Lisa M. Buske's Blog

Book Review: Houdini...His Story!

​About the book:​ Incredible escapes, fantastic sleight-of-hand-Houdini's most challenging performances are dramatically portrayed in Houdini's Fabulous Magic. Walter Gibson, co-author, was in close touch with Harry Houdini for a number of years before his death and worked with the master magician in preparing material for the book. It is with the aid of Houdini's own scrapbooks and notes that this book was written.

The spectacular highlights of Houdini's career are described-and explained-here. Included are the famous escapes: escapes from a padlocked milk can filled with water; from locked jail cells; from a water-filled Chinese torture cell while suspended upside down; from packing cases weighted under water. Again, in this book, Houdini walks through a brick wall, vanishes a 10,000-pound elephant and is buried alive. Once more, Houdini and his wife Bessie mysteriously exchange places in a locked trunk-in three seconds!

And Houdini the man is not ignored. His impact on the world in the early years of the twentieth century was enormous. He was a public hero who, in his own way, helped sweep out the cobwebs of nineteenth-century thinking. While doing so, he distinguished himself as a patriot, writer, collector of magic, aviator, movie idol, philanthropist, and crusader against fraudulent spiritualistic practices.

This is a technical manual for magicians, complete with illustrations and diagrams, but it is also an astute analysis of the best of Houdini's magic and a readable biography of a man who turned himself into a legend. It is a book for would-be conjurers, for professional necromancers, for those curious about the methods and means of one of the most enchanting men of the previous century. My Review of the book.... Let me start with an apology. I apologize for not doing this book the justice it deserves. Magic and the history of magic don't interest me BUT they do intrigue me and know it is something my cousin, Kenneth Sturtz, is both interested in and quite talented at. I remember when "Kenny" was the star attraction at kids' birthday parties doing his magic shows. He is the reason I signed up for this tour, in hopes of having the book to gift him after the tour. This didn't happen as it was a digital copy for the review. I was bummed yet grateful to learn a bit about something my cousin likes.

As I read the book, I enjoyed learning more about the behind the scene and the photos yet all I could think was, Kenny will enjoy this book. If you are into magic and history, you will not want to put down the book once your start. It is well written and interesting if this is your thing. If I can enjoy it, with little interest in magic, then you know it's well written.

I hope you'll take time to check it out. All the links are included in this blog.
Walter Gibson Morris N. Young, M.D. (1909-2002)
​Morris, a graduate of M.I.T., Harvard and Columbia University was Director of Ophthalmology at Beekman Downtown Hospital in New York City. Aside from his numerous professional memberships, he was a member of the Society of American Magicians (to which Houdini had helped him join as a young man), the International Brotherhood of Magicians and a member of the Inner Circle of the Magic Circle (London).
​
He was a founder of the Magic Collectors Association including their publication MAGICOL. Along with his wife Chesley, he established the largest private holdings on memory and mnemonics which now resides at the University of San Marino. Along with his friend John McManus, in 1955 they established the McManus-Young Collections at the Library of Congress, The University of Texas, Austin and the University of California in Berkeley. 

Morris' other book publications include Hobby Magic, Houdini on Magic (with Walter Gibson), Presto Prestige, Bibliography of Memory, How To Develop An Exceptional Memory (with Walter Gibson), The Complete Guide to Science Fair Competition (with John Stolzfus) and Radio Music Live (with John Stolzfus). Walter B. Gibson (1897-1985)
​Walter, a graduate of Colgate University, was a prolific writer including The Shadow novels under his pen name Maxwell Grant. For a time he was Houdini's personal secretary. Following Houdini's death, the attorney for the estate permitted Walter to examine many of Houdini's private scrapbooks and notes from which Gibson wrote Houdini's Magic and Houdini's Escapes.

​Houdini's scrapbooks, papers and other documents form the background for Houdini's Fabulous Magic. Also a magician, Walter toured with and wrote for magicians such as Blackstone (Sr.), Thurston and Raymond. He was a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the American Society for Psychical Research, the Magician's Guild of America and the Magician's Club of London. Morris Young
​You can visit the website created by Morris N. Young's children, Charles C. Young and Cheryl L. Young: https://www.musicmagicandmore.com/
Teller of Penn & Teller says: "I've loved this books for sixty years. My first copy was borrowed from the Philadelphia Public Library when I was fourteen, and I kept renewing the loan till I could afford to own my own copy.  Houdini's Fabulous Magic has just the right blend of history, technical secrets, and romance to fire the passion of a young magician.  Four pieces of the Penn & Teller repertoire were directly inspired by Houdini's Fabulous Magic--four times more than any other book in my library".
John Cox in his "Wild About Harry" website (​Wildabouthoudini.com) and blog said of the earlier editions:  Houdini's Fabulous Magic by Walter B. Gibson and Morris N. Young is the best forgotten Houdini book. I say that because when one thinks of books on Houdini's methods, one tends to turn to Houdini The Key by Patrick Culliton, The Secrets of Houdini by J.C. Cannel, or even Gibson's earlier work, Houdini's Escapes and Magic. Maybe because Fabulous Magic contains some reprinted material from the earlier Gibson book it tends to be thought of as a somewhat recycled work. But it's actually one of the very best books on Houdini's major feats and methods and maybe the best book for the layperson. It also contains historical tidbits that aren't found elsewhere. So let's remember it today!"
​
You can read the details on Amazon, as well as read an excerpt: 
https://www.amazon.com/Houdinis-Fabulous-Magic-Walter-Gibson-ebook/dp/B0BH8L1LRC

Be sure to also check out the website: 
https://www.musicmagicandmore.com/about-authors Blog Tour Calendar
February 27th @ The Muffin: Join us as we celebrate the launch of Houdini's Fabulous Magic. Follow along our tour and you'll have the chance to win a copy of the book too. https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

February 28th @ The Mommies Review: Join Glenda for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic. You'll also have the chance to win a copy of the book too! http://www.themommiesreviews.com/

March 1st @ Word Magic: Fiona will be featuring the book Houdini's Fabulous Magic on her blog.
http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

March 6th @ One Writer's Journey: Join Sue for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
https://suebe.wordpress.com/

March 8th @ A Storybook World: Join Deirdra for her feature of Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/

March 10th @ Reading is My Remedy: Join Chelsie today for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/

March 12th @ Joan P. Nienhus: Joan shares her thoughts about Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
https://www.facebook.com/joan.nienhuis/

March 15th @ One Sister's Journey: Join Lisa for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic. 
https://www.lisambuske.com/

March 20th @ My Beauty My Books: Join Nikki for her feature of an excerpt of Houdini's Fabulous Magic. You have the chance to win a copy of the book too! https://mybeautymybooks.com/

March 23rd @ Knotty Needle: Join Judy for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

March 25th @ Choices: Visit Madeline's blog for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic. You also have the chance to win a copy of the book too! http://www.madelinesharples.com/

March 27th @ Candid Canine: Join Chris for a review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
https://candidcanine.blogspot.com/

March 29th @ World of My Imagination: Visit Nicole's blog for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
https://worldofmyimagination.com

March 30th @ Silver's Reviews: Join Elizabeth for a spotlight of Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
http://silversolara.blogspot.com/

March 31st @ The Faeries Review: Visit Lily's blog for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic.
 https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

April 2nd @ Jessica's Reading Room: Join Jessica for her review of Houdinis' Fabulous Magic. You'll also have a chance to win a copy of the book too! https://www.jessicasreadingroom.com/
​
April 2nd @ Coffee And Ink: Visit Jan's blog for her review of Houdini's Fabulous Magic. 
https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/ Thank you for checking out this blog...

Book Review: Hope & Fortune by Marissa Bañez

Hope and Fortune is a modern-day fairytale, featuring multicultural, multiracial (e.g., Filipina, African-American, Latina, Asian, Muslim, etc.), multigenerational, and multigender (including a boy) fairies of different shapes and sizes who help a sad little child who has lost her way to find her path. 

Each fairy represents an ideal - Hope, Innocence and Wonder, Truth and Virtue, Generosity and Kindness, Strength and Courage, Respect and Dignity, Confidence, Imagination, Happiness, Beauty, Wisdom and Intelligence, and Love and Friendship.

​Although the protagonist is a little girl, the life advice given by the fairies is non-gender-specific and could resonate with anyone facing a difficult situation at any point in her/his/their life. MEET THE AUTHOR A first-generation immigrant to the U.S. from the Philippines, Marissa Bañez is a graduate of Princeton University and a lawyer licensed to practice in New York, California, and New Jersey. She has published legal articles for the prestigious New York Law Journal and the American Bar Association, but her true passion is in her children's stories. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and daughter, whose childhood was filled with many original stories and puppet shows made up entirely by her mom. In her free time, Marissa likes to travel, design and make clothes, cook, binge-watch Star Trek shows and Korean dramas, and occasionally strum a guitar.

She is currently working on her second book, Hues and Harmony (How the Singing Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors), a story about mixed or multiracial children, self-discovery, and respect for others as told through the life and adventures of a caterpillar. It is scheduled for publication on July 20, 2023.

You can find her online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marissa.banez.7/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-banez/ Visit other blogs on the tour: Thank you for checking out this book
and showing support for the author!

Book Review: In Common by Norma Watkins

Lillian Creekmore grows up at her family's popular rural spa. She successfully runs an entire hotel, yet longs for a husband. Then she meets Will Hughes.
Velma Vernon accepts life on a small, struggling farm until a boy she barely tolerates proposes marriage. To accept means duplicating her parents' hard life. Alone, she leaves for the city and triumphs, not as a wife, but by being the best at her job. Velma is content until the most beautiful man she has ever seen walks into her office.
This moving and darkly humorous novel follows the intertwined lives of women willing to surrender everything to a man.
Purchase a copy of In Common by visiting Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org. Make sure you also add In Common to your Goodreads reading list. Raised in the South during the civil rights struggles, Norma Watkins is the author of In Common and two memoirs: The Last Resort, Taking the Mississippi Cure (2011), which won a gold medal for best nonfiction published in the South by an independent press; and That Woman from Mississippi (2017).

She lives in northern California with her woodworker husband and three cats.
​
You can find her online by visiting her website or reading her blog. Civil Rights and Wrongs: Growing Up in the South During Jim Crow by Norma Watkins

“This is our way of life.” That’s the answer I got as a child if I questioned the separation of the
races. Why can’t my nurse Marie kiss me? Why can’t our cook Annie sit with us and eat? Why
do Black people (who were never called “Black” back then—they were “colored”) only get to be
maids and yard men? “This is our way of life” was meant to shut me up. You were not to
question; you were to accept. This was part of the glorious and tragic history of the South.
For years, I’m ashamed to admit, I accepted this without question. At the summer spa
my family owned, a dozen poor paid Black servants kept the white guests happy. When the
place closed for the winter, they were sent home without pay, and nobody seem to worry how
they managed to live during those cold months. No more than I thought to question where
their children went to school or how they used the bathroom during working hours.
The blissful, blind savagery of Jim Crow successfully replaced slavery for a hundred
years. My eyes opened on May 17, 1954, when the Supreme Court, in Brown v. Board of
Education, ruled that segregated schools were not equal and would no longer be allowed under
law. My father, who was our governor’s personal attorney, and fought vigorously for our way
of life, listened to the radio (We were together in the car, on our way home—him from his law
office, me from a summer internship at the Chancery Clerk’s office). “What do you think of
that?” he asked when the news concluded.
I sat beside him filled with amazement, as if the skies had parted to show me the truth.
“I think it’s wonderful,” I said. “In a hundred years, we’ll all have caramel-colored skin and no

pimples.” He stared as if he had given birth to a serpent. “I can’t believe a child of mine would
ever say that.”
I realized the truth of the song I played over and over from the musical “South Pacific.”

You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear,
You’ve got to be taught from year to year,
It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear—
You’ve got to be carefully taught!
You’ve got to be taught to be afraid
Of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a different shade—
You’ve got to be carefully taught.
You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late,
Before you are six or seven or eight,
To hate all the people your relatives hate—
You’ve got to be carefully taught!

I had been carefully taught, but now I was awake to the truth and I couldn’t unthink it. I even
had a plan: children weren’t born prejudiced, so we would start integrating the schools with
kindergarten, and do a grade each year. By the time kids got through high school, they would no
longer be prejudiced.
We all know how that turned out. My father and I fought for years at the dinner table. He
said I was naïve, that I would grow up and “see how things really were.” He said I must be a
Communist. It’s tough arguing with a lawyer and I left a lot of those meals in tears. “And you’ll
never be a lawyer,” he’d call after me. “Judges don’t like crying women.”
I would like to tell you I fought bravely during the terrible civil rights years in
Mississippi, when people were beaten and murdered for daring to speak to a white woman or
trying to vote. But I didn’t. I was only brave in words and life during those times was terrifying

if you dared to be different. Instead of standing my ground and fighting for what I believed, I
ran, looking for a place where I could think freely, speak openly, and breathe without fear.
In my books, I’m still arguing with my father. February 13th @ The Muffin Join us as we celebrate the blog tour launch of In Common by Norma Watkins. You'll have the chance to read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book. https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

February 15th @ Michelle Cornish's blog Visit Michelle’s blog to read about good food as reward and vengeance by Norma Watkins. https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

February 18th @ A Storybook World Join Deirdra as she features In Common and shares a guest post from Norma Watkins about writing truths about people who might be hurt by them. https://www.astorybookworld.com/

February 20th @ Lisa Buske's blog Stop by Lisa’s blog to read a guest post by Norma about civil rights and growing up in the South during Jim Crow. https://www.lisambuske.com/

February 22nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog Join us today for author Anthony Avina’s review of In Common. http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

February 24th @ Fiona Ingram’s author blog
Stop by Fiona’s blog to read a guest post by Norma Watkins featuring a look at how women were treated in the South pre-feminism. https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

February 25th @ The Book Diva's Reads Visit Vivian's blog for a feature of In Common by Norma Watkins. You'll have the chance to read an excerpt too! https://thebookdivasreads.com/

February 27th @ Mindy McGinnis’s blog Stop by Mindy’s blog to read a guest post about bad sex. https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

February 28th @ Seaside Book Nook Join Jilleen for a spotlight of an excerpt of In Common by Norma Watkins. http://www.seasidebooknook.com/
​ March 1st @ The Mommies Reviews
Join Glenda as she reviews In Common and shares a guest post from the author about sharing the hard stuff.
http://TheMommiesReviews.com

March 2nd @ The Frugalista Mom
Join us for a guest post from Norma Watkins on how you are unique and irreplaceable.
https://thefrugalistamom.com

March 4th @ World of My Imagination
Stop by Nicole's blog where Norma Watkins is a guest for "Three Things on a Saturday Night."
https://worldofmyimagination.com

March 5th @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for a feature of In Common by Norma Watkins.  https://joyffree.blogspot.com/

March 6th @ Life According to Jamie
Join us as Jamie reviews In Common
http://www.lifeaccordingtojamie.com

March 8th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Revisit author Anthony Avina’s blog to read "What are Women Willing to Sacrifice for Freedom?" by Norma Watkins.  http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

March 9th @ The Knotty Needle
Stop by for Judy’s review of In Common.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

March 10th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews blog
Join Lisa for an interview with Norma Watkins.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

March 11th @ Reading in the Wildwood Reviews
Join us today for Megan’s review of In Common.
https://www.wildwoodreads.com

March 12th @ Jill Sheets’s blog
Stop by Jill’s blog to read her interview with Norma Watkins  https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/ GoodReads: 
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60488413-in-common
Amazon: 
https://www.amazon.com/Common-Novel-Love-Sacrifice-ebook/dp/B09V1NNLSZ/?tag=wowwomenonwri-20

It's been a NY Minute BUT I'm back!!

Goodness gracious, I think (okay, I know) I have too much on my plate AND it is WORTH every minute, memory, and new connection made. Woot Woot!

There is a lot happening and I am excited for what 2023 will bring to myself, my family, and our family. Some I'll share publicly and others may be told later on.

In December, many of you joined the "12 Days of Hope for Heidi Allen" - if you missed it, you can click here to catch the recorded videos and posts. It was a fun marathon of recipes, baking, and fun. 

Over my Christmas vacay I hunkered down to revamp, develop, and establish a way to be better at leading my business. If you didn't know, I am an Independent Consultant for Epicure's amazing seasonings and cookware. I have BIG GOALS for this year and my hope and plan is to share more often here, with all of you, so you know what I'm up to, what to expect, and all the fun life offers in 2023.

​Stay tuned, more to come - be sure to follow the blog so you don't miss a post.
What have you been up to?
Will you share?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: 12 days of #HopeforHeidiAllen

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope you are enjoying this holiday season and not letting the chaos control your days.

In case you missed it, there is a NEW blog for the month, 12 Days of Hope for Heidi Allen. In addition to the blog, there is a living cooking video on YouTube to accompany the blog!
This blog and YouTube series is my gift to all of you for remembering Heidi and a reminder of WHO Heidi is, my sister. Today is Day 9 in the series!
​
If you want to catch up,
click on the photo to be taken to that day's blog,
the YouTube video is embedded in the blog.

It's one stop viewing.

To read previous blogs & watch cooking videos, 
all you have to do is click on the photo.
Click on the photo above to read about the  mystery being announced. Click on the photo of my aunts for the introduction to the blog series. Have a great week everyone!

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: New Blog Series Coming

Happy Tuesday!

This blog comes at you with returned excitement and energy to write and share with all of you on a consistent basis with a new twist. Yeah baby!

I'll share all the details this Friday at 7:42 a.m. est but I couldn't wait so I thought I'd tease a little today. My mom liked it when I teased so I guess this is the start of remembering, honoring, and celebrating my family.

November is about being grateful...I'm grateful for my family, friends, & community.

December is about celebrating....

This new blog series is a tribute to those I love and a celebration of how I became who I am today. Life is short, let those you love and care about know how you feel.

​Are you ready? If so, be sure to jump over to the new blog page to start this series.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN so you don't miss a blog. I hope you'll join me for this fun,
​festive, and delicious new series!

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: A Newhouse Visit

​Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to connect with future journalist on how to approach, communicate, and interact with families in the midst of, and following a traumatic event.

For the journalist, it is about getting the "story" while it is "hot" yet it is important to remember that for the family & friends they are interviewing...this is now their life.

Life changed in an instant and will never be the same again. While their "hot story" comes and goes, the effect of the event forever impacts the victims' surviving family and friends...and when the victim survives, one wrong and thoughtless question or statement may damage their mental health for days, weeks, months, and years. 

This is why I accept Tammy Palmer's invitation to speak with her journalism classes. First and foremost, she is a journalist of character and integrity - she is a model of what good, true, and thoughtful news reporting should, and could be like daily. My prayer is that her students listen and truly hear the messages and lessons she teaches - she is a force for reporting the truth while respecting and honoring the victim, and those that love and care for them. Thank you for remembering Heidi...
May our prayers unite and never stop!

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Preparing to Speak

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

It's a true T.O.P.'s Tuesday dedicated to my sister, Heidi Allen, missing since April 3, 1994. Since her kidnapping on Easter Sunday, 28 years, 3 months and 31 days ago, our family and her friends HOLD OUT HOPE to one day bring Heidi home. HOPE is one constant.

Another constant is MEDIA COVERAGE. Thanks to social media, podcasts, blogs, and the Internet - families don't need to rely on the media 100% like they did in 1994. Cellphones were the size of a home phone and were in a bag and if your family had one, there was 1 to share. Cellphones didn't fit in your pocket.

For the first 10 - 15 years, my parents, aunts, and uncles were in front of the cameras to update media so they could update all of you. In 2014/15 as my mom's health started to decline and when a reporter showed up on my parents' doorstep (within hours of us processing a devastating cancer diagnosis), I stepped up and became the point person and protector. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, learning, and relying on prayer to hold my tongue as the insensitivities and to maintain a steady face so a reporter doesn't put words in my mouth based on my facial expressions.

I struggle and the first few times in front of the cameras, I wrote everything down ahead of time and my parents read it over and made changes.  I still remember reading the ridicule from others because I read from a written statement. I wanted to respond and share the challenge of standing in front of multiple cameras, microphones, and strangers that don't care about you - they only care about the story. This is a challenge and due to health issues with my mom, one I accepted as an honor and learned through and still learn.

I've trusted reporters that are as genuine and upfront as they can, journalist of integrity. I've also had too many interactions with those reporting the new for the number of hits, the glory in the story, and to make a name for themselves.

The sad truth in all of this is that if families remain silent, their loved one is forgotten. The opportunity to share the human and personal side of interviewing someone is an honor. I had the opportunity once before so when I was invited to SU to share tomorrow, I said yes without hesitation because of the trusting relationship with the professor I have and the hope to touch the hearts of aspiring journalist.

I'll let you know how it goes next week...
Life is about choice...

There was a time I said yes to every blog, podcast, & interview because it might reach the ONE person who will bring Heidi home.

I learned with proper mentorship, not all interviews are the same and not everyone's objective is for good, so if you need permission to choose who you talk to...this is it.

You deserve to have peace within yourself too as you adapt, heal, and move forward...one day, month, and year at a time!

Good Food, Friends, & Fellowship = Summer at its finest!

For years I've spent a few weeks of my summer working Summer School BUT this year I took the summer off in order to relax, refresh, and recharge! Covid (I know, you are sick of this word and pandemic yet its toll is ongoing, so let's name it) has taken lives, freedoms, and drained energies of hard working Americans like yourself. 

EVERYONE is effected by this on some level, yours is different than mine and possibly even those you live with but one thing is the same - we need to take time to remember and focus on ALL THE BLESSINGS in our lives, THE LESSONS LEARNED, and how you HAVE GROWN individually and as a unit.

Your unit might be family, work, book club, church, walking/running club, daycare, and many I'd never understand or know BUT you have faced great trials since arch 2020 and moving forward I challenge you to regain control, composure, and focus on the blessings you have in your life today. Focus on the loved ones standing alongside you here, and 100 miles away. Focus on how you learned to relax and take time. Focus on how you are spending your time.

Covid reminded me to slow down and spend time with those I love. As I watch my friends, coworkers, and families returning to their life on the road between multiple events and functions...I'm caught between joy and sadness. There is joy because the normalcy is returning yet sadness because the family bonds and relationships are slowly being stretched again. 

This is why I refrained from working summer school. I realized I was at burnout and when you are at that point, you are no good to anyone! I want to remember what it felt like to have the time and ability to make memories with those I care about the most.

This summer is about renewal, strengthening, and growing as a person - as Lisa. I was getting lost in the routine and drained by the continuing protocols keeping us from teaching in the open, engaging, and welcoming environment. Good news, our furniture was returned to our building and teachers will be able to create this again for the Fall 2022.

When I return on September 1st, I will be in the best mental, physical, and spiritual place I can be - ready to give 110% to the kiddos I'm blessed to work with.
Have you taken time this summer to recharge, refresh & return...
to WHO you are, and WHY, you do what you do?
​I hope so...

A Thought-filled Thursday

Similar to the weather, we have seasons in our life. It would be fabulous if they were four rotating seasons like Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter yet life is complicated so the number of challenges, celebrations, changes, and opportunities should be as unique to each of us and one snowflake is from another.

I'm reading , or I should say, listening to, The Heart of Leadership by Mark Miller currently. One of my favorite summer things is READING for fun. I balance between professional growth (yes, this is "fun" reading) and fiction. I digress, as I listened the other day the author caught my attention. I stopped what I was doing so I could write it down. It has to do with the opportunities in our life. "We don't control our opportunities,
we control our readiness."
Mark Miller, The Heart of Leadership Here is a thought for today...

As you think about the seasons in your life, are you seeking the next opportunity or embracing the season you are in to learn and grow so you are ready for what is next?

How would your day look different if you focused on learning, growing, and being ready instead of "getting through" or "over it"?