August Rules

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Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall cease to exist.” ~ May Kay Ash  

It is already August! The first eight months of this year are almost gone! Let’s see what fulfills all those born under the Zodiac sign of Leo the Lion.  

Character Traits of Leos – “I WILL” is the motto of Leos.  They are born leaders and good organizers. Leos have a strong sense of pride, are loyal and honest. It is very important for Leos to put their hearts into something they love!  

As I  did research for this blog post, I came across a fact that I never knew before! My husband shares the same birthday as Saint Francis DeSales! For anyone who knows my husband, he has always lived his life – as a Leo – in the truest sense of the word.  

Saint Francis DeSales (born August 21, 1567) is well known for his words “be who you are and be that well.” Over three hundred of years ago, St. Francis had astounding  insight into what it takes to become successful artists, writers, publishers, musicians, screenwriters, filmmakers, journalists and great human beings. (Note: Mother Teresa was also an August baby). Without doubt, it takes character traits that Leo’s possess in order to pursue the creative path. 

Can you imagine living in a household with two Leos? Our Pisces son can! And he can well explain just what it was like! A Pisces born on the 25th is “in tune with the world around them and they may possess an amazing psychic sensitivity! They are most powerful when they put their talents into a cause much greater than themselves.” http://bit.ly/8XNTFh

Yikes! Now this is scary, fascinating stuff! The stuff of compelling films! Do you have any good stories of one Zodiac sign meeting another zodiac sign and the fascinating combined result? If so, share it with us! 

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Mind Reader

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Seek the spirit in all you do. Keep it with you continually. That is our challenge” ~ Ezra Taft Benson  

Uh- oh, the minister of the church I attend has me all figured out!! He can read minds, too!!  

This Sunday, as I sat in church, the Reverend Tim said  “let’s bow our heads for a  Prayer of Clear Vision!”  It was followed by the song “Open My Eyes, That I May See.” After his beautiful and very heartfelt sermon (it truly was) on “An Unclenched Life”, we then sang “Be Still, My Soul.” 

How in the world did he know that every day, this is what I ask for? This is what I request? With over 400 blogs written, it is more difficult then you might imagine to come up with fresh, interesting material to post on this blogsite each and every day day. When I wake up each morning, I ask to “go through the day with my eyes and ears wide open, so that I may learn or find something of interest and of value to share.” Every night, these are the prayers I ask – “help me, help me, help me to think of what to write tomorrow.” Bingo! Somehow, in some way, in the quiet of the night or in the early dawn of the morning, my prayers are answered! My mind opens up, clarity sets in and I find my way to the computer with an idea of what to compose for my blog of the day.  

See that, all things are fulfilling, when you seek and ask for help! Yes, there is a God, and he helps me with this blogsite,  too!

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Fulfillment from Books and Art

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“Joy is but the sign that creative emotion is fulfilling it’s purpose.”                   ~ Charles DuBos

The other day, I read an article in the Artist Daily www.Interweave.com/Magazines  titled  “Why Does a Painting Move Me?” I began to think of the similarities between the points made in the article and how they apply to the question “Why does a book or film fulfill me?” 

I came up with a list of questions that I ask myself when I am looking for a book on the shelf that will strike a chord within me. Many of these questions are also asked when books are being considered for book group discussions: 

  • Is there psychological intensity to the subject?
  • Are there multiple ways of reading into the content?
  • Can I connect with the writer?
  • Will the style of writing immediately draw me in?
  • Can I relate to the subject matter or genre?
  • Will the story evoke an emotional response from me? 

These questions, when considered throughout the process of writing of a manuscript, can be useful tools for evaluating or critiquing one’s own writing. Successful writing means taking these points into consideration when crafting a story. As a writer, you must fulfill the needs of the reader, otherwise you have no audience.

 

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A Different Kind of Breed

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“…turn a critical eye and ear to what we are offered by the mass media as well as the independent media“~ David Wilson

The filmmaking industry conjures up thoughts of the red carpet, glitz, glamour and buzz! Cropping up are a different breed of filmmakers working to craft outstanding stories with great vision. They do not necessarily have landing on the Hollywood walk of fame as their first priority. Enter independent filmmaker extraordinares!

Independent films are usually made with considerably lower budgets, yet they can be as notable in quality as their counterpart – productions by major film studios. Their content and artistic dimension often sets them apart. Designed to reach specialty audiences rather than mass market, these films are equally as fulfilling to the audience. They win awards at film festivals such as Sundance, Raindance, Silverdocs, IDFA, Durango, Toronto and other places far from L.A.

Apparently, there is a new breed of  independent filmmaker who is centered around “business plans, business models and business books.” He is determined to responsibly manage his  independent film production company and to bring his personal artistic vision to reality. Filmmaking has been “who he is” since the age of 15! His lack of interest in parties and all things Hollywood has landed him and his film company in Albuquerque, NM.

For more information on this up and coming breed of independent filmmaker phenoms, please visit http://bit.ly/bWB1LV.

I hope you will join me in following this filmmakers production company in the coming months and years. I think they have alot in store!

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Energy Well Spent

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Enthusiasm…the sustaining power of all great action.”               ~ Samuel Smiles 

Today is a landmark day! With the writing of this blog, we will have surpassed the 400 blog mile-marker! Go ahead – count them all! Read them all, if you don’t believe me.

This is our 401st blog devoted to relevant information regarding the independent publishing industry. And it is not just about books either – our blogs include the scoop on independent filmmaking, independent music, independently published artwork and photography, building communities of independent, like-minded people and way more!

 If this is the first time you have arrived at this blogsite, don’t despair! We are not finished yet! This engine will keep on chugging on the fast track and you can find us in your searches everywhere! We are all about fulfillment and marketing for independently geared businesses and publishers! 

Reaching this goal has been easy. Keeping the momentum is a cinch!  How can you not be excited about an industry that is filled with creative, inspiring and energetic people! The incentive is there when you see Bowker’s industry statistics of 181% growth between the years 2008 – 2009 for the non-traditional side of the publishing business.

 There are people everywhere wanting to jump on the train. After all, America is filled with ingenuity – filmmakers, artists, writers, and all kinds of passionate people wanting to educate, inspire, entertain and inform through books and film and the arts!

 Find us another industry that can tout growth statistics like that! Until then we are going to keep on, keeping on – sharing independent thoughts, words and views!

 Visit us tomorrow for information on one of the hottest, most energetic and responsible independent filmmakers and his production company around! See you then!

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Crossing the Finish Line

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When the goal is in sight, all your physical pain disappears, and your mental determination shall carry you the rest of the way.” ~ Trey Patty 

At 6:30am, Saturday morning,  my fellow Kiwanians and I were perched by the side of the road at Rabbit Ears Pass. We were on the look out for athletes who where running in a relay race all the way from Fort Collins, CO to Steamboat Springs, CO – a 198 mile trek, over multi-mountain pass terrain!! 

Although participating in a race of athletic endurance is not something I can quite relate to – I can appreciate how each of these athletes were examples in courage and in not being stopped by the thought of defeat. Throughout my five hour stint of helping on the sidelines, I was inspired by a group of runners who despite extreme circumstances, had set personal goals, and had dreams of reaching the finish line first. 

Each of us has our own interpretation what is fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying in life. Whether you are an athlete struggling to cross the finish line, or a writer in the final stages of a book project, completing the task requires many of the same character traits.

 It takes passion, planning, motivation, enthusiasm, focus and a determined spirit to continue on despite challenges and setbacks. If you are a writer whose manuscript has been rejected through the traditional publishing world, don’t let rejection defeat you! Learn all you can about why your manuscript was rejected, take all the necessary steps to correct, rewrite, improve or enhance your writing. Don’t loose the passion for your manuscript. Use your enduring spirit to continue on. Always consider the alternative – independent publishing. That way, you can be in charge of the end result using those character traits that you already possess.

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Helping Teachers Explore Possibilities

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“Give all you have…teach what you know and learn what you don’t. Stay open to all” ~ Unknown 

Last night at the Epilogue Bookstore, we had some bright, intelligent people who came to learn why non-traditional publishing is on the fast track to becoming the leading sector of the publishing industry. After all, independent publishing (non-traditional publishing) already represents over 50% of all publishing revenues! According to Bowker, the industry grew a whooping 181% between 2008-2009! http://bit.ly/cp3anL

Folks everywhere are asking the same question – how can they take their ideas for books and film, and turn them into reality? “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry” will be repeated in September at Colorado Mountain College www.coloradomtn.edu.com.  Stay tuned to this blogsite, for  more information, in the coming weeks. 

Colleges are breeding grounds for professionals who are highly educated, have career expertise and love to share their knowledge with others through teaching! Sometimes, teaching means standing in front of a classroom, sometimes teaching means sharing knowledge through the form of a book or film. 

If you are a professor who has been interested in sharing your career knowledge through a book or film, the time has never been better to share that knowledge. Join in on the discussion and learn why independent publishing may be the perfect choice for you. You can be “the boss” of your book, and I can guarantee you this – it will be published, when it is up to you!

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Exploration of A Dream

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Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible.” ~Unknown 

Do you have a book in you? Why not join in on the conversation! The independent publishing industry is boasting figures that are easy to understand once you hear what the buzz is all about!  

 “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry” will be presented tonight at the Epilogue Bookstore in Steamboat Springs, CO at 7pm.

  • Learn how you can fulfill your dreams of becoming a published author!
  • Hear a first hand story of a choice that an independent publisher had to make.
  • Gather some resources so you can start down the path to independent publishing
  • Listen to how the passion of one mom has become a ministry of sharing a relevant topic with all parents through indie publishing.
  • Learn who to partner with for independent publishing success.  

Take the first step toward making your dream a reality. See you tonight!

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Having “The Talk”

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The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages that you have been.” ~ Unknown 

Hundreds of adult children every year are faced with having to have “the talk” with their parents, about long term care planning and their needs. Unfortunately, this subject is often put off all too long, making it necessary for adult children of aging parents to get involved in the process. 

According to Mike Campbell, a dedicated consumer advocate for families searching for long-term quality care options, besides dealing with this issue early on, there are four more ways to make having “the talk” about long term care easier. 

  1. Be honest and direct.
  2. Be a good listener.
  3. Take advantage of ice breaking opportunities to broach the subject
  4. Never make promises, because you do not know what is ahead. Health and other conditions can change with time. 

Having “the talk”, and many other issues that are relevant to eldercare are addressed in Mike Campbell’s new book “When Mom and Dad Need Help.” Mike has worked in the eldercare business for 18 years. Mike is a CPA with a Batchelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University with a major in accounting and pre-law. He has visited hundreds of senior housing and care communities across this country. 

From his experience and background, Mike recognizes that each person’s set of financial, mental and health conditions are unique. This book helps adult children to work together with their parents to find the best senior housing and care option for their needs. 

For more information about this very valuable resource on eldercare, please visit www.iffenwen.com.

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Grassroots Spreading Globally

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We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to live life fully in it’s total meaning of loving, caring, creating and adventuring.                            ~ Herbert A. Otto  

It is inspiring when a simple message and concept begins to grow beyond wildest dreams. When Salley Gibney, founder of You Are Never Alone Foundation, a Vermont 501(3)C voluntary, non-profit began her efforts to foster caring, connection and hope through Caring Coins, I doubt she envisioned her efforts would spread so quickly, globally.  

The message of  You Are Never Alone is passed along from person to person through Caring Coins. These simple wooden coins inscribed with the words “You are Never Alone” were first given to troubled teens, to senior citizens, to hospice patients and to troops from Vermont headed to war in Afghanistan. Little by little, “the good news of hope” began to gather momentum. These coins are now available in Spanish, too and have traveled to places far beyond Vermont. They have traveled to children in Uganda, Guatemala and Ecuador!  

A few months ago word spread even further when the You Are Never Alone Foundation was invited to Bangladesh to spread the news and share caring coins with children in India! Please take a few minutes to watch this video and you will see the joy that this simple concept is now bringing to children on the other side of the world!  

This non-profit organization is a wonderful reminder of how one person’s vision and passion for changing the world can bring fulfillment to others. Salley is so fortunate to have the assistance of volunteers. There is much work to be done and funds are needed to continue to share this valuable message with others who are so in need of knowing, that despite life’s hard knocks, YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

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