Tag Archives: family

Books to Film

Leave a comment

“Everyday, things change for me…you make the necessary adaptations.”  ~ Craig Thomas 

I went on a quest today to fulfill my need for information about how many books are adapted into films each year? So, it’s time for all of you to guesstimate what I found out! 

According to one source, Variety Magazine, market conditions have reduced the number of literary adaptations from books to film in recent years. Approximately 30 books are adapted by major film production studios for screen each year. A small number, given the large number of books that are published each year! To see a list of books that were adapted for cinema release in 2010, see this article. http://www.chasingthefrog.com/moviebooks.htm. 

Slated for novel to cinema adaptation in 2011, is a film that I can not wait to see. The novel “Water for Elephants” was one of my most memorable reads in recent years and I look forward to seeing how the cinema version of the story compares. I flat out loved the book! It is being adapted for film along with several other popular literary works. Wondering what other popular literary works are scheduled for upcoming film release in the New Year? Visit http://amzn.to/93TjmI to take a sneak peak. 

In order to turn a novel into a successful cinematic release, all the right elements must be there. Are you interested in learning more about how to get your book turned into a film, please visit http://bit.ly/9TzhzP.

 If anyone out there has inside information about what else we can look forward to seeing in theatres in 2011, we would love to hear from you, if it is not top-secret information.  Perhaps in 2011, I’ll see you at the theatre – I’ll buy the popcorn if you save me a seat!

 

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

Power of Push

2 Comments

“Determine the thing that can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.” ~Abraham Lincoln 

Early last summer, our son came for an extended visit, after college graduation, and before he began his new life in New Mexico. We decided one day to take a hike up Emerald Mountain, which is in our town of Steamboat Springs, CO. As we set out, I knew that our pace up the mountain would be brisk. I was in the company of  my husband and my son, two people who have been fulfilling their life-long passion for physical endurance, strength and adventure through sport. I am a regular walker, but that is all. 

Our goal was to reach the top of the mountain to an outcropping of rocks where we could take in the majestic view. Up and up we climbed. The pace was indeed brisk, and in fact, a lot faster than what I had bargained for. Several times, I wanted to turn back. My son remarked “Push yourself, Mom! You can do it!” So push myself, I did – all the way to the top. The view was more than worth the effort in end. 

As we descended from the top, I began to think what I would have missed had I not hung in there and made it to the top. My son remarked on the way down the mountain that I had proven myself “to be much stronger than he thought I was.” I had earned points in his assessment of my physical and endurance abilities!  

The moral of the story is that it feels good to stretch ourselves beyond what we think we are capable of. It makes us emotionally fit. We feel a sense of accomplishment, confidence and it gives us a can do attitude for the next challenge in our lives. We often miss the best opportunities, if we don’t take the risk. 

To find out more simple steps towards finding happiness in life, visit http://bit.ly/a6TnD6.

 

Which will it be?

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

Fabulous Forces

Leave a comment

“One of our greatest gifts is our intuition. It is a sixth sense we all have – we just need to learn to tap into and trust it.”                             ~ Donna Karan 

On this blogsite, we often mention using and sharing all our God-given gifts and talents. Yesterday morning, Reverend Tim, of the Steamboat United Methodist Church http://bit.ly/c0d5H1   shared once again with those in the congregation, his deep understanding of the world around him. His ability to communicate directly, succinctly and briefly from the pulpit, is unlike any church leader I have ever been witness to before. Refreshing, bright and inspiring!

 We watched and listened as a very short segment of the  1970’s blockbuster film “Star Wars” was played. Reverend Tim related how the theme of the movie, applies to our lives, in his sermon “May the Force be With You.” 

Preceding the Doxology, was a beautiful composition that the choir sang called “I Can Do All Things.” In the bulletin, the only name given for the composer for the arrangement was Courtney. Later, I need to use the world wide web to find out the last name of the song writer.  

There is a lot more that could be said about Reverend Tim’s creative messages. Every Sunday morning, I regret not having pencil and paper in hand to record the most vital points of his sermons.  It would help me to accurately remember, and later ponder some of the things that interest me the most.

I have just broken a promise that I made on Saturday! I forgot to share the details of the  Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com gathering I attended on Saturday. Tomorrow and possibly the next day too, I will do as I vowed. 

Would you agree that  sometimes it is hard to decide what comes first in our lives?

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

Is it a Phrase of your Life?

Leave a comment

“Three things tell a man: his eyes, his friends and his favorite quotes.” ~ Unknown

One of my good-natured friends sent me an e-mail the other day that made me laugh. It also gave me reason to stop and ponder. The e-mail consisted of all kinds of paraprosdokian sentences. I had no clue what that meant but as I read the list of phrases, I think I quickly got the idea.

Although the dictionary may have a definition of paraprosdokian phrases far different than mine, I have determined that these sentences are about authenticity, or rather, lack thereof. After reading line after line of these phrases, I believe many of  these quotations reflect how some people live their lives.

Here are a few examples of paraprosdokian sentences:

  • “Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.”
  • “Evening news is where they begin with “Good Evening” and then proceed to tell you  why it isn’t.”
  • “The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas.”

The list of quotes my friend sent me forced me to ask myself some questions. “Is the way I go about life in accordance with what is true?” “Do I live a life fulfilled with being honest and straight forward with myself and others?” “Do I say one thing and do another?”

Believe me, I am not perfect in any respect! But, I do everything I can to be aware of my actions and to live my life staying true to my principles, values and core beliefs.

When I am no longer on this earth, I don’t want anyone to say – “She was a good person, as long as she stayed out of the picture.”  Or when I arrive at heaven’s gates, I don’t want the judge to say – “She can come in, as long as she doesn’t open her mouth.”

Since this blog is only my interpretation of the term “paraprosdokian,” please let me know if I am way off base and have misunderstood these quirky, funny figures of speech are all about. I don’t want to be giving out any misinformation.

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

Shhhh….Don’t Tell Anyone!

4 Comments

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and let it come in.”  ~Morrie Schwartz 

Yesterday, we received a joyous e-mail from one of our 7 nieces. She was emailing us to announce she had gotten engaged the night before. For two architects who found one another and fell in love, the setting for the proposal was picture perfect!  

 Across the way from where my niece lives stands an old mill building. The building was the subject of discussion every time she and her boyfriend would walk by it. The two architects would discuss all they ways they would like to restore it and how this historic building with all it’s architectural details, would make a fulfilling place to live.  

Two days ago, my niece’s boyfriend was hard at work. Unbeknowst to her, he was laboring hard at creating a scene for a romantic proposal in this historic old mill building. That evening after dark, they walked by the familiar site of the mill building, as usual. My niece noticed and remarked that there appeared to be lights on inside the abandoned building. Her boyfriend suggested they go take a peak inside. She was hesitant for fear of getting caught trespassing but, with a little prompting, she swallowed her fears and in they went. At the top of the stairs, she saw the scene of two lone chairs and lit candles. She said “we better get out of here, someone is having a party.” Her boyfriend took her hand and said……            Ah, romance!  In the rest of the story are things many novels are made of. 

Congratulations, Kara and Joe! I know you two architects will design a beautiful life for yourselves and create inspiring homes for others.

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

A Gift Given

Leave a comment

 “A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there.” ~ Walt Disney

It has been just about two years since I relocated to the West. I arrived, site unseen, trusting that the change of location would be good for me and our family. We loved our home of 30 years in the beautiful state of Vermont. However, it was time to turn to a new State to fulfill our need for a change in opportunities after many years of being in the same place. It was a chance to see what another part of the country had in store for us. 

Yesterday, as I sat in church, I began to think of all the things I was grateful for in my life and in a new community. Among them is a singular voice. It is a voice that emanates from a nearby pew nearly every week. The voice is so beautiful, that it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.  (And I am not a particularly tearful person by nature). As I told the gentleman’s wife, “when I hear his spectacular and commanding voice, there is no doubt in my mind that God gives each and everyone of us personal gifts in life.”  This exquisitely talented man, has used his talents as a professional vocalist, throughout his life. What a fulfilling way to spend one’s career. 

Parents, do you have a child who at a young age is showing signs of extraordinary talent in athletics, Art, mathematics, science or perhaps, has at a tender age, a deep understanding of the world around them? The diversity with which God created humanity and our world is awesome! No two people are exactly alike, and when we follow our individual hopes, dreams and talents we become the best we can possibly be. Are you following a path that will lead to personal fulfillment? If not, can you change that? It is never too late!

 

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

Women Turn to Book Covers

2 Comments

“‘I’ve learned that everyone wants to live on the top of the mountain, but the all the learning occurs while you are climbing it.” ~Unknown

At lunchtime yesterday, I again attended the Steamboat Professional Women’s Networking Group. Every woman stood to introduce her business and present her “elevator speech.” What an amazing group of women there were. But, you know what? It was the strangest thing! As each stood before me, I couldn’t even focus on their faces! As I listened to the expertise, knowledge and personal fulfillment each business brings to each woman, what came to my mind was a possible title of a book, film or other type of publication.

 Just as a few examples –

  • An insurance agent stood up to give the “low-down” on her business and I saw “CALENDAR!” with each month devoted to “Practical Tips for How Not to Loose Everything you Own.” 
  • Several skin care products representatives were in the crowd. As they introduced themselves, I saw ”BOOK!” entitled perhaps “Protect Your Child’s Skin from Environmental Damage: Beauty From the Moment She is Born.” 
  • “FILM!” I thought as an Executive Director of a Non-Profit  stood and introduced the organization she represented. Her face, right before me, turned into a DVD cover called “Miraculous Cases of Kids that have Thrived Through Mentoring.” What a shame her face morphed into a DVD cover! She had a beautiful face, too! How wonderful that her face and talents are associated with such a beautiful cause!

The list of titles I saw before me could go on and on. As I drove home, I thought perhaps this occurrence was not so strange after all. So many businesses now use independent publishing to provide and offer an accessory to their main line of business. It does bring  an additional income stream and it shares, with others, knowledge and expertise in a field of work. 

I hope, as I stood before the group giving my ‘elevator speech” some of the women saw my face morph into a book called “Lucky Lady Works in Industry That Grew Robustly Last Year.” 

That’s the independent publishing industry for you!

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

Pondering Power

Leave a comment

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even if no one is watching.” ~ Unknown 

Several weeks ago, I received a communication from a group of people who were interested in having me join in with them. I listened and I considered what it was I was being asked to do. I was intrigued, for sure, and flirted with the chance to join this group. But something was amiss. For reasons that at first I could not grasp, I could not quite commit. A visible, impressive name was attached to the group, which made it ever so tempting, but after deep consideration, cogitating, pondering, thought and prayer, I decided the opportunity would not be personally fulfilling to me. By being involved with this group, I felt there would possibly be things that did not mesh with the inner fiber of my being. 

I spent several sleepless nights trying to make my decision and I even searched the internet in my quest for trying to decide which path to follow. Guess what I found? I found a radio show called the Things that Matter the Most! http://www.thethingsthatmattermost.org. Just reading the title of the radio show brought me to my senses and rattled me from going in a direction that may be meant for others but not for me. 

I declined the invitation and decided I would not look back. My decision sits well within my soul and goes along with what matters most to me. In the end, I decided I would rather be personally fulfilled than to try to be and act in ways that are contrary to my beliefs. 

Have you ever been tempted by situation such as this? What did you do? I would like to hear from you.

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

Sisters in Spirit

4 Comments

“Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process begins.” ~ Jim Rohn 

Women all over the world are sisters in spirit. This weekend I attended a most fulfilling weekend with a group of United Methodist Women, sisters in spirit, right here in Steamboat Springs, CO. The gathering included a range of women in different decades and seasons in their lives, but we all shared something in common. We were all women who were on a quest to understand more about our place and purpose in this world, and how our spirits guide us in our daily living. 

Life Coach, Mary Nelson of www.reclaimyourselfandmore.com led the women in our weekend retreat in considering what areas of spirituality we are interested in exploring further. The possibilities are many, and a few of them included: 

  • Life Purpose
  • Intuition
  • Connecting with God
  • Angels
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Journaling
  • Prayer
  • Wisdom
  • Affirmations
  • Laws of Attraction
  • Miracles
  • Reading Spiritual books
  • Faith 

Although we were asked to identify just one area, it was difficult to make a choice for some women, including myself. There is no right or wrong in how we as women chose to incorporate spirituality into our everyday lives. Our personal definition of spirituality is different and unique to each of us based on our own life experiences and beliefs. 

If given the choice, what area of spirituality would you like to explore the most? We would love to hear from you! Do you have a spiritual journey that you could share with others through independent publishing?

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

Hatched Blessings

Leave a comment

“Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch.” ~ Ramona C. Carroll 

As summer slips into fall, I have decided to look back just one more time to reflect on the blessings of the summer, my favorite season of all. Focusing on what is positive in our lives, helps us to live a life fulfilled. Ordinary occurrences can become extraordinary depending on how we view them. By concentrating on our blessings rather than our woes, we live in the present moment, enjoying life to the fullest. Some of the highlights of my summer included: 

  • Returning to childhood for one glorious day of floating down the Yampa River in a tube!
  • Witnessing our child graduate from DeSales University www.DeSales.edu  and recalling all the landmark steps in his life that came before it.
  • Participating in two fundraising events as a member of Kiwanis International. www.kiwanis.org. Knowing that Kiwanis will partner with Unicef to serve children all over the world through The Eliminate Project.
  • Learning that my husband has been invited to coach athletes at the World University Games this coming winter. What a thrill for him!
  • Eating peaches and sweet corn from Paradise, CO that rivals the summer produce I ate growing up in the state of Maryland. I didn’t think again in my life, I would find any as fine as that – but I have!
  • A return to Rocky Mountain National Park for one great day of sharing the splendorous sights with our son.
  • The opportunity to share with others, at several events, what independent publishing is all about.
  • Volunteering at Strings in the Mountains www.stringsinthemountains.org seeing some of the finest artists in the world perform right here in Steamboat Springs, CO.

It is time to say goodbye to summer and I can’t wait to see what a new season in my life has in store. I am sure it will be fulfilling, too.

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