Women on Wednesday: NORMA T. HOLLIS – America's Leading Authentic Voice Doctor

I met Norma T. Hollis at a Women's Information Network (WIN) Event. She is a brilliant speaker and a powerful women, perfect for my Women on Wednesday blog post.

Welcome to "Genuine Authenticity"- This blog post will hopefully help you uncover your authentic voice and live a genuinely authentic life.

The question I have been asked most frequently in the past three months is "How do you do it?"When I inquire what people mean by the question, the answer revolves around resiliency and strength in the time of tragedy.

I've pondered the answer to this in multiple ways. The bottom line is my belief that God prepares each of us for the challenges we face in life. With this belief I ask myself how I have been prepared to deal with Robert's death and the answer screams at me.

It's decades of studying authenticity and what it means to live an authentic life.

It's coaching hundreds of people and seeing how being authentic strengthens them.

It's recognizing my vulnerabilities and filling gaps in spite of the grief.

It's understanding and living with authenticity.

It's a deep level of self-awareness.

And it's a deep belief that God is in control no matter how it may appear.

Each week I speak with a counselor who helps me channel my grief and maintain my focus. At one point she gave me a handout that described ways people react to sudden tragedy. There were ten reactions that were listed and the first nine of them related to anger, grief, regret and a number of other negative emotions. The tenth one got my attention. It referred to people who gain a deeper spiritual awareness in spite of, or maybe because of, tragedy.

So while people ask me how I do it, I'm asking the question "what's the deeper meaning?"

According to research I have been examining this year, what is missing in the lives of many people is deeper meaning. People seem to avidly seek the financial rewards of life without examining the spiritual rewards of deeper faith and understanding of life. Deep spiritual awareness comes from examining deeper meanings and this often comes from tragedy and challenges in life.

I've had a lot of years of facing and overcoming challenges. One way I have done this is referring to the biblical verse "lean not on your own understanding". If I believe that God is in control then I also have to believe that each thing that happens in my life has meaning that I should pay attention to.

My work with authenticity is aligned with a deep spiritual belief that has driven my life. It's the reason why I have resiliency and how I answer the question of how do I do it. I do it because I know that God is in control. I do it because of my deep belief that this life is just a short time in the lifetime of my soul. I do it because I believe that Robert is not gone, only on vacation and I will be with his spirit again. I do it because I wonder, maybe I'm the one on vacation and I will return home soon. I do it because it has worked on my journey so far so why change. I do it because I like God being in control.

How do you maintain resiliency? How do you step into authenticity in times of challenge? What do you do to fill the gaps of your vulnerabilities? How do you stay strong?

I will be addressing these questions in future weeks. I have learned so much in the past few months and my life journey has hit a fork in the road. As I navigate my way around the bend I will be sharing more about deeper meaning and how to surrender to allowing God to be fully in control.

It's the only way I know how to live. How about you?

With Love and Authenticity,

Norma

To read more and follow Norma, CLICK below. 

Travel Tuesday: KRUSING AMERICA goes to India! ACCEPTED to Access Code Short Film Festival in Srinagar

Dear Linda Kruse,

Access Code Short Film Festival has accepted KRUSING AMERICA to be included in the festival.



The Access Code Short Film Festival is a festival with specific goal of supporting and promoting photography and fresh filmmaking talent.

It is a festival where films from a wide spectrum intersect.

Having a film in the festival is one of the most exciting experiences you can have with your short film. The best thing is that almost every film that enters the contest will be screened at the festival, no matter how many days the festival runs.

1-3 October 2015
Sher-e-Kashmir, Srinagar
Bangalore, Karnataka
India

About the City:

Srinagar is known as the "Mini Switzerland". It is situated in the Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. 

Media Monday: KRUSING AMERICA "Official Selection" at International Family Friendly Film Festival (IFFF)

Congratulations! KRUSING AMERICA is now an “Official Selection” of The International Family Film Festival scheduled for November 6 -8, 2015 at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, CA.

Screening schedule is being created, films’ will be notified next week of date and time. The Panel Discussions and special events are listed on the Eventbrite.com website to purchase tickets.

Visit the International Family Film Festival (IFFF) website at: www.iffilmfest.org to learn more about the upcoming 20th year.

Thank you for your support of the International Family Film Festival. Congratulations again!

Patte Dee McKee, IFFF Program Director
Chris Shoemaker, IFFF Executive Director

IFFF builds a peaceful global family through the discovery and sharing of quality stories by emerging artists and production companies. We strive to "celebrate the world" and respect mankind's fundamental similarities and differences. It achieves this by providing a nurturing environment to share the myriad manifestations of the human condition. 

Sunday Saying: As I look back on my life….

Saturday Study: 20 LIFE LESSONS You Should Unlearn...

 To Be Happy

Ever noticed that happy people have a certain spring in their step? They seem to walk their talk and illuminate the room as they shine with joy. Happy people seem to have figured out the heartfelt way to live a full life.

Happy people have habits they practice daily and most of them contradict what society says is best. Happy people don’t look outside themselves for happiness; instead they lean on their inner compass.

I know from personal experience that happiness is 100% a habit. Happiness is cultivated by action, and the faster we can unlearn the life lessons that society tells us are right, the sooner we'll really feel happiness.

Here are 20 life lessons you should unlearn in order to be happy.

1. There is a right way and a wrong way to do something.

Trying new things and exploring different processes is part of growing. What works for one person may not work for you. Find your own process and your own beliefs, and let others have their own.

2. Fitting in is belonging.

Trying to fit in means you have to contort yourself to fit other people’s views. Doing so is not being true to yourself. Instead of trying to fit in, focus on aligning with your true self. You'll belong when you are fully comfortable with yourself because you won’t need others' approval.

3. Working hard will make you successful.

The harder you work, the more worn out you will be. You won’t be able to fully enjoy your efforts. Instead of working hard, consider working smarter. Gauge your success by how much joy you are experiencing.

4. Failing is bad.

Failing is a fabulous way for you to learn more about yourself. When we try things and they don’t work, it's an opportunity to figure out why it didn’t work and how you can do it differently to succeed. The most successful people in the world have failed a million times. Ask yourself: are you failing enough?

5. Being alone means you'll be lonely.

When you enjoy your own company, you'll find you are rarely lonely.

6. Life is supposed to be smooth and free of problems.

The ups and downs of life are how we live a balanced life. Embrace each turn and allow for the changes; you will feel peace when you stop resisting.

7. What people think of you is important.

The only thing that matters is what you think about yourself. Work on your relationship with yourself and you will feel more love and joy than you ever thought possible.

8. If you were skinner, prettier, smarter, richer, or healthier, you’d be happier.

Waiting for happiness to arrive based on a destination outside of yourself will keep you in a constant chase. How many times have you actually reached that goal weight, found that dream relationship, landed that so called perfect job, and yet you still weren’t happy? Every time! Happiness is not a place outside of us; it is inside of our own hearts.

9. Your life is off-track.

Feeling like you are not where you are supposed to be or that your life hasn’t turned out the way you planned keeps you from enjoying the present moment. You are right where you need to be, trust that everything is in right order.

10. Letting go is giving up.

Letting go of stuff that weighs you down is the key to reaching new levels of success and happiness. When you let go of what no longer serves you, you make room for what you really want and need.

11. You should hold on to what’s no longer working.

Learn to be comfortable with the unknown. We hold on to things that don’t work because we fear the unknown and are afraid we don’t deserve better.

12. You need to postpone joy.

Retirement, vacation, the weekend — all are excuses keeping you from enjoying life right now, in this moment. Reach for happiness every day and you'll no longer need a vacation to achieve balance in your life because your life will be full of joy.

13. You should listen to your head over your heart.

Your head will talk you out of what you feel is right. Trusting the guidance of your heart is never wrong. Ask yourself if the situation feels right, instead of thinking your way through the problem.

14. If you don’t know how to make it happen, you shouldn't go for it.

We learn the way to achieve our dreams on the way to achieving them, so go for it. Your future self will thank you.

15. Unsupportive people don’t care about you.

What others say and do has nothing to do with you. If you have a dream that people don’t support, ask yourself if you believe in it. The more you believe in yourself and your dreams the less you need others to.

16. Self-love is selfish.

When you show up for yourself, you can show up for the world.

17. Your dreams should take a back seat to responsibility.

Your dreams are your responsibility. Don’t let excuses keep you from following through on your purpose.

18. The destination is the reward.

There is no destination; the journey is the reward, so start being present during your journey.

19. Being vulnerable is a sign of weakness.

Fully sharing yourself is the key to a happy life. Being vulnerable means you don’t hide away; instead you fully embrace yourself and shine your light.

20. Who you are is what you do.

You are not a noun. You are so much more than your job title, role or position in life. Start celebrating you for you, because you make a difference just as you are.

BY SHANNON KAISER

From the research I’ve completed while writing my next book, Mental Makeover, I have learned that it comes back to habits. Happy people have habits they practice daily and most of them contradict what society says is best. Happy people don’t look outside themselves for happiness; instead they lean on their inner compass.

I know from personal experience that happiness is 100% a habit. I found this out as I left my corporate job to follow my heart and be a writer and life coach, in the process walking away from depression, drug addictions and eating disorders, which prevented me from being happy.

Happiness is cultivated by action, and the faster we can unlearn the life lessons that society tells us are right, the sooner we'll really feel happiness.

Friday Foodie: End of Summer Salad...

Cucumber Salad with cherry tomatoes and red onion….

So simple, refreshing and perfect to bring to an end of Summer BBQ.

September is CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS Month because kids can't fight Cancer alone!

Families, caregivers, charities and research groups across the United States observe September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In the U.S., 15,780 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every year; approximately 1/4 of them will not survive the disease. A diagnosis turns the lives of the entire family upside down. The objective of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to put a spotlight on the types of cancer that largely affect children, survivorship issues, and – importantly – to help raise funds for research and family support.

And did you know:

• 1 in every 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer
• In the U.S., one out of every five children with cancer will not survive
• The vast majority of kids who do survive will suffer long-term side effects
• 14,583 kids will be diagnosed with cancer this month alone

And every single one of them is hoping that the next treatment is the one that will save their life. 

For more information visit: http://www.acco.org/awareness-advocacy/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/

http://www.stbaldricks.org/blog/post/get-involved-in-september-for-childhood-cancer-awareness-month/

Because kids cant' fight Cancer alone!

Women on Wednesday: BROADWAY WORLD Magazine Talks to NO LETTING GO Producer Carina Rush, Actress Cheryl Allison & Consulting Producer Linda Kruse

BWW Interview: Carina Rush & More Talk Powerful Family Drama NO LETTING GO

👤by Gregory G. Allen
There is a new feature film hitting the film circuit that is a powerful family drama about love, challenges, and hope. The family in NO LETTING GO may appear like any other family coping with life issues on the surface, but we quickly learn there is much more as one of their children has mental illness. The film started as an award-winning short film named ILLNESS and now has been expanded to truly allow an audience inside the home of a family struggling with the isolation, stigma, and dynamics involved with mental illness; shedding light on a very important topic. Filmed in Westchester county, NY in the summer of 2014, Broadway World spoke to former Broadway-actress-turned-producer Carina Rush and some of her cast about their experience on this film.

BBW: Thank you for taking the time to share your feelings about this amazing film with us. I was able to see the film as well as the award-winning short from two years ago and can honestly say it's just as powerful as a feature. Carina, you were lucky to be able to maintain the creative team from your short. Can you speak on that?

Carina Rush: By keeping our original creative team intact (Jonathan Bucari as director and writer, Randi Silverman - now in full capacity as writer and producer and myself as the producer), it reduced the amount of stress that naturally comes with a much bigger production. With us as the starting point, it became very important to add a young, but seasoned crew that understood our vision. Also, the pre-production phase is incredibly important and one must be thorough, because once you are filming it consumes every minute of every day.

BBW: While you kept many of the original actors, you also turned to Hollywood for this film and brought in some larger names as well. How did that affect the overall production of your film?

Rush: It made us all step up our game tremendously. We had several of our seasoned actors that felt very strongly about being part of the film, and their participation helped secure other actors as well. The result is a very powerful film!

BWW: Let's talk to your award-winning actress Cheryl Allison who was amazing in the short and I was completely blown away by the range in the feature. Cheryl, what was it like for you to get to dive into this character and how was that different from preparing for the short film?

Cheryl Allison: That's a great question Greg. It's interesting because the short film showed a very intense 15 minute window into the life of my character Catherine Spencer. I prepared for the short film by doing a lot of research. I met with mothers who had children suffering from a mental disorder. I created a back story for Catherine and detailed history. I became very attached to this character and it was hard for me to release her when we finished filming the short film.

BWW: There is much more in the feature that surely allowed you to inhabit her even more.

Allison: I felt like she deserved to have her story told in a more in-depth way. 15 minutes just wasn't enough for this character and her family. I always felt RESTLESS about it. So when the producers contacted me and said they were working on a feature, I was thrilled. The subject matter is so important and the fact that it's based on a true story just heightens the emotion. For the feature, I already knew Catherine very well, but I got to discover all the other sides of her. I got to dive into the relationship with her husband, her friends and her three sons on a much deeper level.

BWW: Richard Burgi, you've spent the past 25 years working in numerous soaps, TV shows and films. What drew you to the role of the father in this film?

Richard Burgi: The movie interested me because of the subject matter, the people involved and working near where I grew up. It was a truly rewarding experience on many levels.

BWW: It is also so wonderful to see the great Kathy Najimy as a therapist in the film; giving a powerful voice to the world of mental illness through the eyes of a professional.

Kathy Najimy: The short time I had on the set of NO LETTING GO and behind the scenes spending time with the family that inspired this story- was moving and enlightening. Mental illness does not take a backseat - But rather,in this film, shines a deserving, dramatic, breathtaking light on it.

It was a pleasure to be a part of this project.

BWW: Alysia Reiner, who has appeared in many indie films, plays Catherine's friend Lisa. Was there something special about this film that made you have to work on it?

Alyssa Reiner: I have a nephew-in-law who had just had a bi-polar episode and I read about NO LETTING GO. I so believe in art and film as a way to start conversations, gain more acceptance and healing around the stigma of mental illness, and so I offered my services.

BWW: Cheryl, having spent the better part of two years involved in this story, how was it when it came to an end?

Allison: When we wrapped production, I remember feeling closure. I was so happy the full story of this amazing and resilient family had been told. I was finally able to release her.

BWW: Carina, you had a dear friend of yours act as consulting producer on this film who has a huge background in the business. So Linda Kruse, for other filmmakers reading this interview - any words of wisdom based from this experience?

Linda Kruse: Over the years I developed the creative side as a Director and yet as a Producer, I am well aware of the money being spent. One of the things I learned early in my filmmaking career is you can waste a lot of money and time if you don't think of the big picture. So I only take on projects that are working towards a long-term goal. My advice to other filmmakers and my philosophy has always been: why make a short film when you can make a shorter version of a feature Film, and then use that as a way to raise money and awareness for the feature. (Not to mention, I have always felt I have a responsibility as a filmmaker to work on projects where I can make a difference. ILLNESS and NO LETTING GO was the perfect combination. )

Our original tag line: 'Short Film, Big Message' with ILLNESS meant we were always destined to tell a bigger story. The subject matter was too important to just leave it as a short film. We quickly realized we could touch and effect more people with a full-length feature. ILLNESS basically started the conversation so we felt it was up to us in NO LETTING GO to shine a brighter light on such a crucial topic. We wanted to show the whole experience and hopefully help families know they are not alone. And once the Short Film started winning awards - we knew we had a responsibility to go big.

BWW: Thank you all for sharing the human side of filmmaking. For those interested in learning more about this incredible film, visit: www.nolettinggomovie.com

Photo credit: Ted Astor

Travel Tuesday: KRUSING AMERICA Submitted to International Tourism Awards / UN World Tourism Day September 27, 2015 #WTD2015 #1billiontourists

The International Tourism Awards was established to promote world tourism attraction and places, conserve world heritage and tourism centers by nurturing awareness among international community, and improve socio-economic development of regions and countries in the tourism regions. As the sister festival of the prestigious International Film Festivals (www.internationalfilmfestivals.org), we aim to help the United Nations promoting the World Tourism Day September 27, 2015.

Theme for 2015: "One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities"

Every time we travel, for whatever reason, we are part of a global movement; a movement that has the power to drive inclusive development, create jobs and build the sustainable societies we want for our future; a movement that builds mutual understanding and can help us safeguard our shared natural and cultural heritage.

This year on the 27th of September, we want you to talk Tourism. Help us raise awareness of the important impact tourism has on countries and communities around the world and its potential as a force for good, creating a better world for all.#1billiontourists#WTD2015

Burkina Faso will host the Official Celebration 2015.

Current developments and forecasts:

• International tourist arrivals grew by 4.3 % in 2014 to 1.133 billion
• In 2014, international tourism generated US$ 1.5 trillion in export earnings
• UNWTO forecasts growth in 2015 international tourist arrivals of btw 3% and 4%

http://www.un.org/en/events/tourismday/

Monday Media: KRUSING AMERICA 'Official Selection' at Great Lakes International Film Festival!

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you once gain on the amazing film that you created and for earning your place on the film selection list for our 2015 Festival.  Attached please find the Official Selection Laurel for your film.

We feel that it is very important to establish and keep an excellent flow of information throughout the film festival process for the best possible experience of everyone involved. To that end, please know that over the course of the next several days we will be contacting you a few times with important updates regarding your film, and our Festival.

Once again we thank you for offering us the opportunity to screen KRUSING AMERICA, and we wish you the best of luck in the awards selection process.

Sincerely,
Great Lakes Film Association
Executive Director, C.E.O.
www.greatlakesfilmfest.com
www.indiflixx.com
www.erijams.com
facebook.com/greatlakesfilm
facebook.com/erijams.com
myspace.com/greatlakesfilmfest
myspace.com/erijams.com

Sunday Saying: "There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done…"

Saturday Study & Learn: CHARITY WATER – Bringing clean water to 50,000 in need! #nothingiscrazy

SEPTEMBERCAMPAIGN 2015

This September, a community of world-changers is proving that #nothingiscrazy when it comes to raising money for clean water. 
And you can join them.

https://www.charitywater.org

There are 663 million people in the world living without access to clean water. Let's change that!

We're #crazy4water and we think it's crazy that 663 million people around the world drink contaminated water every day. They collect it from rivers, lakes, and holes in the ground. It causes diseases, keeps kids out of school, and takes hours to carry back home.

We want to help, so each Smile Generation®-trusted office is raising money for charity: water. It's crazy that so many people today are without clean water. But doing nothing is even crazier. Help us help them by making a donation today.

Learn about the September Campaign

This year, we’re rallying a community of bold, creative, quirky and passionate world-changers to bring clean water to 50,000 people in need. You can help.

https://my.charitywater.org/empire-dental-group/empire-dental-group?sc_cid=eBlast_20150908_charitywater_video_EM&et_cid=1159498&et_rid=37_11490

Friday Foodie: KRUSING AMERICA accepted to TASTE AWARDS – celebrating Food, Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle!

Dear Linda Kruse

KRUSING AMERICA – 

has been selected to be included in the TASTE AWARDS judging and review process.

The TASTE AWARDS are the premier awards celebrating the year's best in Food, Fashion, and Lifestyle programs on Television, in Film, Streaming Online, and on Radio.

The Awards have included appearances by stars, celebrities, producers and executives from networks and platforms such as the Food Network, the Style Network, Bravo, the Cooking Channel, TLC, Discovery, Lifetime, E! Entertainment Television, PBS, NBC, ABC, the CW, HGTV, the Travel Channel, HD Net, Hulu, YouTube, Dreamworks, Esquire Network, FYI Network, The History Channel, Bio, iHeart Radio, Sony Pictures, APT, Myx TV, and more.

“There are the Emmys, the Grammys, the Oscars, and finally, the Tastys.”

Throwback Thursday: Anthony Krus in KRUSING AMERICA – Changing the course of a child's life...at 6 years old

Anthony Krus being interviewed for the first time at 6 years old
in KRUSING AMERICA. End's up stealing the show!

Directing my nephew, Anthony Krus in KRUSING AMERICA was probably one of the easiest directing jobs I've ever done. He was a natural – charming, honest, hilarious and cute-as-heck. It started on this day, the first day I interviewed him for KRUSING AMERICA. This photo captures the moment when he told me about his loose tooth. He went on to capture our hearts. Today he and I have a bond that can not be broken. It is one of my favorite parts of my work and life so far. (And he's become quite the little filmmaker - I will claim full responsibility:) I am so proud of the young man he is becoming. 

I'm biased but if you loved his candor and humor in KRUSING AMERICA - then wait till you see some of the other things he is creating. Stay tuned for more from this young writer, director, filmmaker - Anthony Thomas Krus.

I love this little kid…"working" his first acting job on KRUSING AMERICA.

Linda Kruse 

Creator / Director / Producer

KRUSING AMERICA

Women on Wednesday: #CharacterDay 2015 / September 18, 2015 Tiffany Shlain of LET IT RIPPLE

A couple month ago I had the enormous pleasure to meet and interview Director, Tiffany Shlain of LET IT RIPPLE at the SF WebFest in San Francisco. Read more on what Tiffany is working on now….#CharacterDay 2015

LET IT RIPPLE'S mission is to use film, technology, discussion materials, and live and virtual events to engage people in conversation and action around complicated subjects that are shaping our lives, and updating these topics through an engaging, accessible, 21st century lens. Over the past ten years, Tiffany and her team has created and distributed 28 films, engaged over 50 Million people in dialogue, and created a new way of making films called “Cloud Filmmaking,” where they make films collaboratively with people all over the world and offer free customized versions of the films to thousands of schools and nonprofits to help further their reach. (For more on Tiffany See Blog Post 6/17/15)

And now #CharacterDay 2015



We are so looking forward to bringing together over 6100 schools and organizations to catalyze discussion in 41 countries from Kenya, to England, to China, from Argentina to the United States!

US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan just wrote a great article about Character Day and we are looking forward to the global premiere of two films and vibrant international conversations about what character means in the 21st century.



Global Q&A

We have an amazing collection of thinkers around character who will be on our Global Google Hangout to speak and answer questions, from 5 - 8pm PT on Thursday, 11:00am GMT on Friday, and 7:30am to 12pm PT on Friday.

Hangout with Experts from Harvard, PBS, NBC, Scholars and Educators from all over the world. Check here for the full line-up and join the conversation via Twitter using #CharacterDay.
Resources and Research Hub

We also have our Resource Hub with over 1600 pieces of content from films, books, apps, lesson plans, articles, and research about character...you can dive in as a parent, a student, or a student of life. It’s all there for you to explore.
Film Selection

In terms of showing the films on Friday, The Science of Character and The Making of a Mensch are great for ages 7 to 99, and The Adaptable Mind is great from ages 9 to 99. There is still time to sign up and participate. And it’s all free.
Partake in Social Conversations

If you want to follow on Twitter, follow the hashtag #CharacterDay

On Facebook, join here so you can watch the films and discussion as soon as they premiere.

Want to ramp up to Character Day with some great Twitter chats hosted by our partners? Check out #ToolkitTalk hosted by NBC Education Nation TODAY at 4pm PT / 7pm ET and #DojoChat hosted by Class Dojo on Wednesday at 4pm PT / 7pm ET.
Official US Premieres

Are you in San Francisco or Washington, DC? Check out one of our official Character Day events in person:

The San Francisco Public Library will screen all three films at 12:30pm on Friday, followed by a Q&A with our filmmaking team.

The Exploratorium is screening all 3 films throughout the day from 10am - 5pm.

The JCCSF Arts & Ideas is premiering The Making of a Mensch along with a convo with NPR's Michael Krasny at 7pm.
The Mill Valley Public Library will screen all three films at 3:30pm.

Kick off Character Day on the East Coast with a screening and panel discussion in Washington, DC on Thursday at 6pm ET, hosted byCharacter.org.
Partner Announcements

So many partners are making special announcements for Character Day, like…

Character Lab is launching a $10,000 grant for teachers, and introducing the science-based Character Growth Card


Submit your idea of cultivating character in the classroom to the Teacher Innovation Grant. Character Lab is awarding $10,000 stipends, plus the support and other materials necessary to implement and test your idea. Apply today!

The Character Growth Card is a new web-based tool that helps teachers be more intentional about regular feedback and goal-setting when it comes to character in the classroom.

It's free and open to anyone to use.



To thinking deeply about who we are and how we want to be!

- Tiffany, Hannah, Una, Sawyer, Raquel, Ken, Chris, Elaine (The Let It Ripple Team)

Travel Tuesday: Portugal's ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival evaluating KRUSING AMERICA

Dear Linda Kruse,

We want to thank you for your participation in the International Tourism Film Festival ART&TUR 2015, whose 8th edition will take place in Porto, 20 to October 24.

ART&TUR Festival is the representative for Portugal and Spain's on CIFFT - Comité International des Festivals du Film Touristique, a worldwide network of festivals dedicated to cinema and audiovisual in tourism, recognized by the World Tourism Organization.

Every year since 2008, the ART&TUR Festival selects and distinguishes among hundreds of productions in competition from dozens of countries, the best tourism film at national and international level.

This edition has the participation of 254 films from 53 countries, thus bringing into play its international character and its high competitive level.

The National Competition, created in 2014 with the intention of reward and recognize the best works of the Portuguese Tourist Audiovisual,will feature 88 films in this issue.

Your film “Krusing America“ is being evaluated by our Jury. After this phase, you will receive an email with the first results, expected in the second week of August. Simultaneously we will inform about the program and how you can be present during the days of the event.

The display of films will take place between 21 and 24 October in the city of Oporto, and the access to the Festival Program activities is free.

You can see all the films entered in the ART&TUR 2015 on our website, visit our Filmography.

We invite you to following us through our Facebook page where you can follow all the news relating to the festival.

We wish you very success in the competition ART&TUR 2015 and hope to see you in Porto in October.

With our best regards,

APTUR – Associação Portuguesa de Turismologia
Rua Rei Ramiro nº 646, SL Fração E4 | 4400-281 V.N. Gaia - Portugal
WWW.TOURFILM-FESTIVAL.COM

ART&TUR is a multi-genre international film festival that takes place each year in one of the most iconic and beautiful City of Portugal, the Oporto´s wine city. Started in 2008, this relative newcomer to the festival scene showcases over 80 films. The rising acclaim of the event coupled with low prices for submissions makes the ART&TUR Festival an attractive venue for filmmakers to showcase their work and to the tourist offices promote their destinations.

The three-day event includes industry mixers/networking events, filmmaking, Branding and Tourism discussion panels. The fest puts an emphasis on National and international Documentaries, promotional, Corporate, Commercial and Television films related History, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism.

What makes the ART&TUR Festival unique among other festivals is its emphasis on screenwriting. In addition to filmmaking awards, the festival celebrates innovative work in both screenplay and Audiovisual Tourist Promotion.

The ART&TUR Festival is a CIFFT Member since 2008, endorsed by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), European Travel Commission (ETC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Central America Tourism Organization (CATA) and Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

Media Monday: KRUSING AMERICA ACCEPTED into Great Lakes International Film Festival!

 Accepted  

KRUSING AMERICA has been selected to be included in 

Great Lakes International Film Festival

From the feature narrative genre to documentary to animation; experimental, horror and Spiritual films, the Great Lakes International Film Festival celebrates the film arts in dynamic transition. As emerging technologies continue to redefine the form, filmmakers from the Great Lakes region, across the country and around the world express the common and the diverse through the age-old tradition. — The art of the story.

It was not without reservation that we set out to make a reality of our dream. We set out to establish an independent film festival that would celebrate the characteristics that we held central to the ultimate truth of the cinematic arts.

We did not know who would attend, but we knew what type of people we wanted to attract. We wanted to share the cinematic marvel with people who loved films for the same reasons that we do. Films have the ability to tell a story that expresses the artist’s vision in a way that no other medium is able to offer. Filmmaking shows the ultimate truth in a way that words could never achieve.

Film is the one medium that has the ability to move us to tears, laughter, fear, exaltation, and countless other emotions all within the span of a few moments.

We’re just glad to be apart of it….

It is with all of these values in mind that the Great Lakes International Film Festival continues its mission and always striving to improve not only our festival, but also the cinematic arts.

Thank you!

Great Lakes International Film Festival 

Sunday Saying: Friendship is...

Happy Birthday to one of my best friends, Jackie Carlson!

Couldn't have made KRUSING AMERICA without you

and couldn't image my life without our friendship…

xoxoxo

LK

Saturday Study & Learn: September 11, 2001 #neverforget

Friday Foodie: Chocolate Avocado Pudding

"You can totally build dessert into healthy eating," says Ellie Krieger, host of the Food Network show Healthy Appetite.  "If you say, 'I'm never having it,' you give all things sweet an enticing, forbidden-fruit aura. When you inevitably give in, it becomes a mindless munchfest."

Reach for better-for-you desserts like this clever chocolate pudding, made creamy by its secret ingredient: avocado.

Serves 4 

Ingredients

• 2 large avocados, pitted and peeled
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 Tbsp. honey
• ¼ cup skim milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. instant coffee or espresso powder
• Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish
• Orange zest, for garnish
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Directions
Active time: 5 minutes 
Total time: 35 minutes 

Using a food processor fitted with a metal blade, blend avocados, cocoa powder, honey, milk, vanilla, and instant coffee until completely smooth, then chill, covered, in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.

Transfer to 4 bowls and garnish with coconut, zest, and sea salt.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/food/Chocolate-Avocado-Pudding-Recipe#ixzz3lASWr4td

Travel Tuesday: KRUSING AMERICA Accepted into Portugal's International Tourism Film Festival ART & TUR 2015

Few events held in Portugal have an International coverage as wide as ART&TUR Festival.

ART&TUR Festival is, among its peer festivals, one of the most prestigious worldwide. As a member of the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT), a non-governmental organization recognized by the World Tourism Organization, ART&TUR Festival is part of a network of 17 international festivals that annually co-organizes the Festival of Festivals in Vienna, electing the best tourism film worldwide.

This year, the thematic categories in the competition's eleven: Holiday Rentals, Cultural Tourism, Sport and Outdoor Recreation, Ecology and Biodiversity, Hotels and Resorts, Food and Wine, Religious Tourism, Rural Tourism, Human Life & People and Places, Tourism Health and Wellness and Animation Films.

The official selection of the two competitions (national and international) will be announced in September. Winners will be announced on 24 October at Oporto city in the now traditional Roosters Gala. At the moment ART&TUR Festival has 254 competing films from 53 countries, thus bringing into play its international character and its high competitive level.

In addition to encourage the sharing of best practices and successful experiences in the tourism audiovisual promotion, ART&TUR Festival is a landmark in encouraging creativity and innovation. Year after year, ART&TUR Festival has been promoting the image of Portugal in several countries from various continents. Adopting the Portugal Rooster as the trophy to reward the best tourism film talent worldwide, this festival has the unusual potential to take Portugal’s name to all the corners of the world.

In parallel with ART&TUR Festival, also occurs the International Conference on Cinema and Tourism, with the participation of national and international renowned experts.

The recent attribution of High Patronage to ART&TUR Festival by the President of the Portuguese Republic, the presentation of this event as case study in international scientific conferences as well as the several articles which have been dedicated in international magazines, are some of the many expressions of appreciation given to this event.

Women on Wednesday: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" – Eleanor Roosevelt

I just had to share two of my favorite women: Eleanor Roosevelt and Paula Fellingham, Founder and CEO, The Women's Information Network. Both remarkable women and both committed to doing amazing things in the world. Read below for PAULA FELLINGHAM'S WEEKLY MESSAGE:

"We Are Women Helping Women Live Our Best Lives"

Paula Writes: 

I have many heroes.

Webster's Dictionary defines a hero to be "a person distinguished for valor, fortitude, or bold enterprise; displaying great courage or noble qualities."

One of my heroes is Eleanor Roosevelt. What an amazing woman she was! I've memorized many of her quotes because they motivate me to "live my best life" and I want her words to be readily accessible when I need extra strength.

This week I'd like to share two of my favorite Eleanor Roosevelt quotes. I hope you take them to heart. She said....

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

My friend, remember the power of choice we all have....with every thought that enters our minds. Our thoughts determine our actions and our actions determine the direction of our lives.

"The purpose of life, after all, is to live it! To taste and experience to the utmost! To reach out eagerly, and without fear, for new and richer experiences."

I urge you to live enthusiastically and fearlessly, embracing and enjoying magnificent experiences that sing to your heart!

I send you my love......
May your day be filled with WINS!



Lots of love,

Paula Fellingham
Founder and CEO, The Women's Information Network
"We Are Women Helping Women Live Our Best Lives"

Media Monday: KRUSING AMERICA accepted to MAVERICK Movie Awards! Celebrating Vast Diversity of Moving Pictures!

 KRUSING AMERICA has been ACCEPTED into the MAVERICK MOVIE AWARDS!

Dear Linda Kruse,

Thank you for submitting KRUSING AMERICA to Maverick Movie Awards! This notification means your movie has met the criteria for acceptance into our 2015 Maverick Movie Awards review process.

We watch each movie front to back, examining the details and weighing the merits of each of them with great care. First, each entry as an example of its genre executed both creatively and technically; then as part of the entire group of movies we accepted this year, paring them all down to the final list of nominations and then finally one winner in each category.

Our work intensive review process is a responsibility we've enjoyed the privilege of performing over the past 12 years. We're honored to have front row seats in the discovery of the talent and trends making waves in the industry as you all deliver great stories and entertainment to the rest of the world.

Due to the outstanding response and quality of this year's entries, we've decided to take a couple of extra weeks for review. Trust us when we say this is an amazing year of true independent cinema with mind blowing results and we thank you for your patience while we sift through each entry's unique qualities.

Our movie awards nominations will be announced on October 5th with award winners to shortly follow on October 15th. These acknowledgements will be posted on our website, maverickmovieawards.com

Needless to say, no matter how it shakes out, you finished your movie and got it out there into the world. That right there is where a dream is made real and you've accomplished what many only talk about. We are flattered to be a part of your legacy and honored you are a part of ours.

Congratulations,
Team MMA

Maverick Movie Awards

About the MAVERICK MOVIE AWARDS

The Maverick Movie Awards exists to honor all facets of moviemaking form, function, style, and craft. A level playing-field where a movie’s budget is immaterial, its absence or abundance of star power is inconsequential, and its humble or lofty origins are irrelevant, any and all independent, underground, student and studio films are eligible to receive a Maverick Award.

Celebrating narratives, documentaries, experimental films, and the vast diversity of moving pictures expression, the MMA has recognized everything from big-budget pictures to low-budget indies, global issue documentaries, screwball comedies, computer-animated movies, action-horror flicks, video art, microcinema, music videos, webisodes, and everything in-between.

Each movie’s successful execution of intent as a whole, on its own terms, is considered first and then the quality of its parts. So except for advertising and industrial work, all motion picture creators are encouraged to submit to our intensive review process. As a cooperative of moviemakers honoring moviemakers with no screening events to organize and therefore distract us from our mission - nor jeopardize premiere status for any other competition or festival submission - we're ready to recognize and laud your work as a true maverick.