the outstanding architectural feature in the store.

bridal bouquet with book pages

northshire bookstore stairs

I hope “Miss America of the Independent Publishing Industry,” the Expresso Book Machine, gave up her famed status for the day and let the bride be the star. I don’t want the  EBM to feel downgraded or upstaged, so I’ll give her a repeat feature of the blog I wrote about her early last summer. Click on this link to read more. http://bit.ly/10RIonQ.

Rumor has it that one of the wedding gifts was a handmade quilt with titles and cover images of the bride and grooms very favorite books. Imagine the pressure of having to decide which publication should be included and which will be left out. Avid readers have a long list of favorites, and I am sure there were too many books and too little space on the quilt’s surface.

I wonder if the couple first encountered each other between the shelves of the book store? Do you think they had custom written wedding vows that included a little poetry? Ahhh..the beauty of a relationship where two people come together with the common interests….and the advantages of owning an independent bookstore. “Nothing is set in stone,” as it is etched on the pavement leading into the Northshire Bookstore. That means you can do anything you please including closing early to host a booksellers dream wedding.

To learn more about this event, please visit the Facebook page of the Northshire Bookstore. http://on.fb.me/1cZVDKU

Do return tomorrow to All Things Fulfilling. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Journey toward Enlightenment

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Words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels. ~ Hazrat Inayat Khan

“Okay…it’s 4:30 in the morning and any minute we’re off to the airport…Burlington VT to Newark, NJ then 14 hrs to Bejing, from there to Mongolia and the Gobi–the first leg of the journey has begun!” ~writes Clemma Dawsen from Sandgate, Vermont.

I doubt my friend Clemma has taken her feline. She’d be more likely to transport her horse. She’s an equestrian, and finds the same kind of fulfillment in owning an equine as the Dali Lama does in having a cat. If you missed the story about His Holiness and his feline, scroll down to yesterday’s blog.

clemma dawsen

Clemma is part of a group that is traveling from Vermont to Tibet to learn more about personal fulfillment. This group is made up of artists of all types. She will be journaling as she travels, she is the poet/writer of the group.

I am so proud of Clemma. She is deserving of this assignment. I met her when I worked as education coordinator at the VermontStateCraftCenter “Frog Hollow.” She is one of those kinds of people you feel as if you have known forever – warm, loving and friendly. We “clicked” immediately. Although we only worked together for a relatively short time, she has never left my heart. When we met, we had a lot in common – both of us had sons, who were only children. They attended the same high school and both boys have artistic spirits. We’d share notes on teen rearing a lot.

I encourage you to follow Clemma and her fellow adventurers on the blog Triptych Journey: The Alchemy of Stories, Art and Travel. http://triptychjourney.org/  .

The group is also comprised of a project advisor (a Buddist who has more than two dozen books on spirituality to his credit), a documentary cinematographer, a photographer, and a choreographer. Their mission “is to tell compelling world stories that speak to all of us. Using multimedia arts and expression, Triptych Journey connects audiences to vulnerable people, cultures and ecology, instilling values of conservation and preservation in a rapidly changing world.”

Happy Travels to All! I can’t wait to be enlightened about what is learned from this experience that will take  these artists to far off reaches of the world.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. Come on back to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow.