Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 119
June 24, 2013
Let Summer Vacation Begin...
Yesterday was a true day of rest. Our pastor preached his last message at Community Alliance Church in New Haven, New York. He, and his family, depart to start pastoring their new church, the Amherst Alliance Church in Amherst, New York. It might only be a few hours away but in the grand scheme of busy and crazy schedules, it feels like further. I'm excited for their new journey and ours, as the Community Alliance Church. Pastor didn't preach a depressing last message but instead encouraged us, the church, to pray for the journey before all of us. Two churches and many families starting new adventures this week, may God be glorified through it all.
Typically the last day of school is exciting and busy. Once I arrive home from school, I organize the ten-month tornado within our home, get ready for graduation, and then join the community for the graduation ceremony. Afterwards, I return to our humble abode to finish the organization and cleaning. I wake up on Saturday to a house ready for a few weeks of vacation, company, and writing.
This year was very different. Instead of cleaning, we enjoyed time visiting with my parents and then went to graduation. Saturday, for the most part, was spent taking Motrin for a really bad headache, and resting. Saturday evening we went to one of the four graduation parties we were invited too, visited with friends for a bit, and then returned home to a good night's sleep. Sunday was church, "Until we meet agains", and more graduation parties. This morning, mission organization went into full throttle.
Almost time for supper, a list for Lowes waiting to be purchased, flat rocks to be collected, and I'm contemplating "What is for dinner?". I love summer - today is officially the first day of summer vacation and I look forward to the days ahead. As soon as the house is finished tonight, this author and speaker is getting to work.
Well maybe after sitting on the deck for a couple hours of listening to the crickets and wind rustling leaves again, like we did last night. Happy summer everyone! What rituals do you have before vacation kicks off?
June 22, 2013
The Facebook "Where's Heidi? Book Party" Was a Success
I tried something new last night. One thing we, my family and I, have strived for is to keep the mood upbeat and positive since the journey to publication started. We want to model the possibility of surviving and thriving in this lifetime, especially after a tragedy or loss.I wasn't sure how an online book party worked but I went into with only two goals:
1) To have fun
2) To give away a couple books
Both goals were accomplished! Thank you all so much for showing up. Some left comments, asked questions, and private messaged encouraging words. I was overwhelmed with your kindness and remembrance of Heidi.
It was a learning experience. At first I thought I was alone but then realized I needed to refresh my Facebook page every so often. Once I did this, the mad typing started and at twenty after ten, I stopped. If my daughter and I didn't have a "Madness Sale" date at the local thrift store, we would have continued.
If you want to read some of the questions, comments, or watch some of the videos I posted ~ visit my "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page to see what you missed. Click on either photograph for a direct link. A huge thank you to all of you for the constant support, prayers, and encouragement. And a special thanks to Mags for the photo creations you see here and last night. A team effort with God leading the way.
Congratulations
Cindy Dunphy Knight
Melissa Dunn
Amy Hibbert Gracey!! What was your favorite part aspect of last night's online party?
Is there something you didn't get to ask or say?
June 21, 2013
You're Invited to my 1st Facebook Book Party - TONIGHT at 9 p.m.
A few weeks ago I was invited to a "Facebook Book Party" by author Steena Holmes for her newest release of Emma's Secret. I thought, "Well, that could be fun." and started to brainstorm ideas. I wasn't able to make Steena's party due to another commitment yet a little research and creative thinking - the party is tonight!!After we return home from graduation I plan to sit at the computer, log on to Facebook, and "get this party started". Are you asking, "Lisa, what is a Facebook book party?" Wonder no more. In the new age of digital technologies - this is a way for readers to connect with authors in an intimate way from across the country, if not the world. I will share tidbits about writing the book, respond to questions, possibly share some video responses, and no book party is complete without a giveaway or two!
For an hour on the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page, you an expect the following:1) Tidbits shared about writing both books
2) Question & Answer time pertaining to the book, my writing, and speaking. (I will not answer questions about the criminal case)
3) Giveaways!!
4) Video responses (if I can figure it out)
Will you be joining the party? I hope you will.
Share this blog and Facebook post with all your friends and family. Let's get the word out - 9 p.m. tonight on the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page I am hosting my first online book party. I look forward to "meeting" you all there. If you haven't liked the "Where's Heidi?" page yet, it's not too late.
When you see this logo - you will know there is a give away around the corner. Copies of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and When the Waves Subside: There is Hope are on the list to be given away. I have another thought too but don't want to reveal all the excitement now. Everyone's Invited ~ 9 p.m. on the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook PageSee you tonight on the net!
June 20, 2013
"Sissy's Song" ~ Missing My Sister
An aspect of my speaking some might not know is the flood of emotions that follow. Last night, my friend Mary Jane and I traveled to Fulton so I could share in Fulton at the CNY Art's Center, as part of their "Author Spotlight". This monthly event is organized by Jim Farfaglia ~ a gentleman with a heart to promote local authors and the arts. His introduction of "who" I was and his response to reading Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey touched my heart to say the least. Thank you Jim and Nancy for the invite and a beautiful evening.It was an intimate group and I found myself sharing things I don't normally. One thing I've learned through this process is to trust God when He places something on my heart to share. Each time I've shared an unplanned tidbit, God brings someone forward to share how that exact part helped them. God is very cool like that, He knows what we all need, when we need it, and how we need to hear it.
While last night wasn't the first time I've spoken or had a book signing, it was the first time I was asked to "read" my book aloud and talk about it. This was difficult because as I read the memories, emotions, and sadness overcame me. I found myself fighting back tears more than normal. To read Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey takes me back to 1994 in an instant, a feature that is usually the first one complimented by readers, yet as the sister living this journey ~ it triggers the memories.
I'm thankful for my friend Vie's encouragement to write Where's Heidi? in the present tense. She was correct, it made for a more enjoyable read, for you, the reader. My friend Laurie shared this song with me via Facebook this week and as I listened, I just cried. This is such a beautiful song. I don't know how long its been out but I've heard it for the first time this week. A powerful song, to say the least.
This weekend we'll be having a "Book Party" on the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page. If you haven't liked the page yet, be sure to do so. Tomorrow's blog will have information about the party and how it will work. This will be an interactive, fun, and modern way to share Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, ask the author questions, and meet others who have read or are reading my books.
Thank you all for remembering Heidi!! Don't Worry... When do you need this reminder?
June 19, 2013
Another First...A Public Reading of both my books TONIGHT
Posted on
June 5, 2013
by
Contributor
FULTON, NY – The CNY Arts Center of Fulton announces its next Author’s Spotlight, a monthly program that introduces local writers and their recently published works to the community.
On June 19 at 7 p.m., author Lisa Buske will offer a presentation and reading from her book, Where’s Heidi?, One Sister’s Journey.
To read the remainder of this article - click on the photo above. CNY Arts Center
357 State St.
Fulton, New York 13069
315-592-3373
http://www.cnyartscenter.com Will you be joining us for the reading tonight? I hope so!
June 18, 2013
June 17, 2013
Do You Celebrate Each Day or Wait For a Reminder
"Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing bird has come,
and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air."
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
I spent yesterday with my Dad. In a sense, it wasn't any different than a typical Sunday afternoon but to most it was a special day, Father's Day. Please don't misunderstand me, "Father's Day" is an important day each year because our fathers deserve recognition. I love my Dad so much and thank God daily for the relationship I have with both my parents. For those who don't have this positive and beautiful bond with your Dad or Mom, I pray you've come to experience it through your relationship with Jesus ~ God is a loving, compassionate, and Heavenly Father, ready to shower you with an eternal love you'll never forget. I'm blessed with the love and bond of both. Doubly blessed, I feel a song coming on. lol
Seriously though, why do so many people wait until Father's Day to recognize their dads? A favorite Sunday memory of my childhood was the time spent at my Gram's for dinner. Once we were old enough, we were able to help set up and it was a family day. This is a tradition we've continued with my parents. The gathering is much smaller yet the love is just as abundant. Yes it was Father's Day yesterday but we didn't spend the day together because the calendar told us it was appropriate. Why would we wait for a Sunday in June to express our love for each other.
My father and I worked together to prepare dinner for us all as my Mom and Mary chilled in the other room. Dad and I walked the yard taking pictures of the flowers and garden. We all sat around the kitchen table to enjoy dinner once Ed arrived from a long day at work. I spent the entire day with my father but never thought to wish him "Happy Father's Day!" until we had been there three hours, left to get groceries for my Mom, and returned. I walked in and said, "Oh my gosh, Happy Father's Day." We all laughed. Everyday is Mother's and Father's day in our family. Only God knows what tomorrow brings so we don't wait for the calendar to remind us to honor, love, and spend time with our loved ones. It's a daily celebration, the celebration of life. Do you celebrate your loved ones on a daily basis?
Are you waiting for the calendar to remind you?
Cherish each moment...
June 16, 2013
What do you do when the rains stop?
This is a question we should all be able to answer after this past week's constant rain. I challenged you last week to think of the rain as God showering you with His love.
Did this concept help you appreciate the precipitation's benefits more? I'm thankful for God using another's devotion to change my perspective on the flooding rains - flooded with God's love.
On a lighter note, what have you done to brighten and fill your days while the rains fell? Have you started your first book? Finished one? Read a book? Cleaned the house? Snuggled in for a movie with the kids? Walked the mall? Slept in? Went for a run? Nothing at all?
With rainy days ahead again this week - how will you spread a little Son and joy to those around you?
June 14, 2013
One Winds Down and the Other Picks Up
Happy Flag Day! This is one of my favorite days of the school year ~ to see the fourth graders stand in front of the school and lead us in a medley of patriotic songs and writings. In eleven years, I've yet to keep from tearing up. A beautiful representation of our country, children, and future. Another reason this touches my heart so much, it reminds me our school year is coming to an end.Of course I love summer vacation and look forward to the busyness summer offers. No worries Mom, Dad, Auntie M, and Ed ~ the schedule includes scheduled "vacations", "days off", and beach-work days. I'm not one to sit around doing nothing for too long so to be busy doing the things I enjoy with the people I love are joyful opportunities.
With only five days left of this school year and a mere eight weeks before we return to a new term, my schedule transitions from a 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. job to a fun and exciting 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. adventure of writing, resting, and sharing.This summer is different than last because instead of sharing Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey at book signings and speaking engagements, I was in the final stages of editing and revision ~ working with a couple editors to release the best book possible as a first time author. Graduation is next Friday, June 21st, and my first scheduled writing-related happening is the following week. On the 28th I'll join an old and dear friend to catch up and share our testimonies before heading to Delta Lake for the Alliance Women's "Summer Renew" with my girlfriends from church.
On July 1st from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. I'll be selling and signing books at the New Haven Town Farmer's Market located on Route 104 in New Haven, New York. I look forward to joining a host of vendors for this weekly community event. If you are a local author looking for an opportunity to reach others in the area with your book, contact Deb Allen at the New Haven Town Hall, (315)963-3900 for more information. A special thanks to Deb and the town for the opportunity to kick-off the "Guest Author" table.
A couple weeks later I join the ladies of a local church to talk about Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. They are reading the book, using the discussion questions in the back, and invited me to come and share with them. I'm honored and humbled to know a women's Bible study selected my book. If you are doing the same thing, I'd love to hear from you. If you have a small group, Bible study, or women's group looking for a guest author, inspirational speaker, or opportunity to meet the author ~ drop me a note.
I also look forward to visiting as many public libraries as I can this summer to share a little hope and Where's Heidi?
Do you know of any libraries, book stores, Christian shops, or coffee shops looking for a guest author? Feel free to share my name and information or send me their name and contact information. Who knows when I'll be in your neighborhood. See you soon! The game of life...up and down and always a journey!
June 13, 2013
Let's All Praise The Lord
The "th" in Thursday reminds me to be thankful each week. Today I am thankful for the love, healing, forgiveness, provision, grace, mercy, patience, endurance, perseverance, and overwhelming blessings in my life. All possible because God chooses to bless me. I don't deserve any of it yet God "chooses" to bless. Is that not cool or what?As graduation approaches and summer vacation is close enough to touch my heart is focused. Relay for life is tomorrow, an annual reminder of cancer's impact on our society. While this event weighs the loss of family, and this year, my dear friend LMD on my heart...it also encourages me. God is the Great Physician and Healer. The Bible tells us our days are already written and determined, only God knows when we will take our last breath. Instead of focusing on the loss, I choose to turn my eyes upward and trust Him and celebrate life.
There might not be a cure for cancer, yet. Children and adults remain missing, for now. Death is a part of life yet when you have a relationship with Jesus, acknowledge you're a sinner, repent of your sins, and give it all to God to carry. You have the promise and hope of eternity in heaven, eternal life.
I don't know what tomorrow, or even five minutes from now brings BUT I know who is in charge of it all, so I choose to praise God for it all. There is so much good in this world, sometimes we just need a reminder to focus on the positive with our eyes focused above instead of inward. What can you celebrate and thank God for today?
