Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 108
November 10, 2013
Tomorrow is a gift...for many reasons
Hello everyone! I almost started today's blog with a "Happy Saturday" post. I'm not sure if this is a good near mistake or a bad one but either way, I caught myself before typing the introduction sentence. Why do I confess my confusion of which day it is? I don't really know, other than to let you know you're not alone when the days get jumbled up. With Veteran's Day tomorrow, we have the day off -- so I think this is my mental block. The fact I slept until almost Noon today might have something to do with it too.Many of you know that in addition to writing, speaking, and keeping up the blog I also work full time as a paraprofessional for the local school district. Yet none of these are my first priority. Can you think of who or what might be?
If you said my family and God, then you are correct. Recently I've felt overwhelmed and out-of-sorts at times. There are a few reasons for this yet one of the main ones I believe is the disconnect between God and myself. In the summer there is ample time to get into the Word, enjoy quiet time daily (if not a couple times a day), and balance the various plates of responsibility. Once the school year starts though, it tends to feel like I'm diving to catch up before something crashes or an obligation is missed. Do you ever feel like this?
There are a couple ways I try to keep the plates all spinning on their pivots.1) Set time aside daily for quiet time in the Word, prayer, and with God - helps to keep my focus and clarity
2) Safe at least 1 weekend a month for family only
3) Maintain my lists with my priorities in check
4) Accept help
5) Practice grace, mercy, and thankfulness
6) Seek His face
7) Not let fear set in
8) Trust
So as you reflect on the importance and blessing of tomorrow's holiday, Veteran's Day -- remember to say an extra prayer for the men and women who have, are, and will one day fight for your freedoms. If you are fortunate enough to have the day off, take time to enjoy some quiet time and reflect on the many reasons you have to be thankful.
We all have the day off tomorrow so sleeping in, quiet time, Hallmark Christmas movies, reading, and whatever modes of relaxation we enjoy are on the agenda. What about you?
You have charged usWill you work or play tomorrow?
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
Psalm 119:4-6 NLT
November 9, 2013
Photo from Debra Allen, New Haven Town Clerk - Santa greeted people last night to spread the word. November 6, 2013
Meet Eleanor Vincent~ "Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child"
Please welcome Eleanor Vincent to the blog - I hope you enjoy her post and will check out her book.
“There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way"Let’s begin with the sobering statistics: 21,000 children die every day around the world. That translates to a child dying every four seconds. In the United States, 53,000 children from infancy to age 19 die each year. That doesn’t count the young adults and older “children” who die – even a 50-year-old is someone’s child, after all.
they were.”-- Dwight D. Eisenhower, American president
We like to pretend that child death is rare. But it isn’t, it’s just more hidden than in the days when parents routinely expected to lose children to scarlet fever or diphtheria. With improved public health and technology, many more child deaths are preventable. But kids still die. Life offers no guarantees.
Lisa asked me to write about surviving this “unthinkable” loss. Before it happens to you or someone you know, or even someone you read about, the death of a child truly is unthinkable. We just don’t expect to bury our children. As parents, we need the protective illusion that our love will keep our children safe.
I was 24-years-old when I became a mother and fell hopelessly in love with my bright, beautiful little girl. I could never have imagined that 19 years later I would be staring down at Maya’s face in a coffin.
Maya’s death demanded that I step into a new level of mothering – radical letting go. At the age of 43, grieving for Maya forced me to mature spiritually and emotionally, and to reach a new understanding of the meaning of love. Love, in my new universe, included the ability to allow my child to have her death, on her own terms.
I can’t sugarcoat this process of letting go. I thought it would kill me. Swimming with Maya shows how day by day I fought to raise my surviving daughter, Meghan, continue my professional life as a writer and editor, and find my balance in the midst of overwhelming sorrow.
Grief recovery is a dance where for every step forward you take two steps back, and yet somehow in the end you begin to spiral upward. Other than mothering, grief was the hardest work I’ve every done. I was fortunate to have a strong inner core, a set of spiritual beliefs, innate resilience, and a host of friends and family. Even so, there were days when I thought I wouldn’t make it.
How do we get back up after life knocks us down? This is the question Swimming with Maya attempts to answer. As a memoir, my book is a very personal account of one woman’s journey. It is not a self-help book, but it is inspirational and motivational because it shows how I became more resilient than I ever thought I could be.
Deciding to donate Maya’s organs and tissues to strangers in need was a huge factor in my recovery, and in the way Meghan dealt with the loss of her sister. We were privileged to have something miraculous came out of something horrific. That gave us hope. Having hope motivated me to keep on keeping on.
In Swimming with Maya I recount our journey in detail. Please enter to win a copy of my book, and thanks to Lisa for hosting me today."
~Eleanor
Eleanor Vincent is an award-winning writer whose debut memoir,
Swimming with Maya: A Mother’s Story,
was nominated for the Independent Publisher Book Award and was reissued by Dream of Things press early in 2013. She writes about love, loss, and grief recovery with a special focus on the challenges and joys of raising children at any age.Called “engaging” by Booklist, Swimming with Maya chronicles the life and death of Eleanor’s nineteen-year-old daughter, Maya, who was thrown from a horse and pronounced brain-dead at the hospital. Eleanor donated her daughter’s organs to critically ill patients and poignantly describes her friendship with a middle-aged man who was the recipient of Maya’s heart.
Since the initial publication of Swimming with Maya in 2004, Eleanor has been a national spokesperson on grief recovery and organ donation, appearing on CNN and San Francisco’s Evening Magazine. She has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, and been interviewed on radio and television programs around the country.
She was born in Cleveland, Ohio and attended the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College, where she occasionally teaches writing workshops on creative nonfiction and memoir.
Her essays appear in the anthologies At the End of Life: True Stories about How we Die(edited by Lee Gutkind); This I Believe: On Motherhood; and Impact: An Anthology of Short Memoirs. They celebrate the unique and complicated bonds between mothers and daughters, making hard decisions as a parent – whether your child is 14 or 40 – and navigating midlife transitions with grace and authenticity.
She lives in Oakland, California.
Book Summary:In a memoir that has been called "heartbreaking and heart-healing," Eleanor Vincent shares an inspiring true story of courage, creativity, faith, and sheer tenacity as she seeks to find balance after unthinkable tragedy.
Previously available only in hardcover, Swimming with Maya demonstrates the remarkable process of healing after the traumatic death of a loved one. Eleanor Vincent raised her two daughters, Maya and Meghan, virtually as a single-parent. Maya, the eldest, was a high-spirited and gifted young woman. As a toddler, Maya was an angelic tow-head, full of life and curiosity. As a teenager, Maya was energetic and independent - and often butted heads with her mother. But Eleanor and Maya were always close and connected, like best friends or sisters, but always also mother and daughter.
Then at age 19, Maya mounts a horse bareback as a dare and, in a crushing cantilever fall, is left in a coma from which she will never recover. Eleanor's life is turned upside down as she struggles to make the painful decision about Maya's fate.
Ultimately Eleanor chooses to donate Maya's organs. Years later, in one of the most poignant moments you will ever read about, Eleanor has the opportunity to hear her daughter's heart beat in the chest of the heart recipient. Along the way, Eleanor re-examines her relationship with her daughter, as well as the experiences that shaped Eleanor as a woman and as a mother to Maya.
An inspirational/motivational true story recommended for anyone who has experienced tragedy, who is grappling
with traumatic experiences of the past, or who wants to better understand the strength and healing power of the human spirit. Finding Eleanor online:
http://www.eleanorvincent.com/
https://www.facebook.com/eleanor.vincent
https://twitter.com/eleanor_vincent
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/eleanor-vincent/8/895/a95
http://about.me/eleanorvincent
Book Hashtag: #SWMaya Other's on the blog tour are:
Monday, October 14 @ The MuffinStop by for an interview and book giveaway!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
Tuesday, October 15 @ The New Book Review Today's Author Spotlight at the New Book Review belongs to none other than Eleanor Vincent author of the insightful, touching, and inspiring memoir Swimming with Maya . Don't miss this tour stop! http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 16@ Books I Think You Should ReadEleanor Vincent offers a giveaway for her parenting memoir Swimming with Maya and Elizabeth provides an honest review of this moving book.
http://booksithinkyoushouldread.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 17 @ Steph the Bookworm Steph reviews the best selling motivational memoir, Swimming with Maya by Eleanor Vincent and offers a giveaway of this touching and inspirational story of loss.
http://www.stephthebookworm.com/
Friday, October 18 @ CMash Reads Join Eleanor Vincent as she gifts readers with her insight on "Parenting a Gifted or Difficult Teen" and offers a giveaway of her memoir Swimming with Maya .
http://www.cmashlovestoread.com/
Monday, October 21 @ Mom~E~Centric Eleanor Vincent and her touching inspirational memoir make a tour stop at Mom~E~Centric as Eleanor blogs about "The Challenges of Single Parenthood" and dishes about her highly ranked memoir AND offers a giveaway of Swimming with Maya to readers; you won't want to miss this!
http://www.momecentric.com/
Wednesday, October 23 @ Meryl.Net Eleanor Vincent visits with Meryl Evans and speaks about her experience and offers insights about "Reaching Out to Readers on Social Media" as well as offering a giveaway for her moving memoir Swimming with Maya .
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/
Monday, October 28 @ The Literary Ladies Join memoir writer extraordinaire Eleanor Vincent as she shares insights about "Balancing Writing with Promotional Activities" and offers a giveaway for her incredibly moving memoir Swimming with Maya .
http://www.thelitladies.com
Wednesday, October 30 @ Book Worm Eleanor Vincent shares her insights into "Resilience" as she visits Anjanette Potter at Book Worm. This great stop also offers a giveaway of Eleanor's touching memoir Swimming with Maya - this is a stop you won't want to miss!
http://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
Thursday, October 31 @ All Things Audry Eleanor Vincent talks about "Motherhood Then and Now" and offers a giveaway of her memoir Swimming with Maya . Don't miss this blog stop or this unforgettable story of love!
http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/
Friday, November 1 @ Memory Writers Network Swimming
with Maya m akes a WOW! Blog Stop at Memory Writer's Network. Don't miss this opportunity
to learn more about Eleanor Vincent and her moving memoir.
http://memorywritersnetwork.com/blog/
Thursday, November 7 @ Lisa M. Buske
Join Eleanor Vincent as she shares a guest post "Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child" with Lisa M. Buske and offers a giveaway of her memoir Swimming with Maya.
http://www.lisambuske.com/blog.html
Monday, November 11 @ Chaos in the Country
Nichole Smith reviews Eleanor Vincent's moving story of a mother's love in the memoir Swimming with Maya and offers not only a giveaway of this unforgettable book but also a guest post by Eleanor about "Organ Donation and Transplantation" (from the perspective of the donor family).
http://www.chaosinthecountry.com/
Friday, November 15 @ ChoicesEleanor shares with readers "What Every Memoir Writer Should Know" and offers a giveaway of her touching memoir about loss, love, and moving forward: Swimming with Maya .
http://madeline40.blogspot.com/ The loss of a child changes you forever...there is still hope!
November 3, 2013
Even God was separated from His Son...Because of His Love 4 YOU!
God never ceases to amazes me. I started this blog a couple weeks ago and planned to work on it this afternoon to post later this week but after our guest Pastor's message, I would like to share it with you today. As Pastor Jim delivered a message rooted in Psalm 22 and Psalm 23, the Lord spoke to my heart. The worship order prepared our hearts and mind to receive communion, pastor read from the Bible, and I simply absorbed it all. And then.... For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 ESV
God spoke to me with words that brought tears to my eyes and the emotions of the past weeks to the surface. While I was listening to Pastor Jim, my attention was directed upward. I felt as if Jesus was sitting right next to me and filling in the pieces for this blog. I pray I'm able to relay the message I "heard" to you and you are blessed to.There is a situation in life that is probably one of the most difficult to comprehend and handle when you, or a loved one, is face to face with it. What is the first thing you thought of? The one that always stands out to me is when the relationship between parent and child is interrupted by illness, disease, tragedy, or death.
I remember the words spoken by my Grandmother after my Uncle Tom passed away, "There is no greater pain then to watch your child die, then to lose him." My heart broke for my Gram and then I thought of my parents, she physically buried her son. While my parents "lost" their daughter, and nineteen years later, still live daily without knowledge of her whereabouts. The commonality, my Gram, and my parents were both separated from their child. Each living with a void only understood when you've experienced this pain firsthand.
One day as I sat on the deck with the warmth of the sun on my cheeks, a thought came to my mind. "God totally understands how the parents of a missing child, or the parents of dying child feel." Okay, before you click the white "x" in the red box in the top right hand corner, please hear me out.
Of course there are more differences than similarities yet when you stop and really think about it, the separation experienced is profound. You know why? God send His Only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us - for you - for me.
Unlike the parents of the ill, dying, or missing child though - God had a choice. He could have taken Jesus from the cross and saved Him from the pain and horrific crucifiction, but He didn't. God could of avoided the entire scene so Jesus wasn't even put in the predicament to call out to him, "“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” So why? I don't have Biblical proof of this theory I have yet after weeks of thought and prayer on this, I'm going to put it out there. Some may disagree with me, others might be speechless, and if you are the parent still in the anger stage -- you may exit my blog right now because "I don't get it." But I hope you'll hear me out a little bit longer.
“Blessed are thoseCan you imagine the pain, torment, anger, frustration, rage, doubt, and array of emotions a parent must feel watching their child suffer with constant illness, an undiagnosed medical condition, or worse yet -- watching their child die?
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one whose
sin the Lord will never count against them.”
Romans 4:7-8
If you are this parent, please know you are in my prayers often. I pray for my parents daily and their strength continues to amaze me. I hope you know your strength amazes me too -- the ability to get out of bed each morning, to make coffee, or maybe its the simple task of lifting your head of the pillow at the start of each day. When your child is sick, missing, dying, or sadly passed away -- you must celebrate the little things throughout your day.
So what does this have to do with my theory that God understands where you've been? Let me try to connect some of these dots for you. We, on earth, do not have a choice when faced with the unthinkable.
We can't take away our child's pain, their sickness, or save them from death. Our children can call out to us and ask, "Mommy, Daddy, make me feel better?" or "Make the hurt go away." But no matter how much we would want to say, "Of course, you'll feel better when you wake up.", we can't make this promise. BUT Jesus, the Son of God, did call to his Daddy.
Do you remember how God responded? Check this out...
The Death of JesusAlthough God had the power to do what each parent watching their child suffer wishes they could do...He didn't! Instead, separation. So why would a loving and caring God look away from his faithful, obedient, and Only Son? Why?
At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?”
(which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
When some of those standing near heard this, they said,
“Listen, he’s calling Elijah. Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar,
put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone.
Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
And when the centurion,
who stood there in front of Jesus,
saw how he died, he said,
“Surely this man was the Son of God!”
Mark 15:33-39
We love because he first loved us.God is all-knowing, all-present, all-seeing, and all-powerful. God sees into the future and knew as the world transpired into the one in which we live today, we would need a Savior.
1 John 4:19
There was only one way for God to bridge the distance between earth and heaven (eternity) ~ He watched His Only Son suffer crucifixion - a horrendous death. He heard His Son call out to Him and chose not to respond because God knew this was the only way you and I could have an open relationship with Him.
Prior to Jesus' death, your typical person couldn't communicate (pray) with God - only the elders or priests could - Jesus' death and resurrection released the Holy Spirit here on earth to intervene on our behalf and established a forever bond with God. One we don't have to wait to experience, one that is readily available when we call out to Him.
God had the power to do what every grieving or helpless parent wishes and prays he or she could do - end their child's pain, suffering, or in the case of the missing - bring their child home.
And this is the testimony:There is always a lot of focus on the sacrifice Jesus gave (as there should be) on the cross for us yet think about the Ultimate Sacrifice God gave - He allowed His Only Son to die so that you and I might live an eternal life in heaven with Him. I plan to enjoy each day I have here on earth yet look forward to the beauty, peace, health, and joy waiting for me when I am in heaven.
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Whoever has the Son has life;
whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God
so that you may know that you have eternal life.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we
know that we have what we asked of him.
1 John 5:11-15
If you are grieving the loss of a child or a parent watching your child suffer with cancer, diabetes, an undiagnosed illness, or worse yet - helplessly witnessing him or her take their last breath...know God understands the pain of separation and watching your son or daughter suffer.
The greatest difference is this: God didn't answer Jesus so that you can call out to Him when you felt the similar pain, ever so briefly. I like to think of it this way - God only experienced this loss and distance briefly yet He had one thing we don't - choice.
He chose you and me. Will you choose Him?
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.If you are this parent - is there a way we can pray for you?
We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit
himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Romans 8:26
Do you find comfort in this blog?
Any thoughts or reflections to add?
November 1, 2013
New Business in Mexico, New York ~ OPENS THIS WEEKEND!
As an author, speaker, and one dedicated to her community. I am excited to announce a new adventure. Today marks the opening of Mexico's newest business, The Carriage House Shoppe. If you are familiar with the Mexico, New York, area then this might help you locate it. As a child, Dr. Harter was my dentist. It used to be a red brick building but the newly painted white with black trim might block your memory. Maybe you're not familiar with the dentist office, what about Beck's Hotel? Maybe if I tell you it's a couple houses down from Key Bank? Next to the old lawyer's office? On the corner where you turn to pay respects at the Harter Funeral Home? One of these must have triggered the location.
Once at The Carriage House, walk down the paved driveway to the small porch area and enter through the door to your left. Once inside, the smell of apples, cinnamon, or something yummy greets you and the goodies available are delightful. There is something for everyone.
If you are looking for an autographed copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey or When the Waves Subside for yourself or a family member this Christmas - then wait no longer. My books are also available here. An added plus to his great establishment. As a thank you to their hospitality I decided to share this blog with all of you. I hope you will stop in, tell all your friends, and support a local business.
Stop in this weekend and the weekends to follow. Browse, shop, or just visit. You will leave refreshed and encouraged. The hometown charm, love, and energy is invigorating.
Not only will you be able to get some Christmas shopping done, your creative juices will be ignited. Tis the season...let it begin.
Did I mention there is fresh and local honey?? Oh yeah!
Keep the store opening in your prayers. Pam, Gail, and Terry are excited for this new venture and the people they will meet. As with any newly opened door, prayers are blessings.
A little history about the building itself:This carriage house was built in the early 1900's, with roots tied to prominent families from the Mexico community. Many still connected and living in the area.
"Carriage House Shoppe: Small town charm, big city variety. Local goods, antiques, primitives, vintage, gifts, all in one convenient location."
Located at:
3291 Main Street
Mexico, New York 13114
Contact Information:
Phone (315) 963-2106
Email: CarriageHouseShoppe@yahoo.com
Fridays
Saturdays
Sundays
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
November & December A Sneak Peak Inside...be sure to stop in and see for yourself!
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 12 - 5 in November & December Find them on Facebook - "Carriage House Shoppe" Leave a message here for Gail, Terry, or Pam to encourage them!
October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween 2013 from our family to yours!
A few poems written by others - links to their sites included. CHRISTIANS ARE LIKE PUMPKINSGod picks you from the patch, brings you in,
and washes all of the dirt off which you may have gotten from other pumpkins.
Then, He cuts the top off and scoops out all of the yucky stuff. He removes seeds of doubt, hate,
greed, unforgiveness, etc.
Then, He carves a new smiling face and
puts His light inside of you to shine
for all the world to see.
Are you letting your light shine?
Be a jack-o-lantern for Jesus!
http://www.annieshomepage.com/halloweenlesson3.html CANDY CORN MESSAGE
YELLOW...
reminds us of God's "Light of the world",
Jesus Christ
ORANGE...
reminds us of the fiery flames
that Jesus saves us from
WHITE...
reminds us of the righteousness that
is ours through Jesus
The sweet taste reminds us of
the sweetness of God's Words!
(Psalm 119:103)
Written by Dawn Truett
http://www.annieshomepage.com/halloweenlesson3.html "Pumpkin Prayer"
By Liz Curtis Higgs
{cut off top of pumpkin}Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.
{remove innards}
Remove the things in my life that don’t please you.
Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others.
{cut open eyes}
Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me.
{cut out nose}
I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned my nose at the good food you provide.
{cut out mouth}
Let everything I say please You.
{light the candle}
Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. Amen
Found on the http://www.christiancrafters.com/pumpkin.html website.
October 30, 2013
It was a day of travel and sharing, but was it worth it?
Oh yeah it was! My friend, Mary Jane, and my daughter, Mary, joined me bright and early on a Saturday morning when they could have chose to sleep in. I'm grateful for their company, laughter, and great conversation on the way to Lowville and on the way home. We drove in the rain, through snow, and back into rain both on the way there and on the return trip home. We laughed as we said, "Of course it's snowing in October. Gotta love New York." I'm all about having fun so a little precipitation wasn't going to keep us from enjoying ourselves.We arrived in Lowville to see a walking banana, trick or treaters, and fall festivities all over town. In addition to my visit to the library to share the possibility of surviving tragedy and enjoying life in spite of the ugliness of life's stressors. I chuckled to think the Lowville Public Library invited a Christian author and speaker the same day as the town's Halloween festival.
I went with full knowledge there may be many or a few. One thing I always know is this, God had the people He wanted there to hear my message. I revamped my "Library Presentation" to include more about Heidi's case since I traveled so far from home. I knew my sister-in-law, Pam, was coming but didn't expect too many others would have the background information. I was blessed when Brenda walked through the door and said, "Hi Lisa, I saw you were here on Facebook this morning so I had to come." I could of cried.
Who is Brenda you ask? In addition to being new to the Lowville area, Brenda and her husband were on a couples bowling league "a long, long, time ago" (lol) with my husband and I. We had much laughter. As if this connection isn't enough, they both assisted in the search for my sister, Heidi M Allen. God just amazes me at times. I haven't talked with or thought about Brenda and Bruce in years yet as I signed her book, I remembered all the laughter we had each week during the league and the blessing they were after Heidi's disappearance. Thank you so much guys!The librarians took shifts coming down so one was manning the desk upstairs and one was listening. At the end, Dawn brought in bags of popcorn for everyone with a "popping" great analogy to end our time together. I loved it! We laughed. We cried. We hopefully, all learned the importance of God in our life and that He never leaves us...we leave Him.
I read When the Waves Subside: There is Hope aloud. For the first time I didn't need to pause as I read the conclusion of the story, still teary and a little choked up but was able to read all the way through without stopping. This has become one of my favorite parts of my presentations, to read aloud. There are some who believe read alouds are only for children but I disagree. There is power in our words and there are some amazing children's books with powerful messages. Sometimes a book can deliver a message to others who need to hear it without us preaching, rebuking, or blah, blah, blahing at them. Almost each time I read this story, someone comes up after to thank me followed by, "My ____ needs this book. They need to know there is hope after the loss of their son/daughter." This brings tears to my eyes and I lift a special prayer with each signing of the book, knowing the reader lived the loss of a child.
I enjoyed my time at the library and traveling with my friend and daughter. I have a confession though. Can I share it with you? Late Saturday evening as Ed and I talked about our day I became a little teary. This part of the conversation is normal as I'm a little somber and reflective after spending time talking about my sister, my journey, and the role God continues to play in it. As I let tears drip to my cheeks I asked Ed, "Are you sure this is something God wants me to do or is it the "I, Lisa" wanting this?" He shook his head and just looked at me for a minute before speaking. I'm sure he was thinking, You are always like this after you speak, what's different this time? The difference, I usually at least break even. Some think I'm making a ton of money thanks to my writing and speaking. This is not the truth.
At the end of our discussion, a night's sleep, and prayer -- we decided if it was time for me to start charging for speaking engagements. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to make a million (but if God blessed me with it, I'll say thank you - I am human), BUT, I can't keep breaking even or more often than that...losing money. I contemplated not sharing this as it's truly between Ed, God, and myself but then yesterday God brought such tears, humility, joy, thankfulness, and confirmation to my heart. No one but Ed and I knew of our conversation on Saturday night.
So why am I sharing this too honest and probably too private information? I am telling you so I can also show you what an amazing God we serve and how much He loves us. Yesterday a woman blessed me with a check for $100 to cover our expenses for Saturday's book signing. I cried and cry each time I think about it.
I told her, "I can't accept this, it isn't right."
Her response brought goose bumps to my arms and hope to my heart - "Lisa, I can't go where you go or do what you do BUT I can help you take your message of hope and healing to others. I do what is comfortable, you are out there putting it on the line. Thank you, let me do this for you."
Her words are still a blessing today yet her gift replenished the money from my paycheck that was invested in traveling to share the message God gave me. So this is the reason I share a side of my mission many don't realize. I gift and donate books, give time, heart, and try to have a tangible item when I do bigger speaking engagements. I tell those inviting me to speak, "whatever you have set aside for your speaker" and thus far God is faithful and always provides.
Yesterday's blessing is just another reminder of how much God loves, provides for, and cares for this broken Lisa trying to reflect the Light He provides daily to her. I lift thanks to God for touching the heart of this beautiful and silent partner in my mission ~ she restored hope, provided encouragement, and reminded me this is God's journey for me. May she be blessed ten fold in return for her generosity, faithfulness to the Holy Spirit's tugging on her heart, and uplifting the motivational speaker who spent time doubting God's call on her life. YOU my friend, made a difference far greater than you might know. I hope you read this today.
"The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
“Arise, and go down to the potter's house,
and there I will let you hear my words.”
So I went down to the potter's house,
and there he was working at his wheel.
And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand,
and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.
Jeremiah 18:1-5
My prayer, whether there are five, fifteen, or fifty - May they see what God has done in my life!
October 29, 2013
TOP's Tuesday: Where's Heidi? for Only $.99...really?
As an author and speaker I continue to be blessed, encouraged, and uplifted through the kindness of strangers. Most of the things that mean the most to me have no price tag. It's the little things in life that have the power to transform your life. The trick is slowing down to appreciate them.You might think to send a card to my post office box isn't too important yet when I check my mail, it is a joyous occasion and I can barely wait to open the letter or card to start reading. Each time, the words written within bring tears to my eyes to hear how God used something I said or wrote to encourage someone else. Little do they know that because they took time to tell me, they encouraged me.
Emails, private messages on Facebook, posts to my Facebook page, a share on Twitter, or a hashtag (#WheresHeidi?, #WhenWavesSubside, #Hope4Heidi) included....are more little things that motivate me to keep moving forward when things aren't looking or going the way I thought they would or should.
Amazon started a new option for readers purchasing books. It's the authors choice to participate, and this author, said "Oh yeah! Bring it on!" Now available through Amazon.com, when you purchase the print copy of my book ~ you can download the Kindle version for only $.99!! Isn't that cool? I'm so excited. There are many who have downloaded my books on the "FREE" days (another choice of the author) but when I heard of Amazon's "Kindle Matchbook" -- I knew this was something I wanted to do.
You might already have all three of my books or you may be waiting for a better deal. Wait no longer! If you already have a print copy but want to download a copy to your Kindle, then purchase the print copy as a gift for a friend or family member needing to know there is hope and healing through a relationship with Jesus. You not only have one Christmas or Birthday gift crossed off the list, you now have either of my books available at your finger tips via your Kindle. How cool is that?
Happy reading! Enjoy the beautiful new day God gifted you...I know I wi
Why is it called
T.O.P.'s Tuesday
? Great question! Heidi played volleyball for the Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. High School until it closed in 1992. On February 14th, 1992 the Palladium Times (an Oswego, New York newspaper) named my sister, Heidi M. Allen athlete of the week. This was exciting and we were all proud of her but it was the name they gave her that stirred the most attention, "Tower of Power". Each Tuesday we will remember Heidi, Bishop Cunningham's "Tower of Power" (T.O.P.) as we move forward in this publishing, speaking, and sharing journey. God is the ultimate Tower of Power for us all but Heidi was her friend's T.O.P. on the court. In honor of Heidi - It's T.O.P.'s Tuesday's
Click on above photo to get a print copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey
for yourself or as a gift for a friend
then download it to your Kindle for only $.99!
Click on above photo to get a print copy ofWhen the Waves Subside: There is Hope
for yourself or as a gift for a friend
then download it to your Kindle for only $.99! Thank you for always remembering Heidi and sharing hope!
October 26, 2013
Scheduling Speaking Engagements into 2014! God is Good!
Off to the Lowville Library for a speaking event and book signing! 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
If I came to your neighborhood, what would you like me to speak about?
If I came to your neighborhood, what would you like me to speak about?
October 24, 2013
Meet Toni Piccinini ~ "The Best Recipes for Entertaining"
A word from Toni... This time of the year with the chill in the air and the golden sun setting earlier each night, we are called to tuck in. And if we have a high school senior we know our family is shifting. When my oldest and only daughter, Page, started her senior year of high school all I saw were last times. Dinners were a daily check-in for my family of five and with her senior year—Last World Series, Last Election Night—I cherished our time together even more. That same year I started my cooking class business, La Cucina Semplice, with the intention that I would be so busy working on a new project I wouldn’t notice that something precious was coming to an end. Ha! What surprised me was the fact that the recipes I was crafting for the classes had a message, a metaphoric message of letting go, and trusting.
Here’s the recipe from Chapter One: The First of the Lasts
The Recipe: Coniglio alla Polenta
(Slow-Cooked Rabbit in a Rich Olive-Infused Tomato Sauce over Creamy Polenta)
As with the serving after the preparation of coniglio alla polenta, by the time senior September rolls around, you’ve already done the work. (Yes, coniglio is the Italian word for rabbit, but it’s my experience that chicken works almost as well. And chicken is an easy substitution for those of you who are too chicken to eat rabbit.)
Just as you’ve lovingly nurtured your child, with this dish you’ve carefully selected the best ingredients and brought out their unique flavor. Now all you have to do is put it on the back burner under a low flame and it will all come together
beautifully, just the way it is meant to—the sauce and your child’s future.
What You Need:
1 skinned rabbit, cut into 8 pieces or 4 chicken thighs and a full breast, cut into 4 pieces (skinned but bone-in)
2 sprigs oregano, finely chopped
4 leafy stems sage, finely chopped
3⁄4 cup white wine
3 cups tomato sauce
1 quart of broth (I like to use chicken broth)
1⁄2 cup dry-cured black Italian olives
Instructions:
The best pan for this dish is a deep, 14-inch sauté pan. I don’t use nonstick very often, because I like the food to stick and then to splash it with wine or broth to loosen the browned sticky bits.
Cover the bottom of the pan with a nice coat of olive oil and sprinkle the chopped herbs over the surface. Salt and pepper the sizzle.
Once the herbs are dancing, which will happen only if you keep the flame up, place the rabbit/chicken pieces pretty side down. Don’t put a lid on it, and keep the flame up. It’s going to make a bit of a mess spattering on the surface of your stove, maybe a little on the floor. If you’re tripping about the heat, the sizzle, and the spattering, ask yourself, Why am I worried about that? This question will come in handy this senior year with the challenges you’ll face and the recipes in this book. Once you’re done with the prep part, you can just wipe it up. Okay?
Wait to meddle (I know that’s hard, Mom) until the rabbit/ chicken moves when you shake the pan. This signifies that it’s time to turn the pieces over. Do that and let the nonpretty sides of the cuts brown a bit. Keep the flame up! More mess is coming. Splash with the wine.
Shake the pan, and with a flat wooden spoon, loosen any pieces that have gotten stuck on the sides or bottom. Add the tomato sauce.
(I usually have some tomato sauce canned or in the freezer, but not always. For my money, the best prepared tomato sauce is Pomi.)
Add 3 cups warm water, the quart of broth, and the olives. The olives are important. You’ll recognize them by their lack of brine. There’s no vinegar. They are dark black and wrinkled like old leather.
Once the very soupy sauce starts bubbling, put it on the back burner, turn the flame to low, and you’re done. Let this dish slowly reduce for at least 3 hours. Don’t cover it. Start the polenta in the time frame needed to serve it for your dinner hour. Follow the directions on the polenta bag. Right before serving, I like to add a plop of butter and a big soupspoon of grated parmigiana to the cooked polenta. Spoon the polenta and the tender rabbit/chicken pieces and sauce in two oven-warmed bowls. Serve family-style.
Toni’s writing career started when she stapled her first "book" together and launched it at a reading attended by her brother, Scotty, and her Boxer, Lonesome. The title-less story was a mash-up of Hansel and Gretel, The Six Swans, and a Box Car Children adventure, with the protagonists (sister, brother, and dog) risking everything in their quest for a magical lump of coal that would save the town. It was an immediate success. During the fifty years between her first and second book, The Goodbye Year: Wisdom and Culinary Therapy to Survive Your Child's Senior Year of High School (and Reclaim the YOU of You) she has, in no order of importance or chronology.· opened a "Top 100" San Francisco restaurant
· published scientific articles on the efficacies of antibiotics
· sang the National Anthem at high school football games
· published essays, recipes, and cookbook reviews
· sent three children off to college
Toni lives in Marin County California, which is a long way from her Western Pennsylvania hometown, Heilwood. She is busy on her next book, which may revisit the power found in a magical lump of coal.
Book Summary: For many mothers, a child’s senior year brings about a serious look back on the past eighteen. Every event—from Halloween to Mother’s Day—becomes The Last Time Toni Piccinini knows exactly what that’s like, and in The Goodbye Year, she offers the loving support every soon-to-be Empty Nester needs. Think of Toni as your bossy-but-loving Italian auntie, with modern sensibilities and a packed pantry. With the wisdom she’s acquired from saying goodbye three times to her own children, she reassuringly holds your hand while encouraging you through the insanity of the college application process, the rejections and the acceptances, and the teary dorm drop-offs. Even better, she reminds every mother that the best is yet to come—freedom, creativity, flexibility, and the Me Years. Other stops on the tour:
Tuesday, October 8 @ The New Book Review
Toni Piccinini and her unique book The Goodbye Year take today's spotlight at The New Book Review. Find out more about letting go from this culinary genius and mother of three. http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 9 @ Kristine Meldrum Denholm
Toni speaks candidly to Kristine and readers about the process of publishing The Goodbye Year and offers tips on surviving this milestone period of parenting. Don't miss this guest blog post and book giveaway. http://www.kristinemeldrumdenholm.com/
Thursday, October 10 @ Steph the Bookworm
Don't miss today's giveaway of Toni Piccinini's The Goodbye Year and read Toni's guest post titled: "Recipes to Survive Uncertain Times. http://www.stephthebookworm.com/
Friday, October 11 @ Mom~E~Centric
Join Toni Piccinini as she enlightens readers about "What to Expect Your Teens Last Year of High School" and provides additional insight about her highly recommended book The Goodbye Year . Toni has also graciously offered a giveaway as well - don't miss this blog stop! http://momecentric.com/
Monday, October 14 @ Margo Dill
Toni talks openly to Margo's readers about "Mothering Teens" and offers a giveaway copy of her engaging book The Goodbye Year . http://margodill.com/blog/
Wednesday, October 16 @ Words By Webb
Find out more about the intriguing and multi-talented Toni Piccinini in her candid interview with Jodi Webb and get entered into the giveaway for The Goodbye Year with is a must read book for parents (especially those who love
cooking or eating good food)! http://jodiwebb.com/
Thursday, October 17 @ CMash Reads
Don't miss the giveaway for The Goodbye Year and a guest post by author, Toni Piccinini as she provides insight into "How to Rediscover Oneself Again After Kids Leave Home". http://cmashlovestoread.com/
Monday, October 21 @ Memoir Writers Journey
Toni Piccinini stops at Memoir Writer's Journey and shares her thoughts on " " as well as offering a giveaway about her touching memoir concerning loving, mothering, and letting go - The Goodbye Year . http://krpooler.com/
Wednesday, October 23 @ Book Worm
Toni Piccinini stops by Book Worm with her guest post and offers a giveaway of her highly acclaimed memoir The Goodbye Year ! http://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
Thursday, October 24 @ Lisa M. Buske
Join author, chef, and business owner Toni Piccinini as she shares a guest post "The Best Recipes for Entertaining" with Lisa M. Buske and offers a giveaway of her humorous memoir The Goodbye Year. http://www.lisambuske.com/blog.html
Wednesday, October 30 @ All Things Audry
Join Audry as she reviews Toni Piccinini’s memoir The Goodbye Year ! Thank you to Audry for this fabulous review and to Toni for offering readers an opportunity for a book giveaway to read this fascinatingly entertaining story for themselves!
http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/
Monday, November 4 @ Chaos in the Country
Nichole Smith reads and reviews Toni Piccinini's humorous tale The Goodbye Year and offers a giveaway of this memorable memoir! http://www.chaosinthecountry.com/
Thursday, November 7 @ Choices
Giveaway of Toni Piccinini's highly favored story of parenting and letting go (sort of) The Goodbye Year and guest post about "How the Goodbye Year Came to Be" and the writing process. http://madeline40.blogspot.com/ Finding Toni online: (direct links on photos above too)
http://tonipiccinini.com/home.html
http://tonipiccinini.com/goodbyeyear.html
https://twitter.com/Bellatonicooks
Book Hashtag: #TGYPiccinini How does a story like this inspire and encourage you?
