Tag Archives: Books

Vessels to hold God’s Gifts of Nature

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Vessels to hold God’s gifts of nature ~ Sue Batton Leonard

Is there not a thing on Earth that does not require a vessel?

Vases for heady scented lilacs, for spring tulips with their straight and narrow stems, tall containers for wispy forsythia branches or late summer gladiolus, remembrances of a long summer.

Then there are nature’s offerings of the self- contained. ACORNS, walnuts, chestnuts, drying corn on the cob.  Or the dried seeds left ready to be scattered for next year across fields or left to fall in the soil beneath where they grew. Needed are substantial vessels to hold large seed-filled heads of sun-flowers indoors.

When winter arrives, a birdhouse for wintering feathered friends, tree cavities and nest boxes for nuthatches, titmice, and downy woodpeckers.

Hard at work are the birds who know their craft of building of new nests to contain their fragile shells of spring.

Containers all, we are we human beings who feel for the blessing of nature of each season.

Artists change out their palettes of colors to reflect the colors before them, of autumn.  

A Woman of Wisdom

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I am feeling most appreciative for time spent writing a memoir for an inspirational woman. As her memoirist, it was my duty to get at the heart of her life story and I hope I have adequately done so. There is a certain level of trust which goes along with this honor and privilege.

Yesterday one proof copy of the book arrived on my doorstep, which will give me one last chance to go over it before it goes to print. Hopefully, between myself and the editor, we have found all the oops between the dots and the dashes.

My client’s request for privacy is important to both of us, so the publication will not be sold in the market place, but, I’d like to give you a little insight into her story. So, I will share the summary which appears on the back cover.

My takeaway from her narrative is exactly as John Dewey stated it, “…education is life itself.” I gained insight into how very important it is to keep learning new things and growing throughout one’s lifetime.

 

The Hush in a Season

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This beautiful painting “A Village Street in Winter” ” by artist Alfred Sisley (1893) represents the anthesis of what happens in today’s world at Christmas. In villages and towns in America and in many other countries, the hustle and bustle is frenzied.

I am going to take my annual holiday break from posting on All Things Fulfilling.com until after the first of the year. Have a blessed Christmas season. And see you back here after the first of the year! Thank you to those who follow my blogs all year long and purchase my books. Look forward to 2024!

When the mind is clear of all noise and self talk, this is when solutions are revealed, artists are inspired, paradigms are shifted.~ Stephen J. Kochan

And In this Holy Season

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Have you ever really paused and thought deeply about the miracle of life? During December it is a good time to reflect on what all the fuss of Christmas is really all about.

Many people think of artists as being eccentric people, however, the preconceived notion comes simply because creatives think outside the box and come up with some profound and inspirational ideas, words, images, sounds and tactile objects.

Pablo Casals once said, “A child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.”

This quote could not be more appropriate during the Christmas holidays and it reminds us to celebrate individuality and the creative spirit that each one of us is given by our Creator.

Generational Treasures

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“Books…they are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” Anna Quindlen says.

This Christmas how about a gift that will keep on being treasured by individuals and families who have roots in Harford County or for people who love to reflect on small towns in America and how community life used to be. This book is one you will want to pass down through the generations. The content is rich with charming stories and memories of people, places and things that made strong communities great places to live.

Order now, in time for Xmas giving. I am proud to say I am one of the contributing authors of In Their Own Words. And also the Author of a beautiful biography about An Artist’s Journey into an extraordinary life, which may be ordered here.

The Value of Short Stories

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“Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and other dreams.”

Yes! We communicate much through narratives. Therein lies their value. Short stories have been used throughout history as a means of communication. The first American short story published is said to be “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” By Washington Irving. It appeared in The Sketch Book in 1819-1820.

As a writer, to expand my repertoire, I have been dabbling with some short story writing in my free time. This summer I wrote a 1,833 word narrative titled Hungry for Color© Sue Batton Leonard, which as of now, has yet to be published. I gave a copy of it to my twin sister in August for her birthday and to a few other beloved family members to get their opinions. The story was rather satisfying to pen and to listen to their comments about the writing. One reader said, “keep it going,” meaning a full length book. We will see about that… I have to have the right vision beyond what is currently written.

 

Magic of the Brandywine

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“Something waits beneath it. The whole story doesn’t show.” ~ Andrew Wyeth

Photo: View of the Brandywine River from the Museum

In the dog days of summer, it’s hard to find the “bony structure” of the Brandywine Valley that was often described and seen in the canvases of the Wyeth Family paintings. The density of trees and leafy greens prevents it. This August the art at the Brandywine River Art Museum was full of contrasts.

Abstract Flash: Unseen Andrew Wyeth exhibit was as stark as the winter landscape in the Brandywine devoid of the lush trees and foliage which is abundant in the summer. The collection is color-limited and as brittle as the gnarled hands of old Man Winter and the tree branches. That is not to say I did not enjoy it. Such is what makes much of Wyeth art distinguishable and identifiable immediately.

Book covers by N.C. Wyeth which are still seen today on many of the classics was also included in the Wyeth art displayed at the museum located in Chadd’s Ford, Pennsylvania, often referred to as “Wyeth country.” This author/book-lover appreciated revisiting many of the images I saw on front covers of the books which sat on my bookshelf in my childhood bedroom.

Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. Book Cover Illustration (1918) by N.C. Wyeth

In the second exhibit, the art of Joseph Stella is in sharp contrast. Saturated with bright color, top to bottom. Nature is seen in a most visionary way – full of energy, both magical and imaginary. Like a tropical floral environment ramped up to the nth degree.

One of many of Joseph Stella’s floral paintings

My stop at the Brandywine River Art Museum was our first in a day filled with art, history and all things fulfilling. My twin sister and I love to see and experience museums and other cultural places together. Do return to this website. I will have more about our visit to the Brandywine Valley in my next post a few days from now.