Hi everyone,
How are you? As we are barrelling through September at breakneck speeds, I suddenly felt like "whoa, slow down" -- I need to blog! I journal a lot, but I am still getting used to blogging. I love the privacy of my journal, knowing that I can just emote on paper and no one will read (unless I'm dead or I'm not home). But, I'm still getting used to the public aspect of blogging. I am a publisher, and I put my words out there all of the time. Perhaps it's the immediacy of the digital world. When I publish CAST magazine, and other publications, I have time to sort through what I am "putting out there."
So, I've really deviated from my topic which is "Connecting with the Community." September is when everyone is kickstarting something, whether it be back to school or the new ministry at your church. I am really trying to get out there and meet new people in Victoria. I want to find out what everyone is doing in the community and see how Elation Press can help promote what you or your organization is doing. I am meeting new authors, poets, musicians and just feeling so inspired by these creative people. I feel very excited about what is going on in Victoria. There's a vibe here right now that has been suppressed for a long time, but it's emerging as a beautiful butterfly plucks herself out of that darkened cocoon. I feel really energized right now. It's a time of beginnings, and here we are! Together!
It's a good time to be in this city and on Vancouver Island. It's a great time to be a Christian.
I will leave you with this thought:
"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Let's pray that we will continue to create beautiful art and reach those who haven't heard the life-changing message of the Gospel. Let us meet and share ideas about how to enact change.
Peace, prayers and blessings,
Natalie
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Creating Summer: CAST magazine and Other Projects
Hi Everyone,
I hope everyone has had a restful summer. I am excited to announce that the Summer Issue of CAST magazine is out! This is our second published magazine, and we are thrilled. Our Feature Artist is Will Winter (check out his work on http://www.willwinterphotography.com/) and our Feature Writer is Chris Synesael, a church planter in the Western Communities of Victoria, BC. This issue is stunning. Beautifully designed by Terre Britton (http://www.tbytegraphics.com/), CAST magazine, a Christian quarterly based in Victoria, BC, is a piece of art. And, I'm not just saying that because I'm the publisher . . . Our contributors have made this issue a must-read, and it is such an honour to showcase their work.
Although this summer has been busy with working on the magazine, helping authors with their manuscripts and doing marketing for CAST magazine, it has been a wonderfully creative time. I think that being around such creativity in the submissions for CAST has inspired me to get the paint brushes out. I love colour, and I do not have any training in visual art, but it feels so good to just express on a canvas.
In addtion to completing a few paintings, I have made some cards. After feeling like I could do better than Hallmark with a handmade card and my poetry, I started making cards last year. As a little girl, I used to make cards for my mother. I stopped making them for her when she passed away in 1994. But, after several encounters with stuffy staff at my local Hallmark and surprised at how expensive a mediocre card was, I decided to make cards for people's birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I love cardmaking. It's a personal gift, and it's truly from the heart. I make each card one at a time, and it is designed especially for the person I am making it for.
I wrote a new song last week. I was going through a journal that I keep of songs/lyrics, and I came across a poem. I decided to turn it into a song.
Leonard Cohen once said, "Poetry is just the evidence of your life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash."
As a creative person, it feels so good to be stepping into the calling that God has placed on your life. There are so many challenges, but art is a way to embrace the obstacles and step into the light.
I hope your summer is blessed. I leave you with this Scripture:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect " (Romans 12:2).
May you create and know that God, the Creator, is with you.
Peace and blessings,
Natalie
I hope everyone has had a restful summer. I am excited to announce that the Summer Issue of CAST magazine is out! This is our second published magazine, and we are thrilled. Our Feature Artist is Will Winter (check out his work on http://www.willwinterphotography.com/) and our Feature Writer is Chris Synesael, a church planter in the Western Communities of Victoria, BC. This issue is stunning. Beautifully designed by Terre Britton (http://www.tbytegraphics.com/), CAST magazine, a Christian quarterly based in Victoria, BC, is a piece of art. And, I'm not just saying that because I'm the publisher . . . Our contributors have made this issue a must-read, and it is such an honour to showcase their work.
Although this summer has been busy with working on the magazine, helping authors with their manuscripts and doing marketing for CAST magazine, it has been a wonderfully creative time. I think that being around such creativity in the submissions for CAST has inspired me to get the paint brushes out. I love colour, and I do not have any training in visual art, but it feels so good to just express on a canvas.
In addtion to completing a few paintings, I have made some cards. After feeling like I could do better than Hallmark with a handmade card and my poetry, I started making cards last year. As a little girl, I used to make cards for my mother. I stopped making them for her when she passed away in 1994. But, after several encounters with stuffy staff at my local Hallmark and surprised at how expensive a mediocre card was, I decided to make cards for people's birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I love cardmaking. It's a personal gift, and it's truly from the heart. I make each card one at a time, and it is designed especially for the person I am making it for.
I wrote a new song last week. I was going through a journal that I keep of songs/lyrics, and I came across a poem. I decided to turn it into a song.
Leonard Cohen once said, "Poetry is just the evidence of your life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash."
As a creative person, it feels so good to be stepping into the calling that God has placed on your life. There are so many challenges, but art is a way to embrace the obstacles and step into the light.
I hope your summer is blessed. I leave you with this Scripture:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect " (Romans 12:2).
May you create and know that God, the Creator, is with you.
Peace and blessings,
Natalie
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Blog Writer's Block
Hi everyone,
When I signed up for my blog, last January, I was so excited. I would have a voice. I would write a lot. People would care. My thoughts mattered. In reality, people really don't care. I am just another voice out of billions trying to wiggle my way into the online world.
Whenever I start to post something on my blog, I freeze and then tremble unceremoniously at the keyboard. What to write? This never happens when I'm alone with my thoughts and writing (with a pen!) in my journal. Having your words !((exposed))! OUT THERE for everyone to read can be terrifying.
But, hello, that's what publishing is all about. Your writing becomes public. All the clothes stripped off, no frilly lacy verbal lingerie to cover those naked words/thoughts/language/personal person. They stand alone. For everyone to see.
Good writing involves risk-taking. Creating your own voice and personal style can be like burning down your comfortable, albeit old house, and starting anew. Sure there are billions of us trying to etch our names on the universe, but the question is this: will YOU be distinct?
So, after you've picked through that chunk of writer's block ice, you can plunge deeper into the literary lake of letters and language. Jump in!
When I signed up for my blog, last January, I was so excited. I would have a voice. I would write a lot. People would care. My thoughts mattered. In reality, people really don't care. I am just another voice out of billions trying to wiggle my way into the online world.
Whenever I start to post something on my blog, I freeze and then tremble unceremoniously at the keyboard. What to write? This never happens when I'm alone with my thoughts and writing (with a pen!) in my journal. Having your words !((exposed))! OUT THERE for everyone to read can be terrifying.
But, hello, that's what publishing is all about. Your writing becomes public. All the clothes stripped off, no frilly lacy verbal lingerie to cover those naked words/thoughts/language/personal person. They stand alone. For everyone to see.
Good writing involves risk-taking. Creating your own voice and personal style can be like burning down your comfortable, albeit old house, and starting anew. Sure there are billions of us trying to etch our names on the universe, but the question is this: will YOU be distinct?
So, after you've picked through that chunk of writer's block ice, you can plunge deeper into the literary lake of letters and language. Jump in!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
CAST magazine Summer Issue
Hi Everyone,
How are you? I am getting very excited about the second issue of CAST magazine, Summer Issue. Submissions keep coming in, and it's going to be a great read.
I am in Summer mode, but where is Summer in Victoria, BC? It's a grey day today, and we are hoping that the sun comes out.
Thank you so much for your support. If you would like to submit to CAST magazine, subscribe or advertise, please e-mail elationpress@yahoo.ca
Peace and blessings,
Natalie
How are you? I am getting very excited about the second issue of CAST magazine, Summer Issue. Submissions keep coming in, and it's going to be a great read.
I am in Summer mode, but where is Summer in Victoria, BC? It's a grey day today, and we are hoping that the sun comes out.
Thank you so much for your support. If you would like to submit to CAST magazine, subscribe or advertise, please e-mail elationpress@yahoo.ca
Peace and blessings,
Natalie
Monday, April 25, 2011
CAST magazine Spring 2011 LAUNCH!
Hi everyone,
Last Monday, April 18, the first issue of CAST magazine, Spring 2011, was printed. This was a day that was two years in the making.
The two years of forming this idea, then getting the people in place to create the magazine (most noteably Terre Britton), and then having a file ready for a printer, were emotional days. You know those days when you are elated, then despondent, then weary, then energized, then deflated, then promoted . . . it kind of sounds like pregnancy! And, then feeling hormonal . . . you know, bursting into tears every two seconds.
The birth of CAST magazine, a Christian quarterly serving Vancouver Island and Beyond, feels miraculous. Like life itself, we don't know where this journey will take us, but we're hanging on tight for the eternal adventure.
Thank you so much for all of you who made it possible. But, the greatest thanks of all goes to the Lord.
Peace and blessings,
Natalie
Last Monday, April 18, the first issue of CAST magazine, Spring 2011, was printed. This was a day that was two years in the making.
The two years of forming this idea, then getting the people in place to create the magazine (most noteably Terre Britton), and then having a file ready for a printer, were emotional days. You know those days when you are elated, then despondent, then weary, then energized, then deflated, then promoted . . . it kind of sounds like pregnancy! And, then feeling hormonal . . . you know, bursting into tears every two seconds.
The birth of CAST magazine, a Christian quarterly serving Vancouver Island and Beyond, feels miraculous. Like life itself, we don't know where this journey will take us, but we're hanging on tight for the eternal adventure.
Thank you so much for all of you who made it possible. But, the greatest thanks of all goes to the Lord.
Peace and blessings,
Natalie
Friday, March 18, 2011
CAST Magazine is in Production and other thoughts
Hi everyone,
I am happy to report that CAST magazine is in production. It should be out in mid-April, right before Easter.
March has been a roller coaster ride kind of month with a lot of activity. I think it has been one of the most turbulent yet amazingly joyful months in my life. Without going into careful detail, I feel very blessed. God has answered some prayers involving change in my life, and although things feel different, it's all good. With these trials underway, I feel stronger, knowing that I can depend on Him to help me weather the ever-present storm.
One of the brightest colours in my present-day rainbow that's beaming through the showers is the creation of the magazine. My Graphic Designer, Terre Britton is such a gift, and I am so privileged that she is working on making a vision a reality.
When you focus on how God is moving in your life and especially on how much He loves you, everything that's troublesome tends to not seem like such a big deal.
I am sure that there will be more difficulties ahead, but He's all I need. I love having a relationship with Him!
I am happy to report that CAST magazine is in production. It should be out in mid-April, right before Easter.
March has been a roller coaster ride kind of month with a lot of activity. I think it has been one of the most turbulent yet amazingly joyful months in my life. Without going into careful detail, I feel very blessed. God has answered some prayers involving change in my life, and although things feel different, it's all good. With these trials underway, I feel stronger, knowing that I can depend on Him to help me weather the ever-present storm.
One of the brightest colours in my present-day rainbow that's beaming through the showers is the creation of the magazine. My Graphic Designer, Terre Britton is such a gift, and I am so privileged that she is working on making a vision a reality.
When you focus on how God is moving in your life and especially on how much He loves you, everything that's troublesome tends to not seem like such a big deal.
I am sure that there will be more difficulties ahead, but He's all I need. I love having a relationship with Him!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Name name name, what's in a name, anyway?
When I was thinking what to call the press that I wanted to start, the name came very quickly. I thought of the feeling I had whenever I saw something I wrote appear in print. It was pure elation. So, I had it: Elation Press. Being a Christian, elation can also describe that incomprehensible joy that enters your heart when you ask Jesus to accompany you on your life's journey.
When I thought of launching a new Christian quarterly for Victoria, BC and Vancouver Island, I struggled with finding a name. I would flip open my Bible, comb newspapers, magazines and thumb through the phone book. I felt so uninspired. I began to pray about it. I had a few criteria: I wanted it to be short, a noun and a verb and have something to do with the ocean. Kind of a tall order, thinking back. The Bible perusing ended up being fruitful. I came upon scripture: Psalm 55:22: "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." There it was . . . Cast! As someone who loves to fly fish, this was perfect. I love that it has a theatrical meaning as well. We, as humans are a cast of characters. (I know Shakespeare used this metaphor first "All the world's a stage /And all the men and women merely players") With God as our director, we will play our roles to the best of our ability.
When I thought of launching a new Christian quarterly for Victoria, BC and Vancouver Island, I struggled with finding a name. I would flip open my Bible, comb newspapers, magazines and thumb through the phone book. I felt so uninspired. I began to pray about it. I had a few criteria: I wanted it to be short, a noun and a verb and have something to do with the ocean. Kind of a tall order, thinking back. The Bible perusing ended up being fruitful. I came upon scripture: Psalm 55:22: "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." There it was . . . Cast! As someone who loves to fly fish, this was perfect. I love that it has a theatrical meaning as well. We, as humans are a cast of characters. (I know Shakespeare used this metaphor first "All the world's a stage /And all the men and women merely players") With God as our director, we will play our roles to the best of our ability.
Monday, January 24, 2011
ElationPress Debut Blog
My name is Natalie Fuhr-Salvatore, and I am the Publisher of Elation Press in Victoria, BC, Canada. We are launching a new Christian quarterly entitled CAST magazine in the Spring of 2011. I am getting very excited. Everything is starting to come together. What started out as an idea at the beginning of 2009 is becoming a reality. Believers are interested in contributing and finding out more about the publication. Every quarter we will be featuring a Christian artist. Writers can submit poetry, short stories, news stories about what's happening in the Christian community or opinion pieces. Advertising is affordable and so are subscriptions (pay-what-you-can). Our website is http://www.elation-press.com/
The magazine will be in print and will be available online.
One full page will be devoted to prayer requests, which are free!
Please pray with me that we can effect change in our city and share the love of Jesus with others.
Peace and blessings,
Natalie Fuhr-Salvatore
The magazine will be in print and will be available online.
One full page will be devoted to prayer requests, which are free!
Please pray with me that we can effect change in our city and share the love of Jesus with others.
Peace and blessings,
Natalie Fuhr-Salvatore
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)